Disposable and tamper-resistant RFID lock

Implementations described and claimed herein provide an RFID locking apparatus including an RFID tag, a locking member, and a disabling member. The RFID tag is disposed inside a housing and has a chip and an antenna that emits a signal. The locking member extends outwardly from within the housing and is configured to compress a spring into a loaded state. The disabling member is disposed near the spring inside the housing and is configured to destroy the antenna and/or the chip, such that the signal cannot be emitted, upon release of the spring from the loaded state. The RFID locking apparatus is configured to release the spring when the locking member is damaged.

BACKGROUND

Various industries, including, but not limited to, airline and food and drug industries, are increasingly utilizing radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology to identify, track, and locate goods or assets being shipped or transported. However, during shipment or transportation, the goods or assets are vulnerable to harmful activities that threaten their security and integrity. For example, the goods or assets may be vulnerable to tampering, theft, terrorism, or similar activities. To protect against such harmful activities, many industries utilize conventional locks to secure access to the goods or assets. However, without visually examining each of such locks, which is generally time consuming, expensive, and inefficient, it is a challenge to detect whether harmful activities were attempted or have occurred. Furthermore, such visual examination may not indicate whether harmful activities were concealed by merely replacing the lock with another lock that is similar in appearance.

It is with these and other issues in mind that various aspects of the present disclosure were developed.

SUMMARY

Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a cost-prohibitive, disposable RFID locking apparatus that secures goods or assets and conveys information regarding the identification and location of the goods or assets and whether the goods or assets have been potentially subjected to harmful activities. In one implementation, the RFID locking apparatus includes an RFID tag, a locking member, and a disabling member. The RFID tag is disposed inside a housing and has a chip and an antenna that emits a signal. The locking member extends outwardly from within the housing and is configured to compress a spring into a loaded state. The disabling member is disposed near the spring inside the housing and is configured to damage the antenna and/or the chip, such that the signal cannot be emitted, upon release of the spring from the loaded state. The RFID locking apparatus is configured to release the spring when the locking member is damaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the presently disclosed technology involve a cost-prohibitive, disposable RFID locking apparatus that secures one or more goods or assets and conveys information regarding the identification and location of the goods or assets and whether the goods or assets have been potentially subjected to harmful activities. Generally, the RFID locking apparatus includes an RFID tag having a chip and an antenna that emits a signal that may be detected by one or more RFID readers, which may be handheld or stationary. The signal emitted includes an identifying number, which when read by the RFID reader, identifies particular goods or assets associated with that number. With this identification number, the location of the goods or assets may be tracked as they are shipped or transported each time the identification number is detected by RFID readers at various locations. The RFID tag is disposed inside a housing such that the RFID tag cannot be tampered with or otherwise damaged. The identification number may be displayed through a window in the housing to confirm that the RFID tag was not replaced with another RFID tag during shipment or transportation.

To secure the goods or assets, the RFID locking apparatus includes a locking member extending outwardly from within the housing, which may be connected to an apparatus (such as a door, hatch, lid, etc.) that prevents access to the goods or assets. The locking member is configured to compress a spring into a loaded state. When the locking member is connected to the apparatus with the spring in the loaded state, the goods or assets are secure. Each time the signal from the RFID tag is read by one of the RFID readers, the security and integrity of the goods and assets is confirmed.

To detect whether the goods or assets have been potentially subjected to harmful activities, the RFID locking apparatus includes a disabling member disposed near the spring, inside the housing. The disabling member is configured to damage the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag such that the signal cannot be emitted. The disabling member may be, for example, a plate, a flange, a blade, or a puncturing member, and the antenna may be damaged, for example, by crushing, crumpling, cutting, or puncturing the RFID tag. The disabling member is configured to damage the antenna and/or the chip upon the release of the spring from the loaded state. The spring is released from the loaded state when the locking member is damaged. For example, the spring is released from the loaded state when the locking member is cut. Because the signal is not emitted after the spring is released from the loaded state, the RFID readers will not detect the identification number associated with the goods or assets, the lack of detection indicating that the goods or assets have been potentially subjected to harmful activities. Various example implementations of the RFID locking apparatus are described below.

