Tracking device housing

Abstract

A tracking device housing includes a body and an electronic network. The body defines a device receiving volume configured to selectively receive and retain a tracking device in the body and a housing battery compartment configured to selectively receive and retain one or more housing batteries. The electronic network is operably disposed in the body and is configured to electrically connect the one or more enclosure batteries with the tracking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the housing of a tracking device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, wireless tracking devices have become increasingly popular among consumers. Consumers frequently use these devices to track sports equipment, electronic devices, luggage, cars, and more. Typically, tracking devices are small, and the batteries they use only last for a limited time, such as about 6 to 12 months. However, consumers may want to track certain objects for extended periods without needing to replace the tracking device's batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The tracking device housing includes a main body and an electronic network. The main body defines a device receiving volume and a housing battery compartment. The device receiving volume is configured to selectively receive and hold the tracking device in the main body, and the housing battery compartment is configured to selectively receive and hold one or more housing batteries. The electronic network is operatively disposed within the main body and configured to electrically connect one or more housing batteries to the tracking device. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the housing of the tracking device according to the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 It's an Apple with a button battery. TM AirTag TM Isometric explosion view of the device.

[0006] Figure 3 This is an isometric exploded top view of an example enclosure according to this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An isometric exploded top view of an example casing, showing Apple TM AirTag TM The device was equipped with a battery casing.

[0008] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Another isometric exploded top view of the example casing, showing Apple TM AirTag TM The device was equipped with a battery casing.

[0009] Figure 6 This is an isometric exploded top view of another example casing according to this disclosure, showing Apple TM AirTag TM The device was equipped with a battery casing. Detailed Implementation

[0010] This document discloses a housing 10 of a tracking device 12 and related methods therein. Examples of the device 12 include wireless (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth) devices. TM GPS tracking devices (e.g., Apple) TM AirTag TM Tile TM Samsung TM Galaxy TM SmartTag TM Chipolo TM One TM CubePro TM Orbit TM and Baseus TM Tracking device). Functionally, housing 10 can be used to power tracking device 12 using one or more batteries that will last longer than the batteries typically (and / or intended) to be used with tracking device 12. For example, while tracking device 12 may be designed to be used with small coin cells, such as 3-volt (V) coin cells, housing 10 may allow the use of two AAA-, AA-, C-, or D- batteries rated at 1.5V in series. Housing 10 can be configured to be used with a variety of suitable batteries depending on the specific tracking device 12 that housing 10 is intended to be used with and / or depending on the length of time that specific tracking device 12 is expected to be powered. As an illustrative example, with Apple TM AirTag TM The 3V button battery used with the device lasts for about six months, while with Apple... TM AirTag TM The two 1.5V AA batteries in the housing 10 used with the device can last for about ten years. Alternatively, the housing 10 may be described or referred to as the housing of the tracking device, the battery pack of the tracking device, the supplementary battery pack of the tracking device, the battery array of the tracking device, etc.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the housing of the tracking device according to this disclosure. Typically in... Figure 1 In this disclosure, elements that may be included in the given examples are shown with solid lines, while elements that are optional for a given example or correspond to a particular example are shown with dashed lines. However, elements shown with solid lines are not essential to all examples of this disclosure and may be omitted in a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0012] like Figure 1As shown, the housing 10 includes at least a body 14 and an electronic network 22 operably disposed within the body 14. The body 14 defines a device receiving volume 16 configured to selectively receive and retain a tracking device 12 within the body 14. The body 14 further defines a housing battery chamber 18 configured to selectively receive and retain one or more housing batteries 20. In some examples, the device receiving volume 16 and the housing battery chamber 18 may be different from each other. In other examples, the two chambers typically share the same volume within the body 14. As described above, depending on the specific tracking device 12 used with the housing 10 and depending on the expected lifespan of the housing battery(s) 20, the housing battery(s) 20 may include one or more different types and / or configurations of batteries. These batteries may be non-rechargeable batteries (e.g., alkaline batteries) or rechargeable batteries (e.g., alkaline, nickel-cadmium [NiCd], nickel-metal hydride [MiMH], or lithium-ion batteries). Various suitable sizes of housing batteries 20 include (but are not limited to) AAA-, AA-, C-, and D- batteries.

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, when the tracking device 12 is operably received in the device receiving volume 16 and when one or more housing batteries 20 are operably received in the housing battery compartment 18, the electronic network 22 electrically connects the housing batteries(s) 20 to the tracking device 12. The electronic network 22, together with the housing batteries(s) 20 and the tracking device 12, completes a circuit for providing operably powerful power to the tracking device 12.

