Wireless locatable tag

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless locatable tag that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include an antenna assembly that includes an antenna frame and an antenna. The antenna frame defines a top surface and a peripheral side surface, and the antenna is positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless locatable tag may further include a frame member and a housing. The frame member is coupled to the antenna assembly and defines a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell; the housing encapsulates the antenna assembly and the frame member. The housing may include a first outer housing member formed of an integral polymer structure and defining a top wall that defines the entirety of the top outer surface of the wireless locatable tag.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention titled "Wireless Positionable Tag" with the application date of April 16, 2020, application number 202080034999.5.

[0002] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 835,469 filed on April 17, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 855,768 filed on May 31, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 894,640 filed on August 30, 2019, U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,592 filed on September 26, 2019, U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,646 filed on September 26, 2019, U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,678 filed on September 26, 2019; U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,712 filed on September 26, 2019; U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,738 filed on September 26, 2019; U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,762 filed on September 26, 2019, U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,782 filed on September 26, 2019, U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,805 filed on September 26, 2019 and U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 16 / 584,817 filed on September 26, 2019. The entire content of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The described embodiments generally relate to wireless positionable tags. Background Art

[0005] Around the world, electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable computers are widely used. Generally, the global positioning system (GPS) or other positioning systems or technologies can be used to determine the geographical location of electronic devices. However, it may be difficult to locate personal assets that are not electronic devices, or to locate electronic devices that lack GPS. The systems and technologies described herein generally relate to a wireless positionable tag that can be used to determine the location of an electronic device or other personal assets or objects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include an antenna assembly, the antenna assembly including an antenna frame and an antenna, the antenna frame defining a top surface and a peripheral side surface, the antenna being positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless locatable tag may further include a frame member and a housing, the frame member being coupled to the antenna assembly and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell; the housing enclosing the antenna assembly and the frame member. The housing may include a first housing member formed of an integral polymer structure and defining a top wall that defines the entirety of the top outer surface of the wireless locatable tag and a peripheral side wall that surrounds at least a portion of the peripheral side surface of the antenna assembly and defines at least a portion of the outer peripheral side surface of the wireless locatable tag. The housing may further include a second housing member removably coupled to the frame member and defining at least a portion of the bottom outer surface of the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may further include an audio system configured to move the top wall of the first housing member to produce an audible output. The antenna frame may include a polymer material, and the antenna may be plated on the polymer material.

[0007] The wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board attached to the antenna assembly, the antenna frame may define a peripheral support flange, and the peripheral support flange may at least partially surround the outer periphery of the circuit board.

[0008] The wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board attached to the antenna assembly, the antenna frame may define a circuit board cavity, and the circuit board may be at least partially within the circuit board cavity.

[0009] The second housing member may define a passage fluidly coupling the internal volume of the wireless locatable tag to the external environment, and the wireless locatable tag may further include a waterproof breathable membrane covering the passage. The top wall of the first housing member may contact the top surface of the antenna frame, the antenna frame may define a peripheral support flange, and the peripheral support flange may contact the frame member.

[0010] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include an antenna assembly, which may include an antenna frame and an antenna. The antenna frame defines a top surface and a peripheral side surface, and the antenna is positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless locatable tag may include a one-piece upper housing member formed of plastic and attached to the antenna assembly and at least partially encapsulating the antenna assembly. The one-piece upper housing member defines a substantial entirety of the top outer surface of the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may further include a frame member and a lower housing member. The frame member is coupled to the antenna assembly and defines a battery cavity configured to receive a battery. The lower housing member is removably coupled to the frame member to encapsulate the battery and defines at least a portion of the bottom outer surface of the wireless locatable tag.

[0011] The frame member may define a channel, and the lower housing member may define a latch member that engages with the channel to hold the lower housing member to the frame member. The channel may be defined by a channel surface, and the wireless locatable tag may further include a biasing member attached to the lower housing member and configured to force the latch member to engage with the channel surface. The biasing member may also be configured to bias the battery into the battery cavity. The antenna frame may define an opening, and the wireless locatable tag may further include an audio system at least partially located within the opening in the antenna frame and configured to move the top outer surface of the one-piece upper housing member to produce an audible output.

[0012] The lower housing member may define a passage fluidly coupling the internal volume of the wireless locatable tag to the external environment, and the wireless locatable tag may further include a waterproof breathable membrane covering the passage. The antenna may be a first antenna, and the antenna assembly may further include a second antenna positioned along the peripheral side surface and a third antenna positioned along the top surface.

[0013] A wireless locatable device that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable device. The wireless locatable device may include an upper housing member and a peripheral sidewall. The upper housing member defines a top wall that defines a top outer surface and at least a first portion of a first cavity. The peripheral sidewall defines a peripheral side surface and at least a second portion of the first cavity. The wireless locatable device may further include an antenna assembly located within the first cavity and including an antenna frame and an antenna. The antenna frame defines a second cavity, and the antenna is attached to the antenna frame and configured to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless locatable device may further include a circuit board, a frame member, and a lower housing member. The circuit board is at least partially located within the second cavity and coupled to the antenna frame. The frame member is coupled to the antenna assembly and defines a battery cavity configured to receive a battery. The lower housing member is removably coupled to the frame member to enclose the battery cavity.

[0014] The wireless locatable device may further include a biasing member coupled to the lower housing member and configured to generate a biasing force between the lower housing member and the upper housing member. The frame member may be attached to the antenna frame above the second cavity, thereby defining at least a partially enclosed volume between the frame member and the antenna frame, and the circuit board may be located within the at least partially enclosed volume.

[0015] The top wall may further define an inner surface opposite the top outer surface. A first portion of the inner surface may contact the antenna frame, and a second portion of the inner surface may be separated from the antenna frame by a gap. The second portion of the inner surface may be defined by a central portion of the top wall, and the wireless locatable device may further include an audio system positioned below the central portion of the top wall. The audio system may be configured to move the central portion of the top wall to generate an audible output.

[0016] A holder for a wireless locatable tag that can be used with a wireless locatable tag including a housing member that defines an area of the outer surface of the wireless locatable tag that is configured to serve as a speaker diaphragm. The holder can include a receptacle portion configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag, the receptacle portion defining a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the first opening configured to allow the wireless locatable tag to be positioned within the receptacle portion, the second opening configured to at least partially surround the outer perimeter of a battery door of the wireless locatable tag, and the third opening being aligned with the area configured to serve as the outer surface of the speaker diaphragm. The holder can further include a fastener and a fastening strap, the fastener being coupled to the receptacle portion and configured to releasably secure the first opening in a closed configuration to hold the wireless locatable tag within the receptacle portion; and the fastening strap being configured to releasably attach the holder to an object. The object can be an open loop defining an opening, and the fastening strap can pass through the opening of the open loop to form a lasso. The fastening strap can define a strap opening at its terminus, and the strap opening can be configured to allow the receptacle portion to pass through the strap opening to form a lasso within the fastening strap.

[0017] The receptacle portion can define a cavity having dimensions and a shape corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the wireless locatable tag. The cavity can be defined by an inner surface of the receptacle portion, and the inner surface contacts the wireless locatable tag when the wireless locatable tag is within the cavity. The second opening and the third opening can be circular. The second opening and the third opening can have the same diameter.

[0018] The fastener can be a snap, and the snap can include a male component, a compression ring, a compliant member, and a female component, the male component including a protrusion member that defines a circumferential groove extending therearound; the compression ring being positioned within the circumferential groove; the compliant member being positioned within the circumferential groove and configured to apply a biasing force on the compression ring; and the female component defining an opening configured to receive the protrusion member, the compression ring being configured to engage a surface of the female component to maintain the engagement between the male component and the female component.

[0019] A holder for a wireless locatable tag that can be used with a wireless locatable tag, the wireless locatable tag including a housing member that defines an area of the outer surface of the wireless locatable tag that is configured to serve as a speaker diaphragm. The holder may include a first layer and a fastening strap, the first layer defining a first portion of a receptacle portion configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag. The holder may further include a second layer that is adjacent to the first layer along an interface region and defines a second portion of the receptacle portion and is attached to the first layer along a portion of the interface region, thereby defining an opening between the first layer and the second layer. The holder may further include a fastener that includes a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly, the first fastener assembly being coupled to the first layer, the second fastener assembly being coupled to the second layer and configured to releasably secure the opening in a closed configuration to hold the wireless locatable tag in the receptacle portion.

[0020] The opening may be configured to allow the wireless locatable tag to be positioned in the receptacle portion. The opening may be a first opening, the first layer may define a second opening, the second layer may define a third opening, and at least one of the second opening or the third opening may be configured to expose the area of the outer surface configured to serve as the speaker diaphragm.

[0021] The fastening strap may be attached to a clamp configured to removably attach the holder to an object. The ends of the fastening strap may be secured to its base to define a loop. The ends of the fastening strap may be secured to its base by the first fastener assembly. The fastening strap may define a strap opening at its ends, and the strap opening may be configured to allow the receptacle portion to pass through the strap opening to form a loop in the fastening strap.

[0022] A holder for a wireless locatable tag that can be used with a wireless locatable tag, the wireless locatable tag including a housing member that defines an area of the outer surface of the wireless locatable tag that is configured to serve as a speaker diaphragm. The holder may include a receptacle portion, a tab, and a strap, the receptacle portion being configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag, the receptacle portion defining a first opening, a second opening, the first opening being configured to receive the wireless locatable tag such that it can be positioned in the receptacle portion, the second opening being aligned with the area of the outer surface configured to serve as the speaker diaphragm; the tab extending from the receptacle portion near the first opening and defining a third opening; the strap extending from the receptacle portion near the first opening and configured to extend through the third opening to hold the first opening in a closed configuration.

[0023] The strip can be configured to be removed from the third opening to allow the first opening to expand to receive the wirelessly locatable tag. The strip can define the collar at its terminal, and the retainer further includes a removable split ring attached to the collar. The size of the removable split ring can be larger than the size of the third opening, so as to prevent the terminal of the strip from passing through the third opening when the removable split ring is attached to the collar. The receptacle portion can further define a fourth opening configured to at least partially surround the outer periphery of the battery door of the wirelessly locatable tag.

[0024] A wirelessly locatable tag that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device for locating the wirelessly locatable tag by the electronic device. The wirelessly locatable tag can include a first housing member that defines a first outer surface and an inner surface opposite the first outer surface of the wirelessly locatable tag. The wirelessly locatable tag can further include a second housing member, a first antenna, a second antenna, and an audio system, the second housing member defining a second outer surface thereof; the first antenna is configured to transmit a wireless signal using a first wireless protocol; the second antenna is configured to communicate using a second wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol. The audio system can include a magnet assembly and a coil, the magnet assembly being configured to generate a magnetic field; the coil is positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to the inner surface of the first housing member, the coil being configured to interact with the magnetic field to apply a force on the first housing member, thereby moving a portion of the first housing member to generate an audible output. When a first current passes through the coil, the coil can interact with the magnetic field.

[0025] A portion of the first housing member can be configured to flex in response to an input force applied to the portion of the first housing member, such that the coil moves within the magnetic field to induce a current in the coil. And the wirelessly locatable tag can be configured to detect the current and change the operating mode of the wirelessly locatable tag in response to detecting the current. Changing the operating mode of the wirelessly locatable tag can include changing the frequency at which the wirelessly locatable tag transmits a wireless beacon signal. The wirelessly locatable tag can further include a travel limiting member located within the wirelessly locatable tag and spaced apart from the first housing member by a gap of about 100 microns to about 500 microns, the travel limiting member being configured to limit the flexure of the first housing member in response to an input force.

[0026] The first housing member may include a peripheral member defining a peripheral wall and a top wall defining an opening. The first housing member may further include a central member and a compliant member, the central member being at least partially located within the opening; the compliant member flexibly couples the central member to the peripheral member and is configured to allow the central member to move relative to the peripheral member. The top wall, the central member, and the compliant member may each define a part of the first outer surface of the wirelessly locatable tag.

[0027] The wirelessly locatable device may be configured to send a wireless beacon signal to an electronic device to facilitate the positioning of the wirelessly locatable device by the electronic device. The wirelessly locatable device may include a housing, the housing including a first housing member and a second housing member, the first housing member defining the top outer surface of the wirelessly locatable device; the second housing member is removably coupled to the first housing member and defines at least a part of the bottom outer surface of the housing. The wirelessly locatable device may further include an antenna and an audio system, the antenna being configured to transmit the wireless beacon signal to the electronic device and receive a positioning signal from the electronic device; the audio system is configured to generate an audible output in response to receiving the positioning signal from the electronic device. The audio system may include a magnet assembly configured to generate a magnetic field and a coil positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to the first housing member, the coil being configured to interact with the magnetic field to apply a force on the first housing member, thereby moving at least a part of the first housing member to generate an audible output.

[0028] The audible output may have a first frequency, and the audio system may be configured to generate a tactile output in response to receiving the positioning signal, the tactile output having a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first frequency may be between about 1000 Hz and about 4000 Hz, and the second frequency may be between about 100 Hz and about 500 Hz.

[0029] The magnet assembly may include a metal bracket defining a cavity, a magnet at least partially located within the cavity, and a metal top plate covering the magnet opposite to the metal bracket. The distance between the metal top plate and the top outer surface of the wirelessly locatable device may be between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm.

[0030] The coil may include a plurality of turns of wire at least partially embedded in a matrix material, and the coil may be attached to the inner surface of the first housing member. The first housing member may include a top wall defining at least a part of the top outer surface of the wirelessly locatable device and an inner surface opposite to the top outer surface. The coil may be attached to a coil area of the inner surface, and the top wall is located at the coil area, which may have a thickness between about 300 microns and about 500 microns.

[0031] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device for the electronic device to locate the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag can include a first housing member defining a first outer surface of the wireless locatable tag, a removable second housing member, and an audio system that includes a magnet assembly configured to generate a magnetic field and a coil positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to an inner surface of the first housing member. The coil can be configured to interact with the magnetic field to move a portion of the first housing member to generate an audible output in a first operating mode, move the portion of the first housing member to generate a tactile output, and in a third operating mode, generate a current in response to movement caused by a force input applied to the portion of the first housing member. The audible output and the tactile output can have different frequencies. Moving the portion of the first housing member to generate the audible output or the tactile output can include deforming the first housing member.

[0032] The wireless locatable tag can further include a frame member that is located within the wireless locatable tag and defines a battery cavity, and the removable second housing member can define a second outer surface of the wireless locatable tag and be configured to hold a battery in the battery cavity.

[0033] The first housing member can include a peripheral member defining a peripheral wall and a top wall defining an opening. The first housing member can further include a central member at least partially within the opening and a compliant member that flexibly couples the central member to the peripheral member. Moving the portion of the first housing member to generate the audible output or the tactile output can include translating the central member relative to the peripheral member.

[0034] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to send a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include a first housing member, a second housing member, and an antenna assembly. The first housing member defines a first outer surface of the wireless locatable tag; the second housing member is removably coupled to the first housing member and defines a second outer surface of the wireless locatable tag. The antenna assembly may include an antenna frame, a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. The antenna frame defines a top surface and a peripheral side surface; the first antenna is located on the antenna frame along the peripheral side surface and is configured to communicate with the electronic device using a first wireless protocol; the second antenna is located on the antenna frame along the peripheral side surface and is configured to send a positioning signal to the electronic device using a second wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol; the third antenna is located on the antenna frame along the top surface and is configured to communicate with the electronic device via a third wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol and the second wireless protocol. The first wireless protocol may be a Bluetooth protocol, the second wireless protocol may be an Ultra-Wideband protocol, and the third wireless protocol may be a Near-Field Wireless Communication protocol.

[0035] The wireless locatable tag can be configured to transmit a public encryption key to the electronic device via at least one of the first antenna or the second antenna, and the electronic device can be configured to determine the position of the wireless locatable tag at least in part by using the public encryption key to prepare an encrypted location report (the encrypted location report includes the position of the wireless module) based on the positioning signal, and wirelessly transmit the encrypted location report to a remote server.

[0036] The antenna frame may define a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board that is coupled to the antenna frame along the bottom surface of the antenna frame and has conductive traces and a wireless communication circuit that is conductively coupled to the conductive traces. The antenna frame may define a frustoconical opening extending through the antenna frame, and the frustoconical opening tapers from a first diameter at the top surface of the antenna frame to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter at the bottom surface of the antenna frame. The surface of the wall defining the frustoconical opening may be plated with a conductive material, and the wireless locatable tag may further include solder balls that are in the frustoconical opening and bonded to the conductive material and the conductive traces. The conductive material is conductively coupled to the first antenna, and the solder balls conductively couple the first antenna to the conductive traces.

[0037] The first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna may be positioned in corresponding first, second, and third groove portions in the antenna frame. The first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna may be electroplated metals. The antenna frame may include a polymer material doped with a metallic material.

[0038] The wireless locatable device may be configured to send wireless signals to an electronic device to facilitate the positioning of the wireless locatable device by the electronic device. The wireless locatable device may include: a first housing member including a top wall and a side wall that define a cavity in the first housing member; a second housing member removably coupled to the first housing member; and an antenna assembly located within the cavity. The antenna assembly may include an antenna frame that defines a top surface having a portion in contact with the top wall of the first housing member and a peripheral side surface facing the side wall. The antenna assembly may further include a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. The first antenna is located on the antenna frame along the peripheral side surface and is configured to communicate with the electronic device using a first wireless protocol; the second antenna is located on the antenna frame along the peripheral side surface and is configured to communicate with the electronic device using a second wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol; the third antenna is located on the antenna frame along the top surface and is configured to communicate with the electronic device via a third wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol and the second wireless protocol.

[0039] The first antenna may define a height dimension and a length dimension greater than the height dimension, and the height dimension may be at least 90% of the height of the peripheral side surface. The peripheral side surface may define a curved surface, and the first antenna and the second antenna may be positioned oppositely around the curved surface.

[0040] The first antenna may include a first antenna element located on the peripheral side surface and a second antenna element located on the peripheral side surface and spaced apart from the first antenna element. The first antenna element may be conductively coupled to a feed line and an electrical ground layer, and the second antenna element may be conductively coupled to the electrical ground layer and non-conductively coupled to the feed line. The wireless locatable device may further include a circuit board and an antenna frame. The antenna frame may define a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole is conductively coupled to the circuit board and has a tapered shape corresponding to the shape of a first tapered opening extending through the antenna frame; the second through hole is conductively coupled to the circuit board and has a tapered shape corresponding to the shape of a second tapered opening extending through the antenna frame. The first antenna element may be conductively coupled to the first through hole and the second through hole, and the second antenna element may be conductively coupled to the second through hole.

[0041] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to send wireless signals to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include a first housing member, a second housing member, and an antenna assembly. The first housing member defines a first outer surface of the wireless locatable tag; the second housing member is coupled to the first housing member and defines a second outer surface of the wireless locatable tag; the antenna assembly includes an antenna frame defining a top wall and a peripheral support flange extending from a periphery of the top wall, and the peripheral support flange and the top wall define a circuit board cavity. The antenna assembly may further include a first antenna on the peripheral support flange, a second antenna on the peripheral support flange, and a third antenna on the top wall. The wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board at least partially positioned in the circuit board cavity. The antenna frame may further define an opening extending through the antenna frame, a surface of the opening may be coated with a conductive material, and the wireless locatable tag may further include solder balls in the opening and bonded to the conductive material and the circuit board.

[0042] The top wall may define an opening, and an audio system may be at least partially positioned in the opening and configured to generate an audio output. The first antenna may be a first inverted F antenna, the second antenna may be a second inverted F antenna, and the third antenna may be a loop antenna. The first antenna may be configured to communicate with the electronic device using a Bluetooth protocol, the second antenna may be configured to communicate with the electronic device using an ultra-wideband protocol, and the third antenna may be configured to communicate with the electronic device using a near-field wireless communication protocol. The first inverted F antenna may have a first length, and the second inverted F antenna may have a second length different from the first length.

[0043] A wireless locatable tag that can be configured to send wireless signals to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include a first housing member and a frame member. The first housing member defines an outer surface of the wireless locatable tag. The frame member is attached to the first housing member and defines a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell and an opening through the frame member. The wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board, a battery connector, a second housing member, and a biasing member. The circuit board is positioned between the first housing member and the frame member; the battery connector is coupled to the circuit board and includes a flexible arm that extends through the opening in the frame member into the battery cavity; the second housing member is removably coupled to the frame member; the biasing member is configured to bias the button cell into the battery cavity of the frame member and against the flexible arm of the battery connector. The biasing member may be formed of a one-piece metal structure that defines a base coupled to the second housing member and a metal spring arm extending away from the second housing member.

[0044] The opening may be a first opening, and the flexible arm may be a first flexible arm, and the frame member may further define a second opening and a third opening. The battery connector may further include a second flexible arm extending through the second opening into the battery cavity and a third flexible arm extending through the third opening into the battery cavity. The battery connector may include a body, and the first flexible arm, the second flexible arm, and the third flexible arm may be at least partially encapsulated in the body. The first flexible arm may be configured to contact a negative terminal of the button cell, and the second flexible arm and the third flexible arm are configured to contact a positive terminal of the button cell. The wireless locatable tag may be configured to detect whether the button cell is within the battery cavity at least in part based on a continuity detection between the second flexible arm and the third flexible arm.

[0045] The circuit board may include a first metal pad and a second metal pad. The second flexible arm may be configured to slide along the first metal pad when the button cell flexes the second flexible arm, and the third flexible arm may be configured to slide along the second metal pad when the button cell flexes the third flexible arm.

[0046] A wireless locatable tag may be configured to send a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the electronic device in locating the wireless locatable tag. The wireless locatable tag may include a housing member defining an outer surface of the wireless locatable tag and a frame member attached to the housing member and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell, a first opening through the frame member, a second opening through the frame member, and a third opening through the frame member. The wireless locatable tag may further include a circuit board and a battery connector, the circuit board being positioned between the housing member and the frame member; the battery connector being coupled to the circuit board and including a first flexible arm extending through the first opening into the battery cavity, a second flexible arm extending through the second opening into the battery cavity, and a third flexible arm extending through the third opening into the battery cavity.

[0047] The housing member may be a first housing member, the outer surface may be a first outer surface of the wireless locatable tag, and the wireless locatable tag may further include a second housing member removably coupled to the frame member and defining a second outer surface of the wireless locatable tag.

[0048] The wireless locatable tag may further include a biasing member attached to the second housing member and configured to bias the button cell into the battery cavity of the frame member. The first flexible arm may be configured to contact a flat surface of the button cell, and the second flexible arm and the third flexible arm may be configured to contact a circumferential surface of the button cell that is curved. The first flexible arm, the second flexible arm, and the third flexible arm may be configured to be flexed by the button cell when the button cell is positioned in the battery cavity.

[0049] The battery connector may further include a body, a first pad conductively coupled to the first flexible arm, a second pad conductively coupled to the second flexible arm, and a third pad conductively coupled to the third flexible arm. The first flexible arm, the second flexible arm, and the third flexible arm may be conductively coupled to the circuit board via the first pad, the second pad, and the third pad, respectively. The first flexible arm and the first pad may be defined by a first integral metal structure, the second flexible arm and the second pad may be defined by a second integral metal structure, and the third flexible arm and the third pad may be defined by a third integral metal structure.

[0050] The wireless locatable device may be configured to send a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the positioning of the wireless locatable device by the electronic device. The wireless locatable device may include a first housing member, a frame member, a circuit board, a battery connector, a second housing member, a biasing member, and a waterproof membrane. The first housing member defines an outer surface of the wireless locatable device; the frame member is attached to the first housing member and defines a battery cavity configured to receive a battery; the circuit board is positioned between the first housing member and the frame member; the battery connector is coupled to the circuit board and includes flexible arms configured to be conductively coupled to terminals of the battery; the second housing member is removably coupled to the frame member and defines a vent opening that fluidly couples an interior volume of the wireless locatable device to an external environment; the biasing member is configured to bias the battery into the battery cavity of the frame member and against the flexible arms of the battery connector; and the waterproof membrane covers the vent opening and is positioned between a flange defined by the biasing member and an inner surface of the second housing member.

[0051] The frame member may define an opening, and the wireless locatable device may further include a conductive plug that extends into the battery cavity through the opening and is configured to contact a terminal of the battery, and the flexible arm may contact the conductive plug. The flexible arm may bias the conductive plug into the battery cavity.

[0052] The frame member may define a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and the battery connector may include a first flexible arm extending through the first opening into the battery cavity, a second flexible arm extending through the second opening into the battery cavity, and a third flexible arm extending through the third opening into the battery cavity. The first flexible arm may be configured to flex in a first direction when a battery is installed in the battery cavity, the second flexible arm may be configured to flex in a second direction when the battery is installed in the battery cavity, the second direction being different from the first direction, and the third flexible arm may be configured to flex in a third direction when the battery is installed in the battery cavity, the third direction being different from the first direction and the second direction.

[0053] The battery connector may further include a body formed of an insulating material. The body may be coupled to a circuit board, the first flexible arm may be at least partially encapsulated in the body, the second flexible arm may be at least partially encapsulated in the body, and the third flexible arm may be at least partially encapsulated in the body.

[0054] A mounting base that may be used with a wireless locatable tag that defines a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell. The mounting base may include a base portion, a contact block, the base portion defining a latch member configured to engage the wireless locatable tag to releasably hold the wireless locatable tag to the mounting base; the contact block being attached to the base portion and configured to be at least partially positioned within the battery cavity of the wireless locatable tag, the contact block defining a top side and a peripheral side. The mounting base may further include a first conductive member, a second conductive member, and a power cable, the first conductive member being positioned along the peripheral side of the contact block and configured to contact a first battery contact within the battery cavity of the wireless locatable tag; the second conductive member being biased outwardly from the top side of the contact block and configured to contact a second battery contact within the battery cavity of the wireless locatable tag; the power cable being coupled to the base portion and configured to provide power to the wireless locatable tag via the first conductive member and the second conductive member.

[0055] The second conductive member may be configured to be flexed by a surface defining the battery cavity when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base. The second conductive member may be configured to apply a biasing force on a surface of the battery cavity when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base. The second conductive member may be configured to flex the first battery contact when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base.

[0056] The mounting base may further include a power conversion circuit positioned within a cavity defined in the base portion and configured to alter the characteristics of an input current provided by the power cable. The base portion may define a passageway configured to fluidly couple an interior volume of the wireless locatable tag to an external environment when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base.

[0057] The mounting base may further include a circuit board to which the power cable may be conductively coupled, and to which the first and second conductive members may be conductively coupled.

[0058] A mounting base for a device may include a latch member, a contact block, and a flexible conductive member. The latch member is configured to engage a retention feature of the device to retain the device to the mounting base. The contact block is configured to be at least partially positioned within a battery cavity of the device, the contact block defining a top side and a peripheral side. The flexible conductive member extends over the top side of the contact block. The flexible conductive member may be configured to contact a battery contact extending into the battery cavity of the device, thereby conductively coupling the flexible conductive member and the battery contact, and to apply a biasing force on the wireless locatable tag when the device is coupled to the mounting base, the biasing force being configured to bias the latch member against the retention feature of the wireless locatable tag. The flexible conductive member may be at least partially embedded within the contact block.

