GB2453971A

GB2453971A - A reusable and key-lockable security or identification band

Info

Publication number: GB2453971A
Application number: GB0720848A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew John Stallard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-24
Filing date: 2007-10-24
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-24
Also published as: GB2453971B; WO2009053667A1; GB0720848D0

Abstract

A reusable wristband, ankle band, collar or security tag (a "band") for use within the leisure, healthcare, education and retail industries which is releasably attached to people, animals or objects of varying sizes and secured using a lock and key 9. The device is formed mainly from plastics materials with metal reinforcement (for example wire 1) and preferably employs a ratchet tooth arrangement 7 for adjustment with a deadlock 8 to prevent over tightening. The casing 4 can be provided with identification 5 and can include electronic tagging means.

Description

A REUSABLE BAND, SECURED USING A LOCK AND KEY The invention relates to a band (wristband, ankle band, collar or security tag) which is attached securely to people or animals of varying wrist, ankle or collar sizes (or to various sized objects as a security tag) using a lock and key.

The band may be subsequently detached and then reused again on multiple occasions.

There are a number of needs within the leisure, healthcare, education and retail industries that are currently unfulfilled in the absence of the disclosed invention.

Specifically, there is a need for a band that encompasses all of the following characteristics in one solution; a band that: a) can be fitted to people or objects of different sizes (within any given size range) and can be adjusted in both directions whilst installing it to gain an optimum and comfortable fit, yet be tight enough to prevent it from being removed past the hand, foot, neck or another protruding area of the body or object in question b) is locked securely to the person, animal or object using a lock and key that can be shaped/configured uniquely to one band or a batch of bands C) can be subsequently unlocked using the same key as stated in (b) above, and only said key d) given (a), (b) and (c) above, can be reused on multiple occasions in a standardised, economically efficient fashion e) is safely deadlocked in position to prevent over-tightening after fitting f) is made predominantly from a lightweight material but reinforced in some way; hence is light, flexible, comfortable, non-abrasive and unlikely to cause allergic reactions whilst still preventing and deterring removal without its key (up to a reasonable point taking into consideration use in its intended environment) g) is streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external components h) does not need to be maintained at all subsequent to manufacture (e.g. has no re-chargeable components and does not need to be disassembled for maintenance) thereby avoiding unnecessary running costs i) contains a combination of numbers and/or letters that can be used to identify the person, animal or object to which it is attached j) is waterproof to the extent that no working parts decay, deteriorate or malfunction within a minimum period of 6 months when the band is regularly submerged in water and k) is capable of being fitted with one or more components of existing known technology, for example known location tracking or security technology.

Although there are known products that each satisfy one or more of the criteria shown in (a)-(k) above, these known products cannot be used in many every-day environments due to their individual limitations -i.e. the fact that they do not satisfy all of the requirements of that particular environment in full.

Examples of these types of every-day environments to which a solution is offered are shown as examples 1 to 5 below. The examples illustrate how the invention can be used across a number of these environments, each in need of a solution to a particular problem.

By way of a first example (Example No.1), for safety reasons there is a need for a wristband to be locked securely to a child's wrist at a leisure, healthcare, education or retail facility. This example utilises an indoor play arena by way of illustration.

An embodiment of the band may therefore contain, for example, known Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") technology to help to prevent a child from leaving the play arena without an accompanying adult.

An identification number is required on the band that corresponds to one shown on an identical band or other object issued to an accompanying adult. This ensures that the band is not removed by an official (who holds the unique key) in the absence of the correct accompanying adult.

Where fitted with known EAS technology, for example, the band would sound alarms at known EAS sensors adjacent to exits should a child attempt to leave whilst wearing a band.

In such cases there is a need for a non-abrasive, non allergenic band to be locked securely but comfortably to a child whereby it cannot be easily removed without the appropriate key.

The child in particular should not be able to remove the band themselves.

It is imperative that the band is lightweight enough to again be comfortable and not contain any characteristics that could cause danger to themselves or others whilst playing on equipment, for example no sharp edges or large protrusions.

Equally important is the need to prevent over-tightening by pulling the strap once fitted (for example children being mischievous and pulling at each others' wristbands).

As each child's wrist size is different, the band would need to be adjustable. As the example venue has hundreds of visitors per day, the band needs to be reusable, economical and not require regular maintenance. It should be waterproof to prevent damage from cleaning after each different child has used it.

The absence of a product that satisfies all of these characteristics (also explained in (a) to (k) above) means that the need cannot currently be fulfilled. The disclosed invention provides a solution to this problem.

By way of a second example (Example No.2), a child or parent may require exactly the same solution as detailed in Example No.1 but whilst playing in a water park or theme park. The absence of a product that satisfies all of these characteristics (also explained in (a) to (k) above) means that the need cannot currently be fulfilled. The disclosed invention provides a solution to this problem.

By way of a third example (Example No.3), a person (adult or child) may pay an entrance fee to a retail or leisure facility, such as a fairground, theme park, water park or public house that enables them to utilise certain services without further charge.

In such cases a wristband is required for them that is comfortable and adjustable. The proprietors of the establishment need to lock the band to the user to ensure that the band cannot be used by/shared with other customers for such pre-paid services fraudulently.

The band needs to be cleaned each day without damaging it.

As the venue attracts thousands of visitors per day, the band needs to be reusable, economical and not require regular maintenance. There may also be a need to add known EAS or Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") technology, for example: EAS: To prevent a customer from leaving the facility with the band on and reusing it again fraudulently in the future or RFID: Where a theme park has installed known RFID technology to enable Digital Video Disk ("DVD") or photography sales to customers of their visits (for example photographic shots of them enjoying particular attractions around a theme park).

By way of a fourth example (Example No.4), a veterinary centre needs to identify animals in its care against a number of criteria, such as the animal's name, sex, age, breed, owner's name, medical records, special dietary or medication needs etc. Therefore they require an identification collar complete with a unique identification mark, in order that this identification mark can be linked back to the animal's full records.

They also require an identification collar that is adjustable for multiple reuse across the high number of different animals and sizes that pass through their veterinary centre.

The collar needs to be deadlocked to prevent over-tightening and strangulation around the neck, waterproof for instances of the animal or collar being washed and difficult to remove without possession of a key by an authorised veterinary official.

It must be streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external components for the animal or fitters of the collar.

Considering the volumes of animals utilising the collar and the difficulties involved in trying to fit them to non-sedated animals the centre cannot afford any costs or time associated with the maintenance of the band.

In this embodiment no additional technology is required.

Currently animal identification bands are commonplace which use hand written text on disposable material. This text is prone to misinterpretation.

The absence of a product that satisfies all of the above characteristics (also explained in (a) to (j) above) means that the need cannot currently be fulfilled. The disclosed invention provides a solution to this problem.

By way of a fifth example (Example No.5), a retail outlet already utilising EAS technology for the purposes of theft prevention or REID technology for the purposes of logistical product tracking requires an adjustable, lockable Security Tag for attaching to non-clothing items on public display or in transit.

The outlet has a need to fit a Security Tag to objects of different sizes which can be adjusted to gain an optimum secure fit to prevent it from being removed past a particular protruding area of the object in question. It must be locked securely to the object using a lock and key that can be shaped/configured uniquely to one product band or a batch of bands for one or more product ranges within a large store.

Of particular relevance are those stores operating multiple franchises within them whereby each franchise shop would require a unique key to detach EAS or REID Security Tags from their own merchandise and not of other franchises operating within the store.

The Tag needs to be reused on multiple occasions in a standardised, economically efficient fashion.

The Tag must be flexible and non-abrasive to products and hence lightweight, but reinforced in some way to prevent and deter removal without its key (up to a reasonable point taking into consideration its intended environment). It must be streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external components and not require maintenance at all subsequent to manufacture thereby avoiding unnecessary running costs.

In the case of REID in particular the Tag must contain a combination of numbers and/or letters that can be used to identify the object to which it is attached back to an REID database record. It is waterproof to the extent that no working parts decay, deteriorate or malfunction within a minimum period of 6 months when the band is regularly submerged in water for cleaning purposes.

There are many other example environments to which the invention can be applied, including but not limited to: maternity wards for use with babies and parents; schools, playgroups, nurseries and shopping centres for use with children and care homes for use with the mentally handicapped or other persons requiring close observation and care.

The invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings and relates to use of the band for the purposes of any or all of Examples 1 to 5 above.

FIGURE 1 shows an overview of the invention. It shows a band made from plastic and reinforced with a rust-proof metal wire insert 1. This wire insert 1 may be naturally rust-proof or treated, coated or galvanized to achieve this characteristic.

Both of these component materials and the way that they are designed into the band ensure that the band is light, flexible, non-abrasive and unlikely to cause allergic reactions whilst still preventing and deterring removal without its key (in its intended environments) up to a reasonable point -i.e. in the absence of industrial cable clippers, it is very difficult to cut through the band.

Additional flexibility is achieved by removing circular or oval shapes of plastic from the centre line of the strap 2 during the manufacturing process. The teeth 7 as part of the strap 2 may then be passed through the body 4 after having been wrapped around a wrist, ankle, neck or object.

Also shown is a loop 3 that is used to secure any protruding elements of the strap once pulled through the body 4.

A combination of letters and numbers 5 is engraved or superimposed on the body 4 which can be used to identify the person or object to which it is attached.

The band's cover 6 and body 4 are sealed as part of the manufacturing and forming process to ensure that the band is waterproof, in particular that the void 1(a) shown later in Figure 4 is totally watertight. Other working parts exposed to water are all plastic or rust proofed (as the aforementioned) which ensures that no working parts decay, deteriorate or malfunction when the band is regularly submerged in water, for at least a period of 6 months.

The band is shown to be streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external components.

The deadlock 8 and key 9 are also shown in Figure 1.

FIGURES 2 & 3 illustrate the features of the band within its main body and show optional space 1 for a known Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") Tag 5, a known Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") Tag or other technology as may be suitable for use in its intended environment. Also shown is the "female" plastic lock actuator 2 which is shaped uniquely to one band or a batch of bands to take a specific "male" key of a similar unique shape.

The plastic ratchet 3 (which is used to receive the strap) and the deadlocking insert 4 are also shown and explained in more detail below.

Any technology inserted shall be self sufficient in that it does not need to be regularly maintained at all subsequent to manufacture (e.g. has no re-chargeable components and/or no reason to disassemble the band within its life expectancy period) . EAS Tags, for example, require no power source or maintenance and RFID Tags are powered by small self-contained batteries which last for a number of years and also require no maintenance. This minimises the running costs associated with use of the band.

FIGURE 4 demonstrates (in Item 1 of the drawing) how the end of the strap (after being wrapped around the wrist) is slid into the body of the band until the correct fit is achieved, whereby the plastic teeth on the strap engage and "click" or "snap" past the plastic ratchet in a similar fashion to the way in which some known handcuff designs operate utilising metal components.

This ensures that the band can be locked securely to the person, animal or object, again preventing and deterring removal without its key (in its intended environments) up to a reasonable point -i.e. in the absence of the key it is very difficult to pull the strap out of the head once the ratchet is in place and the band is tightly secured around the wrist, ankle, neck or object.

Also shown is the watertight void 1(a) for an optional EAS and/or RFID Tag, for example, where required.

In item 2 of the drawing the deadlocking feature 2(a) is shown. When pressed inward the plastic deadlock engages the ratchet to prevent any further tightening of the band. This prevents over-tightening, discomfort or health risks for the wearer.

FIGURE 5 demonstrates how the strap 1 is removed from the body by inserting a key which matches the actuator. Once turned in motion 2, it first releases the deadlock 3, followed by the ratchet 4, enabling the strap to be slid out of the body and the band to be removed from the wearer.

This mechanism also ensures that whilst fitting the band, it can be adjusted in both directions to gain an optimum, comfortable fit, yet be tight enough to prevent it from being removed past the hand, foot, neck or another protruding area of a body or object.

