U.S. patent application number 12/058602 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for identification holder.
Invention is credited to John Shattuck.
Application Number | 20090014105 12/058602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39789065 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090014105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shattuck; John |
January 15, 2009 |
IDENTIFICATION HOLDER
Abstract
A non-rigid identification card holder which can be securely
attached via magnetic fasteners within the flaps of the holder to
the clothing, lanyard, arm or leg band, to a bag or purse handle,
or to an animal's collar or harness, is provided. The card holder
comprises at least one pocket sized to hold an identification card.
At least one face of the pocket comprises a transparent material to
allow easy viewing of the card, and information contained on
electronic chips as part of the card can be scanned through the
transparent material. The outer face of each pocket can comprise a
transparent window. The card holder may also provide additional
pockets sized to hold business cards, credit cards, photographs,
security cards, etc.
Inventors: |
Shattuck; John; (Erie,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENLEE WINNER AND SULLIVAN P C
4875 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SUITE 200
BOULDER
CO
80301
US
|
Family ID: |
39789065 |
Appl. No.: |
12/058602 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60908656 |
Mar 28, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/147 ;
224/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F
5/021 20130101; A45C 2200/10 20130101; A45C 1/06 20130101; A45F
2200/055 20130101; A45C 11/182 20130101; A45C 2001/065 20130101;
A45F 2005/023 20130101; A45C 13/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/147 ;
224/183 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; A45C 11/18 20060101 A45C011/18 |
Claims
1. An identification card holder comprising at least a first and
second flap (1) and (2) located on opposite sides of a central
fold, at least one of the flaps comprising a pocket sized to hold
at least one identification card, wherein first and second magnetic
fasteners (13) are located at the ends of the flaps distal to the
fold, one fastener being located in each flap and the fasteners
being positioned to engage each other.
2. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the first and
second magnetic fasteners (13) are magnets.
3. The identification holder of claim 2, wherein the first and
second magnetic fasteners (13) are neodymium magnets.
4. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the first
magnetic fastener is a magnet (13) and the second magnetic fastener
13) is a magnetizable material.
5. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the first
magnetic fastener (13) is a neodymium magnet and the second
magnetic fastener (13) is a magnetizable material.
6. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the flap
comprising the pocket further further comprises a transparent
window (14), whereby at least one identification card can be viewed
or scanned through the transparent window.
7. The identification card holder of claim 6, wherein said
transparent window (14) is formed of transparent polymeric material
shaped to form an opening through which a finger may be inserted to
aid in removing an identification card from the pocket.
8. The identification card holder of claim 6, wherein both flaps
comprise pockets sized to hold an identification card and the
exterior faces of each of two flaps (1) and (2) comprise
transparent windows (14), whereby identification cards can be
viewed or scanned through the transparent windows.
9. The identification card holder of claim 8, wherein the outward
face of transparent material on at least one of the flaps
additionally surrounds a reinforced opening through which a finger
may be inserted to aid in removing the identification cards from
the pocket.
10. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the
identification card holder comprises at least one additional
pocket.
11. The identification holder of claim 10, wherein the at least one
pocket (22) is located on the flap face opposite to that of the
transparent material.
12. An identification card holder comprising at least two flaps (1)
and (2), at least one flap comprising a pocket sized to hold at
least one identification card, the pocket comprising a transparent
window (14) formed of a transparent polymeric material and a second
material which is a woven material or leather; and magnetic
fasteners (13) secured within the material forming said flaps and
positioned to engage each other for reversibly, slidably attaching
the identification holder to a breakaway lanyard or band.
13. The identification card holder of claim 12, wherein the
magnetic fasteners (13) are magnets.
14. The identification card holder of claim 13 wherein the magnetic
fasteners (13) are neodymium magnets.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the transparent window (14) is
formed to surround a reinforced hole through which a finger may be
inserted to aid in removing the identification card from the
pocket.
15. The identification card holder system of claim 12, wherein the
identification card holder comprises two back-to-back pockets
adapted to hold identification cards.
16. The identification card holder system of claim 12, wherein the
outward face of each of the back-to-back pockets comprises the
first transparent material, whereby the identification card can be
viewed or through the transparent material.
17. An identification card holder system comprising at least a
first and second flap (1) and (2) located on opposite sides of a
central fold, at least one of the flaps comprising a pocket sized
to hold at least one identification card, and a spring adapted to
hold the first and second flaps in close proximity when the holder
is in the closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/908,656, filed Mar. 28, 2007, which is
incorporated to the extent there is no inconsistency with the
present disclosure.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FEDERAL RESEARCH SUPPORT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The field of the present invention is the area of non-rigid
identification card holders, in particular, one closed and/or
secured to the wearer using magnetic fasteners or via a spring
clip.
