Flexible Transponder Holder

• US 20100232132A1
• Filed: 03/16/2009
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Highway Toll Administration LLC
• Original Assignee: Highway Toll Administration LLC
• Inventors: Centner, David
• Application Number:
  US12/404,922
• Publication Number:
  US 20100232132A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/814
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0056 using suction cups

Abstract

A transponder holder securable to a support surface includes a transponder mounting surface defining a plane. An attachment member removably connects the mounting surface to the support surface. A connecting member extends between the attachment member and the mounting surface. The connecting member having a first portion operably connected to the attachment member and a second portion operably connected to the mounting surface. The second portion is offset from the first portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the mounting surface.

Claims

1. A transponder holder securable to a support surface comprising:

a transponder mounting surface defining a plane;

an attachment member for removably connecting the mounting surface to the support surface; and

a connecting member extending between the attachment member and the mounting surface, the connecting member having a first portion operably connected to the attachment member and a second portion operably connected to the mounting surface, the second portion being offset from the first portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the mounting surface.

2. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the mounting surface is a plate-like member.

3. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the mounting surface is bounded along its perimeter by a rim and the connecting member extends outwardly from the rim.

4. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the offset is sized such that the transponder mounting surface is disposed adjacent the mounting surface when the attachment member is attached to the mounting surface.

5. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the mounting surface is a solid planar surface adapted to receive a flexible transponder thereon.

6. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the mounting surface includes a frame having an open center.

7. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the attachment member includes a suction cup.

8. The holder as defined in claim 7, wherein the connecting member first portion includes a groove for receiving the attachment member.

9. The holder as defined in claim 1, wherein the attachment member is operably connected to the first portion of the connecting member by a securement device having an opening for receiving a portion of the attachment member.

10. The holder as defined in claim 9, wherein the housing receives the first portion of the connecting member and the groove in the first portion securingly engages the portion of the attachment member.

11. The holder as defined in claim 1, further including an adhesive layer disposed on the mounting surface for fixedly securing the transponder thereto.

12. A transponder holding system comprising:

a support surface;

a transponder holder including a mounting surface lying in and defining a plane;

an attachment member for removably connecting the mounting surface to the support surface;

a connecting member extending between the attachment member and the mounting surface, the connecting member having first portion operably connected to the attachment member and a second portion operably connected to the support surface, the second portion being offset from the first portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane; and

a transponder fixedly secured to the mounting surface, the transponder being supported in contact with the support surface.

13. The system as defined in claim 12, wherein the support surface includes a windshield of a vehicle.

14. The system as defined in claim 12, wherein the transponder is a flexible member.

15. The system as defined in claim 14, further including an adhesive layer disposed between the mounting surface and the transponder for fixing the transponder to the mounting surface.

16. The system as defined in claim 12, wherein the transponder holder includes a planar plate which forms the mounting surface.

17. The system as defined in claim 12, wherein the transponder has an exterior surface which contacts the support surface over substantially the entire exterior surface.

18. A method of supporting a transponder comprising:

obtaining a transponder holder including a transponder mounting surface defining a plane, the transponder holder including an attachment member for removably connecting the mounting surface to the support surface, and including a connecting member extending between the attachment member and the support surface, the connecting member having a first portion operably connected to the attachment member and a second portion operably connected to the mounting surface, the second portion being offset from the first portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane;

mounting a transponder to the mounting surface; and

removably attaching the holder to a vehicle'"'"'s windshield wherein the transponder engages the windshield.

19. The method as defined in claim 18, further including securing the transponder to the mounting surface using an adhesive layer.

20. The method as defined in claim 19, further including removing the holder from the windshield.