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WO2006080857A1 - Boitier de dispositif d'identification sans fil - Google Patents

Boitier de dispositif d'identification sans fil Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006080857A1
WO2006080857A1 PCT/NZ2006/000006 NZ2006000006W WO2006080857A1 WO 2006080857 A1 WO2006080857 A1 WO 2006080857A1 NZ 2006000006 W NZ2006000006 W NZ 2006000006W WO 2006080857 A1 WO2006080857 A1 WO 2006080857A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
storage device
portable storage
protective housing
housing
void
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/NZ2006/000006
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brian Paul Hermann
Christopher Francis Lucas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PALLENZ PLASTICS Ltd
Original Assignee
PALLENZ PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PALLENZ PLASTICS Ltd filed Critical PALLENZ PLASTICS Ltd
Priority to AU2006209167A priority Critical patent/AU2006209167A1/en
Publication of WO2006080857A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006080857A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/38—Details or accessories
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/10—Transponders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00343—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00567—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved wireless identification device housing and a method of using same.
  • it relates to a sealed protective housing for a wireless identification device wherein the housing is able to be coupled to a portable storage device such as a pallet.
  • Efficient supply chain management is one of the key goals for business in many industries and particularly for the manufacturing, retailing, primary production and transport/distribution industries. Reducing errors and minimising mismanagement in the supply chain assists businesses in maintaining a satisfied customer base while reducing costs. Efficient supply chain management is also critical for industries utilising JIT (Just-In-Time) delivery systems.
  • RFID tags “...an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.
  • An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person.
  • RFID tags contain silicon chips and antennas to enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver.”
  • RFID tags are categorized as either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically read/write, i.e. tag data may be rewritten and/or modified. An active tag's memory size varies according to application requirements. The battery-supplied power of an active tag generally gives it a longer read range compared with passive tags, at the expense of greater size and cost, and a limited operational life before batteries require replacing.
  • Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source and obtain operating power generated from the reader using inductive coupling. Passive tags are consequently much lighter than active tags, less expensive, and offer a virtually unlimited operational lifetime.
  • Read-only tags are typically passive and are programmed with a unique set of data (usually 32 to 128 bits) that cannot be modified.
  • Simple passive RFID tags are well known and an example is the Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags that many retail outlets use to place on products to note when the product leaves the store. The EAS tags contain very little information and the system only detects a presence or absence of the associated tag.
  • EAS Electronic Article Surveillance
  • field-powered passive tag RFID systems provide cost, reliability, and environmental benefits, there are obstacles to the efficient operation of field- powered passive tag RFID systems.
  • An RFID tag may employ a resonant antenna in order to best utilize the signal power available to it.
  • a resonant antenna may require a greater space than is available to an RFID tag in many applications.
  • the frequency utilised by RFID devices also varies from Low frequency (LF, 125- 135 kHz), to High Frequency (HF 1 12-15 MHz), to Ultra High Frequency (UHF, 860- 930 MHz), and Microwave (MW, 2-6 GHz) RFID systems.
  • HF RFIDs are currently the most prevalent due to their low cost, ability to store a large amount of information, and their relatively higher resistance to emission absorption/reflection by interjecting objects compared to UHF and MW RFIDs.
  • the downside of HF RFIDs is the limited transmissible range of 1 - 3m compared with up to 10m for UHF systems.
  • RFID systems vary with transponder types, power supplies and materials surrounding the RFID. For example, moisture can absorb some RF signals while metal can reflect.
  • barcodes offer a cheap alternative tracking system, their use is limited by the amount of information they provide i.e. product information and source of origin. Another barcode disadvantage is the requirement to be visible during scanning. Thus, an inherent requirement of barcodes is that they are placed on an external portion of the item with consequential vulnerability to damage and/or unreadability through degradation or dirt and grime deposits.
  • RFID devices offer several advantages over barcodes including increased information storage capability and absence of a direct 'line-of-sight' requirement to the tag to be read. This allows RFIDs in pallets carrying goods to be automatically read when simply passing within the readable range of an RFID reader. RFID tags may also be read in challenging circumstances (e.g. snow, dust etc) at high speeds, typically less than 100 milliseconds. As a result RFIDs are becoming the dominant form of supply chain tracking.
  • RFIDs do however, have some disadvantages in that they are relatively more expensive and have the potential for incompatibility between RFIDs and readers from different suppliers. Also, even though line-of-sight is not required, in instances where the tag is blocked by containers of RF interfering material the effective range of the tags can be reduced, potentially causing a container or series of containers to become "lost" during transport.
  • RFIDs are primarily used in 'Closed Loop' or 'Satellite' supply chains.
  • a 'Closed Loop' supply chain is one in which the entirety, or majority, of the supply chain falls within a single company's control while a 'Satellite' supply chain is one in which a central receiving company receives goods from a large number of parallel suppliers.
  • 'Satellite' supply chains are common in the primary production industries e.g. Dairy, Meat, Wine, Fruit and Vegetable cooperatives. In such 'Satellite' supply chains tracking becomes increasingly important to avoid misidentification and track quality from the various suppliers.
  • US Patent No. 6,724,308 describes an RFID tracking method through utilisation of passive RFID tags attached to goods containers. Receivers transmit information between the tags and a central computer or data collection system. The distribution system can then be updated with the whereabouts, contents of the containers and the timing of any movements or transfer.
  • This system has disadvantages in that the tags are placed on the outside of the goods containers to maximise transmission effectiveness and are thus vulnerable to damage and tampering.
  • an RFID tag needs to be located as close to the signal receiver as possible, so that the strength of the signal required to and from the RFID tag is kept to a minimum.
  • a transceiver In many applications where a portable storage device is moving though a warehouse, a transceiver is placed on one side of a central transport line to transmit or receive information to or from an RFID tag placed on a pallet travelling therethrough.
  • HF High Frequency
  • the maximum transmissible range is only about 1 metre. This means an RFID tag is required on each side of the pallet to ensure at least one of the RFID tags is read.
  • transceivers could be placed on both sides to effect reading no matter the orientation of the portable storage device, the cost of the additional transceiver is much higher than that of an RFID tag.
  • This pallet incorporates an open passage extending from one side of the pallet to the other; parallel with, and between, two forklift tine slots.
  • an RFID reader placed on a forklift can pass/receive signals from an RFID tag placed in the passage without interference from interjecting material.
  • This device does offer a pallet with an easily read and removable RFID tag that has limited vulnerability to physical damage.
  • the RFID tag is still on an external portion of the pallet and thus vulnerable to tampering.
  • elemental conditions such as rain and snow, or corrosive leakage from vessels stored on the pallet may contact and damage the RFID tag.
  • Multi-layered pallets are well known in the art and examples of these are described in United States Patent Nos. 3667403, 5197396, 5413052, 5546872, 3835792, New Zealand Patent No. 509250, and Great Britain Patent Nos. 2265137, 1112400.
  • These pallets generally consist of top and bottom planar decks with communicating sections to join the two together. The sections are fastened together via snap-fits, bolts, welding or adhesives. Thus if one deck becomes damaged it can be removed and replaced. In most cases it is the lower deck that becomes damaged and thus the goods stacked on the upper deck can remain on the pallet while the lower deck is removed and replaced.
  • a protective housing for a wireless identification device for use in a portable storage device, said housing including:
  • the housing When sealed, the housing provides protection for a wireless identification device contained therein from impact and from the ingress of moisture and/or detritus.
  • Wireless identification devices often possess vulnerable electronic componentry which may be compromised by moisture or other environmental conditions.
  • the housing may be further exposed to harmful material leaking from vessels stored on the portable storage device.
  • the wireless identification device is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device used for tracking, and storing information relating to the articles stored by the portable storage device.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • the device may alternatively, or in addition, record information from incorporated or coupled devices such as a GPS locator, environmental sensors (thermometer, hydrometer, barometer etc.), structural integrity sensors or other useful monitoring devices.
  • a particularly useful application may be to incorporate a GPS locator device so that the position of the apparatus and articles thereon can be traced and/or logged.