[0014] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The diagram is shown below, and reference is provided. Figure 2 Apple TM AirTag TM Examples of tracking devices 12 in the form of device 12', in some examples, the tracking device 12 defines a tracking device battery chamber 24, which is configured to operatively receive one or more device batteries 48, such as coin cells 48', as... Figure 2 Examples are shown below. In these examples, the tracking device 12 includes a first tracking device contact 26 positioned to operatively engage with a first end 50 of the device battery(s)48 when the device battery(s)48 are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment 24. Similarly, in these examples, the tracking device 12 includes a second tracking device contact 28 positioned to operatively engage with a second end 52 of the device battery(s)48 when the device battery(s)48 are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment 24. (In Apple...) TM AirTag TMIn the example of device 12', two first tracking device contacts 26' are operably in contact with the first terminal 50 of the button battery 48'. The (multiple) first tracking device contacts 26 and (multiple) second tracking device contacts 28 may be collectively referred to as the contacts of the tracking device.

[0015] In this article, "Apple" TM AirTag TM "Device" refers to Figure 2 The tracking device shown is available on the market as AirTag from the date of this application. TM The trademark was obtained from Apple Inc. "Apple" TM AirTag TM "Device" also refers to a device that has the same characteristics as the above. Figure 2 Variations of the similar structure shown herein are made so that the housing 10 disclosed herein can operatively receive these tracking devices 12 to power the tracking devices 12.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, in some examples, the electronic network 22 of the housing 10 includes a first electrical contact 30 and a second electrical contact 32. When the tracking device 12 is operatively received in the device receiving volume 16, the first electrical contact 30 is positioned to operatively engage with a first tracking device contact 26, and when the tracking device 12 is operatively received in the device receiving volume 16, the second electrical contact 32 is positioned to operatively engage with a second tracking device contact 28. The first electrical contact 30 and the second electrical contact 32 may be collectively referred to herein as contacts of the housing.

[0017] In some examples of tracking device 12, such as Apple TM AirTag TM Device 12', with multiple first tracking device contacts 26 and multiple second tracking device contacts 28, is spring-biased toward or into the tracking device battery compartment 24. Additionally or optionally, these contacts may be referred to as or contain springs or spring pins. In these examples, when the device battery 48 is operably placed in the tracking device battery compartment 24, and the battery cover 46 of the tracking device 12 (see...) Figure 2 When the tracking device 12' (example) is operably installed, the device battery 48 engages and pushes the spring pin against its spring bias.

[0018] Continue to refer to Figure 1Some tracking devices 12 can be described as having a central axis 42. In some examples of housing 10, housing 10 is configured to operably receive tracking device 12 in any radial orientation about the central axis 42, and when tracking device 12 is operably received in device receiving volume 16, to operably engage first electrical contact 30 with first tracking device contact 26, and to operably engage second electrical contact 32 with second tracking device contact 28. Therefore, in these examples of housing 10, the user does not need to worry about the alignment of tracking device 12 in a particular radial orientation about the central axis 42, because any radial orientation will allow the tracking device contacts to operably engage with the contacts of the housing.

[0019] In some examples, the second electrical contact 32 includes a disc-shaped body 36 (i.e., a generally cylindrical shape with a radius greater than its thickness). Therefore, regardless of the radial orientation of the tracking device 12, and thus regardless of where the second tracking device contact 28 is placed within the tracking device battery compartment 24, the disc-shaped body 36 can be operatively contacted with the corresponding second tracking device contact 28 to allow operative contact at any location on the disc-shaped body 36.

[0020] In some examples, the first electrical contact 30 includes an annular body 34 that is a generally annular body extending about a central axis by more than 180 degrees, more than 270 degrees, more than 305 degrees, or even 360 degrees. Therefore, regardless of the radial orientation of the tracking device 12, and thus regardless of where the second tracking device contact 28 is placed within the tracking device battery compartment 24, the annular body 34 can be operatively contacted with the corresponding first tracking device contact 26 to allow operative contact at any position of the annular body 34.

[0021] In some such examples, the annular body 34 and the disk-shaped body 36 are coaxial with each other. Specifically, the disk-shaped body 36 and the annular body 34 may generally correspond to a configuration for use with a particular tracking device 12 (e.g., Figure 2 The shape and / or size of the terminals of the button cell used together with the button cell 48'. In some such examples, when the tracking device 12 is operably received in the device receiving volume 16, the annular body 34 and the disc-shaped body 36 are also coaxial with the central axis 42 of the tracking device 12.

[0022] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The diagram is shown below, and reference is provided. Figure 2 Apple TM AirTag TMIn specific examples of device 12', some tracking devices 12 include one or more structural features 38 that at least partially define or extend to the tracking device battery compartment 24. When a housing 10 is configured for use with such a tracking device 12, some such housings 10 may include one or more index features 40 configured to engage with the structural features 38 of the tracking device 12 to align and engage a first electrical contact 30 with a first tracking device contact 26 and a second electrical contact 32 with a second tracking device contact 28 when the tracking device 12 is operably received in the device receiving volume 16. In other words, contrary to the examples described above, where the housing 10 is configured to operably receive the tracking device 12 in any radial orientation about the central axis 42, other housings 10 may be configured to operably engage with the tracking device 12 only in one or more specific directions indicated by the index features 40 to ensure that the contacts of the tracking device operably engage with the contacts of the housing.

