Patent Description:
Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") systems typically operate in one of several frequencies such as low frequency ("LF"), nominally <NUM> to <NUM>, high frequency ("HF"), nominally <NUM> Flz, and ultra-high frequency ("UHF"), nominally <NUM> or <NUM> MFIz to <NUM> MFlz. RFID transponders may include an antenna and/or tuning loop coupled to an RFID chip. The RFID chip receives power when excited by a nearby electromagnetic field oscillating at the resonant frequency of the RFID chip. When the RFID chip receives sufficient power, the RFID chip turns on and sends a coded return signal via the antenna or tuning loop. An RFID reader in proximity to the RFID transponder receives and decodes the coded return signal from the RFID transponder.

The apparel industry packs, ships, and presents for sale garments on hangers ("GOFI"). For example, such GOFI apparel can include, but is not limited to, men's suits or women's dresses where folding of the garments and packaging in cartons is not practical or feasible. For example, some materials used in these types of apparel are not conducive to being folded such as garments that normally would be processed as dry clean only. Packaging such garments in cartons can create additional work processes in the supply chain as each item needs to be unpacked, a hanger inserted, hung on a rack, and re-pressed or steamed to make the unpacked item presentable for sale to the end consumer. These additional steps can be labor intensive and significant labor cost can be associated with performing these tasks. For these and other reasons, the apparel industry generally prefers to prepare and transport these items as garments on hangers straight from the point of manufacture, rather than incur the aforementioned additional steps.

However, garments on hangers require special handling methods throughout the supply chain. For example, some manufacturers design and construct very large wooden crates, such as, for example, roughly <NUM>'x8'x8' cubes, that can allow individual items to be hung on racks suspended between the interior walls. These crates can have a very large interior volume. Garments packaged in this manner can be transferred to trolley and rail systems once they reach retail distribution centers.

Generally, trolley and rail systems can transport garments along guided rail systems much like a belt conveyor system would move cartons throughout a facility. These rail systems are generally suspended above the floor. For example, a typical trolley system suspends garments about six feet above the ground. This height allows shorter length apparel such as shirts, blouses, and tops as well as longer length apparel such as formal dresses, gowns, and dress coats without dragging on the floor and becoming damaged. As can be appreciated, other trolley systems are known and are suitable for use with the systems and methods described herein.

Trolley and rail systems can increase the difficulty of inventory control. For example, the trolley and rail system infrastructure in many facilities is tightly interwoven to maximize building floor plans. In most facilities the inventory is closely arranged on side-by-side rail routing paths. Row upon row of trolley rails can be situated side-by-side allowing thousands of garments to be staged. As a result, a substantial number of items tagged with RFID transponders can be in very close proximity with one another, which can make RFID interrogation of individual items difficult or impractical. <CIT> discloses a system comprising RFID transponders attached to goods transported by means of a conveyor along a conveying path. <CIT> discloses an identification machine for clothes articles in a sorting feed having an emitter on each article providing a frequency signal representative of an identification code. <CIT> discloses a process for laundering, sorting and delivering garments that incorporates an RFID tag into each garment.

The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to <FIG>. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.

The present disclosure illustrates new modalities for RFID interrogation of objects such as garments on hangers. While the present specification often discusses apparel garments, the present invention is not limited to such and can be used for any other sort of object on a hanger such as an accessory like a purse, backpack, and/or belt. The systems and methods disclosed herein describe various aspects of structures for interrogating RFID tags of objects hung on hangers. Although the systems and methods described herein are particularly applicable to RFID systems and transponders, the structures and methodologies can be adapted for use with other types of radio tags, for example those used in Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") systems.

Known trolley and rail scanning systems typically often use barcode identification methods. As can be appreciated, barcode scanning equipment generally requires a clear line of sight to the barcode tag in order to capture the barcode data and barcodes tags generally need to be tagged in a consistent manner with the printed barcode facing the proper direction for consistent operation. As can be appreciated, if barcode tags are not uniformly disposed in specific locations and orientations across garments, associated barcode scanning equipment may not operate properly or require an increase in cost and complexity. For example, associated barcode scanning equipment may need to employ multidirectional scanning arrays to completely scan an entire garment. If any barcode tags are not able to be scanned, then the supply chain only has a record of the barcode tags from the last previously successful scan. In practical application, barcode identification methods often require associates to perform exhaustive searches for items that are not able to be scanned automatically by the barcode scanning equipment.

The present disclosure can eliminate many of these difficulties by use of an RFID garment on hanger reader. The RFID garment on hanger reader disclosed herein facilitates automatic or semiautomatically inventorying of garments on hangers for track and trolley systems with lower associated manpower costs than known barcode tag identification methods.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example garment <NUM> and example tags 102A, 102B, 102C (collectively tags <NUM>) are presented. It is important to note, that the present invention is not limited to any number of example tags. The tags <NUM>, such as a hang tag 102A and sewn-in care label tag 102B, can be attached to the garment <NUM> in any suitable tag location, including but not limited to the collar 104A, the base hem 104B, one of the button holes 104C, or one of the sleeves 104D, 104E (collectively tag locations <NUM>). The particular tag location <NUM> for any garment <NUM> can be based upon what the retailer determines to be the best means to display the garment <NUM> and present the price to the end consumer looking to purchase the garment <NUM>. While the present invention illustrates the utilization of both a sew-in and hang tag, an embodiment presently contemplated can have either one or both types of example tags.

An RFID transponder <NUM> can be attached to one of the tags <NUM>, or the garment <NUM> at any of the tag locations <NUM>. The tag construction <NUM> can be any construction known in the art. In certain embodiments, the RFID transponder <NUM> can be attached to the garment <NUM> using the pin ticket tag attachment method as would be understood in the art. In such embodiments, a hang tag such as tag <NUM> and the RFID transponder <NUM> can generally hang loosely in a vertical orientation due to gravity. In other embodiments, the RFID transponder <NUM> can be integrated into one of the tags <NUM>. For example, some retail and apparel manufacturers have adopted care or brand labels that include an RFID transponder <NUM> embedded in the material of the label, which may result in the RFID transponder <NUM> having a horizontal orientation.

The RFID transponder <NUM> on any particular garment <NUM> can be placed in various different positions on the garment <NUM> in addition to various different orientations. As can be appreciated, a suitable RFID reader would need to be able to handle any number of tag locations <NUM> and RFID transponder <NUM> orientations.

Garments on hangers further present challenges to RFID readers in terms of accomplishing a successful singulation when interrogating RFID transponders <NUM>. As described above with regard to distribution warehouse inventories, garments on hangers may need to be interrogated when in the vicinity of a large number of other garments <NUM> that also have RFID transponders <NUM>. In such conditions, simply mounting an antenna of an RFID reader in open air and operating a fixed RFID reader at high power, in order to cover all likely tag locations <NUM> on a garment <NUM>, is not feasible. For example, such an implementation would result in every RFID transponder <NUM> being activated that is within the influence of the RF field emitted by the antenna. The close proximity to rows of other garments on hangers could result in the activation of multiple RFID transponders <NUM> simultaneously by a single interrogation by the RFID reader. Outside of performing a mass inventory cycle count, where large read fields may be desirable, such a system and method would not be valuable for interrogating individual garments <NUM>.

Distribution centers may conduct RFID scanning audit functions both at the dock door receipt as well as outbound shipping. This can require individual garment <NUM> scanning accuracy in order to determine which garments <NUM> specifically have been received or shipped and matched to purchase orders.

An RFID garment on hanger reader is disclosed herein which can interrogate RFID tags on a single garment or a group of multiple garments on hangers. An example of an RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> according to one embodiment is disclosed in <FIG>. The disclosed RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> can be configured as a self-standing rugged industrial metal housing <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The housing <NUM> includes openings on either end along with a cavity configured as a tunnel <NUM> or gateway that in one embodiment as arched. The tunnel <NUM> can be configured to envelope a section of a trolley rail system (not shown, see <FIG> and <FIG>). The RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> can allow individual garments or clusters of garments on trolleys to pass through the tunnel <NUM>. The tunnel <NUM> can include an open ended entry and exit so that garments can transit through the tunnel <NUM> unimpeded.

The tunnel <NUM> and antennas <NUM> are configured to focus the emitted RF signal and provide RF signal control so as to prevent reads of other RFID tagged items that are not proximate to, or directly inside of, the tunnel <NUM>. The present invention contemplates that the housing <NUM> has at least one component, recognizable by one skilled in the art, that can reduce RF emissions outside of the housing <NUM> and focus RF fields inside of the tunnel <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For instance, in certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> can be configured to have a wall depth sufficient to attenuate RFID emissions, such as, but not limited to three to four inches thick in certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> can also, or alternatively, include signal mitigation material within one or more of the walls to retain and capture RFID emissions. The housing <NUM> can include mounting points for one or more antennas and structures disposed on the housing <NUM> for containing the antennas <NUM>. The structures disposed on the housing <NUM> can reduce RF emissions outside of the housing <NUM> that could activate nearby RFID tags and focus RF fields inside of the tunnel <NUM> where RFID tags are intended to be scanned. Examples of suitable signal mitigation material can include metals, dielectric materials, conductive plastics, and other materials known in the art. In certain embodiments, the antennas <NUM> can be set back or nested in the housing <NUM> to focus the energy emitted by the antennas and diminish any inherent side lobe energy that the antennas <NUM> may emit. In certain embodiments, the antennas <NUM> can be set in signal mitigation material for similar reasons. As can be appreciated, such features can prevent activation of nearby RFID tags that are not transiting through the tunnel <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, a side view of a housing <NUM> is presented that illustrates example antenna placement locations <NUM>. The antenna placement locations <NUM> and antennas can be configured to generate overlapping RF fields <NUM> inside of the tunnel <NUM>. Advantageously, proper antenna placement can project the RF fields <NUM> in a narrow field from the top to the bottom of the tunnel <NUM>. The overlapping RF fields <NUM> can ensure that the RFID transponders on each of the garments can be interrogated as each garment passes through the tunnel <NUM>. Advantageously, proper RF fields <NUM> can reduce the possibility of an under read due to limited power, or an over read when too much power is applied in an attempt to compensate for under read performance. In certain embodiments, the RF fields <NUM> can also scan RFID tags associated with trolleys that carry one or more garments on an associated track (not shown, see <FIG> and <FIG>). As can be appreciated, the antenna placement locations <NUM> depicted in <FIG> are not limiting and other antenna arrangements can also be suitable.