One example implementation of the RFID locking apparatus is shown inFIG. 1. An RFID locking apparatus10comprises a housing100that contains a flexible RFID tag110, a plate120, a spring130, a portion of a locking stem140attached to the plate120, and a locking washer150. In the example implementation shown inFIG. 1, the disabling member comprises the plate120and the locking member comprises the locking stem140and the locking washer150.

The housing100has openings at a top160and a bottom170of its structure. The top opening160allows a user to thread the RFID tag110into a cavity180of the housing100. The top opening160is configured to allow the RFID tag110to be threaded into the cavity180. In addition, the top opening160is sufficiently narrow to prevent other items with greater width than the RFID tag110from entering the cavity180and to substantially prevent the RFID tag110from inadvertently passing back through the top opening160. The bottom opening170of the housing100is configured to allow the locking stem140to move freely in and out of the housing110. The housing is made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal or ceramic, that is resistant to moisture and electrical charge and that allows a signal from the RFID tag110to be detected.

Pulling the locking stem140in a direction away from the bottom opening170of the housing100causes the plate120attached to the locking stem140to compress or “load” the spring130. In one implementation, the locking stem140further comprises a plurality of one way ratchets141, which when passed through the locking washer150, prevents the locking stem140from moving in a reverse direction through the locking washer150. As a result of the one way ratchets141, when a tail end142of the locking stem140passes through the locking washer150, the only direction the locking stem140may move is away from the bottom opening170of the housing100. Since the plate120is attached to the locking stem140, it too may only move in one direction once the locking washer150has engaged the locking stem140. Such direction would be down towards the bottom opening170of the housing100.

By way of example, the presently disclosed technology may be used to secure or lock a hatch or opening of a trailer containing dry food. The hatch or opening of the trailer may have a first metal ring attached to the trailer and a second metal ring attached to the hatch. The first metal ring aligns with the second metal ring attached to the hatch. To secure the hatch or opening, the tail end142of the locking stem140is threaded through the second metal ring attached to the hatch. The width or diameter of the housing100is adapted to prevent the housing100from passing through the second metal ring or the first metal ring. The tail end142of the locking stem140is threaded through the first metal ring. To lock or secure the hatch to the trailer, the tail end142of the locking stem140is threaded and pulled through the locking washer150. The tail end142is pulled until the plate120loads the spring130sufficiently near the bottom opening170of the housing100. As described previously, the one way ratchets141of the locking stem140prevent the locking stem140or plate120from moving upwards or into the cavity180of the housing100. The one way ratchets141also prevent others from unlocking the RFID locking apparatus10from the hatch or opening of the trailer unless they cut the locking stem140in the area between the bottom opening170of the housing100and the locking washer150. Once the hatch of the trailer is locked by the RFID locking apparatus10, the RFID tag110is inserted through the top opening of the housing160.

FIG. 1Ashows the RFID locking apparatus10ofFIG. 1with the RFID tag110disabled. As shown inFIG. 1A, in one implementation, the disabling member disables the RFID tag110when the locking stem140is severed. A user would know both visually and through the disablement of the RFID tag110that the hatch may have been opened and the goods or assets secured by the RFID locking apparatus10may have been subjected to potentially harmful activities. An RFID reader (not pictured) would be unable to detect a signal from the RFID tag110because the release of the locking stem140from the locking washer150results in the spring130unloading or decompressing and pushing the plate120towards the top opening160of the housing100, thereby crushing or crumpling the RFID tag110. In other words, the plate120is of sufficient diameter or width such that when it is pushed by the spring130towards the top opening160of the housing100, it will crush or crumple the RFID tag110. Even slightly bending an RFID tag110, such as the RFID tag110, (to a radius of approximately 25 mm or less) will result in the RFID tag110being unable to respond to a signal put out by an RFID reader. As such, once the disabling member, in this implementation the plate120, crushes or crumples the RFID tag110, an antenna and/or a chip of the RFID tag110is destroyed such that a signal is no longer emitted that can be received by the RFID reader.

Accordingly, the user would be alerted not only that the RFID tag110was not emitting a signal but, in addition, that harmful activities may have occurred by visually observing that the spring130was unloaded and that the plate120was in a position near the top of the housing100.

