US4373159A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heat and detection resistant identification apparatus
Assignee: CLAIM GUARD ASSOC
•
Filing: 1980-06-30
•
Granted: 1983-02-08
•
Expires: 2000-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An identifier such as a strip of heat resistant metal, containing preselected identifying information in the form of an alpha-numeric serial number is concealingly retained in a carrier member. The carrier member has a preselected shape and configuration adapted for releasable engagement to a structure, such as an item of personal property, to be identified by information such as the alpha-numeric serial number to disclose in a concealed manner ownership of the structure. In one manner of use, the carrier is an integral part of the structure to prevent visual detection of the carrier on the structure by a thief. The carrier member includes in one embodiment an amorphous body with the metal strip identifier encapsulated within the amorphous body. The amorphous body is indistinguishably attached to an item of personal property or the like, which ownership is identified by the information inscribed on the metal strip and is concealed on the item. In the event the item is stolen and later recovered ownership is established by removing the amorphous body from the item and separating the metal strip therefrom to reveal the information necessary to return the item to the rightful owner. The metal strip is also heat resistant to identify an item partially destroyed by fire. By recovering the metal strip, the metal strip can be used as proof of loss in an insurance claim for reimbursement.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvan W. Leavitt
- 👤 Alice E. Primm
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:13
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said carrier, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with said structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said carrier, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with said structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 1 in which, said carrier member includes a fastener device, said fastener device having a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said head portion and said shank portion being releasably attached, said fastener device being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with the shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, said shank portion having an internal cavity with an open end, said identification means being inserted through said open end into said internal cavity, and said head portion being connected to said shank portion to close said open end and conceal said identification means within said internal cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 2 in which, said head portion has an end portion arranged for insertion through said shank portion open end and into said cavity to frictionally engage said shank portion and assemble said head portion and said shank portion, and said identification means being retained in a concealed position within said cavity of said assembled shank and head portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 3 in which, said head end portion is externally threaded and said cavity internally threaded to threadedly receive said head end portion, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 3 which includes, a shaft extending from said head end portion and press fit into said cavity to maintain said head portion and said shank portion releasably connected, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 1 in which, said carrier member includes a fastener device, said fastener device having a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said fastener device being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with said shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, a bore extending from the end of said shank portion into said shank portion, and said identification means being removably inserted in said bore to conceal said identification means within said shank portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 1 in which, said carrier member includes an amorphous body, and said identification means being encapsulated within said amorphous body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 7 in which, said amorphous body is fabricated of a refractory material, said identification means including a strip of heat resistant metal capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200° and 2,000° F. (649°-1093° C.), and said metal strip being concealed from visual detection within said amorphous body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 8 which includes, a structure fabricated of refractory material corresponding to the refractory material of said amorphous body, and said amorphous body being attached to said structure to identify said structure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 1 in which, said carrier member includes a plug having a preselected configuration, said plug arranged to support said identification means, said plug being adapted for insertion within a bore of a structure, said plug having an end portion positioned within the bore, a plug cap fabricated of a material corresponding to the material of the structure, and said plug cap being inserted within the bore to conceal said plug from visual detection in the structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 10 in which, said metal strip being supported by said plug, and said metal strip being inscribed with information identifying the structure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 1 in which said identification means includes, a radar transponder for transmitting a preselected signal from said carrier member, said radar transponder being secured to said carrier member in a position to transmit a preselected signal from said carrier member for identifying the location of said carrier member, said radar transponder having an antenna for receiving an incoming signal, said carrier having an opening therein forming an internal recess for receiving said radar transponder, said antenna projecting out of said recess to receive an incoming signal, transmitter means associated with said radar transponder for generating a coded incoming signal to actuate said radar transponder, and said radar transponder being operable upon actuation to transmit a preselected coded signal from said carrier back to said transmitter means to indicate the location of said carrier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
117 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof with said carrier, said metal strip being fabricated of a heat resistant metal, said metal strip being capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200°-2,000° F., and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
117 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof with said carrier, said metal strip being fabricated of a heat resistant metal, said metal strip being capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200°-2,000° F., and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said carrier, said metal strip being fabricated of a high temperature alloy, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said carrier, said metal strip being fabricated of a high temperature alloy, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 15 in which, said carrier member includes a fastener device, said fastener device having a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said head portion and said shank portion being releasably attached, said fastener device being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with said shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, said shank portion having said bore with an open end, said identification means being inserted through said open end into said bore, and said head portion being connected to said shank portion to close said bore and conceal said identification means within said fastener device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 16 in which, said head portion has an end portion arranged for insertion through said shank portion open end and into said bore to frictionally engage said shank portion and assemble said head portion and said shank portion, and said identification means being retained in a concealed position within said bore of said assembled shank and head portion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 17 in which, said head end portion is externally threaded and said bore is internally threaded to threadedly receive said head end portion, and said identification means being positioned in said bore below said head end portion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 17 in which, said head end portion is press fit into said bore to maintain said head portion and said shank portion releasably connected, and said identification means being positioned in said bore below said head end portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, said carrier member being fabricated of a preselected material, said plug member being fabricated of a material corresponding to said carrier member material, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, said carrier member being fabricated of a preselected material, said plug member being fabricated of a material corresponding to said carrier member material, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, said plug member having an external annular recess, a metal strip with indicia placed thereon, said metal strip being removably positioned within said external annular recess, said metal strip being concealed in said plug member positioned in said carrier member bore, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, said carrier member having a bore for releasably receiving said plug member, said plug member being concealed within said carrier member bore, said plug member having an external annular recess, a metal strip with indicia placed thereon, said metal strip being removably positioned within said external annular recess, said metal strip being concealed in said plug member positioned in said carrier member bore, and said carrier member being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
231 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member including a fastener device, said fastener device having a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said head portion and said shank portion being releasably attached, said fastener device being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with the shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, said shank portion having an internal cavity with an open end, said identification means being inserted through said open end into said internal cavity, said head portion being connected to said shank portion to close said open end and conceal said identification means within said internal cavity, said head portion having an end portion arranged for insertion through said shank portion open end and into said cavity to frictionally engage said shank portion and assemble said head portion and said shank portion, said identification means being retained in a concealed position within said cavity of said assembled shank and head portions, said head end portion being externally threaded and said cavity internally threaded to threadedly receive said head end portion, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
231 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member including a fastener device, said fastener device having a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said head portion and said shank portion being releasably attached, said fastener device being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with the shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, said shank portion having an internal cavity with an open end, said identification means being inserted through said open end into said internal cavity, said head portion being connected to said shank portion to close said open end and conceal said identification means within said internal cavity, said head portion having an end portion arranged for insertion through said shank portion open end and into said cavity to frictionally engage said shank portion and assemble said head portion and said shank portion, said identification means being retained in a concealed position within said cavity of said assembled shank and head portions, said head end portion being externally threaded and said cavity internally threaded to threadedly receive said head end portion, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 22 in which, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, and said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said carrier.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 23 in which, said metal strip is fabricated of a heat resistant metal, and said metal being capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200°-2,000° F.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 23 in which, said metal strip is fabricated of a high temperature alloy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 22 in which, said identification means includes a plug member having preselected identifying information thereon, and said plug member releasably positioned in said internal cavity.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 26 in which, said carrier member is fabricated of a preselected material, and said plug member being fabricated of a material corresponding to said carrier member material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 22 in which, said identification means includes a plug member having an external annular recess, a metal strip with indicia placed thereon, said metal strip being removably positioned within said external annular recess, and said metal strip being concealed in said plug member positioned in said internal cavity.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 22 in which, said shank portion internal cavity including a bore extending from the end of said shank portion into said shank portion, and said identification means being removably inserted in said bore to conceal said identification means within said shank portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes an amorphous body, said identification means being encapsulated within said amorphous body, said amorphous body being fabricated of a refractory material, said identification means including a strip of heat resistant metal capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200 and 2,000° F. (649°-1093° C.), said metal strip being concealed from visual detection within said amorphous body, and said amorphous body being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes an amorphous body, said identification means being encapsulated within said amorphous body, said amorphous body being fabricated of a refractory material, said identification means including a strip of heat resistant metal capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200 and 2,000° F. (649°-1093° C.), said metal strip being concealed from visual detection within said amorphous body, and said amorphous body being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said identification means from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes a plug having a preselected configuration, said plug arranged to support said identification means, said plug being adapted for insertion within a bore of a structure, said plug having an end portion positioned within the bore, a plug cap fabricated of a material corresponding to the material of the structure, said plug cap being inserted within the bore to conceal said plug from visual detection in the structure, said identification means including a metal strip supported by said plug, said metal strip being inscribed with information identifying the structure, and said plug being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said metal strip from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes a plug having a preselected configuration, said plug arranged to support said identification means, said plug being adapted for insertion within a bore of a structure, said plug having an end portion positioned within the bore, a plug cap fabricated of a material corresponding to the material of the structure, said plug cap being inserted within the bore to conceal said plug from visual detection in the structure, said identification means including a metal strip supported by said plug, said metal strip being inscribed with information identifying the structure, and said plug being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said metal strip from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes a plug having a preselected configuration, said plug arranged to support said identification means, said plug being adapted for insertion within a bore of a structure, said plug having an end portion positioned within the bore, a plug cap fabricated of a material corresponding to the material of the structure, said plug cap being inserted within the bore to conceal said plug from visual detection in the structure, and said plug being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said plug from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure comprising, identification means containing preselected information associated with a structure for selectively identifying the structure, a carrier member, means associated with said carrier member for removably supporting said identification means on said carrier member, said carrier member includes a plug having a preselected configuration, said plug arranged to support said identification means, said plug being adapted for insertion within a bore of a structure, said plug having an end portion positioned within the bore, a plug cap fabricated of a material corresponding to the material of the structure, said plug cap being inserted within the bore to conceal said plug from visual detection in the structure, and said plug being adapted for releasable engagement with the structure to conceal said plug from visual detection on the structure.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 32 in which, said identification means includes an elongated metal strip having a preselected length and thickness, and said metal strip being flexible to facilitate insertion and confinement thereof within said plug.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 33 in which, said metal strip is fabricated of a heat resistant metal, and said metal being capable of withstanding elevated temperatures in the range of between about 1,200°-2,000° F.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 33 in which, said metal strip is fabricated of a high temperature alloy.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 32 in which, said plug has a head portion at one end and a shank portion at the opposite end, said head portion and said shank portion being releasably attached, said plug being adapted for releasable insertion in a structure with the shank portion maintained in a concealed position within the structure, said shank portion having an internal cavity with an open end, said identification means being inserted through said open end into said internal cavity, and said head portion being connected to said shank portion to close said open end and conceal said identification means within said internal cavity.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 36 in which, said head portion has an end portion arranged for insertion through said shank portion open end and into said cavity to frictionally engage said shank portion and assemble said head portion and said shank portion, and said identification means being retained in a concealed position within said cavity of said assembled shank and head portions.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 37 in which, said head end portion is externally threaded and said cavity internally threaded to threadedly receive said head end portion, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for identifying a structure as set forth in claim 37 in which, said head end portion is press fit into said cavity to maintain said head portion and said shank portion releasably connected, and said identification means being positioned in said cavity below said head end portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-02-07 | 1986-08-09 | 1987-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-07 | 1990-08-09 | 1991-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-07 | 1994-08-09 | 1995-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |