WO2023156918A1

WO2023156918A1 - Shaped radio frequency identification (rfid) tag antennas

Info

Publication number: WO2023156918A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/051378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian J. Forster
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services Llc
Priority date: 2022-02-16
Filing date: 2023-02-15
Publication date: 2023-08-24

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes an RFID circuit and an antenna formed from discrete elements of visual indicia. The antenna may operate substantially as a dipole antenna with a first part of the logo functioning as one conductive element of the antenna and a second part of the logo functioning as a second conductive element of the antenna. The letters and shapes in the indicia may be electrically coupled with visually‐minimized electrical connectors. The terminals of the RFID circuit are connected to each part of the logo. The RFID circuit can be disposed in a non‐conducting gap between two halves of a common letter or shape, and a top layer can be disposed over the gap to electrically seal the gap and visually connect the two halves of the common letter or shape.

Description

SHAPED RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) TAG ANTENNAS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/268,098 filed February 16, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] Shaped antennas for radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags, particularly RFID tags configured with antennas having the shape of indicia such as words or logos, and methods of making and using are described herein.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various industries pack, ship, and present for sale items for consumers. Exemplary items include, but are not limited to, apparel, footwear, wine and spirits, electronic devices, and the like. Such items are typically manufactured in a manufacturing facility, after which the items are packed and shipped by truck or other means to warehouses, distribution centers, or directly to stores. Inventory control at each stage, from manufacturer to warehouse to store, as well as consumer engagement/customer experience, can be enhanced through use of a suitable RFID system using RFID tags that are attached to the items for sale.

[0004] Radio frequency identification ("RFID") systems can operate at different frequency ranges, such as such as ultra-high frequency ("UHF") radio waves operating between 860 MHz and 960 MHz. RFID transponders, such as RFID tags, typically include an antenna and/or tuning loop coupled to an RFID circuit, such as an integrated circuit ("IC") formed on a substrate and containing electronic circuitry, such as radio circuitry and data circuitry, e.g., an RFID chip. The RFID circuit receives power when excited by a nearby electromagnetic field oscillating at the resonant frequency of the RFID transponder, such as when an RFID reader interrogates the RFID tag. Once the RFID circuit has received sufficient power, (e.g., such as 10 pW), the RFID circuit turns on and sends a coded return signal via the antenna or tuning loop. An RFID reader interrogating the RFID tag receives and decodes the coded return signal from the RFID transponder. [0005] Many RFID tag antennas use flat, concentric spirals or loops of conductive material(s). This space-saving arrangement helps to minimize the footprint of RFID tags, allowing RFID tags to maintain a small size and thus be placed on, or adhered or affixed to, a wide variety of consumer items.

[0006] For designers and users of many consumer products, such as apparel and fashion accessories, it may be desirable for the RFID tag to be inconspicuous, visually, so that the tag's presence does not detract from the visual appearance of the item on which it is placed.

[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for solutions that facilitate incorporation of RFID tags in apparel, fashion accessories, and similar products.

SUMMARY

[0008] An RFID transponder containing an antenna that uses a first set of discrete conductive elements that are electrically connected together and a second set of discrete conductive elements that are electrically connected together and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. In some embodiments, the RFID transponder includes an RFID circuit, such as an integrated circuit ("IC") or chip, in electrical communication with the first set and the second set of discrete conductive elements. In some embodiments, each of the discrete conductive elements can be a letter, a portion of a letter, a group of connected letters, a shape, a portion of a shape, a group of connected shapes, different halves of a logo, or combinations thereof.

[0009] In other embodiments, the RFID tag includes or contains indicia made of discrete conductive elements, an antenna that uses a first electrically connected subset and a second electrically connected subset of the elements of the indicia, and circuitry such as an IC or chip that is in electrical communication with the first subset and the second subset of elements of the indicia.

