APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING ON HAND WITH IDENTIFICATION DEVICE ARRANGED ON THE APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE APPARATUS

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for arrangement on a hand, having an identification device arranged on said apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a work glove or a carrying strap which can be arranged on the hand, wherein a connecting line made of fabric with electrically conductive material is provided between the switch and the identification device, at least one snap fastener is provided between the identification device and the work glove or carrying strap.
The invention also relates to a method for producing the apparatus. (FIG. 1).

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for arrangement on a hand (3) having an identification device (8) arranged on said apparatus (1), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a work glove (14) or a carrying strap (2) which can be arranged on a hand (3), having an identification device (8) detachably arranged on said work glove (14) or carrying strap (2), wherein the identification device (8) is arranged on a side of the work glove (14) or carrying strap (2) associated with a back of the hand, characterized in that a connecting line (11, 44) made of fabric is provided between the switch (9) and the identification device (8), wherein an electrically conductive material (46, 47, 48, 49) is arranged in the fabric, in that a first part (20) of at least one snap fastener (16) is arranged on the identification device (8), and in that a second part (21) of the snap fastener (16) configured as counterpart of the first part (20) of the snap fastener (16) is arranged on the work glove (14) or carrying strap (2) in the region of the connecting line (11, 44) made of fabric and the electrically conductive material.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device comprises a switch (9) for operating the identification device (8) and the switch (9) is configured as a switch (9) consisting of at least two layers of fabric (41, 42, 43) in which the electrically conductive material is arranged.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part (21) of the snap fastener (16) forms an electrical connection with the connecting line (11, 44) made of fabric and the electrically conductive material (46, 47, 48, 49) arranged in the fabric.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch (9) is arranged on a finger, particularly index finger, of the work glove (14) or on a loop (13) of the carrying strap (2) which can be attached to a finger, particularly an index finger.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrically conductive material in the fabric of the connecting line (11, 44) is configured as at least one electrical line (46, 47, 48, 49).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one electrical line (46, 47, 48, 49) is arranged in a curved shape or meandering shape or wavy shape or zigzag shape or helical shape in the connecting line (11, 44) formed of fabric.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the work glove (14) or the carrying strap (2) comprises a holder (19) for detachable holding of the identification device (8) and in that the holder (19) is made of fabric.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the holder (19) comprises a tab (18) which can be closed and opened.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the tab (18) comprises a slot (25).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device (8) comprises at least one pushbutton for operating and/or adjusting the identification device (8).

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one motion sensor is arranged in the identification device (8).

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a scan process with the identification device (8) can be initiated via a switch (9) and/or via a hand movement or via at least one pushbutton (53).

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the snap fasteners (16) are configured as standard snap fasteners.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a screw (33) is arranged in the first part (20) of the snap fastener (16), which is arranged on the identification device (8), and in that the screw (33) is arranged engaging in a female thread (32) on or in a housing (29) of the identification device (8).

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part (20) of the snap fastener (16), which is arranged on the identification device (8), is configured to be in contact with a circuit board (36) arranged in the identification device.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device (8) comprises at least one replaceable battery (59).

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device (8) is configured as a RFID reader and/or a RFID read-write device and/or a barcode reader.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification device (8) comprises an apparatus for communication by radio.

19. A method for producing the apparatus (1) for arrangement on a hand (3) having an identification device (8) arranged on said apparatus (1), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a work glove (14) or a carrying strap (2) which can be arranged on a hand (3), having an identification device (8) detachably arranged on said work glove (14) or carrying strap (2), wherein the identification device (8) is arranged on a side of the work glove (14) or carrying strap (2) associated with a back of the hand, and wherein a connecting line (11, 44) made of fabric is provided between a switch (9) and the identification device (8), wherein an electrically conductive material (46, 47, 48, 49) is arranged in the fabric, a first part (20) of at least one snap fastener (16) is arranged on the identification device (8), and in that a second part (21) of the snap fastener (16) configured as counterpart of the first part (20) of the snap fastener (16) is arranged on the work glove (14) or carrying strap (2) in the region of the connecting line (11, 44) made of the fabric and the electrically conductive material, characterized in that the switch (9) and/or the connecting line (11, 44) and/or the holder (19) of the identification device (8) is connected to the work glove (14) or the carrying strap by sewing or stitching.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the work glove (14) or the carrying strap (2) which can be arranged on the hand (3) is exclusively or mainly produced by sewing.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the snap fasteners (16) are pressed into the work glove (14) or the carrying strap (2).

