PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

A personal identification display device includes a front panel bound to a rear panel to form a pocket. The front panel includes a clear window and a first fastener strip. The rear panel includes a second fastener strip. An informational insert may be inserted into the pocket, and includes personal information and a universal insignia visible through the clear window. An elastic band is attached to the rear panel thereby forming a loop. The personal identification display device is attachable to a strap by wrapping the personal identification display device around the strap and engaging the first fastener strip on the front panel with the second fastener strip on the second panel. The device is also attachable to a limb of a person by inserting the limb through the loop formed by the elastic band and the rear panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/403,382, filed Sep. 15, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth verbatim.

FIELD

The following description relates generally to identification display devices, and more particularly to devices for displaying personal identification to emergency responders.

BACKGROUND

In emergency situations, a significant problem for emergency responders is to determine if any victims have special needs that must be addressed. For example, these special needs may include allergies to medications, requirements for medication, disabilities and/or injuries. Additionally, it is important to notify family, friend and/or caregivers of the emergency victim as soon as possible. If the victim is unconscious, a small child, or for any other reason cannot adequately communicate with emergency responders, it may take a dangerously long amount of time before the emergency responders can simply identify the victim. Once the victim is identified, it may take an even longer amount of time to identify any special needs of the victim or to notify appropriate people of the accident.

Emergency responders will generally attempt to identify a victim by searching the victim's person or belongings for identification. For example, the emergency responders may search a victim's wallet or purse for identification. However, if the victim is a small child, it is possible that no identification is present. Even when identification is found, this may not provide the emergency responders with any information about special needs or people to be notified.

Accordingly, there are needs for a device that quickly and accurately provides critical information to emergency responders or any other person who sees the device. Ideally, this device would be quickly and easily identifiable and would include information about identification, special needs and/or contact information.

SUMMARY

The embodiments disclosed below satisfy these needs. The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a personal identification display device includes a front panel bound to a rear panel to form a first insertion pocket. The front panel includes an indicia display section and a first fastener strip. The indicia display section may be a printed region where printed indicia may be displayed, or may also be a clear window for displaying contents of the first insertion pocket. The rear panel includes a second fastener strip. An informational insert may be inserted into the first insertion pocket, and may include personal information and a universal insignia visible through the clear window in the front panel, if present. An elastic band is attached to the edges of the rear panel thereby forming an enclosed loop. The personal identification display device is attachable to a strap by wrapping the personal identification display device around the strap and engaging the first fastener strip on the front panel with the second fastener strip on the second panel. The device is also attachable to a limb of a person by inserting the limb through the loop formed by the elastic band and the rear panel.

In some embodiments of a personal identification display device, the rear panel may also include a second insertion pocket smaller than the first insertion pocket. The second insertion pocket may contain, for example, medication and/or a digital media device containing digital information about the user.

In some embodiments, the first and second fastener strips are hook and loop fasteners. The strap to which the personal identification display device may be attached may be a vehicle safety belt, a backpack strap, a purse strap, or any other similar strap or belt. Furthermore, in some embodiments the elastic band for attaching the personal identification display device to a limb of a user may be adjustable in length in order to account for the difference in size between an arm and a leg, or between the arms/legs of different users. Additionally, the personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises a clip for attaching the personal identification display device to clothing

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the front of the folded device and displays a Red Cross insignia through the clear plastic panel.

FIG. 2 illustrates the back of the folded device.

FIG. 3 is an overhead three-dimensional view of the front of the device partially unfolded and illustrates the clip and elastic band, which offers two other means of attachment once the device is removed from the safety belt.

FIG. 4 illustrates the front of the device when unfolded.

FIG. 5 is an overhead three-dimensional view of the front of the device and illustrates the format of the information card and the method of inserting the information card into the device.

FIG. 6 illustrates the back/inside of the device when unfolded and also illustrates the positions of the clip, elastic band with pull-tab and smaller pocket.

FIG. 7 is an overhead three-dimensional view of the back of the device and illustrates the format of the Informational Insert and the method of inserting the Informational Insert into the device.

FIG. 8 illustrates the method of inserting a digital media device, such as a Memory Chip, Flash or USB Drive, into the smaller pocket.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the position and method of the elastic band attachment to the arm respectively.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the position and method of the elastic band attachment to the leg respectively.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of attaching the clip to clothing.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate three common positions for the personal identification display device when folded and attached to the safety belt of vehicle.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate two common positions for the personal identification display device when folded and attached to the safety belt of a child's car seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A personal identification display device includes a front panel bound to a rear panel to form a first insertion pocket. The front panel includes a first fastener strip and an indicia display section, which may be a printable region with printed indicia or a clear window for displaying at least a portion of any contents of the first insertion pocket. The rear panel includes a second fastener strip. An informational insert may be inserted into the first insertion pocket, and may include personal information and a universal insignia visible through the clear window. An elastic band is attached to the edges of the rear panel thereby forming an enclosed loop. The personal identification display device is attachable to a strap or any other elongate object by wrapping the personal identification display device around the strap and engaging the first fastener strip on the front panel with the second fastener strip on the second panel. The device is also attachable to a limb of a person by inserting the limb through the loop formed by the elastic band and the rear panel. It is to be understood that the foregoing examples of objects to which the device may be attached are non-limiting. For example, and without limitation, the personal identification display device may be attached to a purse, stroller, bicycle frame, diaper bag, fanny pack, waist belt, walker, wheelchair, etc.

The disclosed embodiments provide a quickly accessible personal identification display device which easily wraps around, or attaches to, the safety belt of a vehicle, or the safety belt of a child's car seat, and identifies personal information about the passenger for himself/herself, emergency or medical personnel or other individuals who may need the information. The display device creates a smooth, flexible, water and stain resistant unit that can be removed from the safety belt and worn by the passenger as an arm or leg cuff, clipped to the passenger's clothing or attached to any appropriate article.

An informational insert or card is contained in the device. After the user adds his/her personal information to the insert, it is then placed back inside the display unit and has the versatility to expose a universal insignia, such as a Red Cross logo, through a clear plastic panel that serves to alert emergency personnel or others that important information is contained therein. The insert may also instruct one on how to obtain information such as instructions directing one to go to a particular website. There is also a location on the insert for the user to place an optional photo of him/herself. The device may also contain a second pocket of sufficient size to hold and protect a digital media storage unit, (such as a USB drive, flash drive or memory chip), and/or medication.

FIG. 1 illustrates the front of a personal identification display device 10 in a folded (i.e., closed) position with clear vinyl window 106 being framed at the top and bottom by binding material 100 and at the sides by water and stain resistant material 101. Revealed behind clear vinyl window 106 is enclosed informational insert 105, here shown displaying a Red Cross insignia 120. Of course, other indicia may also be provided on information insert 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates the back of display device 10 in a folded position. As can be seen, the back of display device 10 includes water and stain resistant material 101 and binding 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an overhead perspective view of the front of display device 10 in a semi-unfolded (i.e., semi-opened) position with clear vinyl window 106 displaying a Red Cross insignia 120. FIG. 3 also shows water and stain resistant material 101 and binding 100. Projecting out from the back side of display device 10 is clip 104 and elastic band 102 as alternative means to attach the device to the passenger when the device is removed from the safety belt.

FIG. 4 illustrates the front side of display device 10 in an unfolded position. The front side of display device 10 includes loop strip 103A (of a “hook and loop” fastener system) which, when display device is in a folded position, attaches to a “hook” strip on the back side of display device 10. Also shown in FIG. 4 is informational insert 105 behind vinyl window 106, which is framed top and bottom with binding material 100 and at the sides by water and stain resistant material 101.

FIG. 5 shows an overhead perspective view of the front side of display device 10 in an unfolded position. The front side of display device 10 includes loop strip 103A and clear vinyl window 106. Informational insert 105 is shown partially inserted into larger insertion pocket 107.

FIG. 6 illustrates the back side of display device 10 in an unfolded position. The back side of display device 10 includes hook strip 103B (of a “hook and loop” system) which, when display device is in a folded position, engages with loop strip 103A on the front side of display device 10. Also illustrated is the position of clip 104 and elastic band 102, over water and stain resistant material 101. An additional smaller insertion pocket 122 made of elastic material is provided to hold a digital media device and/or medication. Also illustrated is plastic pull-tab 117 with a smooth surface facing outward and of hook material on its underside for the purpose of making a smaller size adjustment to elastic band 102 when the device is worn as an arm or leg cuff. Heat weld 118 secures plastic pull-tab 117 to elastic band 102.

FIG. 7 shows an overhead perspective of the back side of display device 10 in an unfolded position. The back side of display device 10 includes hook strip 103B, clip 104, elastic band 102, as well as smaller insertion pocket 122, which is provided to hold a digital media device and/or medication. Also illustrated is the partial insertion of informational insert 105 into larger insertion pocket 107.

FIG. 8 illustrates the manner in which a digital media device 119 may be placed into the smaller insertion pocket 122.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate how display device 10 may be worn by the user in an unfolded position as an arm cuff secured by elastic band 102. As can be seen, Red Cross insignia 120 is clearly visible through clear window 106. Similarly, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the front and the side of display device 10 as it is strapped on the leg of the user in an unfolded position as a leg cuff secured by elastic band 102. Again, Red Cross insignia 120 is clearly visible through clear window 106. FIG. 13 illustrates the manner in which clip 104 may be used to attach display device 10 to clothing 121 of the user.

Now referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, display device 10 is shown attached to vehicle safety belt 108 instead of directly to the user's body or clothing. Display device 10 may be attached to safety belt 108 by any suitable means including being folded around safety belt 108 with loop strip 103A engaged with hook strip 103B. Three exemplary attachment locations 110, 111 and 112 are shown to illustrate that display device 10 may be attached at any point along safety belt 108 in relation to passenger 109. Similarly, FIGS. 17 and 18, show display device 10 in two common attachment locations 115 and 116 on the safety belts of child car seat 113 in relation to the child passenger 114.

To use personal identification display device 10, the user fills in personal information on informational insert 105, for example biographical information, medical information, emergency contact information and an identification photo. The user then inserts informational insert 105 into larger pocket 107 of display device 10, preferably with a universal insignia, such as Red Cross 120, visible through the clear window 106. The user attaches display device 10 to their person, their clothing or a safety belt of a vehicle. If the user is a child, display device 10 may be attached to the safety belt of the child's car seat. Red Cross 120, or any other universal insignia, faces outward offering the greatest visibility to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, the user may insert digital media 119 such as a flash drive or memory card into smaller insertion pocket 122. Digital media 119 may include any information relevant to emergency responders, for example detailed medical history and images. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may insert medication into smaller insertion pocket 122. The user may elect to wear display device 10 (inside or outside the vehicle), as an arm or leg cuff with the use of elastic band 102 which is optionally adjustable. Furthermore, display device 10 may be clipped to clothing, or clipped or otherwise attached, to other appropriate articles such as a backpack (including a strap of a backpack in a manner similar to attaching display device 10 to a safety belt), purse, stroller, wheelchair, walker, waist belt, fanny pack, briefcase, duffle bag, grocery cart, diaper bag, etc.

One of the main advantages of the disclosed embodiments is that potentially life-saving information or medication is immediately accessible to emergency responders in the event a user is in an accident or has a medical emergency. By having a universal insignia such as a Red Cross symbol clearly visible, emergency responders will immediately know where to find important information about the user without having to search the user's clothing and belongings for identification, medical information, etc. This is particularly important when the user is incapable of communicating with emergency responders, for example if the user is a small child or unconscious.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A personal identification display device, comprising:

a front panel and a rear panel bound together to form a first insertion pocket, the front panel comprising an indicia display section and a first fastener strip, the rear panel comprising a second faster strip;

an informational insert comprising a universal insignia and information about a user of the personal identification display device; and

an elastic band attached to the rear panel of the personal identification display device, the elastic band and the rear panel thereby forming a loop;

wherein the personal identification display device is attachable to a strap by wrapping the personal identification display device around the strap and engaging the first fastener strip on the front panel with the second fastener strip on the second panel; and

wherein the personal identification display device is also attachable to a limb of the user by inserting the limb of the user through the loop formed by the elastic band and the rear panel.

2. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the indicia display section of the front panel comprises a printable region with printed indicia.

3. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the indicia display section of the front panel is a clear window, and wherein the universal insignia of the informational insert is visible through the clear window of the front panel when the informational insert is inserted into the first insertion pocket of the personal identification display device

4. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises a second insertion pocket smaller than the first insertion pocket.

5. The personal identification display device of claim 4, wherein the second insertion pocket contains a digital media device storing digital information about the user.

6. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the first and second fastener strips are hook and loop fasteners.

7. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the strap to which the personal identification display device is attachable is a vehicle safety belt.

8. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the strap to which the personal identification display device is attachable is a backpack strap.

9. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is adjustable in length.

10. The personal identification display device of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises a clip for attaching the personal identification display device to clothing.

11. The personal identification display device of claim 4, wherein the second insertion pocket contains medication.