Body attachable personal information and valuables carrier

Abstract

Disclosed is an article and system useful as a body wearable and attachable personal information and valuables carrier adapted to be placed on a body member such as an arm or wrist or leg, for example, comprising a continuous loop of web material having attached thereto a protruding flap, the flap having fastening means thereon for releasably securing the carrier to a body member. The continuous loop of web material has a complimentary attachment means attached to the outside thereof for joining with the fastening means on the flap. A pocket is formed within the width of the web, the pocket having a securable flap to securely contain the contents of the pocket.

Description

[0001] This application is filed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 119, and the applicant hereby claims the right of priority provided thereby based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/354,296, filed Feb. 7, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an article of manufacture and system for using same. The article is useful as a carrier for personal identification cards, or electronic verification cards and valuables. More particularly, my invention relates to a body wearable or attachable carrier that is capable of being easily attached onto and easily removable from the body or a body member such as the wrist, arm or leg.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] A patentability search of the subject matter of the present invention has indicated that prior art exists relative to my invention.

[0006] For example:

[0007] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 259,220, to Small, describes a wrist band design having a pocket apparently sewn onto the outside portion thereof, which is made of the same material as the band composition. From the drawings of this patent, it does not appear clear as to how the pocket is made. The edges of the article apparently have stitches, but there is no explanation regarding their purpose.

[0008] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 273,344 to Lee shows a design for an ankle wallet having pockets with closure flaps thereon.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. Des.339,472 to Parker shows an arm band wallet comprising a plurality of straps for closing a pocket.

[0010] A patent to Jackson et al, U.S. Design Pat. No. 391,075, shows a wrist-attached article carrier having flaps with attachment means.

[0011] The patent to Hayman, U.S. Pat. No. D438,374, shows an arm band article having a transparent window attached to the outer surface.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,331 to McDougall describes a body attachable article holder tailored to the needs of surfers. The holder contains hook and loop fastening means, but it is not in the form of a continuous loop.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,867 to Schwemberger shows an arm band carrying device, the embodiment shown by FIG. 4 of the drawings describes a cuff with an extra wide band 410 for carrying a door key. The patent does not disclose a pocket or a flap for securing or tightening the band.

[0014] The patent to Jacks, U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,972, shows a wrist watch wallet comprising a band or web of flexible material and hook and loop fastening means, but does not show a web in the form of a continuous loop having a flap attached thereto for securing and tightening.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,936 to Jones et al shows an arm band map holder intended to fit on a skier's limb, and includes a pliable transparent window 16 through which the wearer is said to be able to view a map. The arm band is not in the form of a continuous, closed loop having a flap attached thereto for closure and tightness adjustability.

[0016] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,481, to Giad, discloses a folding sweatband with an interior compartment, made in part of a towel fabric, and several plies. The band is not made in the form of a continuous, closed loop, as required by the present invention.

[0017] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Prior art body wearable identification and information carriers such as arm, wrist and leg bands have not been particularly easy to put in place and to remove from the body. When stretchable fabrics are used for the material of a body wearable accessory, often the elasticity thereof decreases with continued use and washing. Water and temperature extremes may also deleteriously alter the physical properties. The selection of the optimum material is therefore of considerable importance.

[0019] Nor have prior art body wearable carriers, in general, been fabricated in a manner to render them easy and simple to insert, secure and to remove identification cards or information devices and other valuables. Some of them use a zipper to close a pocket, for example. Zippers are known to become inoperable.

[0020] Additionally, it has been required to fabricate prior art body wearable bands in a number of different sizes or dimensions to accommodate the sizes of different people's body members, a requirement increasing production expenses.

[0021] The body wearable identification carrier of the present invention requires only minimum differences in dimension to easily accommodate a range of different body member sizes.

[0022] Further, prior art body wearable carrier bands tend to become caught on surface protrusions, whereas the arm band of the present invention limits such encounters.

[0023] Another problem has existed, moreover, in prior art carriers. Persons having limited movement of the hands and arms, for example, those who are physically challenged, and those people with arthritis and amputees have difficulty with the task of putting on and removing body attachments, apparel and clothing, but the design of the present invention enables such people to accomplish the task with greater ease.

[0024] Prior art devices require either two hands or one hand plus some kind of temporary physical assistance means.

