BADGE HOLDING DEVICES

Abstract

A badge holding device is disclosed that includes a badge holder, an attachment mechanism, and a connector. The badge holder is configured to hold a name tag or similar item and includes a back plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and a cover pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the back plate by a hinge. At least a portion of the cover is transparent. The attachment mechanism is configured to attach the badge holding device to an article of clothing. The connector extends between the badge holder and the attachment mechanism, and the connector is attached to the back plate proximal to the top edge. A width of the connector is at least 25% of a width of the back plate measured between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

This application relates to badge holding devices, systems, and methods, and in particular, to badge holding devices, systems, and methods that are configured to hold name badges or other similar items with improved functionality and aesthetics.

Description

The use of name tags or name badges is common. Name badge holders can be used to affix a name tag or other similar item to a wearer. Often, name badge holders affix a name tag to a wearer's clothing.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments described herein relate to badge holding devices, systems, and methods. As will be described in greater detail below, the badge holding devices, systems, and methods are configured such that they offer improved functionality and clean aesthetics designs. In some embodiments, the badge holding devices, systems, and methods are configured such that a badge holder portion is resistant to flipping over. This can ensure that a name tag displayed by the badge holder remains visible. Various mechanisms for securing the name tag within the badge holder that provide a clean aesthetic design are also described.

In a first aspect, a badge holding device, can include a badge holder comprising a back plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and a cover pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the back plate by a hinge. At least a portion of the cover can be transparent. The badge holding device also includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach the badge holding device to an article of clothing, and a connector extending between the badge holder and the attachment mechanism. The connector can be attached to the back plate proximal to the top edge. A width of the connector is at least 25% of a width of the back plate measured between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.

The badge holding device may also include one or more of the following features, in any combination: (a) wherein a width of the attachment mechanism is approximately equal to the width of the connector; (b) wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a U-shaped clip; (c) wherein the clip comprises a unitary body; (d) wherein the clip comprises silicone pads positioned on portions of the clip that contact the article of clothing during use, the silicone pads configured to protect the article of clothing; (e) wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic body attached to the connector, and a removable magnet, wherein the article of clothing can be positioned between the removable magnet and the magnetic body to secure attach the badge holding device to the article of clothing; (f) wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a button attached to the connector, the button configured in size and shape to couple to a button hole on the article of clothing; (g) wherein the cover comprises a transparent plate extending between a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and a lower opaque strip extending along the bottom edge of the transparent plate; (h) at least one first magnet positioned on the cover in the lower opaque strip, and at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one first magnet to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate; (i) wherein the cover further comprises an upper opaque strip extending along the top edge of the transparent plate; (j) at least one first magnet positioned on the cover in the upper opaque strip, and at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to at least one first magnet to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate; and/or other features as shown and described throughout the application.

In another aspect, a badge holding device can include a back plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and a cover pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the back plate by a hinge. The cover can include a transparent plate extending between a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, a lower opaque strip extending along the bottom edge of the transparent plate, at least one first magnet positioned on the lower opaque strip, and at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one first magnet of the lower opaque strip to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate.

The badge holding device may also include one or more of the following features, in any combination: (a) wherein the cover further comprises an upper opaque strip extending along the top edge of the transparent plate; (b) at least one third magnet positioned on the upper opaque strip of the cover, and at least one fourth magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one third magnet of the upper opaque strip to secure the cover, in the closed position, to the back plate; (c) an attachment mechanism configured to attach the badge holding device to an article of clothing, and a connector extending between the back plate and the attachment mechanism, the connector attached to the back plate proximal to the top edge; (d) wherein a width of the connector is at least 25% of a width of the back plate measured between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge; (e) wherein a width of the attachment mechanism is approximately equal to the width of the connector (f) wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a U-shaped clip; (g) wherein the clip comprises a unitary body; (h) wherein the clip comprises silicone pads positioned on portions of the clip that contact the article of clothing during use, the silicone pads configured to protect the article of clothing; and/or other features as shown an described throughout the application.

For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure have been provided above. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description having reference to the attached figures, the inventions not being limited to any particular disclosed embodiment(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the badge holding devices, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The drawings may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a badge holder device, which includes a badge holder comprising a back plate and a cover, as well as an attachment mechanism and a connector.

FIG. 1B is another front perspective view of the badge holder device of FIG. 1A, illustrating the badge holder device in an open configuration.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the badge holder device of FIG. 1A, illustrating relative widths of the badge holder, connector, and attachment mechanism.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of the back plate of the badge holder of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a back view of the back plate of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a front view of an embodiment of the cover of the badge holder of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2D is a back view of the cover of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of an attachment mechanism for a badge holder, such as the badge holder of FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a clip.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a detail view of a portion of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a badge holder device including an attachment mechanism that uses a magnet.

FIG. 4B is a detail view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a badge holder device including an attachment mechanism that uses a button.

FIG. 5B is a detail view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a badge holder device.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a badge holder device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates to badge holding devices, systems, and methods. As will be described in greater detail below, the badge holding devices, systems, and methods are configured such that they can offer improved functionality and clean aesthetic designs. In some embodiments, the badge holding devices, systems, and methods are configured such that a badge holder portion is resistant to flipping over, helping to ensure that a name tag displayed by the badge holder remains visible. Various mechanisms for securing the name tag within the badge holder that provide a clean aesthetic design are also described.

These and other features of the badge holding devices (as well as related systems, and methods) described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles of this disclosure.

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the inventions are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a badge holder device 100. The badge holder device 100 can be configured to hold a badge, such as, for example, a name tag or other type of badge, placard, or informational element. The badge holder device 100 can be worn by a user such that the badge held withing the badge holder device 100 can be displayed to others. In the illustrated embodiment, the badge holder device 100 comprises a badge holder 102, an attachment mechanism 104, and a connector 106. In general, the badge holder 102 is configured to hold the name tag or similar element, the attachment mechanism 104 is configured to secure the badge holder device 100 to the user, and the connector 106 extends between the badge holder 102 and the attachment mechanism 104 to connect the badge holder 102 and the attachment mechanism 104 together.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the badge holder device 100 can be configured such that the badge holder device 100 provides several unique features, including, for example, a unique structure that prevents the badge holder 102 from flipping over (so that the name tag held within the badge holder 102 is correctly displayed), unique attachment mechanisms 104 for securing the badge holder device 100 to the user, and/or unique closure mechanisms for securing the name tag within the badge holder 102. Additionally, and as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A, the badge holder device 100 can be configured to provide a clean aesthetic and attractive design.

FIG. 1B is another front perspective view of the badge holder device of 100, illustrating the badge holder device 100 in an open configuration. Such a configuration can be used, for example, to load a name tag into the badge holder device 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, the badge holder 102 of the badge holder device 100 can comprise a back plate 108 and a cover 110. During use, the name tag can be inserted between the back plate 108 and the cover 110. The cover 110 can be closed against the back plate 108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) and the name tag can be secured therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 110 is connected to the back plate 108 by a hinge 112. In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated, the hinge 112 can be positioned along a bottom edge of the badge holder 102, connecting a bottom edge of the back plate 108 to the bottom edge of the cover 110. The configuration may be advantageous as it may prevent the name tag, secured between the cover 110 and the back plate 108 from slipping out the bottom badge holder 102. The hinge 112 may, however, be positioned in other locations as well. For example, the hinge 112 can be positioned along either side edge or the top edge of the badge holder 102.

The hinge 112 may generally be configured to allow the cover 110 to pivot or otherwise open relative to the back plate 108, transitioning between a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) and an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B). The hinge 112 may comprise, for example, a piano hinge, a butt hinge, or many other suitable types of hinges. In general, suitable hinges includes those that are low-profile, small, and which allow the cover 110 to close flush against the back plate 108 with no gap or a very small gap therebetween. This disclosure should not be limited to a particular hinge arrangement, and those of ordinary skill in the art, upon consideration of this disclosure will appreciate that many types of hinges can be used.

With continued reference to FIG. 1B, the back plate 108 may comprise a substantially flat and rigid material. The back plate 108 can provide a substrate or structural support for the badge holder device 100. The profile or shape of the back plate 108 may be configured to correspond generally the types of tags, items, or badges that will be secured within the badge holder 102. For example, for generally rectangular tags, items, or badges, the back plate 108 may comprise a generally rectangular shape as illustrated. Other shapes, for example, square and others are possible as well and within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated, the back plate 108 may comprise rounded corners. Such rounded corners may improve the comfort of the device, preventing sharp corners that could injure the user during use of the device. The back plate 108 may be made from any suitable material, including, for example, metals (such as aluminum), alloys, plastics, rigid paper products (e.g., cardstock), and others. Aluminum may be a particularly advantageous material for the back plate because it is rigid, lightweight, durable, and provides the badge holder device 100 with a premium look, feel, and finish.

The cover 110 is configured to cover and protect that tag, item, or badge held within the badge holder device 100, while still allowing information on the tag, item, or badge to be displayed. Accordingly, in general, at least a portion of the cover 110 comprises a substantially transparent material that allows information on the tag, item, or badge to be displayed through the cover 110 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the cover 110 is made from glass (e.g., a strong, scratch-resistant glass), transparent plastic, or other suitable materials. Strong, scratch-resistant glass may be particularly advantageous as, again, this can provide the badge holder device 100 with a premium look, feel, and finish.

As shown in FIG. 1B, for some embodiments, the bottom edges of the cover 110 and the back plate 108 are generally aligned, while the top edge of the cover 110 may fall below the top edge of the back plate 108 when the cover 110 is closed on top of the back plate 108. This can allow for a strip of the back plate 108 to remain visible above the tag, badge, or item held in the badge holder 102 (see FIG. 1A, for example), which can help to frame the tag, badge, or item, further improving the clean and attractive design of the badge holder device 100. In some embodiments, the bottom corners of the cover 110 can be rounded so as to correspond to the rounded bottom corners of the back plate 108, while the top corners of the cover 110 are not rounded. This, however, need not be the case in all embodiments.

In some embodiments, a front surface of the back plate 108 (e.g., the surface contacted by the cover 110 when the cover 110 is closed against the back plate 108) can include a slight recess configured to receive the cover 110 in the closed position. This can allow the top edge of the cover 110 to close flush with the back plate 108 in the closed position. Again, this need not be the case in all embodiments, but may advantageously provide the badge holder device 100 with a premium, look, feel, and finish. This may also help to prevent the tag, badge, or item secured within the badge holder 102 from slipping out between the top edge of the cover 110 and the back plate 108.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the cover 110, which as noted above generally comprises a transparent material, can also include a strip 114 of opaque material along the bottom edge. The strip of opaque material may comprise the same material from which the back plate 108 is made or a material with a similar appearance. This strip 114 need not be included in all embodiments. However, when included, the strip may further help to frame the tag, badge, or item, further improving the clean and attractive design of the badge holder device 100. Additionally, the strip 114 may conceal or facilitate a magnetic closure system configured to secure the cover 110 to the back plate 108 in the closed position. Example details of the magnetic closure system will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the connector 106 can attach to the back plate 108 at a position proximal to the top edge of the back plate 108. The connector 106 connects the back plate 108 to the attachment mechanism 104, which is configured to secure the badge holder device 100 to the user, for example, attaching the badge holder device 100 to the user's close. Various example attachment mechanisms are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-5B. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the connector 106 can comprise, for example, a loop of material that extends through an opening formed proximal to the top edge of the back plate 108. In some embodiments, the connector comprises leather, faux leather, or other materials.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the badge holder device 100, illustrating relative widths of the badge holder 102, connector 106, and attachment mechanism 104. In some embodiments, the widths of badge holder 102, connector 106, and attachment mechanism 104 are configured to prevent or substantially reduce the likelihood that the badge holder 102 will flip over and obscure the tag, badge, or item held therein. Those familiar with previous badge holder devices will readily appreciate that the badge holder portion flipping over and obscuring the tag, item, or badge held therein is a common and frustrating problem. The entire purpose of these devices is to display the tag, item, or badge, and often, the devices flip over, defeating their purpose. As described below, in some embodiments, the badge holder device 100 described herein can be configured to produce or reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring with a clean and simple design.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the badge holder 102 comprises a width W1 measured between its lateral or side edges, and the attachment mechanism 104 and/or the connector 106 comprises a width W2 measured between their lateral and side edges. Increasing the width W2 relative to the width W1 can help to prevent the badge holder 102 from flipping over relative to the attachment mechanism 104 and the connector 106. For example, in some embodiments, the width W2 of the attachment mechanism 104 and/or the connector 106 comprises at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, or greater, than the width W1 of the badge holder 102. In contrast, previous, existing badge holders generally include attachment mechanisms or connectors that are significantly narrower than their corresponding badge holders (e.g., less than 25%, lest than 20%, less than 15%, or narrower), allowing the badge holders to flip easily relative to the connectors and attachment mechanisms. The configurations of the badge holder devices 100 described herein thus provide a significant improvement and advantage over the earlier devices in terms of user performance.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate additional details of the back plate 108 and cover 110 according to some embodiments. FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of the back plate 108, and FIG. 2B is a back view of the back plate 108. FIG. 2C is a front view of an embodiment of the cover 110, and FIG. 2D is a back view of the cover 110.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the back plate 108 (e.g., the side that contacts the tag, badge, or item held thereon) can include a recessed portion 116, an upper strip 118, an opening 120, and magnets 122. The recessed portion 116 has been described above and can correspond to the region that receives the tag, badge, or item to be held as well as the cover 110. The recessed portion 116 can be configured to allow the cover 110 to close flush with the upper strip 118 such that, when closed, the outermost surface of the badge holder 102 is substantially flat. The upper strip 118 can be a region above the recessed portion that is generally not covered by the cover 110 in the closed position. The opening 120 can be configured to allow the connector 106 to attach to the back plate 108. For example, as noted above, the connector can comprise a loop that is fed through the opening 120. Notably, in some embodiments, the width of the opening 120 is at least as great as the width W2 of the connector 106 (see FIG. 1C).

As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the back plate 108 can include one or more magnets 122 positioned thereon. The magnets 122 can be configured to magnetically attach to corresponding magnets 124 on the cover 110 (see FIG. 2D) to secure the cover 110 to the back plate 108 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the back plate 107 comprises two magnets 122 positioned in proximity to the bottom edge of the back plate 108. The illustrated magnets 122 are circular, but other shapes of magnets can also be used. In general, the magnets 122 on the back plate 108 are positioned such that they are covered by the lower opaque strip 114 of the cover 110 when the badge holder 102 is in the closed position. This can improve the aesthetic design of the badge holder device 100 as the closure mechanism is generally hidden during use. Further, the position of the magnets 122 may also help to secure the tag, badge, or item between the back plate 108 and the cover 110 because, when the tag, badge, or item is positioned in the badge holder 102 a lower portion thereof can be held securely between the magnets 122, 124,

As shown in FIG. 2B, the back side of the back plate 108 can be generally smooth, although this need not be the case in all embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the cover 110 can include the lower opaque strip 114 positioned along the bottom edge of the cover 110. From the front side (FIG. 2C), the lower opaque strip covers the magnets 124, which are positioned on the back side of the cover 110. The magnets 124 shown in FIG. 2D are positioned on the cover 110 at locations that correspond to the locations of the magnets 122 positioned on the back plate 108, such that in the closed positions, the magnets 122, 124 are magnetically fastened to each other to secure the cover 110. Other shapes, positions, and numbers of magnets 122, 124 can be used.

In some embodiments, the back plate 108 may comprise a magnetic material. In such embodiments, the magnets 122 can be omitted as the magnets 124 on the cover will be attracted to the material of the back plate 108. Similarly, in some embodiments, the lower opaque strip 114 of the cover 110 may comprise a magnetic material. In such embodiments, the magnets 124 can be omitted as the material of the lower opaque strip 114 will be attracted to the magnets 122 of the back plate 104.

A unique advantage of the magnetic closure system described above is that the closure system is substantially hidden from view (e.g., behind the lower opaque strip 114). Additionally, the closure mechanism is simple to operate, but still holds tags, items, or badges securely within the badge holder 102.

FIGS. 3A-5B illustrate various embodiments of attachment mechanisms 104 that can be used with the badge holder device 100. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an embodiment wherein the attachment mechanism 104 comprises a clip, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment wherein the attachment mechanism 104 comprises a magnetic fastener, and FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment wherein the attachment mechanism 104 comprises a button. Although these three examples are described below, other types of attachment mechanisms 104, for example, pins, mechanical clips, etc., may also be used, and this disclosure should not be limited to a particular attachment mechanism 104.

FIG. 3A is a side view, FIG. 3B is a top view, and FIG. 3C is a bottom view of an embodiment of the attachment mechanism 104 configured as a clip. As best shown in FIG. 3A, the clip generally comprises an inverted U-shape. In some embodiments, the clip comprises a unitary construction, wherein the body of clip is formed from a single piece of material. The clip can be used as a hook that can be hooked onto a user's clothes, for example, onto a collar or pocket such that the badge holder device 100 is suspended from the clip. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the clip may include a protrusion 126 that creates a narrowed region between the two prongs of the U-shape. The protrusion 126 is configured so that no or a small or limited gap (e.g., 1 mm, 0.5 mm, or less) exists between the prongs to securely hold the user's clothes therebetween.

FIG. 3D provides a detailed view of portion of the clip that engages with the user's clothing, including the protrusion 126. As shown in this view, in some embodiments, pads 128 can be positioned in the region of contact to protect the user's clothes. The pads 128 can comprise a soft or rubberized material. In some embodiments, the pads 128 comprise silicone pads, although other materials can also be used. The use of such pads 128 can advantageously reduce the wear on the user's clothes, protecting the clothes, and also helping to secure the clip in place.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the attachment mechanism configured as a magnetic clasp. FIG. 4B provides a detailed view of the magnetic clasp. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism 104 comprises a magnetic body and a magnet 130. For example, the magnetic body can comprise a magnetic material, such as stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body need not be magnetic itself, but may include a second magnet mounted therein. During use, the user's clothes are positioned between the magnet 130 and the body. The magnet affixes to the body with the clothes positioned therebetween, securing the bad holding device 100 to the user.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a front perspective view and a rear detail view of another embodiment of a badge holder device 100 including an attachment mechanism that uses a button. In this example, a button is affixed to a rear portion of the connector 106. The button can then secure the badge holder device 100 to a buttonhole (e.g., on a lapel) of the user's clothes.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate front perspective views of other embodiments of the badge holder device. In particular, these embodiments include connectors and attachment mechanisms that may be generally narrower with respect to the badge holder.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the badge holding devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

Although this description has been provided in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention(s) and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention(s) herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventions or embodiments.

Further, while the methods and devices described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the inventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the appended embodiments. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including temperature and pressure.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

Claims

1. A badge holding device, comprising:

a badge holder comprising: a back plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and a cover pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the back plate by a hinge, at least a portion of the cover being transparent;

an attachment mechanism configured to attach the badge holding device to an article of clothing; and

a connector extending between the badge holder and the attachment mechanism, the connector attached to the back plate proximal to the top edge,

wherein a width of the connector is at least 25% of a width of the back plate measured between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a width of the attachment mechanism is approximately equal to the width of the connector.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a U-shaped clip.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the clip comprises a unitary body.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the clip comprises silicone pads positioned on portions of the clip that contact the article of clothing during use, the silicone pads configured to protect the article of clothing.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:

a magnetic body attached to the connector; and

a removable magnet, wherein the article of clothing can be positioned between the removable magnet and the magnetic body to secure attach the badge holding device to the article of clothing.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a button attached to the connector, the button configured in size and shape to couple to a buttonhole on the article of clothing.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises:

a transparent plate extending between a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge; and

a lower opaque strip extending along the bottom edge of the transparent plate.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising:

at least one first magnet positioned on the cover in the lower opaque strip, and

at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one first magnet to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the cover further comprises an upper opaque strip extending along the top edge of the transparent plate.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one first magnet positioned on the cover in the upper opaque strip, and

at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one first magnet to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate.

12. A badge holding device, comprising:

a back plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, and

a cover pivotally connected to the bottom edge of the back plate by a hinge, the cover comprising: a transparent plate extending between a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge; a lower opaque strip extending along the bottom edge of the transparent plate; at least one first magnet positioned on the lower opaque strip; and

at least one second magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one first magnet of the lower opaque strip to secure the cover, in a closed position, to the back plate.

13. The device of claim 0, wherein the cover further comprises an upper opaque strip extending along the top edge of the transparent plate.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising:

at least one third magnet positioned on the upper opaque strip of the cover; and

at least one fourth magnet positioned on the back plate so as to attach to the at least one third magnet of the upper opaque strip to secure the cover, in the closed position, to the back plate.

15. The device of claim 0, further comprising:

an attachment mechanism configured to attach the badge holding device to an article of clothing; and

a connector extending between the back plate and the attachment mechanism, the connector attached to the back plate proximal to the top edge.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein a width of the connector is at least 25% of a width of the back plate measured between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein a width of the attachment mechanism is approximately equal to the width of the connector.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a U-shaped clip.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the clip comprises a unitary body.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the clip comprises silicone pads positioned on portions of the clip that contact the article of clothing during use, the silicone pads configured to protect the article of clothing.