GB2442937A

GB2442937A - Ticket, identity or like card holder adapted to be worn on the limb of a user

Info

Publication number: GB2442937A
Application number: GB0620959A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shirley Ann Kirby; Susan Norton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-20
Filing date: 2006-10-20
Publication date: 2008-04-23
Also published as: GB0620959D0

Abstract

A ticket, identity or like card 4 holder 1 adapted to be worn on the limb of a user comprises an elongate band and at least one holder for the storage and display of at least one ticket, identity or like card. The device has at least one clear panel 2, behind which can be inserted a ticket, identity or like card, which is worn on the inner or proximal side of the wearer's limb so that in general use the panel is out of sight but when desired the panel may be easily revealed to demonstrate the wearer's entitlement or identity to whichever authority requires sight thereof. The device may appear to be a perfectly normal wristband, sweatband or similar on the distal side from the wearer's body. The clear panel holding the relevant card or ticket may be masked by a flap 3 hinged from the band and secured unless released by the wearer. The holder may be worn on any limb, but is especially suited for wearing on the wrist and is preferably elasticised for ease of attachment. The holder may be fabricated from an elasticised towelling material, cloth, leather or plastic.

Description

1/ 2442937 FASHIONABLE TICKET AND IDENTFrY CARD HOLDER This invention

relates to a fashion accessory with means for containing and displaying tickets and other cards which is both discreet and effective.

There is an increasing demand in modern life to carry and show tickets or identification. There is also a need to make carrying and displaying them convenient, as it is often highly inconvenient to locate and show the necessary card while carrying other items. Mothers of small children particularly face a struggle to maintain order over, say, a toddler and an infant in a pushchair along with two bags full of shopping while getting onto a bus and finding her bus pass or ticket. Anyone who has been in this position will sympathise with the predicament and welcome any simple means of avoiding the frustration arising out of the situation. Young people also are well known for forgetting things, and now that identity cards or other proof of age or entitlement are increasingly needed, there will logically be more such cards lost or mislaid, with all the attendant administrative and security problems, let alone the problems for the youth or their parents in obtaining replacements, and the cost thereof. It is therefore desirable that a product is available which is both simple and secure, which is easily operated and above all is fashionable enough to avoid suspicion as to its hidden contents.

In modern society there is an increasing tendency to issue and use tickets and cards of the standard size of a credit card, as universally understood. Apart from credit cards, in the UK the proposed Identity card, National Insurance, El 11 European Health Entitlement card, phone top-up, Oyster (London) travel card, Student identity card and Railcard are all designed to the same format and may therefore be interchangeably displayed within the clear panel, as required. As older people travel more than formerly, they will benefit from having their documents safely in one secure place. Cards bearing a barcode may be quickly passed in front of a laser beam and read to validate a person's access to a secure area rather than the current alternative methods of automatic recognition whereby a user has to press a button or a coded series of buttons in the vicinity of the doorway, passes a card through a magnetic (swipe) reader or submits to an iris scan. This last method clearly requires an enormous database of known iris characteristics whereas the first is subject to misuse by word of mouth and the second method may be passed easily from one user to another, or stolen.

There have been numerous previous applications for pouches, wallets and other containers for display of maps or for storage of personal items such as money, keys and the like. US5170917 TOURIGNY relates to devices for carrying or holding maps or the like and is attached by means of straps secured by Velcro while US5477633 LEINBERGER relates to a flexible document holder to be worn by a skier to display a map or other document. USD255509 JONES deals with a garter adapted to contain a person's valuables, to be worn on the thigh while JP2004344565 TERASAKI relates to a wrist band to hold a cellular phone, digital camera or wallet and US6443341 RITTMANN reveals a wrist wallet made of a mesh material with a zip along one edge that can be wrapped around the wrist and 3/ secured by means of hooks and eyes or hook and loop material (Velcro ).

GB2351227 LESLEY-LLOYD relates to a wrist wallet to conceal the wallet and its contents, designed to permit ease of attachment and US5755366 MAZZO reveals a waterproof wallet and pouch secured by means of straps for use in water sports.

US5341972 JACKS deals with an elongated band bearing a wrist watch externally and a wallet internally, secured by hook and loop connectors. GB434820 BELL published in 1935 similarly shows a leather wallet adapted to be worn around the wrist and JP2005349170 KOGURE provides a non-slip ticket holder in the form of a box equipped with a strap to be worn about the arm. JP2005349170 MASUYAMA relates to an elongated band secured at its ends featuring a display section to be worn externally, equipped with a section that may be easily opened to enable the ticket therein to be clipped by a conductor or similar agent. GBI 14369 NOVELLI discloses a metal ticket display holder for attachment to a second member for attachment to the wrist or by means of a safety pin to the wearer's clothes.

US20051 99715 relates to a holder for use by law enforcement officers to be worn on the thigh for use in writing out traffic violation tickets while US5388739 GARGAN discloses a ticket display holder to be secured around the neck of the wearer and US4332338 CHRISTIANSEN reveals a wallet which may be wrapped around the user's wrist when engaged in vigorous activity. . None of the prior art discovered addresses the increasing need for proof of identity and standardisation of permit size or reveals the combination of features disclosed by the current invention.

According to the present invention there is provided an accessory in the form of a band which can be worn on any limb and which features at least one clear panel 4/ showing externally but which is worn on the inner or proximal side of the wearer's limb, behind which can be inserted a ticket or identity card, so that in general use the panel is invisible, but when desired the panel may be easily revealed to demonstrate the wearer's entitlement or identity to whichever authority requires sight thereof. The invention should appear to be a perfectly normal wristband, sweatband or similar on the distal side from the wearer's body while the proximal side will contain the clear panel holding the relevant card or ticket, either masked by a flap hinged from the band and secured unless released by the wearer, or uncovered but not readily visible to the outsider. The invention may be worn on any limb, but ideally on the wrist and preferably elasticised for ease of attachment. It may be of any flexible material, but will typically be made of an elasticised towelling material such as is used to make contemporary head and wrist sweatbands, cloth, leather, plastic or other fashionable material to avoid suspicion as to the contents of the band.

The invention is primarily designed to give improved accessibility to tickets when required rather than to provide security for valuables, as a traveller often has to open a handbag, wallet, purse or the like in order to remove and show their ticket.

This activity increases the vulnerability of the traveller to criminal activity as the contents of the entire handbag or wallet are necessarily displayed. Furthermore the fact that the traveller can easily see the band gives reassurance that their essential documents are safe and in a known place rather than in one of a variety of pockets.

Although it will generally be worn inside the sleeve of a shirt or jacket it may be worn fully visible without concern as it appears to be a fashion accessory. The invention permits the wearer to display only what they want to display and may contain further

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tickets or cards within the body of the invention. Separation of the cards is desirable as magnetic strips may become de-activated by contact through storage alongside another card. To obviate this risk a pocket or pockets may be formed on the inside of the band in addition to the clear panel provided on the outside, said pockets being secured by known means. A flap secured by known means such as hoop-and-loop, hook and eye, co-operating press studs, zipper or button and eye may be utilised at one end of the band in order to secure the cards within the slot or pocket formed in the band, although other means are not hereby excluded. A thumb shaped indentation in the presenting edge of the visibility panel may be incorporated for ease of use in removal of the cards if their removal is required for inspection. The form of the invention also lends itself to secondary usage as an advertising vehicle, to display a fashion manufacturer's name or logo design on the outer face while the card is concealed on the inside, It may also be styled to show adherence to a contemporary fashion style or youth movement, favourite musical band, football team, celebrity personality or other entity.

In the following drawings it is not intended to exclude features from another Figure from each specific embodiment but rather to provide a basis for their combination in specific applications.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is to be understood that the specific embodiment thereof, as described and illustrated herein, is not to be considered in a limited sense, as there may be other forms or modifications of the invention which should also be construed to come within the scope of the appended claims.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the essential features of the invention; Figure 2 shows an embodiment wherein the tubular form is able to be opened along one longitudinal seam and secured by means of hook-and-loop material; Figure 3 shows an embodiment featuring a flap which covers the clear display panel for extra security arid also holds an additional card on its internal face; Figure 4 shows the reverse face of the accessory of Figure 2 displaying pockets for storage of other cards or items such as money, passports or valuables; Figure 5 shows the reverse side of Figure 4 illustrating the design or logo and covered display section.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the body of the accessory I wherein a section in removed to reveal a clear vision panel 2 behind which a ticket, proof of identity or permit 4 (hereinafter referred to as permit 4) is inserted through a slot or other opening in the accessory covered by a flap 3. In manufacture the accessory 1 may be formed by joining opposite longitudinal sides along a seam 5.

Figure 2 shows an alternative configuration wherein the body of the accessory 1 featuring vision panel 2 and flap 3 is joined along opposite longitudinal sides by means of co-operating hook and loop strips 8 to reveal an internal pocket 9 which may be unsecured or secured by known means and which gives access to an internal compartment 10. The flap 3 is shown in the open position revealing areas of co-operating hook and loop material 6 and 7. The flap 3 may equally be secured by other known means, and a cutaway 20 in the form of a thumb section is incorporated.