  • the wireless identification device could also be any device capable of storing, emitting and/or receiving information via electromagnetic radiation.
  • the wireless identification device is a cellular communication device.
  • the portable storage device and associated supported goods can be easily traced throughout transit using common cellular telecommunications networks.
  • the wireless identification device is herein referred to as an 'ID tag'; though it will be understood the term is not to be interpreted narrowly and includes any wireless identification and/or communication device including RFID devices.
  • a portable storage device including at least one recess to at least partially enclose the protective housing, each recess including a coupling means capable of mutual coupling with said protective housing coupling means.
  • the portable storage device has at least one support surface for storing articles thereon.
  • the portable storage device is also hereafter referred to as a 'pallet', although the term will be understood to also encompass any suitable alternative portable storage devices including bins, containers, walled pallets, boxes, trolleys, housings, racking and so forth
  • the ID tag is capable of storing, transmitting and/or receiving information relating to an associated portable storage device or articles stored thereon.
  • the portable storage device includes;
  • first and second mating sections are releasably securable together by at least one protective housing extending through at least one connecting recess, said protective housing including;
  • said protective housing includes first and second mutually engageable elements, forming said storage void therebetween, said resealable opening being provided between mutually engageable portions of the first and second elements forming a connection means.
  • connection means is configured to reversibly provide said opening to the storage void with a hermetic seal impervious to moisture.
  • connection means between the first and second elements is configured as a male and female thread engagement.
  • the protective housing provides for both the secure containment of an ID tag and as a means of securing two or more mating sections of a multi-part portable storage device.
  • the protective housings may be employed as connectors or joining components, holding the separate pallet parts together.
  • the first and second elements are simply disengaged from each other.
  • the co-operating coupling means between the protective housing and portable storage device may also take a variety of forms.
  • said protective housing coupling means includes an annular flange at an end of each element distal to said connection means, each said flange extending about a lateral periphery of the first and/or second element
  • said portable storage device coupling means is formed as an annular recess configured and dimensioned to accommodate said protective housing coupling means flange, said recess being located about the outermost portion of a connection recess.
  • the annular flanges at the distal ends of the assembled housing are separated by a substantially cylindrical main body portion including the connection means to form a substantially I-shaped structure.
  • the main body portion need not necessarily be cylindrical.
  • the protective housing may be partitioned, or constructed from any number of mutually engaging sub-assemblies.
  • the first and second elements may be formed with a substantially elongate main section containing the connection means and the storage void therein, and an end cap section, including said coupling means annular flange and a transverse distal end wall section.
  • the protective housing and/or portable storage device is constructed from a material (e.g. plastic) substantially transparent to radio frequency signal transmission.
  • a material e.g. plastic
  • Traditional wooden portable storage devices retain water and thus act to absorb transmission signals to and from the wireless identification device and are thus unsuitable for an enclosed wireless identification device.
  • metallic portable storage devices, or portable storage devices containing ferrous elements can act to reflect the transmission signal.
  • an antenna(e) is communicatively coupled to the ID tag and extends to an external region of said portable storage device.
  • the portable storage device or protective housing may be constructed from an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding material to prevent damage/disruption to the wireless identification device circuitry when the portable storage device is subject to high EMI levels, but still permit effective communication.
  • the antenna, or plurality thereof extend to multiple regions of the portable storage device. This removes the requirement for multiple wireless identification devices to be placed about the portable storage device to ensure effective communication with the ID tags.
  • the coupling of the protective housing to the portable storage device is lockable, capable of release only under use of a key, or a predetermined electronic signal.
  • the key may take the form of a spanner-type tool with an unorthodox or non-standard tool head configured to fit with complementary portions of the protective housing, such as a series of peripheral apertures, serrations, or the like located about the annular flange.
  • complementary portions of the protective housing such as a series of peripheral apertures, serrations, or the like located about the annular flange.
  • Portable storage devices such as pallets are necessarily transportable and so often incorporate slots or passageways for receiving the tines of a forklift.