[0023] In some such examples, for example Figure 2 Apple in TM AirTag TM In the example of device 12', multiple structural features 38 are configured to selectively mate with the battery cover 46 of the tracking device 12, which is configured to selectively retain multiple device batteries 48 within the tracking device battery compartment 24. That is, one or more structural features 38 can serve as mating features of the associated battery cover 46, for example, in the form of threads, fastening holes or other fastening structures, friction fit structures, snap-fit ​​structures, etc.

[0024] In a further example, the device receiving volume 16 of the housing 10 may be configured to operatively engage with the structural features 38(s) of the tracking device 12 to ensure operative alignment and engagement between the contacts of the housing and the contacts of the tracking device. For example, the body 14 of the housing 10 may include threads or other structures (e.g., friction fit structures, snap-fit ​​structures, etc.) configured to engage with corresponding structural features 38 of the threads or other forms (e.g., friction fit structures, snap-fit ​​structures, etc.).

[0025] Return to reference Figure 1 For example, the solid rectangle of the main body 14 is usually shown. Figure 1As shown by the dashed lines dividing the housing 10, in some examples, the body 14 includes a base 56 and one or more covers 58 detachably connected to the base 56 to allow placement and removal of the tracking device 12 in and from the device receiving volume 16, and to allow placement and removal of the housing battery(s) 20(s) in and from the housing battery(s) 18. For example, both the device receiving volume 16 and the housing battery(s) 18 can be accessed through a single cover 58. In other examples, both the device receiving volume 16 and the housing battery(s) 18 can be accessed separately through a single cover 58. The cover 58 can be detachably connected to the base 56 by any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, fasteners (e.g., screws), threads, friction-fit structures, snap-fit ​​structures, etc.

[0026] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, housing 10 also includes one or more gaskets 60, which are operably positioned to provide one or more sealing gaskets between the base 56 and one or more covers 58 when the covers(multiple) 58 are operably attached to the base 56. These housings 10 may be described or configured to be waterproof for operable protection of the housings(multiple) 20, tracking device 12, and electronic network 22.

[0027] In some examples, base 56 includes a main base 62 and a base insert 64 operatively connected to the main base 62 and at least partially defining a device receiving volume 16. In some such examples, the electronic network 22 includes a trace 66, and the base insert 64 at least partially conceals the trace 66 between the base insert 64 and the main base 62. In some examples, the base insert 64 is non-conductive. In some examples, at least a portion of the electronic network 22, such as one or both of the first electrical contact 30 and / or the second electrical contact 32, extends through the base insert 64. The base insert 64 can be operatively connected to the main base 62 in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners or adhesives.

[0028] In some examples of housing 10, which is configured for use with tracking device 12 defining tracking device battery compartment 24, the base 56 of housing 10 may include a protrusion 68 that is positioned and configured to operably extend into tracking device battery compartment 24 when tracking device 12 is operably received in device receiving volume 16. That is, base 56 may provide a structure for operably engaging with tracking device 12, including operably engaging contacts of housing 10 with contacts of tracking device 12. In some such examples, base insert 64 includes protrusion 68. Thus, in these examples, base insert 64 not only conceals portions of the electronic network but also provides a structure for operably engaging housing 10 with tracking device 12 and for operably engaging contacts of housing 10 with contacts of tracking device 12.

[0029] In some examples, the protrusion 68 is typically cylindrical and is therefore configured to mate with the typically cylindrical or circular tracking device battery compartment 24, such as... Figure 2 Apple in the example TM AirTag TM Device 12'.

[0030] In some examples, the protrusion 68 at least partially supports the first electrical contact 30 and the second electrical contact 32. That is, when the tracking device 12 is operatively engaged with the protrusion 68, the protrusion 68 supports an operative and continuous engagement between the housing contacts and the tracking device contacts. In some examples, the protrusion 68 is non-conductive to avoid short circuits between the housing contacts.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in some examples, the protrusion 68 includes a peripheral wall 70 and an end wall 72. In some such examples, the first electrical contact 30 is at least partially supported by the peripheral wall 70, and the second electrical contact 32 is at least partially supported by the end wall 72. For example, in an example where the first electrical contact 30 includes an annular body 34, the peripheral wall 70 of the protrusion 68 may support the annular body 34; in an example where the second electrical contact 32 includes a disc-shaped body 36, the end wall 72 of the protrusion 68 may support the disc-shaped body 36. In some such examples, the end wall 72 defines a recess 74 in which the second electrical contact 32 (e.g., its disc-shaped body 36) is at least partially placed. Thus, the protrusion 68 may provide insulation around the operating portion of the second electrical contact 32 to limit short circuits between the second electrical contact 32 and the first electrical contact 30. In an example where the second electrical contact 32 includes a disc-shaped body 36, the recess may be circular for operatively receiving the disc-shaped body 36.