The presently disclosed technology enables quick identification and location a particular asset or good secured by the RFID locking apparatus10. Prior to transporting a good or asset contained in a transportable container, each unique identifying code associated with each RFID tag110contained in a housing100may be recorded. At every location with an RFID reader system in place, the unique identifying codes associated with the goods or assets are monitored. As such, not only is the identity of the particular good or asset know, but in addition, the location of the good or asset at the time the RFID tag110was read is known. As described previously, if the RFID tag110was disabled during the course of the transportation of the asset or good, the user would quickly be able to determine the identity of the good or asset that was subjected to potentially harmful activities.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, another example implementation of the RFID locking apparatus comprises: a housing200having a bottom opening201; an RFID slot202configured to receive and hold a flexible RFID tag240in place in the housing200; a spring210; a portion of a locking stem220; a flange230; an RFID tag240; and a locking washer250. The housing200may be made of any suitable material, such a plastic, ceramic, or metal, that is resistant to moisture and electrical charge and that allows a signal emitted from the RFID tag240to be detected. In the example implementation shown inFIG. 2, the disabling member comprises the flange230and the locking member comprises the locking stem220and the locking washer250.

FIG. 2shows the spring210in a compressed or loaded state and the flange230in a horizontal position (relative to the vertical position of the RFID tag240) located underneath the RFID tag240. Positioning the flange230underneath the RFID tag240is accomplished by first pulling the locking stem220in a direction that is downward or away from the bottom opening201of the housing200. In one implementation, the locking stem220is connected to the flange230. Pulling the locking stem220downward forces the flange230to move downward towards the bottom opening201of the housing200and in addition loads or compresses the spring210. Prior to pulling the locking stem200down, the flange230rests against the RFID tag240in a vertical position adjacent the top opening202of the housing200. As the flange230is pulled downwards, the pulling force from the locking stem220incrementally turns the flange230from its vertical position to the horizontal position seen inFIG. 2. Once the flange230turns to its horizontal position, it locks into such horizontal position by way of a locking flange mechanism. While a simple and cost-effective implementation is shown inFIG. 2, it is contemplated that several mechanisms exist and may be utilized to hold an RFID tag in a housing and load a spring. The embodiment inFIG. 2is shown by way of example and is not meant to limit the means of holding an RFID tag and loading a spring.

After the flange230is positioned underneath the RFID tag240and the spring210is in a loaded state, the locking washer250is used to secure the locking stem220. The locking stem220is secured by the locking washer250through a one-way ratchet design of the locking stem220. A plurality of ratchets221,222, as shown inFIG. 2A, are located on the locking stem220. The ratchets221,222prevent the locking stem220from moving back through the locking washer250because of the one way ratchet design. The locking stem220may be pulled through the locking washer250until the locking washer250rests against the bottom of the housing200. In this way, the spring210remains in a loaded or compressed state unless and until the locking stem220is severed or the locking washer250removed from the locking stem220.

Referring now toFIG. 2A, the RFID tag240is shown in a disabled state. The locking stem220has been severed between the locking washer250and the bottom opening201. With nothing to prevent the spring210from returning to its uncompressed state, the locking stem220and flange230are pushed upwards from the force of the spring210uncoiling. Since the flange230is locked in its horizontal position underneath the RFID tag240, the upward pushing force of the spring210crushes or crumples the RFID tag240. Once the RFID tag240is crushed or crumpled, the RFID tag240becomes unreadable or virtually unreadable because of the disruption in the signal emitted from the RFID tag240. Specifically, once the RFID tag240is crushed or crumpled, an antenna and/or a chip in the RFID tag240is destroyed, preventing a signal from being emitted from the RFID tag240.

The implementation shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 2Ais provided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the means for crushing or disabling an RFID tag. For example, as described herein, it is contemplated that an RFID tag may be disabled by way of a cutting means. In such a device, tampering with the RFID locking apparatus would result in a sharp object cutting the RFID tag in a location such that it would be effectively unreadable by an RFID reader. Yet another example contemplated as a means for disabling the RFID tag is a pneumatic force that is activated in response to tampering with the RFID locking apparatus. In lieu of a spring, the activation of a pneumatic force would push a disabling member, such as a plate, flange, or tab, located underneath the RFID tag so that it crushes or crumples the RFID tag. In such a device, a housing may be vacuum sealed with a sealed hose extending from the bottom end of the housing. Cutting the hose would introduce air pressure into the housing thereby forcing the disabling member upwards, thereby crushing the RFID tag.

