PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A HOLDER

Abstract

A holder for use with at least one of a badge card and an electronic authentication device may include a first housing section including a first interior surface that at least partially defines a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein. The first housing section may further include a first projection extending from the first interior surface and positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot. The holder may further include a second housing section coupled to the first housing section including a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein. The second housing section may further include a second projection extending from the second interior surface and positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot.

Description

FIELD OF USE

The present disclosure relates to a personal identification assembly, and more particularly, to a holder for use with an identification assembly for securing a badge card and electronic authentication device.

BACKGROUND

At least some conventional identification systems utilize an identification badge, such as a photographic identification badge. At least some known assemblies utilize a lanyard and strap for holding such badges. However, conventional systems usually merely hold the badge itself and are not able to provide carrying functionality for additional security devices. Likewise, at least some known identification assemblies utilize a holder that engages the badge through a hole or aperture punctured through the badge. As a result, such systems are not well suited for badges containing electronic components, such as near field communication (“NFC”) components, which may be damaged by puncturing the badges. Known systems may have other drawbacks as well.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, identification assemblies that include folders for holding a badge card and/or an electronic authentication device. The holder may include a first housing section including a first interior surface that at least partially defines a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein. The badge may be inserted into the first slot and held in place by a first projection within the first housing section. The first projection may extend from the first interior surface and be positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder. In some embodiments, the holder includes a plurality of first projections which grip the badge card therebetween within the first slot.

In one aspect, a holder for use with at least one of a badge card and an electronic authentication device may be provided. The holder may include a first housing section including a first interior surface. The first interior surface may at least partially define a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein. The first housing section may further include a first projection extending from the first interior surface. The first projection may be positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder. The holder may further include a second housing section coupled to the first housing section. The second housing section may include a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein. The second housing section may further include a second projection extending from the second interior surface. The second projection may be positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device to the holder.

In another aspect, an identification assembly may be provided. The identification assembly may include an electronic authentication device, a badge card, and a holder for engaging the electronic authentication device and the badge card. The holder may include a first housing section including a first interior surface. The first interior surface may at least partially define a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein. The first housing section may further include a first projection extending from the first interior surface. The first projection may be positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder. The holder may further include a second housing section coupled to the first housing section. The second housing section may include a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein. The second housing section may further include a second projection extending from the second interior surface. The second projection may be positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device to the holder.

In yet another aspect, a holder for use with an identification assembly may be provided. The holder may include a first wall including a first interior surface. The first interior surface may at least partially define a first slot of the holder sized to receive an identification card of the identification assembly therein. The holder may further include a first projection extending from the first interior surface and positioned to contact the identification card when the identification card is received in the first slot for securing the identification card within the first slot. The holder may further include a second wall coupled to the first wall. The second wall may include a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive an electronic authentication device of the identification assembly therein. The holder may further include a second projection extending from the second interior surface. The second projection may be positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device within the second slot.

Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. In addition, although certain steps of the exemplary processes are numbered, having such numbering does not indicate or imply that the steps necessarily have to be performed in the order listed. The steps may be performed in the order indicated or in another order. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and are instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example identification assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a holder of the identification assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the holder shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the holder shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the holder shown in FIG. 2, with a first housing section of the holder removed to reveal internal construction;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the holder shown in FIG. 2, taken along the line 7-7 shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an identification assembly;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative holder of the identification assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the holder shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a holder for use with the identification assembly shown in FIG. 1 or the identification assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a holder for use with the identification assembly shown in FIG. 1 or the identification assembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the holder shown in FIG. 13, with housing sections of the holder removed to reveal internal construction; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the holder shown in FIG. 13, showing a projection of the holder.

The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, identification assemblies and holders for use in identification assemblies. In example embodiments the assembly may include an electronic authentication device, a badge card, and a holder for engaging or otherwise carrying the badge card and the electronic authentication device. The holder may include a first housing section including a first interior surface that at least partially defines a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein. The badge may be inserted into the first slot and held in place by a first projection within the first housing section. The first projection may extend from the first interior surface and be positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder. In some embodiments, the holder includes a plurality of first projections which grip the badge card therebetween within the first slot. As a result, the holder may hold the badge in the first slot without requiring any modifications (e.g., puncturing) of the badge.

