TRANSPONDER COVER AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING TOGETHER WITH TRANSPONDER

• US 20040245302A1
• Filed: 06/04/2003
• Published: 12/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Linda A. Mcnicholas
• Original Assignee: Linda A. Mcnicholas
• Inventors: McNicholas, Linda A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,080,764 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/482
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0063 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/929 Article carrier for electrical device

Abstract

A combination for use in a motor vehicle comprises a sealed housing containing a transponder circuit suitable for interacting with an automated toll gate system, a cover that coordinates with the motor vehicle in accordance with at least one prescribed criterion, and an engagement means affixed to the cover and configured for engaging the transponder housing such that the housing and cover are affixed to one another. A method for mounting such a transponder within an automobile is provided in which a cover is provided that coordinates with the automobile in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion, the cover is engaged to the transponder housing whereby the cover and transponder housing are affixed to one another, a location in the automobile is selected for mounting the transponder, and the cover and transponder are mounted to the automobile in a single action.

Claims

1. For use in a motor vehicle, in combination;

a sealed housing containing a transponder circuit suitable for interacting with an automated toll gate system;

a cover that coordinates with the motor vehicle in accordance with at least one prescribed criterion; and

engagement means affixed to the cover and configured for engaging the transponder housing such that the housing and cover are affixed to one another.

2. The combination of claim 1, further comprising a monogram supported on the exterior of the cover.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a molded plastic component.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprises a set of fingers that are positioned to engage a rear surface of the transponder housing.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cover includes side walls and wherein the engagement means further comprises at least one pair of slits in the side walls that permit the cover to flex outward as the transponder'"'"'s housing is urged past the engagement means.

6. The combination of claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprises a pair of wall portions that are positioned to engage a rear surface of the transponder housing.

7. The combination of claim 1, wherein the wall portions are inclined toward a front surface of the cover so as to securely engage the transponder housing.

8. The combination of claim 1, further comprising a pouch on the exterior of the cover.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the pouch is sized to receive at least one business card.

10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the pouch includes a transparent surface parallel to the cover whereby a picture received in the pouch can be viewed through the transparent surface.

11. A method for mounting an automated toll pass transponder within an automobile, the transponder including a housing containing the transponder circuitry, comprising the steps of:

providing a cover that is coordinated with the automobile in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion;

engaging the cover to the transponder housing whereby the cover and transponder housing are affixed to one another;

selecting a location in the automobile for mounting the transponder; and

mounting the cover and transponder to the automobile in a single action.