  • the portable storage device includes at least one slot or passageway to facilitate transport.
  • the portable storage device is constructed from two sections, mating contact between the two sections of the assembled device is made between a plurality of spacing members between said sections forming internal passageways therebetween, said passageways being externally accessible via at least one passageway aperture.
  • the spacing members thus act as struts between the sections, spacing the sections apart to allow forklift tines to be inserted therebetween.
  • the spacing members may be formed as two symmetrical halves located congruently on opposing faces of the two pallet sections, or formed asymmetrically with a greater part or all of each spacing member being located on a single face of one of the pallet sections.
  • the at least one spacing member includes said connecting recess to accommodate said protective housing.
  • the spacing member surrounds the connecting member providing protection for the connecting member and wireless identification device therein.
  • the spacing members are solely formed by the protective housings.
  • a circumferential flange or protrusion, or plurality thereof may be longitudinally spaced on the connecting member to engage with opposing section surfaces and thus space the sections apart.
  • the two sections of the portable storage device are two decks, wherein in use said decks are typically orientated substantially horizontally.
  • the uppermost surface of the uppermost deck is substantially planar and acts as a 'support surface', articles being placed thereon, while the lowermost surface of the lowermost deck acts as a 'ground-engaging' surface to support the portable storage device and articles thereon.
  • At least one frictional engagement member on the support surface and/or ground-engaging surface there is provided at least one frictional engagement member on the support surface and/or ground-engaging surface.
  • a frictional engagement member is attached to a protective housing on an outer surface located on said support surface.
  • said sealing of the storage void provides a hermetic enclosure impervious to moisture and encapsulating the wireless identification device.
  • a coupling means on at least one of the first and second protective housing elements couples with a corresponding coupling means in said connection recess.
  • connection means comprises a screw thread
  • one of the first and second housing elements includes a locking portion preventing rotational movement of a housing element when inserted in the connection recess.
  • the housing element fitted to the connection recess through the lower deck may be removed by unscrewing without need to use a separate tool to secure the other housing element from turning in the recess.
  • using the lower housing element to fit or replace the ID tags enables this action to still be performed by raising the pallet (e.g. with a forklift) while the pallet is loaded with articles on its upper support surface.
  • the protective housing may be inserted in to a recess that does not extend completely through the portable storage device.
  • the storage void is opened and sealed externally from the portable storage device before being coupled to the portable storage device.
  • a sealable protective housing for a wireless identification device that prevents the ingress of moisture therein; • a housing capable of being coupled to a portable storage device such as a pallet;
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the protective housing according to one preferred embodiment
  • Figure 2 shows a side section view of the protective housing
  • Figure 3 shows a side section view of a portion of a two-deck pallet including the protective housing
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a two piece pallet with three protective housings coupled thereto;
  • Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a connection recess
  • Figure 6 shows a plane view of a corner of the pallet including an end of the protective housing
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a single-piece pallet with a protective housing coupled thereto.
  • a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a protective housing (1 ) including an internal storage void (2) and a resealable opening (3) to the storage void (2).
  • the storage void (2) is capable of accommodating a wireless identification device such as an RFID tag (4) (shown in figure 2).
  • the housing (1) includes first (1a) and second (1b) mutually engageable cylindrical elements closed at their distal ends and forming the storage void (2) therebetween.
  • the resealable opening (3) between the first and second elements (1a, 1b) is provided by a connection means (5) formed from male (5a) and female (5b) thread portions of the first (1 a) and second (1 b) cylindrical elements.
  • connection means (5) further includes a sealing collar in the form of a rubber 'O-ring' (6) circumscribing the male (5a) thread so that when coupled to the female thread (5b), the O-ring (6) abuts the female thread (5b) and therefore ensures a moisture impervious annular seal to the opening (3) of the storage void (2).
  • the housing (1) is coupled to a portable storage device, shown in figures 3 and 4 as a pallet (7), by a housing coupling means in the form of annular flanges (8a, 8b) extending laterally about an end of each cylindrical element (1a, 1b) distal to the connection means (5).