[0025] Moreover, prior art arm bands for carrying information have not been made from the best materials for achieving optimum performance, wear, fit, durability and comfort.

[0026] Further, electronic means of identification and information manipulation are beginning to be used. Such systems include the use of credit card like wireless microcomputers wirelessly coupled using electromagnetic energy, electronic and/or optical scanning or reading means to accelerate movement of vehicles, people and possibly animals wherever it is required to pass through or into either a secure area or an area requiring payment of a set fee.

[0027] Where pedestrians and/or disabled people are concerned, it is becoming desirable for them to quickly be able to place or hold an identification card or a contactless electro-optical coded identifier to the close proximity of a sensor, reader or detector part of a wireless, electromagnetic, optical or computerized system.

[0028] Such an activity is rendered more efficient, convenient and satisfactory by the use of the article of my invention.

[0029] Indeed, the wearers of the carrier of the instant invention need only “wave and walk” to pass through an electronic, optical or electromagnetic sensing device, and need not “fish” or hunt in a pocket, bend down or alter his or her body position to present such an identifier means to a sensor, reader or computer interface system.

[0030] Further, the carrier of the present invention offers greater protection against theft or loss than if carried in an apparel pocket, purse or wallet.

[0031] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a body attachable arm band personal identification and valuables carrier, for example, that is easy to attach, tighten and easily remove.

[0032] It is another object of the invention to provide a body attachable article in the form of a closed loop having a flap attached to the loop's outside to enable easy attachment or removal.

[0033] It is a further object of the invention to provide a body attachable carrier having a transparent pocket for holding or carrying identification badges, cards and the like for easy view by those individuals needing to know the identification of the wearer thereof.

[0034] Still another object of the invention is to provide a body attachable article carrier for holding or carrying valuables having a pocket attached to the inside portion of said pocket and having a tightly closing flap for securing its contents.

[0035] Another object is to provide an easily removable body attachable identification, information or valuables carrier substantially comprising a neoprene closed-cell foam material.

[0036] It is another object to provide a carrier so described above which is comprised essentially of a leather material.

[0037] It is an object of the invention to provide improved body attachable information and identification carrier articles and arrangements thereof in a system and specified means for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their improved purposes.

[0038] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier article as viewed from the top.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view as seen from the rear side of the article.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front side of the body wearable identification article having a transparent plastic window forming the carrier pocket.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the front, showing an identification or valuables carrier pocket using an opaque material forming said pocket.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an elevational view from the back side of the article carrier showing a pocket closure flap.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a sectional view from the side of the carrier pocket showing the operation of a pocket closure flap.

[0045] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The present invention is directed to a human or animal body attachable, tightenable, but easily removable, identification, information or valuables carrier. The carrier may be used to contain or hold a credit card like information device, which may, in fact, comprise a wireless or contactless, network a connected microcomputer, comprising a microchip logic processor, memory and electromagnetic transceiver.

[0047] Principal Web or Panel Element

[0048] As seen by FIGS. 1-5, the body attachable carrier of the present invention 1 comprises a web or panel of natural or synthetic fabric or leather material 2 in the form of a continuously, closed and circuitous loop having an outside area 3 and an inside area 4 of FIGS. 1-4.

[0049] Further the article comprises a top edge part 5 and a bottom edge part 6 as seen by FIGS. 1, 2-3

[0050] Additionally, as seen by FIG. 1 and 2 the article is considered to have a front side 7 and a rear or back side 8.

[0051] Referencing FIGS. 1 and 6, the front side 7 has a pocket or cavity 9 which is formed by attaching a durable fabric or other durable material 10 (FIG. 1) securely to either the inside or the outside of the web 2.

[0052] Flap Element

[0053] As indicated by FIG. 1, to the proximate rear or back side 8 of web 2 there is attached a flap 11. The flap may be made from either the same material or a different material than that of the web 2.

[0054] The flap 11 functions to secure the body wearable article to a specific part of the body, or to easily secure and also tighten the web 2 around a particular body member.

[0055] In one embodiment, the flap 11 may be formed by attaching one end of the web 2 to an area 12 of the web on a roughly perpendicular line extending from the top edge to the bottom edge thereof at a distance which is a fractional amount of the total end to end length of the web, say one sixth thereof as merely an example.

