Structure having an antenna incorporated therein

摘要

Structures having an antenna incorporated therein are provided. Each structure may comprise one or more strips of flexible sheet material wrapped about an axis and secured together. The antenna may comprise an electrically conductive material secured to one or more of the strips in a pattern forming a closed loop except for a break in the loop defining a plurality of contracts for connection to an electrical device, which may be an RFID chip. The antenna may comprise a pair of spaced tracks with a connection therebetween, which may take the form of an intersection of the tracks or a connector. The antenna may extend for a substantial portion of the axial length of the tubular structure and may also extend helically around the tubular structure. Methods of manufacturing structures are also provided.