Description

[0064] Other features and advantages of the invention can be derived based on the associated drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of an apparatus according to the invention, without limiting the invention to these exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0065] FIG. 1 shows a hand with a carrying strap in a view towards the back of the hand;

[0066] FIG. 2 shows a hand with a carrying strap in a view towards the palm;

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a work glove;

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a carrying strap according to the invention;

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a holder for the identification device;

[0070] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section through an identification device with a snap fastener;

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a part of the snap fastener according to FIG. 6;

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a fabric switch to the snap fasteners;

[0073] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the connection from the fabric switch to the snap fasteners;

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a top view of a connecting line with an electrically conductive stranded wire;

[0075] FIG. 11 shows a top view of a connecting line with a meander-shaped electric line;

[0076] FIG. 12 shows a top view of a connecting line with a zigzag-shaped electric line;

[0077] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an identification device.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 which is configured as a carrying strap 2 and arranged on a hand 3 of a wearer. The carrying strap 2 is detachably attached to the hand 3 in the region of the index finger 4. Likewise, the carrying strap 2 is attached in a region of a forearm or wrist 5. The carrying strap 2 has fasteners 6, 7, which are configured as velcro fasteners. An identification device 8 which may for example be configured as a RFID reader or barcode reader is arranged on the carrying strap 2.

[0079] The identification device 8 can be used to electronically detect goods (not shown), which may for example be arranged in a shelf. For example, there is an option that the goods have transponders which can be detected by the identification device 8 configured as a RFID reader or barcode reader. To start the scan process, a switch 9 is arranged on the carrying strap 2 in the region of the index finger 4. The switch 9 is arranged on the carrying strap 2 in the region of the index finger 4 in such a manner that it can easily be operated by pressing using a thumb 10. An electrical connecting line 11 extends from the switch 9 to the identification device 8. The carrying strap 2 is mainly formed of fabric. Only the fasteners 6, 7 are configured as velcro fasteners consisting of a loop tape and an opposite hook tape. The connecting line 11 is also formed of fabric, and electrically conductive materials are arranged inside the fabric.

[0080] The identification device 8 is also arranged in a fabric pocket, which will be described in more detail below.

[0081] The apparatus 1 will be arranged with the identification device on the hand 3 for performing the scan processes. The transponders or barcodes can be detected using the identification device 8.

[0082] The identification device 8 can be removed from the carrying strap 2 by taking it out of the holder described in more detail in FIG. 5. The carrying strap 2 can then be washed or cleaned. The carrying strap 2 furthermore has the advantage that all its parts, such as the switch 9, which is configured as a fabric switch, the connecting line 11, which is also formed of fabric, and the holder for the identification device 8, which is also made of fabric, are completely formed of fabric and that all connections can be made by one or more sewing processes.

[0083] The carrying strap 2 is arranged on the wrist or forearm 5 by means of a loop 12 closed with the fastener 7, which is adjustable in size, that is, can be adapted to the wearer. In addition, the carrying strap is attached with a loop 13 to the index finger. This loop 13 can also be adjusted in size and adapted to the wearer by means of the fastener 6.

[0084] According to FIG. 2, the hand 3 is shown in a view towards the palm. The loops 12, 13 of the carrying strap 2 enclose the forearm or the wrist 5 as well as the index finger 4.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a modified exemplary embodiment with a work glove 14. On the work glove 14, the identification device 8 is preferably arranged in a fabric pocket (not shown in FIG. 3). The work glove 8 also comprises the switch 9, which advantageously is configured as a fabric switch, and the connecting line 11, which also consists of fabric, with an electrically conductive material integrated into the fabric.

[0086] FIG. 4 shows the carrying strap 2 with the loop 12 and the fastener 7, which can be arranged in the region of the wrist/forearm 5. Furthermore, the loop 13 with the fastener 6 is shown. The loop 13 encloses the index finger, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an opening 15 for the thumb 10 (not shown in FIG. 4) is provided. The seat of the carrying strap 2 on the hand 3 is better and firmer in the embodiment according to FIG. 4.

