WO2014121026A2

WO2014121026A2 - Fabric band closure

Info

Publication number: WO2014121026A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/014064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ron RAMILO; Jim KOPITZKE; Robin BARBER
Original assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation
Priority date: 2013-02-01
Filing date: 2014-01-31
Publication date: 2014-08-07
Also published as: US20140215774A1; WO2014121026A3

Abstract

A fabric band closure includes a hollow body having a generally cylindrical sidewall extending between generally axially aligned first and second open ends. A fabric band inlet is formed at the first end of the body and a fabric band outlet is defined by the second end of the body. A fabric catch comprised of ribs spaced around the inner surface of the sidewall is disposed within the body intermediate the fabric inlet and the fabric outlet. The catch is configured to permit insertion of a fabric band through the catch but inhibit removal of the fabric band from the catch.

Description

FABRIC BAND CLOSURE

DESC RI PTI O N BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The present invention is generally directed to closu res for identification bands and bracelets. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a closure for a fabric band which provides one-way travel of the ends of the fabric band through the closu re.

[Para 2] Identification wristbands, bracelets and the like are widely used in hospitals and in crowd control situations such as concerts, amusement parks, penal and similar institutions for the purposes of crowd and inmate control, identification of patients and individuals and providing information regarding such patients and individuals. Such bands typically include an elongated bracelet or strap with an adhesive portion near one end. A disposable, throw- away shield covers the adhesive until just prior to use, at which time the shield is removed from the adhesive and discarded, permitting the ends of the bracelet to be joined to each other. In some applications, the wristband is configured so as to have a security feature such that if the adhesive end of the wristband is removed, it destroys the wristband or presents a readily visible indication that the wristband has been tampered with. This prevents the wristband from being exchanged between individuals or being reused, which can be detrimental to the wristband's purpose. [Para 3] Other security fasteners have included various types of metallic fasteners and metallic and plastic snap fasteners in which a male stud is inserted into a female receptor. The various types of security fasteners are intended to prevent the removal of the bands without either the destruction of the bands or the destruction of the fasteners.

[Para 4] In some cases, the wristbands or bracelets are confined to providing the bare minimum information regarding the individual, such as a patient's name and illness. In crowd control situations, the wristband might be utilized to indicate the admissibility of the individual wearing the band and, frequently, the duration, by color indication, of the attendance period of the person wearing the wristband.

[Para 5] Other identification wristbands have been provided with encoded information in the form of barcodes or sensors or the like, whereby

considerable additional information about the individual wearing the wristband can be ascertained, including, in the case of a hospital patient, relevant data such as medication, the patient's condition, etc. In crowd control situations, the wristbands can be utilized to provide such data as the amount of money or payments unexpended by the individual wearing the wristband. In other cases, the encoded information can control the admission of the individual wearing the band to specific attractions or locations.

[Para 6] Typically such bracelets are assembled around a wearer's wrist and some attachment means affixes the ends of the band together in a fixed, non- changing circumference that is large enough to be comfortable for the wearer but small enough to prevent the band from being slipped over the wearer's hand. In certain applications it is useful to provide a bracelet or wristband that can be affixed to a person or object and subsequently reduced in circumference or "tightened". The disposable, "adhesive" types of wristbands do not

accommodate the tightening of the wristband or bracelet.

[Para 7] Many identification wristbands are generally of a substantially flat cross-section and consist of one or more laminates of various types of material, including vinyl, plastic, synthetic papers and the like. Although every effort is made to provide wristbands which are sufficiently soft so that the edges of the band do not irritate the skin of the wearer, utilization of conventional

wristbands in environments where the wristband is worn on the wrist of a patient, a prisoner or an event attendee for an extended period of time irritates the skin of the wearer of the band.

[Para 8] In light of the foregoing, there is a continuing need for a wristband which is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to the user, serves the identification and informational purposes of the issuer, can be adjusted by being tightened, and has security features so as not to be readily moved from one individual to another. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 9] The present invention is directed to a closure for a fabric band which comprises a hollow body having a fabric band inlet formed at a first end of the body and a fabric band outlet formed in a second end of the body. The hollow body preferably comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall extending between the inlet and outlet disposed at the axially opposite first and second ends, which may be open or closed. The body may also be constructed in other shapes, such as an oval or rectangle. Either shape may have a long axis designed to minimize the size of the open ends.