[0059] The flexible conductive member may be a first flexible conductive member, the biasing force may be a first biasing force, and the mounting base may further include a second flexible conductive member and a third flexible conductive member. The second flexible conductive member is configured to apply a second biasing force on the device when the device is coupled to the mounting base. The third flexible conductive member is configured to apply a third biasing force on the device when the device is coupled to the mounting base. The second and third biasing forces may be configured to bias the latch member against the retention feature of the device.

[0060] The mounting base may further include a fourth conductive member coupled to the peripheral side surface. The fourth conductive member may be conductively coupled to a positive terminal of a DC power source, and the first, second, and third flexible conductive members may be conductively coupled to a negative terminal of the DC power source.

[0061] The mounting base may further include a power cable configured to supply power to the device via the first flexible conductive member, the second flexible conductive member, the third flexible conductive member, and the fourth conductive member. The power cable may be configured to be coupled to a DC power source. The power cable may be configured to be coupled to an AC power source, and the mounting base may further include an AC-DC converter configured to convert the AC power source to a DC power source.

[0062] A wireless locatable system may include a wireless locatable tag configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate the location of the wireless locatable tag by the electronic device. The wireless locatable tag defines a battery cavity configured to receive a coin cell battery, a positive battery contact extending into the battery cavity, a negative battery contact extending into the battery cavity, and a retention feature configured to engage a first latch member of a battery door. The wireless locatable system may further include a mounting base and a contact block. The mounting base includes a base portion defining a second latch member configured to engage the retention feature to hold the wireless locatable tag to the mounting base. The contact block is attached to the base portion and is configured to be at least partially positioned within the battery cavity of the wireless locatable tag. The contact block defines a circular top wall and a peripheral sidewall extending from a perimeter of the circular top wall. The mounting base may further include a first conductive member configured to contact the positive battery contact and a second conductive member configured to contact the negative battery contact.

[0063] The peripheral sidewall may define a curved outer surface having a diameter equal to a curved outer surface of the coin cell battery. The second conductive member may be flexible and may be configured to be flexed by a surface of the battery cavity when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base. The second conductive member may be configured to apply a biasing force on a surface of the battery cavity when the wireless locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base, thereby biasing the second latch member against the retention feature. The mounting base may further include a biasing member configured to bias the second latch member against the retention feature.

[0064] A wearable electronic device includes a watch body including a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a first input and a first wireless circuit configured to receive a wireless input signal. The wearable electronic device further includes a strap and a wireless module. The strap is coupled to the watch body and is configured to attach the watch body to a user. The wireless module is coupled to the watch body and includes an input device configured to receive a second input and a second wireless circuit configured to transmit the wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit in response to receiving the second input.

[0065] The wireless module may further include a battery operatively coupled to the second wireless circuit, and a charging coil operatively coupled to the battery and configured to receive wireless power from an external device. The input device may further include a tactile dome switch configured to collapse in response to the second input, and the wireless input signal may be transmitted in response to the collapse of the tactile dome switch. The strap may define an opening, the wireless module may include a housing at least partially positioned within the opening, the battery and the charging coil may be positioned within the housing, the strap may include an outer layer defining an outer surface of the strap, the tactile dome switch may be positioned remote from the housing of the wireless module, the tactile dome switch may be positioned beneath the outer layer of the strap, and a flexible circuit may extend along a length of the strap and electrically couple the tactile dome switch to the second wireless circuit.

[0066] The wireless module may be configured to send a wireless beacon signal to an external device and send a public encryption key to the external device. The external device may be configured to determine the location of the wireless module at least in part based on the wireless beacon signal, prepare an encrypted location report using the public encryption key, the encrypted location report including the location of the wireless module, and wirelessly transmit the encrypted location report to a remote server.

[0067] The input device may include a capacitive touch sensor, the second input may be a touch input, and the capacitive touch sensor may be configured to detect a touch input along an outer surface of the wireless module. The capacitive touch sensor may include a capacitive node array, the touch input may be a gesture touch input, and the capacitive node array may be configured to detect the gesture touch input. The touch-sensitive display may be configured to scroll a list of items displayed on the touch-sensitive display in response to the gesture touch input provided to the wireless module.

[0068] A system may include an electronic device including a housing, a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a first input, and a first wireless circuit configured to receive a wireless input signal. The system may further include an accessory coupled to the housing and including a wireless module coupled to the accessory. The wireless module may include an input device and a second wireless circuit, the input device being configured to receive a second input, the second wireless circuit being configured to transmit the wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit of the electronic device in response to receiving the second input.

[0069] The system can be an electronic watch (watch), the electronic device can be the watch body, and the accessory can be a band configured to attach the watch body to the wrist. The band can define an opening, and the wireless module can include a housing that includes an upper housing defining an upper flange and a lower housing defining a lower flange. The housing of the wireless module can be positioned in the opening, and the upper and lower flanges can engage a portion of the band around the opening.

[0070] The band can define the opening, the wireless module can be positioned in the opening, the wireless module can include a housing, the housing can include an upper housing and a lower housing, and the upper housing can define a portion of the buckle of the band.

[0071] The band can define the opening, the wireless module can be positioned in the opening, and the wireless module can further include a battery, a charging coil, and a magnetic element. The battery can be operatively coupled to the second wireless circuit; the charging coil can be operatively coupled to the battery and is configured to receive wireless power from an external charging device; the magnetic element is configured to couple the wireless module to the external charging device.

[0072] The wireless module can further include a near field communication (NFC) antenna configured to wirelessly couple with a separate device adjacent to the wireless module, and the NFC antenna can be integrated with the wireless charging coil.

[0073] The wireless module can further include a speaker. The first wireless circuit can be configured to transmit a wireless output signal received by the second wireless circuit, and in response to receiving the wireless output signal, the wireless module can be configured to generate an audible output using the speaker.

[0074] The electronic device can be a tablet computing system, and the accessory can be a protective case for the tablet computing system.

[0075] The wireless module can be configured to integrate with a watch having a touch-sensitive display and a first wireless circuit. The wireless module can include a housing, a battery, a wireless charging coil, an input device, and a second wireless circuit. The housing is configured to be inserted into an opening in the watch band; the battery is positioned within the housing; the wireless charging coil is positioned within the housing and is operatively coupled to the battery; the input device is configured to receive an input; the second wireless circuit is configured to transmit a wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit of the watch in response to receiving the input.

[0076] The housing may include an upper flange and a lower flange that are configured to engage a portion of the watch band surrounding the opening. The watch may include a watch body that includes a watch battery and a watch wireless charging coil operatively coupled to the watch battery. The touch-sensitive display may be configured to receive touch inputs, and the first wireless circuit may be configured to receive the wireless input signal.

[0077] The second wireless circuit may be configured to transmit a UWB beacon signal to an external device, and the wireless module may be configured to estimate a distance between the wireless module and the external device based on a transmission time of the UWB signal. The wireless module may be configured to transmit a common encryption key to the external device, and the external device may be configured to determine a location of the wireless module at least in part based on the UWB wireless beacon signal, prepare an encrypted data item using the common encryption key, the encrypted data item including the location of the wireless module, and wirelessly transmit the encrypted data item to a remote server.

[0078] A holder that may be used with a wireless locatable tag that includes a housing member that defines an area of an outer surface of the wireless locatable tag that is configured to serve as a speaker diaphragm. The holder may include a first element and a second element, the first element defining a first portion of a recess for encapsulating the wireless locatable tag; the second element defining a second portion of the recess and being configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag. The second element may define a holder opening that is aligned with the area of the outer surface that is configured to serve as the speaker diaphragm. The holder may further include a snap assembly, a groove, a compression ring, and a compliant member, the snap assembly coupling the first element to the second element to secure the wireless locatable tag within the recess, the snap assembly including a convex component having a protrusion component, a concave component defining an opening that is configured to receive the protrusion component; the groove being defined in one of the convex component or the concave component; the compression ring being positioned within the groove and being configured to hold the convex component to the concave component; the compliant member being positioned within the groove and providing a biasing force on the compression ring. The groove may be defined in a protrusion member of the convex component, and the compression ring may be configured to engage an inclined surface of the concave component.

[0079] The groove may be defined in the concave component of the snap assembly, and the compression ring may be configured to engage an inclined surface along a protruding member of the convex component. The compliant member may be positioned along an inner wall of the groove, and the compliant member may be configured to generate an inward biasing force on the compression ring toward the inclined surface of the protruding member. The inward biasing force maintains alignment of a central axis of the compression ring with a central axis of the snap assembly. The compliant member may be positioned along a sidewall of the groove, and the biasing force may be a lateral biasing force that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the snap assembly. The concave component may define a first outer surface of the snap assembly, the protruding member may extend through the concave component and define a second outer surface of the snap assembly, and the second outer surface may be flush with the first outer surface.

[0080] An accessory for an electronic device, the accessory may include an attachment feature, a first element, a second element, and a snap assembly. The attachment feature is configured to attach the accessory to an article. The first element and the second element together define a first opening configured to receive the electronic device. The snap assembly couples the first element to the second element to close the first opening. The snap assembly may include a convex component, a concave component, and a compression ring. The convex component has a protruding member that defines a groove. The concave component defines an opening configured to receive the protruding member. The compression ring is positioned in the groove and is configured to hold the convex component to the concave component, wherein the convex component is configured to apply a biasing force on the compression ring. The convex component may further include a compliant member positioned in the groove, and the compliant member may provide a biasing force on the compression ring. The protruding member may be formed of a stamped metal sheet member, and the convex component further includes an end cap that is insert molded over an end of the stamped metal sheet member.

[0081] The compression ring may be an open-segment wire ring formed in a partial spiral shape, and the groove of the protruding member may define a pair of opposing sidewalls that apply a biasing force to the open-segment wire ring. The open-segment wire ring may define a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the open-segment wire ring may define a central axis. The open-segment wire may have a wire diameter, and the first end may be offset from the second end by a distance within a range of 15% to 30% of the wire diameter along a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0082] The first element may define a first inner groove and a first outer groove, the convex component may define a first inner flange at least partially positioned in the first inner groove and a first outer flange at least partially positioned in the first outer groove, the second element may define a second inner groove portion and a second outer groove portion, and the concave component may define a second inner flange at least partially positioned in the second inner groove portion and a second outer flange at least partially positioned in the second outer groove portion. The first inner surface of the first element may be configured to contact the second inner surface of the second element when the convex component engages the concave component. The first inner flange of the convex component may include engagement features extending into the lower surface of the first inner groove portion.

[0083] A holder for a wireless locatable tag, the holder including an attachment member, a pocket portion, and a snap component, the attachment member being configured to attach the holder to an article; the pocket portion being configured to hold the wireless locatable tag, the pocket portion defining a pocket opening configured to receive the wireless locatable tag; the snap component being configured to close the opening. The snap component includes a convex component, a concave component, a groove, and a compression ring, the convex component having a protrusion member; the concave component defining a recess configured to receive the protrusion member; the groove being positioned around the opening; the compression ring being positioned in the groove and configured to hold the convex component to the concave component, wherein the concave component is configured to apply a biasing force on the compression ring. The concave component may define a first outer surface, and the protrusion member may define a second outer surface flush with the first outer surface.

[0084] The compression ring may be an open-segment wire ring formed in a partial spiral shape, and the groove of the concave component may define a pair of opposing sidewalls that apply a biasing force to the open-segment wire ring.

[0085] The concave component may further include a compliant member positioned in the groove and providing a biasing force on the compression ring, the compliant member being positioned along the inner wall of the groove, and the biasing force biasing the compression ring inwardly toward the protrusion member of the convex component. The compliant member may be formed of a foam material.

[0086] The present invention provides a posture monitoring system for monitoring a user's body posture. The posture monitoring system includes a wireless locatable tag array, which includes a first wireless locatable tag and a first wireless circuit, a second wireless locatable tag and a second wireless circuit, and a third wireless locatable tag and a third wireless circuit. The first wireless locatable tag is configured to be positioned along a first shoulder region of the user and has a first battery; the first wireless circuit is configured to transmit a first positioning signal; the second wireless locatable tag is configured to be positioned along a second shoulder region of the user and has a second battery; the second wireless circuit is configured to transmit a second positioning signal; the third wireless locatable tag is configured to be positioned along a back region of the user and has a third battery; the third wireless circuit is configured to transmit a third positioning signal. The posture monitoring system further includes a portable electronic device, which includes a processing unit and a wireless circuit. The wireless circuit is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to receive the first positioning signal, the second positioning signal, and the third positioning signal. The processing unit can be configured to determine characteristics of the user's body posture based on the first positioning signal, the second positioning signal, and the third positioning signal.

[0087] The characteristics of the body positioning may include one or more of the following: torsion, bending, or tilting of the user's back. The first wireless locatable tag in the wireless locatable tag array may further include a housing, an antenna frame, and an electromagnetic coil. The housing has an upper housing component defining an upper surface of the corresponding wireless locatable tag and a lower housing component coupled to the upper housing component. The lower housing component is removable to allow access to the corresponding battery; the antenna frame is positioned below the upper housing component and has an antenna of the first wireless circuit; the electromagnetic coil is positioned between the upper housing component and the antenna frame, and the electromagnetic coil is configured to move the upper housing component to generate an audio output.

[0088] The portable electronic device may be a mobile phone. The first positioning signal may include first position data, the first position data including a first distance from the first wireless locatable tag to the mobile phone. The second positioning signal may include second position data, the second position data including a second distance from the second wireless locatable tag to the mobile phone. And the third positioning signal may include third position data, the third position data including a third distance from the third wireless locatable tag to the mobile phone. The first position data, the second position data, and the third position data may be monitored over a series of time intervals, and a processing unit of the mobile phone may be configured to determine an activity type based on one or more of the first position data, the second position data, or the third position data monitored over the series of time intervals. The processing unit may be configured to identify a movement motion, and the processing unit may be further configured to count the number of repetitions of the movement motion. The processing unit may be configured to use the first position data, the second position data, and the third position data to determine one or more of the upper back tilt, the lower back tilt, or the lower back bend.

[0089] The third wireless locatable tag may be configured to be positioned along a middle back region of the user, and the posture monitoring system may further include a fourth wireless locatable tag configured to be positioned along a waist region of the user, the waist region being below the third wireless locatable tag. The processing unit may be configured to use the first wireless locatable tag, the second wireless locatable tag, the third wireless locatable tag, and the fourth wireless locatable tag to determine one or more of the following: upper back twist, lower back twist, hip twist, or lower back tilt.

[0090] A computer-implemented method for monitoring a user's body positioning, the method including determining a first position using a first wireless signal of a first wireless locatable tag positioned along a first region of the user's back, the first wireless locatable tag having a first wireless circuit configured to transmit the first wireless signal, determining a second position using a second wireless signal of a second wireless locatable tag positioned along a second region of the user's back, the second wireless locatable tag having a second wireless circuit configured to transmit the second wireless signal, determining a third position using a third wireless signal of a third wireless locatable tag positioned along a third region of the user's back, the third wireless locatable tag having a third wireless circuit configured to transmit the third wireless signal, and determining a characteristic of the user's body positioning based on the first wireless signal, the second wireless signal, and the third wireless signal.

[0091] The method may further include receiving, at an electronic device, the first wireless signal, the second wireless signal, and the third wireless signal from the first wireless locatable tag, the second wireless locatable tag, and the third wireless locatable tag, respectively, and using the electronic device to determine: a first distance from the electronic device to the first wireless locatable tag, a second distance from the electronic device to the second wireless locatable tag, and a third distance from the electronic device to the third wireless locatable tag. The first distance, the second distance, and the third distance may be used by the electronic device to determine characteristics of the body positioning. The method may further include determining whether the user is moving or in a static position, and in response to determining that the user is in a static position, recording the characteristics of the body positioning. The characteristics of the body positioning may include one or more of the following: torsion, bending, or tilting of the user's back. The characteristics of the body positioning may include one or more of upper back tilt, lower back tilt, or lower back bend. The first region of the user's back may correspond to the user's left shoulder region, the second region of the user's back may correspond to the user's right shoulder region, the first wireless locatable tag may further include a first magnetometer that generates a first orientation output, the second wireless locatable tag may further include a second magnetometer that generates a second orientation output, and the method may further include determining shoulder torsion based on the first distance, the second distance, the first orientation output, and the second orientation output.

[0092] The first wireless signal, the second wireless signal, and the third wireless signal may be UWB pulse signals, and the computer-implemented method may further include: using the UWB pulse signals to determine a set of positioning measurements over a series of time intervals; and determining an activity type based on the set of positioning measurements. The method may further include calculating an avatar animation based on the set of positioning measurements and causing the avatar animation to be displayed on a display of the electronic device, the avatar animation having movements corresponding to the movements of the user.

[0093] A system for monitoring a user's body positioning, the system including a host device having device wireless circuitry and a set of wireless locatable tags configured along the user's body positioning, each wireless locatable tag in the set of wireless locatable tags including tag wireless circuitry and a battery, the tag wireless circuitry being configured to transmit a wireless signal to the device wireless circuitry and receive the wireless signal from the device wireless circuitry; the battery being operably coupled to the tag wireless circuitry. The system is configured to determine a first distance between a first wireless locatable tag in the set of wireless locatable tags and the electronic device by measuring a transmission duration of a first wireless signal transmitted between the electronic device and the first wireless locatable tag, use the first distance to calculate a positioning of a computer-generated avatar, and cause the computer-generated avatar to be displayed at the calculated positioning.

[0094] The system can also be configured to determine the relative positioning of each wireless locatable tag, compare the relative positioning of each wireless locatable tag with a nominal positioning, and cause a graphical output to be displayed on the host device, the graphical output being at least partially based on a comparison between the relative positioning and the nominal positioning of at least one of the wireless locatable tags.

[0095] The system can also be configured to determine a set of distances for each wireless locatable tag over a series of time intervals and calculate an animation of the computer-generated avatar based on the set of distances. The system can be further configured to cause the animation to be displayed on a display of the host device. The system can also include a display device configured to display the computer-generated avatar in the computed positioning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and wherein:

[0097] Figure 1 An exemplary system for locating wireless locatable tags is shown;

[0098] Figures 2A - 2C An exemplary public key-private key encryption scheme for locating wireless locatable tags is shown;

[0099] Figures 2D to 2F An exemplary positioning process of a wireless locatable tag is shown;

[0100] Figure 3A A top view of an exemplary wireless locatable tag is shown;

[0101] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A a side view of an exemplary locatable tag;

[0102] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A an exploded view of an exemplary locatable tag;

[0103] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary locatable tag is shown;

[0104] Figure 5A An exemplary wireless locatable tag is shown;

[0105] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A a cross-sectional view of a wireless locatable tag;

[0106] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5A an exploded view of a wireless locatable tag;

[0107] Figure 7 shows a Figure 5A partial cross-sectional view of a wireless locatable tag;

[0108] Figure 8A shows a Figure 5A exemplary antenna assembly of a wireless locatable tag;

[0109] Figure 8B shows another exemplary antenna assembly for a wireless locatable tag;

[0110] Figure 8C shows a Figure 8A partial cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly;

[0111] Figure 8D shows an exemplary housing member having an antenna for a wireless locatable tag;

[0112] Figure 8E shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0113] Figure 8F shows a Figure 8E exemplary housing member of the wireless locatable tag;

[0114] Figure 9 shows a Figure 5A partial exploded view of the wireless locatable tag;

[0115] Figure 10A shows a Figure 5A circuit board of the wireless locatable tag;

[0116] Figures 10B - 10C shows a Figure 5A battery connector of the wireless locatable tag;

[0117] Figure 10D shows a Figure 5A another exemplary battery connector of the wireless locatable tag;

[0118] Figures 11A to 11D shows other exemplary battery connector arrangements for a wireless locatable tag;

[0119] Figure 12A shows a Figure 5A partial exploded view of the wireless locatable tag;

[0120] Figures 12B - 12C shows a Figure 5A operation of the latch member of the wireless locatable tag;

[0121] Figure 13A shows a Figure 5AExemplary compliant member of the wireless locatable tag;

[0122] Figure 13B shows Figure 5A Partial cross-sectional view of the wireless locatable tag;

[0123] Figure 13C Shows another exemplary compliant member for a wireless locatable tag;

[0124] Figures 14A to 16D Shows an exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0125] Figures 17A to 19E Shows another exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0126] Figures 20A to 22D Shows another exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0127] Figures 23A - 23E Shows another exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0128] Figures 24A - 24C Shows another exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0129] Figures 25A - 25C Shows another exemplary mechanism for securing the battery door of a wireless locatable tag;

[0130] Figures 26A - 26B shows Figure 5A Aspects of the exemplary audio system of the wireless locatable tag;

[0131] Figure 27A shows Figure 5A Exploded view of the magnet assembly of the wireless locatable tag;

[0132] Figure 27B shows Figure 5A Partial cross-sectional view of the wireless locatable tag;

[0133] Figures 28A - 28D Shows an exemplary coil configuration for the audio system of a wireless locatable tag;

[0134] Figures 29A - 30 Shows other exemplary audio systems for a wireless locatable tag;

[0135] Figures 31A - 31C Shows an exemplary top housing member for a wireless locatable tag;

[0136] Figures 32A - 32CShows another exemplary top housing member for a wireless locatable tag;

[0137] Figures 33A - 33C Shows another exemplary top housing member for a wireless locatable tag;

[0138] Figures 34A - 34C Shows another exemplary top housing member for a wireless locatable tag;

[0139] Figures 35A - 35E Shows an exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0140] Figures 36A - 36B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag.

[0141] Figures 37A - 37C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0142] Figures 38A - 38C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0143] Figures 39A - 39C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0144] Figures 40A - 40C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0145] Figures 41A - 41C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0146] Figures 42A - 42B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0147] Figures 43A - 43C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0148] Figures 44A - 44C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0149] Figures 45A - 45B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0150] Figures 46A - 46B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0151] Figures 47A - 47C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0152] Figures 48A - 48B Shows Figures 47A - 47C A partial cross-sectional view of the tag;

[0153] Figures 49A - 49B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0154] Figures 50A - 50B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0155] Figures 51A - 51C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0156] Figures 52A - 52C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0157] Figures 53A - 53C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0158] Figures 54A - 54B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0159] Figures 55A - 55B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0160] Figures 56A - 56B Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0161] Figure 57 Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0162] Figures 58A - 58C Shows another exemplary configuration of a wireless locatable tag;

[0163] Figure 59 Shows a rechargeable wireless locatable tag;

[0164] Figure 60 Shows another rechargeable wireless locatable tag;

[0165] Figures 61A - 65B Shows an exemplary mounting base system for a wireless locatable tag;

[0166] Figure 66 Shows another exemplary mounting base system for a wireless locatable tag;

[0167] Figure 67 Shows another exemplary mounting base system for a wireless locatable tag;

[0168] Figure 68 Shows an exemplary contact block for a mounting base system;

[0169] Figures 69A - 69C Shows an exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0170] Figures 69D - 69G Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0171] Figures 70A - 70D Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0172] Figures 71A - 71C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0173] Figures 72A - 72C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0174] Figures 73A - 73B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0175] Figures 74A - 74F Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0176] Figures 75A - 75C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0177] Figures 76A - 76C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0178] Figures 77A - 77B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0179] Figures 78A - 78B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0180] Figures 79A - 79C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0181] Figures 80A - 80C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0182] Figures 81A - 81B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0183] Figures 82A - 82B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0184] Figures 83A - 83B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0185] Figure 84A Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0186] Figure 84B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0187] Figures 85A - 85B Shows an exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0188] Figures 86A - 86D Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0189] Figures 87A - 87C Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0190] Figures 88A - 88B Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0191] Figures 89A - 89B Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0192] Figures 90A - 90B Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0193] Figures 91A - 91B Shows another exemplary spring member for attaching to a wireless locatable tag;

[0194] Figures 92A - 92B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0195] Figure 93 Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0196] Figures 94A - 94B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0197] Figures 95A - 95B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0198] Figures 96A - 96B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0199] Figure 97 Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0200] Figures 98A - 98B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0201] Figures 99A - 99C Shows an exemplary cover for a wireless locatable tag;

[0202] Figures 100A - 100D Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0203] Figures 101A - 101C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0204] Figure 101D Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0205] Figures 102A - 102C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0206] Figures 103A - 103B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0207] Figures 104A - 104D Shows the tag attached to the tag holder Figures 103A - 103B of;

[0208] Figures 105A - 105B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0209] Figures 105C - 105D Shows the tag attached to the tag holder Figures 105A - 105B of;

[0210] Figures 106A - 106B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag attached to a tag holder;

[0211] Figures 107A - 107B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0212] Figures 108A - 108B Shows the tag attached to the tag holder Figures 107A - 107B of;

[0213] Figures 109A - 109D Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag and an associated tag holder;

[0214] Figures 110A - 110B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0215] Figures 111A - 111B Shows the tag attached to the tag holder Figures 110A - 110B of;

[0216] Figures 112A - 112B Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag;

[0217] Figures 113A - 113B Shows the tag attached to a tag holder Figures 112A - 112B of the tag;

[0218] Figure 114A Shows an exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0219] Figure 114B Shows the holder attached to the tag Figure 114A of the holder;

[0220] Figures 115A - 115C Shows an exemplary wireless locatable tag and an associated tag holder;

[0221] Figure 115D Shows another exemplary wireless locatable tag and an associated tag holder;

[0222] Figures 116A - 116B Shows another exemplary wireless locatable tag and an associated tag holder;

[0223] Figures 117A - 117C Shows another exemplary wireless locatable tag and an associated tag holder;

[0224] Figures 118A - 118C Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0225] Figures 119A - 119B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0226] Figures 120A - 120B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0227] Figures 121A - 121B Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0228] Figure 122 Shows another exemplary tag holder for holding a wireless locatable tag;

[0229] Figures 123A - 125B Shows an exemplary clamp for holding a tag with an attachment;

[0230] Figures 126A - 128 Shows an exemplary ring for holding a tag with an attachment;

[0231] Figures 129A - 129C Shows an attachment for a wireless locatable tag;

[0232] Figures 130A - 130H Illustrates an exemplary fastener for an attachment of a wireless locatable tag;

[0233] Figures 131A - 131H Illustrates other exemplary fasteners for an attachment of a wireless locatable tag;

[0234] Figures 132A - 132C Illustrates other exemplary fasteners for an attachment of a wireless locatable tag;

[0235] Figures 133A - 133B Illustrates another exemplary fastener for an attachment of a wireless locatable tag;

[0236] Figures 134A - 134C Illustrates an exemplary wireless tag or wireless module integrated with an attachment of a device;

[0237] Figures 135A - 135C Illustrates another exemplary wireless tag or wireless module integrated with an attachment of a device;

[0238] Figures 136A - 136C Illustrates an exemplary posture monitoring system having an array of wireless tags;

[0239] Figures 137A - 137B Illustrates a wireless tag positioned along a user's shoulder for monitoring the user's posture;

[0240] Figures 138A - 138B Illustrates an alternative posture monitoring system having an array of wireless tags;

[0241] Figure 139 Illustrates an exemplary process for monitoring a user's posture using an array of wireless tags;

[0242] Figure 140 Illustrates an electronic device for locating a wireless locatable tag in an exemplary environment;

[0243] Figures 141A - 141B Illustrates an electronic device for locating a wireless locatable tag in another exemplary environment;

[0244] Figure 142 Illustrates a wireless locatable tag attached to a user's body for monitoring movement or location of the user's body;

[0245] Figure 143 Illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device; and

[0246] Figure 144 Illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless locatable tag. Detailed Description

[0247] Reference will now be made specifically to representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. Instead, it is intended to cover alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0248] Embodiments herein generally relate to devices that can be physically and / or geographically located using wireless communication systems and techniques, such as small battery-powered tags, discs, or other objects having convenient sizes and shapes. For example, the tag may include an antenna that transmits a wireless signal or beacon that can be detected by another electronic device such as a smart phone. Using the detected wireless signal (and using positioning techniques such as time of flight, received signal strength indication, triangulation, etc.), the smart phone is able to determine the location of the tag relative to the smart phone and also determine the absolute location of the tag using the absolute position of the smart phone relative to GPS. Embodiments herein also relate to an overall network environment that includes the tag, smart phone, computer, and other devices (or is defined by the tag, smart phone, computer, and other devices), and the overall network environment facilitates the location of the tag as well as many other features and functions.

[0249] Knowing the location of the tag enables a wide range of location-based use cases. For example, the tag can be used to track the location of portable objects such as a set of physical keys, handbag, backpack, clothing item, or other suitable object or personal asset item. Thus, if the portable object is lost or misplaced, the user may be able to use his or her smart phone, tablet, or other suitable device to find the object. The tag can also be used to trigger some action on a computing device (e.g., a smart phone) when the device is within a particular proximity and / or orientation relative to the tag. For example, the tag can be located in the lobby of a building such that when an individual enters the lobby, their smart phone can detect that it is within a threshold distance of the tag, which in turn causes a map of the building to automatically be displayed on the smart phone. It is worth noting that the devices and techniques described herein allow for the determination of distance, location, positioning, and / or orientation with high accuracy. For example, a smart phone can determine the location of the tag accurate to within three feet and even determine to within one foot or less.

[0250] As described herein, a tag for tracking a physical object can be a small, easily formable device that can be attached to an object (such as keys, a handbag, or a wallet) to assist an owner in finding a lost, misplaced, or stolen object. The tag can be characterized by a robust structural design that ensures reliable use in various conditions and environments. For example, the tag can be waterproof or at least splash-proof and may be able to withstand impacts, drop events, or other common traumas caused by the normal use of the tag. In part, the durability of the tag can be facilitated by the absence of some types of components such as a glass cover, a display, openings in the housing, external moving parts, etc.

[0251] The tag can include a battery, a sensor, a wireless communication system, and one or more output devices that can produce audible and / or tactile outputs. The positioning function can be provided by the wireless communication system, and specifically, by the tag sending a wireless signal to other devices (such as a smartphone, a tablet, etc.) that analyze the wireless signal to determine the distance, location, positioning, and / or orientation of the tag with high accuracy. As used herein, positioning refers to determining one or more spatial parameters of a tag or other wirelessly locatable device. Spatial parameters include parameters that define an object in terms of its distance, location, positioning, and / or orientation in absolute space or relative to another object. For example, spatial parameters can include parameters such as the distance between objects, a specific geographical location (such as latitude and longitude coordinates), a unit vector pointing from one object to another, the orientation of an object in three-dimensional space (also known as angular positioning or pose), etc.

[0252] The output device of the tag can also help a user find a lost tag by emitting sound and / or tactile outputs. The tag can also include an input device that allows a user to control or change the operation of the tag. In addition, the tag can also have a shape and form factor that allows the tag to be easily attached to a user (or attached to a tag holder or accessory).

[0253] As described herein, the tag can operate in any of a variety of modes. For example, in a normal operation mode, the tag can conserve power and establish transient or intermittent communication with one or more other devices (such as by sending a wireless beacon signal). The communication can be used to confirm location and can exchange some information about the status or location of the tag. In this way, the tag can essentially periodically update other devices (such as a user's smartphone) with its location and / or status. In some cases, the intermittent communication from the tag can be one-way communication, such as sending a wireless signal for other devices to receive but not receiving any information from that other device.

[0254] The tag can also operate in a lost mode. The lost mode can be triggered in response to an unexpected communication loss between the tag and one or more other devices (e.g., the user's smart phone), and the lost mode can indicate that the tag is no longer in the possession of the individual or in proximity to the user. The lost mode can also be triggered by the user, who reports the tag as lost to a host system or service. As described herein, when the tag is in the lost mode, the tag can be adapted to use a third-party device (e.g., a device of an individual other than the tag owner) to forward information back to the user. When a third-party device is used to forward information between the tag and the user, the communication can use secure and / or encrypted communication to help ensure the privacy and security of the user.

[0255] In some cases, a third-party device transiently located near the tag can operate as a mesh network or an ad-hoc network to forward information back to the user. The information sent to the user or, in other words, made available to the user can include encrypted data that includes an estimated location of one or more of the tag and / or the third-party device. The secure communication can be decrypted by the user in a manner that maintains the anonymity of the various third-party devices while also allowing the user to use the location data generated by the third-party devices to locate the tag.

[0256] While the foregoing examples have primarily described tags that communicate with a smart phone to allow the smart phone to determine the location of the tag, this is merely an exemplary use case. More generally, the location, positioning, orientation, or other spatial parameters of a tag may be determined by any device configured to communicate with the tag. Exemplary devices include smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, wireless routers, desktop computing devices, home automation systems, and the like. In some cases, an environment such as a user's home may include multiple devices of these types, and each device may communicate with the tag and determine the location of the tag and / or maintain a record of the tag location (or other spatial parameters such as orientation). Additionally, as described herein, these devices may also update a server or other database with the location of the tag. This can improve the ability to locate lost tags because a user may be able to determine the location of the tag by querying the server or database, even if the user is not within range of the tag. For example, if a user leaves her keys at home, the desktop computer in the user's home may have periodically communicated with the tag attached to the keys (or otherwise received a signal from the tag) and updated the server with the location of the tag. Thus, the user may simply request the current location of the tag from the server, even if she is far away and unable to directly communicate with the tag and her smart phone. Additional exemplary use cases and device details are described herein. Outside of the user's home environment, other devices not associated with the user (e.g., another person's smart phone) may communicate with the tag (or otherwise receive a signal from the tag) to securely and anonymously update the server with the location of the tag. For example, outside of the user's home environment, there may be thousands or even millions of devices capable of securely and anonymously reporting the location of the tag. Any one of these numerous devices that is close enough to the tag to receive a signal or communicate with the tag (e.g., via Bluetooth) may securely and anonymously update the server with the location of the tag. In this way, a large number of devices that can communicate with or receive a signal from a tag form a robust multi-redundant device location relay network that can continuously (and privately) monitor and update the locations of many individual tags.

[0257] Figure 1 An exemplary system that can be used to physically and / or geographically locate tag 100 is shown. The system may be facilitated in part by a cloud-based service or other host service with which multiple devices communicate to report and receive location information about other devices in the system. The operational link between the devices (e.g., wireless locatable tags, phones, laptops, tablets, wireless headphones, etc.) and the cloud-based service may allow the system to provide robust positioning of the devices within the system. For example, the devices in the system may register with the cloud-based service to allow the device to communicate with the cloud-based service to report and receive location data for the tag and other devices in the system. SinceFigure 1 the communication and cooperation among various devices to determine the locations of tags and devices, Figure 1 The system shown herein may be defined and / or referred to as a device location relay network.

[0258] Because the device location relay network helps to determine the location of user devices, it is of utmost importance to maintain the security and privacy of that user location and other information. Accordingly, encryption and anonymization schemes may be used to protect the data and prevent devices or individuals unauthorized to access the location data from accessing the location data. In this way, the location information may be securely processed by the device location relay network without exposing the location data or other potentially sensitive or private data associated with the various devices in the network. For example, a device such as a smart phone may execute software that facilitates sending encrypted location reports to a cloud-based service and receiving the encrypted location reports from the cloud-based service, and allows the user to see the locations of other devices in the network (if they are authorized to do so). The cloud-based service may also facilitate the transfer of encryption keys (e.g., public keys) among the various devices to allow the users of those devices to securely share their (or their devices') locations without the risk of unauthorized users (including the cloud service itself) accessing the location information of the user devices.

[0259] Returning to Figure 1 , tag 100 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with device 102 (e.g., mobile phone, laptop computer, desktop computer, wireless access point, digital assistant) when the tag is physically proximate to those devices (e.g., within the range of a wireless communication protocol such as ultra-wideband or Bluetooth). Device 102 may determine the location (and / or other spatial parameters) of tag 100 and display and / or report the location (and / or other spatial parameters) of the tag to a remote service.

[0260] One or more of the devices 102 may be associated with the owner of the tag. For example, one or more of the devices 102 may be the tag owner's phone, digital assistant, laptop or desktop computer, tablet computer, etc. In such cases, the devices 102 associated with the same user or owner as the tag 100 may directly display the location of the tag 100 to the user. In other cases, such as when the tag 100 (or the object to which the tag is attached) is lost or misplaced in the user's home, the device 102 may be or include other devices that the user does not own or control. For example, such devices may include any device that receives a signal from the tag or establishes some form of wireless communication with the tag, and may also communicate with the server 104 (or any device associated with a network-accessible service) to report an encrypted anonymized report that includes the location of the tag. Such devices may include the phones, tablet computers, watches, or laptop computers of individuals who have no relation to the owner of the tag. As used herein, the "owner" of a tag refers to an individual or entity that controls, manages, supervises, operates, leases, holds, or otherwise exercises authority over the tag, and is not necessarily limited to an individual who has legal ownership of the tag.

[0261] The tag itself may not be able to directly communicate with the server 104 to report its location, and in fact, it may not even know its location because it may lack GPS or other systems for independently determining its own absolute location. However, the devices that communicate with the tag 100 are able to communicate with the server 104 to report the location of the tag 100. For example, devices such as phones, computers, and tablet computers may communicate with the tag or otherwise detect the presence of the tag, and those devices may anonymously report the location of the tag (and optionally the identifier of the tag and any other information, such as time) to the server 104 (e.g., via the network 101). In addition to the devices 102 that report the location of the tag, the devices 102 themselves may also act as tags and report their own locations to the server 104, and may also report the locations of other devices 102 to the server 104.

[0262] Although Figure 1 several devices 102 and a single tag 100 are shown, the figure may represent only a small part of a significantly larger network of tags and devices. In fact, due to the prevalence of mobile phones, tablet computers, etc., the entire device location relay network may be a dense, ad-hoc, or mesh network that can be used to track the locations of many tags and devices. For example, in an urban environment, there may be thousands or even millions of devices that are able to securely and anonymously report the location and / or positioning of tags. In this way, the devices and tags form a robust multi-redundant device location relay network that can continuously (and privately) monitor and update the locations of a very large number of devices.

[0263] In some cases, the devices use their own location as an estimated location of the tag. For example, if the device can connect to the tag via Bluetooth, it can be assumed that the tag is within about 30 feet (or another distance depending on the parameters of the Bluetooth communication) of the device. Thus, for example, the device can report the location of the tag as an area centered on the user's device and having a radius corresponding to the estimated range of the wireless communication protocol used to communicate with the tag. In other cases, the device can more precisely determine or estimate the location of the tag. For example, the device can use time of flight (TOF), angle of arrival (AOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), received signal strength indication (RSSI), triangulation, synthetic aperture, and / or any other suitable technique to determine the location of the tag relative to the user device. These positioning techniques can use ultra-wideband signals from the tag, which can allow the device to locate the tag with high accuracy (e.g., within one foot of the actual location of the tag). Relative to Figures 2D - 2E Techniques for determining spatial parameters of a tag such as the distance between the tag and another device, the positioning of the tag relative to another device, the location of the tag, and the orientation of the tag are described in more detail.

[0264] Location reports sent from a device that detects the presence of a tag can be encrypted using a public key-private key encryption scheme (e.g., as Figures 2A - 2C shown) to ensure that only the owner of the tag can ultimately see the location of the tag. For example, if the tag is lost, even if the device is not associated with the owner of the tag, a device that happens to be near the tag can detect the tag and receive the public key from the tag ( Figure 2B ). The device that detects the tag can query server 104 to determine whether the particular tag has been reported lost. If so (or if the tag and / or device are configured to send encrypted location reports even if the device has not been reported lost), the device can determine the location of the tag, encrypt the location of the tag (and optionally other information) using the public key, and submit the encrypted location report to server 104 ( Figure 2B ). The device can also send information to the tag, such as a message indicating that the tag has been reported lost. This can cause the tag to change one or more aspects of its operation or trigger one of multiple operating modes. For example, upon detecting that the tag has been reported lost, the tag can change the frequency of its beacon (described below), change the message associated with its near-field wireless communication antenna, enter a power-saving mode, or change some other function or operation of the tag.

[0265] The owner of the lost tag can use the public key to query server 104 for any location reports encrypted with the public key (e.g., via network 103, which can be the same network as network 101 or a different network). If there is a location report associated with the public key, the owner can receive the encrypted location report and use the private key to decrypt the location report to determine the location (or estimated location) of the tag ( Figure 2C ). The owner can then travel to that location and attempt to locate the tag and any object to which the tag is attached or associated (e.g., a backpack, laptop, coat, handbag, etc.).

[0266] The tag can communicate with nearby devices by sending periodic wireless beacon signals. The wireless beacon signals, which can be transmitted using the Bluetooth communication protocol, the ultra-wideband communication protocol, or any other suitable protocol, can be detected by any device that monitors the protocol (e.g., receives communications via the protocol). The wireless beacon signal (also simply referred to herein as the "beacon signal" or "beacon") can be transmitted at any suitable frequency, and the particular frequency can depend at least in part on the mode of the tag. For example, when the tag is in an initialization mode or a pairing mode, the beacon can be transmitted at a first frequency; when the tag is in a lost mode (e.g., it has been reported to the device location relay network as lost and that status has been provided to the tag), the beacon can be transmitted at a second frequency; and when the tag is in a normal or non-lost mode, the beacon can be transmitted at a third frequency. In some cases, the first frequency is greater than the second frequency, and the second frequency is greater than the third frequency. In other cases, the first frequency and the second frequency are substantially equal but greater than the third frequency. As a specific example, the first frequency can be one beacon signal per second (or more frequently), the second frequency can be between one beacon signal per minute and one beacon signal per second, and the third frequency can be one beacon signal per minute (or less frequently). As used herein, the beacon signal can correspond to an advertisement packet of a suitable communication protocol, or any other suitable wireless data transmission packet or signal.

[0267] The beacon can include the public key of the tag and optionally other information, such as a tag identifier, a last reported location, the time since the last direct connection to another device, etc. In some cases, the beacon and the optional additional information are sent to other devices using separate communication channels, protocols, etc. For example, the tag can use ultra-wideband radio to send the beacon signal and send other information such as the public key via Bluetooth. Of course, other assignments of information types to different communication channels or protocols are also possible.

[0268] The wireless beacon signal can be configured such that the device sends a location report to a remote server. For example, the tag can transmit the wireless beacon signal to an external device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer. The tag can also transmit a public encryption key to the device. The public encryption key can be included in the beacon signal or provided to the device from the tag via a different message or communication protocol. In response to receiving the beacon signal, the device can determine the location of the wireless module at least in part based on the wireless beacon signal (using positioning techniques such as those described herein). The device can use the public encryption key to prepare an encrypted location report that includes the location of the wireless module and wirelessly transmit the encrypted location report to a remote server (e.g., server 104). In this way, the tag can cause location reports to be continuously generated such that the accurate and up-to-date location of the tag is available to the owner of the tag.

[0269] The public-private key encryption scheme can include other techniques that help anonymize the tag and prevent efforts to track an individual or object. For example, the key pair can be iterated according to an algorithm such that the tag does not always have the same public key (thus reducing the ability to track the tag by its public key). Alternatively or in addition, the tag can store multiple public keys that can all be decrypted by the same private key, and it can periodically change to a new public key among the multiple public keys.

[0270] As described above, the tag can also include various systems that allow it to be more easily located when near the owner (e.g., within a wireless communication range that allows the tag to communicate with another device, such as 300 feet, 100 feet, 30 feet). For example, the tag can include a speaker or other audible output system. The owner of the tag can wirelessly command the tag (e.g., via Bluetooth and / or ultra-wideband protocol) to produce an audible output that the owner can then use to find the tag. As another example, the tag can include ultra-wideband (UWB) radio components, and the owner's device can also include one or more UWB radio components. The owner's device may be able to use the UWB positioning signal transmitted by the tag to estimate the location and / or position of the tag and / or guide the owner to the tag. For example, a user interface on the owner's device can display an arrow or other indicator that points the user to the location of the tag. The arrow or other indicator can be a real-time view that is continuously updated based on the location of the tag relative to the device and the orientation of the device relative to the tag. The following Figures 140 - 141B shows an exemplary user interface that visually guides the user to the tag.

[0271] Even if the tag is not lost, the device location relay network can be used to provide other location services. For example, the location report of the tag can be provided by a device near the tag, even when the tag is not lost. For example, in a user's home, the user's computer, phone, digital assistant, or any other suitable device can periodically provide a location report of the user's tag to server 104. Such reports can be used to allow the user to track the location of their objects over time, identify patterns or habits, etc. Similar location information and / or location reports can also be provided for other devices associated with the user (e.g., the user's laptop, phone, etc.). In this way, the locations of many of the user's devices can be accessed by the user.

[0272] The positioning of the user's devices such as phones, laptops, etc. can be achieved in various ways. For example, the tag can simply be connected to such devices, thus using the positioning function of the tag to track the location of the device to which it is connected. Alternatively or in addition, the device can include built-in hardware that provides the same or similar functions as the tags described herein. Thus, even without an attached external tag, a lost laptop, for example, can use the same or a similar system and utilize the device location relay network to allow the laptop to be located in the same manner as the tags described herein. Exemplary devices that can include components of the tags described herein and / or provide the functions of the tags described herein (but do not have the same physical structure as the tag) include, but are not limited to, laptops, desktop computers, phones (e.g., mobile phones, conventional cordless phones), tablets, watches, headphones, wearable electronic devices, computer storage devices (e.g., USB drives, portable hard drives, memory cards, etc.), cameras, remote controls, toys, wireless car keys / key chains, watches, flashlights, first aid equipment (e.g., automated external defibrillators), cars, motorcycles, smart home devices, head-mounted displays, and computer peripherals (e.g., mice, touchpads, keyboards).

[0273] The tag can also be configured to interact with devices such as mobile phones to cause those devices to take certain actions. For example, the tag can send instructions, requests, or other suitable communications to the device, and in response to receiving the instructions, requests, or communications, the device can take actions such as displaying a message on an associated display, sending an encrypted location report, etc.

[0274] Tags can trigger various types of actions by a remote device, and various types of conditions or events can cause these actions to be triggered. In some cases, determining that a tag is within a threshold distance of a device causes the device to take a certain action. For example, the tag and / or the device (e.g., a mobile phone) can cooperate to determine the distance between the tag and the device, as described herein. If the distance meets the threshold (e.g., if the device is within the threshold distance of the tag), the tag can cause the device to take an action. The specific action for the device to take can be specified by the tag. For example, in response to determining that the distance threshold is met, the tag can instruct the device to display a graphical object on the device's screen. As another example, in response to determining that the distance threshold is met, the tag can instruct the device to send or forward a message to another device or system. Specifically, the tag can instruct the device to send a location report to a server (e.g., server 104), or cause a message to be sent to the owner of the tag (e.g., a message indicating that the tag has been found and / or providing the location of the tag). The tag can also cause the device to take other kinds of actions, as described herein.

[0275] Instructions sent from a tag to a device can be executed by the device, or they can be ignored by the device. For example, the owner of the device can choose to opt in or opt out of some or all instructions originating from the tag. Other settings, user preferences, or other criteria can also be used to determine whether the device will respond to any action or take any action based on instructions received from the tag. In this way, users can choose the extent to which their devices respond to instructions from various tags. In some cases, users can choose to opt out of all tag-related communications.

[0276] In the case where the tag triggers a graphical object to be displayed on the screen of the device, the tag can send the content of the graphical object to the device via one of the available wireless communication systems of the tag. More specifically, the tag can store the message in its built-in memory, and when a condition or event is met (e.g., the tag and the device are within a threshold distance), the tag can send the message to the device. When receiving the message from the tag, the device can display the message on the screen of the device. As a specific example, for a tag associated with an object such as a suitcase, the tag can store a request "You are near my suitcase - please return it to the airport lost and found for a reward." The tag can also instruct the device to prompt the user of the device to take a photo of the lost item (or estimate the location of the tag), and request permission from the user of the device to send the photo to the owner of the tag (e.g., via the device location relay network). The tag can also send instructions to the device to cause the device to display the location of the item or display options for initiating an augmented reality application to assist the user of the device in locating the lost item. Another example, for a tag associated with a more static type of object such as a painting in a museum, the tag can store (and send to the device when appropriate) the message "You are near the Mona Lisa - click here to point to the world's most famous painting." The specific content of the message can be customized by the owner or operator of the tag.

[0277] In other cases, the content of the message can be stored on the device, and the tag can send an identifier of the message to be displayed on the device. For example, the device can store a "Lost Item" message that says "You are near a lost item - please report to the nearest lost and found", and the tag can send an instruction indicating that the device should display the "Lost Item" message. The device can store multiple messages, and these instructions from the tag can include the unique identifier of the message to be displayed.

[0278] The tag can be configured to trigger actions on a remote device based on various different conditions or events. In the above example, the tag causes the device to take actions (e.g., display graphical information, send a location report) based on the device being within a specific proximity of the tag. Other exemplary conditions or events include, for example, a device at a certain distance from the tag, the tag moving from a stationary position, the battery level of the tag, etc.

[0279] In addition, the specific actions or events triggered by the tag on other devices, and the conditions that cause those actions to be triggered, may depend on the operating mode or the status of the tag. For example, tags in the "not lost" state or condition may not cause nearby devices to display any information (although they may cause nearby devices to send encrypted location reports). Thus, in response to determining that the tag is in a first mode (e.g., "not lost" mode), the tag may not cause an external device to display a message (and may cause the external device to send an encrypted location report). However, if the tag transitions to a "lost" state or mode, the tag may attempt to trigger nearby devices to display a specific message (sent by the tag) to assist in returning the tag. Thus, in response to determining that the tag is in a second mode (e.g., "lost" mode), the tag may cause the external device to display a message and / or perform other possible actions, as described above. Alternatively or in addition, when the tag is in the lost mode, it may more frequently instruct the remote device to send location reports.

[0280] The tag may also be configured to trigger actions only on a subset of the devices within its wireless range. For example, the tag may trigger actions only on devices within a certain distance threshold, which may be less than the wireless range of the tag. In this way, the tag may only indicate actions on a selected few devices that are close enough to the tag to be helpful. As another example, the tag may be limited to a certain number of actions within a given time window. More specifically, the tag may be limited to causing a "lost" message to appear on one device per minute. As another example, the tag may be configured to trigger events only on certain types of devices or devices with a certain privilege. More specifically, the tag may be configured to trigger a "lost" message to appear only on devices that are verifiably controlled by a trusted source (e.g., a police car, an airport employee, a friend or parent of the tag owner, etc.). In some operating modes, the tag may be configured to trigger certain actions (e.g., broadcasts) on all devices with which the tag can communicate.

[0281] The owner or operator of the tag can precisely select what actions the tag should trigger on nearby devices and the specific conditions that will cause the tag to trigger such actions. The owner or operator can also bind certain actions and conditions to specific modes of the tag (e.g., "lost" mode, "not lost" mode, "lost but do not broadcast location or status" mode, "low battery" mode). Thus, the tag can be highly customized by the owner of the tag, allowing the tag to perform a variety of possible functions and interact with other devices in various user-selectable ways.

[0282] Due to the sensitive nature of the user's location information, the present instant system may use sophisticated encryption and privacy schemes to ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot track the location of another person's assets. Figures 2A - 2CAn exemplary public-private key encryption system is shown that can be used to ensure the privacy of a user's location data in an environment where a device location relay network is used. As Figure 2A shown, the tag 100 and the user's smartphone 106 can perform an initialization process in which a public-private key pair is generated or otherwise accessed or obtained. The public key 200 (represented as a lock) can be shared with the tag 100, and the user's smartphone 106 can store the private key 202.

[0283] Moving on Figure 2B to, and as described above, when the tag 100 is deployed to track the location of an object (e.g., the user's key), the tag 100 can communicate with other devices 102 to allow the other devices 102 to send encrypted location reports to the server 104. More specifically, when the tag 100 and another device 102 are close enough to communicate wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth and / or UWB), the tag 100 can transmit the public key 200 to the nearby device 102. As Figure 2B shown, three devices 102-1, device 102-2, and device 102-3 can be close enough to the tag to communicate with the tag 100 (e.g., because the people carrying them are walking or moving near the tag 100). When device 102-1 communicates with the tag 100, the tag 100 can provide the public key 200 to device 102-1. Device 102-1 can use its own location (e.g., from GPS on device 102-1) and optionally one or more positioning techniques to determine the location of the tag 100 relative to device 102-1 (e.g., the distance, azimuth, and altitude from device 102-1 to the tag 100) to determine or estimate the location of the tag 100. Then, device 102-1 uses the public key 200 to encrypt the location of the tag 100, optionally along with other information (e.g., tag identifier, time, etc.), into an encrypted location report 204-1. The encrypted location report 204-1 is then provided to the server 104 via the network 101. Devices 102-2 and 102-3 (and now Figure 2B shown additional devices) can similarly use the public key 200 received from the tag 100 to encrypt location reports 204-2, encrypted location report 204-3, and send them to the server 104. (If the tag 100 is located in a location where wireless communication service is not available, the device 102 can store the encrypted location reports and upload them to the server 104 once the service becomes available.)

[0284] Since the location report 204 is encrypted using the public key 200 of the public-private key pair, only the individual or device having the private key 202 can decrypt the location report 204, thus helping to maintain the security and privacy of the location of the user's assets. Additionally, the device 102 can be configured to perform the reporting function without alerting the user of the device 102 that it is occurring. Thus, the device 102 of a person walking past the lost object can send a location report of the lost object without the owner of the lost object knowing that the lost object is nearby. Additionally, although the device 102 may be described herein as not being associated with the owner of the tag 100, the same encryption and location reporting techniques can be used even if some or all of the devices in the device 102 are owned or controlled by the owner of the tag 100. For example, Figure 2B may represent the user's home environment, and the device 102 may be a device in the user's home. For example, the device 102-1 can be the user's desktop computer, the device 102-2 can be a home automation system, and the device 102-3 can be a laptop computer. These devices can transmit the encrypted location report 204 to the server 104 so that the user can access the report to find a lost object in his or her home (or perform other location-based functions).