[0032] In some examples, at least a portion of the electronic network 22 extends through the end wall 72 of the protrusion. For example, leads of the second electrical contact 32, or leads or wires operatively connecting the second electrical contact 32 to contacts associated with the housing battery(s) 20, may extend through the end wall 72 of the protrusion.

[0033] In some examples, the contacts of the housing can be described as at least partially defining the protrusion 68, rather than being supported by the protrusion 68.

[0034] In some examples, the device receiving volume 16 is configured to compress the first tracking device contact 26 and / or the second tracking device contact 28 when the tracking device 12 is operably received within the device receiving volume 16. This configuration ensures operable and continuous contact between the housing contacts and the tracking device contacts, preventing movement of the tracking device within the device receiving volume 16. In some such examples, the device receiving volume 16 is configured to compress the tracking device contacts when the tracking device 12 is operably received within the device receiving volume 16, provided that the tracking device contacts are spring-biased.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In some of the schematically illustrated examples, the body 14 includes one or more ribs 76 that are operably positioned to engage with the tracking device 12 when the tracking device 12 is operably received in the device receiving volume 16. In some such examples, the cover 58 associated with the device receiving volume 16 includes multiple ribs 76. In some examples, when the contacts of the tracking device are spring-biased, and the ribs 76 are operably engaged with the tracking device 12 and the tracking device 12 is operably received in the device receiving volume 16, the multiple ribs 76 are configured to operably compress the first tracking device contact 26 and / or the second tracking device contact 28 (i.e., compress the first tracking device contact 26 and / or the second tracking device contact 28). That is, the ribs 76 can push the tracking device 12 to ensure a tight fit of the tracking device 12 in the device receiving volume 16 and to ensure operable contact between the contacts of the housing and the contacts of the tracking device. In some examples, when the tracking device 12 is operatively received in the device receiving volume 16, the rib 76 is positioned to engage only with the peripheral region of the surface of the tracking device 12. This configuration of the rib 76 prevents the internal speakers of the tracking device 12 from being muted. That is, by engaging only with the peripheral region of the tracking device 12, a large amount of air is directly provided in the vicinity of the tracking device 12, thereby allowing sound waves to propagate to the body 14 of the housing 10 and ultimately into the surrounding environment.

[0036] In some examples, the ribs 76 include circular ribs 78 positioned to engage only with the peripheral region of the tracking device 12. In some such examples, the circular ribs 78 (when present) are coaxial with the annular body 34 of the housing contact and the disc-shaped body 36 (when so configured). Alternatively, in examples including a protrusion 68, the circular ribs 78 may be coaxial with the protrusion 68.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, some housings 10 further include connectors 80 configured to operatively attach the housing 10 to an object. Figure 1 In this design, the optional connector 80 is schematically shown to overlap with the body 14 (schematically shown to be able to connect to the outer surface of the body 14), can be placed inside the body 14, or can be integral with the body 14. The connector 80 can be in various configurations, including adhesives, double-sided tape, double-sided foam tape, one or more magnets, fasteners, fastener structures (e.g., holes), etc.

[0038] A method for powering a tracking device is also provided within the scope of this disclosure. The method includes: powering the tracking device with the battery cover 46 of the tracking device 12 removed and with no device battery 48 present in the tracking device battery compartment 24 of the tracking device; operatively engaging a first electrical contact 30 of the housing 10 with a first tracking device contact 26 in the tracking device battery compartment 24 of the tracking device 12; and operatively engaging a second electrical contact 32 of the housing 10 with a second tracking device contact 28 in the tracking device battery compartment 24 of the tracking device 12.

[0039] Now go to Figures 3 to 6 This illustrates a non-exclusive example of a housing 10 in the form of a housing 100 and a housing 200. Where appropriate, Figure 1 In the schematic diagrams, reference numerals are used with one or more main symbols (') to indicate corresponding portions of housing 100 and housing 200; however, Figures 3 to 6 The examples provided are non-exclusive and do not limit housing 10 to the illustrated embodiments of housing 100 and housing 200. That is, housing 10 is not limited to the specific embodiments of housing 100 and housing 200 shown; housing 10 may include references to… Figure 1 Schematic diagram and / or Figures 3 to 6The embodiments and variations thereof show and discuss any number of aspects, configurations, characteristics, performance, etc. of housing 10, without necessarily including all of them. For the sake of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, section, aspect, area, etc., or variations thereof may no longer be discussed, shown, and / or labeled with respect to housing 100 and housing 200. However, within the scope of this disclosure, the previously discussed features, variations, etc., may be used with housing 100 or housing 200.

[0040] Figures 3 to 5 Example casing 100 is shown. Casing 100 is configured to power Apple devices via two AA batteries. TM AirTag TM An example of a housing 10 powered by device 12'. Specifically, housing 100 is configured to receive an Apple device in any radial orientation, with the battery cover 46 removed and around its central axis. TM AirTag TM Device 12'. The main body 14' of the housing 100 includes a base 56' and a cover 58'. The base 56' includes a main base 62' and a base insert 64'. The base insert 64' includes a generally cylindrical protrusion 68' that supports the housing contacts. From Figure 5 An exploded view may best illustrate that the protrusion 68' of the housing 100 includes a peripheral wall 70' supporting the first electrical contact 30' and an end wall 72' supporting the second electrical contact 32'. Furthermore, the housing 100 is an example of a housing 10 in which the first electrical contact 30' includes an annular body 34' and the second electrical contact 32' includes a disc-shaped body 36'. The end wall 72' defines a recess 74' within which the disc-shaped body 36' is located. The first electrical contact 30' also includes a lead 102 extending from the annular body 34' and through a base insert 64'. At least one lead 102 is connected to a wiring 66 (not shown) for operative connection to the battery 20'. The second electrical contact 32' also includes a lead 104 extending from the disc-shaped body 36' and through the end wall 72' of the protrusion 68' of the base insert 64'. At least one lead 104 is connected to a trace 66 (not shown) for operative connection to a battery 20'.

[0041] Figure 6 Example casing 200 is shown. Casing 200 is configured to power Apple devices via two AA batteries. TM AirTag TM Another example of a housing 10 powered by device 12'. Like housing 100, the body 14" of housing 200 includes a base 56" and a cover 58", the base 56" including a main base 62" and a base insert 64". Like housing 100, housing 200 is configured to receive Apple devices when the battery cover 46 is removed.TM AirTag TM Device 12'. However, unlike housing 100, housing 200 is not configured to receive an apple in any radial orientation around its central axis. TM AirTag TM Device 12'. Conversely, housing 200 is configured to receive an Apple in a single radial orientation. TM AirTag TM An example of the housing 10 of device 12', to ensure that the contacts of the housing operatively engage with the contacts of the tracking device. Specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the base insert 64” of the housing 200 includes three ribs 202, which serve as index features 40” for use with Apple TM AirTag TM The corresponding structural features within the tracking device battery compartment 24' of device 12' are joined.

[0042] The following paragraphs describe illustrative and non-exclusive examples of the inventive subject matter according to this disclosure:

[0043] A. The housing (10) of the tracking device (12) includes:

[0044] The main body (14), wherein the main body (14) is defined as having:

[0045] The device receiving volume (16) of the tracking device (12) in the main body (14) is configured to selectively receive and retain it; and

[0046] A housing battery compartment (18) configured to selectively receive and hold one or more housing batteries (20); and

[0047] An electronic network (22) is operably placed in the body (14) and configured to electrically connect the one or more housing batteries (20) to the tracking device (12) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16) and when the one or more housing batteries (20) are operably received in the housing battery compartment (18).

[0048] A1. According to the outer shell (10) of segment A, where,

[0049] The tracking device (12) includes a tracking device battery compartment (24) configured to operatively receive one or more device batteries (48).

[0050] The tracking device (12) includes:

[0051] A first tracking device contact (26), wherein the first tracking device contact (26) is positioned to operatively engage with a first end (50) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment (24); and

[0052] The second tracking device contact (28) is positioned to be operatively engaged with the second end (52) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment (24).

[0053] The electronic network (22) includes:

[0054] A first electrical contact (30), wherein the first electrical contact (30) is positioned to be operatively engaged with a first tracking device contact (26) when the tracking device (12) is operatively received in the device receiving volume (16); and

[0055] The second electrical contact (32) is positioned to be operatively engaged with the second tracking device contact (28) when the tracking device (12) is operatively received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0056] A1.1. According to the casing (10) of section A1, wherein the one or more device batteries (48) include one or more button batteries (54).

[0057] A1.2. According to any of the housings (10) in sections A1 to A1.1, wherein the first tracking device contact (26) and the second tracking device contact (28) are spring-biased toward the tracking device battery compartment (24).

[0058] A1.3. According to any of the shells (10) in sections A1 to A1.2, wherein,

[0059] The tracking device (12) has a central axis (42);

[0060] The housing (10) is configured to operably receive the tracking device (12) in any radial orientation around the central axis (42), and when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16), to operably engage the first electrical contact (30) with the first tracking device contact (26), and to operably engage the second electrical contact (32) with the second tracking device contact (28).

[0061] A1.4. According to any one of the segments A1 to A1.3, the housing (10) wherein the second electrical contact (32) includes a disc-shaped body (36).

[0062] A1.5. According to any one of the segments A1 to A1.4, the housing (10) wherein the first electrical contact (30) includes an annular body (34).

[0063] A1.5.1. According to the outer shell (10) of the A1.5 segment which depends on the A1.4 segment, wherein the annular body (34) and the disc-shaped body (36) are coaxial.

[0064] A1.5.1.1. According to the housing (10) of section A1.5.1 which depends on section A1.3, wherein the annular body (34), the disc-shaped body (36) and the central axis (42) are coaxial when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0065] A1.6. According to any one of the shells (10) in sections A1 to A1.2, wherein,

[0066] The tracking device (12) includes one or more structural features (38) that at least partially define or extend into the tracking device battery compartment (24); and

[0067] The housing (10) also includes one or more index features (40) configured to engage with one or more structural features (38) of the tracking device (12) to align and engage a first electrical contact (30) with a first tracking device contact (26) and a second electrical contact (32) with a second tracking device contact (28) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0068] A1.6.1. According to the housing (10) of section A1.6, wherein one or more structural features (38) are configured to selectively engage with a battery cover (46) configured to selectively retain one or more device batteries (48) in the tracking device battery compartment (24).

[0069] A2. According to any of the shells (10) in sections A to A1.6.1, wherein the body (14) comprises:

[0070] Base (56); and

[0071] One or more covers (58), wherein the one or more covers (58) are detachably connected to the base (56) to allow the tracking device (12) to be placed in and removed from the device receiving volume (16), and to allow the one or more housing batteries (20) to be placed in and removed from the housing battery compartment (18).

[0072] A2.1. According to the outer shell (10) of segment A2, it also includes:

[0073] One or more gaskets (60), wherein the one or more gaskets (60) are operably positioned to provide one or more sealing gaskets between the base (56) and the one or more covers (58) when the one or more covers (58) are operably connected to the base (56).

[0074] A2.2. According to any one of the shells (10) in sections A2 to A2.1, wherein the base (56) comprises:

[0075] Main base (62); and

[0076] A base insert (64) wherein the base insert (64) is operatively connected to the main base (62) and at least partially defines the receiving volume (16) of the device.

[0077] A2.2.1. According to the outer shell (10) in section A2.2, where

[0078] The electronic network (22) includes wiring (66); and

[0079] The base insert (64) at least partially conceals the wiring (66) between the base insert (64) and the main base (62).

[0080] A2.2.2. According to any of the housings (10) in sections A2.2 to A2.2.1, the base insert (64) is non-conductive.

[0081] A2.2.3. According to any of the housings (10) in sections A2.2 to A2.2.2, at least a portion of the electronic network (22) extends through the base insert (64).

[0082] A2.3. According to any of the shells (10) in sections A2 to A2.2.3, where,

[0083] The tracking device (12) defines a tracking device battery compartment (24) configured to operatively receive one or more device batteries (48); and

[0084] The base (56) includes a protrusion (68) that is positioned to extend operably into the tracking device battery compartment (24) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0085] A2.3.1. The housing (10) according to the A2.3 section which depends on the A2.2 section, wherein the base insert (64) includes the protrusion (68).

[0086] A2.3.2. According to any of the sections A2.3 to A2.3.1, the outer shell (10) is generally cylindrical.

[0087] A2.3.3. According to any of the housings (10) in sections A2.3 to A2.3.2 that depend on section A1, the protrusion (68) at least partially supports the first electrical contact (30) and the second electrical contact (32).

[0088] A2.3.4. According to any of the segments A2.3 to A2.3.3, the outer casing (10) wherein the protrusion (68) is non-conductive.

[0089] A2.3.5. According to any of the segments A2.3 to A2.3.4, the housing (10) includes a peripheral wall (70) and an end wall (72), wherein the first electrical contact (30) is at least partially supported by the peripheral wall (70) and the second electrical contact (32) is at least partially supported by the end wall (72).

[0090] A2.3.5.1. According to the housing (10) of section A2.3.5, wherein the end wall (72) defines a recess (74) and the second electrical contact (32) is at least partially placed in the recess (74).

[0091] A2.3.5.1.1. According to the outer shell (10) of section A2.3.5.1 which depends on section A2.3.2, wherein the recess (74) is circular.

[0092] A2.3.5.2. The housing (10) according to any of paragraphs A2.3.5 to A2.3.5.1.1, wherein at least a portion of the electronic network (22) extends through the end wall (72) of the protrusion (74).

