Device for attaching a tracker

Abstract

A device for attaching around a section of an elongate object such as a pet collar, a strap or a frame member of a bicycle, comprises a housing (12), first and second sections (14, 16) and a strap means (18). The housing is for a tracker and may contain a tracker. The first section is coupled to or fixed to the housing. The first and second sections are configured to separably engage. The strap means is fixed to each of the first and second sections. The first and second sections and the strap means are configured so that the strap means is at least partially locatable in a stowed position when the device is unattached to the elongate object and the first and second sections are engaged. The first and second sections are separable to locate the strap means over the object section, and re-engageable to locate the member section between the strap means and the first and / or second sections.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR ATTACHING A TRACKER

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a device for attaching a tracker to an elongate object, for example a pet collar. The invention also relates to a method of attaching such a tracker.

[0004] Background

[0005] Devices are known that house a location tracker and can be attached to pet collars. Objectives of the present invention are to provide a device with an attachment mechanism that improves over known devices. of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for attaching around a section of an elongate object, comprising: a housing for a tracker; a first section coupled to the housing; a second section, wherein the first and second sections are configured to separably engage; strap means fixed to each of the first and second sections, wherein the first and second sections and the strap means are configured so that the strap means is at least partially locatable in a stowed position when the device is unattached to the elongate object and the first and second sections are engaged, and wherein the first and second sections are separable and re-engageable to locate the section of the elongate object between the strap means and the first and / or second sections. In the stowed position, the possibility of snagging of the strap is prevented and the aesthetics of the device are improved.

[0007] The first and second sections may each have an engaging side that, when located together (e.g. engaged), prevent transverse movement of the first and second sections relative to a separation direction.

[0008] One of the first and second sections may have a female part in the respective engaging side. The other of the first and second sections may have a male part extending from the respective engaging side. The female and male parts enable the first and second sections to engage and separate. The first and second sections may include magnetic material arranged to attract the engaging sides of the first and second sections together when the first and second sections are oriented for engagement.

[0009] When the strap means is at least partially located in the stowed position and / or when a section of the elongate object is between the strap means and the first and / or second sections, with the first and second sections engaged, the strap means may be arranged to bias the engaging sides of the first and second sections together.

[0010] The strap means may comprise two strap portions extending between the first and second sections. In the stowed position the first and second sections may retain the two strap portions in a spaced arrangement.

[0011] In the spaced arrangement the strap portions may be on opposing sides of the engaged male and female parts. The straps portions may extend parallel to the separation direction.

[0012] The first and second sections each include at least one channel and in the stowed position the strap portions are in the at least one channel. In this case, the channels extending in the first and second sections may be aligned to extend continuously between the first and second sections when the first and second sections are engaged.

[0013] The channels may continuously extend around a periphery of the first and second sections when the sides are engaged. The strap means may comprise a loop locatable in the channels.

[0014] The periphery is substantially oval or circular.

[0015] The elongate object may be a strap like object, such as a pet collar or other strap for attaching to a pet or of a bag, or a handle like object, such as a handle of a bag, or a rod like object, such as a frame member of a bicycle. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tracker located in the housing.

[0016] The strap means may be formed of resiliently deformable (e.g. elastic) material. In a second aspect, there is provided a method for attaching a tracker to an elongate object using a device comprising: a housing for the tracker; a first section coupled to the housing; a second section, wherein the first and second sections are configured to separably engage; strap means fixed to each of the first and second sections, wherein the first and second sections and the strap means are configured so that the strap means is at least partially locatable in a stowed position when the device is unattached to the elongate object and the first and second sections are engaged, the method comprising separating the first and second sections when the strap means is located in a stowed position; locating a section of the elongate object between the strap means and the first and / or second sections; and re- engaging the first and second sections with the object section therebetween.

[0017] The strap means may be resiliently deformable and the separating requires stretching of the strap means.

[0018] After the first and second sections are re-engaged, tension in the strap means may maintain the first and second sections engaged.

[0019] The separating may be against action of magnets, which the device comprises.

[0020] The device may be the device of the first aspect and may include any of the optional and / or preferred features thereof.

