Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an ID badge includes a first portion. The apparatus includes a second portion which detachably connects with the first portion. The apparatus includes a first tile attached to the first portion having a clamp assembly that fixes to an object. The apparatus comprises a second tile attached to the second portion which holds the ID badge. A method for holding an ID badge. The method includes the steps of attaching a clamp assembly of a first tile of a first portion to an object. There is the step of detaching a second portion from the first portion. The second portion has a second tile attached to the second portion which holds the ID badge.

Abstract: A magnetic device used as a bookmark and a nametag. The device includes a strip of sheet material including first, second, third and fourth panels folded along first, second and third fold lines. First and second magnets, preferably of the rare earth type, are secured between selected folded panels forming clamping jaws that fasten the device to a page in a book or to clothing. Selected printed indicia information on the panels may display advertising, business card information, use instructions, and appointments so the device may serve as both a bookmark and a nametag.

Abstract: A button insert for a button has at least one base portion, at least one linking segment and at least one extension portion. In some embodiments, at least one of the extension portion(s) of the button insert is engaged to an extension portion of at least one other button insert. Thus, the button insert allows a plurality of buttons to be engaged to one another to form a necklace, bracelet, belt, earring, or an ornament for a tree, a backpack or a cellular phone.

Abstract: This invention relates to an item of clothing with an accessory such as a badge for attachment to clothing and suitable accessories for the purpose. The badge provides a plastic main body portion having a printable surface on at least one side. An attachment portion is provided having a recess in which the main body portion can fit snugly together with a panel of a garment. The garment is trapped between the main body portion and the attachment portion when they are fitted from opposed sides of the garment panel. The fit between the main body portion and the attachment portion, once the garment panel is trapped there between, is sufficiently tight to hold the portions together in engagement. Alternatively magnetic portions may be used to ensure sufficient hold on the garment is maintained.

Abstract: Kits, methods, and accessories for decoratively reconfiguring and protecting a retractable device. One embodiment of a kit includes a retractable device having a case that houses a retractable cord, a cap capable of being press-fitted onto the case of the retractable device, and a decorative piece capable of being attached to the cap. One embodiment of a method includes positioning a fitted cover, having a first decorative piece attached to an outer surface thereof, directly above a housing of a retractable device, aligning a notch within a side surface of the fitted cover with a port in a side surface of the housing of the retractable device, and press-fitting the cover onto the housing of the retractable device. One embodiment of an accessory includes a fitted cover having a decorative piece, and capable of being press-fitted onto a housing of a user-wearable device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a badge structure of a portable item, and the badge structure includes a portable item, and at least one badge unit connected to at least one predetermined position of the portable item. The badge unit includes a first carrier fixed to the portable item, a second carrier fixed to a carrying surface of the first carrier, and a badge pattern printed on a transfer paper and transferred onto at least one surface of the second carrier by thermal transfer and thermal printing technologies.

Abstract: A promotional apparatus for use in holding badges and other forms of identification includes a first housing, a second housing, an extendable and retractable cord that tethers the first and second housings together, and a badge holder secured to the second housing. The cord is normally retracted within one of the first and second housings such that the first and second housings are in adjacent relationship with each other when the cord is normally retracted. The badge holder and second housing can be retractably extended away from the first housing by a user. When extended away from the first housing, the second housing is free to rotate about an axis. The first housing includes an attachment device that releasably secures the first housing to a user's clothing and allows a user to extend the badge holder away from the first housing without dislodging the first housing from the user's clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying ribbons and badges on a garment wherein predetermined arrangements of awards can be quickly and reliably established using designated openings in a template. Using break-away portions, the template can be sized as needed and pin holes are preferably used to mount ribbons having a marking implement such as a pin to secure the ribbon to a uniform. A separate badge positioning section includes horizontal slots preferably slightly offset vertically with a portion of said horizontal slots co-linear.

Abstract: A combination ID/tag holder is disclosed. The holder comprises (i) a holder body, (ii) a first pouch for holding a traditional ID card, (iii) a second pouch for holding a tag container, (iv) a tag container, for placement in the second pouch, and (v) a tag, such as a RFID tag, for placement in the tag container. The present invention can be used in conjunction with an automated attendance monitoring system to monitor attendance of students or other individuals whose whereabouts need to be tracked.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying ribbons and badges on a garment wherein predetermined arrangements of awards can be quickly and reliably established using designated openings in a template. Using break-away portions, the template can be sized as needed and pin holes are preferably used to mount ribbons having a marking implement such as a pin to secure the ribbon to a uniform. A separate badge positioning section includes horizontal slots preferably slightly offset vertically with a portion of said horizontal slots co-linear.

