AU2006101071B4 - Fastening device - Google Patents

Description

C FASTENING DEVICE SThe present invention relates to a fastening device and particularly to a fastening device adapted for use with a fabric wristband.

_Identification bands are commonly used in many applications. For example: collars may be used to identify pets in a veterinary surgery; and wristbands are used for the identification of human patients (particularly new born babies) in hospitals. In S 10 the latter case, the band is appropriately positioned and fixed around the patient's wrist as early as possible after arrival at a hospital. Such bands are commonly fastened by a strong adhesive or by a non-releasable stud. This is intended to ensure that the band cannot be easily removed and replaced without providing clear evidence of tampering and that the band cannot be re-used. It is usually necessary to cut the band in order to remove it from the patient when it is no longer required.

More recently, wristbands have been used in the entertainment industry, particularly at large concerts or sporting events. For example, wristbands may be used to implement non-transferable ticketing, to assist in crowd control, to identify advance payers, to control access to VIP areas and to eliminate lost tickets.

The use of wristbands for these purposes relies on them being difficult to reproduce and difficult to remove without visible damage. It is also preferable that the wristbands be highly visible and made to a variety of designs, all of which are easy to put on.

Traditionally, plastic bands formed from a sheet of a plastics material have been used for such purposes. Details are printed on the plastic or placed on inserts sealed in pockets formed in the plastic sheet. However, modern printer technology is now widely available and enables fraudsters to quickly copy such bands. In addition, the plastic sheet material can be warmed and manipulated to facilitate removal of the band without apparent damage, thereby facilitating undetected transfer of the band to another individual.

An alternative to a plastic band is a woven fabric band with an intricate pattern woven or sewn into it using threads of many different colours. Such bands are much more difficult to copy using commonly available technology and do not generally become more pliable on heating. Accordingly, a fabric wristband with a novel and detailed woven design provides a suitable band for use by the entertainment industry.

Such bands may be fastened using a compressible metal ring through which the band is threaded. In order to fasten the band, an official compresses the ring using a pair of pliers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

The present invention aims to provide an improved fastening device suitable for a wristband, particularly a fabric wristband, which makes the band easy to put on but difficult to remove without cutting the band, damaging the fastening device or the wristband. The fastening device is, in certain embodiments, also highly visible.

Accordingly, the present invention provides in one aspect a fastening device for a wristband comprising: a channel with an entrance portion and an exit portion, wherein the entrance portion and the exit portion are substantially parallel; and a spike projecting into the channel, such that when a strip of material is pulled through the channel from entrance to exit it flows over the spike and when it is pulled from exit to entrance it is pierced by the spike and prevented from moving further towards the entrance, wherein the spike is a pin.

In one embodiment, the spike is angled towards the exit of the channel.

In an alternative embodiment, the entrance portion and the exit portion are misaligned and the spike projects into the channel at the point of misalignment. In this embodiment, the spike is preferably parallel to the entrance portion and the exit portion.

SPreferably, the spike is obscured so as to prevent tampering. Preferably, the spike is obscured by walls. Preferably, the pin is a metal pin. Preferably, the fastening device is formed from two moulded plastic components, one of the components integrating the pin.

Preferably, two spikes project into the channel. Preferably, the fastening IND device is luminous. Preferably, the outer surface of the fastening device is printed.

The present invention also provides in another aspect a wristband comprising a strip of material and a fastening device. Preferably, the strip of material is a fabric material.

In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is perspective view of a wristband and a fastening device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fastening device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of an assembled fastening device according to one embodiment of the present invention, also showing the path taken by a band of fabric; Figure 4a is an end view of a barrel portion of the fastening device of Figure 3; SFigure 4b is a cross sectional side view of a barrel portion of Figure 4a; Figure 5a is an end view of a plug portion of the fastening device of Figure 3; _and Figure 5b is a cross sectional side view of the plug portion of Figure

IND

In one embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the fastening device 2 is in the form of a moulded plastic cylinder through which a strip of material 3 passes to form a band 1.

The strip 3 passes through the fastening device 2, forms a loop and passes back through the fastening device 2. The strip 3 takes the same path through the cylinder on each pass through the fastening device 2.

The strip 3 may be taken from a plastic sheet, but is preferably a woven material. The width of the strip 3 must be sufficient to allow for the application of a unique design. In a preferred embodiment, the strip 3 is approximately 15mm wide.

The unique design incorporates threads of as many colours as possible to inhibit copying of the band and may include threads coloured with ultra violet dye to provide additional protection against counterfeiting.

The fastening device 2 is adapted so that it can slide along the strip of material 3 so as to make the loop smaller but is prevented from sliding in the opposite direction and making the loop larger.

To use the wristband 1, a wearer slides one of his hands through the loop.

