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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a combination medical data, identification and
health insurance card, and more particularly, to a card capable of being
carried in a wallet or pocket, and which can contain a substantially
complete medical history and other data concerning the bearer.
A crucial aspect in the delivery of quality medical care is the timely
availability to attending medical personnel of detailed information
concerning the patient's condition and medical history. Such information
is particularly important in emergency situations, in which communication
with the patient may be impaired or impossible. It is therefore the
principal object of this invention to provide a data card which can supply
to medical personnel an extensive and perhaps complete microfilmed medical
history, eye-readable emergency-oriented personal and medical data, and
the possibility of access to a central medical records bank. Another
object of this invention is to provide a data card which is easy to
construct and extremely durable, and which provides an effective
arrangement and display of a large amount of pertinent information. An
additional aspect of the invention is the ability of the card to retain
the microfilmed information in a fixed orientation in which it can readily
be read or reproduced by means of conventional microfiche readers or
reader/printers.
Numerous medical data cards have heretofore been proposed. Among these are
those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,318, to A. Calavetta, issued Nov. 25,
1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,640, to C. B. Hanna, Jr. et al., issued June 28,
1977; U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,332, to Domo, issued Dec. 2, 1980; and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,318,554, to Anderson et al., issued Mar. 9, 1982.
Even the most informative of such prior art cards provides relatively
sketchy information, because it attempts to provide in the area of only
two card faces information concerning (1) the issuing institution or
organization and (2) eye-readable identification of the card holder, in
addition to (3) whatever microfilm information can be disposed in the area
available. The present card provides, on four card faces, all of the above
information, including a complete medical history and, in useable form, a
microfilmed electrocardiogram. It also provides an appreciable amount of
emergency-oriented eye-readable data-current ailments, blood type,
allergies, prescribed medications, etc.--which should be noted in such
situations, as well as a facial photograph of the card holder. All the
machine readable microfilmed data is so positioned on the card as to be
readily readable and reproduceable by means of conventional microfiche
reading/printing apparatus. In essence, therefore, such a card would
enable attending personnel to immediately review eye-readable emergency
data and, in conjunction with a reader/printer, additionally avail
themselves of a hard copy, multi-page, medical profile/history (including
an electrocardiogram) within a matter of two to three minutes.
The present card could also, if so desired, afford authorized access to and
retrieval from a central medical records bank (such as at a hospital or
health maintenance organization), which stores additional computerized
records. Other uses will occur to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
In general, the above and other objects of the present invention are
achieved by a medical data and identification card which provides a pair
of card-like members, each having two useable card faces, interconnected
by a hinge. The card-like members are formed integrally from a single
piece of plastic polymeric material, by molding or die stamping. Although
a wide variety of variations is possible within the scope of the present
invention, one card face may provide a photograph of the card holder,
along with data which identifies the card holder and the issuing
organization, and describes the nature of the card. Another card face may
have on it general information regarding the issuing organization and
identifying data regarding the card holder, while another may have, as
mentioned above, a microfilmed medical history, including an
electrocardiogram. The machine-readable medical history may be combined
with eyereadable medical and personal data, which additionally affords a
method of matching and self-verification of the microfilm with the
adjacent card face.
In the invention the card-like elements approximate or are the size of a
standard credit card, and are so interconnected that the card can be
readily positioned within the carriage bed of a conventional microfiche
reader/ printer, thus facilitating reading and the production of hard
copies of the medical history from the data on the card.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown on the
drawings forms of the invention, which are presently preferred. It should
be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart, describing a sequence of steps which may be taken
in the production of a data and identification card in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a form of a card in accordance with the
invention, in unassembled condition.
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the reverse side of the card shown in FIG.
2, with microfilm strip in place.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a card in accordance with the
invention, at an intermediate stage of manufacture.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5--5 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing the manner in which an embodiment of
a card in accordance with the invention can cooperate with the carriage
bed of a microfiche reader.
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a card in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the reverse side of the card depicted in
FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a card in accordance with the invention, in
the process of being folded for carrying in a wallet or the like, or,
alternatively, being unfolded for viewing of medical data.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing details of an alternative
form of card in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 11 is an elevation view, showing a detail of an alternative form of
card in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative form of card in
accordance with the invention, at an intermediate stage of manufacture.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view, showing the manner in which an alternative
emobidment of a card in accordance with the invention can cooperate with
the carriage bed of a microfiche reader.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view, showing the manner in which the invention
may be folded and stored for carrying.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals
indicate like elements, there is seen in FIG. 9 an eye-and
machine-readable medical data and identification card (sometimes hereafter
referred to as a "data card"), designated generally by the reference
numeral 10. The data card 10 comprises a first generally rectangular
card-like member 12 and a second generally rectangular card-like member
14. The card-like members 12 and 14 are formed from plastic polymeric
material, and interconnected by an integral hinge 16 of the so-called
"self" or "living" type. In other words, the hinge 16 is molded from the
same material which forms the card-like members 12 and 14 and is integral
with those members.
The hinge 16 permits rotation of the card-like members 12 and 14 from
positions in which they are substantially coplanar (as shown in FIGS. 7
and 8) to one in which they lie adjacent each other in face-to-face
relation. FIG. 9 illustrates the card-like members 12 and 14 in an
intermediate position.
Each of the card-like members, it will be appreciated, provides a pair of
oppositely disposed card faces, as is perhaps best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Referring, for example to FIG. 7 and also the above-mentioned FIG. 8, the
card-like member 12 provides a card face 18. Referring to FIG. 8, the
card-like member 12 also provides a card face 20, opposite to the card
face 18. Similarly with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the card-like member
14 provides a card face 22 and an oppositely disposed card face 24, which
is seen in FIG. 8.
The data card 10 carries in a unique manner a variety of eye and machine
readable indicia. For example, referring again to FIGS. 7 through 9, the
data card 10 has on its face 18 a transparent area 26 through which a
photograph 28 of the bearer may be seen. It also carries a set of printed
instructions 30 concerning the nature and use of the card, as well as a
signature strip 32. The card faces 18 and 20, in the illustrated form of
the invention, each also carry a segment 34 of indicia which sets forth
the bearer's name, address, medical plan affiliation and membership
number.
The card faces 22 and 24 provide transparent areas through which there may
be seen a microfilm strip 36, described in greater detail below, which
carries both eye-readable and machine readable portions of the bearer's
medical history. The strip 36 may contain the card holder's signature for
verification against the signature 32 and, again, the health maintenance
organization or medical insurance plan affiliation and membership number,
also for verification against that on card face 18, as shown in FIG. 7.
These aspects of the material contained on the strip 36 may be
eye-readable, as is the emergency-oriented medical data. Also contained on
the strip 36 can be a complete medical history 38, contained on several
pages of material reduced to microfiche. The medical history 38 preferably
includes an electrocardiogram 40. Each microfilm frame will preferably be
a 16 mm frame of film with a reduction ratio of 1:24. This ratio
facilitates the rapid location, reading and subsequent printing of any or
all frames of the medical history in conjunction with the standard
24.times. indexed locating grid of a microfiche reader-printer. Microfiche
of other reduction ratios customarily utilized in medical records--notably
1:32 and 1:48--may likewise be accommodated within the present invention,
and may readily function in cooperation with the reader-printer upon
substituting the appropriately indexed locating grid.
As is seen in FIG. 8, the card face 24 may also include an encoded
electromagnetic strip 42. The strip 42, it is contemplated, will permit
authorized access to and retrieval of supplemental microfilmed and/or
computer-stored medical information. Referring again to FIG. 8, a logotype
44 or other identifying indicia of the bearer's health maintenance
organization or medical insurance plan may also be applied to the card
face 20, to enable personnel at medical facilities or other related
parties (pharmacists, paramedics, etc.) to readily identify the issuer of
the card.
Because the data card in accordance with the present invention provides two
card-like members and four card faces, it is capable of carrying far more
medical information than prior identification cards, without sacrificing
the ability to contain all desirable eye-readable personal and medical
indicia regarding the card holder, as well as indicia regarding the
organization of which he is a member. Unlike earlier cards, virtually the
entire cardlike member 14 can be devoted to medical history; and it is
thus feasible to supply not only a complete medical history in narrative
form, but the electrocardiogram 40 as well. With respect to the strip 36,
it includes, in its illustrated form, the equivalent of seven pages of
letter-size typed or printed material. The electrocardiogram 40
encompasses an area which is the equivalent of two pages thus reduced,
although it has been found that a useful electrocardiogram can encompass
an area as small as the microfiche equivalent of a single letter-size
page.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the manner in which a presently preferred
form of an identification card 10 may be made will be described in detail.
Seen in FIG. 2, in perspective, is an individual blank from which an
identification card 10 may be made. The blank 46 may be made by a number
of suitable processes which will occur to those skilled in the art. For
example, blanks may be die stamped from sheet multiples (not illustrated)
or molded to form the individual blanks 46. Polypropylene is one suitable
material.
The blank 46, in a manner which will now be explained, may subsequently be
folded to form the abovedescribed card-like members 12 and 14,
interconnected by the hinge 16.
Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the card-like members 12 and 14 is itself
formed from respective pairs of card elements 48 and 50 and 52 and 54. The
card element 48 contains the transparent "window" 26, mentioned above,
while the card element 50 contains a somewhat larger recessed bed 56
adapted to receive a photograph of the bearer. A relieved portion, or slot
58, may extend from an outer edge of the card element 50 into
communication with the recessed bed 56, for a purpose described below. A
self-hinge 60 interconnects the card elements 48 and 50.
The card element 52 provides a transparent "window" portion 62, the purpose
of which is explained below, and a recessed bed 64, which is adapted to
receive the above-mentioned microfilm strip 36. A relieved portion, or
slot 66, may extend from an outer edge of the card element 52 into
communication with the recess 64. The card elements 52 and 54 (which also
has a window portion 55), like the above-described card elements 48 and
50, are joined by a self-hinge, designated by the reference numeral 68.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate some of the steps by which the blank 46 may be
processed to produce a preferred configuration of the data card 10. In
this regard, referring to FIG. 3, general matter common to all cards, such
as the name and address of the issuing organization, logotype 44 as well
as instructions 30, may be printed upon the blank 46. Following this,
personal indicia 34 regarding the card holder (name, address, medical plan
affiliation and membership number) is applied. Next, the blank 46 may be
folded as depicted in FIG. 4, so that the card element 48 is made to
overlie the card element 50 and the card element 54 to overlie the card
element 52. Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, it will be seen that in the
illustrated embodiment both self-hinges 60 and 68 are formed flush with
the face "A" of the blank 46 seen in FIG. 2, but recessed from the face
"B" seen in FIG. 3, so as to facilitate folding in this manner. The card
elements 48 and 50 and 52 and 54 may be temporarily "tacked" to each other
(by heat sealing or adhesive means) at this time. Folding of the blank 46
in the above manner yields the configuration seen in FIGS. 7 through 9 and
described above. The photograph 28 and microfilm strip 36 may now be
inserted into the respective recessed beds 56 and 64 by sliding them
through the respective relieved portions or the slots 58 and 66.
One configuration of the recessed bed 64 and relieved portion or slot 66
associated with it is seen in FIG. 5. That configuration may also be used
for the recessed bed 56 and relieved portion or slot 58. As will be seen,
the depth of the recessed bed 64 from the face "A" of the blank 46 can be
made so as to exceed that of the relieved portion or slot 66. If it is so
made, the intersection of the recessed bed 64 and relieved portion or slot
66 provides a lip 70 which, in association with the face of the card
element 54 overlying the recessed bed 64, serves to retain the microfilm
strip 36 within the recessed bed 64. A similar configuration can retain
the photograph 28 in the recess 56 in a like manner. After insertion of
the photograph 28 and microfilm strip 36 into the respective recessed beds
56 and 64, the card elements 48 and 50 and 52 and 54 may be sealed
together to complete the data card 10. It is also feasible to have the
depths of the slots 58 and 66 equal to the depths of the recessed beds 56
and 64, respectively, so that the slots 58 and 66 are, in effect,
extensions of the beds 56 and 64.
The use of the above-described relieved portions or slots 58 and 66 to
enable insertion of the photograph and microfilm strip after construction
of the identification card 10 is presently preferred, although use of the
relieved portions or slots 58 and 66, while advantageous, may be
considered optional. If, for example, it were desired to fabricate the
identification card 10 in a commercial setting in which completion of the
card 10 is done in conjunction with concurrent production of the microfilm
record and the photograph, the relieved portions or slots could well be
omitted, and the photograph and microfilm strip simply placed in their
respective recessed beds 56 and 64 before bonding of the data card 10.
FIG. 10 illustrates, in cross-section, an alternative arrangement which may
be used when the relieved portions or slots are omitted. Referring to FIG.
10, a recessed bed 72, like the above-described beds 56 and 64, may be
configured so as to prevent shifting of the strip 36 and photograph 28
during the fabrication and the sealing process. This is accomplished by
providing, at the line of intersection of the walls of the recessed bed 72
with the flat bottom of the bed, "slits" 74 which extend lengthwise along
the bed. The slits 74 are oriented at approximately a 135 degree angle
with respect to the bottom of the bed. The edges of the strip 36 (or
photograph 28) can engage the slits 74 to be retained in the recessed bed
72 during completion of the card. Alternatively, or in addition to the
slits 74, a protruding lip 76 may be provided, into which edges of the
strip 36 (or photograph 28) can snap
Within the concept of the present invention, numerous other variations are
practical. Thus FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of
the invention, wherein elements corresponding to those previously
described are designated by like primed (') reference numerals.
In FIG. 11, the blank 46' includes card elements 48' and 50',
interconnected by a self-hinge 60'. Card elements 52' and 54' are
interconnected by a self-hinge 68', and a self-hinge 16' interconnects the
card elements 50' and 52'. The self-hinges 60' and 68' are formed flush
with the face "A' " of the blank 46'; and recessed from the face "B'".
However, the self-hinge 16' is formed flush with the face "B'" , and
recessed from the face "A'".
The data card 10' shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 also differs from the data card
10 in the following other respects. The photograph 28' rests within a
recessed bed 56' in the card element 50', facing side "B" of Card 10'. A
portion of transparent window 82 in this same card element 50' serves as
the base for the recessed bed 56'. Consequently, window 82 renders a
photograph 28', received in the recessed bed 56', visible from face "B" of
card element 50' of the completed identification card 10'. The card
element 52' contains a recessed bed 64', adapted to receive a microfilm
strip 36', and a window portion 62'. The ca | | |