The holder may further include a second housing section coupled to the first housing section for holding an electronic authentication device, such as an authenticator key for accessing files on a computer and/or server. The second housing section may include a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein. The electronic authentication device may be inserted into the second slot and held in place by a second projection. The second projection may extend from the second interior surface and be positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot. As a result, a single holder may be used to securely carry both a badge card and an electronic authentication device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an identification assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example embodiment, the identification assembly 100 includes an attachment assembly 102, a holder 104, a badge card 106 (alternatively referred to as a “badge” herein), a first authentication device 108, and a second authentication device 110. In the example embodiment the holder 104 is opaque, though in other embodiments the holder 104 and/or portions of the holder 104 may be transparent.

The first authentication device 108 and second authentication device 110 are each electronic authentication devices that are configured to authenticate a user when inserted into a computing device. The authentication devices each support at least one of one-time passwords (OTP), public-key cryptography, and authentication, and the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) and FIDO2 protocols. One example authentication device is the YubiKey® authentication device (YubiKey is a registered trademark of Yubico AB corporation, Stockholm, Sweden). In other embodiments, the first authentication device 108 and/or the second authentication device 110 may be any other suitable device.

In the example embodiment, the first authentication device 108 includes a body 112 and a connector 114 extending from the body 112. The body 112 and connector 114 collectively define a total length, indicated at L₁ of the first authentication device 108. The body 112 further defines a total width, indicated at W₁ of the first authentication device 108. The second authentication device 110 also includes a body 116 and a connector 118 extending from the body 116. The body 116 and connector 118 of the second authentication device 110 collectively define a total length, indicated at L₂ of the second authentication device 110. The body 116 of the second authentication device 110 further defines a total width, indicated at W₂, of the second authentication device 110.

In the example embodiment, the first authentication device 108 has a size that is greater than a size of the second authentication device 110, such that both the length L₁ and the width W₁ of the first authentication device 108 are each greater than the length L₂ and width W₂ of the second authentication device 110. Specifically, in the example embodiment, the connector 114 of the first authentication device 108 is a USB-A connector while the connector 118 of the second authentication device 110 is a USB-C connector. In the example embodiment, the first authentication device 108 and the second authentication device 110 each include a recessed section 120, 122. The recessed sections 120, 122 of the authentication devices 108, 110 are each circular dimples. The first authentication device 108 and the second authentication device 110 are each received in and secured to the holder 104 by engagement between the holder 104 and the recessed sections 120, 122, as is described in greater detail below.

In the example embodiment, the attachment assembly 102 is configured to connect the holder 104 to the body of a user (not shown). The attachment assembly includes a reel 124, a clip 125 connected to the reel 124, and a strap 126 connecting the reel 124 to the holder 104. In other embodiments, any other suitable attachment assemblies, such as, but not limited to a neck lanyard, may be used. In some embodiments, the identification assembly 100 does not include the attachment assembly 102.

In the example embodiment, the badge 106 is in the form of a card and has a generally rectangular shape. The badge 106 include a photograph section 128 that includes a photograph of the user and a name section 130 for listing the user's name. The badge 106 defines a length, indicated at L₃, and a width, indicated at W₃, that is less than the length L₃. A portion of the length L₃ of the badge 106 extends within the holder 104, while the photograph section 128 and the name section 130 of the badge 106 are each visible and positioned outside of the holder 104. In the example embodiment, the badge 106 is made of plastic and further includes one or more communication identifiers embedded in the badge 106. In particular, in the example embodiment, the badge 106 includes an NFC chip (not shown) that may be programmed to grant access to the user in response to presenting the badge 106 to an NFC reader. In other embodiments, the badge 106 may include any suitable communications identifier and/or electronics accordingly to any suitable communications protocol, such as, for example and without limitation, radio-frequency identification (“RFID”), GPS sensors, low-power GPS, a barcode and/or QR-code, etc. In other embodiments, the badge 106 does not include electronic components.

In the example embodiment, the holder 104 contacts and is engaged with each of the first authentication device 108, the second authentication device 110, and the badge 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the holder 104 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the holder 104. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the holder 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, the holder 104 includes a first housing section 132, a second housing section 134, and a third housing section 136 that collectively define the holder 104. The second housing section 134 and third housing section 136 are each connected to the first housing section 132. In the example embodiment, the holder 104 is formed as a single-piece construction, such as by additive manufacturing. In other embodiments, one or more components of the holder 104, such as, but not limited to, any of the housing sections 132-136, may be separately formed and coupled.