Referring now toFIG. 3andFIG. 3A, another example implementation of the RFID locking apparatus is shown. The RFID locking apparatus300comprises: a foundation310, a cover320; a fastener end container330; a blade holder340, a blade350, a spring360, a fastener370, and a one-way ratchet fastener lock380. In the implementation shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 3A, the disabling member comprises the blade350and the locking member comprises the fastener370and the one-way ratchet fastener lock380.

The foundation310may be made of any suitable material that is weatherproof and resistant to easy breakage including, but not limited to, metal, plastic or ceramic. For example, in one implementation, the foundation310is formed from a hard plastic substance such as polyethylene and has a disc shaped bottom base that is generally flat on its bottom surface. In other implementations, the bottom base of the foundation310may be square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape suited for use in a particular industry. In one implementation, the foundation310has two raised circular sectors311,312extending from the top surface of its disc shaped bottom base. In other implementations, the foundation310may have two matching rectangular or square cuboids. The circular sectors311,312are separated by a gap313. The gap313when covered by a raised semicircular wedge321of the cover320, forms a passageway that restricts the lateral movement of the fastener end container330, the blade holder340, and the blade350such that the fastener end container330, blade holder340, and blade350may move vertically but not horizontally. In one implementation, the foundation310has a fastener hole314extending through its disc shaped bottom base and located between its two raised circular sectors311,312in the area of the gap313. The foundation310may also have locking holes315,316,317that extend through its disc shaped bottom base.

The shape of the cover320is adapted such that it generally matches the shape of the raised surface of the foundation310, for example, the raised circular sectors311,312. In one implementation, the shape of the cover320is made so that it tightly encloses the two raised circular sectors311,312and the top surface of the disc shaped bottom base of the foundation310. In other implementations, the cover320is shaped such that it tightly encloses any raised structures on the top surface of the foundation310. In one implementation, the cover320has a disc shaped bottom base and a raised hollow semicircular wedge321extending from the top surface of the disc shaped bottom base. As shown inFIG. 3A, when viewed from the bottom of the cover320, the hollow semicircular wedge321forms a cavity that accepts the two raised circular sectors311,312of the foundation310. The cover320may also have a portal through its disc shaped bottom surface that allows an identifying number as described herein, such as a bar code number, placed on the foundation310to be read. The cover320may be made of any suitable material that is weatherproof and resistant to easy breakage including but not limited to metal, plastic or ceramic. The material used to fashion the cover320and the foundation310is made from any suitable material that allows a signal to be detected from an RFID tag. In one implementation, the semicircular wedge321of the cover320has a dome323, which accepts the fastener end container330, the blade350, and the blade holder340in the event that the disabling member disables the RFID tag, as described herein. The cover320may have also have locking holes315a,316a,317athat extend through the surface of its disc shaped bottom base and that match and correspond to the locking holes315,316,317of the foundation310.

The spring360may be any suitable helical compression spring or similar mechanism. When compressed into a loaded state, the spring360will exert a force on a bottom surface of the fastener end container330and the blade holder350, directly or indirectly. Once the spring360is released from the loaded state, the force will drive the blade350into the RFID tag, destroying an antenna and/or a chip of the RFID tag, as described in more detail below.

The fastener370made of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. In one implementation, a non-fastening end371of the fastener370is guided through an opening331located in the bottom of the fastener end container330. The fastener end container330may be fashioned in the form of a cup shape having an open top, raised sides and a bottom. However, other shapes are contemplated. The opening331in the bottom of the fastener end container330is of sufficient dimensions to allow a non-fastening end371of the fastener370to pass through, as well as the entire length and diameter of the fastener370, except for a fastening end372. Such a design allows a user to freely pull on the fastener370until the fastening end372engages the opening331. Once this occurs, since the fastening end372may not be pulled through the opening331of the fastening end container330, further pulling of the fastener370will force the fastener end container330to load or compress the spring360placed in the gap313.