[0056] The flap 11 should have a top edge to bottom edge taper, toward the terminus, or a rounded configuration, the width of the flap made to be less than the web 2 width.

[0057] Fastening Means

[0058] In FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, hook and loop fastening means 13 and 14 are intended to be depicted, hook means 13 attached to flap 11 and loop means 14, for example, attached to a part of web 2.

[0059] Secured by thread, adhesive bonding or both to the outside part of an area of web 2, away from the pocket area 9, attachment means 14 is provided. The flap 11 is provided with a compliment fastening means 13 attached thereto also by adhesive bonding, thread or combinations thereof.

[0060] A trade name for a hook and loop material is Velcro. Such fastener systems work cooperatively, the hooked material being the compliment of the loop material, and vice versa.

[0061] Hook and loop type fastener systems have been found to be quite suitable, though other means are within the scope of the present invention Included within such means are mechanical snap fixtures, chemical adhesives, magnetic means and combinations thereof.

[0062] The hook and loop fastening means 13 and 14 is not limited, in the present invention, to plastic or organic fibrous materials but may include hook and loop fastening means made of metal, metalloidal, metal coatings or metallic hooks and metal or metallic loops.

[0063] Pocket Element

[0064] The pocket 8 may be made using an opaque fabric 10 in one embodiment, as shown by FIGS. 1 and 4. Pocket forming panel 10 may be made of a material which is the same as or different from the material used for the article closed loop web 2. Though shown as being attached to the outside of web 2, the pocket forming panel may be attached to the inside area also.

[0065] In another but no less important embodiment, as seen by FIG. 3, a transparent window material 16 comprises part or all of the pocket forming material. It is desirable, however, to have a boarder material for the window, depicted by FIG. 3, but not numbered.

[0066] The window 16 is made from a flexible relatively thin sheet or panel of waterproof organic polymer composition. The work “plastic” is often used to define such materials. Polyvinyl polymers and copolymers are useful.

[0067] The use of a transparent material as a pocket forming element allows an information card or device within the pocket to be observed or inspected by those needing to know specific information, such as identity, for example.

[0068] Further, a second flap 17 (FIGS. 2 and 6), a pocket closure flap, protrudes from and is contiguous with pocket forming panel 10 or 16, and is made of the same panel material as the pocket forming material 10. Flap 17 has removably attachable fastening means 18 (FIGS. 5-6) attached to the flap on one side, said flap folding over pocket opening or cavity 9 to secure the contents thereof within as seen by the arrow of FIG. 6.

[0069] Located on the web panel 2 (FIG. 6) and immediately below the pocket opening, at the top of the pocket, is a complementary fastening means 19, which receives the fastening means 18 on the flap 17 to form a secure closure of said pocket, making the accidental escape of contents within the pocket extremely unlikely, even under harsh environmental conditions.

[0070] Materials of Construction

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, flexible, synthetic or natural leather is used to form the closed loop web 2. For example, a finished cow hide is contemplated. The leather may be perforated in part of the web or in whole to allow moisture and air to pass through in the cases where the identification and/or valuables carrier is placed next to the skin.

[0072] Regarding leather, and the like, a hem or border should be fabricated by folding over the edge and sewing it to the web body 2.

[0073] In other embodiments of the present invention, a flexible, organic, synthetic microcellular elastomer foam fabric is used. One such material is a styrene-butadiene rubber sponge, available from Parfectex, LLC, Huntington Beach, Calif.

[0074] Physical properties are important for achieving optimum results in the present invention. Such rubber sponge should have an Elongation Break of 250%, a Tensile Strength of 5 Kg/cm2, a Density of about 0.2 g/cm3 and a Tear Strength of 1.5 Kg/cm.

[0075] Other flexible, organic, synthetic microcellular foam (or sponge) fabrics are useful. For example, Neoprene fabrics having the optimum thickness dimension and other properties or of certain grades are suitable. The Neoprene fabric is a closed-cell polymer foam or sponge.

[0076] Neoprene is a polychloroprene, a synthetic rubber-like elastomer product which is commercially available in the form of either a solid, as a latex or as a flexible foam or cellular product.

[0077] It is advantageous to make the carrier article of the present invention water resistant or water proof. Microcellular foam synthetic rubber fabrics provide this property.