The holder 104 extends generally between an upper end 138 and a lower end 140. The holder 104 further includes a first sidewall 142 and a second sidewall 144. The first sidewall 142 extends from the first housing section 132 to the second housing section 134 and defines a first side 143 of the holder 104. The second sidewall 144 extends from the first housing section 132 to the third housing section 136 and defines a second, opposed side 145 of the holder 104. The first housing section 132 includes an outer wall 146, an inner wall 148 (shown in FIG. 3) spaced from the outer wall 146, and an end wall 150 extending between the outer wall 146 and the inner wall 148. The outer wall 146 and the inner wall 148 define a strap aperture 152 that extends through the first housing section 132 for receiving the strap 126 (shown in FIG. 1) therethrough. The end wall 150 defines the upper end 138 of the holder 104 and is closed in the example embodiment (i.e., does not define any openings or slots extending through the end wall 150).

Referring to FIG. 3, the first housing section 132 defines a first slot 154, alternatively referred to herein as a “badge slot,” sized to receive the portion of the badge 106 (shown in FIG. 1) therein. The first slot 154 is defined by the first sidewall 142, the second sidewall 144, the outer wall 146, and the inner wall 148. The first slot 154 has a width, indicated at W₄, extending transversely (i.e., generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₁, shown in FIG. 4) between the first sidewall 142 and the second sidewall 144. The width W₄ of the first slot 154 is greater than or approximately equal to the width W₃ of the badge 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the first slot 154 provides an open end 194 of the first housing section 132 at the lower end 140 of the holder 104 to facilitate inserting and removing the badge 106 into the first slot 154 at the lower end 140.

The first housing section 132 further includes a first interior surface 156 and a second interior surface 158. The first interior surface 156 is included on the outer wall 146 and the second interior surface 158 is included on the inner wall 148. The second interior surface 158 is position opposed to, and facing, the first interior surface 156. A plurality of first projections 160 project from the interior surfaces 156, 158 and are positioned to contact the badge card 106 when the badge card 106 is received in the first slot 154 for securing the badge card 106 to the holder 104. In the example embodiment, the plurality of first projections 160 include a first pair 162 of first projections 160 that extend inward of the first slot 154 from the first interior surface 156 and a second pair 164 of first projections 160 that extend inward of the first slot 154 from the second interior surface 158 on the inner wall 148. Each of the first projections 160 are transversely offset from one another, with the first pair 162 of first projections 160 being transversely between the second pair 164 of first projections 160. In the example embodiment, the four first projections 160 are symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis A₁ (shown in FIG. 4).

In the example embodiment, the plurality of first projections 160 are positioned to cooperatively contact and engage the badge 106 (shown in FIG. 1), when the badge 106 is inserted into the first slot 154. In particular, the first projections 160 provide a gripping force that is distributed across the width W₃ of the badge 106 to secure the badge 106 to the holder 104. Thus, the first projections 160 secure the badge 106 within the first housing section 132 without requiring any modification to the badge 106 (e.g., the badge 106 does not include any holes and the first projections 160 do not extend through or into the badge 106). In other embodiments, the first housing section 132 may include any number of first projections 160 and the first projections 160 may be positioned in any suitable manner that enables the first projections 160 to secure the badge to the card holder 104, as described herein.

In the example embodiment, the second housing section 134 extends from the inner wall 148 on an opposed side of the inner wall 148 from the first housing section 132. The second housing section 134 includes the first sidewall 142, a first rear wall 166, and a first interior wall 168. The second housing section 134 defines a second slot 170. The second slot 170 is sized to receive the first authentication device 108 therein and is open at both the upper end 138 (shown in FIG. 2) and the lower end 140 of the holder 104. When the first authentication device 108 is received within the second slot 170, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 114 extends out of the second housing section 134 and longitudinally beyond the lower end 140 of the holder 104 while the body 112 extends out of the second housing section 134 and longitudinally beyond the upper end 138 of the holder 104.