[0004] Commercially available protective identification card
holders or badge holders include both holders which are used
primarily for display of the identification card and holders which
are used primarily for storage of the identification card, such as
wallet-style holders. A non-rigid display-type identification card
or badge holder is typically made wholly of flexible plastic and
has a single pocket which substantially encloses the card, but
allows removal of the card at one edge of the pocket. The card
holder often is provided with a slot and/or holes spaced away from
the pocket for connection to a neck lanyard, clip, pin, or other
attachment device. An attachment device such as a clip may also be
attached directly to the holder. Such plastic holders are subject
to tearing at the edges of the pocket and at the point(s) of
connection to the display device. A single pocket holder also does
not allow separated storage of either multiple identification cards
or of an identification card with another card such as a credit
card. Separated storage for multiple cards allows the cards to be
more easily organized and accessed.
[0005] The present invention provides an attractive, durable,
non-rigid identification card holder which can be securely fastened
to a wearer's pocket or connected to a breakaway lanyard or a band
using magnetic fasteners. The identification card holder may
optionally also provide separated storage for more than one
identification card or for one or more identification cards and
other cards such as business or phone cards or for photographs
and/or cash. Separated storage of multiple cards allows more
convenient organization of and access to the cards. Because of the
magnetic fasteners within the card holder of the present invention,
it is best not to store cards containing magnetic information in
this card holder. Such an identification card holder is especially
useful for airline personnel such as pilots, who are typically
required to carry at least one identification card as well as a
flight plan, as well as mechanics and rampers, and others
including, but not limited to, security personnel, workers within
secure areas, government employees, law enforcement, medical or
military personnel, civilian employees working in military or other
secure facilities, persons working or studying in secured
facilities, employees of private enterprises where security and/or
access is a concern, childcare workers, and students, teachers and
personnel in schools, laboratories and colleges where
identification and/or access cards are used, especially readable
cards. The loss of identification materials is costly, but also
dangerous in the sense of national and local security as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides non-rigid identification card
holders, especially holders which can be attached to the clothing
of the wearer. In an embodiment, the identification card holder
includes two flaps and a clamping system capable of clamping
clothing, fabric or other items between the flaps of the holder. At
least one of the flaps contains a pocket for holding an
identification card. In an embodiment, one flap of the holder may
be placed in a pocket and the other outside the pocket, with the
clamping device holding the holder securely to the pocket. The
holder can be secured to a shirt or jacket pocket, sleeve, pants or
skirt pocket, waistband, belt, epaulette, edge of shirt, coat or
jacket or onto material of clothing, smock or apron, lanyard or
other around-the-neck strap or chain, purse, bag, briefcase or
other bag strap, and in any other configuration that serves to
secure the identification holder to the wearer. When not attached
to the person, it can be secured to a visor, bag, purse, backpack,
or briefcase strap or loop of same.
[0007] The identification holders of the invention are capable of
being attached to the user in an additional fashion as compared to
similar identification holders whose flap ends are held together by
fasteners such as snaps or Velcro. In particular, the clamping
system of the invention allows the identification holder to be
secured to the wearer by clamping clothing or other items between
the flaps of the holder. In addition, it can encompass a belt or
other item, with the ends of the flaps being in contact with one
another. The clamping system is capable of supplying sufficient
holding force even when the ends of the flaps are not in contact,
but only in close proximity.
[0008] In an embodiment, the clamping system comprises a pair of
magnetic fasteners being adapted to engage each other. The
fasteners are positioned and of sufficient strength so that they
are capable of engaging each other with sufficient holding force
when brought into close proximity. In an embodiment, the centers of
the fasteners align when the holder is in a closed or nearly closed
position. In an embodiment, the two magnetic fasteners may be the
same size (within the tolerance of the manufacturing processes)
While the identification card holder is preferably closed and/or
attached to the wearer by two neodymium magnets which are brought
into close proximity when the holder is in the closed (folded)
position, it is also possible to achieve secure fastening using one
neodymium magnet and one magnetizable metal unit or two
conventional magnets, or one conventional magnet and one
magnetizable metal unit; however the use of conventional metal
(ferric) magnets may set off metal detector alarms and thus would
be less advantageous than the neodymium magnet pair exemplified in
a preferred embodiment of the invention. Alternative magnetic
materials include samarium cobalt, and cast or sintered alnico
material, either for one or both of the magnetic fasteners used to
secure the identification card holder.
[0009] The holder may be secured to the pocket or other aspect of
the clothing via magnetic fasteners, especially one or more
neodymium magnets. The holder could also be secured to an armband,
legband, waistband, epaulette, belt or lanyard via its magnetic
fasteners. Similarly, the holder could be secured to the collar or
harness of a dog, cat, horse, cow, llama or other animal.
[0010] In another embodiment, the clamping system comprises a
spring mechanism located within the identification holder. In an
embodiment, the spring mechanism normally keeps the holder closed.
However, the spring mechanism is adapted to allow the holder to be
opened as desired for attachment or removal of the holder from the
wearer. The spring mechanism may comprise one or more springs
incorporated within the structure of the identification holder. In
an embodiment, the spring provides a strength of closure/fastening
comparable to the neodymium magnetic fasteners specifically
exemplified herein.
[0011] A holder with a central fold can be formed on its exterior
surface of a single piece of material or the two flap portion can
be sewn together (and preferably bound) at the region of the fold.
In another embodiment, the holder is made as a trifold unit, where
it is preferred that only two magnetic fasteners contained within
flaps, one of which is positioned inside and one outside the
clothing, for example.
[0012] The present invention provides a system for holding at least
one identification card or document, smart card, access card or
insurance card or the like. The identification card could be a
photographic identification or a credential card, including a
passport of an appropriate size which is not dependent on magnetic
strips. It is desirable that licenses or other identification
cards, ATM and credit cards not be used in a holder with magnetic
fasteners if those cards comprise magnetic strips. However, the
magnetic fasteners are designed to be used with proximity cards or
smart cards or chips.
[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic fasteners,
advantageously neodymium magnets, are shielded from the
identification holder and the contents thereof by a thin plastic
sheet of material, for example, a polyvinylchloride sheet of from
about 0.5 to about 10 mil, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10
mil.
[0014] The identification card holder comprises at least one pocket
sized to hold the identification card or other readable card. In a
preferred embodiment, at least one face of the pocket comprises a
window formed by a layer of transparent polymeric material to allow
easy viewing or reading of the card. In a particular embodiment,
the pocket is accessible from either the outside or the inside of
the flap via one or more slits or slots on the interior and/or
exterior of the outside flap. If the card is a smart card
containing electronically coded information, e.g. on an electronic
chip, the card can also be scanned or read through the transparent
material by a smart card reader. Optionally, a hole (desirably
reinforced), for example a thumb slide, may be provided in one
pocket face through which a finger may be inserted to aid in
removing the identification or other card from the pocket. In
another embodiment, the card holder has two back-to-back pockets
with the outer face of each pocket comprising a window of
transparent polymeric material. An exemplary transparent material
is polyvinylchloride, from about 3 to about 15 mil in thickness,
for example, about 10 mil or any thickness between a bout 3 and
about 15. There can be a common inner face between those pockets.
These two pockets provide separated storage for two identification
or other cards. The identification card holder may also provide
additional pockets sized to hold additional cards compatible with
magnetic fasteners and of an appropriate size, photographs, cash,
etc, formed by attaching at least one layer of durable material to
the inner face of the flap. In a specifically exemplified
embodiment, the card is inserted into the pocket through a slot on
the interior face of a flap of the card holder. An alternative
embodiment entails a pocket for holding pens, pencils, small tool
or flashlight, and the like.
[0015] For improved durability, the identification card holder may
be made with a second material such as a woven material or leather
in addition to the first transparent polymeric material. It is
preferred that the magnetic fasteners are sewn within the heavy
fabric of the holder near the ends of the flaps distal to the
center fold. Optionally, a polymeric or other material can be
incorporated between the magnet(s) and the cards.
[0016] In some embodiments of the invention, there can be
sufficient material above or below the transparent window on the
exterior flap to allow for decoration or additional information,
for example identifying the company or institution of the bearer or
providing the relevant logo.
[0017] The transparent window is desirably made of a durable
material which allows for reading of a bar code or a smart card or
chips, as with proximity readers, and optionally there can be a
hole through which a finger can be inserted to facilitate removing
the card from the holder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of
identification card holder system of the invention. The holder is
shown standing partly open. The front (1) and back (2) flaps are
joined at fold line (18); both front and back flaps contain pockets
for identification cards. The exterior surface of the front flap
has a transparent window (14). FIG. 1 also shows a partial view of
the interior of the back flap, showing additional pockets (22)
formed of material to hold additional cards, cash or the like.
Exemplary positions of magnetic fasteners (13) are shown with
dotted lines.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a diagram of the interior surface of a back flap
(2), showing the opening (slot (21)) for inserting an
identification card into the pocket, and two pockets (22), secured
to the material forming the interior of the flap.
[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates the exterior surface of a back flap (2),
showing transparent window (14).
[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates the interior face of a front flap (1) of
the identification card holder showing slot (21).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention provides a holder for at least one
identification, photographic identification, insurance, medical
emergency, access, credential or other card. As used herein, the
term "identification card" encompasses cards, tags, or badges that
carry identifying information or that contain information encoded
within an electronic chip, in which case it may also be called a
smart card or proximity card. Information encoded on a smart card
is typically scanned or read with a smart card reader.
[0023] The present invention provides an identification card holder
that can be securely attached to a wearer's clothing, for example,
to a pocket, waistband, collar and the like. As specifically
exemplified the holder folds in the center to form two flaps. One
flap may be placed within a pocket, especially a pocket on the
chest of the wearer. The other flap is folded over the pocket,
epaulette, waistband or other part of the wearer's clothing or
accessories, and magnetic fasteners near the end of each flap
distal to the center fold engage to secure the holder to the pocket
or the like. The flaps may alternatively be fastened to the strap
of a purse, briefcase, backpack or other bag. In addition, the
holder can be secured to the collar, bridle, lead, leash or harness
of an animal so as to provide for carrying and/or displaying a card
which provides owner information, breeding information or
veterinary or other information.
[0024] Identification holders whose fold line is not a center line
are also within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the
position of the magnetic fasteners is adjusted to allow proper
engagement of the fasteners.
[0025] Where there is a transparent window, it is preferred that it
face away from the wearer during normal use so that the
identification or certification information is readily viewed.
Alternatively, the flaps of the holder can span a breakaway
lanyard, chain, ball chain or other around-the neck material for
holding the identification card about the neck or to a band for
securing the holder about an arm or leg of the wearer, for example.
FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C illustrate specifically exemplified
identification card holder systems of the invention.
Advantageously, the identification or other card is inserted via a
slot on the interior of the flap.
[0026] In general, the card holder comprises at least one pocket
sized to hold an identification card or other card. It is preferred
that at least one face of the pocket comprises a transparent
polymeric material to allow easy viewing of the card. Optionally,
the transparent material can have an opening, for example, a thumb
slide opening, to facilitate removal of the card from the holder.
Any information contained on electronic chips which may be part of
the card(s) can also be scanned through the transparent material.
The pocket face may be formed wholly of transparent material or may
have only a window of transparent material. In a preferred
embodiment, there is a slot on the interior face of each flap for
inserting the card(s) or other materials. The card holder shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C has front and back flaps which are formed by
folding the holder and fasten together via magnetic fasteners sewn
within the flaps. One or both flaps of the card holder may have two
back-to-back pockets which share a common inner face.
[0027] The card holder preferably comprises a first material which
is transparent polymer sheet and a second material which is a woven
material or leather. For improved durability of the holder, it is
preferred that the second material be more durable than the first.
In an embodiment, the second material is 500 denier nylon. The
transparent polymeric material is preferably used only in making
the pockets. The durability of a pocket can be improved by using a
woven material or leather in at least one face of the pocket and/or
as binding for the edge of the pocket. Optionally, the materials
can be treated to resist or repel moisture, or durable rubber or
plastic could be substituted for the woven material or leather.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an identification card
holder of the invention. The holder has two flaps (1), (2), with
one flap on each side of a central fold (18). The first or front
(exterior, relative to the pocket of the wearer) flap (1) has two
faces, an exterior or outer face and an interior face. The inner
and outer face of at least one of the flaps are joined, thereby
forming at least one pocket for holding an identification card. As
shown, the outer edges of the holder are encased in an optional
binding (16). Also shown is (optional) stitching line (12) placed
near the top of the flap to define the fold (18). The description
in the Figures of a particular flap as a front or back flap is
based on how the holder is expected to be typically used . In use,
the holder could be reversed so that the back flap faces outward if
the wearer so desires. The description of a flap face as being
interior or exterior is based on the folded position of the
identification card holder; when the holder is folded the interior
faces are folded inside the holder.
[0029] An opening (or slot) in one face of the flap allows access
to the pocket so that a card or other item can be inserted. As
specifically exemplified in FIG. 1, the slot allowing access to the
pocket is not on the outer face of the flap (the pocket does not
open to the exterior face of the front flap). Instead, the
identification card is inserted or removed from the pocket through
a slot located on the interior face of the front flap. FIG. 2C
illustrates a slot (21) formed in the interior of the front
flap.
[0030] Preferably, the outer face comprises a durable transparent
polymeric material advantageously forming a window in the exterior.
This transparent material forms a "window" (14) through which an
identification card may be viewed or scanned. It is of a size
appropriate for viewing an identification or credential care and/or
for scanning a smart card. In FIG. 1 the upper edge of the
transparent window (14) is shown as being finished with optional
binding (17). Optionally, the outer transparent window can include
a reinforced hole through which a finger may be inserted to
facilitate removing or positioning the identification card (not
shown in FIG. 1). This reinforced hole may also be termed a thumb
slide. The hole may be reinforced by deforming the material
immediately surrounding the hole during manufacture of the pocket
face.
[0031] The inner face of front flap (1) may be of any durable,
flexible material which does not stretch such as a woven material
or leather. The inner and outer faces of front flap may be joined
by sewing or by other means as known to the art.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2C, the front
flap contains a single pocket formed by the inner and outer faces
of the flap and this pocket does not open to the exterior face of
the front flap. In another embodiment, a flap may have two
back-to-back pockets with the outer faces of the pockets being
formed by the inner and outer faces of the flap and the pockets
having a common inner face. For added security, both pockets may be
accessed from the inner face of the flap.
[0033] In an embodiment a flap may include additional pockets
located on the inside of the flap. In an embodiment shown in FIG.
2A, the back flap of the card holder is designed to have least one
interior pocket (22) in addition to the pocket with an exterior
transparent "window". The exterior and interior pockets are
back-to-back. In FIG. 2A, two interior pockets (22) are shown. The
edges of the pockets or flaps may optionally be finished with
binding for a more attractive appearance and/or to reinforce the
pocket. For example, the edges of a pocket may be bound with fabric
tape prior to sewing. FIG. 2A shows binding (23) which finishes
pockets (22).
[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, the front flap
fastens to the back flap via the magnetic fasteners (13) secured
within the flap structure. The magnetic fasteners are located in
the ends of the flap distal to the fold. The fasteners are
positioned so that they can engage each other and hold the flaps
together or in close proximity. FIGS. 1, 2A and 2C illustrate
exemplary positions of magnetic fasteners (13) with dotted lines.
The magnetic fasteners are secured within the interior of each flap
end during construction.
[0035] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the inner face
of the pocket is constructed of a double layer of material, to
allow concealment of each magnetic fastener between the fabric
layers. The two layers are stitched or otherwise secured together
(for example, by heat bonding or gluing as appropriate for the
materials) so that the magnetic fastener does not shift positions.
FIGS. 1 and 2C illustrate use of stitching (15) to secure the
magnetic fasteners. Material to form pockets (22) can be attached
to this material, with the opening oriented toward the fold section
of the flap.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2C show the interior surfaces of flaps, the
back and front, respectively, of the card holder. In both, the
interior of the front flap has an interior slot (21) to allow a
card to be inserted or removed from its pocket. The back flap can
be adapted to form back-to-back pockets (22) which provide
separated storage of identification cards. Separated storage of
multiple cards allows the cards to be more easily organized or
accessed. However, in some circumstances a smart card reader may
not read the desired card correctly if smart cards are placed in
both of the back-to-back pockets. The interior pocket may be
constructed in a similar manner to the exterior pocket. The
interior of back flap has an upper pocket and a lower pocket (see
FIG. 2A), as exemplified, formed by offset pieces of material.
Cards or other materials stored in pockets are thus separated from
one another. The material pieces forming the pockets can be bound
with bindings. The upper and lower pockets may be sized to
accommodate smaller cards such as ATM, phone and credit cards,
although the magnetic nature of the fasteners might interfere with
the proper performance of cards with magnetically encoded
information.
[0037] FIG. 2B shows the exterior surface of the back flap. The
outer face of the flap comprises a durable transparent polymeric
material (14) which serves as a "window" through which the card is
read or viewed. The transparent window material may also contain a
reinforced hole. In FIG. 2B, the upper edge of the transparent
window (14) is optionally finished with binding (17).