[0285] Figure 2C Illustrates how an authorized device (e.g., device 106) can access the location of the tag 100 from the encrypted location report 204. Specifically, the device 106 can query the server 104 for the location report of the tag 100 automatically upon the user's command or based on a triggering event or periodic update. The query can include sending the public key 200 from the device 106 to the server 104. It is noted that the public key 200 may not be able to decrypt the location report, but can be used to identify which location reports are encrypted using the public key 200.

[0286] In response to the query from the device 106, and optionally after authenticating that the device 106 is authorized to receive the location report, the server 104 provides the encrypted location report 204 to the device 106. The device can then use the private key 202 to decrypt the location report 204 and read the reported location of the tag 100 (e.g., Location A, Location B, Location C). The device 106 can display the reported location on a map and can provide directions from the user's current location to the reported location. Additionally, if and when the device 106 is within the range of a wireless communication protocol such as UWB, the device 106 can display directions indicating an interface that directs the user directly to the tag 100 (e.g., using direction indicator arrows overlaid on an image of the real-world environment). An exemplary direction indicator interface is described herein.

[0287] Other techniques may also be used to facilitate user access to location reports from server 104. For example, in some cases, device 106 may request and / or receive encrypted information from server 104, which may include encrypted location report 204, as well as other encrypted location reports (e.g., of other tags) or other encrypted information. It is noted that the user will not be able to decrypt a location report or information that was not originally encrypted using the user's public key, so any encrypted location report that cannot be decrypted by the user's private key remains encrypted and may be discarded by device 106. In the case where device 106 receives only more data than its location report 204, device 106 and / or server 104 may select the specific information to send to device 106 in various ways. For example, server 104 may send all encrypted location reports stored thereon, and any encrypted location report that was not encrypted using public key 200 may be discarded by device 106. In other cases, server 104 selects a subset of its encrypted location reports to send to device 106. For example, the subset may correspond to location reports created within a certain time window (e.g., server 104 may send all encrypted location reports sent within 1 hour of the last direct peer-to-peer communication between tag 100 and device 106), or the subset may correspond to location reports created within certain geographic regions associated with the location reports (e.g., server 104 may send all encrypted location reports created in the state or city where tag 100 last had direct peer-to-peer communication with device 106). Other criteria or combinations of criteria are also conceivable.

[0288] As described herein, the positioning of a wireless locatable tag may include the tag sending a signal to another device (e.g., a smart phone), thereby allowing the other device to determine the spatial parameters of the tag. The spatial parameters may include distance, orientation, positioning, and / or location.

[0289] As used herein, "distance" may refer to a measurement of how far apart two points (e.g., an electronic device, other object, reference point, etc.) are, and may refer to the length of the shortest possible path through the space between the two points.

[0290] As used herein, the term "orientation" may refer to the attitude or angular position of an electronic device relative to another electronic device, other point of interest, or reference frame. The orientation may be specified in terms of rotations about one or more axes required to rotate from the current placement to a reference placement. Exemplary measures of orientation may include Euler angles, Tait-Bryan angles (e.g., yaw, pitch, and roll), orientation vectors, orientation matrices, etc.

[0291] As used herein, the "position" or "relative position" of an electronic device may refer to the positional relationship of the electronic device relative to another device, object, or reference point, and may be expressed as a distance between two objects in combination with a direction vector indicating the direction from one object to another object.

[0292] As used herein, "position" may refer to a geographical point at which an electronic device, another object, or a point of interest is located, such as a point on the Earth's surface or elsewhere, and may be specified according to a geographical coordinate system (e.g., latitude and longitude) or according to its position relative to another geographical point or point of interest.

[0293] Broadly, wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) transmitted between two or more electronic devices may be analyzed to determine spatial parameters. As used herein, "spatial parameters" may refer to information regarding the placement of an electronic device in the space it occupies. The spatial parameters of an electronic device may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the distance between the electronic device and a point of interest (e.g., another device, object, reference point, etc.), the orientation of the electronic device, and the position of the electronic device. As used herein, "localization" may refer to determining one or more spatial parameters of an electronic device.

[0294] The wireless signals used to determine the spatial parameters of an electronic device may include ultra-wideband (UWB) signals. As used herein, "UWB signal" may refer to a signal transmitted over a substantial portion of the radio spectrum (e.g., having a bandwidth greater than 500 MHz or greater than 20% of the center carrier frequency). Performing localization using UWB signals may be referred to herein as "UWB localization".

[0295] An electronic device such as a wireless locatable tag described herein (or other devices incorporating the functionality of the tag described herein) may be configured as a transmitting device, a receiving device, or both, the transmitting device being configured to transmit UWB signals; the receiving device being configured to detect UWB signals. Each device may include one or more antennas for transmitting and / or detecting UWB signals. The UWB signals transmitted by the transmitting device propagate from the transmitting device in all directions or in one or more directions, and the transmitted signals may be detected by one or more receiving devices. The UWB signals used to determine the spatial parameters of an electronic device may be transmitted as pulses. As used herein, "pulse" may refer to a rapid instantaneous change in the amplitude of a signal from a baseline value to a higher or lower value, followed by a rapid return to that baseline value.

[0296] Go to Figure 2D, as described above, UWB signals (which may also be referred to herein as beacon signals) can be used to determine the distance between two electronic devices. Specifically, UWB signals can be used to determine the distance between a receiving device (e.g., a smart phone) and a transmitting device 210 (e.g., the tag 100 as described herein). As described above, the distance between the receiving device and the transmitting device can refer to a measurement of how far apart the receiving device and the transmitting device are from each other, and can refer to the length of the shortest possible path through the space between the receiving device and the transmitting device.

[0297] The receiving device 206a (or a device operably coupled to the receiving device) can analyze the UWB signal pulses detected by the antenna 208 of the receiving device 206a to determine the distance D between the receiving device 206a and the transmitting device 210 that transmitted the UWB signal pulses. Specifically, the receiving device 206a can determine the time of flight (TOF) of the UWB signal pulse and multiply the TOF by the propagation speed of the signal pulse (e.g., the speed of light) to determine or estimate the distance D between the transmitting device 210 and the receiving device 206a. As used herein, the UWB signal pulse can be a beacon signal or a part of a beacon signal.

[0298] The TOF can be determined by calculating the difference between the time of transmission (i.e., the time the signal was transmitted) and the time the signal was detected (also referred to as the time of arrival (TOA)). The time of transmission can be included in the detected UWB signal pulse, sent as part of a separate transmission, or be known due to a previous synchronization process performed between the transmitting device 210 and the receiving device 206a.

[0299] Using UWB signals to determine distance can provide many advantages, including improved accuracy in determining the TOA and / or TOF. For example, UWB signals can have a shorter wavelength than other signals, which can reduce the time range in which the signal can be detected. This reduces the error in determining the TOA and TOF, resulting in a more accurate distance estimate.

[0300] A single signal can be detected by multiple receiving devices and / or multiple antennas of a single receiving device, and the signal can be used as described above to determine the distance between the transmitting device 210 and each receiving device or antenna. Additionally, multiple signals from different transmitting devices can be detected by a single receiving device, and the signals can be used as described above to determine the distance between the receiving device and each transmitting device.

[0301] As described above, UWB signals can be used to determine the orientation of an electronic device relative to a point of interest (e.g., an electronic device, an object, a reference point, etc.). Turning to Figure 2E, the UWB signal can be used to determine the orientation of the receiving device 206b (such as a smart phone) relative to the transmitting device 210 (such as the tag 100). As used herein, the term "orientation" may refer to the attitude or angular position of an electronic device relative to another electronic device, other point of interest, or reference frame. The orientation can be specified according to the rotation around one or more axes required to rotate from the current placement to the reference placement. Exemplary measures of orientation can include Euler angles, Tait-Bryan angles (e.g., yaw, pitch, and roll), orientation vectors, orientation matrices, etc. The orientation of an electronic device relative to a point of interest can also be considered relative to the direction from the electronic device to the point of interest.

[0302] The receiving device 206b (or a device operatively coupled to the receiving device) can analyze the UWB signal pulses detected by multiple antennas of the receiving device 206b to determine the orientation of the receiving device 206b relative to the transmitting device 210 (such as the tag 100) that transmitted the UWB signal pulse. As described above, the receiving device can include multiple antennas. As an example, as Figure 2E shown, the receiving device 206b can include three or more antennas (e.g., antenna 208a, antenna 208b, antenna 208c) positioned on or within the receiving device 206b. The receiving device 206b can determine the distances d1, d2, d3 between each antenna and the transmitting device 210, as described above. The differences between the distances d1, d2, d3 can indicate the orientation of the receiving device 206b relative to the transmitting device. Using the determined distances d1, d2, d3 between these antennas and the known spacing distances s1, s2, s3, a vector V extending from the receiving device 206b to the transmitting device 210 can be determined. The vector V can be represented according to the distance between the receiving device 206 and the transmitting device 210 and the direction of the vector V relative to a reference vector of the receiving device 206b (e.g., a vector perpendicular to the plane shared by the three antennas or any other vector fixed relative to the three antennas). The direction of the vector V can describe the orientation of the receiving device 206a relative to the transmitting device 210.

[0303] In some cases, the orientation of the receiving device 206b relative to the transmitting device 210 (or vice versa) can be determined independently of determining the distances d1, d2, and d3. The receiving device 206b can determine the direction from the receiving device 206b to the transmitting device 210 (or from the transmitting device 210 to the receiving device 206b) by determining the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the same UWB signal pulse at three independent antennas 208a, 208b, and 208c of the receiving device 206b. The TDOA of the UWB signal pulse can be determined as the pairwise time difference between the time of arrival of the signal at the first antenna (e.g., antenna 208a) and the time of arrival of the signal at the second antenna (e.g., antenna 208b). One or more pairwise time differences can be determined and used to determine the direction from the receiving device 206b to the transmitting device 210, which, as described above, can describe the orientation of the receiving device 206b relative to the transmitting device 210. Other methods for determining direction and orientation can also be used, including triangulation, phase difference (PDOA), and hybrid TDOA / PDOA methods.

[0304] The distance between the receiving device 206b and the transmitting device 210 and the relative orientation of the receiving device 206b can define the position of the receiving device 206b relative to the transmitting device 210. As used herein, the "position" or "relative position" of an electronic device can refer to the positional relationship of the electronic device relative to another device, object, or reference point, and can be represented as the distance between two objects, combined with a direction vector indicating the direction from one object to the other (e.g., the distance between the receiving device 206b and the transmitting device 210, and a direction vector indicating the direction from the receiving device 206b to the transmitting device 210). For example, Figure 2E the vector V of can represent the relative position of the transmitting device 210 and the receiving device 206b.

[0305] In various embodiments, the information about an electronic device determined using UWB positioning (e.g., the spatial parameters discussed above) can be combined with other information from various sources to determine spatial parameters. The electronic device can include and / or be operatively coupled to one or more sensors or devices for determining spatial parameters or data that can be used to determine spatial parameters. Examples of sensors and devices include magnetometers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, optical sensors, cameras, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and the like.

[0306] As an example, an electronic device (such as a smart phone) may include a GPS receiver or be operatively coupled to a GPS receiver that is configured to determine the location of the electronic device. As described above, as used herein, "location" may refer to a geographical point where the electronic device is located, such as a point on the Earth's surface or elsewhere, and may be specified according to a geographical coordinate system (e.g., latitude and longitude) or according to a location relative to another geographical point or point of interest. As discussed above, UWB positioning may be used to determine the location of a transmitting device (such as a tag) relative to a receiving device. By using the location of the receiving device determined by GPS and the location of the transmitting device relative to the receiving device determined by UWB positioning, the location of the transmitting device may be determined.

[0307] As another example, an electronic device may include or be operatively coupled to a magnetometer or an accelerometer that may be used to determine the orientation of the electronic device relative to the Earth. For example, a magnetometer may be used to determine the orientation of the electronic device relative to magnetic north or another known magnetic flux source. Similarly, an accelerometer may be used to determine the orientation of the electronic device relative to the direction of gravitational acceleration (e.g., inward relative to the Earth's surface). UWB positioning as described above may be used to determine the direction from the receiving device to the transmitting device relative to the receiving device. The direction from the receiving device to the transmitting device relative to the Earth or another known point of interest may be determined by combining the orientation of the electronic device relative to the Earth determined using a magnetometer or an accelerometer with the direction from the receiving device to the transmitting device relative to the receiving device determined using UWB positioning.

[0308] In some cases, the same antenna is used for transmitting and detecting UWB signals. In some cases, the antenna used for transmitting UWB signals is different from the antenna used for detecting UWB signals. The antenna may be operatively coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, processing units, etc. that may be used to generate the transmitted signal and / or process the detected signal.

[0309] The location of the transmitting device 210 may also be determined by the receiving device 206c by determining the distance between the receiving device 206c and the transmitting device 210 when the receiving device 206c is located at a plurality of different locations. This process triangulates the location of the transmitting device 210 without using multiple on-board antennas and TDOA analysis of the pulses from the transmitting device 210. Figure 2F Illustrated is how this technique (which may be referred to as "synthetic aperture") may be used to determine the location of the transmitting device 210.

[0310] As described above, the transmitting device 210 may transmit pulses (e.g., UWB signal pulses) that can be detected by the antenna 208d, and the receiving device 206c may analyze the pulses (e.g., using TOF) to determine the distance from the receiving device 206c to the transmitting device 210. As Figure 2F shown, to determine the location of the transmitting device, when the receiving device 206c is at multiple locations (e.g., location L1, location L2, and location L3), the receiving device 206c may determine multiple distances (e.g., distance d4, distance d5, and distance d6) to the transmitting device 210. Since the locations of the receiving device 206c at location L1, location L2, and location L3 are known (determined by on-board GPS, accelerometers, and / or other positioning systems), and the distances between the receiving device 206c and the transmitting device 210 are also known, the receiving device 206c may use triangulation to determine the location L4 of the transmitting device 210. Additionally, using on-board magnetometers, accelerometers, and / or other systems, the receiving device 206c may determine its orientation relative to the determined location of the transmitting device 210. The orientation of the receiving device 206c relative to the transmitting device 210, along with the location of the transmitting device 210, provides a complete complement of the spatial parameters of the transmitting device 210 to facilitate the functions described herein.

[0311] Reference Figure 2F to the process described in, once the receiving device 206c determines at least three distance measurements between the receiving device 206c and the transmitting device 210, the location of the transmitting device can be determined. In some cases, once the positioning of the transmitting device 210 is established using at least three distance measurements, the receiving device 206c may perform more distance measurements at additional locations of the receiving device 206c. These subsequent measurements can be used to refine and / or update the determined location of the transmitting device 210, or otherwise improve the accuracy of the location determination.

[0312] As described above, the wireless locatable tag may take the form of a small device that can be easily attached to objects such as keys, backpacks, wallets, etc. Broadly speaking, the tag may have a small size (e.g., having a diameter of less than about 3 inches, less than about 2 inches, less than about 1 inch), the tag is rugged, waterproof (e.g., IP66, IP67, or IP68, according to international approved protection standards), and portable. The tag may also have acoustic and tactile output systems, and optionally an input system (e.g., snap-like input). The tag may also include a battery that can be easily and conveniently replaced and that can be sealed to prevent water, dust, and other contaminants from entering.

[0313] Figures 3A - 3CAn exemplary wireless locatable tag 300 in accordance with the ideas described herein is shown. The tag 300 may be an embodiment of the tag 100 and may include any or all of the components and may provide any or all of the functionality of the tag 100 (or any other wireless locatable tag or device described herein). For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0314] Figure 3A A top view of the tag 300 is shown, Figure 3B is shown Figure 3A a side view of the tag 300, and Figure 3C a side exploded view of the tag 300 is shown. As Figure 3C shown, the tag 300 may include a body portion 302, a removable bottom housing member 304, and a removable and / or replaceable battery 306. The bottom housing member 304 (which may also be referred to as a battery door or battery cover) may be removed by pressing on the bottom housing member 304 and twisting it relative to the body portion 302 to disengage one or more latches, clamps, arms, or other mechanisms that hold the bottom housing member 304 to the body portion 302. Various configurations of the housing member and engagement mechanisms may be used to allow access to the battery cavity of the tag 300 such that the battery may be removed and replaced while also ensuring that the battery cavity remains securely fixed and sealed to prevent debris, water, or other contaminants from entering. Additional exemplary configurations for securing the housing member are described herein. The top housing member and the bottom housing member may together define (or at least partially define) the housing (which may also be referred to as the casing) of the tag.

[0315] The tag 300 may also define a housing gap 301 that facilitates directly attaching and securing the tag 300 to other objects such as backpacks, purses, and wallets, and / or to dedicated accessories adapted to receive the tag 300. The housing gap 301 may be a gap or passage defined between the body portion 302 and the bottom housing member (battery door) 304. The housing gap 301 may extend around the entire circumference of the tag 300, or it may only partially extend around the tag 300. In cases where the tag has a shape other than a circular shape (such as a square shape), those tags may have a housing gap that is similar in appearance and / or function to the housing gap 301 to facilitate attachment to an accessory. A housing gap may also be formed between housing members other than the body portion and the bottom housing member, as described herein. In some cases, the housing gap may be defined by a single housing member (e.g., a groove or recess formed into the body portion). Accessories for attaching to the tag and for attaching the tag to other objects may include, for example, straps, keychains, tethers, belts, luggage tags, etc. Some exemplary accessories are described herein with respect to Figures 69A - 128 ...

[0316] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wireless locatable tag 400 is shown. The tag 400 may be an embodiment of the tag 100 or the tag 300, and may include any or all of the components, and may provide any or all of the functions of the tag 100 (or any other wireless locatable tag or device described herein). The following is with respect to Figure 144 Examples of various hardware elements that may be included in the tag 400 are described. For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0317] The tag 400 includes a top housing member 402, an audio system 404, an antenna assembly 406, a circuit board 408, a frame member 410, a battery 416, and a bottom housing member 412 (which may also be referred to as a battery door). The top housing member 402, the audio system 404, the antenna assembly 406, the circuit board 408, and the frame member 410 may all be part of or define a body portion, such as the body portion 302 ( Figures 3A - 3C ).

[0318] The top housing member 402 may define a top outer surface of the tag 400 and an inner surface opposite the top outer surface. The top housing member 402 may also define some or all of the side outer surfaces of the tag 400, where the side outer surfaces extend around the perimeter of the top outer surface (as shown in more detail with respect to Figures 3A - 3B ). The bottom housing member 412 (which may also operate as a battery door and is referred to as a battery door) may define a bottom outer surface of the tag 400. As shown, the bottom housing member 412 also defines a portion of the outer side surface. The top housing member 402 and the bottom housing member 412 may be joined to each other to define substantially the entire outer surface of the tag 400, and may define a substantially waterproof seal between the top housing member 402 and the bottom housing member 412. The top housing member 402 and the bottom housing member 412 may also define the internal volume of the tag 400.

[0319] The audio system 404 may be configured to produce an audio output that can be used to assist a user in locating the tag 400. For example, when a user attempts to locate a lost tag 400 (and thus locate any object attached to or associated with the lost tag), the user may use a smart phone to wirelessly command the tag 400 to produce an audible sound, such as a beep or other audible tone (e.g., a constant tone, a song, etc.). The user may then attempt to find the tag 400 by listening for the audible sound. The audio system 404 may be any suitable component or system for producing sound, such as a voice coil speaker, a piezoelectric speaker, etc. Exemplary audio systems are described herein.

[0320] In some cases, the audio system 404 generates an audio output by moving a portion of the top housing member 402, such as the diaphragm or cone of a speaker. For example, the audio system 404 or a portion thereof may be attached to the inner surface of the top housing member 402 to directly apply a force to the top housing member 402 that causes the top housing member 402 to flex, deform, or otherwise move to generate an audio output. To facilitate movement of the top housing member 402, the top housing member 402 may have a movable area or portion that is not fixed to the label 400 or otherwise secured. The movable area may be configured to allow or facilitate an audio output in the range of about 100 Hz to about 10,000 Hz. The audio system 404 may also be configured to generate a haptic or tactile output by moving the movable area of the top housing member 402. More specifically, because the audio system 404 can move the top housing member 402 to generate audio, the audio system 404 can be operated to generate a haptic or tactile output that a user can feel with his or her hand or other body part. In some cases, the haptic or tactile response may be different from the audible output, although the haptic output may also be an audible output, and the audible output may be accompanied by a vibration that can be detected haptically.

[0321] The antenna assembly 406 of the label 400 may have one or more antennas attached to or otherwise integrated with the antenna frame of the antenna assembly 406. For example, the antenna assembly 406 may include separate (and / or shared) antennas for near-field wireless communication protocols (e.g., ISO / IEC 14443, ISO / IEC 18092, ISO / IEC 21481), UWB protocol, Bluetooth (e.g., IEEE 802.15), WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), cellular protocols, etc. In some cases, some or all of the antennas are integral with the antenna frame of the antenna assembly 406 (e.g., a single monolithic antenna frame component). For example, the antenna may be embedded molded with the material of the antenna frame of the antenna assembly 406 such that the antenna is at least partially embedded in the material of the antenna frame. In other cases, laser direct structuring and / or application of antenna material (e.g., metal) may be used, whereby a laser beam is directed onto the material of the antenna frame to form an area, which is then metallized using plating (e.g., electroplating) or other deposition operations. Other techniques for attaching or forming the antenna to the antenna assembly 406 may also be used. The antenna frame of the antenna assembly 406 may be formed of or include a glass fiber reinforced polymer or any other suitable material.

[0322] The circuit board 408 may include a substrate and may include a processor, a memory, and other circuit elements that generally perform the electrical and / or computing functions of the tag 400. The circuit board 408 may also include conductors and / or electrical interconnects that electrically couple the various electronic components of the tag 400. The circuit board 408 may also include or be coupled to a battery connector that contacts a battery or other power source for the tag 400. The circuit board 408 may be attached to the antenna assembly 406 and / or the frame member 410 of the tag 400.

[0323] The frame member 410 may serve as a support structure to which other components of the tag 400 are attached. For example, the top housing member 402, the antenna assembly 406, the audio system 404, the circuit board 408, and the bottom housing member 412 may all be secured to the frame member 410. Thus, the loads applied to the device via these components may be fully or partially transferred to the frame member 410. The frame member 410 may also define a battery recess that is configured to receive, support, and align the battery 416 within the housing of the tag 400. The frame member 410 may be formed of or include a tough rigid material such as a polymer, a fiber-reinforced polymer, a metal, a ceramic, etc.

[0324] Figure 4 The specific configuration, location, shape, and integration details of the components in represent one exemplary embodiment of the tag. It should be understood that other embodiments of the tag may have configurations, locations, shapes, and integration details different from Figure 4 those shown, while still providing the same or similar functionality as the tag 400.

[0325] Figure 5A An exemplary wireless locatable tag 500 is shown, and Figure 5B a cross-sectional view of the tag 500 taken along line A-A in Figure 5A is shown. The tag 500 may be an embodiment of the tag 100 and may include any or all of the components and may provide any or all of the functions of the tag 100 (or any other wireless locatable tag or device described herein). Examples of the various hardware elements that may be included in the tag 500 are described below with respect to Figure 144 For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0326] As Figure 5B shown, the tag 500 includes a top housing member 502 (also referred to herein as an upper housing member) and a bottom housing member 516 (also referred to herein as a lower housing member), which together may form at least a portion of the housing of the tag. As described herein, the top housing member 502 and the bottom housing member 516 may enclose or house the components of the tag 500.

[0327] The top housing member 502 may define the top outer surface 501 of the tag 500. The top outer surface 501 of the tag 500 may be an unbroken seamless surface. For example, the entirety of the top outer surface 501 of the tag 500 may be defined by a single integral piece of material (continuously by a display, buttons, openings, additional housing components, etc.). Thus, the top housing member 502 may define the entirety of the top outer surface of the tag 500 and may be defined by a one-piece structure (e.g., a one-piece or single-piece polymer structure). The top housing member 502 may also define a peripheral sidewall 519 that defines the peripheral side surface of the tag 500.

[0328] In addition, as described herein, a portion of the top housing member 502 that defines the top outer surface 501 may be used as a diaphragm of an audio system that produces audible and / or tactile outputs. For example, the audio system may move a portion of the top housing member 502 such that the moving portion of the top housing member 502 produces a pressure wave corresponding to the audible output. As described above, the movement of the top housing member 502 may also be used to produce a tactile output.

[0329] In some cases, substantially the entire exterior of the tag 500 may be defined by two components (the top housing member 502 and the bottom housing member 516). In such cases, the tag 500 may lack feature structures such as a display (and associated housing components such as a transparent cover), speaker / microphone openings, buttons, lenses, light sources, etc. Although some tag embodiments may include such components, embodiments that lack them may have better environmental sealing and energy efficiency compared to devices that include such feature structures or components, may be less expensive to manufacture, and may be simpler to use.

[0330] The top outer surface 501 may also define some or all of the side outer surface 503 that extends peripherally around the top outer surface 501. The side outer surface 503 may have any suitable shape or profile, such as a continuously curved profile (in cross-section) or a curved portion. Figures 5A - 5B An embodiment is shown in which at least a portion of the top outer surface 501 is curved (e.g., the portion near the edge where the top outer surface 501 intersects the side outer surface 503). Figures 5A - 5B An embodiment is shown in which the side outer surface 503 has a cross-sectional shape with flat sides. The bottom housing member 516 may define the bottom outer surface 505 of the tag 500. The bottom housing member 516 may be removable from the remainder of the tag 500 to facilitate removal and replacement of the battery 514. The bottom housing member 516 may also be referred to as a battery door. The battery 514 may be any suitable type of battery, such as a button cell.

[0331] The tag 500 may also include an antenna assembly 508. The antenna assembly 508 may have one or more antennas attached to or otherwise integrated with the antenna assembly. For example, the antenna assembly 508 may include separate (and / or shared) antennas for near-field wireless communication protocols, UWB protocols, Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular protocols, etc. In some cases, some or all of the antennas are integral with the antenna frame of the antenna assembly. Additional details of the antenna assembly and associated antennas are described herein.

[0332] The antenna assembly 508 can be used as a structural support for at least a portion of the top housing member 502. For example, a support portion 511 of the antenna assembly 508 (which can be considered part of or a surface of the peripheral support flange 523) can contact a portion of the inner surface of the top housing member 502. In some cases, the support portion 511 of the antenna assembly 508 can be attached to the bottom or inner surface of the top housing member 502 using adhesives, fasteners, mechanical features, or any other suitable mechanism. In other cases, the support portion 511 contacts but does not bond to the top housing member 502. The support portion 511 can extend completely around the antenna assembly 508, thereby defining a continuous annular support portion 511 that defines the uppermost (e.g., top) surface of the antenna assembly 508. In other specific embodiments, the support portion 511 can include multiple discontinuous portions that extend from the antenna assembly 508 to contact the top housing member 502.

[0333] At least a portion of the top housing member 502 can be spaced apart from the antenna assembly 508 by a gap (such as gap 509). The gap 509 can be partially defined by the support portion 511. More specifically, the gap 509 can be at least partially defined by a portion of the antenna assembly 508 that is recessed relative to the top surface of the support portion 511.