[0010] In still other embodiments, the RFID antenna includes or contains a first subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements configured to be electrically connected to a first terminal of an RFID circuit (e.g., IC or chip), and a second subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements configured to be electrically connected to a second terminal of the RFID circuit. In some embodiments, a pair of straps electrically connect the terminals of the RFID circuit to the first and second subsets of elements. In some embodiments, a matching top layer can be disposed or applied over a non-conducting gap between two halves of a common letter or shape to substantially seal the gap and visually connect the two halves of the common letter or shape.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an RFID transponder, including: an antenna including a first plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements and a second plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements forms a portion of a set of visual indicia; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

[0012] A related aspect is directed to an RFID tag, including: visual indicia including a plurality of discrete conductive elements; an antenna including a first subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements and a second subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first subset and the second subset, wherein each discrete conductive element is electrically connected to the discrete conductive elements of the associated subset.

[0013] In a further aspect, an RFID antenna includes: a first subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements that are electrically coupled to a first terminal of an RFID circuit; and a second subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, that are electrically coupled to a second terminal of the RFID circuit, wherein the first subset of discrete conductive elements and the first subset of discrete conductive elements include at least a portion of visual indicia associated with a brand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a conventional dipole antenna of an RFID tag according to an example.

[0016] FIG. IB depicts a top view of a short dipole antenna of an RFID tag with discrete adjacent conductive elements according to an example.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a first embodiment of an antenna of an RFID tag with shaped conductive elements according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a second embodiment of an antenna of an RFID tag with shaped conductive elements according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a third embodiment of an antenna of an RFID tag with shaped conductive elements according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5A depicts a top view of a fourth embodiment of an antenna of an RFID tag with shaped conductive elements according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 5B depicts a cross section view of the RFID tag with shaped conductive elements of FIG. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to FIGS. 1A to 5B. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.

[0023] The systems and methods disclosed herein describe various structures that can be used as RFID tag antennas. Many consumer items have indicia such as logos, words, and/or other shapes that can be made with conductive materials and utilized as, or part of, an RFID tag antenna. The present disclosure illustrates new modalities for attaching RFID tags to items, namely embedding RFID tags and antennas into an item of commerce or packaging associated with an item of commerce. Although the systems and methods described herein are particularly applicable to RFID systems and transponders, the structures and methodologies can be adapted for use with other types of wireless tags, also referred to as digital triggers, for example those used in electronic article surveillance ("EAS") systems.

[0024] FIG. 1A is an illustration of a conventional RFID tag 100 with a simple dipole antenna. The RFID tag 100 includes an RFID circuit, e.g., an RFID chip 102 that is electrically connected via electrical connectors 104 to antenna elements 106a, 106b (collectively antenna 106). The electrical connectors 104 can be wires, or direct connections between the RFID chip 102 and the antenna 106 as would be understood in the art. The antenna 106 can be constructed out of any suitable conductive material, such as, for example, aluminum or copper clad metal foils (or a combination thereof) as would be understood in the art. The performance characteristics of simple dipole antenna is typically related to the length. For example, an efficient antenna 106 with suitable gain characteristics over an extended bandwidth typically has an overall length approximating one-half of the wavelength of the intended operating frequency of the RFID tag 100.

[0025] FIG. IB is an illustration of an RFID tag 110 with electrical connectors 104, a dipole antenna 106, and adjacent conductive elements 108 according to an example. Although the combined length of the conductive elements 108 and the dipole antenna 106 approximate the length of the antenna 106 of FIG. 1A, the conductive elements are not electrically connected to the dipole antenna 106. Instead, being shorter, the dipole antenna 106 of FIG. IB would have inferior performance compared with the antenna of FIG. 1A.

[0026] It is common for companies to use letters and/or shapes to form identifying indicia such as a logo. Aspects of the present disclosure recognize the advantages of making the indicia using a conductive material and using some or all of the indicia as the antenna. In some indicia, the letters and shapes are connected, which would permit their use as an antenna. In other indicia, the letters and shapes are discrete elements, and may further utilize electrical connections therebetween. Indicia, such as logos, are generally considered important to a brand's image, therefore alterations to connect the discrete elements may be formed in such a way so as to have a low aesthetic impact.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a RFID tag 200 with shaped conductive elements. The RFID tag 200 includes an RFID circuit, such as RFID chip 202, that is electrically connected via electrical connections 204 to a first plurality of discrete conductive elements 206 and a second plurality of discrete conductive elements 208 forming a dipole antenna structure. The first plurality of conductive elements 206 includes discrete conductive elements such as the upper part of the first letter "I" 206a, the letter "T" 206b, and the second letter "I" 206c that are electrically connected via linking conductors 210. The second plurality of discrete conductive elements 208 includes discrete conductive elements such as the lower part of the first letter "I" 208a, the letter "N" 208b, and the letter "U" 208c that are electrically connected via linking conductors 210. As illustrated, the RFID chip 202 is mounted across a gap 212 between the upper part of the first letter "I" 206a and the lower part of the first letter "I" 208a.

[0028] The linking conductors 210 are configured to be thin lines that have a minimal visual impact on the indicia defined by 206a, 206b, 206c, 208a, 208b, and 208c (collectively discrete conductive elements 206, 208) in this case the logo "UNITI". In some embodiments, the linking conductors 210 are made of the same material as the discrete conductive elements 206, 208. Exemplary materials include metal foils, such as aluminum, copper, or silver and/or conductive inks, such as copper or aluminum-based inks or conducting polymer-based inks. In other embodiments, the linking conductors 210 are made of a second material such as a different metal or and/or conductive ink, for example a silver impregnated ink. Additionally, or alternatively, the linking conductors 210 can be made of a material that is a different color from the discrete conductive elements 206, 208 so as to minimize the visual impact of the linking conductors 210 on the indicia.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag 300 with shaped conductive elements. The RFID tag 300 includes an RFID circuit, such as RFID chip 302 that is electrically connected via electrical connections 304 to a first plurality of discrete conductive elements 306 and a second plurality of discrete conductive elements 308 of a dipole antenna structure. The first plurality of discrete conductive elements 306 includes a discrete conductive element such as the letter "I". The second plurality of discrete conductive elements 308 includes a discrete conductive element such as the letter "N". Each of the pluralities of discrete conductive elements 306, 308 can be connected to other discrete elements via linking conductors 310 as described above. As illustrated, the RFID chip 302 is positioned between the first plurality of discrete conductive elements 306 and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements 308. In certain embodiments, the electrical connections 304 can be linking conductors 310.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag 400 with shaped conductive elements. The RFID tag 400 includes an RFID circuit, such as RFID chip 402 that is electrically connected via electrical connections 404 to a first discrete conductive element 406 and a second discrete conductive element 408 of a dipole antenna structure that includes discrete conductive element such as the letters "I" and "N" as illustrated. Each of the discrete conductive elements 406, 408 can be connected to other discrete elements via linking conductors 410 as described above. As illustrated, the RFID chip 402 is positioned over a gap 412 between the first discrete conductive element 406 and the second discrete conductive element 408. In an embodiment, the electrical connections 404 can be the same as, or substantially identical to, a linking conductor 410.

[0031] The RFID tag 400 of FIG. 4 differs from the RFID tag 300 of FIG. 3 by the inclusion of an inductive loop connector 414. The inductive loop connector 414 connects a different part of the first discrete conductive element 406 and the second discrete conductive element 408 so as to form an inductive loop, as shown by the arrow, between the first discrete conductive element 406, the second discrete conductive element 408, and the RFID chip 402 and electrical connections 404. Advantageously, an inductive loop can resonate with the capacitance of the RFID chip 402 and can assist in matching the impedance of the RFID chip 402 with the antenna. In certain embodiments, the inductive loop connector 414 can be the same as, or substantially identical to, a linking conductor 410.

[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag 500 with shaped conductive elements. The RFID tag 500 includes an RFID circuit, such as RFID chip 502 that is electrically connected via strap pads 504 to a first discrete conductive element 506 and a second discrete conductive element 508 of a dipole antenna structure. On one side of the RFID tag 500, the RFID chip 502 is mounted across a gap 512 between the first discrete conductive element 506, the upper part of the letter "I", and the second discrete conductive element 508, the lower part of the fit letter "I". On the opposing side of the RFID tag 500, which generally would face outward and therefore be visible to consumers, a top matching surface 514 is disposed over the gap 512 and portions of the first discrete conductive element 506 and second discrete conductive element 508. The top matching surface 514 is colored so as to visually match the indicia, for example by forming part of the letter "I" so that the letter "I" appears contiguous without a visible gap 512 between the upper part and the lower part of the letter "I". The top matching surface 514 is configured as a top sealing layer that prevents anything from entering the gap 512 which could cause an electrical short between the first discrete conductive element 506 and second discrete conductive element 508 or otherwise adversely affect the operation of the RFID tag 500. Each of the discrete conductive elements 606, 608 can be connected to other discrete elements via linking conductors 510 as described above.

[0033] Additional Notes and Examples:

[0034] Example 1 is a radio frequency identification ("RFID") transponder, comprising: an antenna comprising a first plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements and a second plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements forms a portion of a set of visual indicia; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

[0035] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the antenna is a dipole antenna.

[0036] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 includes, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements is linked to an adjacent discrete conductive element via a linking conductor.

[0037] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements includes a metal foil.

[0038] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 includes, wherein the metal foil is selected from the group consisting of an aluminum foil and a copper clad metal foil.

[0039] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 4-5 includes, wherein the linking conductor is selected from the group consisting of the metal foil and a conductive ink.

[0040] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 3-6 includes, wherein the linking conductor has a color that is different from the first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

[0041] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements is selected from the group consisting of a letter, a portion of a letter, a group of connected letters, a shape, a portion of a shape, a group of connected shapes, and a portion of a logo. [0042] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements form at least a portion of a logo associated with a consumer brand.

[0043] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 8-9 includes, wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to a first discrete conductive element of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements, and wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to a second discrete conductive element of the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

[0044] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 includes, wherein the first discrete conductive element is a first letter or a first shape, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second letter or a second shape, and wherein the RFID circuit is disposed in between the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.

[0045] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 10-11 includes, wherein the first discrete conductive element is a first portion of a letter, a shape, or a logo, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second portion of the letter, the shape, or the logo, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a non-conducting gap, and wherein at least a portion of the RFID circuit is disposed across the gap.

[0046] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 includes, wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to the first discrete conductive element via a first RFID strap that is disposed across at least a portion of the gap, and wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to the second discrete conductive element via a second RFID strap that is disposed across at least a portion of the gap.

[0047] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 12-13 includes, a top layer disposed over the gap and at least a portion of the first discrete conductive element and a portion of the second discrete conductive element, wherein the top layer is arranged to substantially seal the gap; wherein the top layer is further arranged to visually match the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.

[0048] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 1-14 includes, an inductive loop connector that electrically connects a discrete conductive element of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements to a discrete conductive element of the second plurality of discrete conductive elements to form an inductive loop with the RFID circuit.

[0049] Example 16 is an RFID tag, comprising: visual indicia comprising a plurality of discrete conductive elements; an antenna comprising a first subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements and a second subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first subset and the second subset, wherein each discrete conductive element is electrically connected to the discrete conductive elements of the associated subset.

[0050] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 includes, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements is selected from the group consisting of a letter, a portion of a letter, a group of connected letters, a shape, a portion of a shape, and a group of connected letters.

[0051] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 16-17 includes, wherein each discrete conductive element includes a metal foil.

[0052] Example 19 is an RFID antenna, comprising: a first subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements that are electrically coupled to a first terminal of an RFID circuit; and a second subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, that are electrically coupled to a second terminal of the RFID circuit, wherein the first subset of discrete conductive elements and the first subset of discrete conductive elements comprise at least a portion of visual indicia associated with a brand.

[0053] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 includes, wherein a first discrete conductive element of the first subset is a first portion of a letter or a shape, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second portion of the letter or the shape, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a non-conducting gap, and further comprising: a first RFID strap configured to electrically connect the first terminal of the RFID chip to the first discrete conductive element; a second RFID strap configured to electrically connect the second terminal of the RFID chip to the second discrete conductive element; and a top layer disposed over the gap and at least portions of the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element, wherein the top layer is arranged to substantially seal the gap; wherein the top layer is further arranged to substantially visually match the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.

[0054] The values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. [0055] Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in the document shall govern.