[0078] Moreover, a natural or synthetic rubber foam fabric having multiple pores, openings or perforations therein to allow for the penetration therethrough of moisture and air, is another embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] It is important to provide cross-stitching along the edge parts 5 and 6 of the web panel 2 and other exposed edges to insure the article, with resistance to deformation through usage or compression, particularly when synthetic rubber foams are used as the web or panel 2.

[0080] Many synthetic rubber fabrics, like Neoprene, for example, have a configuration “memory”. Once folded, the crease formed is difficult to remove, to re-form the material. It has been found that cross stitching the edges of the web enables greater deformation resistance.

[0081] Although carrier articles composed of a single fabric have been disclosed, also included within the scope of the present invention are laminated fabrics or web materials made of layers or plies of different materials.

[0082] For example, an article web 2 made of leather or neoprene may have an inner or outer layer of another material to take advantage of special properties possessed by such material.

[0083] As mentioned above, since the carrier article of the present invention may be used by a wearer in extreme environmental conditions, it is desirable to use a waterproof fabric material for either the entire article or a component thereof, for example, the pocket.

[0084] Additionally, woven fabrics, made from natural or synthetic fibers are also usable.

[0085] Additional Utilities

[0086] Modifications of pocket design and dimensions, and web configurations in length, width and material allow for uses other than merely credit card devices and other small items. For example, it is contemplated that the principles of the invention may be applied to carrying or holding articles of larger size. One such article envisioned as within the scope of the invention is a wireless portable communication device, for example.

[0087] Furthermore, when removably attached to the lower limb or calf area of the leg of an automobile or truck driver, on the outside of some pant garments or even the inside, the carrier article may serve as a temporary pocket or containment for change, tokens, cash, portable wireless communication devices, personal weapons and other items needing easy and convenient access by a driver while in the process of steering and driving a vehicle.

[0088] Methods of Making

[0089] The methods of making the article of the present invention include molding processes, conventional cutting and sewing by machine and/or hand using needle and thread stitching processes and adhesive bonding, and depend upon factors such as choice of materials, competitive production costs, desired esthetic appearances and differences in selected consumer markets.

[0090] Test Results

[0091] The carrier of the instant invention claimed was experimentally used as SmarTrip™ card carrier in a market acceptance and usage testing procedure.

[0092] SmarTrip™ is an electronic fare verification system for public transportation. One component thereof is a credit card like device for electronically storing, manipulating, tracking and interactively transmitting and receiving digital information.

[0093] Observations were conducted of passengers over a continuous period of time at a METRO station. Passengers, male and female were observed using SmarTrip™ cards, which, when passing through a fare collecting turnstile, need to be held or positioned close to an electronic reading device.

[0094] A typical contactless system operating distance is about 10 centimeters from card to reader. 1 Time duration of observation: One hour Number of passengers observed carrying 31 SmarTtip cards by means other than the instant invention: Number of passengers interviewed: 23 Age range: 29-55 Location of reading systems: On a turnstile, at top and to the side. Time for reader to read SmarTrip: Less than 1 sec. Average time for female passengers 3 min. to retrieve card: Average time for female passengers 5-6 sec. to have card read: Men were observed to accomplish the card presentation/reading procedure in less time than women. Time for passenger wearing the article 1 sec according to the instant invention and containing therein a SmarTrip ™ card, to pass through:

[0095] Manner of Use

[0096] In wearing or attaching the article of the instant invention to a body member, for example, a wrist, arm or leg, the carrier article is simply and easily pulled up over the body member so the web loop 1 surrounds it. Or, while holding the carrier article with one hand, a particular body member is extended through the loop. Once in the loop and without changing the grip on the article, the flap 10 having fastener means 12 attached thereto, is then folded over to bring it into face to face contact with the complementary fastener 11 attached to the continuous loop web 2. When used to carry an electronic, electromagnetic or wireless communication means of identification, the worn carrier article is simply presented to the spacial functional proximity of the transmitter or receiver.

[0097] Design Principles

[0098] The ability of a portion of the web 2 to fold inwardly and to be therefor unused in a continuous manner is a characteristic not believed to be present in prior art devices.

[0099] When the carrier article is not worn on a user, the entire web 2 of the article, except for the flap 11, is in use as a means for maintaining contiguousness of the article. In use, the flap 11 has a dual purpose, to act as a fastening means and to form a new contiguous web around the body member attached thereto.

[0100] In effect, the flap 11 becomes, when folded over to secure the arm band on an arm, a new continuous loop web, replacing the original closed loop web.

[0101] In contrast, prior art arm bands and similar articles of apparel most often require several more operations than the easy, two-step operation of instant invention to secure them onto a limb because of differences in functional construction and design.

[0102] Terms and Definitions

[0103] The term “electromagnetic” is intended to define all frequencies of electromagnetic energy from the entire optical and radio spectrum.

[0104] The expression “contactless” means having no direct physical contact, viz. a significant spacial separation between elements.

[0105] The term “valuables” as used herein is intended to identify an article, substance, composition or material matter, the loss of which would be injurious to a person or animal using the body carrying device of the present invention.

[0106] The expression “removably attachable”, and the like, as used herein is intended to mean or to assist in describing a body wearable article that is easy to put on and to take off with only one hand with a minimum of effort and time involved.

[0107] The expression “body” is intended to mean a human person or animal or likeness thereof. The invention is not limited necessarily to living persons or animals, but may also be useful on robotic devices.

[0108] The term “flap” is intended to define a piece on a garment or fabric article that hangs free, and that is broad and limber, and is an extended part forming a closure.

[0109] Conclusion

[0110] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment or to embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A body wearable, removably attachable personal information and valuables carrier article comprising:

(a) a web or panel of flexible fabric material in the form of a continuous, closed, circuitous loop, said material having an outside surface, a portion of said outside surface having removably attachable fastening means thereon, an inside surface, a top edge part and a bottom edge part, and,

(b) a flap comprised of a fabric material, attached to and extending outwardly from the outside portion of said web material, and having removably attachable fastening means thereon providing means for securing and adjusting the tightness of fit of said carrier article onto a body member, and

(c) a pocket for carrying a personal information devices, systems and personal valuables therein, formed from a web of durable material, said pocket formed by attaching said durable material is one of two ways, either to the inside or to the outside area of said web comprising the closed loop.

2. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the removably attachable fastening means is selected from the group consisting of mechanical snap fasteners and a hook and loop system.

3. The article defined by claim 2 wherein the fastening means is a hook and loop means.

4. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the pocket forming panel includes a closure flap having hook and loop fastening means attached thereto, attachable to complimentary hook and loop fastening means on the top side of the pocket opposite the flap.

5. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the pocket forming panel is attached to the outside of the continuous web and comprises a transparent window.

6. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the pocket forming panel is comprised of an opaque fabric material.

7. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the closed loop web is composed of a fabric selected from the group consisting of leather, synthetic leather, synthetic foam rubber, natural fiber material and synthetic fiber material.

8. The article defined by claim 6 wherein the closed loop web fabric material is comprised substantially of leather.

9. The article defined by claim 6 wherein the closed loop web fabric material is neoprene.

10. The article defined by claim 1 wherein the web or panel material is comprised of an elastic material.

11. The article defined by claim 6, wherein the elastic, material is comprised of a synthetic rubber foam.

12. The article defined by claim 8, wherein the synthetic rubber foam is a styrene-butadiene rubber.

13. The article defined by claim 7 wherein the elastic material is perforated with holes to allow passage of air and moisture.

14. The invention defined by claim 1 wherein the flap is composed of the same material as the closed loop web and is contiguous therewith.

15. The invention defined by claim 1 wherein the flap is composed of a fabric material different from the closed loop web.

16. The combination of the carrier article defined by claim 1 and means carried therein comprising electronically interchangeable stored and modifiable personal data.

17. The combination of the body attachable carrier article defined by claim 1 and a body member.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein the carried article comprises an electronic wireless communication device.

19. A method for personal identification wherein there is presented a miniature electronic computer having wireless data transmission and receiving means to the functional spacial proximity of another computer system capable of wirelessly transponding therewith comprising:

a) inserting said miniature computer into the pocket of the carrier article defined by claim 1, and

b) removably attaching the article of claim 1 on a body member, and

c) holding, passing or presenting said body member to the functional spacial proximity of an electromagnetic reading device.