EMF PROTECTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A retaining device for an EMF-generating device includes a first surface or opening which is transparent to the EMF of the EMF-generating device, and a second surface which is at least partially opaque to the EMF generated by the EMF-generating device. The device can be installed such that the second surface is oriented towards an individual or pet while the first surface faces away.

Claims

1. A retaining device for an EMF-generating device, the retaining device including a first surface or opening which is transparent to the EMF of the EMF-generating device, and a second surface which is at least partially opaque to the EMF generated by the EMF-generating device; the retaining device being adapted to be installed such that the second surface is oriented towards the individual or pet, such that the first surface faces outward away from the individual or pet.

2. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the EMF-generating device is a Bluetooth tracking device.

3. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining device takes the form of a pouch for receiving the tracking device.

4. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the geometry of the retaining device is adapted to the geometry of the tracking device.

5. A retaining device according to claim 4, wherein the geometry of the retaining device is adapted to that of a disk-shaped tracking device.

6. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the pouch is formed from generally flexible material(s).

7. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the pouch is a textile fabric or mesh.

8. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the back side of the pouch is formed from or includes an EMF blocking material

9. A retaining device according to claim 8, wherein the EMF blocking material includes highly conductive metals.

10. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the EMF blocking material is formed into protective fabrics, screens, or inks.

11. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the front side of the pouch is formed from a cotton fabric.

12. A retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the pouch is formed by sewing or otherwise adhering together the front and back of the pouch along their edges.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an EMF protective device according to the present invention formed from two overlapping rectangular strips 1 of elastic material adhered to one another by stitching 2.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the EMF protective device of FIG. 1 showing an exterior strip of elastic material 1 adhered by stitching 2 to a strip of EMF blocking or reducing material 3. An entry point 4 is provided for placing an EMF emitting device within the protective device.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the EMF protective device of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded front elevational view of the EMF protective device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] This invention provides a retaining device for an EMF-generating device, and in particular, for an EMF-generating tracking device, such as a Bluetooth tracking device, a tracking device operating on more than a single network, such as the Apple AirTag, or a GPS tracking device. The retaining device includes a first surface or opening which is transparent to the EMF generated by the tracking device, and a second surface which is at least partially opaque to EMF generated by the tracking device. The retaining device is adapted to be installed such that the second surface is oriented towards the individual or pet, such that the first surface faces outward away from the individual or pet. The present invention thus provides directional EMF blocking against the skin side of the wearer, while still allowing the tracking device to communicate with various networks by not fully enclosing the tracker, thereby creating a Faraday cage where the enclosed electromagnetic field would render the tracker useless.

[0018] In one aspect, the retaining device takes the form of a pouch for receiving the tracking device. Preferably, the geometry of the retaining device is adapted to the geometry of the tracking device. For example, when a disk-shaped AirTag tracking device is used, the retaining device can take the form of a pouch formed from generally flexible material(s), such as a textile fabric or mesh. Preferably, the back side of the pouch is formed from or includes an EMF blocking material. By EMF blocking material is meant a material that reflects or absorbs a substantial portion of incident radio frequency wave energy, preferably at least 90 percent of energy of incident RF radiation, and more preferably, at least 99 percent. Examples of EMF blocking material include highly conductive metals such as silver and copper, which may be formed into protective fabrics, screens, or inks, such as a copper wire mesh, while the front side of the pouch is formed from, for example, a cotton fabric. The pouch is formed by sewing or otherwise adhering together the front and back of the pouch along their edges.

[0019] The pouch can be rectangular, have a downwardly arced bottom, etc. The pouch can be sewn or otherwise adhered to, for example, a child's clothing or possessions (e.g., favorite toy or blanket). For example, since clothing frequently includes a sewn-in label positioned on the inside of the back portion of the clothing, the pouch can be attached there (e.g., rear of waistband for underwear or pants) or preferably, on the outside of a garment facing that label.

[0020] In one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a small pouch for receiving a Bluetooth tracking device. In this embodiment, the back facing panel, or skin side panel, is formed from an EMF reducing fabric (Faraday fabric), while the front panel is constructed from an elastic fabric material. The pouch is then stitched or ironed onto children's underwear, onesies, dog collars, or the favorite article of clothing of an elderly person with dementia, etc.

[0021] Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention provides a comfortable, covert pocket, that will not lose the tracking device, and which will protect the wearer of the clothing article containing the pocket housing the tracking device. The present invention thus provides peace of mind to parents taking their children to an amusement park, or who would like to confirm the story of a babysitter, or who simply would like to stay informed of their child's location.

[0022] Preferably, the materials used to construct the product, the means of fabrication, the size and the location of attachment are selected to minimize awareness of the tracking device by the person or animal wearing the device. Frequently, a bracelet, keychain or lanyard worn by a child will be taken off by the child impulsively and with impunity. Securing the device to a child's underwear, which are often the last articles of clothing to be removed, enhances the reliability of the tracker.

[0023] In a presently preferred embodiment, the invention provides a pocket or pouch that is formed from three strips of fabric. The rear panel (skin side panel) is made of Faraday fabric. Two front overlapping panels are provided to a tracking device. These panels are made of an elastic material fabric which is both comfortable to the wearer and secure enough to house the device without risk of loss. The pouch is sewed or adhered onto children's underwear, dog collars, onesies, or any other article of clothing for a person or pet that wishes to be tracked comfortably, safely, and covertly, if necessary (in the case of small children).

[0024] Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.