U.S. patent application number 11/423935 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for retractable badgeholder device.
Invention is credited to John C. Barcikowski.
Application Number | 20070157494 11/423935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38231376 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barcikowski; John C. |
July 12, 2007 |
RETRACTABLE BADGEHOLDER DEVICE
Abstract
A retractable badgeholder device, including a housing having a
side wall. The housing may include first and second portions
pivotally interconnected with one another. A cord is retractably
disposed within the housing, and attached to an object at a free
end thereof. A window may be formed in the housing, with a slit
formed in the side wall of the housing so as to be in communication
with the window for insertion of a sheet therethrough so as to be
viewable through the window. The sheet includes identifying
indicia, such as a photograph.
Inventors: |
Barcikowski; John C.;
(Chatsworth, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE, SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
38231376 |
Appl. No.: |
11/423935 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60756675 |
Jan 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 3/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/1.5 |
International
Class: |
A44C 3/00 20060101
A44C003/00 |
Claims
1. A retractable badge holder device, comprising: a housing having
a side wall; a cord retractably disposed within the housing and
attached to an object at a free end thereof; a window formed in the
housing; and a slit formed in the housing in communication with the
window for insertion of a sheet therethrough so as to be viewable
through the window.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the housing
extends upwardly from a back face to a front face of the housing,
and wherein the window is formed in the front face thereof.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet includes identifying
indicia.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the identifying indicia comprises
a photograph.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises first and
second portions pivotally attached to one another.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the window is formed in the first
portion of the housing.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the slit is formed in a side wall
of the first portion in communication with the window for removable
insertion of the sheet therethrough so as to be viewable through
the window.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the first portion includes an
outer face and an inner face connected by a sidewall; and wherein
the second portion includes an outer face and an inner face
connected by a sidewall, the inner faces of the first and second
portions facing one another when in the closed positions.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the window is formed in the inner
face of the first portion of the housing.
10. The device of claim 9, including a second window formed in the
inner face of the second portion of the housing, and a second slit
formed in the sidewall of the second portion in communication with
the second window for removable insertion of a sheet therein.
11. The device of claim 5, wherein the first and second portions
are pivotally opened and closed to one another in a selective
step-wise manner.
12. A retractable badge holder device, comprising: a housing having
a back face, a side wall extending upwardly therefrom to a front
face; a cord retractably disposed within the housing and attached
to an object at a free end thereof; a window formed in the front
face of the housing; and a slit formed in the sidewall of the
housing in communication with the window for insertion of a sheet
therethrough so as to be viewable through the window.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the sheet includes identifying
indicia.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the identifying indicia
comprises a photograph.
15. A retractable badge holder device, comprising: a housing
comprising first and second portions pivotally attached to one
another, wherein the first portion includes an outer face and an
inner face connected by a sidewall; and wherein the second portion
includes an outer face and an inner face connected by a sidewall,
the inner faces of the first and second portions facing one another
when in the closed positions; and a cord retractably disposed
within the housing and attached to an object at a free end
thereof.
16. The device of claim 15, including a window formed in the
housing, and a slit formed in the housing in communication with the
window for insertion of a sheet therethrough so as to be viewable
through the window.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the sheet includes identifying
indicia.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the identifying indicia
comprises a photograph.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the window is formed in the
first portion of the housing, and wherein the slit is formed in the
side wall of the first portion in communication with the window for
removable insertion of the sheet therethrough so as to be viewable
through the window.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the window is formed in the
inner face of the first portion of the housing.
21. The device of claim 19, including a second window formed in the
inner face of the second portion of the housing, and a second slit
formed in the sidewall of the second portion in communication with
the second window for removable insertion of a sheet therein.
22. The device of claim 15, wherein the first and second portions
are pivotally opened and closed to one another in a selective
step-wise manner.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to retractable
badgeholders. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
retractable badgeholder having a housing with two pivotal portions,
and one or more windows capable of removably receiving a sheet,
such as a photograph.
[0002] A retractable badgeholder is a device having a case or
housing inside of which is a reel with a cord wrapped around it.
The reel is configured such that the free end of the cord can be
pulled, thereby rotating the reel. When the end of the cord is
released, the reel, which is biased by a spring, automatically
rewinds the cord. The housing typically has a clip on its backside
for securing it to a shirt pocket, pants waistband, belt, etc., of
the wearer. The free end is attached to an end piece or bob, which
in turn is typically attached to a badgeholding strap or other
object.
[0003] The purpose of the retractable badgeholder is to allow a
wearer to attach an object, typically keys or a badge, to his or
her clothing. With the advent of encoded magnetic strips or RFID
chips and the like, the badge can be "scanned" or "swiped" past a
stationary sensing device to identify someone and permit access as
a means for security. In other instances, the badge merely contains
printed identifying indicia of the company and/or wearer of the
badge as being authorized to have access. The retractable
badgeholder enables the wearer to have the keys, electronic ID
badge, or other such object, visible and readily accessible so as
to extend the object towards a lock, electronic sensing device,
etc., the object automatically retracted towards the wearer after
it has been used for its intended purpose.
[0004] A design or logo is often imprinted on a front side of the
housing of the retractable badgeholder device. These designs and
logos are intended to make what could otherwise be an unattractive
or detracting device into an interesting clothing accessory.
Further, the logos often identify the company for which an employee
wearing a badgeholder works, or a club or organization to which the
wearer belongs. Thus, the logos provide further identifying
information about the wearer, and in some circumstances, free
publicity for the company or organization. However, such logo or
design must either be permanently imprinted upon the upper face of
the typically plastic housing, or on a sheet or label which is
adhered thereto.
[0005] There is a continuing need for a retractable badgeholder
device which includes a slot for removably receiving a sheet having
a logo, design, indicia, or a photograph thereon. Furthermore,
there is a continuing need for such a retractable badgeholder
device which housing has two portions pivotally connected to one
another, for example to enable the creation of multiple windows
insertion of multiple sheets for identification purposes or the
pleasure of the wearer of the device. The present invention
fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention resides in a retractable badgeholder
device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing having a
side wall. A cord is retractably disposed within the housing, and
attached to an object at a free end thereof. A window is formed in
the housing, and a slit formed in the housing is in communication
with the window for insertion of a sheet therethrough so as to be
viewable through the window. Typically, the side wall of the
housing extends upwardly from a back face to a front face of the
housing, wherein the window is formed in the front face thereof.
The sheet includes identifying indicia, such as a photograph of an
individual or a logo of a company.
[0007] In another embodiment, the housing comprises first and
second portions which are pivotally attached to one another. The
first portion includes an outer face and an inner face connected by
a side wall. The second portion also includes an outer face and an
inner face connected by a side wall. The inner faces of the first
and second portions face one another when in the closed positions.
A window may be formed in the housing, with a slit in communication
with the window for insertion of a sheet or photograph therethrough
so as to be visible through the window. The window may be formed in
the first portion of the housing, with the slit formed in the side
wall of the first portion. A second window may be formed in the
interface of the second portion of the housing, with a slit formed
in the side wall of the second portion so as to be in communication
with the second window for removable insertion of a sheet or
photograph therein. Preferably, the first and second portions of
the housing can be pivotally opened and closed in a selective
step-wise manner so as to enable the partial opening or closing of
the housing portions to one another. The top of the entire unit may
be recessed to contain logo information of the company.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side perspective retractable badgeholder device
embodying the invention, and having a cord thereof extended from
the housing;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating
the insertion of a sheet through a slit and into a window thereof,
in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the retractable
badgeholder, with indicia on the sheet viewable through the window
of the device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another retractable
badgeholder embodying the present invention in a closed state;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view taken generally along line
5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end elevational view taken generally along line
6-6 of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
7-7 of FIG. 4, and diagrammatically illustrating a top portion
thereof moved into an open position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area "8" of FIG. 7,
illustrating the selective step-wise opening and closing of the top
portion;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area "9" of
FIG. 8, illustrating a catch extending downwardly from the top
portion of the housing and into spaces between circumferential
ridges of a hinge portion of the bottom portion of the housing, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area "10" of
FIG. 8, illustrating the catch of the top portion of the housing
moved into another space between ridges of the hinge portion of the
bottom housing, such that the top portion is moved in a step-wise
manner, in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the retractable
badgeholder of FIG. 4, in an open state;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 11,
illustrating the insertion of sheets through slits and into windows
of the device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view illustrating indicia on
these sheets viewable through the windows of the retractable
badgeholder device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another retractable
badgeholder embodying the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the retractable
badgeholder of FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the retractable
badgeholder of FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the retractable badgeholder
device of FIG. 14, in an open state, with cord extended, and
photographic sheets or identification information being inserted
into windows thereof; and
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 17
illustrating the photograph viewable through the windows of the
retractable badgeholder device, in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of
illustration, the present invention is concerned with an improved
retractable badgeholder device, generally referred to by the
reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-3, by the reference number 12 in
FIGS. 4-13, and by the reference number 14 in FIGS. 14-18. As will
be more fully described herein, the present invention provides a
retractable badgeholder incorporating at least one window for
removable insertion of a sheet having indicia, such as a
photograph. The retractable badgeholder of the present invention
can also be formed in a housing having two pivotally connected
housing portions, each housing portion may include one or more
windows for receipt of photographs or other sheets.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the retractable badgeholder
device 10 includes a case or housing 16 having a side wall 18
extending between a front or top surface 10 and a back or bottom
surface 22. A length of cord 24 is wound within the housing 16 on a
retractable reel (not shown) which is configured so as to permit
the extension of the cord 24 with the appropriate pulling force,
and which is biased, such as by a coil spring or the like, to
automatically retract the cord 24 into the housing 16 once the
force is removed. Such retraction mechanisms are well known in the
art. The cord 24 is preferably of a sufficient length so as to
enable the wearer of the badgeholder 10 to extend the cord 24 away
from the wearer such that an identification badge or the like can
be viewed by another or swiped by an electronic reader, provide
sufficient length for a key to open a door, etc.