The third housing section 136 extends from the inner wall 148 on an opposed side of the inner wall 148 from the first housing section 132. The third housing section 136 includes the second sidewall 144, a second rear wall 172, and a second interior wall 174. The third housing section 136 defines a third slot 176. The third slot 176 is sized to receive the second authentication device 110 therein and is open at both the upper end 138 (shown in FIG. 2) and the lower end 140 of the holder 104. When the second authentication device 110 is received within the third slot 176, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 118 extends out of the third housing section 136 and longitudinally beyond the lower end 140 of the holder 104 while the body 116 extends out of the third housing section 136 and longitudinally beyond the upper end 138 of the holder 104.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the example embodiment, the outer wall 146 of the holder 104 is generally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A₁. Moreover, the end wall 150 has a general arc shape that extends to an apex at the longitudinal axis A₁ and at a midpoint between the first sidewall 142 and the second sidewall 144.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the holder 104 at the upper end 138. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the holder 104, showing the first housing section 132 removed to reveal internal construction.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second housing section 134 defines a height H₁ of the second slot 170 extending between the first rear wall 166 and the inner wall 148. The third housing section 136 defines a height H₂ of the third slot 176 extending between the second rear wall 172 and the inner wall 148. In the example embodiment, the height H₂ of the third slot 176 is greater than the height H₁ of the second slot 170 to accommodate an increased height (not shown) of the second authentication device 110 relative to the first authentication device 108 (shown in FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first rear wall 166 further includes an interior surface 178 that partially defines the second slot 170. A second projection 180 projects inward of the second slot 170 from the interior surface 178. The second rear wall 172 of the third housing section 136 includes an interior surface 182 that partially defines the third slot 176 and a third projection 184 that projects inward of the third slot 176 from the interior surface 182.

The second housing section 134 and the third housing section 136 further each include ledges 186 that extend transversely inward from interior surfaces of the first sidewall 142, the first interior wall 168, the second interior wall 174, and the second sidewall 144, respectively, proximate the lower end 140 of the holder 104. The ledges 186 are positioned to contact the bodies 112, 116 of the first authentication device 108 and the second authentication device 110 (shown in FIG. 1), respectively, to align and retain the devices 108, 110, within the corresponding slots 154, 170. The first authentication device 108 is inserted into the second housing section 134 along the first device insertion direction 188, until the body 112 contacts the ledges 186. The second authentication device 110 is inserted into the third housing section 136 along the second device insertion direction 190, until the body 116 contacts the ledge 186. In the example embodiment, the first device insertion direction 188 and the second device insertion direction 190 are generally parallel to one another and are parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 (shown in FIG. 4).

In the example embodiment, the second projection 180 of the second housing section 134 is sized and shaped in correspondence with the first recessed section 120 of the first authentication device 108 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, the second projection 180 has a generally circular profile that extends from the interior surface 178 and at least partially into the dimple shape of the first recessed section 120, when the first authentication device 108 is received within the second housing section 134, to secure the first authentication device 108 to the holder 104. The second projection 180 has a diameter, generally indicated at D₁. The second projection 180 is positioned on the interior surface 178 such that, when the first authentication device 108 is received within the second housing section 134 and contacting the ledge 186, the second projection 180 is in general alignment with the first recessed section 120 of the first authentication device 108.

In the example embodiment, the third projection 184 of the third housing section 136 is sized and shaped in correspondence with the second recessed section 122 of the second authentication device 110 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, the third projection 184 has a generally circular profile that extends from the interior surface 182 and at least partially into the dimple shape of the second recessed section 122, when the second authentication device 110 is received within the third housing section 136, to secure the second authentication device 110 to the holder 104. The third projection 184 has a diameter, generally indicated at D₂, that is less than the diameter D₁ of the second projection 180. The third projection 184 is positioned on the interior surface 182 such that, when the second authentication device 110 is received within the third housing section 136 and contacting the ledge 186, the third projection 184 is in general alignment with the second recessed section 122 of the second authentication device 110. In other embodiments, at least one of the second projection 180 and the third projection 184 may have any different shape suitable to contact at least a portion of a corresponding authentication device 108, 110. Moreover, in other embodiments, the projections 180, 184 may be additionally or alternatively provided on any other suitable wall and/or interior surface of the second housing section 134 and the third housing section 136, respectively.

