Abstract:
A system of identification for persons having special needs. The system includes an identification tag having a unique identifier for a wearer and a wearer resistant squeeze-and-turn buckle for associating the tag with the wearer having special needs. In the preferred embodiment, the system also includes a computerized system for identifying the persons having special needs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a system of identification for persons having special needs that includes an identification tag having a unique identifier for the wearer and a means for associating the tag with the special needs wearer and, more particularly, to a system of identification that includes a computerized system to identify persons having special needs. 
     (2) Description of the Prior Art 
     Within the general population, there are people who wear some type of identification to assist others in understanding some of their special needs. Within this group are persons with special needs such as those with mental infirmities who are unable to identify themselves either verbally or in writing or communicate to others information about themselves. Included within this group are, for example, pre-verbal children, preschool and some school age children, children and adults with syndromes such as Down Syndrome, adults with neurologic conditions such as Alzheimer disease, and the like. The identification known in the art is worn by these persons to assist in identifying themselves, in particular, in situations where they might become lost or disoriented. 
     Various identification systems have been tried. The simplest system being, for example, a label or tag that is tied or sewn to the clothing of the person with their pertinent information listed on the label or tag. Other systems include, for example, identification bands that are used in hospitals for patients. Additional systems might be, for example, identification tags such as those used in the military. Although these systems appear to be adequate for certain intended purposes, they do suffer in numerous ways. 
     For example, many times the identification tag may cause an irritation on the wearer&#39;s skin and, thus, the wearer may find a way to remove it. To address this situation, permanent tags have been developed; however, these tags do not allow for the placement and removal of the tag by, for example, a guardian. Along these lines, when a mechanism is included with the tagging system that allows the guardian the ability to put on and remove the tag as appropriate, the wearer also has access to removing the tag. In certain situations, the tag is removed by the wearer, thus defeating the purpose of the identification system. Heretofore, where the identification systems are wearer resistant, removal destroys the tag. Yet another shortcoming of these systems is that they are not aesthetically pleasing. Existing systems also may require a key or special tool to unlock or remove the tag. A system&#39;s lack of aesthetics makes the wearer stand out so that they may be susceptible to con artists and the like, which is undesirable. Another feature of these tags is their institutionalized appearance. They are not accommodating of an aesthetic value that is beneficial for the wearer and that might allow the wearer to develop some ownership in the tag, therefore reducing the tendency for the wearer to want to remove the tag. 
     Other problems with existing systems include the comfort and safety levels thereof especially for persons with special needs and mental infirmities. For example, some systems may include electronic types of devices and therefore would require a pill-sized battery, which can be hazardous to the wearer if the wearer swallows it, or the system is exposed to water or other fluids. In addition, some of the tags that are institutionalized, such as hospital tags and dog tags, do not clearly distinguish the need of the wearer in a way that the general population recognizes the wearer as a special needs person without placing them at risk of harm. 
     Another aspect of current identification systems is that they may be cumbersome in reuniting a wearer and a guardian. In one case, a tag with all of the wearer and contact information makes the wearer susceptible to manipulation by unscrupulous individuals. To address this, systems have been developed where anonymity of the wearer is maintained. However, to help the wearer return to the respective guardian, systems have been developed that bring the guardian back in contact with the wearer; however, these systems are not easily accessible and may require the availability of local receiving towers which become unavailable once the wearer travels outside the local area served by the receiving tower. Further, these systems are not universally known by authorities such as police, hospitals and other care providers. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved system of identification for persons having special needs which provides an identification tag having a unique identifier for the wearer and a system of identification that includes a computerized system to identify persons having special needs while, at the same time, includes a novel wearer resistant means for associating the tag with the special needs wearer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a system of identification for persons having special needs. The system includes an identification tag having a unique identifier for a wearer and a means for associating the tag with the wearer having special needs. The means for associating the tag comprises a wearer resistant squeeze-and-turn buckle employing a two handed application and removal design, where the buckle is formed as a cylindrical body having a cross-bar, an upper flange, and a support means. Thus, the buckle associates the tag with the wearer. 
     The system of identification may further include a computerized system for identifying persons having special needs. Desirably, the computerized system is Internet-based and includes multiple types of communication, which may include a human interface that is optionally continuously accessible. The system is capable of providing links to other organizations such as agencies, law enforcement authorities, governmental authorities, schools and hospitals. Further, the system may be accessible by electronic mail and is continuously upgradeable and customizable by the individual subscribers. 
