Identifier tag assembly having peripheral frame

Abstract

This application relates to identifier tag assembly including a holder having a peripheral frame, a backer sheet and indicia visible through the holder when the backer sheet and holder are coupled together. The frame is preferably transparent or semi-transparent so that at least part of the indicia is visible through the frame. In one embodiment indicia may be printed on the frame itself. Indicia may alternatively or additionally be visible through an inner portion of the holder, such as a central opening surrounded by the frame. The indicia may comprise decorative designs, patterns, colorations and/or text. The indicia may be carried on the backer sheet or on one or more inserts positionable between the holder and the backer sheet. In one embodiment an insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the frame and may be aligned with the frame when the identifier tag is assembled. In another embodiment the insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet. Multiple inserts having the same or different sizes and shapes may be superimposed on one another and/or the backer sheet to create a composite visual effect. The frame may be shaped to create a desired visual effect, such as a lens for magnifying underlying indicia.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to an improved identifier tag assembly.

BACKGROUND

As described in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,252 issued 27 Apr. 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, adhesive-free identifier tag assemblies wearable on articles of clothing are known in the prior art. As described in the '252 patent, each assembly may comprise a holder, a backer sheet and a printed identifier tag which is insertable between the holder and the backer sheet. The printed tag may be held in alignment in the assembly between the holder and the backer sheet without the use of adhesives. The printed tag may bear the user's name or some other printed indicia. The backer sheet may be a metal plate which is held in position on the user's clothing with a small magnet.

In the embodiment illustrated in the '252 patent, the holder has a continuous upper surface which is transparent or translucent to ensure that the printed tag is visible through the holder. The printed tag is approximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet to ensure it is held securely in alignment. The holder may include a magnifying lens or a custom contour to enhance the readability of the identifier tag or to vary other visual effects.

Many other name tag holders and name badges are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,275, Thornell, discloses a reusable badge comprises a concavo-convex lens member having a peripheral flange and a resilient backing plate which may be coupled to the lens. Display material may be placed between the lens and the backing plate. However, the peripheral flange is continuous with the remainder of the lens and is not adapted for simulating the appearance of a decorative frame surrounding the display material.

The need has arisen for an identifier tag assembly including a holder having the appearance of a peripheral frame rather than a continuous upper surface. The need has particularly arisen for a holder shaped to receive decorative inserts to readably modify the appearance of the frame and hence the overall visual effect of the identifier tag assembly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an identifier tag assembly is provided comprising a holder having a peripheral frame surrounding an inner portion; a backer sheet releasably securable to the holder; and indicia visible through the holder when the holder and the backer sheet are coupled together. In one embodiment at least part of the indicia is on the backer sheet. In another embodiment at least part of the indicia is on an insert positionable between the holder and the backer sheet. Preferably the frame is transparent or semi-transparent so that at least part of the indicia is visible through the frame. The inner portion surrounded by the frame may be uncovered or covered with a transparent or semi-transparent covering such that at least part of the indicia is visible through the inner portion.

In one embodiment the indicia is decorative. For example, the indicia may comprise a design, pattern and/or coloration. In another embodiment the indicia may comprise printed text. In one embodiment at least part of the indicia may be applied to a peripheral portion of the backer sheet and/or an insert disposed between the holder and the backer sheet so that such indicia is visible through the frame. In one embodiment the indicia may be printed on the frame itself. The assembly may be configured so that part of the indicia is visible through the frame and another part of the indicia is visible through the inner portion. In one embodiment the insert may be transparent or semi-transparent such that at least part of the backer sheet is visible through the insert.

In one embodiment of the invention the insert is approximately the same size and shape as the frame and is alignable with the frame when the holder, insert and backer sheet are assembled together. The holder may comprise a channel formed on an undersurface of the frame sized to receive the insert. In another embodiment the insert may be approximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet. In still another embodiment, two or more inserts may be provided which may be superimposed on one another between the holder and the backer sheet. For example, a first insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the frame and a second insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet. One or both of the inserts may bear at least part of the indicia. A composite visual effect may be achieved by superimposing portions of indicia on the first and second inserts, or on one or more of the inserts and/or the backer sheet and/or the frame itself.