In the example embodiment, the first rear wall 166 of the second housing section 134 defines a length, indicated at L₃ of the second slot 170, and the second housing section 134 more generally. Similarly, the second rear wall 172 of the third housing section 136 defines a length, indicated at L₄ of the third slot 176, and the third housing section 136 more generally. In the example embodiments, the length L₃ of the first slot 154 is generally the same as the length L₄ of the third slot 176. In other embodiments, the second slot 170 and the third slot 176 may have different lengths.

The first sidewall 142 and the first interior wall 168 of the second housing section 134 define a width, indicated at W₅, of the second slot 170. The second interior wall 174 and the second sidewall 144 define a width, indicated at W₆, of the third slot 176. In the example embodiment, the width W₅ of the second slot 170 is greater than the width W₆ of the third slot 176 to accommodate the increased width W₁ of the first authentication device 108 (shown in FIG. 1) relative to the second authentication device 110. In particular, the width W₅ of the second slot 170 is sized in correspondence with the width W₁ of the first authentication device 108 such that the body of the first authentication device 108 is positioned substantially close to and/or partly in contact with both the first sidewall 142 and the first interior wall 168, when the first authentication device 108 is received within the second slot 170. Additionally, the width W₅ of the third slot 176 is sized in correspondence with the width W₂ of the second authentication device 110 such that the body of the second authentication device 110 is positioned substantially close to and/or partly in contact with both the second interior wall 174 and the second sidewall 144, when the second authentication device 110 is received within the third slot 176.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the holder 104 taken along the line 7-7, shown in FIG. 7.

In the example embodiment, the first housing section 132 further includes an interior end wall 151 that partially defines the first slot 154. The first projections 160 each extend longitudinally from the open end 194 of the first slot 154 to a projection inner end 196. In particular, the projections each include an inclined ramp surface 198 and a planar surface 200. To insert the badge card 106 (shown in FIG. 1) into the first slot 154, the badge 106 is inserted along a badge insertion direction 202 through the open end 194. The badge insertion direction 202 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A₁ (shown in FIG. 4) of the holder 104 and is in a reverse direction from the first device insertion direction 188 and the second device insertion direction 190 (shown in FIG. 6). The ramp surfaces 198 of the first projections 160 guide the badge 106 into a badge gap 204, defined between the planar surfaces 200 of opposed first projections 160. The planar surfaces 200 of the first projections 160 provide a gripping force on the badge 106, collectively, to secure the badge 106 to the holder 104. A clearance section 206 of the first slot 154 is defined between the projection inner ends 196 and the interior end wall 151. When the badge 106 is received in the first slot 154, at least a portion of the badge 106 may extend into the clearance section 206, and, in some uses, may be inserted completely until the badge 106 contacts the interior end wall 151.

In the example embodiment, the inclined ramp surfaces 198 are each oriented obliquely to the first interior surface 156, the second interior surface 158, the planar surfaces 200, and the badge insertion direction 202. The planar surfaces 200 of the first projections 160 are each oriented in parallel with one another and are generally parallel to the first interior surface 156, the second interior surface 158, and the badge insertion direction 202. Although only two of the first projections 160 are shown in FIG. 7, each of the first projections 160 has a substantially equal size and shape.

In other embodiments, the first projections 160 may have any different shape suitable to contact at least a portion of the badge 106 when the badge 106 is received in the first slot 154. Moreover, in other embodiments, the first projections 160 may be additionally or alternatively provided on any other suitable wall and/or interior surface of the first housing section 132.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an identification assembly 400. The identification assembly 400 is substantially the same as the identification assembly 100 of FIG. 1, in that it includes the attachment assembly 102, the first authentication device 108, and the badge 106. However, in the example embodiment, the identification assembly 400 does not include the second authentication device 110 (shown in FIG. 1) and includes an alternative embodiment of a holder 804. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the holder 404 is opaque. Moreover, the holder 404 is substantially the same as the holder 404, shown in FIG. 1, except as otherwise stated below. Similar reference numerals are used to refer to like components.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the holder 404. FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of the holder 404. FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the holder 404.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the example embodiment, the holder 404 includes a first housing section 432 and a second housing section 434 connected to the first housing section 432. The first housing section 432 is substantially the same as the first housing section 132 of the holder 104, shown in FIGS. 1-7. For example, the first housing section 432 defines a first slot 454 that is the same as the first slot 154 (shown in FIG. 3) and is configured to receive the badge 106 (shown in FIG. 8) therein. However, the holder 404 does not include a third housing section 136 and is configured to hold a single authentication device. Moreover, the second housing section 434 is oriented at an approximately ninety-degree rotation on the first housing section 432, relative to the second housing section 134 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. Although the second housing section 434 of the example embodiment is sized and shaped to receive the first authentication device 108, in other embodiments, the second housing section 434 may be sized and shaped to receive any other suitable authentication device, such as the second authentication device 110 (shown in FIG. 1).

In the example embodiment, the second housing section 434 includes an upper wall 462, a lower wall 464, and a rear wall 466 extending between the upper wall 462 and the lower wall 464. As shown in FIG. 10, the lower wall 464 is positioned generally in alignment with a lower extent of the inner wall 448 at the lower end 440. The upper wall 462 and lower wall 464 each extend transversely of the holder 404 and the rear wall 466 extends longitudinally between the upper wall 462 and the lower wall 464.

The second housing section 134 defines a first open end 401 proximate the first side 443 of the holder 404 and a second open end 405, shown in FIG. 11, proximate the second side 445 of the holder 404. The second projection 480 is positioned proximate the first open end 401. To insert the first authentication device 108 into the second slot 470, the badge 106 (shown in FIG. 8) is inserted into the first open end 401 along the device insertion direction 488. The device insertion direction 488 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the holder 404 (shown in FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a holder 504 for use with either one of the identification assemblies of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. The holder 504 of FIG. 12 is substantially the same as the holder 104 of FIG. 2 except that the holder 504 of FIG. 12 does not include a third housing section 136 (shown in FIG. 2). For example, the holder 504 of the example embodiment includes a first housing section 532 and a second housing section 534 that are the same as the first housing section 132 and the second housing section 134 as the holder 104 (shown in FIG. 2), except that the third housing section 136 of FIG. 1 is removed.

FIG. 13 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a holder 604 for use with either one of the identification assemblies of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. The holder 604 of FIG. 13 is substantially the same as the holder 104 of FIG. 2 except that the first housing section 632 of the holder 604 defines a plurality of badge slots 654, 655 and the second and third housing sections 634, 636, each include projections 680, 684 that have a different shape from the projections 180, 184 shown in FIG. 5, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 13, the first housing section 632 includes an outer wall 646, an inner wall 648 (shown in FIG. 3) spaced from the outer wall 146, and an intermediate wall 647 positioned between the outer wall 646 and the inner wall 648. An end wall (not shown), substantially similar to end wall 150, shown in FIG. 1, extends across the outer wall 646, the intermediate wall 647, and the inner wall 648.

The outer wall 646 and the intermediate wall 647 define a first badge slot 654 therebetween. The intermediate wall 647 and the inner wall 648 define a second badge slot 655 therebetween. Each of the badge slots 654, 655 are sized to receive a portion of a badge, such as badge 106 shown in FIG. 1, therein. Each of the badge slots 654, 655 are substantially identical to one another and are similar to and configured to receive a badge therein in substantially the same manner as the badge slot 154, shown in FIG. 1. For example, a plurality of first projections 660 project from interior surfaces of each of the outer wall 646, the intermediate wall 647, and the inner wall 648, and are positioned to contact a respective badge card 106 when the badge card 106 is received in the corresponding badge slot 654, 655. As a result, the holder 604 is configured to secure two badge cards to the holder, with one badge card being received in a respective one of the badge slots 654, 655. In other embodiments, holder 604 may include any suitable number of badge slots 654, 655.