The spring360is placed in the area formed by the gap313of the foundation310. The non-fastening end372of the fastener370is guided through a central diameter of the spring360and through a fastener hole314located in the surface of the foundation310. The blade holder340and blade350may also fit in or be attached to the fastener end holder330. The blade holder340may be of any suitable shape that fits within or attaches to the open cup space of the fastener end holder330. For example, the blade holder340may take the shape of a semi-cylindrical wedge with a groove formed to accept the blade350. The blade350is attached to the blade holder340by any suitable means including, but not limited to, gluing or welding. Moreover, the blade holder340may be attached to the fastener end container330through any suitable means including, but not limited to, gluing or welding.

To set the RFID locking apparatus in a loaded state, the non-fastening end372of the fastener370is pulled until a tip of the blade350is below an area of the gap313spanning the highest points of the two raised circular sectors311,312. In one implementation, the non-fastening end372of the fastener370is pulled away from the bottom surface of the foundation310until the fastener end container330can no longer travel in a downward direction away from the dome323of the cover320and the blade350is at its furthest location away from the dome323.

An RFID tag, for example RFID tag400shown inFIG. 4, may be utilized in one or more of the implementations shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3A. In one implementation, the RFID tag400has an adhesive on one side. As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 3A, the RFID tag400may be placed with the adhesive side facing surfaces of the curved arcs of the two raised circular sectors311,312. Proper placement of the RFID tag400will result in a majority of the RFID tag400adhering to the surface of the curved arcs of the two raised circular sectors311,312and a portion of the RFID tag400, which is not adhered to the surface of the curved arcs, tautly spanning a top of the gap313between the two raised circular sectors311,312. The cover320of the RFID locking apparatus300may be placed over the foundation310so that the locking holes315a,316a,317amatch the locking holes315,316,317on the foundation310and the RFID tag400is secured inside the RFID locking apparatus300.

In one implementation, the one-way ratchet fastener lock380may be placed in locking holes315aand317a. Securing means such as bolts, rivets, or screws may be used to secure the one-way ratchet fastener lock380, the cover320, and the foundation310tightly together. Care must be taken so that a user does not allow the fastener end container330holding the blade350to move back in a direction towards the dome323after the RFID tag400is adhered to the surfaces of the curved arcs of the two raised circular sectors311,312. Releasing the fastener370will result in a triggering event that disables the RFID tag400. Releasing the non-fastening end371of the fastener370will cause the spring360to unload and thereby thrust the fastening end container330, blade350, and blade holder340in a direction towards the dome323of the cover320. The blade350that is employed is sufficiently sharp and configured so that it will substantially cut an antenna and/or chip portion of the RFID tag400that tautly spans the gap313. Cutting the RFID tag400will result in its disablement so that an RFID tag reader will be unable to discern a signal emitted from the RFID tag400.

Taking care that the blade350does not cut the RFID tag400, in one implementation, the non-fastening end372of the fastener370is guided through, for example, the metal rings of a door or hatch that secures goods or assets. The fastener370is guided through the locking holes316,316afrom the bottom surface of the foundation310, through to the top surface of the cover320. In another implementation, a one-way ratchet locking washer, such as the one shown and described inFIG. 2, may be employed directly beneath the bottom surface of the foundation310to attach the RFID locking apparatus300to the door or hatch securing the goods or assets and to prevent the fastener370from moving back in the direction of the RFID locking apparatus300. As explained previously, the fastener370has ratchets that ensure it will not move in reverse direction once it is pulled through the one-way ratchet fastener lock380. The fastener370is pulled until there is no slack left in the fastener370between the RFID locking apparatus300, the door or hatch to be secured, and the fastener lock380.

Once the fastener370is secured with the fastener lock380, if the RFID locking apparatus300is tampered with by cutting the area of the fastener370between the one-way ratchet fastener lock380and the bottom of the foundation310, the spring360will unload and thrust the blade350through the portion of the RFID tag400spanning the gap313between the two raised circular sectors311,312. This in turn will disable the RFID tag400. Once a truck, for example, passes through an RFID reader gate, it will be quickly and easily known that the RFID locking apparatus300has been tampered with and potentially harmful activities may have occurred because a signal will not be detected from the RFID tag400.

FIG. 5illustrates an exploded view of another implementation of the RFID locking apparatus. As shown inFIG. 5, an RFID locking apparatus500includes a foundation510, a cover520, a disabling member530, a spring540, a pin550, an RFID tag560, and a locking member570.