Using the forefinger and ihumb of the same hand, he then grips the cut ends 4 of the strip of material 3 as it protrudes from the fastening device 2. The wearer can then use his other hand to slide the sealing device 2 along the strip of material 3 to tighten the loop around his wrist. At a concert or sporting event, an official will usually put a wristband on each audience member, thereby ensuring that the loop is tight and the band cannot be slipped off over the hand.

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SIn order to remove the wristband 1, it is necessary to cut the strip of material 3.

SThis provides clear evidence that the wristband has been used and prevents it from being re-used.

_One embodiment of the fastening device 2 comprises two moulded components: a barrel 10, and a plug 20. The plug 20 is fixed inside the barrel during manufacture of the fastening device 2 and, once fixed cannot be removed IDwithout damage. The barrel 10 comprises a cylindrical tube 11. The barrel 10 is large enough to provide sufficient strength to the fastening device 2 but not so large as to be uncomfortable when used in conjunction with a wristband. The external surface of the cylinder may be printed with a complex image or with a unique identification code to prevent forgery. In a preferred embodiment, the external diameter of the cylinder is l mm and the length is 17mm. In another preferred embodiment, the length of the cylinder is 20mm, allowing more space to print information onto the external surface of the cylinder. The diameter may be increased if a wider strip of material 3 is to be used with the fastening device 2. A semicircular end wall 12 is positioned at one end of the tube 11 and blocks one half of the bore of the tube 11. An internal semicircular fixing wall 13 is positioned approximately two thirds of the way along the tube 11 from the end wall 12 and blocks the opposite half of the bore of the tube 11. There is an aperture 14 in the fixing wall 13, which is preferably circular. The aperture 14 may have expansion slots (not shown) extending radially from its circumference. These slots allow the aperture 14 to resiliently expand under appropriate pressure to a slightly larger diameter. In one embodiment, two slots extend from the aperture 14 in a direction parallel to the top of the fixing wall 13.

The barrel 10 is injection moulded from plastic as a single unit. It is preferably made from Polypropylene or similar hardened plastic, which provides strength and durability. Preferably, the plastic is dyed a bright colour, so that it is easily identified.

More preferably, the plastic is luminous, so that the barrel 10 can be seen in the dark.

The plastic may also incorporate an ultra violet dye, which can be used to verify the authenticity of the fastening device using an ultra violet light.

While the circular cross section provided by a cylinder provides the greatest strength to the barrel, other cross sectional shapes may be used to assist in uniquely identifying the fastening devices. For example, a square, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross section may be used.

The plug 20 comprises a base 21, fixing projection 22, and spikes 23. The base 21 is substantially in the form of a disc with a diameter equal to the internal diameter of the barrel 10. An arch shaped strip is omitted from just over half the circumference Iof the disc, the base of the arch being defined by a chord of the disc perpendicular to a diameter that passes through the apex of the arch.

A fixing projection 22 is positioned within the minor segment of the disc as defined by the chord defining the base of the arch and on the diameter passing through the apex of the arch. The fixing projection 22 is substantially in the form of an arrow or mushroom and comprises a cylindrical shaft 24 extending from the base 21, with a conical or frustoconical head 25 attached to the end distal to the base 21.

The fixing projection may have a diametric slot 26 extending axially along all or part of its length. Alternatively, the fixing projection 22 may have one or more diametric projection(s) (not shown) extending axially along all or part of its length.

The diametric projections may have shoulders substantially in the plane of the junction between the head 25 and the shaft 24 of the fixing projection 22.

Two spikes 23 are positioned in the major segment of the disc as defined by the chord defining the base of the arch, and disposed on a parallel chord of the disc.

They are positioned symmetrically about the diameter passing through the apex of the arch. Each spike 23 comprises a metal pin 27 extending through the base 21 and supported over approximately half its length by a cylindrical or frustoconical sheath 28.

The plug 20 is injection moulded as a single component. The pins 27 are held in the mould and molten plastic injected around them. The plug 20 is preferably made from the same plastics material as the barrel

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The interaction of the barrel 10 and the plug 20 to form the fastening device 2 Sis shown in Figure 3. When the two components are brought together, a channel 31 is formed, with an entrance portion 32 and an exit portion 33. In the embodiment shown, the entrance portion 32 is relatively long compared to the exit portion 33. In the _embodiment shown, the entrance portion 32 and the exit portion 33 are misaligned at a point of inflexion 34 and the spike 23 projects into the channel 31 at the point of inflexion 34.

During manufacture, a strip of material 3 is passed twice through the barrel such that a loop of material extends from the open end of the barrel 10 the entrance end) and the two cut ends 4 extend a few centimetres from the end of the barrel with the end wall 12 the exit end). The plug 20 is pushed into the open end of the barrel 10, with the fixing projection 22 and spikes 23 entering first. The strip of material 3 is positioned adjacent to the circumference of the portion of the base 21 of the plug 20 with the smaller radius, so that it does not get caught between the base 21 of the plug 20 and the wall of the barrel The plug 20 is orientated with respect to the barrel 10 so that the fixing projection 22 aligns with the aperture 14 in the fixing wall 13. The maximum diameter of the head 25 of the fixing projection 22 is greater than the diameter of the aperture 14 in the fixing wall. As the plug 20 is pressed into the barrel 10, the head 24 and aperture 14 deform to allow the head 25 through the aperture 14. Once the head has passed through the aperture 14, the head 25 and aperture 14 spring back to their original size creating a snap-fit engagement between the barrel 10 and the plug The shape of the head 25 prevents it from being pulled back through the aperture 14 and so prevents removal of the plug 20 from the barrel In one embodiment, the diametric projections fit through the expansion slots in the fixing wall 13 of the barrel 10. Once the head 25 has passed through the aperture 14, the shoulders of the diametric projections spring behind the fixing wall 13, creating a second snap-fit engagement between the barrel 10 and the plug 20. This additional engagement provides further assurance that the plug 20 cannot be removed from the barrel 10 without damaging the fastening device 2.

One skilled in the art will quickly conceive of many alternative means for fixing the plug 20 to the barrel 10. The attachment between the barrel 10 and the plug can be further strengthened by heating the fastening device to near the melting point of the plastics material, thereby fusing the base 21 of the plug to the fixing wall 13 and the outer wall of the barrel 10 and the head 25 and shaft 24 of the fixing projection 23 to the fixing wall 13. It is also possible to use an adhesive to strengthen S 10 the attachment.

In this assembled configuration, the spikes 23 extend to a position close to the end wall 12 of the barrel 10. The strip of material 3 touches the end of the spikes 23 as it follows the channel 31 through the barrel.

If the strip of material 3 is pulled out of the end of the barrel 10 with the end wall 12, the material is pulled away from the spikes 23 and moves through the barrel (see strip of material 3 in Figure If it is pulled from the end of the barrel containing the plug 20, it is pulled onto the spikes 23 and prevented from moving through the barrel 10. The spikes 23 will pierce the strip of material, which will slide down the pins 27 (see dotted strip of material 3' in Figure 3, showing that the spike 23 passes completely through the strip of material). This allows the wristband to expand slightly after it has been fully tightened, since it is dangerous for such bands to be too tight. The length of the spikes is determined such that this loosening does not allow the wristband to be removed.

Although the spikes 23 can pierce most materials, plastic sheet material tends to tear when pulled hard. The spikes 23 are more effective at piercing the weave of a fabric material. Polyester satin silk is a particularly effective material. It has a weave, facilitating fastening of the band, and a smooth plastic surface appropriate for transfer printing complex images onto the band, making forgery more difficult and preventing any stitching on the band from interfering with the fastening mechanism. One skilled in the art will conceive of alternative restraining means. The fastening device 1 would operate with any number of spikes 23. However, one spike 23 will provide a less effective restraint and more than two spikes 23 adds to the cost of manufacture. In the preferred embodiment described, the spikes 23 project substantially along the axis of the barrel 10 and grip the material as a result of a curve in the path followed by the strip of material. A similar effect may be achieved using one or more spikes that project at an angle into a straight channel, although such an arrangement is more susceptible to tampering.

OIn the preferred embodiment described, the spike is a metal pin as metal is a suitably ductile and pliable material. However, pins made from other suitable materials, such as a plastics material, may also be appropriate.

The mouldings can be varied in shape and design according to manufacturing requirements and the interconnection of components, such as the barrel 10 and plug 20, may be varied. A similar fastening device might be designed using more mouldings but two is considered preferable for manufacturing purposes.

The fastening device has been described particularly in the context of wristbands but it can clearly be used for other purposes, such as ankle bands or pet collars.

Although one skilled in the art will readily conceive of many alternative embodiments of the invention described above, the present invention includes all such alternatives which fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A fastening device for a wristband, said fastening device comprising: a channel with an entrance portion and an exit portion; and a spike projecting into the channel, such that when a strip of material is pulled through the channel from entrance to exit it flows over the spike and when it is pulled from exit to entrance it is pierced by the spike and further movement towards the entrance is limited, wherein the spike is a pin.

2. The fastening device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrance portion and the exit portion are substantially parallel.

3. The fastening device as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the strip of material is prevented from moving further towards the entrance after piercing by the spike upon pulling the strip from exit to entrance.

4. The fastening device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pin is a metal pin.

5. A wristband comprising a strip of material and a fastening device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4.