[0334] The gap 509 can allow that portion of the top housing member 502 to move to produce tactile and audio outputs without the antenna assembly 508 interfering with the audible or tactile outputs. In some cases, the size of the gap is greater than the maximum target flexure of the top housing member 502 during audible and / or tactile outputs. Thus, for example, if the tag 500 is configured to produce audio and / or tactile outputs with specific characteristics (e.g., maximum or target amplitude, volume, frequency, or other properties), the size of the gap 509 can be selected to be greater than the flexure of the top housing member 502 caused by those audible and / or tactile outputs. In some cases, the maximum size of the gap 509 (e.g., the distance between the topmost surface of the antenna assembly 508 and the bottom surface of the top housing member 502) can be less than or equal to about 500 microns, 400 microns, 300 microns, 200 microns, 100 microns, 50 microns.

[0335] The antenna assembly 508 can also serve as a structural support for the tag 500 and the components within the tag 500. More specifically, the antenna assembly 508 can be formed of a material having a specific shape and interacting with other structural components to define the main load-bearing structure of the tag 500. For example, the tag 500 can include components that are sensitive to loads, flexure, movement, vibration, etc. Such components can include the circuit board 510, solder joints that are between the circuit board 510 and other components (such as antennas, battery contacts, speakers and / or audio systems, sensors, haptic actuators, etc.). Such components can be relatively delicate and may not be structurally capable of withstanding the directly applied forces from the normal use of the tag 500 (including, for example, drops, impacts, etc. that may occur during normal use). To protect these components, they can be coupled to and / or protected by the antenna assembly 508 either individually or in combination with other components of the device.

[0336] For example, as Figure 5B shown, the circuit board 510 can be mounted to or otherwise in contact with the antenna assembly 508 and can be mounted such that it does not contact either the top housing member 502 or the bottom housing member 516, thereby isolating the circuit board 510 from directly applied forces via the top housing member 502 or the bottom housing member 516 (e.g., isolating the tag 500 from being dropped, squeezed, impacted, etc.). The circuit board 510 can be mounted to the antenna assembly 508 using adhesives (such as temperature-sensitive adhesives, heat-sensitive adhesives), fasteners, clamps, heat melts, or any other suitable mechanism or technique.

[0337] The antenna assembly 508 (e.g., the peripheral support flange 523 of the antenna assembly 508) contacts the frame member 512 at the interface 521 and defines a recessed area or cavity on one side of the antenna assembly 508 in which the circuit board 510 can be positioned. The peripheral support flange 523 can at least partially surround the outer perimeter of the circuit board 510, as Figure 5B shown. The recessed area or cavity of the antenna assembly 508 (which can surround or at least be defined in part by the peripheral support flange 523) can be referred to herein as the circuit board cavity.

[0338] The peripheral support flange 523 defines a load path from the antenna assembly 508 to the frame member 512 through the interface 521. In this way, the forces applied to the tag 500 through the antenna assembly 508 and the frame member 512 can be directed without being applied to the circuit board 510. More generally, the antenna assembly 508 (and in particular, the top wall and the peripheral support flange 523 of the antenna assembly 508) can form a protective support and / or a partial housing around the circuit board 510. As a specific example, if a force is applied to the top outer surface 501 of the tag 500 (e.g., when the bottom outer surface 505 is on a table or other surface), the force can be directed through the top housing member 502, through the antenna assembly 508 (e.g., the peripheral support flange 523), through the frame member 512, and into the bottom housing member 516. In this way, the force can be directed around the circuit board 510 to reduce or eliminate any flexure or deformation of the circuit board 510 or its components or connections. Additionally, the peripheral support flange 523 can be attached to the frame member 512 at the interface 521 (and at other interfaces), thereby defining at least a partially enclosed volume in which the circuit board 510 (and other possible components) is positioned. Such interfaces can be sealed with a sealing member, adhesive, glue, O-ring, or other components, thereby sealing the at least partially enclosed volume along those interfaces.

[0339] Figure 5B An audio system including a coil 504 coupled to the top housing member 502 is also shown. The coil 504 can be positioned near the magnet assembly 506. When a signal is applied to the coil 504 (which is in the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 506), a Lorentz force can be generated, which in turn causes the top housing member 502 to move, oscillate, vibrate, or otherwise produce an audible and optionally tactile output. In some cases, the top housing member 502 locally flexes or deforms to produce an audible and / or tactile output. As described above, an appropriate gap can be provided between the top housing member 502 and the antenna assembly 508 to allow the top housing member 502 to move at a distance and in a manner sufficient to produce the desired audio and / or tactile output. Other types of audio systems can be used instead of Figures 5A - 5B the audio system shown or in addition to the audio system, such as piezoelectric elements, ported speaker modules, etc.

[0340] The label 500 may also include a hard stop 520 or a travel limiting member that restricts the flexure of the top housing member 502. The hard stop 520 may reduce the perception of the flexibility of the top housing member 502 by limiting the distance that the top housing member 502 can move when pressed by a user. Specifically, while movement of the top housing member 502 may be necessary to produce audible and tactile outputs and optionally detect inputs, the flexibility necessary for such outputs and inputs of the top housing member 502 may reduce the physical perception of the quality and structural integrity of the label 500 as a whole. By restricting the distance that the top housing member 502 can move toward the antenna assembly 508 below a threshold, a user may not tactilely perceive the flexibility of the top housing member 502 to the extent that the top housing member 502 is not so restricted. Thus, the maximum distance of the gap between the topmost surface of the hard stop 520 and the bottom surface of the top housing member 502 may be less than or equal to about 500 microns, 400 microns, 300 microns, 200 microns, 100 microns, or 50 microns. This distance may be sufficient to allow the audio system (which includes the coil 504 and the magnet assembly 506 and / or is defined by the coil and the magnet assembly) to produce audible and / or tactile outputs, as well as allow detection of inputs, while also providing the tactile sensation that the top housing member 502 is rigid or substantially immovable.

[0341] In some cases, in addition to serving as an audible and tactile output system, the audio system may also serve as an input system (e.g., a button). For example, flexure of the top housing member 502 (above the coil 504 and the magnet assembly 506) may cause the coil 504 to move in the magnetic field of the magnet assembly 506, resulting in a detectable current flowing in the coil. This may be used to trigger the label 500 to take some action (e.g., enter an initialization mode, stop audio output, enter a "discovery" mode, etc.). In some cases, a separate sensor or switch (e.g., a force sensor, a dome switch) may be used to detect an input to the device. For example, the sensor or switch may detect flexure or deformation of the top housing member 502 caused by a user pressing or squeezing the label. The gap between the hard stop 520 and the bottom surface of the top housing member 502 may be sufficient to facilitate detection of the input force applied to the top housing member 502. In the case of using a dome switch or other type of mechanical or electromechanical switch component (instead of using the audio system as an input system or in addition to using the audio system as an input system), it may be positioned between the top housing member 502 and the underlying frame member, or positioned in any suitable gap that can be sized down by a user to provide an input (between any two components).

[0342] Wireless locatable tags can also use other types of input devices or systems to detect user input. For example, the tag can include an accelerometer or other motion sensing system. In such cases, the user can move or manipulate the tag in certain ways to provide input to the tag, such as shaking the tag, tapping the tag, sliding the tag, etc. The tag can be configured to be responsive to individual instances of such motion (e.g., a single tap or a single shake), or to a particular pattern of motion (e.g., multiple taps within a pre-determined time window, a tap followed by a shake, followed by another tap).

[0343] As another example, the tag can include a movable component or member (not the deformable top housing member described above or in addition to the deformable top housing member described above) that can be manipulated by the user (e.g., pushed, squeezed, pressed) to provide input. For example, the tag can include a mechanical button that can be pressed to provide input. As another example, the battery door can be movable such that the user can press the battery door like a button. The battery door can be biased in the unpressed position by a spring member, and a sensor can determine when the battery door is pressed. The biasing and sensing functions can be provided by any suitable mechanism. For example, a dome switch (e.g., a tactile dome switch) can be used to provide both the biasing and sensing functions to the battery door. In other cases, a spring can be used as the biasing member, and the sensing function can be provided by an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, etc. The biasing force that holds the battery door in the unpressed position can be provided by a compliant member that also biases the battery into the battery cavity of the tag, such as compliant member 518 (described herein).

[0344] The tag can also include a force sensor that detects an input that meets a threshold force when a force applied to the outer surface of the tag is detected. For example, the force sensor can be positioned between two components (e.g., the top housing member and the frame member, the bottom housing member and the battery, etc.), and a squeezing or pressing force applied to the tag can deform the tag and thus deform the force sensor. When the tag detects a threshold level of force, it can register the force as an input to the tag.

[0345] When an input to the tag is detected via the input described herein or any other suitable input mechanism, the tag may perform some action. For example, upon detecting the input, the tag may enter an initialization mode or begin an initialization process. As another example, upon detecting the input, the tag may change from a "lost" operating mode to a "found" operating mode (which may include changing a beacon frequency as described herein, which may cause a message to be sent to a host service to update the status of the tag to "found", etc.). As another example, upon detecting the input, the tag may produce an output that provides some information about the device (e.g., an audible tone or visual output indicating information such as a battery charge status). As another example, upon detecting the input, the tag may produce an audio output (or a graphical output if the tag has a display) that provides instructions on how to proceed if the tag is found (e.g., "Please call the owner at this number" or "Please contact the police"). Other types of actions in response to detecting the input are also contemplated.

[0346] As described above, tag 500 includes circuit board 510. Circuit board 510 may include a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board substrate) to which electronic components are coupled. Exemplary electronic components include, for example, a processor, a memory, sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, optical sensors, microphones, pressure sensors, barometric pressure sensors, etc.), conductive elements (e.g., conductive traces), and the like. A battery connector may be conductively coupled to circuit board 510 and configured to be conductively coupled to a battery of tag 500 to provide power to the electronic components of tag 500.

[0347] The bottom housing member 516 may be removable from the top housing member 502 to facilitate removal and replacement of the battery 514. The bottom housing member 516 may be removably coupled to the tag via a latch or other engagement system that prevents or inhibits unintentional removal of the bottom housing member 516. For example, to ensure that the battery 514 does not inadvertently fall out of tag 500 and is not easily accessible to children, the bottom housing member 516 may require a pressing and twisting motion, as described with respect to Figures 3A to 3C described. Reference is made herein to Figures 12A - 12C and Figures 14A - 25C for various exemplary mechanisms for securing the bottom housing member 516 (also referred to as the battery door) to tag 500. The bottom housing member 516 may be removably coupled to tag 500 by engaging latch features with the top housing member 502, the frame member 512, or any other suitable component of tag 500.

[0348] The tag 500 may also include a compliant member 518 between the bottom housing member 516 and the battery 514 to bias the battery 514 into the battery cavity of the tag 500 and against the battery connector that electrically couples the battery 514 to the electronic components of the tag 500. The compliant member 518 can be or can include a spring (e.g., a leaf spring, a coil spring), a polymer (e.g., a foam or elastomeric pad), or any other suitable compliant member that biases the battery towards the tag 500. The compliant member 518 can also help latch or otherwise bias the bottom housing member 516 in a locked or engaged state (e.g., by forcing the latch member against and / or into engagement with the engagement feature). For example, as described herein, the bottom housing member 516 and the frame member 512 can include complementary engagement features, and the compliant member 518 can bias the engagement features against and / or into engagement with each other in a manner that prevents or restricts removal of the bottom housing member 516 (at least without manipulating the bottom housing member 516 in a particular way).

[0349] Figure 6 A exploded view of the tag 500 is shown, which shows another view of the components of the tag 500 and how they are arranged. As Figure 6 shown, the frame member 512 can include a latch member 600 that engages the antenna assembly 508 to hold the frame member 512 to the antenna assembly 508. In some cases, the latch member 600 is positioned on the antenna assembly 508 and engages the frame member 512. The bottom housing member 516 can also include a latch member 602 that engages the frame member 512 to removably couple the bottom housing member 516 to the frame member 512. Figure 6 The configurations and positions of the latch member 600 and the latch member 602 in are merely examples, and other configurations and positions are also conceivable.

[0350] Figure 7 A detail view of a portion of the wirelessly locatable tag 500 is shown, which corresponds to Figure 5B detail A-A in. Figure 7Shows the interface between the top housing member 502, the bottom housing member 516, and the frame member 512. A first sealing member 702 can seal the joint or interface between the top housing member 502 and the frame member 512. A second sealing member 708 can seal the joint or interface between the bottom housing member 516 and the frame member 512. The first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can be defined by different segments of a single-piece material co-molded or insert-molded onto the frame member 512. In this case, the first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can be connected by a bridging segment extending from the first sealing member 702 to the second sealing member 708. The bridging segment can be positioned in a channel along the inner side of the frame member 512 such that the bridging segment is not exposed along the exterior of the label 500. In other exemplary embodiments, the first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can be separate from each other (e.g., not joined by a bridging segment).

[0351] The first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can form a substantially waterproof seal between the components where they meet. The first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can be formed of or include any suitable material, such as a compliant polymeric material (e.g., an elastomer or foam). As described above, the first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 can be molded against the frame member 512 such that both the first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 are bonded or otherwise attached to the frame member 512. In other cases, the first sealing member 702 and the second sealing member 708 are molded or formed separately from the frame member 512 and then attached to the frame member 512 using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable technique.

[0352] The top housing member 502 and the frame member 512 can be configured to remain attached to each other during normal operation (e.g., they can be non-removably coupled, and separating them from each other can damage the top housing member 502, the frame member 512, or both). Thus, the first seal member 702 does not need to be configured to allow movement between the top housing member 502 and the frame member 512. In contrast, the bottom housing member 516 can be configured to separate from the frame member 512 to provide access to the battery cavity (e.g., for battery replacement). Thus, the second seal member 708 can include a protrusion 706 that is configured to contact and slide along the surface of the bottom housing member 516 when the bottom housing member 516 is attached to and detached from the frame member 512. The protrusion 706 can have a triangular cross-section that tapers or narrows along the length of the protrusion 706 towards the free end. This shape can reduce the amount of force required to compress the second seal member 708 (compared to other shapes, such as a circular cross-section shape), thereby forming a waterproof seal while generating less force on the bottom housing member 516 during attachment and detachment than a seal member of a different shape (e.g., a seal member having a circular cross-section).

[0353] The tag 500 can also include a barometric vent that allows air to enter and exit the tag 500 to allow pressure equalization between the surrounding environment and the internal volume within the tag 500 (and to allow an optional barometric or pressure sensor within the tag 500 to be exposed to the ambient pressure conditions outside the tag 500). The barometric vent can include or be defined by a passageway 704 (or opening) that fluidly couples the exterior or surrounding environment around the tag 500 to the internal volume of the tag 500, and a waterproof breathable membrane 712 to prevent water from entering through the barometric vent while still allowing air to pass through to allow pressure equalization. The breathable membrane 712 can be positioned between the surface of the bottom housing member 516 and the flange portion 714 of the compliant member 518. The flange portion 714 can help hold the membrane 712 in place and prevent it from moving or separating when air or water pressure is applied to the membrane 712. The flange portion 714 can define an opening 710 that is aligned with or otherwise configured to allow air to pass through to facilitate pressure equalization. As shown, the flange portion 714 is an integral part of the compliant member 518 (which can be a one-piece metal member), but in other embodiments, the flange portion 714 can be replaced with another bracket, backing, plate, or other component. The barometric vent can also include other components, such as a screen, additional membrane, fasteners, adhesives, etc.

[0354] The barometric vent fluidly couples the ambient environment of the tag 500 to the battery cavity of the tag 500. The battery cavity may be fluidly coupled to the remainder of the interior volume of the tag 500 such that the barometric vent is sufficient to permit pressure equalization between the ambient environment and the entire (or substantially the entire) interior volume of the tag 500. In some instances, the frame member 512 defines openings for contacts of the battery connector to extend from another region of the interior space into the battery cavity, and these openings may also permit air to flow between the battery cavity and other interior regions of the tag 500. Thus, only one barometric vent may be needed to equalize the pressure throughout the tag 500.

[0355] As described elsewhere herein, the bottom housing member 516 may define a flange or lip 716 that extends circumferentially around the bottom housing member 516 and defines one side of the housing gap 718. (The frame member 512 may define the opposite side of the housing gap 718). The flange or lip 716 and the housing gap 718 may more generally be used to attach the tag 500 to an accessory, e.g., as described herein with respect to Figures 69A - 128 described.

[0356] Figure 8AThe antenna assembly 508 of the tag 500 is shown. The antenna assembly 508 may include one or more antennas 804, 806, 808 embedded or otherwise attached to the antenna frame 802. The antenna frame 802 may be a polymer (e.g., liquid crystal polymer, fiber-reinforced polymer) or any other suitable material, and the antennas 804, 806, 808 may be metal (or another suitable conductive material). In some cases, the antenna assembly 508 may be formed using insert molding techniques. For example, an antenna may be formed and then inserted into a mold, after which the polymer for the antenna frame 802 may be injected into the mold to at least partially encapsulate and interlock (or otherwise hold) the antenna to the antenna frame 802. As another example, the antenna may be an electrically conductive strip or film adhered or otherwise attached to the antenna frame 802. As yet another example, laser direct structuring (LDS) may be used to form the antenna. In an exemplary LDS process, the polymer material of the antenna frame 802 may be doped with a metallic material (or other suitable dopant), and a laser may be applied to the component to form areas where the metallic material or dopant is exposed or otherwise activated. These areas may then be metallized using a plating process, where the plated metal adheres to and / or grows on the laser-treated areas. In this way, the shape of the antenna may be defined by the laser process, and the resulting antenna may be easily plated onto the antenna frame 802 in the desired shape and configuration. In other cases, the antenna may be formed and / or integrated with the antenna frame 802 in other ways. For example, the antenna may be plated onto the antenna frame 802 and attached to the antenna frame 802 using adhesives, fasteners, or any other suitable attachment technique. Additionally, the laser process may remove some of the material of the antenna frame 802, thereby forming grooves (the dimensions of which may be very small) in which the antenna material is deposited or grown. Depositing or growing the material of the antenna in the grooves may cause the antenna to be at least partially embedded in the material of the antenna frame 802.

[0357] The antenna assembly 508 may include any number of antennas. As shown, the antenna assembly 508 includes a near-field wireless communication antenna 804, a UWB antenna 806, and a Bluetooth antenna 808. Each antenna may be tuned to communicate at certain frequencies and / or otherwise comply with applicable communication protocols and / or standards. More generally, the antenna assembly may include multiple antennas, where each antenna is configured to communicate via a different wireless communication protocol. For example, a first antenna may communicate via a first wireless protocol (including by transmitting a wireless signal), a second antenna may communicate via a second wireless protocol (including by transmitting a wireless signal), and a third antenna may communicate via a third wireless protocol (including by transmitting a wireless signal). More or fewer antennas may also be embedded or otherwise attached to the antenna frame.

[0358] The near-field wireless communication antenna 804 can be configured for near-field wireless communication of any suitable type or protocol, including but not limited to the Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocol, the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol, or any other suitable type or protocol. The near-field wireless communication antenna 804 can be a loop antenna and can include a flat coil of conductive material. The coil can include four turns of wire, or any other suitable number of turns of wire.

[0359] In some cases, the near-field wireless communication antenna 804 is configured such that nearby devices display information. For example, a person may (intentionally or unintentionally) bring a phone, watch, tablet, or other device near the tag 500, thereby establishing a communication link between the tag 500 and the person's device. The communication link can cause the person's device to display various types of information or take other actions. For example, the person's device may receive information via the near-field wireless communication antenna 804 stating whether the tag 500 has been reported lost, information on how to handle the tag 500 (or the object to which the tag is attached), information on how to contact the owner of the tag 500, etc. The near-field wireless communication antenna 804 can also be used to initiate an initialization process between the tag 500 and another device. Other information or trigger actions can be transmitted via the near-field wireless communication antenna 804.

[0360] The UWB antenna 806 can be configured to communicate using the ultra-wideband protocol and can be part of the UWB radio system of the tag 500. The UWB antenna 806 can be configured to communicate in a frequency range of approximately 6.25 GHz to approximately 8.25 GHz. The UWB antenna 806 can be configured as an inverted F antenna. The tag 500 can include a feed line 812 and a ground line 810 that are electrically coupled to the UWB antenna 806 to allow the radio circuitry associated with the UWB antenna 806 to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals via the UWB antenna 806. The ground line 810 can be conductively coupled to the electrical ground layer of the tag.

[0361] The dimensions of the UWB antenna 806 and the positions of the feed line 812 and the ground line 810 can determine the tuning of the antenna, such as the frequency range on which the antenna can communicate and the bandwidth of the antenna. The feed line 812 and the ground line 810 can be attached to vias that extend through the antenna frame 802 of the antenna assembly 508 and are conductively coupled to the circuit board 510 to conductively couple the UWB antenna 806 to the radio circuitry on the circuit board 510.

[0362] In some cases, the greater the height of the UWB antenna 806, the greater the corresponding bandwidth. Thus, the height of the UWB antenna 806 can be 90% or greater than the height of the peripheral side surface of the antenna assembly 508. This height can be 95% or greater, 98% or greater, or 100% of the height of the peripheral side surface of the antenna assembly 508. Other heights are also conceivable.

[0363] The Bluetooth antenna 808 can be configured to facilitate communication using a Bluetooth protocol such as Bluetooth Low Energy or any other suitable Bluetooth protocol or standard. The Bluetooth antenna 808 can be configured as an inverted F antenna and can include feed lines and ground lines similar to those described with respect to the UWB antenna 806. (The feed lines and ground lines of the Bluetooth antenna 808 can be connected to the circuit board 510 using vias similar to those described with respect to the UWB antenna 806. The Bluetooth antenna 808 and the UWB antenna 806 can be used for different functions. For example, the Bluetooth antenna 808 can be mainly used to transmit information between the tag and another device (e.g., a smart phone), while the UWB antenna 806 can be mainly used to send a positioning signal to another device. The positioning signal can be used to determine the spatial parameters of the tag. Of course, the antennas 806, 808 can be used for different functions or combinations of functions. For example, the UWB antenna 806 can be used to transmit data or other information or signals to other devices in place of or in addition to the Bluetooth antenna 808.

[0364] The UWB antenna 806 and the Bluetooth antenna 808 can be positioned on the outer circumferential side surface of the antenna assembly 508. This positioning of the antennas helps to maximize the distance between the antennas and the radiation structures of other conductive components within the tag 500. For example, capacitive coupling between the antennas and the conductive components on the circuit board 510, the battery 514, or other metal or conductive objects can adversely affect the operation of the antennas. Thus, positioning the antennas on the outer circumferential side surface of the antenna assembly 508 (which can be circular) maximizes the distance between the antennas and other conductive components, thereby providing excellent antenna performance. Positioning the antennas on the outer circumferential side surface can also position the antennas past the outer periphery of the battery 514, thereby reducing the shielding and / or blocking effect of the battery 514.

[0365] In addition, the UWB antenna 806 and the Bluetooth antenna 808 can be positioned on opposite sides of the antenna frame 802 (e.g., at opposite positions around a substantially circular or cylindrical outer peripheral side surface). This configuration provides the maximum possible distance between these antennas, where both antennas are on the same carrier. This arrangement can help to reduce interference or other detrimental effects that may occur when these antennas are close together.

[0366] In addition, the UWB antenna 806 and the Bluetooth antenna 808 may have different lengths. For example, each antenna may be configured to communicate via different frequencies or frequency bands, and the lengths of these antennas may at least partially define the frequencies at which the antennas communicate. Thus, the UWB antenna 806 may have a different length (e.g., longer or shorter) than the Bluetooth antenna 808.

[0367] The UWB antenna 806 and the Bluetooth antenna 808 may be positioned on opposite sides of the antenna frame 802 (e.g., at opposite positions around a substantially circular or cylindrical outer peripheral side). This configuration provides the maximum possible distance between these antennas, where these antennas are all on the same carrier. Such an arrangement may help to mitigate interference or other harmful effects that may occur when these antennas are close together.

[0368] The antennas 804, 806, 808 may each be conductively coupled to circuitry on the circuit board 510 to facilitate communication via the antennas 804, 806, 808. As used herein, an antenna and the communication circuitry associated with that antenna may be referred to as a radio component.

[0369] Figure 8B Another exemplary antenna assembly 820 is shown that may be used as an alternative form of the antenna assembly 508 described above. The antenna assembly 820 may be the same as or similar to the antenna assembly 508, except that the UWB antenna and the Bluetooth antenna may have different configurations. Thus, the antenna assembly 820 may include an antenna frame 822 and a near - field wireless communication antenna 824, which may be the same as or similar to the corresponding components of the antenna assembly 508.

[0370] The UWB antenna 806 includes a single radiating element, while the UWB antenna 826 may include a first antenna element 828 and a second antenna element 830 that is separately disposed from the first antenna element 828. The feed line 834 and the ground line 832 may be conductively coupled to the first antenna element 828, and the ground line 832 may be conductively coupled to the second antenna element 830 (via a conductor that is at least partially embedded in the antenna frame 822, as shown, or via another conductor). The second antenna element 830 may not be directly conductively coupled to the feed line 834. The second antenna element 830 may act as a parasitic element that may amplify or enhance the effectiveness of the first antenna element 828 and may provide a greater bandwidth than a single - antenna - element configuration.

[0371] The Bluetooth antenna 833 may include the dual - element configuration of the UWB antenna 826, or it may have the same single - radiator configuration as the Bluetooth antenna 808. In all other respects, including the composition of the antenna and the antenna frame, and the techniques used to form the antenna and integrate it with the antenna frame, the antenna assembly 820 may be the same as described above with respect to Figure 8AThe antenna assembly 508 is the same or similar.

[0372] Although Figures 8A - 8B Two exemplary antenna assemblies are shown, but with respect to Figures 8A - 8B Alternatively or in addition to those antenna components described, the antenna may be integrated with the tag in other ways. For example, Figure 8C An exemplary top housing member 840 (which may be an embodiment of the top housing member 502) is shown, wherein antenna 842, antenna 844, and antenna 846 are attached to the inner wall of the top housing member 840. Antenna 842 and antenna 844 may be a UWB antenna and a Bluetooth antenna, respectively, and may be positioned on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the top housing member 840. Antenna 846 may be a near-field wireless communication antenna and may be positioned on the inner surface of the top wall of the top housing member 840. These antennas may be formed using the same techniques and materials described with respect to other antenna assemblies described herein (e.g., direct laser sintering, insert molding, adhering conductors to housing members, etc.). Antenna 842, antenna 844, and antenna 846 may be conductively coupled to circuits on the circuit board 510 using wires, solder joints, through holes, etc.

[0373] Figures 8D - 8E Another exemplary antenna configuration for tag 850 is shown. Specifically, Figure 8D As shown, the tag 850 includes a top housing member 852, which includes a central member 854 that can be formed of a non-conductive material such as a polymer, and conductive elements 856 that define portions of the peripheral wall of the tag 850. The peripheral wall of the tag 850 can also be at least partially defined by non-conductive elements 858 positioned between the conductive elements 856. The conductive elements 856 can be separated from each other by gaps, and the non-conductive elements 858 can be positioned within these gaps. The non-conductive elements 858 can also mechanically secure the conductive elements 856 together by engaging (e.g., interlocking) with the conductive elements 856.