  • These annular flanges (8a, 8b) are adapted to engage with corresponding coupling means on the pallet (7) in the form of annular recesses (9a, 9b) positioned on an outermost portion of connection recesses (10a, 10b).
  • the pallet (7) is formed from two mating sections (7a, 7b) through which the connection recesses (1 Oa, 10b) pass.
  • the annular recesses (9a, 9b) configured and dimensioned to accommodate the annular flanges (8a, 8b) therein.
  • the connection recesses (10a, 10b) are configured and dimensioned to allow the first (1a) and second (2a) elements of the protective housing (1) to be inserted the sections (7a, 7b) of the pallet (7).
  • the sections (7a, 7b) of pallet (7) are positioned to align the connection recesses (10a, 10b) therein, thus permitting the male (5a) and female (5b) thread portions of the connection means (5) to be engaged. Sealing the first and second elements (1a, 1b) together through the connection recesses (10a, 10b) acts to both secure the two mating pallet sections (7a, 7b) together and to seal the opening (3) to the storage void (2).
  • the coupling means also includes locking tabs (11) adjacent the annular flange (8a) on the first cylindrical element (1 a), these locking tabs (11 ) are capable of being inserted into locking tab embracing slots (12) (see figure 5) of the pallet (7).
  • the first element (1 a) is prevented from rotational movement about its central longitudinal axis.
  • the second element (1b) is thus rotateable about the first element (1a) to 'screw' or 'unscrew' the connection means (5) without having to actively restrain the first element (1a).
  • RFID tags (4) often contain electronic componentry that is vulnerable to moisture and thus providing a sealable protective housing (1) as aforementioned prevents the RFID tag (4) placed in the storage void (2) from becoming exposed to moisture ingression.
  • the RFID tag (4) may be attached to an interior wall (13) of the housing (1 ) by adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape, or alternatively placed loosely in the storage void (2) and then packaging filler such as cotton wool or polystyrene packed in around the RFID tag (4) to prevent movement.
  • a rubber pad (14) that lies slightly proud of the upper surface of the pallet (7) and thus acts as a frictional engagement member to inhibit the movement of any articles on the pallet.
  • any articles placed on the pallet (7) will contact with a pad (14) and will be inhibited from movement.
  • the annular flange (8b) of the second element (1 b) is provided with a predetermined pattern of peripheral apertures (15), for receiving a specifically designed tool (not shown).
  • Such a tool would have protrusions spaced annularly so as to be inserted into the apertures (15), the tool then rotated about the central longitudinal axis of the housing (1 ) to rotate the female thread (5b) about the male thread (5a) to 'screw' or 'unscrew' the connection means (5).
  • the tool acts as a key inhibiting unauthorised tampering of the housing (1) and enclosed RFID tag (4).
  • first (1a) and second (1b) elements may either, or both contain a storage void for accommodating the RFID tag (4). Furthermore the roles (as described above) of the first (1a) and second (1 b) elements may be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the pallet (7), and articles thereon, is simply raised to a height above the ground and a user can then disconnect the first element (1 a) of the housing (1 ) to access the RFID tag (4) therein.
  • the pallet (7) includes spacing members (19) that space apart the sections (7a, 7b) of the pallet (7) to provide passageways (20) for receiving the tines of a forklift to thus facilitate relocation of the pallet (7).
  • the spacing members (19) include;
  • connection recesses (10a, 10b) into which the elements (1a, 1b) of the protective housing (1 ) are placed; - mutual mating protrusions (21) that interlock to absorb any shear stresses resulting from divergent movement of the sections (7a, 7b) across parallel planes.
  • spacing members (19) serve several purposes, including:
  • a two-piece pallet (7) formed from two mating sections (7a, 7b) spaced apart by spacing members (19).
  • the top deck (7a) is shown with three protective housings (1 ) inserted into connection recesses (1 Oa) to secure the two sections (7a, 7b) together (connection configuration shown in figure 3).
  • Only three connection recesses (10a) are shown in figure 4 with protective housings (1) inserted; however, it should be appreciated that this is only one possible configuration, and in use, preferably all the connection recesses (10a) have protective housings (1 ) inserted to ensure structural integrity of the pallet (7).
  • Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of one of the connection recesses (1 Oa) in the pallet (7) as shown in figure 4; including the locking tab embracing slots (12) and annular recess (9a).
  • Figure 6 shows a corner section of the upper side of the pallet (7) with the lower end of the second element (1b) shown including the annular tool apertures (15).
  • a specifically designed tool with corresponding projections can be engaged with the apertures to facilitate rotation of the second element (1 b) and open or close the housing (1). By requiring a specifically designed tool to open the housing (1) unauthorised tampering with the enclosed RFID tag (4) is inhibited.
  • FIG. 7 A further use for the present invention is shown in figure 7 in which the protective housing (1) is coupled to a single piece pallet (16).
  • a connection recess (10) is provided in the centre of the single piece pallet (16) to receive the two elements (not visible) of the protective housing (1).
  • one of the elements (1 a, 1 b) of the protective housing (1 ) may be integral with the single- piece pallet (16) it is preferable to have a two-element housing (1) so that the storage void (2) and RFID tag (4) therein can be accessed when articles are stored on the support surface (18) and/or are covering the housing (1).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un boîtier de protection (1) destiné à être utilisé dans une palette (7), comportant un espace vide de stockage intérieur (2) capable de recevoir un dispositif d'identification sans fil (4), une ouverture refermable (3) d'accès à l'espace vide (3) et un couplage (8a, 8b) capable d'être couplé de manière amovible à la palette (7) et au moins en partie renfermé par celle-ci. Le boîtier de protection (1) est également capable de solidariser de manière amovible des première et deuxième sections (7a, 7b) d'une palette (7).
PCT/NZ2006/000006 2005-01-29 2006-01-27 Boitier de dispositif d'identification sans fil Ceased WO2006080857A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006209167A AU2006209167A1 (en) 2005-01-29 2006-01-27 Wireless identification device housing

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ53445605A NZ534456A (en) 2005-01-29 2005-01-29 Protective housing for wireless identification tag with coupling means releasably coupled and at least partially surrounded by portable storage device (typically a pallet)
NZ534456 2005-01-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006080857A1 true WO2006080857A1 (fr) 2006-08-03

Family

ID=36740788

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2006/000006 Ceased WO2006080857A1 (fr) 2005-01-29 2006-01-27 Boitier de dispositif d'identification sans fil

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2006209167A1 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ534456A (fr)
WO (1) WO2006080857A1 (fr)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008087839A (ja) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-17 Nisshin Flour Milling Inc Ｉｃタグを内蔵した合成樹脂パレットとその製造方法、および該パレットを用いたパレット管理システム
WO2009034497A3 (fr) * 2007-09-13 2009-06-18 Tramirloc Invest Pty Ltd Marqueur de suivi
EP2090521A1 (fr) * 2008-02-14 2009-08-19 Pilsl Transportgeräte GmbH Support de charge, notamment palette
DE102008022366A1 (de) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-19 Cabka Gmbh Ladungsträger
JP2011057260A (ja) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-24 Sanko Co Ltd Ｉｄタグホルダー及びｉｄタグホルダー付きパレット
WO2012008832A3 (fr) * 2010-07-13 2012-03-22 Meppp B.V. Palette en plastique
