Proof-of-entry device and badge suitable in particular for such a device

A device for controlling entry, comprising:

• a badge having a design support portion including a front surface adapted to display a design visible from the front of the badge, a design support top border, an integral bendable hinge portion joined to the design support top border, and a countermember portion integrally joined to the hinge;
• a retaining element attached to the badge adjacent the hinge and having an adhesive surface;
• the badge being foldable at the hinge so that the front surface faces forward and the countermember is folded behind the badge, the adhesive surface holding the badge in place on a wearer's clothing;
• and
• an invalidation component integrally formed with the badge and adapted for severance by service personnel upon entry to the area as proof of entry to the area, the severance invalidating the badge for subsequent entry to the area.

A method of controlling entry of a person to an area, comprising:

• providing a badge with a front badge surface with a display of a badge design visible from the front of the badge;
• adapting a back badge surface for removable attachment to clothing worn by the person;
• integrally forming a invalidation component on the badge which is adapted for manual severance by service personnel upon entry to the area;
• manually severing the invalidation component upon entry of the person to the area to make the remaining badge invalid for subsequent entry to the areas;
• providing a retaining element attached to the back of the badge, the retaining element having an adhesive surface;
• and
• providing a peelable film covering the adhesive surface.