Abstract: A holder is provided comprising a first flap, a second flap, and a hinge all integrally formed from a thermoplastic material. The first flap and the second flap are connected by the hinge. The first flap includes a raised portion including at least one side wall, and a first face. The second flap includes a recessed portion including at least one side wall, and a second face. The raised portion is adapted to engage the recessed portion such that the first flap and the second flap are connected in a friction fit between the at least one side wall of the raised portion and the at least one side wall of the recessed portion.

Abstract: A device for the placement of the badge on a uniform includes a mounting sheet, a badge section corresponding to a shape of the badge and through mounting sheet, a first attachment apparatus for attaching the mounting sheet to the uniform.

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.

Abstract: An identification card holder, on the front side of which a replaceable identification card can be placed. A spring-loaded yo-yo is fastened and positioned on the reverse side of the holder, such that the yo-yo remains partially or completely invisible as the card, along with its holder, is viewed from the front side. As the yo-yo is integrated with the holder, the result will be a small-sized, readily portable, and easy-to-handle assembly, which can be distanced from a bearer to the proximity of a code reader for an electric lock without releasing the suspension.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A military ribbon method and apparatus includes a transparent panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A strap has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the bottom edge of the panel. A fastener is adapted for attaching the second end to the front side of the panel. The back side of the panel is placed in abutment with a front surface of a plurality of military ribbons so that the military ribbons are covered by and viewable through the panel. The strap is extended around a rear surface of the military ribbons and the second end of the strap is releasably attached to the front side of the panel so that the panel is secured to the military ribbons.

Abstract: A military flat ribbon assembly includes a plurality of discrete military ribbons each including a base panel having a rear surface with one or more pegs extending therefrom. The assembly also includes a blank sheet having a rear surface and front surface with a plurality of apertures positioned thereon. The apertures are dimensioned and positioned so as to receive the pegs on the ribbon base panel. As military ribbons are earned, a user can attach them to a blank and cut any excess portion thereof. Pins on the rear surface of the blank allow it to be quickly and easily fastened to a military uniform. As additional ribbons are earned, the existing ribbons along with the new ribbons are attached to a new blank which is cut and attached to the uniform as described above. The pegs and blank sheet can be magnetized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a badge where it is possible to select the attachment position of attachment means such as a detachable pin while confirming orientation of a representation attached to a badge body, and a badge manufacturing device that is lightweight and robust, and that can be operated even at an unstable location and in a small space. A badge 200 comprises a badge body 200a having a front cover 201, a sheet body 213 mounted on a front surface plate 202 of the front cover 201, and a rear cover 205 for engaging with the front cover 201 to sandwich a peripheral edge of the sheet body 213 between the rear cover peripheral edge 209 and the front cover peripheral edge 203, and mounting means 229, 237 for linking to the badge body 200a by selecting a direction to cross the rear surface plate 206 of the badge body 200a (X direction, Y direction or Z direction).

Abstract: A medal mounting device is comprised of a ribbon with a first end folded into a narrower strip with parallel sides. A second end of the ribbon is attached to a metal clip with foldable tabs. The first end of the ribbon is inserted through a loop attached to a medal and folded behind an intermediate portion of the ribbon. The ribbon is positioned against a medal support bar on a uniform so that the bottom of the medal is aligned with the bottoms of adjacent medals. The second end of the ribbon is folded behind the support bar, and the clip is positioned against the strip at the first end. The tabs are folded around the opposite edges of the strip and pressed against the back of the strip to secure the first end relative to the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article for association with a motor vehicle. The article may include a base, and a plurality of inserts received in the base. Each insert has at least two characteristics. The at least two characteristics of each insert causes the plurality of inserts to form a substantially unique article profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically retracting cardholder or accessory holder which, when worn, retains and automatically reestablishes the desired orientation of the card or accessory to user. A longitudinally flexible tape is used, with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry having a long and short axis and lateral stiffness. The tape passes through an orifice in the housing that geometrically corresponds to the shape of the tape, thereby obviating the tape from passively rotating about its long axis, or, due to the inherent memory of the long axis rotation of the tape, automatically reestablishing the desired orientation of the tape rotation if the tape is twisted by the user. The means for attaching the card or other accessory to the tape is such that the orientation of the accessory to the tape is fixed. Thus, the orientation of the card or accessory to the housing, and consequently the user wearing the housing, is fixed thereby.

Abstract: A badge, such as a campaign button, has a front side which serves as an outwardly visible display surface, and a rear side which serves as an attachment surface of a holder means, such as a safety pin, an adhesive tape or a magnet. The front side is made of a transparent first plastic sheet and the rear side is made of a second plastic sheet. A picture which is visible through the transparent first plastic sheet, is positioned between the plastic sheets, which are joined together by means of a special laminating and forming method and a special punch and formed so that the peripheral area of the front side is bent back towards the rear side.

Abstract: A memento and a process for manufacturing mementos is disclosed wherein a rectangular laminated sheet is created by face-mounting a color graphic print to an acrylic sheet with an optically-clear adhesive. Then, the laminated sheet is precision-divided into a plurality of discrete mementos with full-bleed imagery conforming to the size and shape of the sub-images comprising said graphic print. Also disclosed are: (i) methods for customizing such mementos with company logos, individual names, or other information; (ii) a first embodiment in the form of a name badge with a removable film backing and finding that permits the user to easily detach the finding from the back of the badge and utilize the remainder as a personalized key fob or luggage tag; and (iii) other embodiments in the form of golf bag tags, name tags, award plaques, photo frames, and mounting boards for physical totems and memorabilia.

Abstract: An identification badge support is provided for placement in a breast pocket. The support is a planer member sized to fit within a pocket and having a tapered bottom peripheral edge to conform to the bottom edge of the pocket and a centrally located aperture adjacent the top peripheral edge for receiving a clasp connected to the identification badge. The planar member may include a pocket on one planar side and a cam at the bottom peripheral edge to add length for use in a deep pocket. Mechanical features may be formed on the planar member for use in measuring or drawing geometric figures and objects.

Abstract: A device for holding a badge and an identification card includes a first strip of material constructed of leather. The first strip of material is shaped to include first and second generally oval-shaped portions which are connected through a neck. The first portion is shaped to include a pair of openings through which the badge can be pinned. A second strip of material constructed of leather is sewn onto the first strip of material along three sides so as to define a generally rectangular-shaped pocket for receiving the identification card, the first strip of material being shaped to include a centered window to display the identification card when disposed within the pocket. The first strip of material can be folded about the neck to form a closed loop. A pair of complementary fasteners are mounted onto the first strip of material to retain the device in its closed loop configuration.

Abstract: A medal mounting device is comprised of an elongated support bar with first and second recurved ends. First and second pins are respectively attached to the recurved ends. Spring clips are detachably attached to the pins. A first end of a springy, forwardly bowed clamping bar is hinged to the first recurved end and positioned behind the support bar. To use, the support bar is positioned through the looped ribbons of a plurality of medals. The clamping bar is pressed against the back of the ribbons, and its free second end tucked under the second recurved end of the support bar to clamp the ribbons in position. In another embodiment, the clamping bar is separate from the support bar. In yet another embodiment, the mounting device is comprised of a T-shaped pin inserted through the ribbon of a medal.

Abstract: Pad printing techniques are used to print into recesses to provide high quality, visually distinctive decorative items, including automobile emblems with a recess. To facilitate the pad printing, the recess is provided with angled sidewalls and an arcuate transition. This combination allows the pad to wet the entire printable surface without forming air gaps that would hinder the pad printing process. A rounded shoulder is provided around the recess and the rounded should is free from ink. The rounded shoulder provides a highly visible boundary that reflects light when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: An illuminated badge system has plastic top and bottom plates limited flexibility. The top plate has a front face and a side wall extending inwardly and with a lip extending radially outward from the wall. The bottom plate has a rectilinear rear face and a peripheral wall extending inwardly from the rear face with a lip extending radially from the peripheral wall thereby forming a recessed back portion whereby when the front plate and the bottom plate are coupled together a top chamber and a peripheral space with a dam portion are formed. Upon breaking of an ampule located within the top chamber, a first chemiluminescent liquid located within the peripheral space intermixes with a second chemiluminescent liquid located within the ampule and the intermixed liquids fill the peripheral space, excluding the dam portion.

Abstract: A magnetic card holder is disclosed that allows users to display cards on their clothing comfortably and without damage to their clothing. Lightweight, thin, and strong neodymium magnets used in this card holder provide a desirable combination of weight, size, and performance. The magnetic forces produced by the included magnets are confined substantially within the magnetic card holder and therefore have no damaging magnetic effects on cards placed in or near the card holder.

Abstract: Pad printing techniques are used to print into recesses to provide high quality, visually distinctive decorative items, including automobile emblems with a recess. To facilitate the pad printing, the recess is provided with angled sidewalls and an arcuate transition. This combination allows the pad to wet the entire printable surface without forming air gaps that would hinder the pad printing process. A rounded shoulder is provided around the recess and the rounded should is free from ink. The rounded shoulder provides a highly visible boundary that reflects light when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that attaches using magnetic force in whole or part to an article of manufacture, or other material having a magnetic surface portion. The wireless communication device contains a form of a magnet to provide magnetic force and attraction. A magnet can be a natural magnet, electromagnet or other type of material having magnetic properties. The wireless communication device may be detached from the article by altering the magnetic force created by its associated magnet. Altering is accomplished by using an external device or a device internal to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is also operable to receive and communicate information regarding the article to which it is attached remotely for identification, informative, and tracking purposes.

Abstract: A medal mounting device is comprised of an elongated support bar with first and second recurved ends. First and second pins are respectively attached to the recurved ends. Spring clips are detachably attached to the pins. A first end of a springy, forwardly bowed clamping bar is hinged to the first recurved end and positioned behind the support bar. To use, the support bar is positioned through the looped ribbons of a plurality of medals. The clamping bar is pressed against the back of the ribbons, and its free second end tucked under the second recurved end of the support bar to clamp the ribbons in position. In another embodiment, the clamping bar is separate from the support bar. In yet another embodiment, the mounting device is comprised of a T-shaped pin inserted through the ribbon of a medal.

Abstract: A lighted article has a base with a receptacle and a display panel having indicia inscribed thereon and at least one orifice. The display panel is inserted into the receptacle and a lighting element having a light source protruding up from the receptacle is inserted into the orifice for illuminating the indicia on the display panel. The lighted article brightly illuminates the indicia without illuminating other parts of the display panel.

Abstract: A jewelry element includes a magnetic arrangement for ready substitution of multiple decorative elements. The element, which may be incorporated into a number of common jewelry pieces including a cuff link, earring, a stud for a tuxedo shirt, a ring or an pendant, includes a frame having a recessed central portion for receiving a decorative element. A pair of magnets is press-fit within a circular slot at the bottom of the recess and another magnet is adhesively-fixed to the bottom of the decorative element. An aperture in the bottom of the recessed portion of the frame provides access for a stylus for selectively dislodging the decorative element.

Abstract: A commendation bar mounting device for uniforms of the type worn by police officers, firefighters and like persons. The commendation bars are generally rectangular and have rearwardly projecting pins. The mounting plate is designed to mate with commendation bars by inserting the pins into openings on the mounting plate and bending at least one of the pins back into the opening of the mounting plate and attaching the commendation bars onto the plate using an adhesive. A forwardly projecting flange surrounds the plate framing the outer walls of the commendation bars, the inner walls of the commendation bars abut other commendation bars to prevent slippage on the uniform. At least two pins on the commendation bars are left protruding from the back of the mounting plate to penetrate the uniform. The pins are then received by a cooperating releasable clasp to hold the mounting device on the uniform.

Abstract: A badge comprises a backing element (12) of flexible sheet material and an insignia device (18, 20) on the front face of the backing element, the insignia device having rearwardly extending studs (22) of thermoplastic material, and the studs penetrating the backing element and having their rear ends melted back to form thickened portions (24, 24.1) which secure the studs against withdrawal. In one form thereof the badge is provided with a clip arm (46) which has a button formation (86) thereon, the button formation being able to engage with a button-hole in the garment with which the badge is used.

Abstract: A relatively low cost assembly—especially one having a jewelry-like appearance—provides for a do-it-yourself display of graphic material while enabling a user to employ modern devices for generating the graphics, such as personal computers with graphic capabilities, special printers, and the like. The assembly includes a front plate and a back plate with a wire spring pin trapped between them. The graphics are on a name plate mounted in a recessed area surrounded by a frame on the front plate. Alignment contours are formed in the front plate to assist the do-it-yourselfer in installing his homemade graphics on the assembly.

Abstract: A name plate assembly including a name plate and a connector which are magnetically attracted to each other, and which are disposed on opposite sides of a piece of clothing during use is provided. The connector includes a first portion which extends beyond an edge of the name plate. In use, the name plate assembly is removed from the garment by a user engaging the first portion and applying a force. The connector then acts as a lever to break the magnetic connection between the name plate and the connector, and the name plate can then be removed.

