Beverage crate with integrated transponder assembly

摘要

The beverage crate (2) comprises a bottom portion (10), sidewalls (6.1,6.2), and a transponder array (4) including a radio frequency (RF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder (16). The transponder array is integrated into a cavity formed in a sidewall such that the RF transponder is spaced apart from the bottom portion by at least 60% of the height the sidewall. The transponder array comprises a flexible support (18) mounted with the transponder. The support is shaped in such a way that it encloses the transponder receiving element of the transponder array. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for integrating transponder array into a beverage crate; and (2) an apparatus for integrating transponder array into a beverage crate.