[0030] At the free end of the cord 24 is attached a bob 26, which
is larger than the entry port 28 of the housing 16. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, projections 30 extend outwardly
from the housing 16 adjacent to the entry/exit port 28 which engage
internal surfaces of the bob 26, such that the bob 26 does not
rotate or twist when in its closed position against the housing 16.
This is desirable so that the badge or other object attached to the
bob 26 does not twist and a corner thereof gouge or poke into the
wearer, indicia on a face of the badge remains viewable at all
times, etc.
[0031] Although a number of objects can be attached to the bob 26,
usually badges or electronic swipe cards are attached to the bob
26. In such use, a metal or plastic fastener 32 interconects the
bob 26 and a plastic clip or strap 34, which includes snap closures
36, for removable attachment to a slit formed in an identification
badge or electronic access card (not shown), as is well known in
the art. Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the bob 26 can be attached to a key ring or any other
object which is desirably extended and retracted using the
retractable badgeholder device 10.
[0032] As is known in the art, such retractable badgeholder devices
10 are removably attached to a wearer's belt, pants, pocket, etc.,
using any appropriate attachment means, typically a plastic or
metal clip fastened to the back surface 22 of the housing 16, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 14. Thus, the front face 20 of the housing 16
is typically facing outwardly and in view of others. In accordance
with the present invention, a cut-out or window 38 is formed in the
front side 20 of the housing 16 for removable insertion of a sheet
40, typically having indicia 42 such as a company name, logo, or
photograph, such as the photograph of the owner of the badge 10. To
facilitate removable insertion of the sheet 40 into the cut out 38,
an elongated slit 44 is formed in the side wall 18 of the housing
16 in communication with the cut-out void area 38, such that a
sheet 40 can be inserted into or removed from the window 38, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. This enables the indicia 42 on the sheet 40
to be viewable through the window 38, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0033] The benefits of such a window 38 in the retractable
badgeholder housing 16 will be evident to those skilled in the art.
Currently, companies that want to have their company name, logo, or
other indicia on the front surface 20 of the housing 16 of the
badgeholder 10 must special order such badgeholders 10 such that
this information is imprinted onto the plastic surface 20 of the
housing 16. Alternatively, such design, logo, etc., is imprinted
onto a label or epoxy dome or pad printed which is then adhered
onto the top surface 20 of the housing 16, which may be slightly
recessed. Of course, this can be expensive, particularly when the
company is ordering relatively few badgeholders 10. Moreover, the
adhered sheet of paper 10 can become torn or eventually dislodged
from the surface 20 of the housing 16. Using the present invention,
the sheet 40 can be easily replaced in the event it is damaged, or
a different logo, company name, etc., is to be used in association
with the badgeholder 10. Moreover, the badgeholder 10 of the
present invention need not be specially ordered in association with
the printing job. Furthermore, the use of the window 38 of the
present invention enables the insertion of a sheet having a
photograph depicted thereon, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Such
photograph can be of the individual wearing the badgeholder 10, as
an additional layer of security. Alternatively, the photograph can
be of a loved one, pet, etc..