Abstract: Disclosed are promotional products such as buttons, badges, toys, signs, and displays, and in particular promotional products that display inscriptions vertically, no matter the orientation of the product, more particularly words or phrases spelled the same forwards as backwards, as for example BOB or MOM or WWW. The products each have a rotatable shaft connected to a base member, and a plurality of sheets imprinted with inscriptions and attached by pins onto the base member so that the sheets hang vertically. As the shaft rotates, the base member rotates but the sheets continue to maintain a vertical position.

Abstract: A proof-of-use device made of a thick fibrous sheet such as paperboard has manually tearable perforation defining an invalidation component on one side of the perforation and a basic component on the other side of the perforated region. The basic component has a front surface adaptable to receiving a badge image. A flexible region formed in the basic component defines a hinge along which the basic component is bendable over on itself. An attaching component is applied to at least one selected region of the basic component. Depending on configuration the attaching component may be on the front or back of the basic component. The attaching component and the hinge make the basic component attachable for wearing to display the badge image.

Abstract: A removable nametag or insignia that is placed on a uniform or garment with a hook-loop system like the product sold under the registered trademark VELCRO. A flexible backsheet is sewn or otherwise attached to the garment or uniform piece with a set of loops facing outward. A nametag or insignia, either rigid or flexible, is equipped with a set of hooks on its backside. The nametag or insignia is then pressed onto the backsheet when the member is to be worn. For laundering or other maintenance of the garment, the nametag or insignia is removed. Numerous garments can contain backsheets with loop material in the correct position. When the user wants to wear one of them, he or she simply presses the nametag or insignia into position. In this manner a single nametag or insignia can service a wardrobe of garments. The method allows nametags and insignia to be removably worn without making pin or postholes in garments.

Abstract: A lapel pin is provided including a display portion and a post portion moveably connected to said display portion. Preferably, the post portion is hingedly moveably disposed relative to the display portion and the display portion preferably includes a recessed portion for receiving the post portion when the lapel pin is not in use.

Abstract: A promotional tack includes a standard thumbtack having a head sandwiched between significantly larger front and rear outer structures coaxially therewith, the tack having a shaft extending through an aperture in the rear structure while the front structure has an indicia-bearing obverse surface. The front structure includes a metal plate and the indicia may be imprinted directly on the metal plate or on a laminated flexible sheet covering the metal plate.

Abstract: A domed stitchable display article having a substrate base formed from a laminated plastic and fabric. Printing images are applied to the upper surface and are encapsulated by a dome formed from a poly,urethane rubber. A barrier is applied to the upper surface to alter the surface tension of the upper surface and limit outward flow of polyurethane during the fabrication portion. The substrate base forms stitchable flange portions.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory includes a face plate, a trigger plate, and a movable clamp plate. The face plate has a rear side provided with a plate groove with plate wings projecting from both sides of the plate groove. The trigger plate is pivotally connected to the plate wings and has an L-shaped rod neck with trigger pieces extending from an end portion. The movable clamp plate has a clamp body having a top portion with two inverted L-shaped plate hooks and is pivotally connected to the plate wings. Each plate hook has an inner portion forming a rod recess, with a stop boss projecting from one end. When the trigger plate is pulled, the rods advance along inner walls of the plate hooks into said rod recesses to move the clamp plate.

Abstract: An identification card strip assembly including a support strip having thereon at least one, and preferably a plurality of identification card blanks removably and adhesively adhered to the support strip. Each identification card blank has a front printing surface for printing indicia thereon and a rear adhesive surface having an adhesive thereon. The rear adhesive surface is removably and adhesively adhered to the support strip. The card blank includes a first sheet and a second sheet foldably connected to each other along a fold line. Each sheet has at least one substantially identically shaped aperture therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proof-of-entry device and a badge which is suitable in particular for a proof-of-entry device. The proof-of-entry device substantially comprises a badge and a validation component which, in a particularly preferable manner, are integral. Advantageously, the validation component is detachably secured on the badge. This component is preferably as wide and/or long as the badge and carries, for example, a chip, magnetic strip, bar code and/or a holographic image. The inventive badge, which is in particular suitable for a proof-of-entry device of this type, has a design support, a counter-member, a hinge connecting the design support and the counter-member, and a retaining element which, when the counter-member has been folded behind the design support, substantially secures these components.

Abstract: A solid and unitary plastic block which has a textured strip thereon. A self-adhesive transparent tape may be pressed over the textured strip, with air escaping entrapment behind the tape via depressions in the textured strip. Slots on the end of the textured strip provide a termination for the tape ends.