US8292173B2 (en) 2009-12-15 2012-10-23 Carefusion 303, Inc. Methods and systems for tracking inventory using an RFID tag tape
US8965161B2 (en) 2007-12-26 2015-02-24 Christie Digital Systems Inc. Decohered laser light production system
DE102014103317B3 (de) * 2014-02-28 2015-04-16 Telair International Gmbh Bodenelement für einen Frachtcontainer und/oder eine Frachtpalette sowie Verfahren zur Herstellung eines entsprechenden Bodenelements
FR3037175A1 (fr) * 2015-06-08 2016-12-09 Bernard Abel Andre Leuvrey Perfectionnements aux dispositifs d'identification et tracabilite des palettes et caisses en bois
JP2018177316A (ja) * 2017-04-14 2018-11-15 Ｊｆｅ環境株式会社 パレットの滑り止め具
KR101922582B1 (ko) * 2017-02-23 2018-11-29 한국로지스풀 주식회사 사물 인터넷 대응 팔레트
ES2694601A1 (es) * 2017-06-21 2018-12-21 Chep Deutschland Gmbh Palé de mercancías que comprende una baliza, un soporte para una baliza, así como una herramienta para retirar la baliza del palé de mercancías
JP2019156445A (ja) * 2018-03-13 2019-09-19 三甲株式会社 パレット
EP3564145A1 (fr) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-06 Schoeller Allibert GmbH Palette pourvue de logement pour composant électronique
US10780906B2 (en) 2016-01-28 2020-09-22 Chep Technology Pty Limited Dolly for transporting products
JP2021031077A (ja) * 2019-08-20 2021-03-01 三甲株式会社 パレット
CN113039125A (zh) * 2018-11-13 2021-06-25 集保科技有限公司 可堆叠半尺寸塑料托板
JP2021535049A (ja) * 2018-08-28 2021-12-16 ピーター・アレクサンダー・ミーリング 荷物キャリアのためのハウジングユニット
WO2024220204A3 (fr) * 2023-04-19 2025-01-02 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Dispositif de suivi sans fil pour conteneurs de fret aérien et actifs chargés sur un aéronef
US12236397B2 (en) 2023-02-03 2025-02-25 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Monitoring of unit load device and carts using wireless IOT devices
US12363507B2 (en) 2023-02-03 2025-07-15 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Wireless tracking device for air cargo containers and assets loaded onto aircraft

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JPH08244773A (ja) * 1995-03-14 1996-09-24 Daifuku Co Ltd Ｉｄタグ付きパレット
JPH09254983A (ja) * 1996-03-27 1997-09-30 Dainippon Ink & Chem Inc Ｉｄタグホルダー付きパレット
WO2001020543A1 (fr) * 1999-09-15 2001-03-22 European Community (Ec) Scelle multi-usage electronique a transpondeur passif
JP2001233337A (ja) * 1999-12-13 2001-08-28 Nippon Plapallet Co パレット
JP2001278270A (ja) * 2000-03-29 2001-10-10 Nippon Plapallet Co Ｉｄタグ付き合成樹脂製パレット
JP2005104498A (ja) * 2003-09-29 2005-04-21 Japan Pallet Rental Corp パレット用識別器及び識別器装着方法
GB2412108A (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-09-21 Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd Rotationally moulded pallet
JP2005280784A (ja) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-13 Sanko Co Ltd 合成樹脂製パレット

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JPH08244773A (ja) * 1995-03-14 1996-09-24 Daifuku Co Ltd Ｉｄタグ付きパレット
JPH09254983A (ja) * 1996-03-27 1997-09-30 Dainippon Ink & Chem Inc Ｉｄタグホルダー付きパレット
WO2001020543A1 (fr) * 1999-09-15 2001-03-22 European Community (Ec) Scelle multi-usage electronique a transpondeur passif
JP2001233337A (ja) * 1999-12-13 2001-08-28 Nippon Plapallet Co パレット
JP2001278270A (ja) * 2000-03-29 2001-10-10 Nippon Plapallet Co Ｉｄタグ付き合成樹脂製パレット
JP2005104498A (ja) * 2003-09-29 2005-04-21 Japan Pallet Rental Corp パレット用識別器及び識別器装着方法
GB2412108A (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-09-21 Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd Rotationally moulded pallet
JP2005280784A (ja) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-13 Sanko Co Ltd 合成樹脂製パレット