[0021] Brief Description of Figures

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with an embodiment, with a strap in a stowed position and first and second sections engaged;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device, with the second section spaced from the first section;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device with the second section moved to an opposite side of the first section compared to the view of Figures 1 and 2;

[0026] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the device with the second section in other positions through which the second section moves relative to the first section when being attached to, for example, a pet collar;

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device with the second section re-engaged with the first section and the strap spanning the device; and

[0028] Figures 7 and 8 are views of the device in accordance with another embodiment differing only in that the device includes magnets.

[0029] Detailed Description

[0030] Referring to the Figures, in an embodiment a device 10 is for attaching over a section of an elongate object. The device 10 comprises first, second and third sections 14, 16, a strap 18 and a tracker (not shown). The third section is in the form of a tracker housing 12wo

[0031] The elongate object may be a strap-like object, such as a pet collar or strap for attaching to a pet or of a bag, or a handle-like object, such as a handle of a bag or case, or a rodlike object (which may have a flat cross-section), such as a frame member of a bicycle. Embodiments are not limited to any particular type of object to which the device 10 can be attached.

[0032] The tracker housing 12 contains the tracker. The device 10 may be provided without a tracker inside. The tracker housing 12 is disc shaped, although in variant embodiments the tracker housing 12 may be any convenient shape. Although not shown in the Figures, the tracker housing 12 is openable by separation of the tracker housing 12 into two parts divided at 13. The two parts may be attached by clips (not shown), which engage when the two parts are pressed together and disengage through finger pressure on a surface 15 of the tracker housing 12. Opening of the tracker housing 12 enables a tracker to be located in and removed from the tracker housing 12 and / or for a battery to be replaced.

[0033] In a variant embodiment, the tracker housing may comprise two parts engages by screw engagement, facilitated by the tracker housing having a circular cross section. In this case, one of the parts has an internal circumferential thread and the other has an external circumferential thread, the parts threads being engageable in a screwing action. Embodiments are not limited to how the tracker housing 12 is opened and closed. In variant embodiments a tracker may be sealed in the tracker housing and a charging port provided for charging of a battery of the tracker. The first section 14 is generally in the shape of a half disc having the same radius as the tracker housing 12. The first section 14 has a first side 19 (“engaging side”), being the diametrical side of the half disc. The first section 14 includes a female part in the form of a recess 20 in the first side 19.

[0034] The first section 14 and the tracker housing 12 are integrally formed. In variant embodiments, the first section 14 and the tracker housing 12 are separately formed parts, and are joined together with adhesive, for example. In such embodiments one of the first section 14 and the tracker housing 12 may include a projection from the surface to be adhered and the other may include a cavity in the surface thereof to be adhered, the projection being located in the cavity, to reduce potential for slip. Alternatively, the parts, where separately formed, may be configured for mechanical engagement.

[0035] Like the first section, the second section 16 is in the shape of a half disc, having the same radius as the tracker housing 12. The second section 16 has a second side 22 (“engaging side”), being the diametrical side of the half disc. The second section 16 includes a male part in the form of a tongue 24 projecting from the second side 22. The first and second sides 19, 22 are shaped to engage together, with the tongue 24 extending into the recess 20. When engaged together, a semi-circular surface 26 of the second section 14 is located flush against the semi-circular surface 15 of the tracker housing 12. Also, when engaged together, outer surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second sections 14, 16 align to form a planar surface. The tongue 24 is C-shaped, but could, for example, be triangular or rectangular.

[0036] The first and second sections 14, 16 each include a channel 34, 36. The channels 34, 36 have a C shaped cross-section and can receive the strap 18. The channels 34, 36 are arranged so that, when the first and second sections 14, 16 are engaged, the channels 34, 36 align to together extend continuously and peripherally around the first and second sections 14, 16 in a plane.

[0037] The strap 18 is in the form of a loop or band. The strap 18 is made of resi I iently deformable material, such as rubber or silicon or a suitable fabric. The loop may have, for example a 2mm diameter. The strap 18 is sized to locate in the channels 34, 36. The strap 18 is arranged so that, when the first and second sections 14, 16 are engaged, the strap can be located by the user in a stowed position in the channels 14, 16 extending around the periphery of the first and second sections 14, 16, which is, in the example embodiment, circular. The strap 18 is configured so that, in the stowed configuration, the strap 18 acts to pull the first and second sides together.

[0038] Each of the first and second sections 14, 16 includes a respective bridge portion 38, 40 extending over the respective channel 14, 16 at opposing ends of the first and second sections 14, 16. Each bridge portion 38, 40 attaches the strap 18 to the respective first or second section 14, 16.

[0039] The first and second sections 14, 16 and the strap 18 are arranged so that the second section 16 can be pulled away from the first section 14 against tension in the strap 18 when the strap 18 is in the stowed position. The second section 16 can be re-engaged with the first section 14 with the strap 18 not located in the stowed position, but instead extending over surfaces 30, 32. Before being re- engaged with the first section 14, the second section 16 can be passed around or over a section of an elongate object, so that the object section is located between the strap 18 and the surface 30, 32. Thus, the strap 18 is in an attachment position and acts to pull the first and second sides 19, 22 together when the elongate object is located between the strap 18 and the surface 30, 32.

[0040] The material 17 is for attachment of a label or attachment to a keyring, for example. In a variant embodiment, the material may be arranged around the loop.

[0041] The tracker may be in the form of an Apple (RTM) Airtag (RTM) or like device that uses Bluetooth (RTM) and Ultra-wideband technology to provide location information indicative of location of the tracker to a remote server. Such trackers are widely available. The server is configured to provide that information to an application running on a user device under the control of a user. For example, the application might be a browser or specific application. The application is configured to allow the user to view the location of the tracker on a map using the received information.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the tracker may be a GPS tracker configured to send information indicative of the location of the tracker to a remote server, periodically or in response to receipt of a request. Such trackers are also commercially available from third party suppliers. The tracker in this case includes accompanying circuitry configured to receive and send the information over a cellular network. Embodiments are not limited to the tracker sending and receiving information over a cellular network. Alternative technologies for sending data may be alternatively used (e.g. over a mesh network). Also, embodiments are not limited to use of GPS. An alternative Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), for example Galileo or BeiDou, may be used.

[0043] In use, before being attached to an elongate object, the first and second sides 19, 22 are located together and the strap 18 is in the stowed position, biasing the first and second sides 19, 22 together. The second section 16 is then pulled by the user from the first section 14 in separation direction A, so that the tongue 24 is pulled from the recess 20, against tension in the strap 18. The strap 18 is then located over a section of an elongate object by the user. By “located over the section”, it should be understood that use of an end of the elongate object is not required. The elongate object may be in the form of a loop, for example when in the form of a pet collar located on a pet. The second section 16 is then re-engaged with the first section 14, that is, the first and second sides 19, 22 are located together with the tongue 24 in the recess 20. Tension in the strap 18 pulls and biases the first and second sides 19, 22 together. The strap 18 is then located in the attached position, the device 10 being attached to the elongate object.

[0044] The device 10 is detached from the elongate object by pulling of the second section 16 from the first section 14 by the user in the separation direction A, such that the tongue 24 is pulled completely from the first section 14. The device 10 is then parted from the elongate object. The second section 16 is then located against the first section 14, with the first and second sides 19, 22 being against each other and the tongue 24 being located in the recess 20. The strap 18 is easily located in the stowed position by the user, before or after the first and second sections 14, 16 are engaged.

[0045] Other than the strap 18 the example device shown is made primarily from hard plastic, although variant embodiments may be made of other materials. A height of the device 10 from the surface 30,32 to the opposing surface may be less than 20mm, preferably less than 16mm. The diameter of the device 10 may be less than 35mm.

[0046] In the above described embodiments, characteristics of the strap 18 and the shape or configuration of the first and second sections 14, 16 are such that the strap 18 is taut in the stowed position and the attachment position. Various modifications may be made to the embodiments described above. For example, the first and second sections 14, 16 need not be of similar shapes and / or the first and second sides 19, 22 need not be straight or diametrical. By way of another example, the strap 18 need not be in the form of a loop; the strap 18 may be two spaced straps each fixed at one end to the first section 14 and at the other end to the second section, the straps being configured to pull the first and second sections 14, 16 together like the loop described above. It is however desirable for the first and second sections 14, 16 and the strap 18 or spaced pair of straps to be configured so that they remain taut in both positions. Otherwise, the strap 18 or pair of straps might untidily dislodge from the stowed position and possibly the second section 16 may separate from the first section 14, and / or in the attachment position the device might move undesirably along a length of the elongate object and / or become caught on objects in the environment.

