US 8,157,181 B2 · Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same

Abstract

The invention relates to transaction tokens (“fobs”) having wireless functionality and methods of using the same. More specifically, fobs having radio frequency functionality such that information, such as payment information, identification information, or other like information, may be wirelessly transmitted from a memory within the fob to a receiver are disclosed. The fobs of this invention may comprise a microchip or other memory component, and/or antenna disposed on or within an insert and encased within an enclosure in an interior compartment. The fobs may have a quick-release mechanism for easily attaching to and detaching from a securing device, such as a keychain or the like. Moreover, the interior compartments of the fobs may be easily accessible for replacing the enclosed insert.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A device, comprising:

an insert for disposing within an interior tray,
wherein the insert comprises a memory for storing transaction information and radio frequency equipment for wirelessly conducting transactions, and wherein an entire surface of the insert overlaps a surface of the interior tray, wherein the insert further comprises a transponder for transferring information from the memory to a reader in proximity to the transponder;
a cover for enclosing the insert within the interior tray when in a closed state, the cover comprising a portion that translationally slides over the insert when in the closed state, wherein the cover further comprises a window for visually obtaining information from the insert;
a release mechanism for accessing the interior tray of the fob;
and
a base having the interior tray, wherein the base further comprises a receptacle and further wherein the cover comprises a tab for engaging the receptacle to hold the cover and the base piece together.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

12/857,422Filed 16 Aug 2010 · continuation

Priority

20 May 2004

Published

US 2010/0308117 A19 Dec 2010

Granted

17 Apr 2012

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

A44B 15/005
Key-rings: fobs
A45C 11/18
Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00: ticket-holders or the like
G06K 19/005
Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings: the record carrier comprising an arrangement to…
A45C 2011/188
Ticket-holders or the like: media card holders, e.g. memory cards, SIM cards

Family

Application60/572,922Us provisional application · filed 20 May 2004

Application11/073,918Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 7 Mar 2005

Application11/229,901Parent of this continuation · filed 19 Sep 2005

US 7,604,176 B2Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 20 Oct 2009

US 2010/0308117 A1Pre-grant publication · published 9 Dec 2010

US 7,798,415 B1Parent of this continuation

Application11/229,901Parent of this continuation-in-part

US 2005/0258245 A1Published application

US 8,157,181 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15