Figure 3 shows the accessory 1 featuring vision panel 2, flap 3, permit 4, and seam 5 all as hereinbefore described with the addition of a section of material in the form of a cover 11 for the vision panel 2. The cover 11 for the vision panel 2 is similarly enabled to hold a permit 4 behind a second vision panel 12 and is shown equipped with co-operating press studs 13 although other known means of securing may be incorporated.

Figure 4 shows the body of the accessory 1 opened out to lay flat to reveal one member of the co-operating hook and loop strips 8 and an opening in the form of a zipper 14 that gives access to an internal compartment 15. Other features may be incorporated such as card holding compartments 16 to contain additional credit cards 17 for security. These internal features may also be featured in embodiments without the facility of unrolling by means of co-operating hook and loop strips 8.

Figure 5 shows the reverse of Figure 4 wherein the externally showing face of the accessory I with vision panel 2 and one member of co-operating hook and loop strips 8 is equipped with cover 11 secured in this case by co-operating press studs 13. The fashion potential of the accessory 1 has been increased by the incorporation of a graphical design 18 which may be a device in the form of a Trade Mark 18 either with or without the descriptive word Mark or logo 19.

Claims

Claim 1. A personal accessory to hold a ticket or identity card in the form of an elongated band which can be worn on any limb and which features at least one clear panel for selective display formed on the external face of said band to be worn on the proximal side of the wearer's limb, behind which can be inserted a ticket or identity card or plurality thereof, so that in general use the panel is unseen by the casual observer, but when desired, the panel may be easily revealed to demonstrate the wearer's entitlement or identity.
Claim 2. An accessory as claimed in Claim I featuring a flap that conceals the ticket or card and is attached at one edge to the band and openably secured by known means at the opposite side, said sides generally being the longer sides of the panel which in general is rectangular in shape.
Claim 3. An accessory as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 where the pocket or plurality thereof formed in the body of the tubular band is open at one end of the tube and secured by a flap, zipper, hook and loop material or combination thereof Claim
4. An accessory as claimed in Claim I, Claim 2 or Claim 3 the body of which is made from an elasticised material suitable for wearing around a person's wrist.
Claim 5. An accessory as claimed in Claim I, Claim 2, Claim 3 or Claim 4 featuring an internal pocket or plurality thereof for holding cards or other valuable items. 10/
Claim 6. An accessory as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4 or Claim 5 featuring external graphical design for use as ornament or advertising.
Claim 7. An accessory as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 or Claim 3 featuring flap as claimed in Claim 2 whose inner face is adapted to form an additional ticket display holder.
Claim 8. An accessory as claimed in any previous Claim for instant display of a barcode to be read or scanned by a laser beam in conjunction with a security system governing access to a secure area with or without additional security measures.
Claim 9. An accessory as claimed in any previous Claim for instant display of a barcode to be read or scanned by a laser beam in conjunction with a security system governing access to a secure area with or without additional security measures. .. .

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* Claim
10. An accessory substantially as herein described with reference to * IS Figures 1 to5. *5S

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Claim 9. An accessory substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

CLAIMS II

Claim 1. A personal accessory to hold a ticket or identity card in the form of an elongated band which can be worn on any limb and which features at least one integral clear panel formed on the external face of said band behind which can be inserted a ticket or identity card or plurality thereof which can be worn on the proximal side of the wearer's limb so that in general use the panel is unseen by the casual observer but when desired the panel may be easily displayed to demonstrate the wearer's entitlement or identity.

Claim 2. An accessory as claimed in Claim I featuring a flap that conceals the ticket or card and is attached at one edge to the band and openably secured by known means at the opposite side, said edge and side generally being attached along the longer sides of the panel which is generally rectangular in shape.

Claim 3. An accessory as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 where the pocket or plurality thereof formed in the body of the tubular band is open at one end of said : ** tubular band and secured by a flap, zipper, hook and loop material or other known SI* S means or combination thereof.

*: Claim 4. An accessory as claimed in Claim I, Claim 2 or Claim 3 the *5S body of which is made from an elasticised material such as towelling suitable for wearing around a person's wrist as a sweatband.

Claim 5. An accessory as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3 or Claim 4 featuring an internal pocket or plurality thereof for holding cards or other valuable items.

Claim 6. An accessory as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4 or Claim 5 featuring external graphical design for use as ornament or advertising.

Claim 7. An accessory as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 or Claim 3 featuring a flap as claimed in Claim 2 whose inner face is adapted to form an additional ticket display holder.

Claim 8. An accessory as claimed in any previous Claim for instant display of a barcode to be read or scanned by a laser beam in conjunction with a security system governing access to public areas by means of entitlement or advance payment.