The frame may be configured to enhance the readability of the indicia or to create some other visual effect. For example, the frame may be formed in the shape of a lens such that indicia visible through the frame is magnified in size or otherwise altered in appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, but which should not be construed as restricting the spirit or scope of the invention in any way,

FIG. 1(a) is an isometric view of an identifier tag assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 1(a);

FIG. 2(a) is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 2(a);

FIG. 3(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 4(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 4(a);

FIG. 5(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 5(a);

FIG. 6(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 6(a);

FIG. 7(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 8(a) is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 8(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 8(a) showing text printed on the reverse side of an insert;

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of the invention having a cover over the inner portion of the holder;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 (a) is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 having a flat frame profile;

FIG. 12 (b) is a side elevational view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12(a) but having a curved frame profile;

FIG. 13(a) is an end elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 having a flat frame profile;

FIG. 13(b) is an end elevational view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 13(a)but having a curved frame profile;

FIG. 14(a) is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 10 and showing a flat frame profile;

FIG. 14(b) is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14(a) showing a curved frame profile;

FIG. 15(a) is a transverse sectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG. 10 and showing a flat frame profile; and

FIG. 15(b) is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15(a) showing a curved frame profile.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

With reference to FIG. 1(a), an assembled identifier tag 10 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment tag 10 includes name indicia 12 and corporate indica 14. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, tag 10 could alternatively include other identifying or decorative indicia. As used in this patent application the term “indicia” includes decorative designs, patterns, coloration, text, or any other visually discernable indicia.

As shown best in FIG. 1(b), in one embodiment tag 10 is assembled from a holder 16 formed in the shape of a frame, an insert 18 insertable into holder 12, and a backer sheet 20. In this embodiment name indicia 12 is printed on insert 18 and corporate indicia 14 is printed on backer sheet 20. Insert 18 could be produced, for example, using a desktop computer printer in accordance with the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,252 issued 27 Apr. 2004, hereby incorporated by reference. In this embodiment insert 18 is transparent, or semi-transparent, so that the corporate indicia 14 printed on backer sheet 20 is visible when tag 10 is assembled (FIG. 1(a)).

Holder 16, insert 18 and backer sheet 20 are alignable components which may be reversibly assembled together without the use of adhesives. As described in the '252 patent, in one embodiment of the invention backer sheet 16 may be a metal plate and tag 10 is held in place, for example on a wearer's clothing, with a small magnet.

Holder 16 includes frame elements 21 which together define a peripheral frame 22 surrounding an inner portion of holder 16, such as a central opening 24. Opening 24 may be uncovered or covered with a transparent or semi-transparent covering (FIG. 9) so that indicia 12 and 14 are visible when tag 10 is assembled. In this embodiment holder frame 22 surrounds and frames indica 12, 14 in the assembled configuration in the same manner that a picture frame surrounds and frames a picture. Backer sheet 20 includes a peripheral rim 26 to releasably clip holder 16, insert 18 and backer sheet 20 together in the assembled configuration.

In one embodiment, frame elements 21 may be contoured to create a desired aesthetic effect. For example, frame elements 21 may be outwardly convex so that frame 22 has a curved contour and/or a magnifying lens effect. As described below and best shown in FIG. 9, frame elements 21 may define an inner peripheral channel 32. In the embodiment of FIG. 1(a), channel 32 receives peripheral portions of insert 18 when tag 10 is assembled.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment tag 10 includes a frame insert 28 in addition to holder 16, insert 18 and backer sheet 20. Frame insert 28 is approximately the same size and shape as frame 22 so that insert 28 will fit within channel 32 formed on the undersurface of holder 16 (FIG. 9). As indicated above, frame 22 is preferably formed from transparent plastic or the like so that frame insert 28 is readily visible when tag 10 is assembled. Frame insert 28 may be colored and/or include decorative designs and patterns. For example, frame insert 28 may be colored silver or gold to give holder frame 22 a silver or gold “mirror” appearance. Frame insert 28 may also be patterned, for example, to convey a mottled, matte or shiny metallic appearance.

Insert 18 and/or backer sheet 20 disposed underneath frame insert 28 may also optionally be colored or patterned so that the combination of insert 18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 produces a composite visual effect when tag 10 is assembled.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 is colored and/or patterned and frame insert 28 is omitted. When tag 10 is assembled the patterning and/or coloration on the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 is visible through frame 22.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) except that tag 10 includes both a patterned insert 18 and a frame insert 28. Insert 28 may be disposed either above or below insert 18. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), inserts 18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 may be selected to create a composite visual effect when tag 10 is assembled. For example, frame insert 28 may change the color or appearance of the patterned portion 30 formed around the periphery of insert 18.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 may include text indica rather than a decorative pattern. When tag 10 is assembled (FIG. 4(a)), the text or other indicia in the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 is visible through holder frame 22. As mentioned above, holder 16 may be contoured to produce a magnifying lens effect or some other effect to enhance the readability or aesthetic appearance of the text.

FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) except that tag 10 includes both an insert 18 having text within peripheral portion 30 and a frame insert 28. Insert 28 may be disposed either above or below insert 18. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), inserts 18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 may be selected to create a composite visual effect when tag 10 is assembled. For example, frame insert 28 may change the color or appearance of the text or other indicia within portion 30 formed around the periphery of insert 18.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), text or other indicia 34 could be printed directly on one or more frame elements 21 of frame 22. Although this would restrict the versatility of holder 16 in some respects, holders 16 with or without indicia 34, or bearing different indicia 34, are easily interchangeable in a modular fashion in accordance with the invention. For example, a holder 16 having a frame element 22 printed with indicia 34 reading “25 YEARS OF SERVICE” could be easily interchanged with a holder 16 having a frame element 22 printed with indicia 34 reading “10 YEARS OF SERVICE”.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). In this embodiment indicia 12 is printed on a reverse side 34 of insert 18. When tag 10 is assembled, reverse side 36 bearing indicia 12 faces backer plate 20. However, indicia 12 is readily visible since insert 18 is otherwise transparent. The advantage of this embodiment is that, in the assembled configuration, indicia 12 is not exposed through holder opening 24 and it is therefore less likely that indicia 12 will be smudged, rubbed off or otherwise defaced.

FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention wherein tag 10 includes a frame insert 28 and a backer sheet 20 in addition to holder 16 but wherein insert 18 is omitted. In this embodiment frame insert 28 could be selected to modify the appearance of frame 22 as described above. In this embodiment indicia 12, 14 (not shown in this view) could be printed directly on backer sheet 20 rather than on a separate insert 18 (i.e. inserts 18 and 28 could be omitted entirely). Further, in this embodiment central portion 24 of holder 16 is covered (for example by a transparent or semi-transparent covering 38).

As indicated above, the shape and configuration of frame elements 22 of holder 16 may vary without departing from the invention. FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12(a), 13(a), 14(a) and 15(a) show an embodiment having a flat upper frame profile. FIGS. 12(b), 13(b), 14(b) and 15(b) illustrate a similar embodiment having a curved upper frame profile.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, many other variations in the appearance, size and number of inserts 18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 are possible without departing from the invention. Such variations will alter the visual effect of the overall identifier tag 10 as described above and illustrated in the drawings.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, may alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An identifier tag assembly comprising: (a) a holder having a peripheral frame surrounding an inner portion; (b) a backer sheet releasably securable to said holder; and (c) indicia visible through said holder when said holder and said backer sheet are coupled together.

2. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said backer sheet bears at least part of said indicia.

3. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising an insert positionable between said holder and frame, wherein said insert bears at least part of said indicia.

4. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is transparent or semi-transparent and wherein at least part of said indicia is visible through said frame.

5. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of said indicia is decorative.

6. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of said indicia is colored.

7. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of said indicia is printed text.

8. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of said indicia is applied to a peripheral portion of said backer sheet.

9. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least part of said printed indicia is visible through said inner portion.

10. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a first part of said indicia is visible through said frame and a second part of said indicia is visible through said inner portion.

11. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein said first part of said indicia is decorative and said second part of said indica comprises printed text.

12. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising an insert positionable said holder and said backer sheet, wherein said insert bears at least part of said indicia.

13. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said at least part of said indicia is visible through said frame.

14. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said at least part of said indicia is visible through said inner portion.

15. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert is at least partly transparent or semi-transparent such that at least part of said backer sheet is visible through said insert.

16. The identifier tag assembly as defined in 12, wherein said insert is approximately the same size and shape as said frame and is aligned with said frame when said holder, insert and backer sheet are assembled together.

17. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert is approximately the same size and shape as said backer sheet.

18. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a first insert having approximately the same size and shape as said frame and a second insert having approximately the same size and shape as said backer sheet, wherein said first and second inserts are positionable between said holder and said backer sheet.

19. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein at least one of said first and second inserts bear at least part of said indicia.

20. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said insert comprises a decorative pattern.

21. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said insert is colored.

22. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein at least part of said indicia comprises a composite of indicia superimposed on said first and second inserts.

23. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is in the shape of lens, wherein said indicia visible through said frame is magnified in size.

24. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein an upper surface of said frame is arcuately curved.

25. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is rectangular.

26. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said first insert is disposed between said holder and said second insert.

27. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said second insert is disposed between said holder and said first insert.

28. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert comprises a first portion of said indicia visible through said frame and a second portion of said indicia visible through said inner portion.

29. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said backer sheet comprise a first portion of said indicia visible through said frame and a second portion of said indicia visible through said inner portion.

30. The identifier tag as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert has approximately the same size and shape as said frame and wherein said holder comprises a channel formed on the undersurface of said frame for receiving said insert.

31. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner portion is an opening defined by said frame.

32. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 31, wherein said opening is covered with a transparent or semi-transparent covering such that at least part of said indicia is visible through said inner portion.

33. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein said at least part of said indicia is printed on a surface of said insert disposed facing said backer sheet when said identifier tag assembly is assembled, said indicia being visible through said insert.

34. An identifier tag assembly comprising: (a) a holder having a peripheral frame surrounding an inner portion; (b) a backer sheet releasably securable to said holder; and (c) indicia printed on said holder or visible through said holder when said holder and said backer sheet are coupled together.