[0374] Figure 8EShows the interior of the top housing member 852, which shows how both the conductive element 856 and the non-conductive element 858 can define a portion of the inner surface of the top housing member 852. As shown, the width of the non-conductive element 858 on the inner side of the top housing member 852 can be greater than the width on the outer side. The increased internal dimension may be caused by the non-conductive element 858 engaging with retention features, undercuts, openings, grooves, threads, or other features of the conductive element 856. The conductive element 856 can be used as the antenna element of the tag 850. The electrical isolation provided by the non-conductive element 858 between the conductive elements 856 can facilitate the tuning of the size and radiation characteristics of the conductive element 856. The conductive element 856 can be conductively coupled to a circuit on the circuit board 510 using wires, solder joints, vias, etc., to allow the conductive element 856 to operate as an antenna.

[0375] As described above, the antenna of the antenna assembly can be conductively (and mechanically) coupled to a circuit board or other electronic component using vias. For example, Figure 8A The illustrated ground wire 810 and feed wire 812 can be partially formed by vias that extend through the antenna frame and are conductively coupled to the circuit board. The vias in the antenna frame can allow the antenna frame to be surface-mounted to the circuit board. More specifically, the vias of the antenna frame can be directly soldered to the circuit board, thereby providing a conductive coupling between the circuit elements (e.g., radio circuits) on the circuit board and the components (e.g., antennas) on the antenna frame, and also providing a mechanical attachment between the antenna frame and the circuit board.

[0376] Figure 8F Shows along Figure 8A the line 8F-8F in Figure 8A a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly 508. Figure 8F Shows an exemplary configuration of vias for conductively and mechanically coupling the circuit board 510 to the antenna assembly 508.

[0377] The antenna frame 822 defines an opening 861 that extends from the top surface of the antenna frame 822 to the bottom surface of the antenna frame 822. The opening 861 can taper from a larger opening size (e.g., diameter) at the top surface 865 to a smaller opening size (e.g., diameter) at the bottom surface 863 of the antenna frame 822. In some cases, the opening 861 can be a frustoconical opening (e.g., an opening defined by a frustoconical wall), where the smaller end of the frustoconical opening is along the bottom surface 863 of the antenna frame 822.

[0378] The surface 867 of the frustoconical opening (e.g., the surface of the frustoconical wall) is coated with a conductive material 862. As described above, the conductive material 862 can be or can include a metal or other conductive material and can be formed using an LDS process. In some cases, the conductive materials of these vias, antennas, and conductive traces (e.g., conductive trace 860) that join these antennas to these vias are all formed using the same LDS operation. For example, the surface of the antenna frame 822 to be metallized (e.g., the surface 862 of antenna 806, trace 860, opening 861) can be laser treated to expose dopants in the antenna frame 822 and / or to form a different surface texture at the location on the antenna frame 822 where metallization will occur. The antenna frame 822 is then plated (e.g., electroplated) or otherwise treated such that the laser-treated areas of the antenna frame 822 are coated with a conductive material (e.g., a metal layer). In this way, a continuous metal layer can define a conductive coating or material on the surfaces of antenna 806, trace 860, and opening 861.

[0379] To conductively couple the antenna to the circuit board, the via can be soldered to the conductive trace 866 of the circuit board 510. This can be achieved by soldering a solder ball 864 in the frustoconical opening 861 of the via, which defines a reliable conductive path from the conductive material 862 to the conductive trace 866.

[0380] Additionally, the tapered configuration of the opening 861 and the mechanical bond between the solder ball 864 and the conductive trace 866 and the solder ball 864, and the conductive material 862 cause the solder ball 864 to mechanically interlock the circuit board 510 with the antenna frame 822. For example, the process of soldering the solder ball 864 to the conductive trace 866 and the conductive material 862 forms a bond (e.g., a metal fusion bond) between those materials, and the resulting tapered shape of the solder ball 864 substantially defines an undercut that captures or catches the narrower end of the opening 861 between the solder ball 864 and the surface of the circuit board 510. This interlocking structure, along with the metal-metal bond, forms a structural attachment between the antenna frame 822 and the circuit board. Additionally, the tapered configuration of the opening 861 results in a favorable stress distribution on the conductive material 862. For example, if the label is subjected to a force that stresses the antenna frame-circuit board interface, the force applied to the conductive material 862 can be primarily a compressive force and / or a shear force rather than a tensile force (where the tensile force corresponds to a force that lifts the conductive material away from the antenna frame 822). Thus, a force (e.g., downward) that tends to pull the circuit board 510 away from the antenna frame 822 causes the conductive material 862 to be compressed between the solder ball 864 and the underlying surface of the antenna frame 822 (which tends to force the conductive material 862 against the underlying surface of the antenna frame 822 rather than pulling the conductive material away from the antenna frame 822).

[0381] Figure 9A partial exploded view showing a portion of an exemplary wireless locatable tag 500 is shown, which shows how a battery connector 900 can conductively couple a battery 514 to the circuitry of the device (e.g., via a circuit board 510). The battery connector 900 can include a plurality of flexible arms (three, as shown), which partially extend through openings 902, 904, and 906 in a frame member 512 to contact the positive and negative terminals of the battery 514. The flexible arms can define the battery contacts of the tag (e.g., conductive members that are conductively coupled to the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery). The battery connector 900 can be mounted on the circuit board 510 and conductively coupled to the circuit board to provide power from the battery 514 to the electronics of the tag 500.

[0382] In some cases, at least a portion of each of the three flexible arms can extend through openings 902, 904 to contact one of the terminals of the battery (e.g., positive terminal 910, which can be or can at least partially be defined by a curved or cylindrical surface of the battery), and a third flexible arm extends through opening 906 to contact the other terminal of the battery (e.g., negative terminal 908, which can be or can at least partially be defined by a flat surface of the battery). By having one of the battery terminals contact two flexible arms, the tag 500 can detect whether the battery is present in the battery cavity by detecting whether there is continuity between the two flexible arms. When the battery is not present, the device can be shut down, and any residual voltage stored in a capacitor or other circuit element can be discharged so that the tag 500 stops operating once the battery is no longer detected in the tag 500. Openings 902, 904, and 906 can also fluidly couple the battery cavity to other portions of the interior volume of the tag 500, such as the portion above the frame member 512 (based on Figure 9 the orientation shown).

[0383] Figure 10A A view of the opposite side of the circuit board 510 (compared to Figure 9 is shown), which shows the battery connector 900 attached to the circuit board 510. Also shown are electronic components 1000, which represent processors, memories, sensors, and / or other electronic components and / or circuit elements that can be coupled to the circuit board 510.

[0384] Figure 10B is Figure 10ADetail view of region 10B-10B therein, which shows additional details of battery connector 900 and its components. Battery connector 900 includes a body 1002, a first flexible arm 1004 and a second flexible arm 1006 extending from the body 1002 and configured to contact the positive terminal of battery 514, and a third flexible arm 1008 configured to contact the negative terminal of battery 514. The flexible arms can be electrically coupled to circuit board 510 via conductors embedded in body 1002 and soldered or otherwise conductively coupled to the circuit board 510.

[0385] When battery 514 is located in the battery cavity of label 500, the flexible arms can be biased in a direction that forces them into contact with battery 514. This biasing can help ensure that the flexible arms are forced into contact with battery 514 to maintain conductive contact with the positive electrode of battery 514. The direction in which the flexible arms move and / or are biased is at least partially based on the orientation of the flexible arms relative to the battery. For example, it can be seen clearly from the position of opening 906 ( Figure 9 ) that the third flexible arm 1008 contacts battery 514 from above the battery 514 (relative to Figure 9 the orientation shown). Thus, the third flexible arm 1008 is configured to flex in the direction indicated by arrow 1016 in Figure 10B (e.g., towards and away from circuit board 510). Cutout 1001 in circuit board 510 provides clearance so that the third flexible arm 1008 can flex without being impeded by circuit board 510. In contrast, the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 contact battery 514 along the sides of battery 514 or at least along a surface that is not parallel to the surface of circuit board 510. Thus, the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 are configured to flex in the direction indicated by arrow 1014.

[0386] However, when the battery 514 is inserted into the battery cavity of the tag 500, the battery 514 can apply a force to the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006, thereby tending to push the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 toward the circuit board 510. The circuit board 510 can include a friction pad 1010 and a friction pad 1012 respectively positioned under portions of the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006. The friction pad 1010 and the friction pad 1012 can be formed of a metal (e.g., copper, gold) or any other suitable material that allows the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 to slide along the circuit board 510 while providing a relatively low coefficient of friction between the circuit board 510 and the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006. The friction pad 1010 and the friction pad 1012 can also protect the substrate of the circuit board and the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 from wear due to the sliding of the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 along the surface. During the installation of the battery 514, the battery can contact the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 in a manner that pushes them toward the circuit board 510. By providing the friction pad 1010 and the friction pad 1012 on the circuit board 510 and configuring the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 such that they are close to the friction pad 1010 and the friction pad 1012 (and also configuring the ends of the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 to have a circular shape), the flexure of the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 in the direction toward the circuit board 510 is limited by the contact between these arms and these friction pads. Limiting the flexure in this direction allows the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 to begin to flex in the directions 1014 and 1016, thereby allowing the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 to move away from the battery 514 and provide a biasing force in a proper direction to keep the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 in contact with the battery 514.

[0387] Figure 10CA bottom view of the battery connector 900 is shown. The battery connector 900 includes solder pads that are soldered to the circuit board 510 to conductively couple the flexible arms 1004, flexible arms 1006, and flexible arms 1008 to conductive traces on the circuit board. More specifically, the battery connector 900 includes a first solder pad 1018 that is conductively coupled to the first flexible arm 1004, a second solder pad 1020 that is conductively coupled to the second flexible arm 1006, and a third solder pad 1022 that is conductively coupled to the third flexible arm 1008. In some cases, these solder pads and their corresponding flexible arms are an integral metal structure (e.g., the solder pads and flexible arms are a single piece of metal, such as stamped metal). In other cases, the solder pads and their corresponding flexible arms are separate components attached via fusion welding, soldering, or another operation.

[0388] The battery connector 900 can be formed by insert molding. For example, the flexible arms 1004, flexible arms 1006, flexible arms 1008 and solder pads 1018, solder pads 1020, solder pads 1022 (or the integral metal structure defining these flexible arms and solder pads) can be inserted into a mold, and an insulating polymeric material can be introduced into the mold to at least partially encapsulate the flexible arms 1004, flexible arms 1006, flexible arms 1008 and solder pads 1018, solder pads 1020, solder pads 1022. Other techniques for forming the battery connector 900 are also contemplated.

[0389] Figure 10D A partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary configuration of the battery connector is shown. Specifically, in view of the fact that these flexible arms of the battery connector 900 extend into the battery cavity through openings in the main frame member 512 (such that these flexible arms can be conductively coupled to the battery 514 by direct contact with the battery 514), in another configuration, a conductive plug can be positioned in the opening in the main frame member, and these flexible arms can conductively contact these conductive plugs to ultimately conductively couple these flexible arms to the battery. Figure 10D Such a configuration is shown. Specifically, the label includes a conductive plug 1026 that is positioned in the opening 906 in the main frame member 512 and extends into the battery cavity defined by the main frame member 512. The conductive plug 1026 can be formed of metal and can be configured to physically contact the battery 514 and conductively couple to the battery. The conductive plug 1026 can be biased into the battery cavity by a flexible arm 1024 (which can be similar to the third flexible arm 1008, except that it does not extend into the battery cavity). The biasing force applied by the flexible arm 1024 can be opposite to the force applied by the battery 514 on the conductive plug 1026, causing the conductive plug 1026 to move upward (relative to Figure 10Din the orientation). The biasing force applied by the flexible arm 1024 also maintains a tight physical connection between the battery 514 and the conductive plug 1026. In addition, the biasing force applied by the flexible arm 1024 holds the conductive plug 1026 in place by capturing the conductive plug 1026 between the flexible arm 1024 and the main frame member 512.

[0390] The conductive plug 1026 can be configured to self-align in the opening 906. For example, the conductive plug 1026 can have a circular protrusion, and the opening 906 can be a round hole such that the circular protrusion self-aligns in a substantially concentric position (relative to the round hole). This self-aligning characteristic of the conductive plug 1026 can also help accommodate misalignments between the flexible arms 1004, 1006, 1008 and the openings 902, 904, 906 in the main frame member 512. For example, since these flexible arms only need to contact these conductive plugs to provide a biasing force and an electrical connection, misalignments between these flexible arms and these openings can be tolerated. More specifically, since these conductive plugs are not fixed to these flexible arms, as long as the flexible arms are electrically coupled to the conductive plugs and provide sufficient biasing force and / or holding force on the conductive plugs, the contact points between the flexible arms and the conductive plugs can vary. Therefore, since these conductive plugs can self-align in these openings and the non-fixed arm / plug interface accommodates misalignments between these flexible arms and the conductive plugs, assembly tolerances related to the positioning of the battery connector and the positions of the circuit board and the main frame member can be relaxed.

[0391] While Figure 10D one flexible arm and a conductive plug are shown, the same or a similar configuration can be used for any and all battery contacts. For example, the conductive plugs can be positioned in the openings 902, 904, and flexible arms similar to the first flexible arm 1004 and the second flexible arm 1006 can contact these conductive plugs and bias these conductive plugs into the battery cavity. As described above, in fact, any of the battery contacts shown or described herein can be a portion of the flexible arm extending into the battery cavity, or they can be conductive plugs extending into the battery cavity, where the flexible arm biases and holds the conductive plug.

[0392] whereas Figures 9 - 10C shows an exemplary arrangement of a battery connector and flexible arms (including the positions where the flexible arms contact the battery 514), this is merely an exemplary configuration, and other configurations can also be used with the label 500 or any other label shown and described herein. Figures 11A - 11DShows an alternative arrangement that can be used to provide a flexible arm or other type of battery contact that is electrically connected to the battery 514. Each of these alternative arrangements can use a battery connector similar to the battery connector 900. In some cases, Figures 11A - 11D Each of the battery contacts shown corresponds to the end of a flexible arm, similar to the end of the battery connector 900. In some cases, Figures 11A - 11D One or more of the flexible arms that define these battery contacts are connected to a separate body, rather than coupling all the flexible arms to the same body (as in the case of the battery connector 900). While Figures 11A - 11D The position of the battery contacts is discussed, but it should be understood that these battery contacts can be the ends of flexible arms similar to those described with respect to the battery connector 900. In addition, battery contact configurations other than Figures 9 - 11D those shown are provided. Can also be used to conductively couple the battery to the circuit of the label.

[0393] Figure 11A An exemplary label 1100 is shown, where a first battery contact 1102 and a second battery contact 1104 are positioned along the sidewall of the battery cavity 1101, and a third battery contact 1106 is positioned at the center of the battery cavity 1101. The first battery contact 1102 and the second battery contact 1104 are configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery, and the third battery contact 1106 is configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery.

[0394] Figure 11B An exemplary label 1110 is shown, where two battery contacts are configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery, and one is configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery (in contrast to the configuration in Figure 11A where two battery contacts contact the positive terminal and one battery contact contacts the negative terminal). Specifically, the first battery contact 1112 and the second battery contact 1114 are positioned on the bottom surface of the battery cavity 1111 (relative to the Figure 11B orientation shown), and the third battery contact 1116 is positioned along the sidewall of the battery cavity 1111. The first battery contact 1112 and the second battery contact 1114 have an elongated arcuate shape that can be symmetric about the center of the circular battery cavity 1111. The first battery contact 1112 and the second battery contact 1114 are configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery, and the third battery contact 1116 is configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery. Additionally, the label 1110 can also be configured to detect the presence of the battery by detecting conduction between the first battery contact 1112 and the second battery contact 1114. For example, if there is conduction between the first battery contact 1112 and the second battery contact 1114, this can indicate that a battery is present in the battery cavity 1111 (regardless of the charge state of the battery).

[0395] Figure 11C Another exemplary tag 1120 is shown, in which two battery contacts are configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery and one contact is configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery. Specifically, the first battery contact 1122 and the second battery contact 1124 are positioned on the bottom surface of the battery cavity 1121 (relative to the Figure 11C orientation shown), and the third battery contactor 1126 is positioned along the sidewall of the battery cavity 1121. Compared with the Figure 11B arcuate shape of the contacts in, the first battery contact 1122 and the second battery contact 1124 have a rounded (e.g., circular) shape. The first battery contact 1122 and the second battery contact 1124 are configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery, and the third battery contact 1126 is configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery. Additionally, the tag 1120 may also be configured to detect the presence of the battery by detecting conduction between the first battery contact 1122 and the second battery contact 1124.

[0396] Figure 11D Another exemplary tag 1130 is shown, in which two battery contacts are configured to contact the negative terminal of the battery and one contact is configured to contact the positive terminal of the battery. Specifically, the first battery contact 1132 and the second battery contact 1134 are positioned on the bottom surface of the battery cavity 1131 (relative to the Figure 11D orientation shown), and the third battery contact 1136 is positioned along the sidewall of the battery cavity 1131. The first battery contact 1132 and the second battery contact 1134 have an elongated arcuate shape that may be symmetric about the center of the circular battery cavity 1131. In this example, the third battery contact 1136 also has an elongated arcuate shape with a circular shape conforming to the sidewall of the battery cavity 1131.

[0397] In some cases, the battery door of the tag may also be used as one of the battery contacts. For example, the battery door (e.g., the bottom housing member 516) may be formed of or include metal or another conductive material, and at least one terminal of the battery may be conductively coupled to the battery door. The battery door may in turn be conductively coupled to the circuit board. Thus, at least one terminal of the battery (e.g., the positive terminal) may be conductively coupled to the circuit board via a conductive path including the battery door.

[0398] Figure 12A Is a partial exploded view of the tag 500, which shows the characteristic structure of the bottom housing member 516 (or the battery door 516) and how the battery door 516 engages the rest of the tag 500, and how the battery 514 is held in the tag 500 and biased toward the battery contacts of the tag 500.

[0399] The bottom housing member 516 may include a latch member 1200, and the frame member 512 may define a latch channel 1202 configured to engage the latch member 1200 to secure the bottom housing member 516 to the label 500. The latch member 1200 and the channel 1202 may be configured such that in order to remove the bottom housing member 516, the user must manipulate the bottom housing member 516 in a plurality of different directions (e.g., by pressing and rotating the bottom housing member 516). This may help prevent accidental opening of the battery cavity and may help prevent children from removing the button battery, which could cause choking or other hazards if removed from the label 500).

[0400] Figure 12B A detailed view showing how the latch member 1200 engages the latch channel 1202 when the bottom housing member 516 is attached to the label 500. Specifically, the bottom housing member 516 is aligned with the label 500 (e.g., with the frame member 512 of the label) such that the latch member 1200 is aligned with the opening 1203 of the latch channel 1202. (For simplicity, the following description refers only to a single latch member and channel, but the label 500 may include any suitable number of latch member / channel pairs, such as two, three, four, five, or more pairs.) The bottom housing member 516 is then pushed downward along the path 1208 until the latch member 1200 passes over the retaining protrusion 1204. The operation of pushing the latch member 1200 over the retaining protrusion 1204 may include overcoming the spring force provided by the compliant member 518, which tends to bias the bottom housing member 516 in an upward direction relative to the Figure 12B orientation shown.

[0401] After passing through the retaining protrusion 1204 and while maintaining a downward force on the bottom housing member 516 to overcome the biasing force, the user may twist or rotate the bottom housing member 516 so that the latch member 1200 continues along the path 1208 and moves toward the recess 1206. Once the latch member 1200 is aligned with the recess 1206, such as because the latch member 1200 reaches the end of the latch channel 1202, the user may release the downward force on the bottom housing member 516, causing the compliant member 518 to bias the bottom housing member 516 upward and force the latch member 1200 into the recess 1206. Because the retaining protrusion 1204 and the blind end of the latch channel 1202 block the movement of the latch member 1200 in the horizontal direction (corresponding to the rotation or twisting of the bottom housing member 516), combined with the biasing force from the compliant member 518 that tends to force the latch member 1200 into the recess 1206 (or against another surface of the latch channel 1202), the bottom housing member 516 may be securely held to the label 500 and may resist unintentional or accidental opening.

[0402] To separate the bottom housing member 516 from the label, the operations described relative to Figure 12B may be reversed as shown by path 1210 in Figure 12C . First, the user applies a downward force to the bottom housing member 516 to move the latch member 1200 out of the recess portion 1206 and below the retaining projection 1204. Once the latch member 1200 is disengaged from the retaining projection 1204, and while maintaining the downward force on the bottom housing member 516, the bottom housing member 516 is rotated or twisted to move the latch member 1200 horizontally until it is aligned with the opening 1203 of the latch channel 1202. At this point, the bottom housing member 516 can be forced upward by the biasing force of the compliant member 518 and / or by the user pulling the bottom housing member 516 away from the label 500.

[0403] The label 500 may also include a braking device or other mechanism to provide a tactile or haptic sensation to the user during attachment and / or detachment of the bottom housing member 516. For example, the label 500 may include a spherical braking device that engages a recess portion in the bottom housing member 516 when the bottom housing member 516 is rotated or twisted during attachment and / or detachment. When the spherical braking device engages the recess portion, the user can feel a click or other haptic sensation, indicating that the bottom housing member 516 is moving or has reached a specific position (e.g., a fully closed position). The braking device (or other mechanism) may be attached to the bottom housing member 516 to engage a recess portion in the main frame member 512, or it may be attached to the main frame member 512 to engage a recess portion in the bottom housing member 516. Other configurations are possible. Additionally, a braking device or other mechanism may be provided for any movable or separable component of the label described herein, and may be provided only for the tactile indication it provides during manipulation of these components, or for other additional functions (e.g., removably holding a battery door, housing member, or other component in a specific position).

[0404] The compliant member 518 can provide a biasing force that helps bias the bottom housing member 516 into an engaged or locked configuration (as described relative to Figures 12A - 12C ), and biases the battery 514 toward the battery contacts of the battery connector 900. Figure 13A The compliant member 518 is shown. The compliant member 518 defines a base 1301 (e.g., via an adhesive, fusion, welding, fastener, or any other suitable attachment technique) that can be attached to the inner surface of the bottom housing member 516. The compliant member 518 may also define a spring arm 1300 that extends from the base 1301 and is configured to contact the battery 514. The base 1301 and the spring arm 1300 may be defined by a single one-piece material piece. The material can be any suitable material, including but not limited to metals (e.g., stainless steel), polymers, etc.

[0405] As described above, the compliant member 518 also defines a flange portion 714, which may also be defined by the same single-piece material piece that defines the base 1301 and the spring arms 1300. The flange portion 714 may be configured to help hold the membrane and / or other components near an opening that allows pressure equalization. The flange portion 714 may also define an opening 710 that is aligned with the pressure equalization opening.

[0406] Figure 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of the label 500, which shows the operation of the compliant member 518. As shown, the bottom housing member 516 is attached to the frame member 512, which causes the compliant member 518 to be compressed or otherwise in a state of generating a biasing force. More specifically, the spring arms 1300 are pressed against the battery 514 such that the compliant member 518 generates a force (indicated by arrow 1302) that tends to push the battery 514 toward the frame member 512 and push the bottom housing member 516 away from the frame member 512. This ultimately forces the battery 514 into contact with the flexible arm of the battery connector 900 and helps maintain a secure engagement of the latch member 1200 with the latch channel 1202 ( Figures 12A - 12C ).

[0407] The presence of the compliant member 518 may also facilitate the use of a non-flexible battery connector. For example, any one of the battery contacts and / or flexible arms described above for electrically coupling to a battery may be configured to not flex when the battery is inserted into the battery cavity. In such cases, the compliance of the compliant member 518 biases the battery 514 against the non-flexible battery contacts to ensure electrical coupling and also provides clearance for the battery to accommodate any tilt or misalignment of the battery caused by the non-flexible battery contacts.

[0408] Although Figure 13A shows an exemplary configuration of a compliant member for biasing the bottom housing member 516 and the battery 514, other types of compliant members may also be used. Figure 13C Shows such an alternative exemplary compliant member 1310. The compliant member 1310, which may be formed from a single piece of metal, polymer, etc., defines a base 1312 and three curved spring arms 1314, each of which extends along a circular path within the perimeter of the base 1312 and extends from the base 1312. Other configurations of integral metal compliant members may also be envisioned. Additionally, other components, mechanisms, or systems may be used in place of or in addition to the integral metal compliant member, including but not limited to coil springs, elastomers, foams, leaf springs, etc.

[0409] As described above, button cells or other small form factor batteries can be harmful to humans or pets due to their small size and the potential for ingestion. To prevent the battery from accidentally falling off the label, the label can be configured such that their battery doors require more than a simple single motion (e.g., a twist) to remove them. For example, Figures 12A to 12C illustrates one configuration that requires the user to press and twist the battery door (e.g., bottom housing member 516) to open the battery door. Other mechanisms can also be used to securely hold the battery door to the label in a manner that prevents or limits accidental opening and complies with applicable laws and regulations for device safety. Figures 14A - 25C Illustrates several exemplary configurations of such retention mechanisms.

[0410] Figures 14A to 16D Illustrates various aspects of an exemplary mechanism for securely holding a battery door (e.g., bottom housing member) to a label. Figure 14A Illustrates a portion of a frame member 1400 that defines a channel 1402 and a spring member 1404 that extends into and / or defines a portion of the channel 1402. The frame member 1400 can be a specific implementation of the frame member 512 and can include any or all of these components and can provide any or all of the functions of the frame member 512 (and can be integrated with the label 500 or any other label described herein). For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0411] Figure 14B Illustrates a portion of a bottom housing member 1406 that is configured to mate with Figure 14A the frame member 1400 in. The bottom housing member 1406 can be an implementation of the bottom housing member 516 and can include any or all of the components and can provide any or all of the functions of the bottom housing member 516. For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here. The bottom housing member 1406 includes a pin 1408 that is configured to engage the frame member 1400 via the channel 1402 and / or the spring member 1404 to hold the bottom housing member 1406 to the frame member 1400.

[0412] Figures 15A - 15B Illustrates a schematic view of the frame member 1400 and the bottom housing member 1406 that shows how the pin 1408 engages the channel 1402 and the spring member 1404 when the bottom housing member 1406 is attached to the frame member 1400. As Figure 15A shown, the bottom housing member 1406 is positioned relative to the frame member 1400 such that the pin 1408 enters the channel 1402 along a path 1502. More specifically, the bottom housing member 1406 can be perpendicular (relative to Figure 15Amoves in the orientation in) to position the pin 1408 in the channel 1402. This manipulation may need to overcome the biasing force (acting in the upward direction) imparted to the bottom housing member 1406 by a spring or other mechanism (such as the compliant member 518, Figure 5B )

[0413] After positioning the pin 1408 in the channel 1402 as shown Figure 15A , rotate or twist the bottom housing member 1406 so that the pin 1408 moves along path 1506 through the channel 1402 to the blind end 1504 of the channel 1402 ( Figure 15A ). This manipulation causes the pin 1408 to contact the retention feature 1508 of the spring member 1404, causing the spring member 1404 to deflect downward to accommodate the pin 1408. The retention feature 1508 may also contact the pin 1408 to hold the pin 1408 in the blind end 1504 of the channel 1402. When the bottom housing member 1406 is twisted to the closed configuration, the action of the pin 1408 sliding on the retention feature 1508 may also produce a tactile click that can be felt by the user. This tactile sensation can indicate to the user that the bottom housing member 1406 has reached the fully closed and locked position, and the user can stop rotating the bottom housing member 1406.