     The system may also have a means for restricting access to one or more of the types of communication; for example, access may be restricted to a governmental agency. Access may be restricted to persons finding the individual with special needs to limited contact information and may require unique access codes. These unique access codes may further be categorized as geographical or regional. Governmental agency access includes access to extended information that may be contact, personal, or medical information about the person with special needs. 
     The identification tag of the present system is non-hazardous to the identification wearer either when worn or when removed. For example, the identification tag is so-dimensioned that a person having special needs cannot swallow the identification tag, and the tag is non-conductive when removed from the identification system. The tag is designed to be easily locatable and radio-opaque. The identification tag further includes a latching means, including tabs. Desirably, the system includes a manipulator having a round portion, a recessed portion, and a detent. The detent further includes a chamber that contains a unique identification. The chamber may contain contact information. 
     The system of identification may be so formed as to further include identification unique to a plurality of wearers. It may be brandable to include colors, a logo, an emblem or a combination thereof. 
     The means for associating the tag comprises a wearer resistant squeeze-and-turn buckle, where the buckle is formed as a cylindrical body having a cross-bar, an upper flange, and a support means. The cross-bar has opposed flanges that are beveled and interlocking. Desirably, the opposed flanges are capable of overlapping and include strap guides that are up to about 18 mm wide. The opposing flanges provide an attachment means for attaching one end of a strap. The upper flange has a locking groove that includes tab guides and is omni-directional. Further, the upper flange is substantially peripheral. The support means includes multiple wedges formed as opposed pairs having frictional ends. The substantially cylindrical body of the buckle is resilient and further includes a strap that is continuously adjustable, cut-resistant, hydrophobic, durable, strong and flexible. The strap may also be brandable and may include indicia. The strap may further include a loop. The cross-bar with opposing flanges serves as an attachment means for the loop end of the strap. The unattached end of the strap may then be threaded through the buckle in a tortuous path manner. The frictional ends of the support means, the geometry of the tortuous path taken by the strap, and the detent of the identification tag serve as a system to maintain the position of the strap within the buckle as determined by the wearer&#39;s guardian. Thus, the strap is maintained in the proper degree of tightness. 
     Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a system of identification for persons having special needs. The system includes an identification tag including a unique identifier for the wearer, and a means for associating the tag with the wearer having special needs. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide, in a system of identification for persons having special needs, the identification system including an identification tag having a unique identifier for a wearer and a means for associating the identification tag with the identification wearer having special needs, the identification means for associating the identification tag comprising: a wearer resistant squeeze-and-turn buckle for associating the identification tag with the identification wearer having special needs. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system of identification for persons having special needs, the system including an identification tag having a unique identifier for a wearer and a means for associating the tag with the wearer having special needs. The means for associating the tag include a wearer resistant squeeze-and-turn buckle formed as a substantially cylindrical body having a cross-bar, an upper flange, and a support means, wherein the buckle associates the tag with the wearer having special needs. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a system of identification according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 depicts details of the service provider and service provider computer system of FIG. 1 according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the identification tag of the system of identification according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the means for associating an identification tag according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 isometric schematics of an identification tag and associating means, including a buckle and a loop as may be used in the identification system of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C depict reasonable modifications of the identification tag depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B and the means for associating the identification tag depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B; and 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an association and removal means for associating the identification tag depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B with the means for associating the identification tag depicted in FIGS.  4 A and  4 B. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
     FIG. 1 depicts an identification system according to the present invention including an identification tag wearer  20  wearing an identification tag  12 , a guardian  24  for the identification tag wearer  20 , and a service provider  26 . The service provider  26  possesses a computer system  16 . In the broadest terms, the identification system may work in the following manner. A guardian  24  for identification tag wearer  20  subscribes to the service provider  26  for an identification tag  12 . The record of the identification tag  12  is created in the computer system  16 . The service provider  26  provides the identification tag  12 , which is associated with the identification tag wearer  20 . As the guardian  24  and the identification tag wearer  20  go about, they make every effort to remain associated. For those situations where the guardian  24  and the identification tag wearer  20  become separated, a third party finder  22  may find the identification tag wearer  20 . Upon review of the identification tag  12 , the third party finder  22  contacts the service provider  26 . Interestingly, at least two types of third party finders  22  might be identified. One is a finder  90  and the other is an agency  92 . In the case where the finder  90  finds identification tag wearer  20 , he will be directed to the service provider  26 . The service provider  26  will review the computer system  16  and make the guardian  24  aware of the location of identification tag wearer  20 . One advantage of using an identification tag  12  rather than other means of identification is that the means used to identify identification wearer  20  does not reveal the name and address of the wearer, but uses a specific identification code which service provider  26  uses to identify identification wearer  20  and contact his respective guardian  24 . In another scenario, either the identification tag wearer  20  is directed to the agency  92  through finder  90  or makes direct contact with the agency  92 . In such a situation, the agency  92  may have information that can help identify identification tag wearer  20 . Through a communication link  80 , agency  92  can communicate with the service provider  26  and possibly the computer system  16  to find the contact information for identification tag wearer  20  and make the guardian  24  aware of identification tag wearer&#39;s  20  location. 
     FIG. 2 shows further details of the service provider  26  and aspects of the service provider&#39;s computer system  16 . In the broadest sense, the service provider  26  would make the services available to the general public in a way that is convenient for their method of communication. One method that the general public might use to communicate with the service provider  26  is through an Internet interface. In this case, the general public could access computer system  16 . Within this publicly accessible system, there would be information or advertisements concerning the identification tag hardware including the identification tag  12 , and various associating means and aesthetic options that might be available. Also, within this publicly accessible area sales and replacement information would be available. They might also be able to receive non-confidential technical assistance and service information. This area would also give the general public the ability to subscribe to the service provider  26  for the identification tag system and to choose a level of service, change or update data, and provide upgradeable information concerning how to locate guardian  24 . 
     Alternatively, those that either do not feel comfortable using an Internet interface or that do not have access to the Internet interface may work through a human interface  102 . This could be done through, for example, traditional methods of using telephone, mail, or even a distributor set up in a kiosk in malls or shopping areas. In the same way that the Internet interface allows patrons access to the public information available on the computer system  16 , human interface  102  could do the same. Human interface  102  could also be a means to allow one to apply to be a guardian  24  for an identification tag wearer  20 . At this point, certain steps would be taken to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the guardian  24  and the information that they provide with respect to the identification tag wearer  20 , the identification tag data, the contact information, the personal data, and the medical data. 
     For example, there could be a registration phase that allows the guardian  24  to first register with the service provider  26  in a way to identify himself as a guardian. Upon registration, the service provider  26  would assign a unique identification tag number, place the guardian and wearer&#39;s identification information in a limited access area and then send the identification tag, buckle, software, hardware and instructions to the guardian  24 . In addition, for each identification tag issued there could be generated a unique pair of public and private identification keys that would allow the guardian  24  to register and update the wearer&#39;s identification data and to access certain security levels of the computer system  16 . 
     Thus, once a guardian  24  is transitioned from being a person of the general public to a guardian  24  through their public and private key identification, they may bridge the security feature for access  86  to get to the limited access area of the computer system  16 . The guardian  24  may wish to have different levels of subscription to the service, and through these different levels of subscription may have different types of records in the limited access area. For example, at Level  1  the guardian  24  would have data for the wearer&#39;s  20  as well as the contact data  94  for the guardian  24 . At a higher level of subscription, Level  2 , the guardian  24  may provide personal data  96  concerning the wearer that allows authorities to have information that could assist them in finding an identification tag wearer  20  who may have gotten lost. At a Level  3  subscription, the guardian  24  may further include medical data  100  pertaining to identification tag wearer  20 . 
     Through the public/private key combination, guardian  24  would be able to continuously update information, depending upon the subscription level, the contact information  94 , personal data  96  and medical data  100  of identification tag wearer  20 . Likewise, the security feature for access is beneficial when involving authorities including police, hospitals, schools and the like. In this way, the rights that such authorities might have to the limited access area might be again limited to, for example, Level  1  after the security feature has verified that they have access to the system or any other pertinent data. In any case, the access that would be provided to the authorities would be “read only” in that it would be unnecessary for them to have the ability to change the records within various portions of the database. 
     The service provider  26  would make information available in a way that communication is most convenient for authorities or the finder of identification tag wearer  20 . Because certain guardians  24  wish to maintain or have concerns about privacy, the features of the identification tag  12  would be such as to maintain the identification tag wearer&#39;s  20  privacy. Additionally, the service provider  26  makes himself available to the general public in a way that is most convenient for them to communicate with him. As shown in FIG. 2, two of the contemplated features include: 1) an Internet interface  26 , or 2) a human interface  102  such as through a telephone number or the like. 
     Unique to this system is an identification tag and associated wearer which (1) clearly communicates its purpose to unfamiliar parties such as agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, hospitals, and the like, who may be seeking identification of wearer  20  if wearer  20  becomes lost from guardian  24 ; (2) is independent of the location of wearer  20 ; (3) maintains privacy and security, (4) is easy to apply and remove without special tools; (5) is safe and non-hazardous to the wearer; and (6) is customizable by the guardian. 