[0088] The identification device 8 is arranged on the carrying strap 2, slid into a fabric pocket which is described in FIG. 5. Flexible textile electrical connecting lines 11 extend from the identification device 8 to the switch 9, which is also configured as a fabric switch or fabric pushbutton. The connecting lines 11 lead to the snap fasteners 16 and are electrically connected to them. First parts of the snap fasteners 16 are on the one hand arranged on the carrying strap 2. The counterparts, that is, the second parts of the snap fasteners 16, are arranged in the identification device 8. By bringing together the snap fasteners 16, electrical contact with the switch 9 is established between the identification device 8 and the electrically conductive connecting lines 11. Recesses 17 are provided in the fabric pocket yet to be described in detail, for example for LEDs or pushbuttons of the identification device 8.

[0089] The carrying strap 2 further comprises a tab 18.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows the carrying strap 2 or the work glove 14. A fabric pocket 19 is arranged on the carrying strap 2 or work glove 14. The identification device 8 is arranged in the fabric pocket 19. The identification device 8 has a first (female) part 20 of a snap fastener 16. A second (male) part 21 of the snap fastener 16 is provided in the carrying strap 2 or the work glove 14, which forms the counterpart to the first (female) part 20. The two parts 20, 21 of the snap fastener 16 are brought into contact, such that the identification device 8 is fixed, on the one hand, via the snap fastener 16 and on the other hand in the fabric pocket 19 on the carrying strap or work glove. The fabric pocket 19 encloses the identification device 8 but for a front side 22. In this region, a tab 23 is provided which can also be closed with a fastener, which may for example be configured as a velcro fastener 24. A slot 25 is provided in the tab 23. If the identification device 8 is configured as a barcode reader, a barcode can be scanned through the slot 25.

[0091] The fabric pocket 19 further comprises an opening 26. The opening 26 corresponds to a LED 27 of the identification device 8, such that the LED 27 can be seen from outside. Alternatively, a switch (not shown) can be arranged on the identification device 8 in the region of the opening 26.

[0092] The fabric pocket 19 as well as the tab 23 are attached to the carrying strap 2 or work glove 14 by means of seams 28.

[0093] The second part 21 (male part) of the snap fastener 16 can be pressed into the carrying strap 2 or work glove 14. Snap fasteners 16 having a toothed ring can be used, which can easily be connected to the electrically conductive material (not shown in FIG. 5) in the connecting line 11.

[0094] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the first part 20 (female part) of the snap fastener 16 is recessed into the identification device 8. This reduces the overall height of the identification device. Furthermore, an additional guide is provided for the second part 21 (male part) of the snap fastener 16.

[0095] According to FIG. 6, the identification device 8 is shown, which comprises an upper housing shell 29 and a lower housing shell 30. The upper housing shell 29 comprises a pin 30 with a female thread 31. A screw 33, which passes through the first part 20 of the snap fastener 16, engages in the female thread 31. Furthermore, a spring washer 34 as well as a contact surface 35 of a circuit board 36 are provided. On the one hand, this allows to establish an electrically conductive connection to the circuit board 36 via the first part 20 of the snap fastener 16. On the other hand, the screw 33 engages in the female thread 32 of the pin 31 of the upper housing shell 29, such that the upper housing shell 29 and the lower housing shell 30 of the identification device 8 are detachably connected to each other. The screw 33 can be operated by means of a tool, for example a socket wrench 37.

[0096] FIG. 7 shows the screw 33 with a thread 38. The screw 33 also comprises a contact surface 39 to establish electrical contact with the contact surface 35 of the circuit board 36. Furthermore, a tool application point 40 is provided to operate the screw 33 with a tool 37. Furthermore, a first part of the snap fastener 16 is arranged at the screw 33.

[0097] As can be derived from FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the first and second parts 20, 21 (female and male part) of the snap fastener 16 can be arranged at any desired place on the identification device 8 and the work glove 14 or carrying strap 2.

