U.S. patent application number 09/277181 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for system and method for carrying medical and / or personal information.
Invention is credited to HOOGLANDER, PETER.
Application Number | 20010045469 09/277181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26762229 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOOGLANDER, PETER |
November 29, 2001 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRYING MEDICAL AND / OR PERSONAL
INFORMATION
Abstract
A system and method for carrying personal and/or medical
information includes a locket designed to contain a memory
electronic device to store information about the user. The locket
is design to be opened to provide ready access to a machine
readable portion of the memory device by a reader. The locket is
combined with a pocket in a shoe to carry the locket unobtrusively.
The locket and pocket can include a logo which will alert medical
or other emergency personnel as to the existence of the locket
during an emergency.
Inventors: |
HOOGLANDER, PETER;
(PATCHOGUE, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONRAD J. CLARK
CLARK & BRODY
1750 K STREET NW
SUITE 600
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
26762229 |
Appl. No.: |
09/277181 |
Filed: |
March 26, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60079627 |
Mar 27, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/041 20130101;
G06K 19/005 20130101; G06K 19/077 20130101; A43B 3/0031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/492 |
International
Class: |
G06K 019/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of providing information about a user comprising the
steps of: a) providing a locket enclosing a memory chip, the memory
chip storing information about the user; b) opening the locket to
expose a machine-readable portion of the memory chip; c) inserting
the machine-readable portion of the into a reader to access the
information stored in the memory chip.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the locket is stored in a pocket
of a shoe.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising indicating the presence of the
locket in the pocket by placing indicia on the pocket
representative of medical information.
4. The method of claim 2, comprising attaching the locket to a
portion of the shoe.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory chip is removed from
the locket for reading.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory chip is attached to a
removable support linked to the locket, removal of the support
permitting reading of the memory chip by the reader.
7. A system for carrying information of a user comprising: a) a
locket having a lid, opening of the lid exposing an inside portion
of the locket; b) a memory chip attached to the inside portion and
having storage capacity to store information about the user, the
memory chip having a machine-readable portion so that the
information can be accessed by a reader.
8. The system of claim 7, comprising means for attaching the locket
to the user.
9. The system of claim 7, comprising a shoe with a pocket, the
pocket sized to store the locket.
10. The system of claim 8, comprising a shoe with a pocket, the
pocket sized to store the locket, the means for attaching further
comprising a flexible member for attaching the locket to a portion
of the shoe.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the locket comprises two halves,
a surface of one half containing the memory chip and being aligned
in generally the same plane with a surface of the other half when
the locket is opened for memory chip reading.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the memory chip is mounted on a
support that is extendable from the locket for memory chip
reading.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the support is foldable for
storing in the locket when the locket is closed.
14. The system of claim 7, wherein the locket comprises two halves,
the memory chip located on one half, each half being generally
triangular in cross section so that the locket is generally one of
square and rectangular in cross section when the locket is
closed.
15. The system of claim 7, wherein the locket has a logo on an
exterior surface.
16. The system of claim 7, wherein a logo is on one of an exterior
surface of the locket and a portion of the shoe.
17. The system of claim 7, wherein the information contained by the
memory chip is medical information about the user.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application serial No. 60/079,627 filed on Mar. 27, 1998.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a system and a method
for carrying medical and/or personal information and, in
particular, to a system and a method which utilizes a locket having
a memory chip with the medical information stored therein, and a
shoe adapted to carry the locket.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In the prior art, various means have been proposed for
individuals to carry medical information on their person. One
technique is the wearing of a medical alert bracelet. This
technique is not universally accepted since many individuals do not
like the stigma associated with wearing an indicator that an
individual has a particular medical condition.
[0004] Other ways to carry medical information include lockets
containing a written, typed or printed tabulation of a person's
medical condition. These lockets could be used with necklaces,
wrist bands, or other modes of attachment. One drawback with these
systems is the limited amount of information that can be carried on
a written or printed form.
[0005] Medical information can also be stored on cards which are
held in an individual's wallet or purse. The cards may hold the
information in printed form or electronic memory form. The problem
with this technique is that many medical personnel are prohibited
from searching an individual's wallet or purse for reasons of
privacy. Thus, carrying medical information in these locations may
not permit an emergency medical person to obtain the information if
the person is incapacitated.
[0006] In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art
techniques noted above, a need exists to provide an improved system
and method for carrying medical information for an individual. The
present invention solves this need through the use of a low-cost
locket which carries medical information in an electronic memory
chip. The locket is designed to interface easily with readers that
can access the electronic information. The invention also provides
a system whereby the locket can be discretely stored on a person's
shoe so that it is readily obtainable by emergency medical
personnel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first object of the present invention is to provide an
improved system and method for individuals to carry medical
information.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe with a
pocket associated therewith, the pocket sized to receive a locket
carrying the medical information electronically.