Given the features in Figures 4 and 5, a band can be made to certain standard size ranges and so reused on multiple occasions in a standardised, economically efficient fashion across individuals, animals or objects of varying sizes, dependant upon its chosen use.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A wristband, ankle band, collar or security tag (a "band") which is attached securely to people or animals of varying wrist, ankle or collar sizes (or to various sized objects as a security tag) using a lock and key, subsequently being able to be detached and then reused again on multiple occasions and encompassing all of the following characteristics and functionality in one solution whereby it: a) can be fitted to people or objects of different sizes (within any given size range) and can be adjusted in both directions whilst installing it to gain an optimum and comfortable fit, yet be tight enough to prevent it from being removed past the hand, foot, neck or another protruding area of a body or object in question b) is locked securely to the person, animal or object using a lock and key that can be shaped/configured uniquely to one band or a batch of bands C) can be subsequently unlocked using the same key as stated in (b) above, and only said key d) given (a), (b) and (c) above, can be reused on multiple occasions in a standardised, economically efficient fashion e) is safely deadlocked in position to prevent over-tightening after fitting f) is made predominantly from a lightweight plastic material but is reinforced using metal; hence is light, flexible, comfortable, non-abrasive and unlikely to cause allergic reactions whilst still preventing and deterring removal without its key (up to a reasonable point taking into consideration use in its intended environment) g is streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external Components h) does not need to be maintained at all subsequent to manufacture (e.g. has no re-chargeable components and does not need to be disassembled for maintenance) thereby avoiding unnecessary running costs i) contains a combination of numbers and/or letters that can be used to identify the person, animal or object to which it is attached and j) is waterproof to the extent that no working parts decay, deteriorate or malfunction within a minimum period of 6 months when the band is regularly submerged in water. 2. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with known Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") security tag technology for the purposes of helping to retain people, animals or objects within a defined area. 3. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with known Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") tag technology for the purposes of locating people, animals or objects within a defined area. 4. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with both known RFID and known EAS technology for locating people, animals or objects within a defined area and helping to retain them within a defined area. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS

1. A wristband, ankle band or collar (a "band") which is attached securely to human beings or animals of varying wrist, ankle or collar sizes; whereby a lock operates on the band under the action of a key to enable the band to be both loosened and tightened in the unlocked condition and only be tightened in the locked condition; and whereby a deadlocking arrangement can be (manually) engaged when the lock is in the locked condition to prevent any movement of the band strap in either direction, such arrangement being disengaged by operation of the key; subsequently, after use, the band being able to be detached and then reused again on multiple occasions and encompassing ALL of the following essential construction features in one solution whereby it: a) can be fitted to human beings or animals of different sizes and can be adjusted in both directions whilst installing it to gain an optimum and comfortable fit, yet be tight enough to prevent it from being removed past the hand, foot, neck or another protruding area of the body in question b) is locked securely to the person or animal using a lock and key c) can be subsequently unlocked using the same key as stated in (b) above, and only said key d) given (a), (b) and (C) above, can be reused on multiple occasions in a standardised, economically efficient fashion e) encompasses a locking mechanism that can be safely deadlocked in position, stopping the band strap from moving within the ** ,* lock in either direction thereby preventing both loosening * ** and over-tightening of the band after fitting, in the absence of a key f) is made predominantly from a strong grade of plastic hence is light, flexible, comfortable, non-abrasive and unlikely to * ** cause allergic reactions whilst still preventing or :..: * inhibiting removal without its key *. : g) is streamlined, with no sharp edges or unsafe external * .. components h) does not need to be maintained at all subsequent to manufacture -i.e. has no re-chargeable components and does not need to be disassembled for maintenance thereby avoiding unnecessary running costs i) contains a combination of numbers and/or letters that can be used to identify the person or animal to which it is attached and j) is waterproof -i.e. all materials used in its construction are either themselves impermeable and resistant to water corrosion or are housed in a watertight void within the band.

2. A band according to claim]. that is fitted with known Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") security tag technology for the purposes of helping to retain people or animals within a defined area.

3. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with known Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") tag technology for the purposes of locating people or animals within a defined area.

4. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with both known RFID and known EAS technology for locating people or animals within a defined area and helping to retain them within a defined area.

5. A band according to claim 1 that is fitted with a wire insert within its strap to reinforce its strength and further prevent or inhibit removal in the absence of a key.

6. A band according to claim 2 that is fitted with a wire insert within its strap to reinforce its strength and further prevent or inhibit removal in the absence of a key.

7. A band according to claim 3 that is fitted with a wire insert within its strap to reinforce its strength and further prevent or inhibit removal in the absence of a key.

8. A band according to claim 4 that is fitted with a wire insert within its strap to reinforce its strength and further prevent or inhibit removal in the absence of a key. * .* S. S * SS S... * S 4.. S. IS S. * * .

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