[0038] FIG. 1 also shows the fold line (18) which separates the two
flaps. Pockets and faces of the flaps may be formed of single or
double layers of material. Where a double layer of material is
used, the magnetic fastener may be positioned between the layers
and held in place near the end of the flap distal to the central
fold, secured by stitching, glue or a heat bond in the case of
appropriate materials. Where there is only a single layer of
material forming a pocket, the magnetic fastener may be enclosed
within a layer of material smaller than the material which forms
the pocket for holding the identification card or other material of
interest. An additional stitching line (12) may be provided to
better define the fold line, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B.
[0039] The identification card holder may also be reversibly
connected to a band, where the two flaps encompass the band,
preferably such that the magnetic fasteners can engage without band
material between them. The band preferably comprises a stretchy
material such as elastic, and it can be sized to fit around the
upper arm. Alternatively, the flaps can encompass a collar of a pet
or other animal, with sizing appropriate to the size of the collar,
animal and card to be inserted. Address and contact information,
medical or veterinary information or breeding history could be
provided on a conventional card or a computer readable card, for
example.
[0040] In the present context, the magnetic fasteners can be
conventional or neodymium magnets, with sufficient strength to hold
the two flaps securely despite a wearer's pocket fabric, waistband,
or potentially an armband or other band, collar or harness, etc.
between them. As an alternative to the use of a pair of magnets,
there can be a substitution of a magnet paired with a magnetizable
material serving as magnetic fasteners. As noted above, it is
desired to secure the fasteners between two layers of material
forming a face of the flap.
[0041] Advantageously, the magnetic fasteners are a pair of
neodymium magnets or one neodymium magnetic and a magnetizable
metal object of a size compatible with the neodymium magnet. As
used herein, the term neodymium magnet refers to a magnet made of
an alloy containing neodymium and other elements; such alloys are
known to the art. Other magnetic fasteners can be used in place of
the neodymium magnets specifically exemplified, provided they
provide sufficient force to securely faster the identification
holder to the wearer, bag, etc. In an embodiment, the neodymium
magnet grade is at least N40. It is noted that metal magnets (e.g.,
iron-based) are less preferred in the identification holders
described herein because of the potential to set off metal
detectors and/or destroy magnetic strips on cards. However, for
some users, this is not a problem.
[0042] In an embodiment, the fastening system includes two
neodymium magnets of equal size and magnetic strength (within
manufacturing tolerances). In a specific embodiment, each neodymium
magnet is circular with a diameter of about 17.7 mm, thickness of
about 2 mm, and weight of about 0.01 ounces, with a grade of N40,
nickel plated and axially magnetized (the flat faces of the discs
are north and south magnetic poles). Holding strengths equivalent
(or greater) to those provided by the specifically exemplified
neodymium magnets are desirable to insure secure attachment to the
wearer. However, other sizes and shapes for the magnets can be
chosen with appropriate consideration of aesthetics and function.
As is known in the art, the force between two permanent magnets
depends on the strength of the magnets, the dimensions of the
magnets (e.g. radius or width and height, area, and thickness) and
the separation between the magnets. Similarly, the force between a
permanent magnet and a soft magnetic material depends on the
strength of the magnet, the relevant dimensions, and the
separation. The strength of the magnet may be measured by the
remanance or residual induction Br. In different embodiments, the
residual induction of the magnet is greater than or equal to 9,000
Gauss, 10,000 Gauss, or 11,000 Gauss. In different embodiments, the
diameter, width, or height of the fastener is less than or equal to
25.4 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm. In an embodiment, the magnetic fasteners
are capable of supplying sufficient holding force at a separation
of about 0.5 to about 10 mm, and all distances there between, for
example, about 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm or 5 mm. The
magnetic fasteners desirably grip over 2 to about 10 layers of
fabric, and integers between.
[0043] While the identification holder of the present invention is
specifically exemplified with transparent windows at the exterior
faces of the flaps, it is understood that the holder can be
manufactured with one or more transparent pockets on one or more
interior faces and the smaller nontransparent pockets on one or
both exterior faces of the flaps.
[0044] The disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes and is
not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed herein.
Any variations in the exemplified articles which occur to the
skilled artisan are intended to fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0045] One skilled in the art readily appreciates that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the
ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent in the
present invention. The identification holder(s), components,
materials and dimensions described herein as currently
representative of preferred embodiments are provided as examples
and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.
Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed within the
spirit of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art, are
included within the scope of the claims.
[0046] Although the description herein contains certain specific
information and examples, these should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations
of some of the embodiments of the invention. Thus, additional
embodiments are within the scope of the invention and within the
following claims.
* * * * *