[0056] The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described for illustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent articles by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A radio frequency identification ("RFID") transponder, comprising: an antenna comprising a first plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements and a second plurality of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements forms a portion of a set of visual indicia; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

2. The RFID transponder of claim 1, wherein the antenna is a dipole antenna.

3. The RFID transponder of any of claims 1-2, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements is linked to an adjacent discrete conductive element via a linking conductor.

4. The RFID transponder of claim 3, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements includes a metal foil.

5. The RFID transponder of claim 4, wherein the metal foil is selected from the group consisting of an aluminum foil, a copper clad metal foil, and a combination thereof.

6. The RFID transponder of any of claims 4-5, wherein the linking conductor is selected from the group consisting of the metal foil and a conductive ink.

7. The RFID transponder of any of claims 3-6, wherein the linking conductor has a color that is different from the first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

8. The RFID transponder of any of claims 1-7, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements is selected from the group consisting of a letter, a portion of a letter, a group of connected letters, a shape, a portion of a shape, a group of connected shapes, a portion of a logo, and combinations thereof.

9. The RFID transponder of claim 8, wherein the first plurality of discrete conductive elements and the second plurality of discrete conductive elements form at least a portion of a logo associated with a consumer brand.

10. The RFID transponder of any of claims 8-9, wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to a first discrete conductive element of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements, and wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to a second discrete conductive element of the second plurality of discrete conductive elements.

11. The RFID transponder of claim 10, wherein the first discrete conductive element is a first letter or a first shape, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second letter or a second shape, and wherein the RFID circuit is disposed in between the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.

12. The RFID transponder of any of claims 10-11, wherein the first discrete conductive element is a first portion of a letter, a shape, or a logo, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second portion of the letter, the shape, orthe logo, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a non-conducting gap, and wherein at least a portion of the RFID circuit is disposed across the gap.

13. The RFID transponder of claim 12, wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to the first discrete conductive element via a first RFID strap that is disposed across at least a portion of the gap, and wherein the RFID circuit is electrically connected to the second discrete conductive element via a second RFID strap that is disposed across at least a portion of the gap.

14. The RFID transponder of any of claims 12-13, further comprising: a top layer disposed over the gap and at least a portion of the first discrete conductive element and a portion of the second discrete conductive element, wherein the top layer is arranged to substantially seal the gap; and wherein the top layer is further arranged to visually match the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.

15. The RFID transponder of any of claims 1-14, further comprising: an inductive loop connector that electrically connects a discrete conductive element of the first plurality of discrete conductive elements to a discrete conductive element of the second plurality of discrete conductive elements to form an inductive loop with the RFID circuit.

16. A radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, comprising: visual indicia comprising a plurality of discrete conductive elements; an antenna comprising a first subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements and a second subset of the plurality of discrete conductive elements; and an RFID circuit in electrical communication with first subset and the second subset; wherein each discrete conductive element is electrically connected to the discrete conductive elements of its associated subset.

17. The RFID tag of claim 16, wherein each of the discrete conductive elements is selected from the group consisting of a letter, a portion of a letter, a group of connected letters, a shape, a portion of a shape, a group of connected letters, and combinations thereof.

18. The RFID tag of any of claims 16-17, wherein each discrete conductive element comprises a metal foil.

19. A radio frequency identification ("RFID") antenna, comprising: a first subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements that are electrically coupled to a first terminal of an RFID circuit; and a second subset of electrically connected discrete conductive elements, that are electrically coupled to a second terminal of the RFID circuit; wherein the first subset of discrete conductive elements and the first subset of discrete conductive elements comprise at least a portion of visual indicia associated with a brand.

20. The RFID antenna of claim 19, wherein a first discrete conductive element of the first subset is a first portion of a letter or a shape, wherein the second discrete conductive element is a second portion of the letter or the shape, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a nonconducting gap, and further comprising: a first RFID strap configured to electrically connect the first terminal of the RFID circuit to the first discrete conductive element; a second RFID strap configured to electrically connect the second terminal of the RFID chip to the second discrete conductive element; and a top layer disposed over the gap and at least portions of the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element; wherein the top layer is arranged to substantially seal the gap; and wherein the top layer is further arranged to substantially visually match the first discrete conductive element and the second discrete conductive element.