Security methods, systems and articles of manufacture

Abstract

An identification badge is shown and includes a washable worker identification badge including a photograph of a worker using the garment, wherein an image from the photograph is sublimated or printed on the badge. In one embodiment the badge includes a security device providing radio frequency identification capabilities. According to another embodiment, a garment with a washable worker identification badge is provided. In still other embodiments, a security system and procedure is provided using the badges or garments.

1 . A garment, comprising:
 a washable identification badge, wherein the washable identification badge includes:
 a first and a second polyurethane layer; 
 a polyester fabric layer including polyester fiber to carry a photograph of a worker intended to use the garment, wherein an image from the photograph is sublimated into the polyester fabric layer so that the photograph is substantially indelible; and 
 wherein the washable identification badge further includes a non-woven fabric element, including:
 a first and a second side; 
 wherein the first polyurethane layer is fused to the first side with the first polyurethane layer positioned between the polyester fabric layer and the non-woven fabric element so that the non-woven fabric element strengthens and reinforces the polyester fabric layer and increases durability; and 
 wherein the second polyurethane layer is bonded on the second side to seal the second side and to protect against washing agents during washing of the washable identification badge. 
 
   
   
   
       2 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein the garment further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) device carried in between the first polyurethane layer and the second polyurethane layer. 
   
   
       3 . The garment of  claim 2 , wherein the RFID device is hermetically sealed within the washable identification badge so that the RFID device can be put through a washing cycle. 
   
   
       4 . The garment of  claim 2 , wherein the RFID device emits an RF signal used to identify a wearer of the washable identification badge. 
   
   
       5 . The garment of  claim 4 , wherein the RF signal is detectable by a receiver device to correlate the RF signal with the worker intended to use the garment and to identify the RFID within a facility. 
   
   
       6 . The garment of  claim 5 , wherein the RFID device includes:
 a receiver;   a non-volatile memory; and   wherein the receiver is operable to:
 receive a transmitted wireless signal, including a unique code; and 
 save the unique code in the non-volatile memory. 
   
   
   
       7 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein the image of the photograph is sublimated using a colorant that is cured after printing to become chemically bonded to the polyester fabric layer. 
   
   
       8 . The garment of  claim 7 , wherein the washable identification badge includes additional indicia sublimated into the polyester fabric layer and including:
 a name of the worker intended to use the garment;   a company name associated with a company where the worker is intended to use the garment;   an identification number identifying the worker intended to use the garment; and   a company logo associated with the company.   
   
   
       9 . A garment, comprising:
 a washable identification badge, wherein the washable identification badge includes:
 a radio frequency identification (RFID) device hermetically sealed between a first and a second polyurethane layer adjacent a non-woven fabric element, wherein:
 the first polyurethane layer is fused to a first side of the non-woven fabric element and between a polyester fabric layer including polyester fiber to carry an image of a worker intended to use the garment that is sublimated into the polyester fabric layer so that the image is substantially indelible; and 
 the second polyurethane layer is bonded on a second side of the non-woven fabric element. 
 
   
   
   
       10 . The garment of  claim 9 , wherein the identification badge includes a merrow edge fastening the edges of badge elements together. 
   
   
       11 . The garment of  claim 9 , wherein the RFID device emits an RF signal used to identify a wearer of the washable identification badge. 
   
   
       12 . The garment of  claim 9 , wherein the RF signal is detectable by a receiver device to correlate the RF signal with, the worker intended to use the garment and to identify the RFID within a facility. 
   
   
       13 . The garment of  claim 9 , wherein the RFID device includes:
 a receiver;   a non-volatile memory; and   wherein the receiver is operable to:
 receive a transmitted wireless signal including a unique code; and 
 save the unique code in the non-volatile memory. 
   
   
   
       14 . The garment of  claim 9 , wherein the image is sublimated using a colorant that is cured after printing to become chemically bonded to the polyester fabric layer. 
   
   
       15 . The garment of  claim 14 , wherein the washable identification badge includes additional indicia sublimated into the polyester fabric layer and including:
 a name of the worker intended to use the garment;   a company name associated with a company where the worker is intended to use the garment;   an identification number identifying the worker intended to use the garment; and   a company logo associated with the company.   
   
   
       16 . A method for forming a washable identification badge, comprising:
 fusing a first polyurethane layer is to a first side of a non-woven fabric element and between a polyester fabric layer including polyester fiber to carry an image of a worker intended to use the garment that is sublimated into the polyester fabric layer so that the image is substantially indelible; and   bonding a second polyurethane layer on a second side of the non-woven fabric element.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the method includes hermetically sealing a radio frequency identification (RFID) device between the first and the second polyurethane layer adjacent a non-woven fabric element. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the method includes sublimating the image to the polyester fabric layer using a colorant that is cured after printing to become chemically bonded to the polyester fabric layer. 
   
   
       19 . A method for using a washable identification badge, comprising:
 providing a washable identification badge on a garment, the washable identification badge including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device hermetically sealed between a first and a second polyurethane layer adjacent a non-woven fabric element, wherein:
 the first polyurethane layer is fused to a first side of the non-woven, fabric element and between a polyester fabric layer including polyester fiber to carry an image of a worker intended to use the garment that is sublimated into the polyester fabric layer so that the image is substantially indelible; and 
 the second polyurethane layer is bonded on a second side of the non-woven fabric element; and 
   issuing the garment including the washable identification badge to the worker intended to used the garment in a particular facility.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the method includes using an RF signal emitted by the RFID device to identify a wearer of the washable identification badge in the facility. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the method includes detecting the RF signal with a receiver device to correlate the RF signal with the worker intended to use the garment and to identify the RFID within the facility. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein method includes:
 transmitting a wireless signal including a unique code to a receiver on the RFID device; and   saving the unique code in a non-volatile memory on the RFID device.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the method includes using the washable identification badge as security credentials for a worker selected from the group of:
 an airport worker;   a maintenance worker;   an installation worker;   a hospitality worker;   a food service worker;   an education worker; and   a repair worker.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the method includes providing a washable identification badge including a passive RFID device.