FABRIC WITH EMBEDDED INFORMATION BEACON

• US 20180153234A1
• Filed: 06/16/2017
• Published: 06/07/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Baby de La BAYE Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Baby de La BAYE Incorporated
• Inventors: Nam, Kiyeon
• Granted Patent: US 10,757,989 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 15/00 Convertible garments
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 15/04 Garments convertible into other articles
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 19/01 with undivided covering for all four fingers, i.e. mittens A41D19/0055, A41D19/015 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 23/00 Scarves; Head-scarves; Neckerchiefs
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 2500/10 Knitted
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/08 Trimmings; Ornaments
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/10 Sleeves; Armholes
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/24 Hems; Seams
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 3/08 Capes
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/24 wearing apparel
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 15/10 Needle beds
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 15/36 for flat-bed knitting machines
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 7/28 with stitch patterns
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 7/34 gloves

Abstract

A composite fabric is disclosed in which an information beacon is embedded within the composite fabric to assist with loss prevention, anti-counterfeiting, locating lost individuals or the like. In embodiments, layers of fabric may be joined using adhesive, stitching, quilted stitching, riveting, or other means to securely house an information beacon. In embodiments of the invention, an information beacon may be encased in a housing that provides resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and temperature and allows the fabric to be washed in a conventional laundry cycle. In embodiment, Bluetooth Low Energy device that utilizes a smartphone and mobile application software to provide the location of the beacon. In alternate embodiments, RFID or other technology may be used. The composite fabric of the present invention has myriad uses and may be used to fabricate articles such as clothing, handbags, wallets, shoes, and so forth.

Claims

1. A wearable locator system comprising:

a system-on-a-chip comprising a microprocessor, power supply, wireless transceiver, and memory;

a protective shell formed around the system-on-a-chip using a low pressure, short cycle molding process to form an identification module;

wherein the protective shell inhibits the communication of moisture and dirt to the interior of the identification module; and

a fabric material having the identification module semi-permanently affixed thereto.

2. The wearable locator system of claim 1 wherein the protective shell further comprises an interior recess adjacent the power supply such that deformation of the protective shell activates the power supply.

3. The wearable locator system of claim 1 wherein the fabric material is a composite material formed from a plurality of layers the first layer is joined to the second layer such that the information module is semi-permanently embedded therebetween.

4. The wearable locator system of claim 3 wherein the composite material is formed prior being cut into individual garments.

5. The wearable locator system of claim 3 wherein the composite material is joined with an adhesive.

6. The wearable locator system of claim 3 wherein the protective shell is formed in a single step with the composite material.

7. The wearable locator system of claim 3 wherein the composite layer is formed with stitching.

8. The wearable locator system of claim 7 wherein the stitching forms a pocket in which the information module is disposed.

9. The wearable locator system of claim 1 wherein the protective shell is formed from one of:

a polymer, an epoxy, a foam.

10. The wearable locator system of claim 1 wherein the molding process is a two-step process.

11. A method for locating an object comprising:

providing a locator module having a microprocessor, power supply, wireless transceiver, and memory encased in a protective shell;

semi-permanently affixing the locator module to an object;

establishing a wireless connection between the locator module and a computing device to calculate the location of the locator module; and

transmitting the location of the locator module to a user computing device configured to provide a graphical display of the relative location of the locator module.

12. The method for locating an object of claim 11 wherein the protective shell further comprises an interior recess adjacent the power supply such that deformation of the protective shell activates the power supply.

13. The method for locating an object of claim 11 wherein the object material is a composite fabric material formed from a plurality of layers the first layer is joined to the second layer such that the information module is semi-permanently embedded therebetween.

14. The method for locating an object of claim 13 wherein the composite material is formed prior being cut into individual garments.

15. The method for locating an object of claim 13 wherein the composite material is joined with an adhesive.

16. The method for locating an object of claim 13 wherein the protective shell is formed in a single step with the composite material.

17. The method for locating an object of claim 13 wherein the composite layer is formed with stitching.

18. The method for locating an object of claim 17 wherein the stitching forms a pocket in which the information module is disposed.

19. The method for locating an object of claim 11 wherein the protective shell is formed from one of:

a polymer, an epoxy, a foam.

20. The method for locating an object of claim 11 wherein the molding process is a two-step process.