[0093] A3. According to any of the shells (10) in sections A to A2.3.5.2, where,

[0094] The tracking device (12) includes:

[0095] A first tracking device contact (26), wherein the first tracking device contact (26) is positioned to operably engage with a first end (50) of one or more device batteries (48) when one or more device batteries (48) are operably received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the first tracking device contact (26) is spring-biased; and

[0096] A second tracking device contact (28), wherein the second tracking device contact (28) is positioned to be operatively engaged with a second end (52) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the second tracking device contact (28) is spring-biased.

[0097] The receiving volume (16) is configured to compress the first tracking device contact (26) and the second tracking device contact (28) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the receiving volume (16).

[0098] A4. According to any of the housings (10) in segments A to A3, wherein the body (14) includes one or more ribs (76) which are operably positioned to engage with the tracking device (12) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0099] A4.1. The housing (10) of the A4 segment depending on the A2 segment, wherein the one or more covers (58) include the one or more ribs (76).

[0100] A4.2. According to any of the sections A4 to A4.1 of section A1.2, wherein, when the one or more ribs (76) are operably engaged with the tracking device (12) and the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16), the one or more ribs (76) are configured to operably compress the first tracking device contact (26) and / or the second tracking device contact (28).

[0101] A4.3. The housing (10) according to any of paragraphs A4 to A4.2, wherein the one or more ribs (76) include circular ribs (78).

[0102] A4.3.1. According to the outer shell (10) of section A4.3 which depends on section A1.5.1, wherein the circular rib (78) is coaxial with the annular body (34) and the disc-shaped body (36).

[0103] A4.3.2. According to any of the sections A4.3 to A4.3.1 that depend on section A2.3, wherein the circular rib (78) is coaxial with the protrusion (68).

[0104] A5. According to any of the casings (10) in sections A to A4.3.2, it also includes:

[0105] A connector (80) is configured to operatively attach the housing (10) to the object (82).

[0106] A6. According to any of the casings (10) in sections A to A5, wherein, in the absence of the battery cover (46) of the tracking device (12), the device receiving volume (16) is configured to selectively receive and retain the tracking device (12) in the main body (14).

[0107] A7. The housing (10) according to any one of segments A to A6 also includes the tracking device (12).

[0108] A7.1. According to the housing (10) of section A6, wherein the tracking device (12) is selectively received in the device receiving volume (16).

[0109] A8. According to any of the housings (10) in sections A to A7.1, wherein the tracking device (12) includes Apple TM AirTag TM Device (12').

[0110] B. The housing (10) of the tracking device (12) includes:

[0111] The main body (14), wherein the main body (14) is defined as having:

[0112] The device receiving volume (16) of the tracking device (12) in the main body (14) is configured to selectively receive and retain it; and

[0113] A housing battery compartment (18) configured to selectively receive and hold one or more housing batteries (20); and

[0114] A means for electrically connecting the tracking device (12) to one or more housing batteries (20).

[0115] B1. According to the housing (10) of segment B, wherein the means for electrical connection includes any of the subjects in segments A to A8.

[0116] C. The power supply method for the tracking device (12) includes:

[0117] In the case where the battery cover (46) of the tracking device (12) is removed and there is no device battery (48) in the tracking device battery compartment (24) of the tracking device (12):

[0118] Operablely engage the first electrical contact (30) of the housing (10) with the first tracking device contact (26) in the tracking device battery compartment (24) of the tracking device (12); and

[0119] The second electrical contact (32) of the housing (10) is operatively engaged with the second tracking contact (28) in the tracking battery compartment (24) of the tracking device (12).

[0120] C1. According to the method of segment C, wherein the housing (10) includes any one of segments A to B1.

[0121] D. Use any of the housings (10) from A to B1 to power the tracking device (12).

[0122] As used herein, the terms “adopted” and “configured as” mean that an element, component, or other subject is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms “adopted” and “configured as” should not be construed as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject is merely “capable” of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject is specifically selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Within the scope of this disclosure, elements, components, and / or other described subjects described as adopted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subjects described as configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as operable to perform that function.

[0123] As used herein, the term “and / or” between the first entity and the second entity refers to (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, or (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed using “and / or” should be interpreted in the same way, i.e., “one or more” entities so combined. In addition to the entities explicitly indicated by “and / or”, other entities may optionally exist, whether related to or unrelated to those explicitly indicated. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “includes”, a reference to “A and / or B” may in one example refer only to A (optionally including entities other than B); in another example refer only to B (optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another example include both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

[0124] The elements and steps of the various devices and methods disclosed herein are not essential to all devices and methods according to this disclosure, which includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Furthermore, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define an independent inventive subject matter, distinct from the overall disclosed device or method. Therefore, such inventive subject matter need not be associated with the specific device and method explicitly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may be useful in devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A housing (10) for a tracking device (12), comprising: Body (14), wherein said body (14) is defined as having: The device receiving volume (16) configured to selectively receive and retain the tracking device (12) in the main body (14); and A housing battery compartment (18) configured to selectively receive and hold one or more housing batteries (20); and an electronic network (22) wherein the electronic network (22) is operably placed in the body (14) and configured to electrically connect the one or more housing batteries (20) to the tracking device (12) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16) and when the one or more housing batteries (20) are operably received in the housing battery compartment (18).

