CN117355698A

CN117355698A - Housing for electronic tracking device

Info

Publication number: CN117355698A
Application number: CN202280037852.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约书亚·赖特; J·黎
Original assignee: Yue ShuyaLaite; Catalyst Lifestyle Ltd
Current assignee: Yue ShuyaLaite; Catalyst Lifestyle Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-26
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2024-01-05

Abstract

A housing (110) for an electronic tracking device (116), the housing comprising: a base (118) defining a cavity (124); a cap (119) comprising a front member (134) and one or more side walls (136) extending laterally from an inner surface (158 a) of the front member; and a sealing member (156) positioned between the cap and the base; wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base and when coupled to the base, the sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to seal the cavity in the base.

Description

Housing for electronic tracking device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.63/193,548, entitled "Protective Cases for Electronic Tracking Devices (protective housing for electronic tracking device)" filed on day 5, month 26 of 2021, and U.S. provisional application No.63/228,511, entitled "Protective Cases for Electronic Tracking Devices (protective housing for electronic tracking device)" filed on day 8, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present description relates generally to housings and, more particularly, to a housing with additional features.

Background

Including electronic tracking devices (e.g. manufactured by apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)Etc.) may be retained within the housing to prevent the electronic tracking device from being scratched, damaged, exposed to fluids (e.g., wetted), etc. In addition, the housing can absorb the impact experienced when dropped. To provide additional protection against dropping or contact with fluid, a housing may be disposed around the electronic tracking device. A user may desire to attach a particular accessory to the housing to minimize the number of items that must be carried and/or to enable the electronic tracking device to be carried on another object for the purpose of tracking the object. However, existing housings for tracking devices either expose portions of the electronic tracking device to the environment or wrap the electronic tracking device entirely such that the user cannot easily hear the sound transmitted from the electronic tracking device while holding the electronic tracking device within the housing.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: a base defining a cavity; a cap comprising a front member and one or more sidewalls extending laterally from an inner surface of the front member; and a sealing member located between the cap and the base; wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base and when coupled to the base, the sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to seal the cavity in the base.

In another aspect, a housing for an electronic tracking device includes a sleeve, a body, and a locking mechanism. The sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive an electronic tracking device. The body includes a hinge and an opening, the body being configured to receive the sleeve through the opening such that an annular wall of the sleeve abuts an inner surface of the body. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the sleeve and the base together, wherein an annular wall of the sleeve is compressed by an inner surface of the base to seal the cavity.

In yet another aspect, a housing of an electronic tracking device includes a cap including an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device, and wherein an inner surface of the annular wall contacts the electronic tracking device to seal the cavity.

In yet another aspect, a housing of an electronic tracking device includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining an opening configured to receive the electronic tracking device such that a first side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall of the inner sleeve, wherein the annular wall further includes an outer surface defining a seal formation. The outer sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the inner sleeve when assembled with the electronic tracking device such that the second side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall, wherein the annular wall further includes an inner surface having an outer seal formation. The seal formation and the outer seal formation couple the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve to seal the opening of the inner sleeve.

In yet another aspect, a lock for holding an electronic tracking device includes a base and a retaining member operable to enclose the electronic tracking device between the retaining member and the base.

In yet another aspect, a housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: capping; a base coupled to the cap, the base and cap configured to enclose the electronic tracking device; and an attachment assembly including an attachment member coupled to the cap, a pair of tethers extending from the attachment member, and a pair of deformable cups coupled to each tether.

In yet another aspect, a wearable housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: a housing including a pair of straps extending from a body of the housing; and a cavity formed in the body, the pair of straps configured to be selectively coupled together; and a back plate coupled to the housing to enclose a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device.

In yet another aspect, a housing for an electronic tracking device includes a sleeve comprising: an internal cavity configured to receive an electronic tracking device; an edge portion; and a groove formed in the rim portion; and a stationary ring positioned in the groove of the sleeve.

These and other functions provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments may be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which:

fig. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a body of a housing in a fixed position according to a first aspect of one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1 taken at line 3-3 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a housing configured to be attached to a surface according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 7, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 schematically depicts an isometric view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 12A schematically depicts a top isometric view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12B schematically depicts a bottom isometric view of the housing of FIG. 12A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 13 schematically depicts a housing for an electronic tracking device that includes retention features for an external support structure, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 14 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 13, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 15 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device that includes an attachment assembly for an external support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 16 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 15 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 17 schematically depicts a bottom isometric view of a housing for an electronic tracking device with attachment features in a closed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 18 schematically depicts a bottom isometric view of the housing with attachment features of FIG. 17 in an open position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 19 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device that includes an attachment assembly for an external support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 20 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 19 in an assembled state according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary modular housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 21 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 23 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 21 taken along line 23-23 in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 24 depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing with an attachment member in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 25A schematically depicts a first cross-sectional view of a housing for coupling with a housing of an electronic tracking device, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 25B schematically depicts a second cross-sectional view of the enclosure of FIG. 25A, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 25C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of FIG. 25A in an assembled state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 26 schematically depicts an isometric view of another housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 27 schematically depicts a housing configured to be attached to a surface according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 28 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 29 depicts a top perspective view of another housing with alternative attachment features in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 30 depicts a top perspective view of another housing with alternative attachment features in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary housing for an electronic tracking device including a sleeve and an attachment member in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 32 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 31 taken along line 31-31 in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 33 depicts a top perspective view of another housing for an electronic tracking device including a plurality of attachment members in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 34 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 33 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 35 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary housing for an electronic tracking device having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 36 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 35 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 37 schematically depicts a housing configured to be attached to a surface according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 38 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 37 taken along line 38-38, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 39 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another housing according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 40A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary housing for an electronic tracking device including a body and a locking mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 40B depicts a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 40A with an electronic tracking device inserted into the body of the housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 40C depicts a view of the housing of FIG. 40A with a locking mechanism attached to the body of the housing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 40D depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 40A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 41A schematically depicts an isometric view of a lock for receiving an electronic tracking device in a disengaged position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 41B schematically depicts an isometric view of the lock of FIG. 41A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 41C schematically depicts an isometric view of the locking element of FIG. 41A in an engaged position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 42A schematically depicts an isometric view of a lock for receiving an electronic tracking device in a disengaged position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 42B schematically depicts an isometric view of the locking element of FIG. 42A in an engaged position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 43 schematically depicts an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the housing of FIG. 42A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 44A schematically depicts an isometric view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in an open position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 44B schematically depicts an isometric view of the locking element of FIG. 44A in a closed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 45 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 46 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 45 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 47 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 45 with an alternative sealing member, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 48 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 49 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 48 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 50 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 51 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 50 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 52 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 53 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 52 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 54 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 55 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 54 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 56 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 57 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 56 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 58 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 59 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 58 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 60 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 61 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 60 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 62 schematically depicts an isometric view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 63 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 64 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 63 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 65 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 66 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 65 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 67 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 68A schematically depicts a top isometric view of the housing of FIG. 67 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 68B schematically depicts a bottom isometric view of the housing of FIG. 67 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 69 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a housing for an electronic tracking device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 70 schematically depicts an isometric view of the housing of fig. 69 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to a housing for a tracking device. An electronic tracking device generally includes any electronic tracking device including any portable electronic device configured to emit one or more indicators (e.g., sound, light, etc.) to display its presence. One particular example of a tracking device that may be used with the embodiments described herein is manufactured and sold by apple Inc. (Cupertino, california)An electronic tracking device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more audio devices (e.g., microphones, speakers, and/or the like), buttons, switches (e.g., sliding switches, such as mute switches), and/or the like. As described herein, the electronic tracking device may be positioned within the housing. The housing may provide a protective and/or watertight enclosure around the electronic tracking device while ensuring that the full functionality of the electronic tracking device is achieved.

As described in detail below, each embodiment of the housing may be attached to a surface or article. The housing may be attached to toys, clothing, electronics, bags, vehicles or other objects, particularly objects that may be lost, misplaced, etc. In some embodiments, the housing may include features as described herein that provide a waterproof enclosure so that the housing may be attached to items that may be exposed to water or the environment. Toys may include pet toys, children's toys (such as dolls, movable models), and the like. The clothing may include collars, bracelets, jewelry, shoes, eyeglasses, gloves, jackets, etc. for pets, and it may be implemented exclusively in a coat-hat booth. The electronic device may include Universal Serial Bus (USB), unmanned aerial vehicle, charger, camera accessory and accessory, remote control, apple(manufactured and sold by apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)) or other headphones (attached to the holder, such as by a lanyard>Or other headset housing), car keys, electronic game controllers or systems, computers (such as notebook, desktop or tablet computers), telephones, and the like. The bag may include a purse, wallet, card sleeve, golf bag, backpack (such as by the handle of the backpack), computer bag, pen bag, luggage, beach container, tool box, camera bag, and the like. The vehicle may include a bicycle (such as a rental bicycle), an automobile (such as attached to a car mirror), a bicycle lock, and a valet park Water vehicles (e.g., boats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, towable buoys, water trampoline, etc.), golf carts, and the like. Other items or objects may include hiking accessories, umbrellas, neck pillows, kettles, hats, automotive refreshers, books, wallets, mail, blankets, safes, passports or passport holders, identification cards, cups, door security alarms, car keys, key fobs, automotive refreshers, valet parking or coat check notes, musical instruments, skateboards, scooters, power cords, sports equipment, ski equipment, documents or folders, books, strollers, zippers, tripods, paddles or paddles, flotation devices, diving devices, fishing devices, rowing devices, surfing devices, water skiing devices, skateboard devices, underwater photography devices, or any other item. The housing may also be attached to medical devices and medications, such as, for example, medication syringes (e.g., produced and sold by Mylan corporation (Canonsburg, PA)) A drug storage unit (e.g., a drug vial, a tablet housing, etc.), auxiliary devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, eyeglasses, etc., health trackers, CPAP or BiPAP machines, and related devices, etc.

Aspects described herein are generally directed to a housing for an electronic tracking device. Although the electronic tracking device is described as Any tracking device may be enclosed within a housing, including other types of electronic tracking devices (e.g., manufactured by tileinc (san mate o, CA))>A device). The electronic tracking device may include any electronic device, such as a GPS device, tracking device, tag device, and the like. An electronic tracking device according to the present disclosure may include one or more buttons, switches (e.g., a sliding switch, such as a mute switch), and/or the like. As described herein, the electronic tracking device may be positioned within the housing. The housing may provide a surroundA protective and/or waterproof housing around portions of the electronic tracking device.

In various embodiments described herein, the housing may generally include a base, a cap, an attachment portion, a coupling mechanism, and a sealing member. The base and cap may generally define a cavity for holding the electronic tracking device, the coupling mechanism may generally couple the base and cap together to enclose and hold the electronic tracking device in the cavity, and the sealing member may generally provide a seal to seal the cavity to prevent fluid ingress and egress from the cavity. The attachment portion may be for selectively attaching the housing to an external object for tracking the external object using the electronic tracking device. These components will be described in further detail in the following description. As described below, the housing may include a plurality of embodiments of each of the base, the cover, the attachment portion, the coupling mechanism, and the sealing member for performing the above-described functions.

Referring first to fig. 1-3, a first aspect of a housing 110 for an electronic tracking device 116 is generally described. The electronic tracking device 116 described herein may include a first side 144a, an opposing second side 144b, and a tab 132 for coupling with a housing. In some embodiments, the first side 144a may include an indicator 146, such as, for example, a graphical design, an alphanumeric indicator, a custom or user-defined design, or the like. In some embodiments, the second side 144b may include a similar indicator 148.

The housing 110 may include: a base 118 and a cap 119 that may be selectively coupled to configure to enclose the electronic tracking device 116; and a sealing member 156. The base 118 may include a rear wall 120, one or more side walls 122 extending from the rear wall 120, and an attachment portion 114. The side walls 122 may extend laterally from the rear wall 120 at a peripheral portion of the rear wall 120 to define a base cavity 124 within which the electronic tracking device 116 may be received.

The sidewall 122 may include: an inner surface 125, the inner surface 125 facing the base cavity 124 to at least partially enclose the base cavity 124; and an outer surface 127 opposite the inner surface 125. The inner surface 125 may include a plurality of internal threaded portions 126 that encircle the inner surface 125 of one or more of the side walls 122. The internally threaded portion 126 may extend partially or fully along the length of the sidewall 122. The attachment portion 114 may extend from a peripheral portion of the sidewall 122 opposite the inner surface 125. The attachment portion 114 may include an aperture 115 extending therethrough configured to receive an external attachment member for attaching the housing 110 to an external object. The external attachment member may be any member capable of attaching the housing 110 to an external object, such as, for example, a rope, a pin, a clasp, a strap, or the like.

The rear wall 120 may include: an inner surface 128, the inner surface 128 facing the base cavity 124 to at least partially enclose the base cavity 124; and an outer surface 129 opposite the inner surface 125. The inner surface 128 may include ribs 130 extending from the inner surface 128. The rib 130 may extend parallel to the sidewall 122 and be sized to extend a length shorter than the length of the sidewall 122. The shape of the rib 130 may be similar to the shape of the sidewall 122. For example, in embodiments where the sidewall 122 is circular or annular in shape, the rib 130 may be circular or annular in shape such that the sidewall 122 surrounds the rib 130 in a concentric manner. When the electronic tracking device 116 is received into the base cavity 124, the rib 130 may be configured to abut the protrusion 132 of the electronic tracking device 116. Thus, it is understood that the shape of the rib 130 and the protrusion 132 may be similar. However, it is contemplated that the side walls 122 and ribs 130 of the base 118 are shaped to receive non-circular electronic tracking devices. For example, the side walls 122 and ribs 130 of the base 118 may be rectangular to receive a rectangular electronic tracking device.

In some embodiments, the outer surface 129 of the rear wall 120 and/or the outer surface 127 of the side wall 122 may be smooth surfaces with no texture or a limited number of textures. This may be because the base 118 is formed from a molding material such as a polymer. In other embodiments, the base 118 is formed of glass, metal, a resilient material such as, for example, rubber, soft plastic, and/or the like. However, it is contemplated and possible that the outer surface 129 of the rear wall 120 may have a textured surface to enhance the grip or friction of a user grasping the outer surface 129 of the rear wall 120.

Further, in some embodiments, the color of the base 118 or portions thereof is opaque. That is, the color of the base 118 may prevent the electronic tracking device 116 from being visible through the base 118. In addition, the base 118 may be customized to a variety of colors or hues. In other embodiments, the base 118 or portions thereof are transparent. That is, the color of the base 118 may allow or permit the electronic tracking device 116 to be visible through the base 118 such that the indicators 146, 148 located on the electronic tracking device 116 may be visible through the base 118.

Still referring to fig. 1-3, the cap 119 of the housing 110 may include a front member 134, one or more sidewalls 136 extending laterally from the front member 134 to define a cap cavity 138, and a channel 154. Front member 134 may include flange 152, inner surface 158a, and outer surface 158b opposite inner surface 158 a. The one or more sidewalls 136 may extend from the inner surface 158a of the front member 134 such that the inner surface 158a faces the cap cavity 138, thereby at least partially defining the cap cavity 138. The profile of the inner surface 158a may be such that: when the electronic tracking device 116 is positioned in the housing 110, the inner surface 158a is spaced apart from the first side 144a of the electronic tracking device 116 to define an acoustic chamber 162. When the electronic tracking device 116 is positioned within the housing 110, the acoustic chamber 162 may amplify or prevent the reduction of sound generated by the electronic tracking device 116.

One or more of the side walls 136 may include an outer surface 140, the outer surface 140 including an externally threaded portion 142. The external threaded portion 142 may circumferentially surround at least a portion of the outer surface 140 of one or more side walls 136 and is configured to mate with the internal threaded portion 126 to couple the cap 119 to the base 118. The flange 152 may extend outwardly from the side wall 136, defining an overhang of the front member 134 relative to one or more side walls 136 extending laterally from the front member 134.

The channel 154 may circumferentially surround the outer surface 140 of one or more of the side walls 136 so as to be positioned between the externally threaded portion 142 and the flange 152. That is, the channel 154 may be positioned at a transition between: in this position, one or more side walls 136 extend laterally from the front member 134 and are positioned between the externally threaded portion 142 and the flange 152. The shape of the channel 154 may be similar to the shape of the side wall 136 and the front member 134 such that the channel 154 may extend completely around the outer surface 140 of the side wall 136. For example, the channel 154 may be circular or annular in shape.

The channel 154 may be configured to receive a sealing member 156. However, it is contemplated and possible that the sealing member 156 may be disposed anywhere within the base 118 and/or cap 119. For example, as will be described in additional detail herein, housing 110 may include a plurality of sealing members disposed between cap 119 and base 118, and/or between cap 119 and electronic tracking device 116. In some embodiments, the sealing member 156 may be formed of a silicone material. Thus, the sealing member 156 may be an O-ring. In other embodiments, the sealing member 156 may be formed of a rubber material, a liquid material, tape, paste, or the like.

In some embodiments, the outer surface 158b of the front member 134 may be a smooth surface. That is, similar to the outer surface 129 of the rear wall 120 of the base 118, the outer surface 158b may have no texture or a limited number of textures. This may be because the front member 134 is formed from a molded material such as a polymer. In other embodiments, the front member 134 is formed from glass, metal, an elastic material such as, for example, rubber, soft plastic, and/or the like. However, it is contemplated and possible that the outer surface 158b of the front member 134 has a textured surface to enhance the grip or friction of a user grasping the outer surface 158b of the front member 134.

Further, in some embodiments, the color of the front member 134 or portions thereof is opaque. That is, the color of the front member 134 may prevent the electronic tracking device 116 from being visible through the front member 134. In addition, the front member 134 may be customized to a variety of colors or hues. In other embodiments, the front member 134 or portions thereof are transparent. That is, the color of the front member 134 may allow or permit the electronic tracking device 116 to be visible through the front member 134 such that the indicators 146, 148 located on the electronic tracking device 116 may be visible through the front member 134.

Thus, it will be appreciated that in the aspect described in fig. 1-3, the front member 134 is a protective cover that encloses the electronic tracking device 116 when the electronic tracking device 116 is positioned in the housing 110 and the cap 119 is positioned in a fixed position, as discussed in greater detail herein.

Referring to fig. 3, cap 119 may be releasably coupled to base 118 by engagement between internally threaded portion 126 and externally threaded portion 142. The external threaded portion 142 of the cap 119 may be complementary to the internal threaded portion 126 of the base 118 such that the external threaded portion 142 of the cap 119 may be engaged with or disengaged from the internal threaded portion 126 of the base 118. After the cap 119 is rotated in the clockwise direction with respect to the base 118, as indicated by the arrow in the A1 direction, the cap 119 is rotated to engage the male screw portion 142 of the cap 119 with the female screw portion 126 of the base 118, so that the male screw portion 142 of the cap 119 is screwed onto the female screw portion 126 of the base 118. In this way, cap 119 forms a secure connection with base 118 to couple cap 119 to base 118. Further, in the secured position, at least a portion of the electronic tracking device 116 may be received into the cap cavity 138 and the base cavity 124, as discussed in greater detail herein.

When the cap 119 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as indicated by an arrow in the A2 direction, the cap 119 is rotated to disengage the male screw portion 142 of the cap 119 from the female screw portion 126 of the base 118, thereby withdrawing the male screw portion 142 of the cap 119 from the female screw portion 126 of the base 118. In this way, the cap 119 is released from the base 118 into an unlocked position and is permitted to enter the base cavity 124 and the cap cavity 138 at that position to allow the electronic tracking device 116 to be positioned within the housing 110 or removed from the housing 110. When the housing 110 is closed by rotating the cap 119 in a clockwise direction, it is contemplated and possible that the externally threaded portion 142 of the cap 119 may engage the internally threaded portion 126 of the base 118 to move the housing 110 to a fixed position when the cap 119 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction.

When in the secured position, the sealing member 156 is compressed between the outer surface 140 of the sidewall 136 and the flange 152 of the cap 119 and the inner surface 125 of the sidewall 122 of the base 118, thereby forming a seal between the cap 119 and the base 118. The sealing member 156 forms a fluid-tight seal (e.g., a water-tight seal and/or an air-tight seal) between the cap 119 and the base 118 to prevent liquid, dust, or other debris from entering or exiting into the base cavity 124 and/or the cap cavity 138 of the housing 110, thereby protecting the electronic tracking device 116 from contact with the liquid, dust, or debris when positioned in the base cavity 124 and/or the cap cavity 138.

The housing 110 has IP68 waterproof capability against dust, dirt, sand and fluids such as water. The attachment between cap 119 and base 118 allows electronic tracking device 116 to be easily removed by unscrewing cap 119 from base 118. Furthermore, the attachment between cap 119 and base 118 provides a secure, tight fit. As described above, the attachment mechanism is generic to allow the electronic tracking device 116 to be attached to any item in a variety of ways. The housing 110 provides protection for the electronic tracking device 116 while allowing the electronic tracking device 116 to be visible. In addition, the housing 110 allows audio generated by the electronic tracking device to remain clear without interfering with signals transmitted or received by the electronic tracking device.

In some embodiments, the housing 110 may also include one or more surfaces having apertures, openings, different materials, films, etc. for improving the sound transmission of the electronic tracking device 116 through the cap 119 and/or the base 118.

Referring to fig. 4, an alternative cap 219 for the housing 210 is described. It is to be understood that the housing 210 is similar to the housing 110, except for the features described herein. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "2". Therefore, these features will not be described again for brevity. The alternative cap 219 may include an aperture 264, the aperture 264 extending through the front member 234 of the cap 219. That is, the aperture 264 may extend through the cap 219 into the cap cavity 238. The aperture 264 may be sized such that, when in a fixed position, a portion of the first side 244a of the electronic tracking device 216 is positioned within the aperture 264 and supported by the aperture 264. Thus, the indicator 146 (fig. 2) may be visible through the aperture 264. It should be appreciated that the aperture 264 provides an unobstructed view of the indicator 146. The aperture 264 may permit sound emanating from the electronic tracking device 216 to travel through the aperture 264 without being hindered by the structure of the cap 219. Although the aperture 264 of the housing 210 is formed in the cap 219, it is contemplated and possible that the aperture 264 is additionally or alternatively formed in the base 218.

The cap 219 may also include a second channel 266 that circumferentially surrounds the inner surface 258a of the front member 234 at the aperture 264. That is, the second channel 266 may be positioned at a transition between where one or more side walls 236 extending laterally from the front member 234 are located. The alternative cap 219 may include a second sealing member 268, the second channel 266 being configured to receive the second sealing member. A second sealing member 268 may be positioned in the second channel 266 to form a seal between the electronic tracking device 216 and the cap 219 at the aperture 264. In some embodiments, the second sealing member 268 may be formed from a silicone material. Thus, the sealing member may be an O-ring. In other embodiments, the second sealing member 268 may be formed from a rubber material, a liquid material, an adhesive tape, a paste, or the like.

In the secured position, the second sealing member 268 may be compressed about the aperture 264 between the first side 244a of the electronic tracking device 216 and the front member 234 of the cap 219, such that the second sealing member 268 forms a seal between the aperture 264 of the cap 219 and the first side 244a of the electronic tracking device 216.

Referring now to fig. 5, a third aspect of the housing 310 is schematically depicted. It is to be understood that the housing 310 may be substantially similar to the housing 110 or the housing 210, except for the features described herein. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "3". Therefore, these features will not be described again for brevity.

In the third aspect of the housing 310, the cap 319 includes a channel 354 that circumferentially surrounds the outer surface 340 of the one or more side walls 336 at a termination surface 370 of the one or more side walls 336 below the external threads 342 such that the external threads 342 are positioned between the channel 354 and the front member 334. Thus, in the secured position, the channel 354 is positioned in contact with the rear wall 320 such that when the channel 354 receives the sealing member 356, the sealing member 356 is compressed between the rear wall 320 of the base 318 and the terminating surface 370 of the side wall 336 of the cap 319.

In the secured position, the first sealing member 356 may be in contact with the rear wall 320 and compressed by the rear wall 320 to form a fluid seal (e.g., a water-tight seal and/or an air-tight seal) and prevent liquid, dust, or other debris from entering or exiting into the base cavity 324 of the housing 310, thereby protecting the electronic tracking device 316 within the base cavity 324 from contact with the liquid, dust, or debris.

Referring now to fig. 6, a fourth aspect of the housing 410 is generally described. Similar to the second and third aspects, the fourth aspect of the housing 410 may be substantially similar to any of the housings 110, 210, 310, except for the features described herein. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "4". Therefore, these features will not be described again for brevity.

The housing 410 may include a cover member 474 configured to receive the electronic tracking device 416. Although the housing 410 does not include the sealing members discussed in the housings 110, 210, 310, it is contemplated and possible to use the cover member 474 in combination with the sealing members to form a seal in the housing 410. The cover member 474 may be generally conical in shape having an inner surface 480a and an opposite outer surface 480b. The cover member 474 may include: a termination flange 482, the termination flange 482 being positioned at a base 484 of the cover member 474; a peak 486, the peak 486 including at least one raised portion 487 that helps align the cover member 474 with the aperture 464 defined by the front member 434 of the cap 419; and an opening 494, the opening 494 extending through the inner surface 480a and the outer surface 480b. The opening 494 of the cover member 474 may be positioned to align with the aperture 464 in the cap 419 to provide an unobstructed view of the indicator 146 of the first side 144a of the electronic tracking device 116. In other words, the aperture 464 of the cap 419 may be positioned concentric with the opening 494 of the cover member 474. In an embodiment, the cover member 474 may not include openings 494 such that the cover member 474 restricts fluid or particulate ingress and egress through the aperture 464.

The raised portion 487 of the cover member 474 may contact the aperture 464 of the cap 419 to form a seal between the aperture 464 and one of the cap cavity 438 and the base cavity 424. The termination flange 482 may contact an inner surface 428 of the back wall 420, a termination surface 470 of the sidewall 436 of the cap 419, and the electronic tracking device 416 to seal the electronic tracking device 416 within the base cavity 424.

In some embodiments, the cover member 474 may be a silicone sleeve. Thus, the cover member 474 is a resilient material that can deform to complement the contours of the aperture 464 of the electronic tracking device 416 and the cap 419. Further, in some embodiments, the color of the cover member 474, or portions thereof, is opaque. That is, the color of the cover member 474 may prevent the electronic tracking device 416 from being visible through the base 418. In other embodiments, the cover member 474, or portions thereof, is transparent. That is, the color of the cover member 474 may allow or permit the electronic tracking device 416 to be visible through the cover member 474. That is, in an embodiment, in the secured position, the indicator 446 of the first side 444a of the electronic tracking device 416 may be visible through the cover member 474. In addition, the cover member 474 may be customized to a variety of colors or hues.

In the above-described housings 110, 210, 310, 410, an attachment portion such as attachment portion 114 is described as an aperture for receiving an external attachment member to attach the housing 110, 210, 310, 410 to an external object or surface. However, various embodiments of the housing may include alternative attachment portions for coupling the housing to an external object or surface in different ways.

For example, fig. 7 and 8 depict a housing 510 having an attachment element 514, the attachment element 514 being used to attach the housing 510 to an external surface or object. The housing 510 may include substantially the same structure as the housings 110, 210, 310, 410 described above, except for the features described herein. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "5". Therefore, these features will not be described again for brevity.

The attachment element 514 may be configured to be attached or coupled to an outer surface of the base 518 of the housing 510. The attachment element 514 may include an adhesive layer. For example, in an embodiment, the attachment element 514 is a double sided tape layer for attaching the housing 510 to an outer surface of an article. It should be appreciated that alternative attachment elements may be provided on the outer surface 527. For example, in an embodiment, the base 518 includes one or more magnetic bodies embedded therein to facilitate magnetic connection with an article through the outer surface 527. In an embodiment, one or more straps may extend from the base 518 to facilitate attachment of the base 518 to an article. The attachment member may be any suitable mechanical attachment element (e.g., clip, snap, strap, adhesive element such as ). Further, the attachment elements may be disposed at locations other than the outer surface 527, such as, for example, on the side walls 522 or outer surface 529 of the cap 519. For example, the base 518 may be attached to a vehicle. In embodiments, the cap 519 may include attachment elements to facilitate attachment to an external object or surface.

The base 518 of the housing 510 may include an outer flange 596 extending laterally from the sidewall 522 such that the sidewall 522 is positioned between the outer flange 596 and the rib 530. The outer flange 596 may increase the surface area of the outer surface 527 of the base 518. The increased surface area of the outer surface 527 allows for a larger or more attachment elements 514 to be attached to the base 518, thereby increasing the coupling force between the housing 510 and an external object. For example, in embodiments where the attachment element 514 is one or more magnetic bodies, a larger magnetic body or more magnetic bodies may be attached to the base 518 to increase the magnetic force from the attachment element 514.

In further embodiments, and with reference to fig. 9 and 10, a housing 610 for an electronic tracking device 616 is described. The housing 610 may include substantially the same structure as the housing 110 described above including the sleeve 674 and the cap 619, except for the features described herein. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "6". Therefore, these features will not be described again for brevity.

The base 618 may include: a cavity 623, the cavity 623 formed in an outer surface 622 of the base 618 and configured to receive one or more attachment members 614; and an inner cavity surface 625. The inner cavity surface 625 may be transparent to allow the electronic tracking device 116 to be visible through the inner cavity surface 625, as described in previous embodiments. In an embodiment, the inner cavity surface 625 may include a bore 631 extending therethrough such that a portion of the electronic tracking device 116 is exposed through the base 618. The inner cavity surface 625 may include a plurality of recesses 627 formed therein to reduce the surface area in contact with and coupled with the attachment members 614, thereby reducing the force required to remove the attachment members 614 from the base 618. The cavity 623 and the attachment member 614 may be sized and positioned in the cavity 623 such that the attachment surface 633 of the attachment member 614 is planar with the outer surface 622 of the base 618. In an embodiment, the attachment members 614 may be segmented such that the attachment members 614 include two or more separate attachment members 614.

In a further alternative embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 11, an alternative enclosure 710 is described. The housing 710 may be substantially similar to the housing 110 described above and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "7".

The housing 710 may include a cap 719 and a base 718, the base 718 being configured to attach, connect, or otherwise adhere to an external arcuate service (e.g., associated with an item having a location that the user desires to understand). The outer surface 722 of the base 718 may be non-planar such that the contour of the outer surface 722 may conform to the surface of an external object. For example, the outer surface 722 may be arcuate such that the contour of the outer surface 722 may conform to a cylindrical surface. However, it is contemplated and possible that the outer surface 722 may include any other non-coplanar shape for coupling with a surface of an external object, such as a pyramid.

The attachment members 714 may be shaped to complement the shape of the outer surface 722 such that the attachment members 714 may facilitate attachment between the base 718 and an external object. For example, in embodiments where the outer surface 722 is arcuate, the attachment members 714 may likewise be arcuate.

In some embodiments, and with reference to fig. 12A and 12B, an alternative housing 810 is described. The housing 810 may be substantially similar to the housing 110 described above, and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "8".

The attachment portion 814 of the housing 810 may be a pin assembly configured to attach the housing 810 to a fabric. The pin assembly may be a conventional pin including a pin 835 and a retaining ring 837 configured to receive the pin 835. The pin 835 is pivotably coupled to the outer surface 822 of the base 818 to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the pin 835 may be spaced apart from the clasp 837 to allow the pin 835 to pass through the fabric. After the pin 835 is inserted through the fabric, the pin 835 may be rotated to an engaged position. In the engaged position, the pin 835 may be positioned in the clasp 837 to prevent the pin 835 from backing out of the clasp 837. Although the pin assembly is described as a shear pin, the pin assembly may be any conventional pin assembly such as, for example, a pin back button that may be removed from the pin to allow the pin to be inserted into the fabric.

In an embodiment, and with reference to fig. 13-18, the attachment portion may be attached to a strap, such as a watchband. Referring to fig. 13 and 14, an alternative housing 910 is described. The housing 910 may be similar to the housing described above, such as the housing 110, and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "9". The attachment portion 914 may include a securing member 944 and an extension arm 945 that extends from the outer surface 922 of the base 918.

The extension arms 945 may be cantilevered from the outer surface 922 of the base 918 so as to be spaced from the outer surface 922 by a gap 947 into which an external article may be inserted. For example, as shown in fig. 13, a strip-like structure 946 (e.g., dog collar, backpack strap, wristband, bracelet) may pass between the outer surface 922 of the base 918 and the extension arm 945. In this manner, the electronic tracking device 116 may be used to track the position of an item (e.g., pet, child, or other item) to which the bar structure 946 is attached. The structure of the base 918 adds to the functionality of the electronic tracking device 116 by attaching it to a variety of external items. The attachment portion 914 may take any form to facilitate attachment of the electronic tracking device 116 to various items. In embodiments, the extension arm 945 may include a flexible webbing or multiple structures linked to one another to provide the extension arm 945 with a flexible shape to facilitate attachment of a variety of different items.

The extension arm 945 can include a first end 948 coupled to the outer surface 922 of the base 918 and a second end 950 opposite the first end 948. Extension arm 945 may define: a groove 952 formed in the second end 950 of the extension arm 945 to allow the bar-like structure 946 to be positioned in the gap 947 between the extension arm 945 and the outer surface 922 of the base 918; and a notch 954 formed in the extension arm 945 adjacent to the second end 950 of the extension arm 945. The notch 954 can be formed adjacent to the second end 950 of the extension arm 945 such that the groove 952 is positioned directly between the base 918 and the notch 954.

The fixation member 944 can be hollow, allowing the extension arm 945 to partially pass through the fixation member 944 when the fixation member 944 is positioned in the recess 954 of the extension arm 945. The securing member 944 may be pivotally coupled to the base 918 to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the securing member 944 may be spaced apart from the notch 954 to allow the bar structure 946 to pass through the slot 952 in the extension arm 945. When in the engaged position, the securing member 944 may pivot from the disengaged position to the engaged position to be positioned in the notch 954. The securing member 944 may extend at least partially through the slot 952 in the extension arm 945 when the securing member 944 is in the engaged position to prevent the bar structure 946 from passing through the slot 952.

In some embodiments, the extension arm 945 can be shaped or and/or sized to bend or temporarily deform around a detent or the like located on the base 918 such that the extension arm 945 is frictionally held to the base 918 when placed into an engaged position (e.g., snapped onto the detent). It should be appreciated that in such embodiments, the securing member 944 may be optional (e.g., omitted). Additional details will be described herein with respect to fig. 50.

Still referring to fig. 13 and 14, in some embodiments, portions of the extension arms 945 and/or the base 918, particularly the portions of the extension arms 945 that face each other when in the closed position, can include surface features thereon. Such surface features may increase the contact surface area when the extension arm 945 is placed around an object, thereby providing greater friction relative to components that do not include such surface features. It should be appreciated that the surface features may prevent sliding or movement (e.g., on a strap, etc.) when the housing 910 is placed in place on an object (e.g., a strap, etc.).

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, an additional housing 1010 including an alternative attachment portion 1014 is depicted. The housing 1010 may be similar to the housings described above, such as the housing 910, and similar structures (e.g., the cap 1019, the sealing member 1056, and the electronic tracking device 1016) will not be described in detail for brevity. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "10".

The attachment portion 1014 may include a hoop 1075 that is selectively coupled to the base 1018 by a pair of securing members 1044. The pair of securing members 1044 may be conventional watchband pins that include handles and protrusions that extend into complementary holes in the base 1018 to allow the pair of securing members 1044 to selectively engage the base 1018. The hoop 1075 may include: an elongated body 1076 having a first end 1078 and an opposite second end 1080; a first attachment portion 1082, the first attachment portion 1082 being located at a first end 1078 of the elongate body 1076; and a second attachment portion 1084 at the second end 1080 of the elongated body 1076. The hoop 1075 may be bent such that as the elongate body 1076 extends away from the attachment portions 1082, 1084, the hoop 1075 also extends away from the base 1018.

Each of the first and second attachment portions 1082, 1084 may define a slot 1086 and a bore 1088 extending therein configured to receive one of the pair of fixation members 1044 to couple the first attachment portion 1082 to the base 1018. The groove 1086 may extend parallel to the bore 1088 through the outer surface 1090 of the first attachment portion 1082 such that the handle of one of the fixation members 1044 positioned in the bore 1088 extends out of the groove 1086.

One of the pair of fixation members 1044 is selectively disengaged from the base 1018 to allow the collar 1075 to rotate about the other of the pair of fixation members 1044 and to allow an external article to be positioned between the collar 1075 and the base 1018. One of the pair of securing members 1044 may reengage the base 1018 to couple the housing 1010 to an external article. For example, a strip-like structure (e.g., dog collar, backpack strap, watchband, bracelet) similar to the strip-like structure 946 described above may be interposed between the hoop 1075 and the base 1018. In this manner, the electronic tracking device 116 may be used to track the position of an item (e.g., pet, child, or other item) to which the bar structure is attached.

In an embodiment, the pair of fixation members 1044 are rotatably attached to the base 1018 by a suitable attachment mechanism. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the pair of fixation members 1044 extend through openings (e.g., cavities, holes, etc.) in the base 1018. In an embodiment, only one of the pair of fixation members 1044 is selectively engaged with the base 1018, and the other fixation member of the pair of fixation members 1044 is rotatably coupled to the base 1018.

In an embodiment, and with reference to fig. 17 and 18, another housing 1110 having an alternative attachment portion 1114 is described. Alternative attachment portion 1114 may include a collar 1175 having a first end 1176 and an opposing second end 1178. The first end 1176 of the hoop 1175 can be pivotally coupled to the base 1118. The second end 1178 of the collar 1175 can include an attachment portion 1180 extending from the second end 1178 of the collar 1175 to selectively couple to the base 1118. The attachment portion 1180 may include an inner surface 1181 facing the first end 1176 configured to engage a portion of the base 1118 to hold the attachment portion 1180 against the base 1118. The inner surface 1181 may include a snap ring (not shown) or other feature extending from the snap ring for engagement with the base 1118.