In certain embodiments, the RFID garment on hanger reader can minimize damage to garments. For example, <FIG> depicts the tunnel <NUM> of the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> including a smooth interior liner <NUM>. In certain such embodiments, the liner <NUM> can extend to outside portions of the housing <NUM>, including, for example, the edges of the housing <NUM> where garments may contact the housing <NUM>. The liner <NUM> can be constructed of any suitable material including but not limited to, for example polyethylene or Teflon®, as would be understood in the art. The liner <NUM> can reduce or eliminate the possibility of garments snagging or marring as they pass through the tunnel <NUM>. As can be further appreciated, garments on hangers may swing from the hook of the hanger during movement through the tunnel <NUM>, thereby allowing a garment to brush or drag against tunnel <NUM> or sides of the housing <NUM>. The liner <NUM> can be shaped to provide a smooth surface for garments to pass through the tunnel <NUM> without being damaged or generating drag.

<FIG> depicts an example of a track and trolley system <NUM>. The track and trolley system includes segments of track <NUM> and trolleys <NUM> that transport garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM>. The track <NUM> can be configured to transport garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM> around a warehouse or factory via the trolleys. The RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> can be disposed over the segment of track <NUM> so that trolleys <NUM> holding one or more garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM> transit through the tunnel <NUM>. RFID tags associated with each of the garments <NUM> can be scanned by the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> when transiting through the tunnel <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a segment of the track <NUM> can be attached to the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> either as an integral part or for providing support for the segment of the track <NUM>.

In one embodiment presently contemplates, The housing <NUM> sits over top of the existing track and rail system. The housing may be secured to a floor portion to keep the system from moving.

<FIG> depicts an example track and trolley system <NUM> further including trolley beacon tags <NUM>. In such embodiments, the trolley beacon RFID tags <NUM> can permit identification and inventorying of the trolleys <NUM>, for example by providing a unique identification number or label for each trolley <NUM>. Garments <NUM> that are scanned by the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> while one a trolley <NUM> having a trolley beacon RFID tag <NUM> that can be associated with that trolley <NUM> for improved inventorying and other supply chain operations.

RFID technology can allow for a broad projection of RF energy to scan a generalized area. However, individual RFID tags on garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM> typically have a small profile and therefore may be difficult to locate in a facility using a broad RF scan. A facility may have thousands of garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM> densely packed into a small area. This can not only make it difficult to energize each of the RFID tags on the garments, but can make it prohibitively difficult to pinpoint the exact location of an individual garment even if the associated RFID tag is energized.

The larger profile of a trolley beacon RFID tags <NUM> can provide enhanced sensitivity to RF fields. Additionally, positioning the trolley beacon RFID tags <NUM> physically above the garments <NUM> on hangers <NUM> provides better RF field reception by the trolley beacon RFID tags <NUM> than the individual RFID tags on the garments <NUM> below. This increased sensitivity can facilitate locating trolleys <NUM> using a broad generalized scan of an area of a facility. Once the desired trolley <NUM> is identified by its trolley beacon RFID tag <NUM>, the individual desired garment <NUM> on hanger <NUM> can be more easily located and identified on the trolley <NUM>. This can allow an operator to quickly find individual garments <NUM> and can greatly reduce the amount of time required to locate a specific item in a facility. In certain embodiments, the trolley beacon RFID tags <NUM> can be used in conjunction with the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> described herein by moving the identified trolley to the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM> and identifying the desired garment inside the RFID garment on hanger reader <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A radio frequency identification, RFID, apparatus, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a first opening, a second opening, and a cavity configured as a tunnel (<NUM>) between the first opening and the second opening;
at least one RFID antenna (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) configured to generate a radio frequency, RF, field at least inside the tunnel (<NUM>) for interrogating RFID tags;
an RFID reader configured to receive an RFID signal from an RFID tag disposed in, or proximate to, the tunnel (<NUM>) that is activated by the RF field;
wherein the housing (<NUM>) is configured to be disposed over a track (<NUM>) configured to transport at least one garment on a hanger through the tunnel (<NUM>);
characterised by a trolley (<NUM>) configured for use with the track (<NUM>), the trolley (<NUM>) configured to transport a plurality of garments (<NUM>) on hangers (<NUM>) on the track through the tunnel (<NUM>); and
an RFID tag (<NUM>) secured to the trolley (<NUM>) for identifying the trolley,
wherein the RFID tag is associated with the plurality of garments (<NUM>) on hangers (<NUM>) transported by the trolley (<NUM>).