     FIG. 3 shows details of the identification tag  12 . As shown at “A” which is the top view of the identification tag  12 , the tag includes certain features such as a latching means which in this particular figure is shown as tabs  30 , a unique identification  40  such as the type that would be associated with, for example, a specific program such as a “FIND ME ID” program for special needs individuals, or it could also be associated with a child care provider, field trip, a school outing, scouts, boys/girls clubs, swimming pools, ski resorts and the like. In addition, the identification tag  12  includes some type of manipulator  32 . The manipulator  32  is such that it allows for association with the wearer  20  through an association means. The underside of the identification tag  12  would include a detent  34  which would interact with a buckle  50  as shown in FIG.  4 . The detent  34  might also be modified in a way so it includes a chamber  36 . Within this chamber  36  could be included an individual identification tag  42  as well as other information such as contact information  46 , micro film dots, medical information, microchips and the like. 
     Identification tag  12  is associated with the wearer  20  through an association means. FIG. 4 shows a buckle  50 . The buckle  50  is of a design that interacts with the identification tag  12  depicted in FIG. 3 and a strap  64  as depicted in FIG. 5 to create the whole system. As shown in FIG. 4A, features of the buckle  50  include a cross-bar  52  and an upper flange  60 . Within the body of buckle  50  and protected by the upper flange  60  are recesses  58  for accepting latching means or tabs  30  of identification tag  12  as depicted in FIG.  4 A. Additional features of buckle  50  include support means  54  such as a wedge shape  56  with frictional ends  68  that can interact with strap  64  as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     Buckle  50  is manufactured of a resilient material so as to maintain its substantially circular shape and yet be deformable when squeeze points  72  located at 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock are compressed such as might occur when squeeze points  72  are squeezed between an opposing index finger and thumb. This is particularly important when the identification tag  12  is engaged into the locking groove  58  and comes upon the first structural member  54  as it is being rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. 
     As identification tag  12  is rotated past structural member  54 , it engages an area of restricted movability. One way of allowing for the identification tag to rotate to position tabs  30  at the 12 o&#39;clock locked position is to apply force at squeeze points  72  which, in turn, bring the cross-bar  52  together and exaggerates the shape of the circle into an oval creating a greater diameter and allowing the tabs  30  to slip by. Once the tabs  30  have slipped, releasing the forces at the squeeze point  72  (3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions), the resilient material reverts to its original circular shape and locks identification tag  12  within buckle  50 . This same action causes detent  34  to engage onto the strap  64  to lock it and identification tag  12  in position. 
     Interestingly, this combination of buckle  50  and identification tag  12  make it wearer resistant in that two hands are needed to squeeze or compress the buckle  50  at squeeze points  72  and to rotate the identification tag  12  to lock it in place. The wearer  20  cannot accomplish this alone as the wearer  20  is limited to using one hand. 
     Moving to FIG. 5, we see the combination of the identification tag  12 , the buckle  50  and the strap  64  as the attached end of strap  64  is engaged on cross-bar  52 . As strap  64  is threaded through the torturous path between support means  54  and over cross-bar  52 , the strap  64  passes above cross-bar  52  with its attached end strap. The strap can then engage the frictional ends  68  of the support means  54 . In this way, the support means  54  and frictional ends  68  restrict the movement of strap  64  over cross-bar  52 . Furthermore, the detent  34  of tag  12  serves to further restrict the movement of strap  64  over cross-bar  52 . Also, strap  64  can be continuously adjusted to fit the identification tag wearer  20 . 
     Various places that the identification tag  12  might be worn include the wrist, ankle, clothing, necklace, a belt loop, or the like depending on the manual dexterity of the wearer  20 . The material of strap  64  might be of a type that is hydrophobic, hypoallergenic, a non-irritant and has a comfortable feel to the identification wearer  20 . Such a material for strap  64  might include a synthetic polymer with added Teflon® material to enhance the comfort level to the identification wearer  20 . Nylon-type materials may be suitable for strap  64 . Incorporated within strap  64  might be a cut-resistant mechanism such as wire weaved within the strap  64  and additionally, for example, synthetic fiber such as Kevlar® and the like which would prevent one from cutting the strap from a wearer&#39;s arm. 