The base 1118 may define a receiving recess 1179 configured to receive an attachment portion 1180 of the collar 1175 to selectively couple the second end 1178 of the collar 1175 to the base 1118. The hoop 1175 may additionally include a plurality of surface features 1183 (e.g., ridges) extending from the hoop 1175 toward the base 1118, the surface features 1183 configured to increase the grip between the base 1118 and an external structure, such as the strip-like structure 946 in fig. 13.

Referring now to fig. 19 and 20, another housing 1210 having an alternative attachment portion 1214 is generally described. The housing 1210 may be similar to the housing described above, such as the housing 910, and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "12". For example, the housing 1210 may include a cap 1219, a base 1218, and a sleeve 1274 similar to those described above.

The attachment portion 1214 may include a strap 1238 and a pair of groove members 1232 extending in opposite directions from the base 1218. The pair of groove members 1232 can each include a first end 1234 coupled with the base 1218 and an opposite second end 1236. The second ends 1236 of the pair of groove members 1232 can be bent or angled toward the cap 1219 to define a channel 1248 configured to receive a portion of the strap 1238.

The band 1238 may include a first pair of elongate members 1240 extending in parallel, a second pair of elongate members 1242 extending in parallel with each other, and a pair of mounting brackets 1244 extending between the first pair of elongate members 1240 in parallel with the second pair of elongate members 1242. The second pair of elongate members 1242 may extend perpendicularly from one elongate member of the first pair 1240 and be connected to the other elongate member of the first pair 1240. The pair of mounting brackets 1244 may be positioned between the second pair of elongate members 1242. The band 1238 may be formed of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, or the like.

Referring to fig. 20, straps 1238 may be selectively attached to the pair of groove members 1232 to couple housing 1210 to an external article. One of the pair of groove members 1232 may be positioned between one of the second pair of elongated members 1242 and one of the pair of mounting brackets 1244 to retain the strap in the groove member 1232. The other one of the pair of groove members 1232 may be positioned between the other one of the second pair of elongated members 1242 and the other one of the pair of mounting brackets 1244 to retain the strap 1238 in the other groove member 1232. A second pair of elongate members 1242 is held between the base 1218 and the pair of groove members 1232 and may extend around the external object to couple the housing 1218 to the external object. The second pair of elongate members 1242 may be press fit between the base 1218 and the pair of groove members 1232. When the pair of groove members 1232 are coupled to the band 1238, the mounting bore 1246 is defined by the band 1238, the pair of groove members 1232, and the base 1218. The external article may be positioned within the mounting bore 1246, thereby coupling the housing 1218 to the external article. The straps 1238 may be removed from the pair of groove members 1232 to decouple the housing 1218 from the external article.

Referring now to fig. 21-23, a housing 1410 including an alternative coupling mechanism is schematically depicted. Housing 1410 may include cap 1419, base 1418, sealing member 1456, and attachment portion 1414 that are substantially the same as cap 119, base 118, sealing member 156, and attachment portion 114 of housing 110 described above. The housing 1410 differs in that an alternative coupling mechanism may be a bayonet coupling for coupling the cap 1419 and the base 1418. Specifically, the base 1418 can include an engagement portion 1426 disposed within the base cavity 1424 and extending from the inner surface 1425 of the sidewall 1422. The cap 1419 can include a complementary engagement portion 1442, the engagement portion 1442 being configured to mate, engage, couple, or otherwise attach with the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418.

The engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418 may be a male adjustment slot and the engagement portion 1442 of the cap 1419 may be a female adjustment slot or a channel configured to receive the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418. The engagement portion 1442 of the cap 1419 may include an inlet groove 1444 and a locking groove 1446 extending from the inlet groove 1444. The locking groove 1446 may extend partially around a peripheral portion of the sidewall 1422. The engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418 may include a first elongate body 1428 and a second elongate body 1430 extending from the first elongate body 1428. The first elongate body 1428 can extend laterally from the rear wall 1420 of the base 1418 along the side wall 1422, and the second elongate body 1430 can extend laterally from the first elongate body 1428 to extend along the inner surface 1425 of the side wall 1422. The length of the second elongate body 1430 may be less than the length of the inlet groove 1444 of the engagement portion 1442 of the cap 1419 such that the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418 may be inserted into the engagement portion 1442 of the cap 1419. After the cap 1419 is inserted into the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418, the cap 1419 may be rotated to clear the second elongate body 1430 of the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418 along the locking groove 1446, thereby retaining the cap 1419 to the base 1418.

It is also noted that engagement portions 1426 and 1442 may be of any suitable structure and type, including but not limited to threaded portions, magnetic locks, channel locks, bayonet engagement members, or other configurations that may mate with one another. Further, the engagement portions 1426, 1442 may be any suitable shape, such as hook-like, saw-tooth-like, etc.

Referring briefly to fig. 24, in an embodiment, the housing 1410 may further include an attachment portion 1414 having an annular body defining a cavity 1448 therein. The sidewall 1436 of the cap 1419 and the sidewall 1422 of the base 1418 may extend through the cavity 1448 of the attachment portion 1414 to retain the attachment portion 1414 when the cap 1419 is coupled to the base 1418. The attachment portion 1414 may include an attachment member 1415 for attachment to an external object. The attachment member 1415 may be any mechanism for attaching to an external object, such as a clip.

While the depicted housing 1410 depicts engagement portions 1426, 1442 extending from the side wall 1422 of the base 1418 and the side wall 1436 of the cap 1419, it is contemplated and possible that the engagement portions 1426, 1442 may be positioned at other locations on the base 1418 and the cap 1419. For example, referring to fig. 25A-25C, in some embodiments, the engagement portion 1442 of the cap 1419 can extend from the front member 1434 toward the base 1418, and the engagement portion 1426 of the base 1418 can extend from the rear wall 1420 toward the cap 1419. The engagement portions 1426, 1442 may be sized and positioned to allow the electronic tracking device 116 to be positioned between the engagement portions 1426, 1442.

In further alternative embodiments, referring to fig. 26, the housing 1510 can include an alternative cap 1519, which alternative cap 1519 can include a raised rim 1546 extending from the front member 1534 of the cap 1519 and a plurality of grooves 1550 formed in the raised rim 1546 of the cap 1519. The groove 1550 may be keyed to engage with an external tool 1562 to allow the cap 1519 to rotate relative to the base 1518, thereby disengaging the cap 1519 from the base 1518 for removing an electronic tracking device (not shown) from the housing 1510.

The external tool 1562 may include a pair of ridges 1564 extending from the external tool 1562. The pair of ridges 1564 may be spaced apart and sized to extend into and engage the groove 1550 of the cap 1519. The pair of ridges 1564 may be positioned to engage the plurality of grooves 1550. In an embodiment, the pair of ridges 1564 may be positioned to engage any pair of grooves in the plurality of grooves 1550. In other embodiments, the external tool 1562 may include a single ridge 1564 configured to extend into a single groove 1550 in the cap 1519. The cap 1519 may be selectively coupled to the base 1518 in a press-fit configuration, wherein the external tool 1562 may be used to pry the cap 1519 from the base 1518 by extending the ridge 1564 into the groove 1550, and rotate the external tool 1562 to rotate the cap 1519 away from the base 1518. The external tool 1562 may be a multi-functional tool having a variety of functions and features, such as a bottle opener, a measuring tool, a hole configured to couple the external tool to an external object, and the like.

While the above-described embodiments of the housing describe a threaded connection between the cap and the base, other embodiments described herein may include other ways of coupling the cap to the base. In the following embodiments, the cap may be coupled to the base by a deformable ridge, snap-fit coupling. In some embodiments, the housing may not include a base, and the electronic tracking device is enclosed only by the cap. For example, referring to fig. 27 and 28, in some embodiments, the housing 1600 may include only a cap and not a base. In an embodiment, cap 1606 is configured to house electronic tracking device 116 and attach, connect, or otherwise adhere to an external service (e.g., associated with an item having a location that the user desires to understand). As described above, the cap 1606 may include one or more attachment elements to facilitate connection of the cap 1606 with such items.

Cap 1606 may include a rear surface 1608 and an attachment element 1610. The attachment element 1610 may include an adhesive layer. For example, in an embodiment, the attachment element 1610 is a double sided tape layer for attaching the housing 1600 to an outer surface of an article. It should be appreciated that alternative attachment elements may be provided on the rear surface 1608. For example, in an embodiment, cap 1606 may include one or more magnetic bodies embedded therein to facilitate magnetic connection with the article through rear surface 1608. Additionally, in embodiments, the alternative attachment element may be any suitable mechanical attachment element (e.g., a clip, a buckle, a strap, an adhesive element such as Etc.). Furthermore, the attachment element may also be provided at a location other than the rear surface 1608. Cap 1606 may be passed through an attachment elementPiece 1610 is attached to, for example, a vehicle. In embodiments where attachment element 1610 is a magnetic body, cap 1606 may be magnetically coupled to a metal component of the vehicle. In embodiments where the attachment element 1610 is an adhesive, the cap 1606 may be attached to a non-metallic surface of the vehicle, such as a windshield.

Cap 1606 may define: a device cavity 1616 in which the electronic tracking device 1602 is disposed; and an opening 1632, the opening 1632 for inserting the electronic tracking device 1602 into the device cavity 1616. The cap 1606 may include at least one sidewall 1612, a cover portion 1624, and an engagement portion 1626 to facilitate retention of the electronic tracking device 1602 within the cap 1606. In an embodiment, at least the cover portion 1624 of the cap 1606 is constructed of a suitable transparent material (e.g., plastic or other suitable polymer-based material) to permit the electronic tracking device 1602 to be visible through the cover portion 1624. Side wall 1612 may extend laterally from cover 1624 around device cavity 1616 and opening 1632 such that side wall 1612 and cover 1624 define device cavity 1616. The engagement portion 1626 may extend from the inner surface 1613 of the side wall 1612 at an angle toward the electronic tracking device 1602 so as to extend around the peripheral portion 1603 of the electronic tracking device 1602.

In an embodiment, the engagement portion 1626 includes one or more engagement features that contact the electronic tracking device 1602 to facilitate retention of the electronic tracking device 1602 within the device cavity 1616. For example, in an embodiment, the engagement portion 1626 is an inner surface of the sidewall 1612 of the cap 1606 that follows the contour of the peripheral portion 1603 of the electronic tracking device 1602. Friction between the engagement portion 1626 and the electronic tracking device 1602 may facilitate retention of the electronic tracking device 1602 in the device cavity 1616. In embodiments, cap 1606 is constructed of a suitable flexible material (e.g., plastic or other suitable polymeric material), and cap 1606 can be deformed prior to insertion of electronic tracking device 1602 into cap 1606. Cap 1606 may be formed of a flexible material such as rubber, soft plastic, elastomer such that engagement portion 1626 of cap 1606 may be elastically deformed. The engagement portion 1626 may be curved to enlarge the device cavity 1616 such that the device cavity 1616 is larger than the electronic tracking device 1602 to facilitate positioning the electronic tracking device 1602 within the device cavity 1616 of the cap 1606. Similarly, electronic tracking device 1602 may be pressed into engagement portion 1626, deforming engagement portion 1626 to allow positioning of electronic tracking device 1602 within device cavity 1616. After the electronic tracking device 1602 is disposed in the device cavity 1616, the cap 1606 may be released and pressure applied to the electronic tracking device 1602. In an embodiment, the engagement features of the engagement portion 1626 may include one or more hooks, areas of increased surface roughness, an adhesive layer, a magnetic body, or other structures configured to engage with the electronic tracking device 1602.

Referring to fig. 28, in the depicted embodiment, the engagement portion 1626 may be an inner surface 1630 (e.g., following a contour conforming to at least a portion of the electronic tracking device 1602 to delineate a boundary of the device cavity 1616). For example, engagement portion 1626 may be coincident with peripheral portion 1603 of electronic tracking device 1602. The electronic tracking device 1602 may be held within the device cavity 1616 by pressure applied by the inner surface 1630. In an embodiment, the inner surface 1630 includes one or more retention features (e.g., magnetic, adhesive, etc.) that engage corresponding features on the electronic tracking device 1602 to facilitate retention of the electronic tracking device 1602 within the device cavity 1616.

In some embodiments, and referring to fig. 29, cap 1606 can include a label 1660 extending from a peripheral portion 1662 of cap 1606 such that cap 1606 can operate as a luggage label. The cap 1606 may include an attachment device 1672 extending through the label 1660 for attaching the cap 1606 to luggage.

In at least one embodiment, the label 1660 can include a tamper-resistant mechanism 1804 to prevent tampering and/or to notify a user of attempted tampering or actual tampering. In an example, the tag 1660 may include a wireless device, such as a sensor, near Field Communication (NFC) tag, or the like. The NFC tag may be hermetically sealed within the tag 1660. The NFC tag may communicate with the electronic tracking device such that separation of the electronic tracking device from the tag 1660 may be monitored and an alarm or alert may be triggered. The alert may be sent by the electronic tracking device to the user's device or may be an audible alert alerting bystanders to the tampering. As another example, the tamper resistant mechanism may include a pressure sensor, a reed switch, or other device that may trigger an alarm or alert that may be issued by an electronic tracking device or by other devices such as an audio or visual device built into the tag 1660.

In other examples, the tamper resistant mechanism may include a mechanical device, a chemical tamper device, or the like. For example, an adhesive may be applied to the label 1660 and/or the electronic tracking device. The adhesive may be attached directly to the label 1660 and/or the electronic tracking device, or may be attached to a strip of material such as tape. Removal of the electronic tracking device may disrupt the adhesive bond, which indicates tampering.

In further embodiments, and referring to fig. 30, cap 1606 may include an extension 1674 at peripheral portion 1662 of cap 1606 to increase the surface area of cap portion 1624 to accommodate the increased size of the attachment member for coupling to an external device.

Referring now to fig. 31 and 32, another embodiment of a housing 1700 is generally described. The housing 1700 may be substantially similar to the housing 1600 described above and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "17".

The housing 1700 generally includes an attachment body 1702 on a peripheral portion of a cap 1706. The attachment body 1702 may include a portion of material having one or more holes 1704 formed within the portion. The attachment device 1772 may be disposed within the one or more holes 1704 or through the one or more holes 1704. It is noted that the attachment body 1702 may include other suitable mechanisms, such as magnetic connectors, threaded members, channel locking mechanisms, etc., to facilitate attachment to external devices. The attachment body may be similar to the attachment mechanisms described herein, such as, for example, a ring.

Still referring to fig. 31 and 32, the cap 1706 can include one or more sealing mechanisms 1738 protruding at or on the side wall 1712 or formed at or on the side wall 1712. The sealing mechanism 1738 may be a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface 1713 toward the electronic tracking device 702 that, when assembled, are compressed against the electronic tracking device 702 to form a seal. The seal may prevent foreign objects from bypassing the electronic tracking device 702. It is noted that the sealing mechanism 1738 may include a plurality of annular or ring-shaped protrusions that may provide a plurality of seals formed between the electronic tracking devices 702.

Embodiments described herein may include various ways of attaching the housing to an external object. For example, referring to fig. 33 and 34, embodiments of a housing 1800 for an electronic tracking device 1802 are generally described. The housing 1800 may be substantially similar to the housing 1700 described above, and for brevity, similar structures will not be described.

The housing 1800 may include an attachment body 1810 that includes an inner surface 1814 defining an opening 1818 and one or more apertures 1854, 1852 through which one or more attachment devices 1848, such as key rings, clamps, snaps, ornaments, straps, and the like, may be attached. The attachment body 1810 may be configured to facilitate attachment of various external devices to the housing 1800. A cap 1806 enclosing the electronic tracking device 1802 may be inserted into the opening 1818 of the attachment body 1810 to couple the cap 1806 to the attachment body 1810, for example, by a press fit.

Referring now to fig. 35 and 36, another embodiment of a housing 1900 is generally described. The housing 1900 may be substantially similar to the housing 1700 described above, and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "19".

The housing 1900 differs from the housing 1700 described above in that the housing 1900 includes an inner sleeve 1930 that serves as the cap 1706 described above, an outer sleeve 1960, and an attachment device 1980. The electronic tracking device 1902 may be inserted into an inner sleeve 1930. The inner sleeve 1930 may be inserted into the outer sleeve 1960, which may form a seal between the inner sleeve 1930 and the outer sleeve 1960. The outer sleeve 1960 may be coupled with an attachment device 1980. In an embodiment, the housing 1900 may provide protection against kinetic energy impact, foreign matter (e.g., fluid, dust, etc.), loss, and the like. In addition, the housing 1900 may allow for the connection of the electronic tracking device 1902 to an item.

According to an embodiment, the inner sleeve 1930 includes an end wall 1940 and an annular wall 1932 defining an opening 1942. End wall 1940 may include an inner surface 1944 and an outer surface 1946. The end walls 1940 may be generally circular, oval, n-sided polygonal (where n is a number), or irregular in shape. Annular wall 1932 generally surrounds wall 1940 and includes an inner surface 1934 and an outer surface 1936. After assembly, the inner surface 1934 generally abuts the electronic tracking device 1902. The annular wall 1932 may define an opening 1942 for receiving the electronic tracking device 1902. Wall 1940 and annular wall 1932 may define a cavity 1943. As described herein, the electronic tracking device 1902 may be inserted into the opening 1942 for placement within the cavity 1943. The outer surface 1936 of the annular wall 1932 may include a seal formation 1938 that forms a seal with the outer seal formation 1968 of the outer sleeve 1960 upon assembly, as described in more detail herein.

In an embodiment, the inner sleeve 1930 may comprise a plastic, such as a high tensile strength silicone material. The silicone material may be transparent, opaque, or light transmissive. According to at least some embodiments, the silicone material is transparent such that the indicator on the electronic tracking device 1902 may be visible. It is further noted that the inner sleeve 1930 may be composed of different pieces that can be attached together. The end wall 1940 may be formed of an acoustic membrane that allows audible signals (e.g., sound) to travel from the electronic tracking device 1902 to the surrounding environment.

The outer sleeve 1960 may include a wall 1970 that defines a cavity 1973 and an annular wall 1972. Wall 1970 may include an inner surface 1974 and an outer surface 1976. The wall 1970 may be generally circular, oval, n-sided polygonal (where n is a number), or irregular in shape. The annular wall 1972 generally surrounds the wall 1970. The annular wall 1972 may include an inner surface 1978. After assembly, the inner surface 1978 generally abuts the inner sleeve 1930. The annular wall 1972 may define an opening 1982. The wall 1970 and the annular wall 1972 may define a cavity 1973. As described herein, the electronic tracking device 1902 and the inner sleeve 1930 may be inserted into the opening 1982 and may be disposed within the cavity 1973. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1978 may include outer seal formations 1968 that may form a seal with the seal formations 1938 of the annular wall 1932 after assembly, as described in more detail herein. In other words, the seal formation 1938 and the outer seal formation 1968 of the inner sleeve 1930 can couple the outer sleeve 1960 to the inner sleeve 1930 to seal the opening 1942 of the inner sleeve 1930.

The outer sleeve 1960 can include an attachment body 1962 that provides a mechanism for coupling the attachment device 1980 to the inner sleeve 1930. In an embodiment, the attachment body 1962 may include a portion of material having one or more apertures 1964 formed within the portion. The attachment device 1980 may be disposed within one or more apertures 1964 or through one or more apertures 1964. It is noted that the attachment body 1962 may include other suitable mechanisms such as magnetic connectors, threaded members, channel locking mechanisms, and the like. In an embodiment, the outer sleeve 1960 may comprise a plastic such as a high tensile strength silicone material. The silicone material may be transparent, opaque, or light transmissive. It is further noted that the outer sleeve 1960 may be constructed of different pieces that can be attached together.

The electronic tracking device 1902 may be inserted into the inner sleeve 1930 such that the opening 1942 may be stretched or enlarged to allow the electronic tracking device 1902 to pass therethrough. The opening 1942 may be stretched or enlarged to allow the electronic tracking device 1902 to pass through. After the electronic tracking device 1902 is disposed within the cavity 1943, the opening 1942 may return to a resting or compressed position. In the compressed position, the inner sleeve 1930 may provide a compressive force to at least a portion of the electronic tracking device 1902, thereby forming a seal between the inner sleeve 1930 and the electronic tracking device 1902. The seal is generally fluid-tight, dust-tight, etc.

As shown in fig. 36, the assembled inner sleeve 1930 and electronic tracking device 1902 may be positioned within the outer sleeve 1960, such as disposed within the cavity 1973 through the opening 1982. When assembled, the wall 1940 may be exposed to the surrounding environment, while other portions of the inner sleeve 1930 are disposed within the outer sleeve 1960.

The inner sleeve 1930 includes a seal formation 1938 that mates with the outer seal formation 1968 of the outer sleeve 1960 so as to form a seal upon assembly. The seal formation 1938 and the outer seal formation 1968 may include one or more grooves and protrusions that correspond to one another so that the inner sleeve 1930 and the outer sleeve 1960 may be coupled together. The seal formation 1938 and the outer seal formation 1968 may each include one or more male adjustment grooves and/or one or more female adjustment grooves. It is also noted that the seal formation 1938 and the outer seal formation 1968 may be of any suitable configuration and type including, but not limited to, threaded portions, magnetic locks, channel locks, bayonet engagement members, or other configurations that may mate with one another. Further, the seal forming portions 1938 and outer seal forming portions 1968 may be any suitable shape, such as hooked, serrated, and the like.

Referring now to fig. 37-39, an alternative housing 2010 is depicted that includes a snap-fit coupling mechanism for retaining an electronic tracking device in the housing. Referring first to fig. 37 and 38, the housing 2010 may include a cap 2019 and a base 2018. The base 2018 may include a rear wall 2020 and one or more side walls 2022, the side walls 2022 extending laterally from the rear wall 2020 to define a base cavity 2024 within which the electronic tracking device 2016 may be received. The sidewall 2022 may include an outer radial surface 2025, the outer radial surface 2025 having at least one tab 2090 extending around the sidewall 2022 from the outer radial surface 2025 in a direction away from the base cavity 2024. In some embodiments, the outer radial surface 2025 of the one or more side walls 2022 may be a single continuous protrusion that circumferentially surrounds the one or more side walls 2022.

The cap 2019 of the housing 2010 may include an upper member 2034 and one or more sidewalls 2036, the sidewalls 2036 extending laterally from an inner surface 2058a of the upper member 2034 toward the base 2018. The sidewall 2036 may include an inner radial surface 2040 that defines an annular groove 2092. The annular groove 2092 may circumferentially surround at least a portion of the inner radial surface 2040 of the one or more sidewalls 2036. In the secured position, the projection 2090 of the base 2018 engages with and is received in the annular groove 2092 to couple the cap 2019 to the base 2018. Each of the cap 2019 and/or the base 2018 may be formed of a deformable material to allow the base 2018 to pass through the cap 2019, thereby placing the cap 2019 in a snap-fit arrangement with the base 2018 to secure the electronic tracking device 2016 within the base cavity 2024.

Although the illustrated housing 2010 describes the sidewall 2036 of the cap 2019 being positioned in the base 2018 when the cap 2019 is coupled to the base 2018, it is contemplated and possible that the sidewall 2022 of the cap 2019 is positioned in the cap 2019 when the base 2018 is coupled to the cap 2019.

In a further alternative embodiment, and with reference to fig. 39, an alternative housing 2110 is described. The housing 2110 may be substantially similar to the housing 2010 described above and for brevity, similar structures will not be described. Thus, similar features will use the same reference numerals, where the prefix of the reference numerals is "21".

The housing 2110 can include a cap 2119 and a base 2118, the base 718 being configured to attach, connect, or otherwise adhere to an external curved service (e.g., associated with an item having a location that the user desires to understand). The outer surface 2122 of the base 2118 may be non-coplanar such that the contour of the outer surface 2122 may conform to the surface of the external object. For example, the outer surface 2122 may be arcuate such that the contour of the outer surface 2122 may conform to a cylindrical surface. However, it is contemplated and possible that the outer surface 2122 may include any other non-coplanar shape for coupling with a surface of an external object, such as a pyramid.

The attachment members 2114 may be shaped complementary to the shape of the outer surface such that the attachment members may facilitate attachment between the base and an external object. For example, in embodiments where the outer surface is arcuate, the attachment member may likewise be arcuate.

Referring now to fig. 40A-40D, an embodiment of a housing 2200 for an electronic tracking device 2202 is generally described. The housing 2200 generally includes a body 2210, a sleeve 2230, and a locking mechanism 2250. The electronic tracking device 2202 may be inserted into the sleeve 2230, and the sleeve 2230 may be inserted into the body 2210 to couple the electronic tracking device 2202 to the body 2210. The locking mechanism 2250 may lock the body 2210 with the sleeve 2230 and the electronic tracking device 2202 disposed therein. In an embodiment, the housing 2200 may provide protection against kinetic energy impact, foreign matter (e.g., fluid, dust, etc.), loss, etc. Further, the housing 2200 may allow for connection of the electronic tracking device 2202 to an item.

Sleeve 2230 may include a rear wall 2240 and an annular wall 2232. Wall 2240 may include an inner surface 2244 and an outer surface 2246. The wall 2240 may be generally circular, oval, n-sided polygonal (where n is a number), or irregular in shape. The annular wall 2232 generally surrounds the wall 2240. The annular wall 2232 includes an inner surface 2234 and an outer surface 2236. The annular wall 2232 may define an opening 2242. Wall 2240 and annular wall 2232 may define a cavity 2243. As described herein, the electronic tracking device 2202 may be inserted into the opening 2242 and may be disposed within the cavity 2243. In an embodiment, the sleeve 2230 may comprise a plastic, such as a high tensile strength silicone material. The silicone material may be transparent, opaque, or light transmissive. According to at least some embodiments, the silicone material is transparent such that the indicator on the electronic tracking device 2202 may be visible. It is further noted that the sleeve 2230 may be constructed of different pieces that can be attached together.

In an embodiment, the sleeve 2230 may include alignment tabs 2231 extending from the rear wall 2240 to align the sleeve 2230 with the body 2210 after assembly. Alignment tab 2231 may be positioned adjacent to annular wall 2232. For example, the alignment tab 2231 may include an annular lip or boss extending from both sides of the annular wall 2232. The alignment tab 2231 may abut the inner bosses 2241 and 2247 of the body 2210. The alignment tab 2231 and the inner bosses 2241 and 2247 may be shaped and sized to matingly engage one another to align the sleeve 2230 with the body 2210 after assembly.

Referring to fig. 40D, the sleeve 2230 can include a sealing mechanism 2238 protruding or formed at an inner surface 2234 of the sleeve 2230 or on the inner surface 2234. The sealing mechanism 2238 may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface 2234 toward the electronic tracking device 2202. The sealing mechanism 2238 may be compressed against the electronic tracking device 2202 to prevent or reduce foreign objects from bypassing the electronic tracking device 2202 and traveling toward the wall 2240. It is noted that the sealing mechanism 2238 may include a plurality of annular or ring-shaped protrusions that may provide a plurality of seals formed between the electronic tracking device 2202 and the sleeve 2230.

The body 2210 may include an inner surface 2214, an outer surface 2212, a first tip 2223, and a second tip 2225. The inner surface 2214 and the outer surface 2212 may be generally circular and define an opening 2216 and a cavity 2219 for receiving the electronic tracking device 2202. An opening 2216 may extend through the outer surface 2212 to the cavity 2219 to allow the electronic tracking device and sleeve 2230 to be inserted into the cavity 2219 through the opening 2216.

In some examples, the outer surface 2212 may be smooth, matte-treated, include ribs to facilitate gripping, etc. It is noted that the body 2210 may take other shapes, such as generally circular, oval, n-sided polygonal (where n is a number), or irregular. Further, the body 2210 may include an appropriate shape and size for a particular electronic tracking device 2202, such as APPLE AIRTAG.

The first prong 2223 may include a first tab 2226, and the second prong 2225 may include a second tab 2228. Tabs 2226 and 2228 may be configured to engage locking mechanism 2250 for retaining locking mechanism 2250 to body 2210.

The body 2210 may comprise plastic, metal, or natural materials. In at least one embodiment, the body 2210 comprises a polycarbonate or a high tensile strength silicone material. It is further noted that the body 2210 may be constructed of different pieces that can be attached together.

In an embodiment, the body 2210 may include a hinge, such as a living hinge, wherein the body 2210 may be deformed to move the first prong 2223 away from the second prong 2225, allowing access through the opening 2216. The hinge may allow the body 2210 to bend or deform and then return to the rest state. For example, and as best shown in fig. 40A, the body 2210 may be bent such that the opening 2216 widens to allow the assembled sleeve 2230 and electronic tracking device 2202 to be disposed within the body 2210. As shown in fig. 40B, the body 2210 may then be allowed to return to a rest state, at which point the body 2210 may generate a compressive force on the assembled sleeve 2230 and electronic tracking device 2202, thereby restricting access through the opening 2216.

The body 2210 may be locked in place by clamps, threaded members, latches, magnetic locks, key locks, ferrules, or the like. The locking mechanism 2250 may be attached to the first and second prongs 2223, 2225 such that the first and second prongs 2223, 2225 pass through an opening 2254 defined by the locking mechanism 2250. Subsequently, the first tab 2226 of the first prong 2223 and the second tab 2228 of the second prong 2225 may contact the locking mechanism 2250 to secure the locking mechanism 2250 to the body 2210, as shown in fig. 40C. When assembled, the housing 2200 may provide a watertight housing for the appropriate portion of the electronic tracking device 2202 positioned therein.

The locking mechanism 2250 may also define an aperture 2252 configured to receive a clip, clasp, cable, or other suitable component such that the locking mechanism 2250 may be secured to an article. Further, the locking mechanism 2250 may comprise plastic, metal, or natural materials. It is further noted that the locking mechanism 2250 may be comprised of different parts that can be attached together. In some implementations, the body 2210 can include an extension, such as a collar or the like that is lockably coupled to the body 2210 and can be unlocked and/or partially disconnected from the body 2210, such that accessories such as keys, key fobs, remote controls, and/or the like can be threaded onto the extension and then secured when the extension is reconnected and/or locked to the body 2210 (see, e.g., discussion regarding fig. 48-49).

As shown in fig. 40B, after the electronic tracking device 2202 is disposed within the cavity 2243, the opening 2242 may be restored to the resting or compressed position. In the compressed position, the sleeve 2230 may provide a compressive force to at least a portion of the electronic tracking device 2202, thereby forming a seal between the side sleeve 2230 and the electronic tracking device 2202. The seal is generally fluid-tight, dust-tight, etc.

Further, the opening 2242 in the sleeve 2230 may allow for unimpeded sound output by the electronic tracking device 2202. For example, a user may attach a housing 2200 including an electronic tracking device 2202 to an article. The user may access a computing device, such as a cell phone, wearable device (e.g., smart watch), tablet computer, notebook computer, desktop computer, etc. The user may trigger an alarm causing the electronic tracking device 2202 to sound. Because the opening 2242 does not interfere with the sound output, the user is able to locate items and/or the electronic tracking device 2202. According to an embodiment, the assembled sleeve 2230 and electronic tracking device 2202 may be positioned within the body 2210, as shown in fig. 40C.

Other embodiments of the housing may also contain features of a locking mechanism, such as, for example, a combination lock. Referring first to fig. 41A-41C, a lock 2300 capable of retaining an electronic tracking device 2314 is described. The lock 2300 may include a base 2302, a locking arm 2304, and a retaining member 2306. The locking arm 2304 may include: an elongated portion 2308 extending from the interior of base 2302 and away from base 2302; an arc-shaped portion 2310 extending from the elongated portion 2308 toward the base portion 2302; and a locking portion 2312 configured to selectively engage the base 2302. The curved portion 2310 may include a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the elongated portion 2308 such that the curved portion 2310 defines an engagement surface 2320 that engages the retaining member 2306, thereby moving the retaining member 2306 with the locking arm 2304.

The retaining member 2306 is slidably coupled to the locking arm 2304 and is shaped to receive the electronic tracking device 2314 and enclose the electronic tracking device 2314 between the retaining member 2306 and the base 2302. Movement of the retaining member 2306 may be limited by engagement surfaces 2320 on the arcuate portions 2310, such that the retaining member 2306 is only able to slide around the elongated portions 2308 of the locking arms 2304. The retaining member 2306 may include a channel 2316 formed therein that is shaped to complement the shape of the electronic tracking device such that the electronic tracking device may be partially positioned in the channel 2316.

The lock 2300 may be used as a conventional lock, such as a lock for a gym locker. Specifically, the lock arm 2304 is movable between an engaged position (fig. 41C) and a disengaged position (fig. 41A to 41B). Referring to fig. 41C, in the engaged position, base 2302 can engage locking portion 2312 (fig. 41A) of locking arm 2304 to retain locking arm 2304 in the engaged position. Referring to fig. 41A, in the disengaged position, locking portion 2312 of locking arm 2304 is spaced apart from base 2302. In the disengaged position, the locking arm 2304 is operable to receive a portion of an article to which the lock 2300 may be coupled. The base 2302 is configured to receive a key that, when inserted into the base 2302 and rotated, moves the locking arm 2304 from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

With reference to fig. 42A-42B, another embodiment of a lock 2400 capable of retaining an electronic tracking device 2414 is described. The lock 2400 may include a base 2402, a lock arm 2404, and a retaining member 2406. The locking arms 2404 may be flexible cables extending from the base 2402 and include locking portions 2412 configured to selectively engage the base 2402. When the lock 2400 is locked, the locking portion 2412 may be inserted into the base 2402, wherein the locking portion 2412 is held by the base 2402 to prevent the locking portion 2412 from moving.

The holding member 2406 may include: a first end 2420 rotatably coupled to the base 2402; and an opposite second end 2422 to which a locking feature 2424 is attached. The locking feature 2424 can be inserted into the base 2402 such that when the lock 2400 is locked, the locking feature 2424 is retained by the base 2402 to prevent movement of the retaining member 2406. The retaining member 2406 may be shaped to receive the electronic tracking device 2414 and enclose the electronic tracking device 2414 between the retaining member 2406 and the base 2402 such that the electronic tracking device 2414 may not be removed from the lock 2400 when the locking feature 2424 is retained by the base 2402.

The locking member 2400 may be used as a conventional lock, such as a lock for a gym locker. Specifically, the lock arm 2404 is movable between an engaged position (fig. 42B) and a disengaged position (fig. 42A). Referring to fig. 42A, in the disengaged position, the locking portion 2412 of the locking arm 2404 is spaced apart from the base 2402. In the disengaged position, the lock arm 2404 is operable to receive a portion of an article to which the lock 2400 may be coupled. The base 2402 includes a combination lock that moves the locking arms 2404 from the engaged position to the disengaged position when a predetermined combination is entered into the combination lock. In the disengaged position, the locking feature 2424 of the retaining member 2406 is spaced apart from the base 2402 such that the retaining member 2406 can pivot relative to the base 2402 and receive the electronic tracking device 2414.

Referring to fig. 42B, in the engaged position, the base 2402 may engage the locking portion 2412 (fig. 42A) of the locking arm 2404 to retain the locking arm 2404. The base 2402 may engage the locking feature 2424 of the retaining member 2406 in a similar manner to retain the retaining member 2406 and prevent movement of the electronic tracking device 2414.

The combination lock may include a series of dials 2426, such as a conventional combination lock. The series of dials 2426 can be positioned on a side of the base 2402, such as shown in fig. 42A-42B. However, it is contemplated and possible that the series of dials 2426 may be positioned anywhere on the lock 2400. For example, and referring briefly to fig. 43, the dial 2426 may be positioned on the face 2428 of the base 2402 of the lock 2400.

With reference to fig. 44A-44B, a housing 2500 capable of holding an electronic tracking device 2514 is described. The housing 2500 may include a base 2501 and a retaining member 2502 rotatably coupled to one another at a first end 2506. The base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 include a lock-receiving bore 2508 extending through each of the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 at a second end 2504 opposite the first end 2506. The base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 are operable to receive an electronic tracking device 2514. The base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 are movable between an open position (fig. 44A) and a closed position (fig. 44B). Referring to fig. 44A, in the open position, the second end 2504 of each of the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 pivot away from each other, thereby receiving the electronic tracking device 2514. Referring to fig. 44B, in the closed position, the second end 2504 of each of the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 contacts the other of the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502, thereby aligning the lock-receiving bores 2508 of each of the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502. When the lock receiving bore 2508 is aligned, the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 are operable to receive a lock that may hold the base 2501 and the retaining member 2502 together.

Other embodiments may include a housing configured to be buoyant. Referring first to fig. 45 and 46, a buoyant housing 2600 for an electronic tracking device 2602 is described. The housing 2600 is configured to float when placed in a fluid. The housing 2600 can include a cap 2604, a base 2606, and a sleeve 2608. The cap 2604, base 2606, and sleeve 2608 may be similar in structure to the cap 419, base 418, and cover member 474 described above in fig. 6. Accordingly, similar structures will not be described again for brevity.

The sleeve 2608 may be a sealing or waterproofing member as described in any of the embodiments previously described herein. The cap 2604 can be removably coupled to the base 2606 in any of the manners described in the foregoing embodiments, such as, for example, the cap 2604 can be threadably engaged with the base 2606. The base 2606 can include a hollow protrusion 2610 extending from an outer surface 2629 of the base 2606, and a sidewall 2612 that circumferentially surrounds the outer surface 2629.

The hollow protrusion 2610 can include a tab 2614 extending from the hollow protrusion 2610 and defining an aperture 2616 extending through the tab 2614. The aperture 2616 may be configured to receive and couple to an external object, such as a key fob. The hollow protrusion 2610 of the base 2606 can define a cavity 2618 therein. The hollow protrusion 2610 and cavity 2618 may be sized, shaped, and formed as buoyant material so that the housing 2600 floats when placed in water. In embodiments, the cavity 2618 may be empty or may contain a material such as foam to facilitate flotation.

In some embodiments, and referring to fig. 47, the housing 2600 can include an alternative sleeve 2609 that is a disk positioned between the cavity 2618 in the hollow protrusion 2610 of the base 2606 and the electronic tracking device 2602 to seal the cavity 2618 and the electronic tracking device 2602 within the housing 2600. The sleeve 2609 may include a flange 2632 configured to contact the terminating edge 2634 of the base 2606. When the cap 2604 is attached to the base 2606, the flange 2632 is compressed between the cap 2604 and the base 2606 to seal the electronic tracking device 2602 between the cap 2604 and the base 2606.

In further embodiments of a housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing may include an attachment portion that may be positioned between and retained by the cap and the base when the cap is coupled to the base. The cap and base may be any of the caps and bases described above, with the cap coupled to the base in any of the manners described, such as press fit coupling, threaded connection, and the like. Thus, in the following embodiments, only the features concerning the cap, the base, and the coupling mechanism for coupling the cap with the base will be briefly described for the sake of brevity.

Referring first to fig. 48 and 49, a housing 2700 for an electronic tracking device 2702 is described. The housing 2700 generally includes a cap 2704, a base 2706, and a sleeve 2708 similar to other embodiments described herein for providing a seal around the electronic tracking device 2702. The housing 2700 may also include an attachment assembly 2710 for coupling the housing 2700 to an external object such as, for example, an earpiece or a pair of headphones on a pair of eyeglasses. The attachment assembly 2710 may include an attachment member 2712, a pair of tethers 2714 extending from the attachment member 2712, and a pair of deformable cups 2716 coupled to each tether 2714. The pair of deformable cups 2716 are configured to deform over an external object, thereby coupling the attachment assembly 2710 to the external object. The attachment member 2712 can extend around a sidewall 2718 extending from the base 2706 of the housing 2700, wherein the attachment member 2712 is sandwiched between the base 2706 and the cap 2704 when the base 2706 and the cap 2704 are coupled together.

The attachment assembly 2710 may be configured to attach to other objects, such as, for example, a drug cassette, a safe, a container, and the like. In an embodiment, the attachment members 2712 of the attachment assembly 2710 may be shaped to couple other objects to the housing 2700. In an embodiment, attachment member 2712 may be formed with a portion of another object. For another example, referring to fig. 50 and 51, attachment assembly 2710 may include an attachment member 2722 formed as an extension of drug cartridge 2720 such that housing 2700 may be coupled to drug cartridge 2720 by coupling to attachment member 2722. In yet another example, referring to fig. 52 and 53, attachment assembly 2710 may include an attachment member 2724, which attachment member 2724 is formed as an extension of a handle of a safe or other container such that housing 2700 may be coupled to the handle. However, it is contemplated that other attachment locations on a safe or other container are also possible.

With reference to fig. 54 and 55, a housing 2800 for an electronic tracking device 2802 is described. The housing 2800 generally includes a cap 2804, a base 2806, and a sleeve 2808 similar to other embodiments described herein. Thus, housing 2800 may include any of the features disclosed above. For example, the cap 2804 may include a pair of tabs 2812 configured to engage a pair of recesses 2814 formed in the base 2806 such that the cap 2804 may be coupled to the base 2806 by a press fit. The housing 2800 may also include an attachment assembly 2810 for attaching the housing 2800 to an external object. The attachment assembly 2810 may be a clip, wherein the attachment assembly 2810 may be attached to an external object by sliding the housing 2800 into contact with the external object. The attachment assembly 2810 can include a tab 2816 extending from a first side 2818 of the base 2806 toward a second side 2820 opposite the first side 2818. The tab 2816 can be spaced apart from the second side 2820 of the base 2806 to define a gap 2824 configured to receive an object. When an external object is positioned in the gap 2824 between the tab 2816 and the base 2806, the tab 2816 may be configured to deform. Deformation of the tab 2816 biases the tab 2816 toward the base 2806, exerting a compressive force on the external object, and thereby coupling the housing 2800 to the external object.

Referring to fig. 56 and 57, in some embodiments, a housing 2800 may be used in conjunction with an identification badge 2924. In particular, the housing 2900 may generally include a cap 2904, a base 2906, and a sleeve 2908 similar to the housing 2800 described above to house an electronic tracking device 2902. Accordingly, housing 2900 may include any of the features disclosed above. For example, the cap 2904 may include a pair of tabs 2912 configured to engage with a pair of recesses 2914 formed within the base 2906 such that the cap 2904 may be coupled to the base 2906 by a press fit. The caps 2904 and/or the base 2906 may include attachment portions 2916 extending from opposite sides of the respective caps 2904 and/or base 2906. The housing 2900 may be configured to be coupled to an external object such as an identification badge 2924. In an embodiment, an external object such as an identification badge may include first connector 2918 and second connector 2920. The first connector 2918 may be configured to couple to the identification badge 2924, and the second connector 2920 may include a clamp 2921 that may be configured to couple to other external objects, such as clothing. The first connector 2918 and the second connector 2920 may be coupled to the cap 2904 and/or the attachment portion 2916 of the base 2906. In particular, the attachment portion 2916 may define an aperture 2926 formed therein in which the first connector 2918 and the second connector 2920 are configured to be positioned to couple the first connector 2918 and the second connector 2920 to the attachment portion.

With reference to fig. 58 and 59, an attachment assembly 3000 for coupling an electronic tracking device 3002 to a container 3004 (e.g., a dry box, etc.) is described. The attachment assembly 3000 includes a plurality of tabs 3006 extending from the body 3008. The attachment assembly 3000 may be coupled to the container 3004 by fasteners 3010, the fasteners 3010 extending through tabs 3006 of the attachment assembly 3000 and into the container 3004. The body 3008 is configured to engage the electronic tracking device 3002 and, when coupled to the container 3004, retain the electronic tracking device 3002 between the attachment assembly 3000 and the container 3004. The container 3004 may include a recess 3012 formed therein for receiving at least a portion of the electronic tracking device 3002.

With reference to fig. 60 and 61, a housing 3100 for an electronic tracking device 3102 is described. The housing 3100 can be configured to be coupled to an external object such as a passport, book, or the like. The housing 3100 may include a sleeve 3104 and a pair of strips 3106 extending from opposite sides of the sleeve 3104. Sleeve 3104 may be similar to the previous embodiments such that sleeve 3104 forms a seal around electronic tracking device 3102. The straps 3106 may each include a claw 3108 configured to wrap around and engage a portion of an external object (e.g., a book, purse, etc.).

Referring to fig. 62, a housing 3200 for an electronic tracking device 3202 is described. The housing 3200 may generally include a cap 3204 having an attachment portion 3206. The electronic tracking device 3202 may be coupled to a cap 3204 similar to other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, housing 3200 may include any of the features disclosed above. The cap 3204 may include an attachment portion 3206 configured to couple to the flag 3210 via a connector 3208. The attachment portion 3206 may extend from a peripheral portion 3214 of the body 3216 of the cap 3204, wherein the body 3216 houses the electronic tracking device 3202. The mark 3210 may be configured to serve as a bookmark. Connector 3208 may be a ribbon including ends coupled together by fasteners 3212 to form a loop. Although connector 3208 is described as a ring, connector 3208 may have any size and shape to couple flag 3210 to housing 3200. For example, housing 3200 may include a connector 3208 coupled with an attachment portion 3206 and a tab 3210 of housing 3200. In an embodiment, the connector 3208 may be a rope tethered to each of the attachment portion 3206 and the tag 3210.

Referring to fig. 63 and 64, a wearable housing 3300 for an electronic tracking device 3302 is described. The wearable housing 3300 may include a shell 3304, an insert 3306, a sleeve 3308, and a back plate 3310. The sleeve 3308 may be similar to other embodiments described herein. The housing 3304 may include a pair of straps 3312 extending from the body 3314 of the housing 3304. The straps 3312 may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone so that the straps 3312 may extend around an object such as the wrist of a wearer and be coupled together. The straps 3312 may be coupled together by buckles, fasteners, or the like. The housing 3304 may include a cavity 3316 formed in the body 3314, the cavity 3316 configured to receive the electronic tracking device 3302. The housing 3304 may define an opening 3318 positioned therein to allow the electronic tracking device 3302 to be visible through the housing 3304. The insert 3306 may be inserted into the cavity 3316 to couple the electronic tracking device 3302 between the insert 3306 and the housing 3304. The back plate 3310 may be coupled to the housing 3304 to retain the electronic tracking device 3302 and insert 3306 within the cavity 3316. The back panel 3310 may be coupled to the housing 3304 by way of fasteners, adhesives, welding, press-fit, or the like. The wearable housing 3300 may be configured to track a wearer, such as a patient in a hospital. The housing 3304 may also include a plate 3320 coupled to the body 3314. The board 3320 may include information such as medical information, contact information, and/or the like on the board. In some implementations, the housing 3304 may include other electronic components, such as communication components (microphone, speaker, processing device, one or more radios, etc.).

With reference to fig. 65 and 66, a housing 3400 for an electronic tracking device 3402 is described. The housing 3400 may be configured to function as a wallet, specifically, a wallet for encrypting a physical key of currency. The housing 3400 may include a cap 3404, a sleeve 3406, a back panel 3408, a plurality of brackets 3410, a frame 3412, and a top panel 3414. The sleeve 3406 may include a platform 3418 and a base 3416 for receiving the electronic tracking device 3402. The cap 3404 may be coupled to the base 3416 by a plurality of fasteners. In embodiments, the cap 3404 may be coupled to the base 3416 in any manner, such as described in the previous embodiments. The electronic tracking device 3402 may be positioned between the cap 3404 and the base 3416 such that the electronic tracking device 3402 is coupled to the housing 3400. The top plate 3414, frame 3412, platform 3418 of sleeve 3406, and back plate 3408 may be layered and coupled together in sequence. Brackets 3410 may be coupled between frame 3412 and platform 3418 to space platform 3418 from frame 3412. The space between platform 3418 and frame 3412 may be used to place cards, such as credit cards or physical cryptocurrency keys. The brackets 3410 may be made of a resilient material to allow the spacing between the platform 3418 and the frame 3412 to flex. The variable spacing allows for a variable number of cards to be held by the housing 3400. Each of the sleeve 3406, back panel 3408, frame 3412, and top panel 3414 may include a notch 3422 formed therein into which a card extends when positioned between the platform 3418 and frame 3412 for a user to push the card out of the wallet.

Referring now to fig. 67, 68A and 68B, an attachment assembly 3500 for attaching an electronic tracking device 3502 to a fabric 3514 is described. The attachment assembly 3500 may include a sleeve 3504 and a securing ring 3506. The sleeve 3504 may include an interior cavity 3508 for receiving and retaining the electronic tracking device 3502, an opening 3516 extending to the interior cavity 3508, a rim portion 3510, and a recess 3512 formed in the rim portion 3510. The fixing ring 3506 may be formed of an elastic material to allow the fixing ring 3506 to be elastically deformed. The electronic tracking device 3502 is coupled to the fabric 3514 by inserting the electronic tracking device 3502 through an opening (not shown) into the interior cavity 3508 of the sleeve 3504, covering the opening with the fabric 3514, and extending the securing ring 3506 onto the sleeve 3504, and positioning the securing ring 3506 within the recess 3512 such that the fabric 3514 is positioned therebetween.

With reference to fig. 69 and 70, a housing 3600 for an electronic tracking device 3602 is described. The outer housing 3600 may generally include a cap 3604, a base 3606, and a sleeve 3608 similar to other embodiments described herein. Thus, the housing 3600 may include any of the features disclosed above. The cap 3604 may include a pair of mounting bores 3616 and alignment features 3610. The base 3606 may include a pair of mounting bores 3618. The base 3606 may be configured to engage with the alignment features 3610 of the cap 3604 to align the base 3606 and the cap 3604. The alignment feature 3610 is configured to align the cap 3604 with the base 3606 such that the mounting bore 3616 of the cap 3604 is aligned with the mounting bore 3618 of the base 3606. When the mounting bore 3616 of the cap 3604 is aligned with the mounting bore 3618 of the base 3606, the cap 3604 may be coupled to the base 3606 by fasteners 3622 extending through the mounting bore 3618 of the base 3606 and into the mounting bore 3616 of the cap 3604. The fastener 3622 can prevent the outer housing 3600 from being opened without the fastener uncoupled from the cap 3604 and the base 3606. Fastener 3622 may include a custom shaped cavity to prevent housing 3600 from being opened by a conventional screwdriver and may require a special tool to open. The cap 3604 and/or the base 3606 may also include an overhanging opening 3620 configured to receive a coupling component, such as a clasp, to couple the housing 3600 to an external object.

Embodiments of the present invention may be further described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

1. a housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: a base defining a cavity; a cap comprising a front member and one or more side walls extending laterally from an inner surface of the front member; and a sealing member positioned between the cap and the base; wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base and when coupled to the base, the sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to seal the cavity in the base.

2. The housing of clause 1, wherein the cap further comprises a plurality of external threaded portions positioned on the outer surface of the one or more sidewalls. The base includes a plurality of internal threaded portions that are complementary to the plurality of external threaded portions of the cap. The cap is releasably coupled to the base by engagement between the internally threaded portion and the externally threaded portion.

3. The housing of any one of clauses 1 and 2, further comprising a second sealing member, wherein the front member defines an aperture extending therethrough, and the second sealing member circumferentially surrounds the aperture of the cap. The sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to at least partially seal the cavity in the base when the cap is coupled to the base, and the second sealing member is positioned to be compressed between the cap and the electronic tracking device when the electronic tracking device is positioned in the cavity.

4. The enclosure of clause 3, wherein the one or more sidewalls of the cap comprise an outer surface and define a channel formed in the outer surface, and the sealing member is positioned in the channel to circumferentially surround the outer surface of the one or more sidewalls of the cap.

5. The enclosure of clause 3, wherein the one or more side walls include a termination surface and define a channel on the termination surface, and the sealing member is positioned in the channel so as to be positioned between the termination surface and the base.

6. The housing of any of clauses 3-5, wherein the cap defines a channel in an inner surface of the cap, and the second sealing member is positioned in the channel.

7. The enclosure of clause 1, wherein the sealing member is a cover member that is conical in shape having an apex and a base, the apex including at least one raised portion that aligns the cover member with the front member of the cap, the cover member at least partially receiving the electronic tracking device.

8. The housing of clause 7, wherein the cap includes a groove formed in the outer surface of the sidewall, and the base includes at least one protrusion extending from the inner surface of the sidewall, the groove of the cap being complementary to the at least one protrusion to receive the at least one protrusion of the base. The cap is releasably coupled to the base by engagement of the at least one protrusion and the groove.

9. The enclosure of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the base includes a non-planar rear surface, and the attachment element is coupled to the non-planar rear surface.

10. The enclosure of any of clauses 1-8, further comprising an attachment assembly configured to hold an external article to attach the electronic tracking device to the external article, wherein the attachment assembly comprises an extension arm spaced from the body of the base to facilitate attachment of the external article.

11. The enclosure of clause 10, wherein the external article comprises one of a dog collar, a wristband, a bracelet, and a strap.

12. The enclosure of any of clauses 1-8, further comprising an attachment assembly configured to hold an external article to attach the electronic tracking device to the external article, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a hoop and a pair of pins, and the pair of pins selectively couples the hoop to the base.

13. The housing of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising an external tool comprising a pair of ridges, wherein the cap comprises a raised edge extending from the front member and a plurality of grooves formed in the raised edge, the grooves being keyed to engage the pair of ridges of the external tool.

14. The enclosure of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the base further comprises an inner surface at least partially defining the cavity, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a hollow protrusion extending from the outer surface, the hollow protrusion defining a second cavity configured to provide buoyancy such that the enclosure is buoyant.

15. The enclosure of clause 14, wherein the hollow projection comprises a tab and defines an aperture extending through the tab, the aperture configured to be coupled to an external object.

16. A housing for an electronic tracking device includes a sleeve, a body, and a locking mechanism. The sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive an electronic tracking device. The body includes a hinge and an opening, the body being configured to receive the sleeve through the opening such that an annular wall of the sleeve abuts an inner surface of the body. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the sleeve and the base together, wherein an annular wall of the sleeve is compressed by an inner surface of the base to seal the cavity.

17. The enclosure of clause 16, wherein the hinge comprises a living hinge.

18. The housing of any of clauses 16 and 17, wherein the body further comprises a first prong and a second prong that engage with the locking mechanism to couple the locking mechanism to the body.

19. The enclosure of any of clauses 16-18, wherein the locking mechanism defines an aperture for receiving the attachment device.

20. The housing of any of clauses 16-19, wherein the sleeve further comprises a plurality of sealing protrusions extending from an inner surface of the annular wall for contacting the electronic tracking device.

21. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising a cap including an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device, and wherein an inner surface of the annular wall contacts the electronic tracking device to seal the cavity.

22. The enclosure of clause 21, further comprising an attachment device coupled to the cap.

23. The enclosure of clause 21, further comprising: an attachment body defining a plurality of apertures and an opening for receiving a cap; and a plurality of attachment devices coupled to the plurality of apertures.

24. The enclosure of clause 21, further comprising: a label extending from a peripheral portion of the cap; an attachment means extending through the tag; and a tamper resistant mechanism configured to at least one of: preventing tampering or informing the user of attempted tampering or actual tampering.

25. A housing for an electronic tracking device includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining an opening configured to receive the electronic tracking device such that a first side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall of the inner sleeve, wherein the annular wall further includes an outer surface defining a form of seal. The outer sleeve includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the inner sleeve when assembled with the electronic tracking device such that the second side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall, wherein the annular wall further includes an inner surface having an outer seal formation. The seal formation and the outer seal formation couple the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve to seal the opening of the inner sleeve.

26. The outer shell of clause 25, wherein the end wall of the inner sleeve is formed from an acoustic membrane.

27. A lock for holding an electronic tracking device includes a base and a retaining member operable to enclose the electronic tracking device between the retaining member and the base.

28. The lock of clause 27, further comprising a locking arm comprising a locking portion and an elongated portion extending from the base, the locking arm being movable between an engaged position in which the locking portion is coupled to the base and a disengaged position in which the locking portion is spaced apart from the base.

29. The lock of clause 28, wherein the retaining member is coupled to the locking arm, the retaining member being in contact with the base in the engaged position.

30. The lock of clause 27, wherein the base is rotatably coupled to the retaining member so as to be movable between an open position in which the base and retaining member are operable to receive the electronic tracking device and a closed position in which the base and retaining member are operable to enclose the electronic tracking device.

31. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: capping; a base coupled to the cap, the base and cap configured to enclose the electronic tracking device; and an attachment assembly including an attachment member coupled to the cap, a pair of tethers extending from the attachment member, and a pair of deformable cups coupled to each tether.

32. A wearable housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising: a housing including a pair of straps extending from a body of the housing; and a cavity formed in the body, the pair of straps configured to be selectively coupled together; and a back plate coupled to the housing to enclose a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device.

33. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising a sleeve, the sleeve comprising: an internal cavity configured to receive an electronic tracking device; an edge portion; and a groove formed in the rim portion; and a stationary ring positioned in the groove of the sleeve.

It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also used herein to describe the extent to which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Although particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Accordingly, the appended claims are to encompass all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising:

a base defining a cavity;

a cap comprising a front member and one or more side walls extending laterally from an inner surface of the front member; and

a sealing member positioned between the cap and the base, wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base, and the sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to seal the cavity in the base when the cap is coupled to the base.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein:

the cap further includes a plurality of external threaded portions positioned on an outer surface of one or more of the sidewalls; and

the base portion includes a plurality of internal threaded portions complementary to the plurality of external threaded portions of the cap,

wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base by engagement between the internally threaded portion and the externally threaded portion.

3. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a second sealing member, wherein:

The front member defines an aperture extending therethrough,

the second sealing member circumferentially surrounds the aperture of the cap, an

The sealing member is compressed between the cap and the base to at least partially seal the cavity in the base when the cap is coupled to the base, and the second sealing member is positioned to be compressed between the cap and the electronic tracking device when the electronic tracking device is positioned in the cavity.

4. A housing according to claim 3, wherein:

one or more of the side walls of the cap include an outer surface and define a channel formed in the outer surface, an

The sealing member is positioned in the channel to circumferentially surround the outer surface of one or more of the side walls of the cap.

5. A housing according to claim 3, wherein:

one or more of the side walls includes a termination surface and the side walls define a channel in the termination surface, an

The sealing member is positioned in the channel so as to be positioned between the termination surface and the base.

6. A housing according to claim 3, wherein:

the cap defines a channel in the inner surface of the cap, an

The second sealing member is positioned in the channel.

7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a cover member that is conical in shape having an apex and a base, the apex including at least one raised portion that aligns the cover member with the front member of the cap, the cover member at least partially receiving the electronic tracking device.

8. The enclosure of claim 7, wherein:

the cap includes a groove formed in an outer surface of the sidewall; and

the base including at least one projection extending from an inner surface of the sidewall, the recess of the cap being complementary to the at least one projection to receive the at least one projection of the base,

wherein the cap is releasably coupled to the base by engagement of at least one of the protrusion and the groove.

9. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the base includes a non-planar rear surface, and an attachment element is coupled to the non-planar rear surface.

10. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising an attachment assembly configured to retain an external item to attach the electronic tracking device to the external item, wherein the attachment assembly includes an extension arm spaced apart from a body of the base to facilitate attachment of the external item.

11. The enclosure of claim 10, wherein the external article comprises one of a dog collar, a wristband, a bracelet, and a strap.

12. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising an attachment assembly configured to retain an external item to attach the electronic tracking device to the external item, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a hoop and a pair of pins, and the pair of pins selectively couples the hoop to the base.

13. The housing of claim 1, further comprising an external tool comprising a pair of ridges, wherein the cap comprises a raised edge extending from the front member and a plurality of grooves formed in the raised edge, the grooves being keyed to engage the pair of ridges of the external tool.

14. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises an inner surface at least partially defining the cavity, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a hollow protrusion extending from the outer surface, the hollow protrusion defining a second cavity configured to provide buoyancy such that the enclosure is buoyant.

15. The enclosure of claim 14, wherein the hollow protrusion includes a tab and defines an aperture extending through the tab, the aperture configured to be coupled to the external object.

16. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising:

a sleeve including an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device;

a body including a hinge and an opening, the body configured to receive the sleeve through the opening such that the annular wall of the sleeve abuts an inner surface of the body; and

a locking mechanism configured to lock the sleeve and the base together, wherein the annular wall of the sleeve is compressed by the inner surface of the base to seal the cavity.

17. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein the hinge comprises a living hinge.

18. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein the body further comprises a first prong and a second prong that engage with the locking mechanism to couple the locking mechanism to the body.

19. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism defines an aperture for receiving the attachment device.

20. The housing of claim 16, wherein the sleeve further comprises a plurality of sealing protrusions extending from an inner surface of the annular wall to contact the electronic tracking device.

21. A housing for an electronic tracking device, comprising:

a cap comprising an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device, and wherein an inner surface of the annular wall contacts the electronic tracking device to seal the cavity.

22. The enclosure of claim 21, further comprising an attachment device coupled to the cap.

23. The enclosure of claim 21, further comprising:

an attachment body defining a plurality of apertures and an opening for receiving the cap, an

A plurality of attachment devices coupled to a plurality of the apertures.

24. The enclosure of claim 21, further comprising:

a label extending from a peripheral edge portion of the cap;

an attachment device extending through the tag; and

a tamper resistant mechanism configured to at least one of: preventing tampering or informing the user of attempted tampering or actual tampering.

25. A housing for an electronic tracking device, comprising:

an inner sleeve comprising an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining an opening configured to receive the electronic tracking device such that a first side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall of the inner sleeve, wherein the annular wall further comprises an outer surface defining a seal formation;

an outer sleeve including an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall, the end wall and the annular wall defining a cavity configured to receive the inner sleeve when assembled with the electronic tracking device such that a second side of the electronic tracking device abuts the end wall, wherein the annular wall further includes an inner surface having an outer seal formation, and

Wherein the seal formation and outer seal formation couple the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve to seal the opening of the inner sleeve.

26. The outer shell of claim 25, wherein the end wall of the inner sleeve is formed from an acoustic membrane.

27. A lock for holding an electronic tracking device, the lock comprising:

a base; and

a retaining member operable to enclose the electronic tracking device between the retaining member and the base.

28. The locking member of claim 27, further comprising:

a locking arm comprising a locking portion and an elongate portion extending from the base, the locking arm being movable between an engaged position in which the locking portion is coupled to the base and a disengaged position in which the locking portion is spaced apart from the base.

29. The lock of claim 28, wherein the retaining member is coupled to the locking arm, the retaining member being in contact with the base in the engaged position.

30. The lock of claim 27, wherein the base is rotatably coupled to the retaining member so as to be movable between an open position in which the base and the retaining member are operable to receive the electronic tracking device and a closed position in which the base and the retaining member are operable to enclose the electronic tracking device.

31. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising:

capping;

a base coupled to the cap, the base and the cap configured to enclose the electronic tracking device; and

an attachment assembly including an attachment member coupled to the cap, a pair of tethers extending from the attachment member, and a pair of deformable cups coupled to each of the tethers.

32. A wearable housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising:

a housing including a pair of straps extending from a body of the housing and a cavity formed in the body, the pair of straps configured to be selectively coupled together; and

a back plate coupled to the housing to enclose the cavity, the cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device.

33. A housing for an electronic tracking device, the housing comprising:

a sleeve including an internal cavity configured to receive the electronic tracking device, a rim portion, and a groove formed in the sleeve; and

A retaining ring positioned in the groove of the sleeve.