[0098] FIG. 8 shows the switch 9, which consists of multiple layers 41 to 43. Layer 41 represents a first textile electrode with a sewn on connecting line 11. Layer 43 represents a second textile electrode with a sewn on connecting line 44. Layer 42 is a buffer layer comprising a cutout 45. If pressure is applied to the textile switch 9, the layers 41, 43 come into contact, and an electrical connection is established.

[0099] FIG. 9 once again shows the switch 9 with the sewn on connecting lines 11 and 44 and the electrodes 41 and 43. The intermediate layer 42 is no longer shown in FIG. 9. The connecting lines 11, 44 are shown as examples with the electrical lines arranged in the connecting lines 11, 44, which are made of fabric. The electrical line 46 is arranged in a meandering shape in the connecting line 11. In the connecting line 44, the electrical line is configured as a mesh consisting of stranded wires.

[0100] Other examples of the arrangement of electric lines in the connecting lines 11 are shown in FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0101] FIG. 10 once again shows the arrangement as a mesh 47 with stranded wires.

[0102] In FIG. 11, an electrical line 48 is arranged in a meandering shape in the connecting line 11.

[0103] In FIG. 12, an electrical line 49 is arranged in a zigzag shape in the connecting line 11.

[0104] FIG. 13 shows the identification device 8, which comprises a battery 59. The battery 59 is part of the housing 29, 30, which is configured as a two-piece housing (not shown in FIG. 13). The battery 59 can be disconnected from the identification device 8 by means of a release button 51. The identification device 8 forms a mechanical and electrical interface to the outside via the snap fasteners 16. Radio communication with the outside is performed by an integrated radio module 52. The identification device 8 can be adjusted and operated via buttons 53 and an acceleration sensor 54, or via external interfaces, respectively. The barcode unit 55 or a RFID unit 56 can be used to read barcodes or scan RFID transponders. The identification device 8 can also be adjusted via the barcode unit 55 or the RFID unit 56. A user can receive feedback messages in acoustic form via a speaker 57, optically via the LEDs 27, or haptically via a vibration unit 58. The identification device may comprise other electronic components, wherein just one component 50 is shown.

[0105] The identification device 8 is fully functional without the carrying strap 2. It can be activated via buttons 53 or the acceleration sensor 54. In this case, the snap fasteners 16 are used for mechanical fastening. But they can also be used for charging the identification device 8, for example. The advantage of the snap fasteners 16 is that they are intended for fabric and can easily fastened to fabric.

[0106] The identification device 8 consists of a combination of barcode and RFID scanning means, which may also be operated separately.

[0107] The components 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 are just shown schematically. These components are arranged inside the identification device 8.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0108] 1 apparatus [0109] 2 carrying strap [0110] 3 hand [0111] 4 index finger [0112] 5 forearm/wrist [0113] 6 fastener [0114] 7 fastener [0115] 8 identification device [0116] 9 fabric switch [0117] 10 thumb [0118] 11 connecting line [0119] 12 loop [0120] 13 loop [0121] 14 work glove [0122] 15 opening [0123] 16 snap fasteners [0124] 17 recess [0125] 18 tab [0126] 19 fabric pocket [0127] 20 first part of snap fastener 16 [0128] 21 second part of snap fastener 16 [0129] 22 front of pocket 19 [0130] 23 tab [0131] 24 fastener [0132] 25 slot [0133] 26 opening [0134] 27 LED [0135] 28 seams [0136] 29 upper housing shell [0137] 30 lower housing shell [0138] 31 pin [0139] 32 female thread [0140] 33 screw [0141] 34 spring washer [0142] 35 circuit board contact surface [0143] 36 circuit board [0144] 37 tool [0145] 38 thread [0146] 39 contact surface [0147] 40 tool application point [0148] 41 position of fabric switch 9 [0149] 42 position of fabric switch 9 [0150] 43 position of fabric switch 9 [0151] 44 connecting line [0152] 45 cutout [0153] 46 electrical line [0154] 47 electrical line [0155] 48 electrical line [0156] 49 electrical line [0157] 50 electronic component [0158] 51 release button [0159] 52 integrated radio module [0160] 53 buttons [0161] 54 acceleration sensor [0162] 55 barcode unit [0163] 56 RFID unit [0164] 57 speaker [0165] 58 vibration unit [0166] 59 battery