2. The outer casing (10) according to claim 1, wherein The tracking device (12) defines a tracking device battery compartment (24) configured to operatively receive one or more device batteries (48), wherein, The one or more device batteries (48) include one or more button batteries (54); The tracking device (12) has a central axis (42) and includes: A first tracking device contact (26), wherein the first tracking device contact (26) is positioned to operably engage with a first end (50) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operably received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the first tracking device contact (26) is spring-biased toward the tracking device battery compartment (24); and A second tracking device contact (28), wherein the second tracking device contact (28) is positioned to be operatively engaged with a second end (52) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operatively received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the second tracking device contact (28) is spring-biased toward the tracking device battery compartment (24). The electronic network (22) includes: A first electrical contact (30), wherein the first electrical contact (30) is positioned to be operatively engaged with a first tracking device contact (26) when the tracking device (12) is operatively received in the device receiving volume (16); and The second electrical contact (32) is positioned to be operatively engaged with the second tracking device contact (28) when the tracking device (12) is operatively received in the device receiving volume (16).

3. The outer casing (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The housing (10) is configured to operably receive the tracking device (12) in any radial orientation about the central axis (42), and when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16), to operably engage the first electrical contact (30) with the first tracking device contact (26), and to operably engage the second electrical contact (32) with the second tracking device contact (28).

4. The outer casing (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The second electrical contact (32) includes a disc-shaped body (36).

5. The outer casing (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The first electrical contact (30) includes an annular body (34).

6. The outer casing (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The annular body (34) and the disc-shaped body (36) are coaxial.

7. The outer casing (10) according to claim 6, wherein, When the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16), the annular body (34), the disc-shaped body (36), and the central axis (42) are coaxial.

8. The outer casing (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The main body (14) includes: Base (56); and One or more covers (58), wherein the one or more covers (58) are detachably connected to the base (56) to allow placement and removal of the tracking device (12) in the device receiving volume (16) and from the device receiving volume (16), and to allow placement and removal of the one or more housing batteries (20) in the housing battery compartment (18).

9. The outer casing (10) according to claim 8, further comprising: One or more gaskets (60), wherein the one or more gaskets (60) are operably positioned to provide one or more sealing gaskets between the base (56) and the one or more covers (58) when the one or more covers (58) are operably connected to the base (56).

10. The outer casing (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The base (56) includes: Main base (62); and A base insert (64) wherein the base insert (64) is operably connected to the main base (62) and at least partially defines the device receiving volume (16).

11. The housing (10) according to claim 10, wherein The electronic network (22) includes wiring (66); and The base insert (64) at least partially conceals the wiring (66) between the base insert (64) and the main base (62).

12. The outer casing (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The base insert (64) is non-conductive.

13. The outer casing (10) according to claim 10, wherein, At least a portion of the electronic network (22) extends through the base insert (64).

14. The housing (10) according to claim 10, wherein The tracking device (12) defines a tracking device battery compartment (24) configured to operatively receive one or more device batteries (48); and The base (56) includes a protrusion (68) positioned to extend operably into the tracking device battery compartment (24) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

15. The outer casing (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The base insert (64) includes the protrusion (68).

16. The outer casing (10) according to claim 15, wherein, The protrusion (68) is non-conductive.

17. The outer casing (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The protrusion (68) includes a peripheral wall (70) and an end wall (72), wherein the first electrical contact (30) is at least partially supported by the peripheral wall (70) and the second electrical contact (32) is at least partially supported by the end wall (72).

18. The outer casing (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The tracking device (12) includes: A first tracking device contact (26), wherein the first tracking device contact (26) is positioned to operably engage with a first end (50) of one or more device batteries (48) when one or more device batteries (48) are operably received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the first tracking device contact (26) is spring-biased; and The second tracking device contact (28) is positioned to operably engage with the second end (52) of the one or more device batteries (48) when the one or more device batteries (48) are operably received in the tracking device battery compartment (24), and the second tracking device contact (28) is spring-biased. The device receiving volume (16) is configured to compress the first tracking device contact (26) and the second tracking device contact (28) when the tracking device (12) is operably received in the device receiving volume (16).

19. A housing (10) of a tracking device (12), comprising: Body (14), wherein said body (14) is defined as having: The device receiving volume (16) configured to selectively receive and retain the tracking device (12) in the main body (14); and A housing battery compartment (18) configured to selectively receive and hold one or more housing batteries (20); and means for electrically connecting the tracking device (12) to the one or more housing batteries (20).

20. The housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The tracking device (12) is an Apple TM AirTag TM Device (12').

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