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008087839A (ja) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-17 Nisshin Flour Milling Inc Ｉｃタグを内蔵した合成樹脂パレットとその製造方法、および該パレットを用いたパレット管理システム
WO2009034497A3 (fr) * 2007-09-13 2009-06-18 Tramirloc Invest Pty Ltd Marqueur de suivi
US8965161B2 (en) 2007-12-26 2015-02-24 Christie Digital Systems Inc. Decohered laser light production system
EP2090521A1 (fr) * 2008-02-14 2009-08-19 Pilsl Transportgeräte GmbH Support de charge, notamment palette
DE102008022366A1 (de) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-19 Cabka Gmbh Ladungsträger
JP2011057260A (ja) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-24 Sanko Co Ltd Ｉｄタグホルダー及びｉｄタグホルダー付きパレット
US8292173B2 (en) 2009-12-15 2012-10-23 Carefusion 303, Inc. Methods and systems for tracking inventory using an RFID tag tape
CN103068688A (zh) * 2010-07-13 2013-04-24 迈普有限责任公司 塑料托盘
WO2012008832A3 (fr) * 2010-07-13 2012-03-22 Meppp B.V. Palette en plastique
US9038546B2 (en) 2010-07-13 2015-05-26 Meppp B.V. Plastic pallet
CN103068688B (zh) * 2010-07-13 2016-08-03 迈普有限责任公司 塑料托盘和用于制造塑料托盘的方法
DE102014103317B3 (de) * 2014-02-28 2015-04-16 Telair International Gmbh Bodenelement für einen Frachtcontainer und/oder eine Frachtpalette sowie Verfahren zur Herstellung eines entsprechenden Bodenelements
EP2913277A1 (fr) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-02 Telair International GmbH Élément de sol pour un conteneur de fret et/ou une palette de fret et procédé de fabrication d'un élément de sol correspondant
US9446880B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2016-09-20 Telair International Gmbh Floor element for a cargo container and/or a cargo pallet, and method for production of a corresponding floor element
FR3037175A1 (fr) * 2015-06-08 2016-12-09 Bernard Abel Andre Leuvrey Perfectionnements aux dispositifs d'identification et tracabilite des palettes et caisses en bois
US10780906B2 (en) 2016-01-28 2020-09-22 Chep Technology Pty Limited Dolly for transporting products
KR101922582B1 (ko) * 2017-02-23 2018-11-29 한국로지스풀 주식회사 사물 인터넷 대응 팔레트
JP2018177316A (ja) * 2017-04-14 2018-11-15 Ｊｆｅ環境株式会社 パレットの滑り止め具
ES2694601A1 (es) * 2017-06-21 2018-12-21 Chep Deutschland Gmbh Palé de mercancías que comprende una baliza, un soporte para una baliza, así como una herramienta para retirar la baliza del palé de mercancías
BE1025826B1 (de) * 2017-06-21 2019-07-24 Chep Deutschland Gmbh Warenpalette mit einem Beacon, Halter für ein Beacon sowie Werkzeug zum Entfernen des Beacons von der Warenpalette
JP6995356B2 (ja) 2018-03-13 2022-01-14 三甲株式会社 パレット
JP2019156445A (ja) * 2018-03-13 2019-09-19 三甲株式会社 パレット
EP3564145A1 (fr) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-06 Schoeller Allibert GmbH Palette pourvue de logement pour composant électronique
US11975888B2 (en) 2018-08-28 2024-05-07 Peter Alexander Meiring Housing unit for a load carrier
JP2021535049A (ja) * 2018-08-28 2021-12-16 ピーター・アレクサンダー・ミーリング 荷物キャリアのためのハウジングユニット
CN113039125A (zh) * 2018-11-13 2021-06-25 集保科技有限公司 可堆叠半尺寸塑料托板
JP7283747B2 (ja) 2019-08-20 2023-05-30 三甲株式会社 パレット
JP2021031077A (ja) * 2019-08-20 2021-03-01 三甲株式会社 パレット
US12236397B2 (en) 2023-02-03 2025-02-25 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Monitoring of unit load device and carts using wireless IOT devices
US12363507B2 (en) 2023-02-03 2025-07-15 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Wireless tracking device for air cargo containers and assets loaded onto aircraft
WO2024220204A3 (fr) * 2023-04-19 2025-01-02 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Dispositif de suivi sans fil pour conteneurs de fret aérien et actifs chargés sur un aéronef

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