Tracking device
View Patent ↗A tracking device has a buckle body with an interlocking portion that enables the buckle body to be removably jointed with a mating body. The buckle body further includes an internal chamber and a planar tag receiving area surrounded by a frame, which receives an identification tag. Electronics are to be positioned within the internal chamber, the electronics comprising a printed circuit board mounted on and operably connected with a battery. The internal chamber is shaped to accommodate the electronics so that they fit securely and snugly, with minimal movement therebetween. The printed circuit board includes a computer processor, a computer memory, an accelerometer, and a transceiver for communicating with the computer network.
1. A tracking device for tracking a location of the tracking device via a computer network, and for receiving an identification tag, the tracking device comprising:
a buckle body that includes an interlocking portion that enables the buckle body to be removably jointed with a mating body, the buckle body further including an internal chamber;
a front surface of the buckle body having a planar tag receiving area surrounded by a frame that is shaped to receive an identification tag; and
electronics positioned within the internal chamber, the electronics comprising a printed circuit board mounted on and operably connected with a battery that is sized and shaped to fit securely and snugly into the internal chamber, so there is minimal movement therebetween, the printed circuit board comprising a computer processor, computer memory, an accelerometer, and a transceiver for communicating with the computer network.
2. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the internal chamber is shaped to receive both the battery and the printed circuit board by forming a shoulder that keeps the battery in place but prevents the printed circuit board from contacting the internal chamber and being damaged.
3. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the tracking device includes a collar that is connected to the tracking buckle, and which may be connected to the mating buckle.
4. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the frame is in the form of an annular construction with a hooked cross section for containing the identification tag; and a slot is provided in one side of the frame for insertion of the identification tag into the planar tag receiving area.
5. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein a cover is used to lock the battery and PCB within the internal chamber, the cover comprising:
an engaging structure integrally formed to a base cover for locking the battery and PCB within the internal chamber; and
a gasket that is positioned between the engaging structure and the battery.
6. A tracking device comprising:
a buckle body that includes an interlocking portion that enables the buckle body to be removably jointed with a mating body, the buckle body further including an internal chamber;
a front surface of the buckle body having a planar tag receiving area surrounded by a frame that is shaped to receive an identification tag;
electronics positioned within the internal chamber, the electronics comprising a printed circuit board mounted on and operably connected with a battery that is sized and shaped to fit securely and snugly into the internal chamber, so there is minimal movement therebetween, the printed circuit board comprising a computer processor, computer memory, an accelerometer, and a transceiver for communicating with the computer network;
a mating buckle that removably engages the buckle body; and
a collar connected to the buckle body and the mating buckle.
7. The tracking device of claim 6 , further comprising a means for counting steps.
8. The tracking device of claim 6 , further comprising a means for sending reminders.