[0414] Figures 16A - 16D A schematic illustration of the frame member 1400 and the bottom housing member 1406 is shown, which shows how the pin 1408 disengages from the channel 1402 and the spring member 1404 when the bottom housing member 1406 is separated from the frame member 1400. As Figure 16A shown, the bottom housing member 1406 is positioned relative to the frame member 1400 such that the pin 1408 is securely held in the blind end 1504 of the channel 1402. To separate the bottom housing member 1406, the user can twist or rotate the bottom housing member 1406 so that the pin 1408 slides along Figure 16B path 1600 in). This movement causes the pin 1408 to contact the retention feature 1508, which in turn causes the spring member 1404 to deflect downward. Because the spring member 1404 is biased upward, the contact between the pin 1408 and the retention feature 1508 creates a resistance to the rotation of the bottom housing member 1406, and when this resistance is overcome, the spring member 1404 is pushed downward. This interaction between the pin 1408 and the retention feature 1508 provides several benefits, including creating an increased resistance that the user must overcome to separate the bottom housing member 1406, and also potentially producing a tactile click or detent sensation that indicates to the user that the bottom housing member 1406 has been moved out of the secure locked state.

[0415] Once the pin 1408 has moved out of the blind end 1504 of the channel 1402 and as the bottom housing member 1406 continues to rotate, the biasing force (indicated by arrow 1604) between the frame member 1400 and the bottom housing member 1406 forces the bottom housing member 1406 and thus forces the pin 1408 upward and into the recess portion 1602. As described above, this biasing force can be generated by a compliant member between the battery and the bottom housing member 1406. The recess portion 1602 defines a lip that prevents or inhibits further rotation of the bottom housing member 1406. To continue removing the bottom housing member 1406, the user must press on the bottom housing member 1406 to provide a downward force 1606 that overcomes the biasing force to push the bottom housing member 1406 and thus the pin 1408 downward out of the recess portion 1602 (as shown by path 1608 in Figure 16C ).

[0416] Once the pin 1408 clears the lip of the recess portion 1602, as shown in Figure 16C , the user can continue to rotate the bottom housing member 1406 until the pin 1408 clears the top wall of the channel and can be removed from the channel, as shown by path 1610 in Figure 16D . More specifically, once the pin 1408 is positioned as shown in Figure 16D , the bottom housing member 1406 can simply be lifted from the frame member 1400 to access the battery.

[0417] Figures 17A - 19E Aspects of another exemplary mechanism for securely holding a battery door (e.g., the bottom housing member) to a label are shown. Figure 17A A portion of a frame member 1700 defining a channel 1702 and a spring member 1704 extending into and / or defining a portion of the channel are shown. The frame member 1700 can be an embodiment of the frame member 512 and can include any one or all of these components and can provide any one or all of the functions of the frame member 512 (and can be integrated with the label 500 or any other label described herein). For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0418] Figure 17B Is shown configured to cooperate with Figure 17AA portion of the bottom housing member 1706 that mates with the frame member 1700. The bottom housing member 1706 can be an implementation of the bottom housing member 516, and can include any or all components, and can provide any or all functions of the bottom housing member 516. For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here. The bottom housing member 1706 includes a pin shaft 1708 that is configured to engage with the frame member 1700 via the channel 1702 and / or the spring member 1704 to hold the bottom housing member 1706 to the frame member 1700.

[0419] Figure 17C The spring member 1704 removed from the frame member 1700 is shown. The spring member 1704 defines two holding feature structures 1712, 1714 that are at least partially independently actuatable. The first holding feature structure 1712 can be at least partially located within an opening in the base 1710, and the second holding feature structure 1714 can be formed at the end of the base 1710. The spring member 1704 can be a one-piece component formed of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material. Thus, the holding feature structure and the base can be formed from the same piece of material.

[0420] Figures 18A - 18B A schematic diagram of the frame member 1700 and the bottom housing member 1706 is shown, which shows how the pin shaft 1708 engages the channel 1702 and the spring member 1704 when the bottom housing member 1706 is attached to the frame member 1700. As Figure 18A shown, the bottom housing member 1706 is positioned relative to the frame member 1700 such that the pin shaft 1708 enters the channel 1702 along the path 1800. More specifically, the bottom housing member 1706 can be moved vertically (relative to the Figure 18A orientation in) to position the pin shaft 1708 in the channel 1702. This manipulation may require overcoming a biasing force (acting in the upward direction) imparted to the bottom housing member 1706 by a spring or other mechanism (such as the compliant member 518, Figure 5B ).

[0421] After positioning the pin shaft 1708 in the channel 1702 as shown in Figure 18A , rotate or twist the bottom housing member 1706 such that the pin shaft 1708 moves along the path 1802 through the channel 1702 to the blind end 1803 of the channel 1702 ( Figure 18A)。This manipulation causes the pin 1708 to contact both the first retaining feature 1712 and the second retaining feature 1714 of the spring member 1704, thereby causing both the first retaining feature 1712 and the second retaining feature 1714 to flex downward as the pin 1708 contacts them and passes over them (as shown by arrow 1804, arrow 1806). The retaining feature 1714 may also contact the pin 1708 to hold the pin 1708 in the blind end 1803 of the channel 1702. The action of sliding the pin 1708 over the retaining feature 1712, retaining feature 1714 may also produce a tactile click that can be felt by the user when the bottom housing member 1706 is twisted into the closed configuration.

[0422] Figures 19A to 19D A schematic illustration of the frame member 1700 and the bottom housing member 1706 is shown, which illustrates how the pin 1708 disengages from the channel 1702 and the spring member 1704 when the bottom housing member 1706 is separated from the frame member 1700. As Figure 19A shown, the bottom housing member 1706 is positioned relative to the frame member 1700 such that the pin 1708 is securely held in the blind end 1803 of the channel 1702. To separate the bottom housing member 1706, the user can twist or rotate the bottom housing member 1706 such that the pin 1708 slides along the Figure 19B path 1900 therein. This movement causes the pin 1708 to contact the second retaining feature 1714, which in turn causes the second retaining feature 1714 to flex downward. Because the second retaining feature 1714 is biased upward, the contact between the pin 1708 and the second retaining feature 1714 creates a resistance to the rotation of the bottom housing member 1706, and when this resistance is overcome, the second retaining feature 1714 is pushed downward. This interaction between the pin 1708 and the second retaining feature 1714 provides several benefits, including creating an increased resistance that the user must overcome to separate the bottom housing member 1706, and also potentially creating a tactile click or detent feel that indicates to the user that the bottom housing member 1706 has been moved out of the secure locked state.

[0423] Once the pin 1708 has moved past the second retaining feature 1714, the pin may contact the surface of the first retaining feature 1712, which prevents further rotation of the bottom housing member 1706, as Figure 19BAs shown. Due to the biasing force (indicated by arrow 1906) between the frame member 1700 and the bottom housing member 1706, the bottom housing member 1706 and thus the pin 1708 can be pushed upward along path 1902 and into the recess portion 1904. As described above, this biasing force can be generated by a compliant member between the battery and the bottom housing member 1706. When the pin 1708 is in Figure 19C the position shown, the first retaining feature 1712 can still overlap with the pin 1708, thereby inhibiting further rotational movement. The user can continue to rotate the bottom housing member 1706 to move the pin along path 1908 ( Figure 19D ). This rotation causes the pin 1708 (e.g., the chamfered or angled surface of the pin 1708) to contact the first retaining feature 1712 and force the first retaining feature 1712 downward. Similar to other manipulations that cause an interaction between the pin and the spring member, this can generate a tactile output that indicates to the user that a particular manipulation has been successfully completed.

[0424] After the bottom housing member 1706 and thus the pin 1708 have rotated such that the pin 1708 has moved past the second retaining feature 1712, further rotation of the pin 1708 can be inhibited by the lip of the recess portion 1904. To continue disassembling the bottom housing member 1706, the user must press on the bottom housing member 1706 to provide a downward force 1912 that overcomes the biasing force to push the bottom housing member 1706 and thus the pin 1708 downward out of the recess portion 1904 (as shown by path 1910 in Figure 19E ). Once the pin 1708 disengages from the lip of the recess portion 1904, as shown in Figure 19D , the user can continue to rotate the bottom housing member 1706 until the pin 1708 clears the top wall of the channel and can be removed from the channel, as shown by path 1910.

[0425] Figures 20A - 22D Aspects of another exemplary mechanism for securely holding a battery door (e.g., the bottom housing member) to a label are shown. Figure 20A A portion of a frame member 2000 defining a latch region 2002 is shown, as well as a spring member 2004 extending into and / or defining a portion of the latch region 2002. The frame member 2000 can be an embodiment of the frame member 512 and can include any one or all of these components and can provide any one or all of the functions of the frame member 512 (and can be integrated with the label 500 or any other label described herein). For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0426] Figure 20B As shown, is configured to cooperate with Figure 20AA portion of the bottom housing member 2006 that mates with the frame member 2000. The bottom housing member 2006 can be an implementation of the bottom housing member 516 and can include any or all components and can provide any or all functions of the bottom housing member 516. For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here. The bottom housing member 2006 includes a latch 2008 that is configured to engage with the frame member 2000 via the latch region 2002 and / or the spring member 2004 to hold the bottom housing member 2006 to the frame member 2000.

[0427] Figure 20C The spring member 2004 removed from the frame member 2000 is shown. The spring member 2004 defines a first retaining feature 2012 and a second retaining feature 2014. The spring member 2004 may also define a base portion 2010 that is fixed to the frame member 2000. The spring member 2004 can be configured to flex or move in multiple directions during attachment and detachment of the bottom housing member 2006. For example, as described herein, during attachment of the bottom housing member 2006, the interaction between the latch 2008 and the second retaining feature 2014 can cause the spring member 2004 to flex in the direction indicated by arrow 2018, while during detachment of the bottom housing member 2006, the interaction between the latch 2008 and the second retaining feature 2014 can cause the spring member 2004 to flex in the direction indicated by arrow 2016. The spring member 2004 can be a one-piece component formed of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0428] Figures 21A - 21C A schematic view of the frame member 2000 and the bottom housing member 2006 is shown, which shows how the latch 2008 engages the frame member 2000 and the spring member 2004 when the bottom housing member 2006 is attached to the frame member 2000. As Figure 21A shown, the bottom housing member 2006 is positioned relative to the frame member 2000 such that the latch 2008 enters the latch region 2002 along path 2100. More specifically, the bottom housing member 2006 can be moved vertically (relative to the Figure 21A orientation therein) to position the latch 2008 in the latch region 2002 and engage the spring member 2004. This manipulation may require overcoming a biasing force (acting in the upward direction) imparted to the bottom housing member 2006 by a spring or other mechanism (such as the compliant member 518, Figure 5B ).

[0429] Figure 21BA partial cross-sectional view of latch 2008 and spring member 2004 is shown, which shows how latch 2008 and spring member 2004 interact when bottom housing member 2006 is attached to frame member 2000. Specifically, when bottom housing member 2006 moves vertically downward ( Figure 21B arrow 2101 in), the latch 2008 (e.g., the chamfered or otherwise wavy outer surface of latch 2008) pushes against the top of the second retaining feature 2014 of spring member 2004. This interaction forces spring member 2004 to flex away from latch 2008 in the direction indicated by arrow 2102. Once the end of latch 2008 passes the second retaining feature 2014, the biasing force of spring member 2004 forces spring member 2004 to return toward latch 2008 such that latch 2008 overlaps the second retaining feature 2014 to hold latch 2008 below the second retaining feature 2014. Similar to other interactions with the retaining feature, pushing latch 2008 past the second retaining feature 2014 requires an increased force from the user and may result in a click or other tactile sensation, thereby indicating to the user that bottom housing member 2006 has engaged.

[0430] After engaging latch 2008 and second retaining feature 2014, as Figure 21A and Figure 21B shown, further rotation or twisting of bottom housing member 2006, as shown by arrow 2104) causes latch 2008 to move out of engagement with the second retaining feature 2014, slide on the first retaining feature 2012 (resulting in another flexure of spring member 2004 in the Figure 21B direction 2102 in), and ultimately position itself at the blind end of latch region 2002 and below the third retaining feature 2106. The third retaining feature 2106 may prevent or inhibit upward movement of latch 2008, while the first retaining feature 2012 may remain in contact with latch 2008 to hold latch 2008 in the Figure 21C position shown. The action of latch 2008 sliding on the first retaining feature 2012 may also produce a tactile click sensation that can be felt by the user when twisting bottom housing member 2006 into the closed configuration.

[0431] Figures 22A - 22D A schematic view of frame member 2000 and bottom housing member 2006 is shown, which shows how latch 2008 disengages from latch region 2002 and spring member 2004 when bottom housing member 2006 is separated from frame member 2000. As Figure 22AAs shown, the bottom housing member 2006 is positioned relative to the frame member 2000 such that the latch 2008 is firmly held within the blind end of the latch region 2002 and below the third retaining feature 2106. To remove the bottom housing member 2006, the user can twist or rotate the bottom housing member 2006, causing the latch 2008 to slide along the Figure 22B path 2200 therein. This movement causes the latch 2008 to contact the first retaining feature 2012, which in turn causes the spring member 2004 to flex outwardly (e.g., along the Figure 21B direction 2102 therein). Since the first retaining feature 2012 is biased toward the latch 2008, the contact between the latch 2008 and the first retaining feature 2012 creates a resistance to the rotation of the bottom housing member 2006 and potentially a tactile click or detent feel that indicates to the user that the bottom housing member 2006 has moved out of the firmly locked state.

[0432] Once the latch 2008 has moved past the first retaining feature 2012, the latch can return to the Figures 21A - 21B position shown, where the latch 2008 is located below and overlaps the second retaining feature 2014. To continue removing the bottom housing member 2006, the user pulls the bottom housing member 2006 upward in the direction 2202, which causes the latch 2008 to lift the second retaining feature 2014 upward, thereby flexing the spring member 2004 in the direction 2016 ( Figure 20C ). Once the spring member 2004 is flexed, rotating the bottom housing member 2006 in the direction 2204 (e.g., in a direction opposite to that indicated by Figure 22B ) causes the latch 2008 to slide again over the first retaining feature 2012, disengaging the latch 2008 from the spring member 2004 and allowing the removal of the bottom housing member 2006. The final engagement between the latch 2008 and the first retaining feature 2012 can provide a final tactile indication that the bottom housing member 2006 has been separated.

[0433] Relative to the attachment Figures 20A - 22D The mechanisms shown and described may include hard stops formed in the frame member 2000 and / or the spring member 2004 to assist the user in completing the attachment and removal operations. For example, at each position of the bottom housing member 2006, there may be only one direction in which the bottom housing member 2006 can move. Thus, the user can determine how to attach and remove the bottom housing member 2006 with some simple movements. More specifically, the attachment operation may include pushing and twisting, and the removal operation may include twisting (in a first direction), followed by pulling, followed by another twist (in the opposite second direction), followed by a final pull.

[0434] Figures 23A - 23E Shows various aspects of another exemplary mechanism for securely holding a battery door (e.g., a bottom housing member) to a label. Figure 23A Shows a portion of a frame member 2300 that defines a latch region 2302 and a spring member 2304 extending into the latch region 2302. The spring member 2304 can be biased to project into the latch region 2302, as Figure 23A shown, and the spring member can be configured to retract away from the latch region 2302 in direction 2305. The frame member 2300 can be an embodiment of the frame member 512 and can include any or all of these components and can provide any or all of the functions of the frame member 512 (and can be integrated with the label 500 or any other label described herein). For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here.

[0435] Figure 23B Shows a portion of a bottom housing member 2306 configured to mate with Figure 23A the frame member 2300 in. The bottom housing member 2306 can be an embodiment of the bottom housing member 516, and the bottom housing member can include any or all components and can provide any or all of the functions of the bottom housing member 516. For the sake of brevity, these details may not be repeated here. The bottom housing member 2306 includes a cam latch 2308 configured to engage the frame member 2300 via the latch region 2302 and / or the spring member 2304 to hold the bottom housing member 2306 to the frame member 2300. The cam latch 2308 can define various surfaces and / or features that engage or otherwise interact with the spring member 2304 to facilitate attachment and detachment of the bottom housing member 2306.

[0436] Figure 23C Shows the spring member 2304 removed from the frame member 2300. The spring member 2304 includes a portion that projects into the latch region 2302 and a base 2310 fixed to the frame member 2300. The spring member 2304 can be a one-piece component formed of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0437] Figure 23DShows a cam latch 2308, which shows the path that the spring member 2304 (e.g., the portion of the spring member 2304 that protrudes into the latch region) will follow along the cam latch 2308 when the bottom housing member 2306 is attached to the frame member 2300. Specifically, when the bottom housing member 2306 is initially engaged with the frame member 2300, the spring member 2304 moves along path 2312 and slides on the first cam surface 2314. After clearing the first cam surface 2314, the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated such that the spring member 2304 moves along path 2316, thereby sliding over the first retention feature 2318 and into the blind end 2320 of the cam latch 2308. At this stage, the first retention feature 2318 and the biasing force of the spring member 2304 hold the spring member 2304 in the blind end 2320, thereby holding the bottom housing member 2306 in the closed configuration.

[0438] Figure 23E Shows a cam latch 2308, which shows the path that the spring member 2304 will follow along the cam latch 2308 when the bottom housing member 2306 is disengaged from the frame member 2300. Specifically, the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated such that the spring member 2304 slides on the first retention feature 2318 along path 2322. Once the first retention feature 2318 is cleared, the bottom housing member 2306 is axially pulled away from the frame member 2300, thereby causing the spring member 2304 to move along path 2324 and against a hard stop defined by the lower side of the first cam surface 2314. The bottom housing member 2306 is then rotated to cause the spring member 2304 to move along path 2326, and finally axially lifted to cause the spring member to move along path 2328 and slide on the second cam surface 2330, thereby disengaging the bottom housing member 2306 from the frame member 2300.

[0439] The interaction and engagement between the features (e.g., cam surfaces and retention features) of the cam latch 2308 and the spring member 2304 may each require an overcoming force applied to the bottom housing member 2306 and may produce a tactile sensation or feedback that can be detected by the user. These forces and feedback may help to hold the bottom housing member 2306 in the desired position and also provide useful physical information to the user.

[0440] Figures 24A - 24C Shows another exemplary spring member and cam latch that can be used with the above-described frame member 2300 and bottom housing member 2306. Figure 24A Shows a spring member 2404, which includes a protrusion into the latch region 2302 ( Figure 23Aa portion of (), and is configured to be secured to the base 2405 of the frame member 2300. The spring member 2404 can be a one-piece component formed of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0441] Figure 24B An exemplary cam latch 2408 is shown, which can be used to replace the cam latch 2308 and can be configured to interact with the spring member 2404 (or another spring member, such as the spring member 2304). Figure 24B Shows the path that the spring member 2404 (e.g., the portion of the spring member 2404 that protrudes into the latch region) will follow along the cam latch 2408 when the bottom housing member 2306 is attached to the frame member 2300. Specifically, when the bottom housing member 2306 is initially engaged with the frame member 2300, the spring member 2404 moves along the path 2412 and slides on the first cam surface 2410. After clearing the first cam surface 2410, the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated so that the spring member 2404 moves along the path 2414, thereby sliding over the first retention feature 2416 and into the blind end 2418 of the cam latch 2408. At this stage, the first retention feature 2416 and the biasing force of the spring member 2404 hold the spring member 2404 in the blind end 2418, thereby holding the bottom housing member 2306 in the closed configuration.

[0442] Figure 24C Shows the cam latch 2408, which shows the path that the spring member 2404 will follow along the cam latch 2408 when the bottom housing member 2306 is disengaged from the frame member 2300. Specifically, the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated so that the spring member 2404 slides on the first retention feature 2416 along the path 2420. Once the first retention feature 2416 is cleared, the bottom housing member 2306 is axially pulled away from the frame member 2300, thereby moving the spring member 2404 along the path 2422. Then the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated to move the spring member 2404 along the path 2424, and finally axially pulled to slide the spring member along the second cam surface 2425, and then slide along the path 2426, thereby disengaging the bottom housing member 2306 from the frame member 2300.

[0443] The interaction and engagement between the features (e.g., cam surfaces and retention features) of the cam latch 2408 and the spring member 2404 may each require an overcoming force applied to the bottom housing member 2306, and may produce a tactile sensation or feedback that can be detected by the user. These forces and feedback can help hold the bottom housing member 2306 in the desired position and also provide useful physical information to the user.

[0444] Figures 25A - 25C Another exemplary spring member and cam latch that can be used with the above-described frame member 2300 and bottom housing member 2306 are shown. Figure 25A A spring member 2504 is shown that includes a portion that projects into the latch region 2302 ( Figure 23A ), and a base 2505 configured to be secured to the frame member 2300. The spring member 2504 can be a one-piece component formed of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0445] Figure 25B An exemplary cam latch 2508 is shown that can be used in place of cam latch 2308 or cam latch 2408 and can be configured to interact with the spring member 2504 (or another spring member, such as spring member 2304). Figure 25B The path that the spring member 2504 (e.g., the portion of the spring member 2504 that projects into the latch region) will follow along the cam latch 2508 when the bottom housing member 2306 is attached to the frame member 2300 is shown. Specifically, when the bottom housing member 2306 is initially engaged with the frame member 2300, the spring member 2504 moves along path 2512 and slides on the first cam surface 2510. After clearing the first cam surface 2510, the spring member 2504 remains in the holding region 2514 of the cam latch 2508. At this stage, the overhanging portion of the first cam surface 2510 and the biasing force of the spring member 2504 (and the second cam surface 2516) hold the spring member 2504 in the holding region 2514, thereby holding the bottom housing member 2306 in the closed configuration.

[0446] Figure 25C The cam latch 2508 is shown, which shows the path that the spring member 2504 will follow along the cam latch 2508 when the bottom housing member 2306 is disengaged from the frame member 2300. Specifically, the bottom housing member 2306 is rotated such that the spring member 2504 slides along the second cam surface 2516 along path 2518. The bottom housing member 2306 is then axially pulled away from the frame member 2300, thereby moving the spring member 2504 along path 2520, thereby disengaging the bottom housing member 2306 from the frame member 2300.

[0447] The interaction and engagement between the characteristic structures (e.g., cam surfaces and holding features) of the cam latch 2508 and the spring member 2504 may each require an overcoming force applied to the bottom housing member 2306 and may produce a tactile sensation or feedback that can be detected by the user. These forces and feedback can help hold the bottom housing member 2306 in the desired position and also provide useful physical information to the user.

[0448] As described above, the wireless locatable tag may include an audio system configured to produce an audio output. The audio output from the wireless locatable tag can be used to assist a user in locating the tag. For example, when a user attempts to locate a lost tag, the user may use a smart phone to wirelessly command the tag to produce an audible sound such as a beep or other audible tone (e.g., a constant tone, a song, etc.). More specifically, the smart phone may send an audio request signal to the tag, which in turn may cause the tag to produce an audible output with the audio system.

[0449] Figures 26A - 26B A partial cross-sectional view of tag 500 is shown, which illustrates an exemplary configuration of the audio system, and illustrates various operating modes of the audio system. As Figure 26A shown, the audio system of tag 500 may include a coil 504 coupled to a top housing member 502. Coil 504 may include a multi-turn conductor (e.g., a metal wire) at least partially embedded in a matrix or potting material such as epoxy, resin, or other suitable material. Coil 504 may be attached to the inner surface of top housing member 502 using any suitable method such as with an adhesive 2600 (as shown), ultrasonic welding, etc. In some cases, the bobbin or other base structure of coil 504 may be formed as an integral structure with top housing member 502. For example, a one-piece molded or 3D printed top housing member 502 may include an integrated bobbin around which the conductor is wound to produce coil 504. As another example, the conductor forming the coil may be plated onto a bobbin formed integrally with top housing member 502 (e.g., using laser direct structuring or another suitable plating or metallization technique). Other techniques for forming the coil and / or integrating the coil with top housing member 502 are also contemplated.

[0450] Coil 504 may be positioned proximate to a magnet assembly 506. Magnet assembly 506 may be any suitable material and may be formed of a single piece of magnetic material, or it may be formed of or include multiple components attached to one another, as shown relative to Figure 27A shown. Tag 500 may also include a hard stop 520 that limits flexure of top housing member 502. As described herein, the gap between the top of hard stop 520 and the inner surface of top housing member 502 may be equal to or less than a threshold distance, such as about 500 microns, 400 microns, 300 microns, 200 microns, 100 microns, or 50 microns.

[0451] The tag 500 can use the coil 504 to move a portion of the top housing member 502 such that the top housing member 502 functions as a diaphragm to generate an audible output. For example, when an audio output is desired, an appropriate signal is applied to the coil 504 (which is in a magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 506), thereby generating a Lorentz force acting on the coil 504 (indicated by arrow 2602). The Lorentz force on the coil 504 causes the top housing member 502 to move, oscillate, vibrate, or otherwise move (indicated by arrow 2604) to generate an audible and optionally tactile output. In some cases, the top housing member 502 locally flexes or deforms to generate an audible and / or tactile output. For example, a central portion of the top housing member 502 can flex or deform to generate an audible and / or tactile output, while other portions of the top housing member 502 (e.g., the peripheral portion coupled to the antenna assembly 508) remain substantially stationary and / or otherwise do not contribute to the generation of sound waves.

[0452] The audio system and the portion of the top housing member 502 that flexes or deforms to generate an audio and / or tactile output can be configured to allow or facilitate the generation of audio within a target frequency range. For example, the audio system can be configured to generate sounds in the range of about 1 kHz to 4 kHz, 1 kHz to 3 kHz, or any other suitable range. This range can be beneficial due to the relative sensitivity of human hearing to different frequencies and the ability to perceive the location of sound. For example, the human ear is more sensitive to sounds between about 1 kHz and 4 kHz. Additionally, at least partially based on the distance between a person's ears, a person can more easily perceive the location of sounds at or below 3 kHz (since the location can be perceived without head movement). Thus, the range of about 1 kHz to 3 kHz is within the typical range of peak hearing sensitivity and enables simple auditory localization of the tag (e.g., no head movement is required to perceive the location of the sound). The audible output (or an ultrasonic output, which can be generated by the audio system in place of or in addition to the audible output) can also be detected by one or more microphones on another device (e.g., a smart phone, earbuds, etc.), and the device can use beamforming or other direction-finding techniques to determine or estimate the location of the tag based on the detected audible sound. In some cases, multiple devices each having one or more microphones cooperate to estimate the location of the tag (e.g., by comparing their own locations to estimate or otherwise cooperate to generate a location estimate).