     In addition, the size and shape of both the identification tag  12  and the buckle  50  are such as to be non-hazardous to the wearer. This can be particularly important because a wearer may not appreciate the harm that could be caused by placing the tag in their mouth. In foresight that a wearer may accidentally swallow the identification tag  12  or the buckle  50 , the identification tag  12  would be made of some type of material that is detectable through standard detection techniques such as x-ray. In this case, it would be desirable for the materials to be radio-opaque. The identification tag  12  might be made of a metallic material such as anodized aluminum and the like. Or, in the alternative, a synthetic material containing radio-opaque fillers may be chosen. In addition, buckle  50  and strap  64  may also have these features. 
     Another aspect of the identification system is that all of the components are safe when being worn or removed, contain a radio-opaque marker, are of a size that is not too large or cumbersome for identification tag wearer  20 , are water resistant, non magnetic, non-corrosive, light weight, breathable, durable, and have a variety of compositions and flexibility in creating an aesthetic product. 
     The identification tag  12  may be upgradeable. For example, a pre-verbal child may use the system as a tag while older wearers might combine the system with a watch. When combined with a watch, the identification tag  12  and buckle  50  serve as both an identification means and as a locking buckle to prevent the wearer from removing the strap himself as two hands are required to manipulate the mechanism. This would be particularly important if the wearer was prone to wandering away such as is common with individuals with Alzheimer disease and the like. 
     Preferably, the system is water resistant so hydrophobic or water tolerant materials may be used. Other features of identification tag  12  include an adjustable strap  64 , and no tools, keys or batteries are required for use. The tag is also fashionable, set up to be easily identifiable or brandable with a novel appearance, manufactured in a variety of colors with a simple and straightforward design, is light weight, difficult to remove by the wearer but intuitively removable by a caretaker without special skills or training, difficult to replicate for others and yet affordable for the masses with higher end models available. 
     With respect to the body of the identification tag  12 , preferably it has a modular-type of design and would be intuitive for the guardian  24  to remove/open and yet difficult for identification tag wearer  20 . The strap  64  would include other features including being brandable, hydrophobic, and composed of a breathable weave. In addition, the strap  64  is desirably non-fraying, cut resistant, has a good feel for the wearer, has a degree of elasticity as to prevent a tourniquet effect in case the strap  64  gets caught, is possibly anti microbial, durable, and comes in a variety of colors. In addition, strap  64  might be constructed of a tubular design which would permit access to space within strap  64  for placement of additional identification materials. These and other features would be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, as depicted in FIG. 6B, identification tag  12  might be modified to incorporate a large detent  34  and chamber  46  to contain future electronic components to permit tracking by global satellite positioning, digital cellular transmission or the like. Such a system could permit not only identification but also localization information and be incorporated with existing emergency systems such as the United States 911 system. The chamber  46  would be provided with a covering means to serve as protection for any chamber contents. 
     Another modification might include adding additional support means  74  to cross-bar  52 . Such support means  74  might be Y-shaped or the like, and provide for threading the free end of the strap over one pair of support means  74 , under cross-bar  52 , and over the opposite support means  74  before exiting the buckle thus creating an opportunity to create a double-loop tortuous path  76  for the strap as depicted in FIG.  6 C. Such a double-loop configuration would serve as great resistance to the wearer&#39;s strap if pulled in any direction. Alternatively, the design of support means  74  still permits the caretaker to use a single-loop tortuous path as depicted in the original design of buckle  50 . Furthermore, the addition of support means  74  permits more compression of the resilient material-composing buckle  50  at compression points  72  (at the 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions) which, in turn, permits the design of a wider upper flange  60 . The upper flange  60  might serve to further protect the identification tag  12  from being removed from buckle  50  by means other than being turned, such as by being forcibly wedged out with a tool or the like. 
     A further modification may be the addition to the system of a manipulator engagement tool  110  as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The manipulator engagement tool  110  may have a gripping structure  114  and an orienting structure  116 . An appearance of orienting structure  116  may correspond to an appearance of manipulator  32  so as to assist with align, e.g., corresponding unique identification  40 . In turn, the manipulator engagement tool  110  includes an engagement structure  120  which preferably includes a recess  112 . Recess  112  may be associated with the unique identification  40  of the manipulator  32  of the identification tag  12 , and once associated, facilitate the rotation of identification tag  12  by rotating manipulator engagement tool  110  and thus gaining mechanical advantage. Manipulator engagement tool  110  may facilitate those situations in which frequent placement and removal of identification tag  12  occur. However, manipulator engagement tool  110  would serve as a rotation facilitator. Identification tag  12  does not require any special tools for placement, removal or replacement. 
     It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.