In the example embodiment, the second housing section 634 and the third housing section 636 are substantially the same as the second housing section 134 and the third housing section 136, shown in FIG. 3, respectively. For example, the second housing section 634 is sized to receive the first authentication device 108 (i.e., the USB-A device shown in FIG. 1) and the third housing section 636 is sized to receive the second authentication device 110 (i.e., the USB-C device shown in FIG. 1). However, in the example embodiment, projections 680, 684 each have a shape that is different from corresponding projections 180, 184, shown in FIG. 5. In particular the projection 680 includes ramped surfaces 701, 703 that facilitate receiving different USB-A authentication devices, or any other suitable authentication devices, that have differing thicknesses within second slot 670.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, second projection 680 includes a first ramp surface 702, a second ramp surface 704, a top surface 706, and a pair of side surfaces 708. The first ramp surface 702 and the second ramp surface 704 are positioned on opposed ends of the top surface 706 and each extend upward from the interior surface 678 of the second rear wall 672. The first ramp surface 702 and the second ramp surface 704 are sized and positioned symmetrically about the top surface 706. The first ramp surface 702 and the second ramp surface 704 each have a duckbill shape, and the top surface 706 has a partial circle shape, with side circular segments being removed.

In the example embodiment, second projection 680 is shaped to accommodate receiving first authentication devices having varying thickness. Some authentication devices 108 may have multiple models of different thicknesses. As an example, some USB-A authentication devices include “thin” models and “thicker” models that each have a different height to be accommodated in second slot 670. Second projection 680 is sized and shaped to secure authentication devices of varying thickness. For example, top surface 706 is positioned at a height such that, when a thin authentication device is received within second slot 670, top surface 706 contacts the recessed section 120 of the first authentication device 108. Additionally, when a thick authentication device is inserted along insertion direction 188, the authentication device is guided along and applies a force to first ramp surface 702, which is translated to second rear wall 672 and causes second rear wall 672 to gradually bow outward. The bowing outward of second rear wall 672 increases the height H₁ of second slot 670 to accommodate the thick authentication device 108. In the example embodiment, the second housing is configured to flex to increase the height H₁ of second slot 670 between about 0.01 and 0.5 millimeters, 0.05 millimeters and 0.4 millimeters, and/or between about 0.1 and 0.3 millimeters.

Referring to FIG. 14, in the example embodiment, the third projection 684 has a partial circle shape, though in other embodiments, the third projection 684 may have any suitable shape. Referring back to FIG. 13, in other embodiments, any one of first housing section 632, second housing section 634, and/or third housing section 636 may be included independently on any other suitable holder 104, 404, 504, 604, and/or 604 may be described herein. In other embodiments, holder 604 may include only badge slot 654, may include only one of second housing section 634 and third housing section 636, and/or may include more than one second housing section or third housing section 636. For example, in one non-limiting example, holder 604 does not include third housing section 636 but instead includes an additional second housing section 634 in place of third housing section 636. In another non-limiting example, holder 604 does not include second housing section 634 but instead includes an additional third housing section 636 in place of second housing section 634.

In an embodiment, an identification kit includes a holder 104, 404, 504, 604 and at least one of an electronic authentication device 108, 110 and a badge 106. The holder 104, 404, 504, 604 is configured to engage the electronic authentication device 108, 110 and the badge 106 and includes a first housing section 132, 432, 632 including a first interior surface 156, 158. The first interior surface 156, 158 at least partially defines a first slot 154, 454, 654, 655 sized to receive the badge card 106 therein. The first housing section 132, 432, 632 further includes a first projection 160, 660 extending from the first interior surface 156, 158 that is positioned to contact the badge card 106 when the badge card 106 is received in the first slot 154, 454, 654, 655 for securing the badge card 106 to the holder 104, 404, 504, 604. The holder 104, 404, 504, 604 further includes a second housing section 134, 434, 634 coupled to the first housing section 132, 432, 632. The second housing section 134, 434, 634 includes a second interior surface 178, 678 that at least partially defines a second slot 170, 470, 670 sized to receive the electronic authentication device 108, 110 therein. The second housing section 134, 434, 634 further includes a second projection 180, 680 extending from the second interior surface 178, 678 that is positioned to contact the electronic authentication device 108, 110 when the electronic authentication device 108, 110 is received in the second slot 170, 470, 670 for securing the electronic authentication device 108, 110 to the holder 104, 404, 504, 604.

Additional Considerations

The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process may be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process may also be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example embodiment” or “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A holder for use with at least one of a badge card and an electronic authentication device, the holder comprising: a first housing section including a first interior surface, the first interior surface at least partially defining a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein, the first housing section further including a first projection extending from the first interior surface, the first projection being positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder; anda second housing section coupled to the first housing section, the second housing section including a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein, the second housing section further including a second projection extending from the second interior surface, the second projection being positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device to the holder.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first housing section is unitarily formed with the second housing section.

3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first housing section is shaped receive the badge card into the first slot along a first insertion direction and the second housing section is shaped to receive the electronic authentication device along a second, different insertion direction.

4. The holder of claim 3, wherein the first insertion direction is parallel and opposite to the second insertion direction.

5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the first insertion direction is perpendicular to the second insertion direction.

6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first housing section further includes: an additional interior surface positioned to face the first interior surface and at least partially defining the first slot; andan additional first projection extending from the additional interior surface and towards the first projection, wherein the first projection and the additional first projection are positioned to cooperatively grip the badge card therebetween.

7. The holder of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first projection and the additional first projection include a planar surface and a ramp surface oriented obliquely to the planar surface, the ramp surface being positioned to guide the badge card between the first projection and the additional first projection.

8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the second projection is shaped in correspondence with a recessed section defined in a body of the electronic authentication device.

9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the second projection has a circular profile.

10. The holder of claim 8, wherein the second projection includes at least one ramped surface, and wherein the ramped surface is shaped to cause at least a portion of the second housing section to bow, when the electronic authentication device is inserted therein, to increase a height of the second slot and accommodate the electronic authentication device.

11. The holder of claim 1, wherein the second housing section defines a pair of open ends, the second housing section being sized such that, when the electronic authentication device is received within the second slot, at least one of a connector and a body of the electronic authentication device is positioned outside of the second housing section.

12. The holder of claim 1 further comprising a third housing section coupled to the first housing section, the third housing section including a third interior surface that at least partially defines a third slot sized to receive an additional electronic authentication device therein, the third housing section further including a third projection extending from the third interior surface, the third projection being positioned to contact the additional electronic authentication device when the additional electronic authentication device is received in the third slot for securing the additional electronic authentication device to the holder.

13. The holder of claim 12, wherein the third slot has at least one of a different height, length, or width from the second slot.

14. An identification assembly comprising: an electronic authentication device;a badge card; anda holder for engaging the electronic authentication device and the badge card, the holder comprising: a first housing section including a first interior surface, the first interior surface at least partially defining a first slot sized to receive the badge card therein, the first housing section further including a first projection extending from the first interior surface, the first projection being positioned to contact the badge card when the badge card is received in the first slot for securing the badge card to the holder; anda second housing section coupled to the first housing section, the second housing section including a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive the electronic authentication device therein, the second housing section further including a second projection extending from the second interior surface, the second projection being positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device to the holder.

15. The identification assembly of claim 14, wherein the first housing section further includes: an additional interior surface positioned to face the first interior surface and at least partially defining the first slot; andan additional first projection extending from the additional interior surface and towards the first projection, wherein the first projection and the additional first projection are positioned to cooperatively grip the badge card therebetween.

16. The identification assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first projection and the additional first projection include a planar surface and a ramp surface oriented obliquely to the planar surface, the ramp surface being positioned to guide the badge card between the first projection and the additional first projection.

17. The identification assembly of claim 14, wherein the second projection includes a ledge extending inwardly of the second slot from the second interior surface, the ledge being positioned to contact a body of the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received within the second slot.

18. The identification assembly of claim 14, wherein the second projection is shaped in correspondence with a recessed section defined in a body of the electronic authentication device.

19. The identification assembly of claim 14 further comprising a third housing section coupled to the first housing section, the third housing section including a third interior surface that at least partially defines a third slot sized to receive an additional electronic authentication device therein, the third housing section further including a third projection extending from the third interior surface, the third projection being positioned to contact the additional electronic authentication device when the additional electronic authentication device is received in the third slot for securing the additional electronic authentication device to the holder.

20. A holder for use with an identification assembly, the holder comprising: a first wall including a first interior surface, the first interior surface at least partially defining a first slot of the holder sized to receive an identification card of the identification assembly therein;a first projection extending from the first interior surface, the first projection being positioned to contact the identification card when the identification card is received in the first slot for securing the identification card within the first slot;a second wall coupled to the first wall, the second wall including a second interior surface that at least partially defines a second slot sized to receive an electronic authentication device of the identification assembly therein; anda second projection extending from the second interior surface, the second projection being positioned to contact the electronic authentication device when the electronic authentication device is received in the second slot for securing the electronic authentication device within the second slot.