[0453] The material and dimensions of the top housing member 502 may also be configured to facilitate using the top housing member 502 as an audio generating diaphragm. For example, the material and dimensions may be selected such that the top housing member 502 has sufficient flexibility to allow the top housing member 502 to flex and / or deform by the force generated by the coil 504. In some cases, the top housing member 502 may be formed of or include a polymeric material, such as a polymer, a reinforced polymer, carbon fiber, etc. The top housing member 502 may have a thickness of about 300 microns, 400 microns, 450 microns, 500 microns, 550 microns, or any other suitable thickness. In some cases, a portion of the deformation or bending of the top housing member 502 to produce an audible and / or tactile output has a thickness between about 300 microns and 550 microns, while other portions of the top housing member 502 have different thicknesses (e.g., thicker or thinner). Other thicknesses and dimensions are also possible.

[0454] In embodiments where the audio system of the tag 500 uses the top housing member 502 as a diaphragm to generate an audible and / or tactile output, the tag 500 may use components of the audio system to detect an input applied to the top housing member 502. Figure 26B Shown is the tag 500 when a finger 2606 is applying an input force on the top housing member 502. This input may correspond to a press or squeeze of the tag 500 and may cause the top housing member 502 to deform such that the inner or bottom surface of the top housing member 502 moves downward towards the magnet assembly 506, as shown by arrow 2608. The movement of the top housing member 502 also causes the coil 504 to move downward, as shown by arrow 2610. Since the coil 504 is moving while it is in the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly 506, a current may be generated in the coil 504 due to the electromagnetic interaction between the movement of the conductor in the presence of magnetic flux. This current may be detected by the tag 500 and may indicate that an input has been detected.

[0455] When the tag 500 detects a current indicating a threshold amount of movement of the top housing member 502, the tag 500 may take one or more actions. For example, the tag 500 may initiate a pairing mode (optionally including changing the operation of one or more radio components of the tag to facilitate communication with other devices), turn the tag 500 on or off, change the operation mode of the tag 500, cause information to be sent via one or more of the wireless communication systems of the tag (e.g., sent to a remote service, sent to a mobile phone, etc.), activate or deactivate an audio or tactile output, etc.

[0456] The current generated in coil 504 due to the flexure of top housing member 502 can also be used to provide power to tag 500 for tag operation and / or to charge battery 514. This power can be obtained each time an input is provided, or it can be obtained when certain conditions are met (e.g., when a certain number or frequency of flexures is detected, when the battery is below a threshold charge level, etc.). In some cases, a tag without a battery (or with a fully discharged or dead battery) can be temporarily powered by a user, causing the top housing member to flex one or more times (e.g., using a number and frequency of flexures sufficient to at least briefly power the tag). If certain conditions are met, the tag can perform one or more actions in response to repeated flexure. For example, if the battery is dead or missing and sufficient power threshold is reached due to repeated flexure of the top housing member, the tag can send a location report (as relative to Figures 2A - 2C as described), along with an indication that the tag is powered off.

[0457] As described above, in addition to or instead of detecting the current generated in the coil of the audio system, the tag can use other types of input systems or devices to detect an input to the tag. For example, a dome switch, a tactile dome switch, or other electromechanical switch system can be positioned between top housing member 502 and magnet assembly 506 (or any other underlying component). When top housing member 502 is flexed by a user, as Figure 26B shown, the dome switch or electromechanical switch component can be actuated and the corresponding input detected. In some cases, magnet assembly 506 can define an opening, and the dome switch or other electromechanical switch system can be positioned in the opening. In such cases, the dome switch or other electromechanical switch system can be attached to circuit board 510, main frame member 512, or another underlying component.

[0458] Another type of switching mechanism that can be included in the tag includes conductive contacts attached to top housing member 502 and an underlying component. For example, a first conductive contact such as a metal sheet, foil, or other component can be attached to the inner surface of top housing member 502 (e.g., at the center of top housing member 502, such as aligned with the central opening of hard stop 520), and one or more second conductive contacts can be positioned below the first conductive contact. When top housing member 502 is flexed, as Figure 26BAs shown, the first conductive contact can contact one or more second conductive contacts, and the tag can detect the resulting contact, for example, by detecting a change in conductivity between these conductive contacts. As a specific example, the tag can include two second conductive contacts, and the first conductive contact can be configured to conductively couple the two second conductive contacts when the top housing member 502 is depressed. The tag can detect an input by detecting conduction between the two second conductive contacts. Other arrangements of conductive contacts are also conceivable.

[0459] Other techniques for detecting flexure of the top housing member 502 are also conceivable, and these techniques include, but are not limited to, capacitive sensors, force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and optical sensors. In addition, other types of input systems can be provided in addition to or instead of the input system that detects flexure of the top housing member 502. For example, the tag can include buttons, switches, accelerometers (e.g., for detecting shake or tap inputs), etc.

[0460] Figure 27A An exploded view of a portion of the tag 500 is shown. Specifically, Figure 27A An exploded view of the coil 504 and the magnet assembly 506 according to one exemplary embodiment is shown. The magnet assembly 506 includes a top plate 2700, a lower bracket 2702 (e.g., a metal bracket), and a magnet 2704. The top plate 2700 and the lower bracket 2702 can be formed of or include a metal material such as steel. The top plate 2700 and the lower bracket 2702 can cooperate to direct the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 2704 along a desired region and help reduce leakage flux outside the tag 500. Minimizing or otherwise reducing the amount and / or intensity of the leakage flux (e.g., the magnetic flux extending outside the housing of the tag 500 from the magnet 2704) can help prevent the magnetic flux from interfering with or damaging other objects or devices, such as credit cards, magnetometers in other devices, etc.

[0461] Figure 27B A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the tag 500 is shown, which shows exemplary magnetic flux lines with respect to the magnet assembly 506 and the top housing member 502. The magnet 2704 can generate magnetic flux, and the top plate 2700 and the lower bracket 2702 direct or focus the magnetic flux. For example, the top plate 2700 and the lower bracket 2702 can be configured to concentrate the flux in the gap 2708 where the coil 504 is located. By concentrating the flux in the gap 2708, the amount of flux 2706 leaking outside the tag 500 can be kept at an acceptable level (e.g., below a threshold level for demagnetizing a credit card).

[0462] The physical design of the tag 500 can also contribute to the management of the leakage flux. For example, the top housing member 502 and the magnet assembly 506 can be configured such that the distance from the magnet assembly 506 (e.g., the top of the magnet assembly) to the outer surface of the top housing member 502 (e.g., the portion of the outer surface of the top housing member 502 closest to the magnet assembly 506) is equal to or greater than a threshold distance. For example, in some cases, the threshold distance is about 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, or any other suitable distance.

[0463] Figures 26A - 27B An exemplary coil 504 is shown, where a conductor (e.g., a wire) is at least partially embedded in a potting material, and the potted conductor is attached to the top housing member 502. Figures 28A - 28D Other exemplary coil configurations that can be used with the wirelessly locatable tag as described herein are shown. Figure 28A An exemplary coil 2800 including a bobbin 2802 and a conductive coil 2804 is shown. The bobbin 2802 can be an annular structure around which the conductive coil 2804 is wound. The bobbin 2802 can be formed of or include a metal (e.g., aluminum or other metal sheet or foil), a polymer, or any other suitable material. The conductive coil 2804 can include multiple turns of a conductor such as a wire (e.g., a copper wire).

[0464] Figure 28B is a partial cross-sectional view of the tag, which shows how the coil 2800 can be integrated with the components of the tag. Specifically, the bobbin 2802 of the coil is attached to the inner surface or the bottom surface of the top housing member 2806 (which can be an embodiment of the top housing member 502). The bobbin 2802 can be attached to the top housing member 2806 using an adhesive 2810 (such as an epoxy resin) or other suitable adhesive or attachment mechanism or technique. The coil 2800 is positioned on the top housing member 2806 such that the conductive coil 2804 is in the magnetic flux field generated by the magnet assembly 2808 (which can be an embodiment of the magnet assembly 506).

[0465] Figure 28C is a partial cross-sectional view of the tag, which shows another example of how the coil 2800 can be integrated with the components of the tag. In Figure 28C it, the bobbin 2802 is attached to the top housing member 2806 using the adhesive 2810, as in Figure 28BAs shown, but also includes a shield 2812 extending from the top housing member 2806 to the magnet assembly 2808 (or to another component within the tag). The shield 2812 may be formed of or include a flexible material, such as polyester or other polymer film, and the shield may be configured to deform when the tag produces an audible and / or tactile output by moving the top housing member 2806 and the coil 2800. The shield 2812 may be configured to protect the coil 2800 from debris or other contaminants that may affect the physical and / or electrical operation of the coil 2800.

[0466] Figure 28D Is a partial cross-sectional view of the tag, which shows how another coil 2814 may be integrated with the components of the tag. Figure 28D The coil 2814 in includes a bobbin 2816 and a conductive coil 2817, which are similar to the bobbin 2802 and the conductive coil 2804, except that the bobbin 2816 includes a mounting flange portion 2818 that extends at an angle relative to the portion of the bobbin attached to the conductive coil 2817. Compared with the bobbin 2802, the mounting flange portion 2818 may provide a larger contact area between the bobbin 2816 and the top housing member 2806. The mounting flange portion 2818 may be fixed to the top housing member 2806 via an adhesive 2820, which may be an epoxy resin, an adhesive film, a pressure, heat or temperature sensitive adhesive, or any other suitable adhesive. In some cases, a cover such as the cover 2812 may be included in Figure 28D The specific embodiment shown.

[0467] As described above, the audible and / or tactile output from the tag can be produced using an audio system that uses an electromagnetic coil and a magnet (a system similar to a voice coil motor) to flex or deform the top housing member of the tag. However, this is merely one exemplary audio system that can be used to produce such output, and other audio systems can be used instead of or in place of the coil and magnet arrangement described herein. Figures 29A - 30 Shows other exemplary audio systems that can be used to produce audible and / or tactile output.

[0468] Figures 29A - 29B Shows an example of using a portion of the top housing member as a speaker diaphragm, where a piezoelectric element is used to flex and / or deform the top housing member of the tag to produce an audible and / or tactile output. Figure 29AShows a portion of an exemplary top housing member 2900, which may be an embodiment of the top housing member 502. A piezoelectric element 2902 is attached to the inner or bottom surface of the top housing member 2900 (e.g., using an adhesive or any other suitable fastening technique). The piezoelectric element 2902 may be a piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph. To deform or flex the top housing member 2900, the tag may apply an electrical signal or current to the piezoelectric element 2902, causing the piezoelectric element 2902 to bend (indicated by arrow 2904). Due to the firm attachment between the piezoelectric element 2902 and the top housing member 2900, the bending of the piezoelectric element 2902 can cause the top housing member 2900 to flex or deform in a manner that produces an audible and / or tactile output (indicated by arrow 2906).

[0469] Figure 29A Shows an example in which a single piezoelectric element 2902 is attached to the center of the top housing member 2900, but this is merely an exemplary embodiment of an audio system using piezoelectric elements. Figure 29B Shows an example in which multiple independent piezoelectric elements 2910 are attached to the inner or bottom surface of the top housing member 2900. Specifically, the piezoelectric elements 2910 are positioned in the corners where the top wall of the top housing member 2900 joins the side walls of the top housing member 2900. The tag using this arrangement may use two additional piezoelectric elements 2910 spaced around the perimeter of the top housing member 2900. In the case of using two piezoelectric elements 2910, they may be positioned opposite each other (e.g., where the two piezoelectric elements define a line passing through the center of the shape defined by the top housing member 2900). The piezoelectric elements 2910 may be unimorph or bimorph piezoelectric elements.

[0470] To deform or flex the top housing member 2900, the tag may apply an electrical signal or current to the piezoelectric elements 2910, causing the piezoelectric elements 2910 to bend (indicated by arrow 2912). Due to the firm attachment between these piezoelectric elements 2910 and the top housing member 2900, the bending of the piezoelectric elements 2910 can cause the top housing member 2900 to flex or deform in a manner that produces an audible and / or tactile output (indicated by arrow 2914).

[0471] The piezoelectric elements 2910 may be mounted away from the part of the top housing member that moves the most during audible or tactile output, and the structure of the top housing member 2900 may be used to amplify the amount of flexure of the piezoelectric elements 2910. For example, by positioning the piezoelectric elements 2910 in the corners of the top housing member 2900, as Figure 29B shown, a small flexure of the piezoelectric elements 2910 can produce a larger flexure at the center of the top housing member 2900.

[0472] Piezoelectric elements 2902, 2910 may be electrically connected to one or more electronic components and / or circuit elements. The electronic components and / or circuit elements may be located on a circuit board (e.g., circuit board 510), and may be configured to provide electrical signals to the piezoelectric elements to cause them to deform in a manner that produces an audible and / or tactile output from the top housing member 2900.

[0473] Figure 30 Another exemplary configuration for an audio system for a tag is shown. Specifically, Figure 30 An exemplary top housing member 3000 (which may be an embodiment of the top housing member 502) is shown, with an audio system 3001 located below the top housing member 3000. The audio system 3001 may be configured to direct sound through one or more openings 3006 extending through the top housing member 3000.

[0474] The audio system 3001 may include a housing 3002 that defines an interior volume 3008. A speaker 3004 may be coupled to the housing 3002 or otherwise configured to direct sound into the interior volume 3008. The interior volume 3008 may have an opening that is aligned with or otherwise in communication with the opening 3006 in the top housing member 3000. Thus, sound from the speaker 3004 may be directed through the interior volume 3008 and out the opening 3006 (as indicated by arrow 3010). The housing 3002 may be attached to the top housing member 3000 (e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, ultrasonic welding, etc.), or it may be attached to another component of the tag (e.g., an antenna assembly) and positioned such that it transmits audio through an opening in the top housing member. In tags that include an audio system with a speaker within the housing, the tag may employ a screen, membrane, water spray system, or other system or technique to prevent water, dust, or other contaminants from entering the audio system and / or the entire tag.

[0475] For tags in which the top housing member flexes and / or deforms to produce an audible and / or tactile output, the top housing member may be configured to be sufficiently flexible such that it can be flexed and / or deformed by a voice coil motor, piezoelectric element, or other actuator. In some cases, the top housing member may be a one-piece structure formed from a single piece of material. In other cases, it may include multiple components or sections that together define the top housing member. Figures 31A - 34C Several different exemplary top housing members that may be used with a wirelessly locatable tag as described herein are shown. Figures 31A - 34C The top housing member in may be an embodiment of the top housing member 502 or any other top housing member described herein.

[0476] Figures 31A - 31CAn exemplary top housing member 3100 that can be formed from a single piece of material is shown. The top housing member 3100 can be formed from a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or any other suitable polymeric material (including fiber-reinforced polymeric materials). In other cases, the top housing member 3100 can be formed from metal.

[0477] Figure 31A The outer surface of the top housing member 3100 is shown, which can define the outer surface of the label. As shown, the outer surface of the top housing member 3100 is substantially featureless (e.g., no seams, gaps, grooves, interruptions, displays, buttons, or other feature structures). However, in other embodiments, the outer surface can define or include such feature structures.

[0478] Figure 31B A bottom view of the top housing member 3100 is shown. The top housing member 3100 can define reinforcing ribs 3102, which can be integrally formed with the remainder of the top housing member 3100. For example, the top housing member 3100 can be molded as a single piece with the reinforcing ribs 3102. The top housing member 3100 can also define a coil attachment area 3104, where a coil of an audio system (e.g., coil 504) can be attached to the top housing member 3100. The coil attachment area 3104 can be a substantially featureless surface, or it can include grooves, cavities, attachment elements, or other feature structures.

[0479] Figure 31C Is a cross-sectional view of the top housing member 3100 taken along line 31C-31C in Figure 31A As shown, the top housing member 3100 may not have a uniform thickness. For example, in some cases, the central portion of the top housing member 3100 (e.g., at and / or around the coil attachment area 3104) can be thinner than the sidewall portion of the top housing member 3100. This can provide increased flexibility at areas of the top housing member 3100 that need to flex and / or deform to produce audible and / or tactile outputs.

[0480] Figures 32A to 32C An exemplary top housing member 3200 that can include multiple components is shown. Figure 32A The outer surface of the top housing member 3200 is shown, which can define the outer surface of the label. The top housing member 3200 can include a peripheral member 3202, a central member 3204, and a compliant member 3206. The peripheral member 3202 can define a peripheral wall and a top wall, where the top wall defines an opening, and the central member 3204 can be at least partially positioned within the opening. The peripheral wall of the peripheral member 3202 can define the peripheral sidewall of the label (and thus define the outer peripheral side surface).

[0481] The compliant member 3206 may be formed of a material that is more flexible than the peripheral member 3202 and the central member 3204. For example, the peripheral member 3202 (which may define the sidewall of the top housing member 3200) and the central member 3204 (which may define the top outer surface of the top housing member 3200) may be formed of a first polymer material such as ABS, PMMA, and the compliant member 3206 may be formed of a second polymer material that is more flexible than the first polymer material such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc. The compliant member 3206 may be configured to allow the central member 3204 to move more freely relative to the peripheral member 3202 than when the central member and the peripheral member are an integral structure (such as the top housing member 3100).

[0482] Figure 32B A bottom view of the top housing member 3200 is shown. The top housing member 3200 may define a reinforcing rib 3208 that may be integrally formed with the peripheral member 3202. The central member 3204 may define a coil attachment area 3210 that may be similar to the coil attachment area 3104 described above.

[0483] Figure 32C For a cross-sectional view of the top housing member 3200 taken along line 32C-32C in Figure 32A . As shown, the portion of the compliant member 3206 visible on the outer surface of the top housing member 3200 may be only a part of the compliant member 3206. More specifically, the compliant member 3206 may extend along a portion of the inner surface or the bottom surface of the central member 3204 and may mechanically couple the central member 3204 to the peripheral member 3202. The compliant member 3206 may define an opening that exposes the coil attachment area 3210 such that the coil may be directly attached to the central member 3204, thereby transferring force directly to the central member 3204. In some cases, the portion of the compliant member 3206 that is exposed adjacent to the outer surfaces of the central member and the peripheral member is flush with the central member and the peripheral member, as shown in Figure 32C . In other cases, the exposed portion of the compliant member 3206 may be recessed or protruded relative to the peripheral member and the central member. For example, Figure 33C shows an embodiment in which the compliant member is recessed relative to the central member and the peripheral member.

[0484] The top housing member 3200 can be formed by co-injection molding or insert molding techniques, where the central member and the peripheral member are first formed (and optionally inserted into a second mold after they are formed), and then the material of the compliant member 3206 is injected into the mold and against the central member and the peripheral member. This can cause the compliant member to be formed into the target shape and fix the material of the compliant member to the central member and the peripheral member (e.g., via chemical and / or adhesive bonding between these materials, and / or via mechanical interlocks between these components).

[0485] Compared with a single-piece top housing member, the reduced stiffness of the compliant member 3206 relative to the central member and the peripheral member can increase the amount of movement of the central member achieved for a given coil force. This in turn can improve the efficiency of the tag with respect to generating audible and / or tactile outputs. Additionally, the lower force requirement can allow for the use of smaller coils, magnets, piezoelectric elements, or other force-generating elements of the audio system. Further, embodiments of the top housing member that use separate central and peripheral members can exhibit different deformation or flexure modes than a single-piece housing member. That is, the central member 3204 deforms less by itself than the central region of a single-piece top housing member and instead moves more vertically (e.g., like a plate moving along a vertical path). In other words, while a single-piece top housing member can deform in a domed shape to generate audible and / or tactile outputs, the central member 3204 of the top housing member 3200 can remain substantially undeformed while moving vertically up and down (e.g., by mostly or fully translational movement) to generate such outputs. In the case where the central member of the top housing member is separate from the peripheral member, the central member can be thicker and / or stiffer than the central member of a single-piece top housing member.

[0486] Figures 33A - 33C Another exemplary top housing member 3300 that can include multiple components is shown. Figure 33A The outer surface of the top housing member 3300 is shown, which can define the outer surface of the tag. The top housing member 3300 can define a peripheral member 3302, a central member 3304, and a compliant member 3306. The peripheral member 3302 can define a peripheral wall and a top wall, where the top wall defines an opening and the central member 3304 can be at least partially positioned within the opening. The peripheral wall of the peripheral member 3302 can define the peripheral sidewall of the tag (and thus define the outer peripheral side surface).

[0487] The compliant member 3306 can be formed of a material that is more flexible than the peripheral member 3302 and the central member 3304. For example, the peripheral member 3302 (which can define the side wall of the top housing member 3300) and the central member 3304 (which can define the top outer surface of the top housing member 3300) can be formed of a first polymer material such as ABS, PMMA, and the compliant member 3306 can be formed of a second polymer material that is more flexible than the first polymer material, such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc. The compliant member 3306 can be configured to allow the central member 3304 to move more freely relative to the peripheral member 3302 than when the central member and the peripheral member are an integral structure (such as the top housing member 3100).

[0488] Figure 33B A bottom view of the top housing member 3300 is shown. The top housing member 3300 can define a reinforcing rib 3308, which can be integrally formed with the peripheral member 3302. The central member 3304 can define a coil attachment region 3310, which can be similar to the coil attachment region 3104 described above.

[0489] Figure 33C For a cross-sectional view of the top housing member 3300 taken along line 33C-33C in Figure 33A As shown, the portion of the compliant member 3306 visible on the outer surface of the top housing member 3300 can be only a part of the compliant member 3306. More specifically, the compliant member 3306 can extend along a portion of the inner surface or the bottom surface of the central member 3304 and can mechanically couple the central member 3304 to the peripheral member 3302. The compliant member 3306 can define an opening that exposes the coil attachment region 3310 such that the coil can be directly attached to the central member 3304, thereby transmitting force directly to the central member 3304. The exposed portion of the compliant member 3306 can be recessed relative to the peripheral member and the central member.

[0490] The top housing member 3300 can be formed by co-injection molding or insert molding techniques as described above with respect to the top housing member 3200. Additionally, similar to the top housing member 3200, the top housing member 3300 can be configured to use a substantially linear movement (with no or only nominal deformation) of the central member 3304, rather than a bending or deformation mode (as in the case of the one-piece top housing member 3100), to generate auditory and / or tactile outputs. In some cases, the central member 3304 can translate relative to the peripheral member 3302 to generate an audible output.

[0491] Figures 34A - 34C Another exemplary top housing member 3400 that can include multiple components is shown. Figure 34AShows the outer surface of the top housing member 3400, which may define the outer surface of the label. The top housing member 3400 may define a peripheral member 3402 and a compliant member 3406. The compliant member 3406 defines a central region of the top housi...

Claims

1. A holder for a wireless locatable tag, the wireless locatable tag including a housing member, the holder comprising: a receptacle portion configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag, the receptacle portion defining: a first pocket portion defining a first opening configured to at least partially surround an outer perimeter of a battery door of the wireless locatable tag; and a second pocket portion coupled to the first pocket portion and defining a second opening configured to at least partially surround an area of an outer surface of the housing member of the wireless locatable tag, the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion defining a third opening configured to allow the wireless locatable tag to be positioned in the receptacle portion between the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion; a fastener coupled to the receptacle portion and configured to releasably secure the first opening in a closed configuration to hold the wireless locatable tag in the receptacle portion; and a fastening strap configured to releasably attach the holder to an object.

2. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle portion defines a cavity having dimensions and a shape corresponding to the dimensions and the shape of the wireless locatable tag.

3. The holder according to claim 2, wherein: the cavity is defined by an inner surface of the receptacle portion; and when the wireless locatable tag is located in the cavity, the inner surface contacts the wireless locatable tag.

4. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the second opening and the third opening are circular.

5. The holder according to claim 4, wherein the second opening and the third opening have the same diameter.

6. The holder according to claim 1, wherein: the fastener is a snap; and the snap includes: a convex component including: a protrusion member defining a circumferential groove extending around the protrusion member; a compression ring positioned within the circumferential groove; a compliant member positioned in the circumferential groove and configured to apply a biasing force on the compression ring; and a concave component defining an opening configured to receive the protrusion member, the compression ring being configured to engage a surface of the concave component to maintain an engagement between the convex component and the concave component.

7. The holder according to claim 1, wherein: the object is an open ring defining an opening; and the fastening strap passes through the opening of the open ring to form a loop.

8. The holder according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening strap defines a strap opening at a terminal end of the fastening strap; and the strap opening is configured to allow the receptacle portion to pass through the strap opening to form a loop in the fastening strap.

9. A holder for a wireless locatable tag, the wireless locatable tag including a housing member, the holder comprising: The first layer, the first layer defining: A first part of the receptacle portion, the first part of the receptacle portion being configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag; A first opening extending through the first layer and configured to expose a first part of the housing member of the wireless locatable tag; A fastening strap; And A second layer, the second layer being adjacent to the first layer along a joint region and defining: A second part of the receptacle portion; And A second opening extending through the second layer and configured to expose a second part of the housing member of the wireless locatable tag, the second layer being attached to the first layer along a part of the joint region, thereby defining a third opening between the first layer and the second layer; And A fastener, the fastener comprising: A first fastener assembly coupled to the first layer; And A second fastener assembly coupled to the second layer and configured to releasably secure the third opening in a closed configuration to hold the wireless locatable tag in the receptacle portion.

10. The holder according to claim 9, wherein the third opening is configured to allow the wireless locatable tag to be positioned in the receptacle portion.

11. The holder according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first opening or the second opening is configured to expose a region of the outer surface of the housing member of the wireless locatable tag that is configured to serve as a speaker diaphragm.

12. The holder according to claim 9, wherein the fastening strap is attached to a clamp configured to releasably attach the holder to an object.

13. The holder according to claim 9, wherein the end of the fastening strap is fixed to the base of the fastening strap to define a collar.

14. The holder according to claim 13, wherein the end of the fastening strap is fixed to the base of the fastening strap by the first fastener assembly.

15. The holder according to claim 9, wherein: The fastening strap defines a strap opening at the end of the fastening strap; And The strap opening is configured to allow the receptacle portion to pass through the strap opening to form a collar in the fastening strap.

16. A holder for a wireless locatable tag, the wireless locatable tag including a housing member, the holder comprising: A receptacle portion configured to at least partially surround the wireless locatable tag, the receptacle portion defining: A first pocket portion defining a first opening configured to at least partially surround the outer perimeter of the battery door of the wireless locatable tag; And A second pocket portion, the second pocket portion being coupled to the first pocket portion and defining a second opening configured to at least partially surround an area of an outer surface of the housing member of the wireless locatable tag, the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion defining a third opening configured to allow the wireless locatable tag to be positioned in the receptacle portion between the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion; and a tab extending from the receptacle portion adjacent to the third opening, the tab defining a fourth opening; and a strip extending from the receptacle portion adjacent to the third opening and configured to extend through the fourth opening to maintain the third opening in a closed configuration.

17. The retainer according to claim 16, wherein the strip is configured to be removed from the fourth opening to allow the third opening to expand to receive the wireless locatable tag.

18. The retainer according to claim 17, wherein: the strip defines a collar at a terminal end of the strip; and the retainer further includes a removable split ring attached to the collar.

19. The retainer according to claim 18, wherein the removable split ring is sized larger than the fourth opening such that when the removable split ring is attached to the collar, the terminal end of the strip is prevented from passing through the fourth opening.

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