[0009] Another object of the invention is a locket which is
designed to interface with readers which can access the locket's
electronically stored medical information.
[0010] Another object of the invention is the mode of configuring
the device storing the electronic medical information to facilitate
reading the information by an electronic reading device.
[0011] In satisfaction of the foregoing objects and advantages, the
present invention includes a method of providing information about
a user including the steps of providing a locket enclosing a memory
chip, the memory chip storing information about the user. The
locket is opened to expose a machine-readable portion of the memory
chip. The machine-readable portion of the chip is fed into a reader
to access the information stored in the memory chip. The locket can
be stored in a pocket of a shoe and the locket and/or shoe can
indicate the presence of the locket in the pocket by placing
indicia on the pocket/locket representative of medical information.
The locket can be secured to a portion of the shoe using a flexible
line such as a chain or the like. The memory chip can be removed
from the locket for reading, particularly by using a removable
support linked to the locket, removal of the support permitting
reading of the memory chip by the reader.
[0012] The invention also includes a system for carrying
information of a user comprising a locket having a lid, opening of
the lid exposing an inside portion of the locket. The memory chip
is attached to the inside portion and has storage capacity to store
information about the user. The memory chip has a machine-readable
portion so that the information can be accessed by a reader. The
system can also include means for attaching the locket to the
user.
[0013] The system also comprises a shoe with a pocket, the pocket
sized to store the locket. A means for attaching the locket to a
portion of the shoe can also be provided such as a flexible member
or the like, e.g., a chain, wire, cord, etc. In one embodiment, the
locket comprises two halves, a surface of one half containing the
memory chip and being aligned in generally the same plane with a
surface of the other half when the locket is opened for memory chip
reading. The memory chip can be mounted on a support that is
extendable from the locket for memory chip reading. The support can
be foldable for storing in the locket when the locket is closed.
The locket and/or the shoe pocket can have a logo on an exterior
surface thereof to indicate a medical condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] FIGS. 1A-1E show a first embodiment of the inventive locket
depicting a square shape with or without a logo. The locket shape
is generally square in shape and is shown with a chain and
connector ring in FIG. 1A. The locket 10 has an electronic memory
chip 1 embedded in the surface 3 thereof. The locket is comprised
of two halves 5 and 7 which can be opened and closed as shown in
FIG. 1E.
[0015] A logo 9 can be placed on the outer surface 11 if so
desired. FIG. 1B shows the locket partially obscured when placed in
a pocket 13.
[0016] FIGS. 2A-2E show a similar locket, but having a circular
shape with or without the logo 9.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3E show a hexagonal-shaped locket with an
alternative logo 14 on the outer surface thereof.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4-8B, the locket shown in FIG. 1A is
illustrated in greater detail. Whether the locket is round, square,
or hexagonal, the side view is the same as is the mechanical
structure. Generally, the square and hexagonal shapes are stronger
than the circular shape due to hinge length. FIG. 5 more clearly
shows the clasp 13 which hooks to the locket half 5 to keep the
locket in a closed position. These FIGS. also illustrate the chain
attachment 15.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows the locket completely opened. In this
configuration, the distal end 17 of the locket half 5 can be easily
inserted into an EPROM chip reader (not shown) so that the chip 1
can be read.
[0020] The square locket shown in FIGS. 4-8B offer certain
advantages in the length of the hinge 19. The longer hinge as
compared to the hinge shown in FIG. 2D offers more structural
strength. The locket as shown in FIG. 7 can also have indicia on
the inner surfaces 21 and 23 to assist a user when inserting the
locket half 5 into a reader. The locket in FIG. 8 has the logo 9 on
the outside.
[0021] It should be understood that any type of a memory chip can
be used with the foldable locket shown in FIGS. 1A-8B. The chip
could be recessed as shown in FIG. 6 or placed on the surface 23 so
that it is a partially raised condition, if so desired. In
addition, other geometric shapes could be used besides the square,
circle and hexagonal configurations shown in FIGS. 1A-3E. However,
these shapes are preferred since they would result in reduced
manufacturing costs. Other mechanisms can be used in place of the
clasp 13 to keep the halves 5 and 7 together as would be within the
skill of the art, e.g., a pin and complementary sized receiving
hole or the like.
[0022] The locket is preferably made of a plastic material so that
it is low cost and lightweight. FIG. 4 shows exemplary dimensions.
Of course, other materials could be used as would be within the
skill of the art.
[0023] Using the locket entails first storing the necessary medical
information on the chip 1. This can be done at the appropriate
medical center or office which has the means to receive the
information, convert it into an electronic form and store it on the
chip. These means are readily available and do not require further
description for understanding of the invention. Once the
information is stored on the chip, the individual can carry the
locket with the information in any manner, for example, on a
necklace, in a pocket, on a wristband or the like. The locket can
also be carried as described below on a shoe. With the information
stored in the chip, the locket can then be opened by a medical
technician, doctor or the like when the carrier is incapacitated.