In one implementation, the foundation510includes one or more extruding sectors, each having a top surface511, side surfaces514, and a base517. The cover520is shaped to generally mirror the shape of the foundation510. For example, in one implementation, the cover includes a top surface521, side surfaces522, and a base523shaped to generally mirror the top surface511, the side surfaces514, and the base517of the foundation510, respectively.

The foundation510is adapted to engage the cover520to form a housing, which secures the disabling member530, the spring540, and the RFID tag560. For example, the RFID locking apparatus500may include one or more screws590that may secure the foundation510to the cover520through locking holes519and528. As described herein, the RFID tag560has a chip and an antenna configured to emit a signal that may be received by an RFID reader. The RFID tag560may have, for example, the characteristics of the RFID tag400, including an adhesive on one or more sides. However, other characteristics are contemplated.

In one implementation, the top surface511includes a channel512defined therein. The channel512is adapted to receive and place the RFID tag560relative to the disabling member530, such that the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560will be destroyed in response to damage to the locking member570. For example, the extruding sectors may form a gap515within which the disabling member530and the spring540move. The RFID tag560is placed in the channel512of each of the extruding sectors such that at least a portion of the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560spans the gap515. The channel512may include one or more snugs513to hold the RFID tag560firmly within the channel512. The snugs513ensure that the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560is destroyed by the disabling member530rather than being merely displaced as the disabling member530contacts the RFID tag560.

The RFID tag560is associated with an identification number, as described herein. In one implementation, the RFID locking apparatus500includes a label display580to display a label581containing the identification number. The label display580includes a window583made from a substantially transparent, robust material, including but not limited to plastic or glass, through which the label581may be read. The window583protects the label581from damage caused by environmental factors or from harmful activities. For example, the window583prevents someone from removing and replacing the label581to conceal that harmful activities have taken place. In one implementation, the foundation510includes a surface518upon which the label518may be placed. The label518may include an adhesive on one side to adhere the label518to the surface518. Alternatively or additionally, the foundation510may include one or more securing members to hold the label518on the surface518. The cover520may include a portal527placed relative to the surface518on the foundation510through which the label518may be displayed. In one implementation, the label display580includes engaging members582configured to engage corresponding members on the foundation510or the cover520to hold the label display580in place.

In one implementation, the locking member570includes a fastener571and a fastener catcher574. In one implementation, the fastener catcher574is positioned in a holder extruding from the base517of the foundation510. The fastener571is a substantially flexible, robust material, such as plastic or metal. To arm the RFID locking apparatus500, a non-fastening end573of the fastener571is guided through an opening534in the disabling member530, a central diameter in the spring540, and a fastener hole in the foundation510. The opening534in the disabling member530is sized and shaped to permit the length of the fastener571to move through the disabling member530until a fastening end572engages with a surface in the opening534. Once the fastening end572engages with the opening534, the fastener571is pulled to compress the spring540into a loaded state. In other words, the disabling member530is placed relative to the spring540such that the force exerted on the disabling member530when the fastener571is pulled compresses the spring540into the loaded state.

In one implementation, the disabling member530and the spring540are placed in the gap515. The gap515restricts lateral movement of the disabling member530and the spring540, such that the disabling member530and the spring540move vertically within the gap515but not horizontally. At least one of the extruding sectors of the foundation510may include a track516adapted to engage a channel533in the disabling member530to restrict movement of the disabling member530to the length of the track516. Further, the disabling member530may include one or more legs535that extrude from a body525of the disabling member530and cover a portion of the spring540when the disabling member530is placed relative to the spring540. The legs535and the track516ensure that a puncturing member531remains firmly aimed at the RFID tag560during movement.

Once the spring540is compressed into the loaded state, the RFID tag560is placed on the channel512such that the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560spans the gap515and the disabling member530is positioned relative to the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560. Specifically, the disabling member530is positioned to destroy the antenna and/or the chip, such that a signal cannot be emitted, upon release of the spring540from the loaded state in response to a portion of a locking member570being damaged.

In one implementation, after the RFID tag560is placed, the cover520is placed to engage the foundation510. An inserting end551of the pin550may be guided through an arming hole525in the cover520to hold the spring540in the loaded state. The cover520may include an indicator526that identifies whether the RFID locking apparatus500is armed with the spring540in the loaded state. For example, the indicator526may display a color or other visual cue indicating that the RFID locking apparatus500is armed. In one implementation, the indicator526is an opening in the cover520through which a color or other visual cue may be displayed. The RFID locking apparatus500may be armed during manufacturing, assembly, or on-site during use. Arming the RFID locking apparatus500during assembly allows for more efficient and error proof installation.

During installation, the non-fastening end573of the fastener571is guided through a portion of an object securing an opening to the goods or assets to engage the locking member570. For example, the goods or assets may be secured by a door or hatch having rings, as described herein. The non-fastening end573is guided through a central diameter of the ring and through a hole575in the fastener catcher574. The fastener catcher574locks the fastener571in place, preventing the fastener571from moving in a reverse direction back through the fastener hole in the foundation510. The fastener571is pulled until there is no slack left in the fastener571between the fastener hole in the foundation510and the fastener catcher574. Once the locking member570is engaged, the pin550is removed, installing the RFID locking apparatus500for use. In some implementations, the RFID locking apparatus500may include a seal that is configured to break when the pin550is removed to confirm that the RFID locking apparatus500was not tampered with prior to installation.

Once the RFID locking apparatus500is installed, if the RFID locking apparatus500is tampered with by damaging a portion of the locking member570, for example by severing part of the exposed area of the fastener571, the spring540is released from the loaded state causing the disabling member530to destroy the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560, such that a signal cannot be emitted. In one implementation, releasing the spring540from the loaded state thrusts the disabling member530towards the RFID tag560causing the puncturing member531to puncture or otherwise sever a portion of the RFID tag560, thereby destroying the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560.

In one implementation, the cover520includes a dome524which accepts the disabling member530once the spring540is released. The dome524may include one or more ribs to prevent the puncturing member571from damaging the cover520. After use, the RFID tag560and the label581may be disposed and the remaining components of the RFID locking apparatus500may be recycled or reused.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the cover520. The cover520may be made from a substantially robust, weatherproof material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, or ceramic, that permits the signal emitted from the RFID tag560to be detected by an RFID reader.

As detailed with respect toFIG. 5, the shape and size of the cover520is mirrored to match the size and shape of the foundation510. In one implementation, the base523has a disk shape, the top surface521is generally curved, the dome524is generally cylindrical, and the side surfaces524are generally flat. The top surface521and the side surfaces524form a semicircular wedge extruding from the base523. In other implementations, the top surface521and/or the side surfaces524may have surface(s) that are contoured, planar, flat, angled, or some combination of them. The dome524may be generally spherical, rectangular, conical, elliptical, or pyramidal. However, other shapes are contemplated. In one implementation, the cover520is approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches as measured from the base523to a highest point on the dome524and approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches as measured from the base523to a lowest point (e.g., at one of the ribs) on the dome524. In one particular implementation, the cover520is approximately 2.640 inches as measured from the base523to a highest point on the dome524and approximately 2.125 inches as measured from the base523to a lowest point (e.g., at one of the ribs) on the dome524.

In one implementation, the cover520includes a first cavity600adapted to receive the extruding sectors of the foundation510and a fastener catcher housing604having a second cavity602adapted to receive the fastener catcher574. In another implementation, a single cavity in the cover520may be adapted to receive both the extruding sectors of the foundation510and the fastener catcher574.

As detailed with respect toFIG. 5, the cover520may include engaging members606in the base523configured to engage the engaging members582of the label display580to hold the label display580in place.

As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, which are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the foundation510, in one implementation, the base517includes an extruded member700adapted to position the spring540over a first fastening hole702in the base517. As described with respect toFIG. 5, during arming and installation the non-fastening end573of the fastener571is guided through the first fastening hole702and a second fastening hole704in the base517, which is positioned relative to the hole575in the fastener catcher574.

The foundation510may be made from a substantially robust, material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, or ceramic. In one implementation, the top surface511is curved. In other implementations, the top surface511comprises one or more surfaces that are contoured, planar, flat, angled, or some other combination. In one implementation, the base517has a disk shape and the side surfaces514are generally flat. In other implementations, the base517and/or the side surfaces524may have surface(s) that are contoured, planar, flat, angled, or some combination of them. In one implementation, the foundation510is approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches as measured from the base517to a highest point on the extruding sectors. In one particular implementation, the foundation510is approximately 2.220 inches as measured from the base517to a highest point on the extruding sectors. The dimensions of the foundation510are configured to maximize the thrust force created when the spring540is released from the loaded state while minimizing the overall volume of the RFID locking apparatus500.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the disabling member530. In one implementation, the base532is substantially cylindrical in shape. In other implementations, the base532is generally spherical, rectangular, conical, elliptical, or pyramidal. In one implementation, the opening534and the legs535are generally rectangular in shape, and the channel533is contoured. However, other shapes are contemplated. The disabling member530is made from a substantially robust material, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass.

As described with respect toFIG. 5, the base532includes an opening534defined therein. The opening534is sized and shaped to permit the length of the fastener571to move through a hole800until the fastening end572engages with a surface802in the opening534. In one implementation, a fastening member804extrudes from the surface802to form the hole800. Once the fastening end572engages with the opening534, the fastener571is pulled to compress the spring540into the loaded state. In other words, the disabling member530is placed relative to the spring540such that the force exerted on the disabling member530when the fastener571is pulled exerts a force on the spring540from the surface802to compress the spring540into the loaded state. Similarly, once the spring540is released from the loaded state, the force exerted on the surface802by the spring540thrusts the puncturing member531into a portion of the RFID tag560.

The puncturing member531is shaped to easily puncture, sever, or otherwise destroy the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560. In one implementation, the puncturing member531has a generally rectangular shape with a pointed, triangular tip. The puncturing member531may have a plurality of angled surfaces. In one implementation, the puncturing member531is approximately 0.25 to 0.3 inches wide, and the base532is approximately 0.625 to 0.675 inches tall. In a particular implementation, the puncturing member531is approximately 0.270 inches wide, and the base532is approximately 0.640 inches tall.

FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate side perspective views of the RFID locking apparatus500in the loaded state with the pin550inserted, with and without the cover520shown, respectively. As described with respect toFIG. 5, the pin550is positioned in the arming hole525in the cover520to hold the spring540in the loaded state. In one implementation, the pin550is positioned over the base532of the disabling member530holding the spring540in the loaded state. In other words, the position of the pin550prevents the force exerted on the base532of the disabling member530by the spring540from moving the disabling member530towards the RFID tag560.

As shown inFIG. 9, in one implementation, the fastener catcher housing604includes a securing hole900through which the non-fastening end573of the fastener571may be guided to install the RFID locking apparatus500.FIG. 11illustrates the same view asFIG. 9with the pin550removed and the locking member570engaged. As described with respect toFIG. 5, during installation, the non-fastening end573of the fastener571is guided through a portion of an object securing an opening to the goods or assets and through a hole575in the fastener catcher574to engage the locking member570. In one implementation, the hole575in the fastener catcher574is positioned relative to the securing hole900in the fastener catcher housing604. The fastener catcher574locks the fastener571in place, preventing the fastener571from moving in a reverse direction back through the fastener hole in the foundation510. As shown inFIG. 11, the fastener571is pulled through the securing hole900until there is no slack left in the fastener571between the first fastener hole702and the second fastening hole704in the base517of the foundation510. Once the locking member570is engaged, the pin550is removed, as shown inFIG. 11, installing the RFID locking apparatus500for use.

FIG. 12illustrates a side perspective view of the RFID locking apparatus500with the RFID tag560destroyed and without the cover520shown for clarity. As described with respect toFIG. 5, once the RFID locking apparatus500is installed, if the RFID locking apparatus500is tampered with by damaging a portion of the locking member570, for example by severing part of the exposed area of the fastener571, as shown inFIG. 12, the spring540is released from the loaded state causing the disabling member530to destroy the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560, such that a signal cannot be emitted. In one implementation, releasing the spring540from the loaded state thrusts the disabling member530towards the RFID tag560causing the puncturing member531to puncture or otherwise sever a portion of the RFID tag560, thereby destroying the antenna and/or the chip of the RFID tag560, as shown inFIG. 12.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presently disclosed technology, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the presently disclosed technology. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example implementations of the presently disclosed technology. Since many implementations of the presently disclosed technology can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology, the scope resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different implementations may be combined in yet another implementation without departing from the recited claims. The scope of the presently disclosed technology is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations together with all equivalents thereof. The implementations described above and other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.