[0047] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in another embodiment, the device described above is modified in that a modified device 110 further comprises magnets 111 embedded in the first and second sides 19, 22. Facing magnets are of opposite polarities. The magnets 111 draw the first and second sections 14, 16 together when they orientated for engagement and impede accidental dislodgement of the second section 16 regardless of tension in the strap 18. In this embodiment, the strap 18 may be less needed or not needed to keep the first and second sections 14, 16 together. Accordingly, tension may be insignificant or less relative to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 in one or both of the stowed position and the attachment position. An advantage of the strap 18 and / or magnets 111 drawing the first and second sections 14, 16 together with respect the separation direction A of the device, together with the male and female parts preventing transverse movement relative to the length, is that the first and second sections 14, 16 are well secured without need for a clipping / unclipping or like feature. Tension preferably remains such that the strap 18 is well concealed when in the stowed position, so snagging is avoided.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated, all individual features and / or steps of all embodiments described herein are disclosed in isolation and any combination of two or more such features is also disclosed, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art. This is regardless of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps solve any problems disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for attaching around a section of a strap-like, handle-like or rod-like object, comprising: a housing for a tracker; a first section coupled to the housing; a second section, wherein the first and second sections are configured to separably engage; strap means fixed to each of the first and second sections, wherein the first and second sections and the strap means are configured so that the strap means is at least partially locatable in a stowed position when the device is unattached to the section and the first and second sections are engaged, wherein the first and second sections are separable and re-engageable to locate the section between the strap means and the first and / or second sections, wherein the first and second sections each include at least one channel and wherein the strap means comprises two strap portions extending between the first and second sections, and wherein in the stowed position the first and second sections retain the two strap portions in a spaced arrangement in the at least one channel.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second sections each have an engaging side that, when located together, prevent transverse movement of the first and second sections relative to a separation direction.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein one of the first and second sections has a female part in the respective engaging side, and wherein the other of the first and second sections has a male part extending from the respective engaging side, enabling the first and second sections to engage and separate.

4. The device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first and second sections include magnetic material arranged to attract the engaging sides of the first and second sections together when the first and second sections are oriented for engagement.

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the first and second sections are in the stowed position with the first and second sections engagedand / or when the section is between the strap means and the first and / or second sections with the first and second sections engaged, the strap means is arranged to bias the engaging sides of the first and second sections together.

6. The device of claim 3, or claim 4 or 5 when dependent on claim 3, wherein in the spaced arrangement the strap portions are on opposing sides of the engaged male and female parts.

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels extending in the first and second sections are aligned to extend continuously between the first and second sections when the first and second sections are engaged.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the channels continuously extends around a periphery of the first and second sections when the sides are engaged, and wherein the strap means comprises a loop locatable in the channels.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the periphery is substantially oval or circular.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tracker located in the housing.11 . The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap means is of resiliently deformable material.

12. A method for attaching a tracker to a section of strap-like, handle-like or rod-like object, using a device comprising: a housing for the tracker; a first section coupled to the housing; a second section, wherein the first and second sections are configured to separably engage; strap means fixed to each of the first and second sections, wherein the first and second sections and the strap means are configured so that the strap means is at least partially locatable in a stowed position when the device is unattached to the section and the first and second sections are engaged, and wherein the first and second sections each include at least one channel andwherein the strap means comprises two strap portions extending between the first and second sections, wherein in the stowed position the first and second sections retain the two strap portions in a spaced arrangement in the at least one channel, the method comprising: separating the first and second sections when the strap means is located in a stowed position, locating the section between the strap means and the first and / or second sections; re-engaging the first and second sections with the section therebetween.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the strap means is resiliently deformable and the separating requires stretching of the strap means.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein after the first and second sections are reengaged, tension in the strap means maintains the first and second sections engaged.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first and second sections include magnetic material arranged to attract engaging sides of the first and second sections together when the first and second sections are oriented for engagement, and wherein the separating is against action of the magnetic material.

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