[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 4-10, another badgeholder 12
embodying the present invention is shown. In this badgeholder 12,
the housing 16 includes two portions 46 and 48 which are pivotally
connected to one another by means of hinge 50. The first and second
(or top and bottom) portions 46 and 48 can be selectively opened
and closed with respect to one another, as shown in FIGS. 7 and
11.
[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the hinge 50 includes
first hinge portion 52 formed integrally with the first or top
portion 46 of the housing 16, and second hinge portion 54 formed
integrally with the bottom or second portion 48 of the housing 16.
A pin 56 extends through aligned apertures of the first and second
portions 52 and 54 so as to hold the portions 52 and 54 with
respect to one another, and allow pivoting and rotation of the
portions 46 and 48 of the housing. A housing 16 with two pivotal
portions provides advantages to the badgeholder device 12. For
example, the badgeholder device can become a novelty item, such as
in the form of a laptop computer or the like. Moreover, additional
surfaces are presented for imprinting or attaching sheets with
logos or other indicia. As will be more fully described herein with
respect to FIGS. 11-13, the two hinged portions 46 and 48 also
enable the creation of multiple windows for insertion of sheets of
material having different indicia thereon.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 6-10, in a particularly
preferred embodiment, the top and bottom portions 46 and 48 can be
selectively opened and closed in a step-wise manner. This can be
accomplished by a catch 58 extending downwardly from the first
hinged portion 52 into engagement with spaces or valleys 60
disposed between ridges 62 formed on the periphery or
circumferential edge of the second hinge member 54. As is shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, the catch 58 is capable of flexing over ridges 62,
and coming at rest within spaces 60 between the ridges 62, so as to
retain the position of the top portion 46 at that step position.
Thus, the top portion 46 of the housing can be partially or fully
opened, and remain in that selected position, per the needs and
desires of the wearer of the badgeholder device 12.
[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 11-13, in a particularly
preferred embodiment, multiple windows 64 and 66 are formed in the
housing 16, typically one in each of the top and bottom portions 46
and 48. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however,
that a single window 64 could be formed in either the top or bottom
portion 46 and 48, windows 64 and 66 could be formed on opposite
faces of the top portion 46, or at opposing inner surfaces of the
top and bottom portions 46 and 48, as illustrated. Typically, the
bottom surface of the bottom portion 48 has a clip 68 fastened
thereto for removable attachment to the wearer's clothing, so a
window is not formed on that surface.
[0038] Similar to that described above, slits 70 and 72 are formed
in the side wall of the housing, typically in the side wall of each
of the upper and lower portions 46 and 48, so as to be in
communication with the window cavities 64 and 66 to facilitate the
removable insertion of the sheet 74 and 76, as shown in FIG. 12. In
accordance with the present invention, this sheet may comprise card
stock material, paper, photograph paper, plastic, metal, or
whatever other material which is insertable through the slits 70
and 72 and into the window cavities 64 and 66, and which includes
indicia thereon, in the form of names, logos, artistic renderings,
holograms, photographs, etc. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
4-13, the indicia 78 and 80 on the sheets 74 and 76 can be
different. For example, one of the sheets 74 and 76 could include
indicia relating to the company name, logo, etc. The other sheet 74
and 76 could have a photograph of the person, which would improve
security for the company. Of course, these sheets 74 and 76 could
include any other form of indicia, such as personal photographs of
the badgeholder wearer, which could include their spouse, child,
pet, etc.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 14-18, it should be understood
that the configuration of the housing 16 can be round, square, or
any other configuration, and still incorporate the teachings of the
present invention. In the illustrated embodiment 14 in FIGS. 14-18,
although the housing 16 is circular, it also includes windows 64
and 66 on opposite faces of the upper and lower portions 46 and 48
of the badgeholder 14, as described above. These windows 64 and 66
are shown as having a square configuration, as typically sheets,
such as photographs, are cut into small squares or thumbnail
images. It should be understood that this is for convenience sake,
and the windows 64 and 66 can be round, or have other
configurations. For that matter, the sheets 74 and 76 can also be
cut into a round shape, or other any configuration as deemed
appropriate. Moreover, it will be appreciated, as described above,
that the windows 64 and 66 can comprise a single window, can be
formed on opposite surfaces of the upper portion 46 (such the that
badgeholder 14 includes either two or three windows), etc. The
important aspects of the present invention are that the window or
cavity is formed in the housing so as to removably received a sheet
having indicia thereon. Another aspect of the present invention is
the two pivoting portions of the housing, as described above.
[0040] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to
each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *