Radio frequency fobs and methods of using the same

• US 7,604,176 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2005
• Issued: 10/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Liberty Peak Ventures, LLC (Dominion Harbor Enterprises, LLC)
• Original Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (American Express Company)
• Inventors: Bates, Peter Kirwan, Young, Kevin, Webb, Lisa A., Skilling-Belmond, Lisa E., Nulle, Danielle R., Malnati, Leigh R., Kunian, Danielle L., Ing, Samantha S., Francolini, Gail A., Bonalle, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Franklin, Jamara A
• Application Number:
  US11/073,918
• Publication Number:
  US 20050258245A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,688 Days
• Field of Search: 235/487, 235/492, 235/486, 3405721-5729, 206 37- 378
• US Class Current: 235/486
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 15/005 Fobs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/005 the record carrier comprising an arrangement to facilitate insertion into a holding device, e.g. an arrangement that makes the record carrier fit into an etui or a casing ticket holders A45C11/18

Abstract

Transaction tokens (“fobs”) having wireless functionality and methods of using the same are provided. More specifically, fobs are provided 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. The fobs provided herein may comprise a microchip or other memory means, and/or antenna disposed on or within an insert and encased within an enclosure in an interior compartment. The fobs may be provided with a quick-release mechanism for easily attaching to and detaching from a securing means, such as a keychain or the like. Moreover, the interior compartments of the fobs may be easily accessible for replacing the insert contained therein.

Claims

1. A wireless transaction fob system for wirelessly providing information to a reader comprising:

an enclosure comprising an interior compartment for disposing an insert therein wherein the insert comprises a memory for storing information therein; and

further wherein the insert comprises a transmitter for sending wireless information from the memory to a reader in proximity to the fob wherein the enclosure further comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the interior compartment of the fob is accessed by rotating the first portion with respect to the second portion and said insert is insertable into and removable from said enclosure;

a securing mechanism for removing a securing means from or attaching the securing means to the fob, wherein the securing mechanism is opened when the first portion is rotated with respect to the second portion;

wherein the enclosure further comprises a stationary barrier configured to secure the insert within the enclosure and limit movement of the insert; and

wherein said first portion and said second portion are configured to rotate within substantially parallel planes with respect to one another.

2. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 further comprising a release mechanism for accessing the interior compartment of the fob.

3. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is a transponder.

4. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 further comprising a window for visually obtaining information from the insert.

5. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 wherein the securing means is a keychain.

6. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 wherein the first portion is a top portion and the second portion is a bottom portion of the fob.

7. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 wherein the first portion and the second portion are rotatable about an axis.

8. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 1 further comprising a clasp configured to secure the first portion and the second portion.

9. A method of using a wireless transaction fob system comprising the steps of:

providing a wireless transaction fob comprising an enclosure comprising an interior compartment for disposing an insert therein wherein the insert comprises a memory for storing information therein, and further wherein the insert comprises a transmitter for sending wireless information from the memory to a reader in proximity to the fob, and further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the fob to a securing means, wherein the enclosure comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the enclosure further comprises a stationary barrier configured to secure the insert within the enclosure and limit movement of the insert;

rotating the securing mechanism by moving the first portion with respect to the second portion such that said first portion and said second portion rotate within substantially parallel planes with respect to one another;

removing the insert from the enclosure and placing a second insert in the enclosure in the interior compartment;

removing the securing means from or attaching the securing means to the securing mechanism; and

closing the enclosure and the securing mechanism by moving the first portion with respect to the second portion.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first portion is a top portion and the second portion is a bottom portion of the fob.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:

providing a release mechanism for opening the fob to access the interior compartment therein;

manipulating the release mechanism to access the interior compartment;

disposing the insert within or removing the insert from the interior compartment; and

closing the fob.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first portion comprises a first section and a second section and further wherein manipulating the release mechanism allows the first section and the second section to open thereby providing access to the interior compartment of the enclosure.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein manipulating the release mechanism comprises sliding the first portion with respect to the second portion to access the interior compartment of the enclosure.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein manipulating the release mechanism comprises rotating the first portion with respect to the second portion to access the interior compartment of the enclosure.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising clasping the first portion to the second portion.

16. A wireless transaction fob system for wirelessly providing information to a reader comprising:

an enclosure comprising an interior compartment for disposing an insert therein wherein the insert comprises a memory for storing information therein and further wherein the insert comprises a transmitter for sending wireless information from the memory to a reader in proximity to the fob wherein the enclosure further comprises a top portion and a bottom portion wherein the interior compartment of the fob is accessed by moving the top portion on a track with respect to the bottom portion and said insert is insertable into and removable from said enclosure; and

a securing mechanism for removing a securing means from or attaching the securing means to the fob, wherein the securing mechanism is opened by moving the top on the track with respect to the bottom portion;

wherein the enclosure further comprises a stationary barrier configured to secure the insert within the enclosure and limit movement of the insert;

wherein the track is configured to allow movement of the top portion along an end of the bottom portion such that the bottom portion remains within substantially the same plane with respect to the top portion.

17. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 16 further comprising a clasp configured to secure the first portion and the second portion.

18. The wireless transaction fob system of claim 16, wherein said top portion and said bottom portion are configured to separate completely.

19. A method of using a wireless transaction fob system comprising the steps of:

providing a wireless transaction fob comprising an enclosure comprising an interior compartment for disposing an insert therein wherein the insert comprises a memory for storing information therein and further wherein the insert comprises a transmitter for sending wireless information from the memory to a reader in proximity to the fob, wherein the enclosure further comprises a stationary barrier configured to secure the insert within the enclosure and limit movement of the insert, a securing mechanism for securing the fob to a securing means, wherein the enclosure comprises a top portion and a bottom portion;

opening the enclosure and the securing mechanism by moving the top portion with respect to the bottom portion;

removing the insert from the enclosure and placing a second insert in the enclosure in the interior compartment;

removing the securing means from or attaching the securing means to the securing mechanism; and

closing the enclosure and the securing mechanism by sliding the top portion on a track with respect to the bottom portion such that the track allows movement of the top portion along an end of the bottom portion such that the bottom portion remains within substantially the same plane with respect to the top portion.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising clasping the top portion to the bottom portion.