The half 5 can then be positioned in the appropriate manner so that
a reader can read the information and the individual can be treated
in light of his/her pre-existing condition.
[0024] To solve the problem of discretely hiding the locket while
still making it accessible to medical personnel, a shoe can be
provided with a pocket. One embodiment of the shoe with pocket is
shown in FIG. 9 wherein the actual pocket is formed either within
the shoe interior or between the inner and outer shoe layers. In
this embodiment, only the pocket slot 25 is visible. The locket 10
is shown secured via the chain 27 to the lace 29. In this
embodiment, the pocket can be outlined by stitching 31 and a logo
33 can be placed on the pocket surface 35. The pocket can be sized
so that at least a portion of the locket 10 extends outwardly
therefrom so it can be grabbed by an individual for access to the
electronic memory chip contained therein.
[0025] FIG. 10 shows an alternative shoe with pocket wherein the
pocket is located on the exterior of the shoe. The pocket 39 shown
in FIG. 10 is attached to the shoe by stitching 41.
[0026] Alternatively, the pocket could be attached by a removable
fastener arrangement such as hook and loop fasteners. In this
embodiment, the pocket and the fastening means could be sold with a
shoe and the purchaser of the shoe could then attach the fastening
means of pocket to the shoe if so desired. The fastening means
could be secured to the shoe with an adhesive or tape or other
means so that the pocket can be secured to the shoe after
purchase.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, the shoe could be manufactured
with the fastening means as a part thereof and the pocket could
then be removably attached thereto, if so desired.
[0028] FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment wherein the pocket 25 is
associated with the shoe but lacks the stitching depicted in FIG.
9.
[0029] The pocket configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 could vary.
For example, the stitching outline shown in FIG. 9 could take on
another shape, e.g., more oval, more angular or the like.
[0030] Another embodiment of the invention entails a unique method
for securing the E2PROM chip to a locket for easier reading. FIGS.
12-17 show a memory chip assembly 50 comprising a support including
a substrate 51 with the chip 53 thereon. The chip 53 can be part of
a credit card type card which is typically sized at 54 mm.times.86
mm. The thickness of the chip on a typical card is 0.8 mm and the
card is usually 1.2 mm thick. The chip could have a security lock
if so desired. The actual measurement of the chip could be larger
to fit within a given locket. The inserted chip could have
different shapes. As noted above, one design is shown in FIGS.
12-17. In this design, the substrate 51 is hinged to a base section
55. The base section 55 comprises two parts, 57 and 59, each
separated by the crease or fold line 61. The base section 57 is
designed to attach to the inside surface 63 of a capsule or locket
65, see FIG. 16. The attachment can be by an adhesive or the like.
With base section 67 attached to the capsule surface 63, the
substrate 51 can be extended from the capsule recess as shown in
FIG. 16 to permit the chip 53 to be read by a reader. With this
folding action, 75% of the substrate 51-base section 55 can be
extended for chip reading. The chip can be glued to the substrate
51.
[0031] Other arrangements could be utilized providing that the chip
53 can be removed from the recess 67 so that it can be read, while
still being replaced with the folding action as illustrated in
FIGS. 13-16.
[0032] While the above listed embodiments illustrate a chip that is
inserted into a reader, other chips can be used as would be within
the skill of the art. For example, a chip which only needs to be
placed in the vicinity of a reader could be used as part of the
inventive locket, system and method of obtaining medical
information, e.g., an electronic send-receive devices using
airwaves. With these devices, the memory device can transmit the
information to a receiver/reader rather than use electrical contact
between the device and the reader. In addition, the memory capacity
of the chip can vary, e.g., 4K, 8K, 10K and more bytes.
[0033] The chip may also include an alignment feature 69, see FIG.
16. This feature 69 is intended to ensure that the chip is aligned
with the reader when accessing the medical information. Typically,
the chip will have different segments 71 which engage respective
contacts of the reader. The chip and reader must be properly
aligned so that the contacts of the reader engage the right
segments of the chip. The feature 69 ensures that the chip is
aligned to mate with the reader in the proper orientation. Of
course, the reader will also have some indicia so that the feature
69 is arranged with respect to the reader in the proper manner.
Other means or indicia can be utilized to assure proper alignment
between the reader and the chip can be employed as would be within
the skill of the art.
[0034] While the invention is described in terms of storing medical
information, any type of information can be stored in the
electronic memory of the device described above, e.g., personal
information, organ donor information or the like. As such, an
invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments
thereof which fulfills each and every one of the objects of the
present invention as set forth above and provides new and improved
system and method for carrying information about a user.
[0035] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations
from the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by
those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit
and scope thereof. It is intended that the present invention only
be limited by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *