as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2009/0014105 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jan. 15, 2009
`
`Shattuck
`
`US 20090014105A1
`
`(54)
`
`IDENTIFICATION HOLDER
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A45F 5/00
`(2006.01)
`A45C 1/18
`(52) US. CMe coecccccceccssssssssssssssseeeeseeseees 150/147; 224/183
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A non-rigid identification card holder which can be securely
`attached via magnetic fasteners within theflaps of the holder
`to the clothing, lanyard, arm or leg band, to a bag or purse
`handle, or to an animal’s collar or harness, is provided. The
`card holder comprises at least one pocket sized to hold an
`identification card. At least one face of the pocket comprises
`a transparent material to allow easy viewing ofthe card, and
`information contained on electronic chips as part of the card
`can be scanned through the transparent material. The outer
`face of each pocket can comprise a transparent window. The
`card holder mayalso provide additional pockets sized to hold
`business cards, credit cards, photographs, security cards, etc.
`
`18
`I
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`John Shattuck, Erie, CO (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GREENLEE WINNER AND SULLIVAN P C
`4875 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SUITE 200
`BOULDER,CO 80301 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/058,602
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 28, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/908,656, filed on Mar.
`
`28, 2007.
`
`APPLE 1009
`
`1
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`APPLE 1009
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 15, 2009 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`FIG. 4
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 15,2009 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`“17
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`riG.2B
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`FIG.2A
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 15,2009 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`a |
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`"4S
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`FIG. 2C
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`4
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`Jan. 15, 2009
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`IDENTIFICATION HOLDER
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/908,656, filed Mar. 28, 2007, which is
`incorporated to the extent there is no inconsistency with the
`present disclosure.
`
`ACKNOWLEDGEMENTOF FEDERAL
`RESEARCH SUPPORT
`
`[0002] Not applicable.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] The field of the present invention is the area of
`non-rigid identification card holders, in particular, one closed
`and/or secured to the wearer using magnetic fasteners or via
`a spring clip.
`[0004] Commercially available protective identification
`card holders or badge holders include both holders which are
`used primarily for display of the identification card and hold-
`ers which are used primarily for storage of the identification
`card, such as wallet-style holders. A non-rigid display-type
`identification card or badge holderis typically made wholly
`of flexible plastic and has a single pocket which substantially
`encloses the card, but allows removal of the card at one edge
`of the pocket. The card holder often is provided with a slot
`and/or holes spaced away from the pocket for connection to a
`neck lanyard,clip, pin, or other attachment device. An attach-
`ment device such as a clip may also be attacheddirectly to the
`holder. Such plastic holders are subject to tearing at the edges
`of the pocket andat the point(s) of connection to the display
`device. A single pocket holder also does not allow separated
`storage of either multiple identification cards or of an identi-
`fication card with another card such as a credit card. Sepa-
`rated storage for multiple cards allows the cards to be more
`easily organized and accessed.
`[0005] The present
`invention provides an attractive,
`durable, non-rigid identification card holder which can be
`securely fastened to a wearer’s pocket or connected to a
`breakaway lanyard or a band using magnetic fasteners. The
`identification card holder may optionally also provide sepa-
`rated storage for more than one identification card or for one
`or moreidentification cards and other cards such as business
`
`or phone cards or for photographs and/or cash. Separated
`storage of multiple cards allows more convenient organiza-
`tion of and access to the cards. Because of the magnetic
`fasteners within the card holderof the present invention,it is
`best not to store cards containing magnetic information in this
`card holder. Such an identification card holder is especially
`useful for airline personnel such as pilots, who are typically
`required to carry at least one identification card as well as a
`flight plan, as well as mechanics and rampers, and others
`including, but not limited to, security personnel, workers
`within secure areas, government employees, law enforce-
`ment, medical or military personnel, civilian employees
`working in military or other securefacilities, persons working
`or studying in securedfacilities, employees of private enter-
`prises where security and/or access is a concern, childcare
`workers, and students, teachers and personnel in schools,
`laboratories and colleges where identification and/or access
`cards are used, especially readable cards. The loss of identi-
`
`fication materials is costly, but also dangerous in the sense of
`national and local security as well.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The present invention provides non-rigid identifica-
`tion card holders, especially holders which can be attached to
`the clothing of the wearer. In an embodiment, the identifica-
`tion card holder includes two flaps and a clamping system
`capable of clamping clothing, fabric or other items between
`the flaps of the holder. At least one of the flaps contains a
`pocket for holding an identification card. In an embodiment,
`one flap ofthe holder may be placed in a pocket and the other
`outside the pocket, with the clamping device holding the
`holder securely to the pocket. The holder can be secured to a
`shirt orjacket pocket, sleeve, pants or skirt pocket, waistband,
`belt, epaulette, edge ofshirt, coat or jacket or onto material of
`clothing, smock or apron, lanyard or other around-the-neck
`strap or chain, purse, bag, briefcase or other bag strap, and in
`any other configuration that serves to secure the identification
`holder to the wearer. When not attachedto the person,it can
`be securedto a visor, bag, purse, backpack, or briefcase strap
`or loop of same.
`[0007] The identification holders of the invention are
`capable of being attached to the user in an additional fashion
`as comparedto similar identification holders whose flap ends
`are held together by fasteners such as snaps or Velcro. In
`particular, the clamping system of the invention allows the
`identification holder to be secured to the wearer by clamping
`clothing or other items between the flaps of the holder. In
`addition, it can encompassa belt or other item, with the ends
`of the flaps being in contact with one another. The clamping
`system is capable of supplying sufficient holding force even
`whenthe endsofthe flaps are not in contact, but only in close
`proximity.
`[0008]
`Inan embodiment, the clamping system comprises a
`pair ofmagnetic fasteners being adapted to engage each other.
`Thefasteners are positioned andof sufficient strength so that
`they are capable of engaging each other with sufficient hold-
`ing force when brought into close proximity. In an embodi-
`ment, the centers of the fasteners align when the holderis in
`a closed or nearly closed position. In an embodiment, the two
`magnetic fasteners may be the samesize (within the tolerance
`ofthe manufacturing processes) While the identification card
`holder is preferably closed and/or attached to the wearer by
`two neodymium magnets which are broughtinto close prox-
`imity whenthe holderis in the closed (folded) position,it is
`also possible to achieve secure fastening using one neody-
`mium magnet and one magnetizable metal unit or two con-
`ventional magnets, or one conventional magnet and one mag-
`netizable metal unit; however the use of conventional metal
`(ferric) magnets may set off metal detector alarms and thus
`would be less advantageousthan the neodymium magnetpair
`exemplified in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
`Alternative magnetic materials include samarium cobalt, and
`cast or sintered alnico material, either for one or both of the
`magnetic fasteners used to secure the identification card
`holder.
`
`[0009] The holder may be secured to the pocket or other
`aspect of the clothing via magnetic fasteners, especially one
`or more neodymium magnets. The holder could also be
`secured to an armband, legband, waistband, epaulette, belt or
`lanyard via its magnetic fasteners. Similarly, the holder could
`be secured to the collar or harness of a dog, cat, horse, cow,
`llama or other animal.
`
`5
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`

`

`US 2009/0014105 Al
`
`Jan. 15, 2009
`
`In another embodiment, the clamping system com-
`[0010]
`prises a spring mechanism located within the identification
`holder. In an embodiment, the spring mechanism normally
`keeps the holder closed. However, the spring mechanism is
`adaptedto allow the holder to be openedas desired for attach-
`ment or removal of the holder from the wearer. The spring
`mechanism may comprise one or more springs incorporated
`within the structure ofthe identification holder. In an embodi-
`ment,the spring providesa strength ofclosure/fastening com-
`parable to the neodymium magnetic fasteners specifically
`exemplified herein.
`[0011] A holder with a central fold can be formed onits
`exterior surface of a single piece of material or the two flap
`portion can be sewn together (and preferably bound) at the
`region ofthe fold. In another embodiment, the holder is made
`as a trifold unit, where it is preferred that only two magnetic
`fasteners contained within flaps, one of which is positioned
`inside and oneoutside the clothing, for example.
`[0012] The present invention provides a system for holding
`at least one identification card or document, smart card,
`access card or insurance card orthe like. The identification
`card could be a photographic identification or a credential
`card, including a passport of an appropriate size which is not
`dependent on magneticstrips. It is desirable that licenses or
`other identification cards, ATM andcredit cards not be used in
`a holder with magnetic fasteners if those cards comprise
`magnetic strips. However,
`the magnetic fasteners are
`designed to be used with proximity cards or smart cards or
`chips.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic
`[0013]
`fasteners, advantageously neodymium magnets,are shielded
`from the identification holder and the contents thereof by a
`thin plastic sheet of material, for example, a polyvinylchlo-
`ride sheet of from about 0.5 to about 10 mil, about 1, 2, 3, 4,
`5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 mil.
`[0014] The identification card holder comprisesat least one
`pocket sized to hold the identification card or other readable
`card. In a preferred embodiment, at least one face of the
`pocket comprises a window formedbya layer of transparent
`polymeric material to allow easy viewing or reading of the
`card. In a particular embodiment, the pocket is accessible
`from eitherthe outsideorthe inside ofthe flap via one or more
`slits or slots on the interior and/orexteriorofthe outside flap.
`If the card is a smart card containing electronically coded
`information, e.g. on an electronic chip, the card can also be
`scanned or read through the transparent material by a smart
`card reader. Optionally, a hole (desirably reinforced), for
`example a thumbslide, may be provided in one pocket face
`through which a finger may beinsertedto aid in removing the
`identification or other card from the pocket. In another
`embodiment, the card holder has two back-to-back pockets
`with the outer face of each pocket comprising a window of
`transparent polymeric material. An exemplary transparent
`materialis polyvinylchloride, from about 3 to about 15 mil in
`thickness, for example, about 10 mil or any thickness between
`a bout 3 and about 15. There can be a commoninner face
`
`between those pockets. These two pockets provide separated
`storage for two identification or other cards. The identifica-
`tion card holder mayalso provide additional pockets sized to
`hold additional cards compatible with magnetic fasteners and
`of an appropriate size, photographs, cash, etc, formed by
`attaching at least one layer of durable material to the inner
`face ofthe flap. Ina specifically exemplified embodiment, the
`card is inserted into the pocket through a slot on the interior
`
`face of a flap of the card holder. An alternative embodiment
`entails a pocket for holding pens, pencils, small toolor flash-
`light, andthe like.
`the identification card
`[0015]
`For improved durability,
`holder may be made with a second material such as a woven
`material or leather in addition to the first transparent poly-
`meric material. It is preferred that the magnetic fasteners are
`sewnwithin the heavy fabric ofthe holder near the ends ofthe
`flaps distal to the center fold. Optionally, a polymeric or other
`material can be incorporated between the magnet(s) and the
`cards.
`
`Insome embodimentsof the invention, there can be
`[0016]
`sufficient material above or below the transparent window on
`the exterior flap to allow for decoration or additional infor-
`mation, for example identifying the companyorinstitution of
`the bearer or providing the relevant logo.
`[0017] The transparent window is desirably made of a
`durable material which allows for reading of a bar code or a
`smart card or chips, as with proximity readers, and optionally
`there can be a hole through which a finger can be inserted to
`facilitate removing the card from the holder.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 showsa perspective view of one embodiment
`[0018]
`of identification card holder system of the invention. The
`holder is shown standing partly open. The front (1) and back
`(2) flaps are joinedat fold line (18); both front and backflaps
`contain pockets for identification cards. The exterior surface
`of the front flap has a transparent window (14). FIG. 1 also
`showsa partial view ofthe interior of the back flap, showing
`additional pockets (22) formed of material to hold additional
`cards, cash or the like. Exemplary positions of magnetic
`fasteners (13) are shown with dotted lines.
`[0019]
`FIG. 2A isa diagram ofthe interior surface of a back
`flap (2), showing the opening (slot (21)) for inserting an
`identification card into the pocket, and two pockets (22),
`secured to the material forming the interiorofthe flap.
`[0020]
`FIG. 2B illustrates the exterior surface ofa backflap
`(2), showing transparent window(14).
`[0021]
`FIG. 2C illustratesthe interior face of a front flap (1)
`of the identification card holder showing slot (21).
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0022] The present invention provides a holderforat least
`one identification, photographic identification,
`insurance,
`medical emergency, access, credential or other card. As used
`herein, the term “identification card” encompasses cards,
`tags, or badges that carry identifying information or that
`contain information encoded within an electronic chip, in
`which case it may also be called a smart card or proximity
`card. Information encoded on a smart card is typically
`scannedor read with a smart card reader.
`
`[0023] The present invention provides an identification
`card holder that can be securely attached to a wearer’s cloth-
`ing, for example, to a pocket, waistband, collar and the like.
`Asspecifically exemplified the holder folds in the center to
`form two flaps. One flap may be placed within a pocket,
`especially a pocket on the chest of the wearer. The otherflap
`is folded over the pocket, epaulette, waistbandor otherpart of
`the wearer’s clothing or accessories, and magnetic fasteners
`near the end of each flap distal to the center fold engage to
`secure the holder to the pocket or the like. The flaps may
`alternatively be fastened to the strap of a purse, briefcase,
`
`6
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`

`

`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`Jan. 15, 2009
`
`backpackor other bag.In addition, the holder can be secured
`to the collar, bridle, lead, leash or harness of an animal so as
`to provide for carrying and/or displaying a card which pro-
`vides ownerinformation, breeding information or veterinary
`or other information.
`
`Identification holders whosefold line is not a center
`[0024]
`line are also within the scopeofthe invention.In this embodi-
`ment, the position of the magnetic fasteners is adjusted to
`allow proper engagementofthe fasteners.
`[0025] Where there is a transparent window,it is preferred
`thatit face away from the wearer during normaluse sothat the
`identification or certification information is readily viewed.
`Alternatively, the flaps of the holder can span a breakaway
`lanyard, chain, ball chain or other around-the neck material
`for holding the identification card about the neck or to a band
`for securing the holder about an arm or leg of the wearer, for
`example. FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C illustrate specifically exempli-
`fied identification card holder systems of the invention.
`Advantageously, the identification or other card is inserted
`via a slot on the interior ofthe flap.
`[0026]
`In general, the card holder comprises at least one
`pocket sized to hold an identification card or other card. It is
`preferred that at least one face of the pocket comprises a
`transparent polymeric material to allow easy viewing of the
`card. Optionally, the transparent material can have an open-
`ing, for example, a thumbslide opening,to facilitate removal
`of the card from the holder. Any information contained on
`electronic chips which maybepart of the card(s) can also be
`scanned through the transparent material. The pocket face
`may be formed wholly of transparent material or may have
`only a windowoftransparent material. In a preferred embodi-
`ment, there is a slot on the interior face of each flap for
`inserting the card(s) or other materials. The card holder
`shownin FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C hasfront and back flaps which
`are formed by folding the holder and fasten together via
`magnetic fasteners sewn within the flaps. Oneor bothflaps of
`the card holder may have two back-to-back pockets which
`share a commoninnerface.
`
`[0027] Thecardholder preferably comprisesa first material
`which is transparent polymer sheet and a second material
`whichis a woven materialor leather. For improved durability
`of the holder, it is preferred that the second material be more
`durable than thefirst. In an embodiment, the second material
`is 500 denier nylon. The transparent polymeric material is
`preferably used only in making the pockets. The durability of
`apocket can be improvedby using a woven material or leather
`in at least one face ofthe pocket and/or as binding for the edge
`ofthe pocket. Optionally, the materials can be treatedtoresist
`or repel moisture, or durable rubberor plastic could be sub-
`stituted for the woven materialor leather.
`
`FIG. 1 showsa perspective view of an identification
`[0028]
`card holder ofthe invention. The holder has twoflaps (1), (2),
`with one flap on each side of a central fold (18). Thefirst or
`front(exterior, relative to the pocket ofthe wearer) flap (1) has
`two faces, an exterior or outer face and an interior face. The
`inner and outer face of at least one of the flaps are joined,
`thereby formingat least one pocket for holding an identifica-
`tion card. As shown,the outer edges ofthe holder are encased
`in an optional binding (16). Also shownis (optional)stitching
`line (12) placed nearthetop ofthe flap to definethe fold (18).
`The descriptionin the Figures of a particular flap as a front or
`back flap is based on howthe holderis expected to be typi-
`cally used . In use, the holder could be reversed so that the
`back flap faces outward if the wearer so desires. The descrip-
`
`tion of a flap face as being interior or exterior is based on the
`folded position of the identification card holder; when the
`holder is folded the interior faces are folded inside the holder.
`
`[0029] An opening (or slot) in one face of the flap allows
`access to the pocket so that a card or other item can be
`inserted. As specifically exemplified in FIG.1, the slot allow-
`ing access to the pocket is not on the outer face ofthe flap (the
`pocket does not open to the exterior face of the front flap).
`Instead, the identification card is inserted or removed from
`the pocket through a slot located on the interior face of the
`front flap. FIG. 2C illustrates a slot (21) formedin the interior
`of the front flap.
`[0030]
`Preferably, the outer face comprises a durable trans-
`parent polymeric material advantageously forming a window
`in the exterior. This transparent material forms a “window”
`(14) through which an identification card may be viewed or
`scanned. It is of a size appropriate for viewing an identifica-
`tion or credential care and/or for scanning a smart card. In
`FIG. 1 the upper edge of the transparent window (14) is
`shownas being finished with optional binding (17). Option-
`ally, the outer transparent window can include a reinforced
`hole through which a finger may be inserted to facilitate
`removing or positioning the identification card (not shown in
`FIG. 1). This reinforced hole may also be termed a thumb
`slide. The hole may bereinforced by deforming the material
`immediately surrounding the hole during manufacture of the
`pocketface.
`[0031] The inner face of front flap (1) may be of any
`durable, flexible material which does not stretch such as a
`woven material or leather. The inner and outer faces of front
`flap may be joined by sewing or by other means as known to
`the art.
`
`Inthe embodimentshownin FIG.1 and FIG. 2C,the
`[0032]
`front flap contains a single pocket formed by the inner and
`outer faces of the flap and this pocket does not open to the
`exterior face of the front flap. In another embodiment,a flap
`may have two back-to-back pockets with the outer faces ofthe
`pockets being formed by the inner and outer faces of the flap
`and the pockets having a common inner face. For added
`security, both pockets may be accessed from the innerface of
`the flap.
`In an embodiment a flap may include additional
`[0033]
`pockets located on the inside ofthe flap. In an embodiment
`shown in FIG. 2A,the back flap ofthe card holderis designed
`to haveleast one interior pocket (22) in addition to the pocket
`with an exterior transparent “window”. The exterior and inte-
`rior pockets are back-to-back. In FIG. 2A, two interior pock-
`ets (22) are shown. The edges of the pockets or flaps may
`optionally be finished with binding for a more attractive
`appearance and/or to reinforce the pocket. For example, the
`edges of a pocket may be bound with fabric tape prior to
`sewing. FIG. 2A shows binding (23) which finishes pockets
`(22).
`Inthe embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C,the
`[0034]
`front flap fastens to the back flap via the magnetic fasteners
`(13) secured withintheflap structure. The magnetic fasteners
`are located in the ends of the flap distal to the fold. The
`fasteners are positioned so that they can engage each other
`and holdthe flaps together or in close proximity. FIGS. 1,2A
`and 2C illustrate exemplary positions of magnetic fasteners
`(13) with dotted lines. The magnetic fasteners are secured
`within the interior of each flap end during construction.
`[0035]
`In a particular embodiment of the invention, the
`inner face of the pocket is constructed of a double layer of
`
`7
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
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`Jan. 15, 2009
`
`material, to allow concealment of each magnetic fastener
`between the fabric layers. The two layers are stitched or
`otherwise secured together (for example, by heat bonding or
`gluing as appropriate for the materials) so that the magnetic
`fastener doesnotshift positions. FIGS. 1 and 2C illustrate use
`of stitching (15) to secure the magnetic fasteners. Material to
`form pockets (22) can be attached to this material, with the
`opening oriented toward the fold section oftheflap.
`[0036] FIGS.2A and 2Cshowtheinterior surfacesofflaps,
`the back andfront, respectively, ofthe card holder. In both,the
`interior ofthe frontflap has an interiorslot (21) to allow acard
`to be inserted or removed from its pocket. The back flap can
`be adapted to form back-to-back pockets (22) which provide
`separated storage of identification cards. Separated storage of
`multiple cards allows the cards to be moreeasily organized or
`accessed. However,
`in some circumstances a smart card
`reader may not read the desired card correctly if smart cards
`are placed in both of the back-to-back pockets. The interior
`pocket may be constructed in a similar mannerto the exterior
`pocket. The interior of back flap has an upper pocket and a
`lower pocket (see FIG. 2A), as exemplified, formed by offset
`pieces of material. Cards or other materials stored in pockets
`are thus separated from one another. The material pieces
`forming the pockets can be bound with bindings. The upper
`and lower pockets may be sized to accommodate smaller
`cards such as ATM, phone and credit cards, although the
`magnetic nature of the fasteners might interfere with the
`proper performance of cards with magnetically encoded
`information.
`
`FIG. 2B showsthe exterior surface of the backflap.
`[0037]
`The outer face of the flap comprises a durable transparent
`polymeric material (14) which serves as a “window”through
`which the card is read or viewed. The transparent window
`material may also contain a reinforced hole. In FIG. 2B, the
`upper edge of the transparent window (14) is optionally fin-
`ished with binding (17).
`[0038]
`FIG. 1 also showsthe fold line (18) which separates
`the twoflaps. Pockets andfaces ofthe flaps may be formed of
`single or double layers of material. Where a double layer of
`material is used, the magnetic fastener may be positioned
`between the layers and held in place near the end of the flap
`distal to the central fold, secured by stitching, glue or a heat
`bondin the case of appropriate materials. Where there is only
`a single layer of material forming a pocket, the magnetic
`fastener may be enclosed within a layer of material smaller
`than the material which forms the pocket for holding the
`identification card or other materialof interest. An additional
`stitching line (12) may be providedto better define the fold
`line, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B.
`[0039] The identification card holder may also be revers-
`ibly connected to a band, where the two flaps encompass the
`band, preferably such that the magnetic fasteners can engage
`without band material between them. The band preferably
`comprises a stretchy material such as elastic, and it can be
`sized to fit around the upper arm. Alternatively, the flaps can
`encompass a collar of a pet or other animal, with sizing
`appropriate to the size of the collar, animal and card to be
`inserted. Address and contact information, medical or veteri-
`nary information or breeding history could be provided on a
`conventional card or a computer readable card, for example.
`[0040]
`Inthe present context, the magnetic fasteners can be
`conventional or neodymium magnets, with sufficient strength
`to hold the twoflaps securely despite a wearer’s pocket fabric,
`waistband, or potentially an armbandorother band,collar or
`
`harness, etc. between them. As an alternative to the use of a
`pair ofmagnets, there can be a substitution of a magnet paired
`with a magnetizable material serving as magnetic fasteners.
`As noted above,it is desired to secure the fasteners between
`twolayers of material forming a face of the flap.
`[0041] Advantageously, the magnetic fasteners are a pair of
`neodymium magnets or one neodymium magnetic and amag-
`netizable metal object of a size compatible with the neody-
`mium magnet. As used herein, the term neodymium magnet
`refers to a magnet madeof an alloy containing neodymium
`and other elements; such alloys are knownto the art. Other
`magnetic fasteners can be used in place of the neodymium
`magnets specifically exemplified, provided they provide suf-
`ficient force to securely faster the identification holder to the
`wearer, bag, etc. In an embodiment, the neodymium magnet
`grade is at least N40. It is noted that metal magnets (e.g.,
`iron-based) are less preferred in the identification holders
`described herein because of the potential to set off metal
`detectors and/or destroy magnetic strips on cards. However,
`for someusers, this is not a problem.
`[0042]
`In an embodiment, the fastening system includes
`two neodymium magnets of equal size and magnetic strength
`(within manufacturing tolerances). In a specific embodiment,
`each neodymium magnetis circular with a diameter of about
`17.7 mm,thickness of about 2 mm, and weight of about 0.01
`ounces, with a grade of N40, nickel plated and axially mag-
`netized (the flat faces of the discs are north and south mag-
`netic poles). Holding strengths equivalent(or greater) to those
`provided by the specifically exemplified neodymium mag-
`nets are desirable to insure secure attachmentto the wearer.
`However, other sizes and shapes for the magnets can be
`chosen with appropriate consideration of aesthetics and func-
`tion. As is known intheart, the force between two permanent
`magnets depends on the strength of the magnets, the dimen-
`sions ofthe magnets(e.g. radius or width and height, area, and
`thickness) and the separation between the magnets. Similarly,
`the force between a permanent magnet and a soft magnetic
`material depends on the strength of the magnet, the relevant
`dimensions, and the separation. The strength of the magnet
`may be measured by the remananceor residual induction Br.
`In different embodiments, the residual induction of the mag-
`net is greater than or equal to 9,000 Gauss, 10,000 Gauss, or
`11,000 Gauss. In different embodiments, the diameter, width,
`or height of the fasteneris less than or equal to 25.4 mm, 20
`mm,or 15 mm.In an embodiment, the magnetic fasteners are
`capable of supplying sufficient holding force at a separation
`of about 0.5 to about 10 mm,and all distances there between,
`for example, about 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm or 5
`mm. The magnetic fasteners desirably grip over 2 to about 10
`layers of fabric, and integers between.
`[0043] While the identification holder of the present inven-
`tion is specifically exemplified with transparent windowsat
`the exterior faces of the flaps, it is understood that the holder
`can be manufactured with one or more transparent pockets on
`one or more interior faces and the smaller nontransparent
`pockets on one or both exterior facesoftheflaps.
`[0044] The disclosure is provided forillustrative purposes
`and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as
`claimed herein. Any variations in the exemplified articles
`which occurto the skilled artisan are intended to fall within
`
`the scope of the present invention.
`[0045] One skilled in the art readily appreciates that the
`present invention is well adaptedto carry out the objects and
`obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those
`
`8
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`US 2009/0014105 Al
`
`Jan. 15, 2009
`
`inherentin the present invention. The identification holder(s),
`components, materials and dimensions described herein as
`currently representative of preferred embodiments are pro-
`vided as examples and are not intendedas limitations on the
`scopeofthe invention. Changes therein and other uses which
`are encompassed within the spirit of the invention will occur
`to those skilled in theart, are included within the scope of the
`claims.
`[0046] Although the description herein contains certain
`specific information and examples, these should not be con-
`strued as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely
`providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of the
`invention. Thus, additional embodiments are within the scope
`of the invention and within the following claims.
`I claim:
`
`1. An identification card holder comprising atleast a first
`and second flap (1) and (2) located on opposite sides of a
`central fold, at least one ofthe flaps comprising a pocket sized
`to hold at least one identification card, wherein first and
`second magnetic fasteners (13) are
`located at the ends of the flaps distal to the fold, one
`fastener being located in each flap and the fasteners
`being positioned to engage each other.
`2. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the
`first and second magnetic fasteners (13) are magnets.
`3. The identification holder of claim 2, wherein thefirst and
`second magnetic fasteners (13) are neodymium magnets.
`4. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the
`first magnetic fastener is a magnet (13) and the second mag-
`netic fastener 13) is a magnetizable material.
`5. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the
`first magnetic fastener (13) is a neodymium magnet and the
`second magnetic fastener (13) is a magnetizable material.
`6. The identification card holder of claim 1, wherein the
`flap comprising the pocket further further comprises a trans-
`parent window (14), wherebyatleast one identification card
`can be viewed or scanned through the transparent window.
`7. The identification card holder