Patent ID: 8356737

Claim:
An apparatus for identifying an individual; the apparatus comprising: a loop of flexible material having (i) first and second opposite end portions, and (ii) an outwardly faced exterior surface that is defined by at least a first exterior surface portion and a second exterior surface portion; the first exterior surface portion and the second exterior surface portion being oriented to face in generally opposite directions; indicia (i) displayed on at least the first exterior surface portion of the loop of flexible material and (ii) identifying the individual as a member of an organization; a container having an opening in communication with an inner chamber; the inner chamber being sized to receive at least a substantial portion of the loop of flexible material; and a length of flexible material having opposite end portions; at least a portion of the length of flexible material residing within the inner chamber of the container; one end portion of the length of flexible material being coupled with the container, and defining a localized anchoring point from which the length of flexible material and loop of flexible material may be deployed, and an opposite end portion of the length of flexible material being connected with the first end portion of the loop of flexible material, whereby the loop is closed at the first end portion, adjacent the localized anchoring point.