[Para 1 0] The fabric band inlet comprises at least one apertu re formed in the sidewall adjacent to the first end. Preferably, the at least one aperture

comprises two oppositely disposed inlet apertures in the sidewall. The fabric band outlet comprises the second end of the body. The outlet may comprise at least one outlet aperture formed in the sidewall adjacent to the second end of the body. In one embodiment, the hollow body may include an end cap having an elongated slot which defines the fabric band outlet. A crossbar may be disposed in the second end of the body adjacent to the outlet.

[Para 1 1 ] In another embodiment, the body is comprised of a first shell member and a separate second shell member. A case encircles the first and second shell members and is used to hold the first shell member relative to the second shell member. The first and second shell members cooperatively define the fabric band inlet and outlet.

[Para 1 2] A fabric band catch is disposed within the body intermediate the inlet and the outlet. The catch has a plurality of ribs disposed around an inner surface of the sidewall. The first end of each rib is attached to the inner surface of the sidewall proximate to the inlet. The second end of each rib extends toward a central axis of the body and projects toward the fabric band outlet. The second end of each rib is configured to permit insertion of a fabric band through the catch to the outlet, but inhibit removal of the fabric band from the catch to the inlet.

[Para 1 3] The plurality of ribs extending from the inner surface of the sidewall towards the central axis of the body define a first open end and a second open end of the catch. The first ends of the ribs collectively define the first open end of the catch, and the second ends collectively define the second open end of the catch. The second open end preferably has a smaller diameter than the first open end such that the catch has a generally conical shape with an apex oriented toward the fabric band outlet. The ribs are preferably comprised of a resilient material.

[Para 1 4] In the catch, each of the plurality of ribs may be disposed directly opposite from another of the plurality of ribs about the central axis of the body. Alternatively, each of the plurality of ribs may be disposed oppositely offset from another of the plurality of ribs about the central axis of the body. In this way, the second ends of the ribs may be directly adjacent to the second end of another rib as in one disposed on the opposite sidewall, or the second ends of the plurality of ribs may be offset or interweaved as teeth on a gear or zipper. Each of the plurality of ribs may also comprise a barb on a surface of the rib that faces the sidewall. The barb is configured to contact the inner surface of the sidewall when the barb is bent by fabric inserted through the catch. The barb is designed to prevent excessive bending of the rib so as to minimize breakage or other failure of the closure.

[Para 1 5] In the embodiment where a crossbar is disposed in the second end of the body, the closure may further comprise a curved buttress extending from the crossbar to the fabric band outlet. In the case where the fabric band outlet comprises an outlet aperture formed in the sidewall, the buttress may extend to a distal end of the sidewall adjacent to the outlet aperture. The crossbar may extend from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body along the central axis. In this form, the crossbar will form a dividing wall between oppositely disposed ribs in the catch. A plurality of matching teeth may be disposed on the dividing wall such that each of the plurality of matching teeth are disposed proximate to the second end of one of the plurality of ribs. The second end of each of the plurality of ribs may comprise a notch that matches one of the plurality of matching teeth.

[Para 1 6] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 7] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: [Para 1 8] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a fabric band closure embodying the present invention, with a fabric band inserted through the closu re and having an informational tag associated therewith;

[Para 1 9] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of another fabric band closure and fabric wristband embodying the present invention;

[Para 20] FIGURE 3 is a side perspective view of the fabric band closure shown in FIG. 2 ;

[Para 21 ] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an end cap having an insertion tool extending therethrough, in accordance with the present invention;

[Para 22] FIGURE 5 is an end view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 3;

[Para 23] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 ;

[Para 24] FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric band closure taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

[Para 25] FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a fabric band closure embodying the present invention having a slotted fabric band outlet;

[Para 26] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of first and second shell members cooperatively forming a body of the fabric band closure;

[Para 27] FIGURE 1 0 is a partially exploded perspective view of a case for holding the shell members of FIG. 9 relative to one another;

[Para 28] FIGURE 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the joined case and shell members of FIG. 1 0; [Para 29] FIGURE 1 2 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the case, joined shell members of the body, and a fabric band inserted

therethrough in accordance with the present invention;

[Para 30] FIGURE 1 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fabric band closure;

[Para 31 ] FIGURE 1 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 3 taken along line 1 4- 1 4;

[Para 32] FIGURE 1 5 is a top view of the fabric band closure shown in FIG. 1 3;

[Para 33] FIGURE 1 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 1 3 taken along line 1 6- 1 6;

[Para 34] FIGURE 1 7 is a top view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 1 3 illustrating an alternate configuration of the ribs;

[Para 35] FIGURE 1 8 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a fabric band closure of the present invention;

[Para 36] FIGURE 1 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 1 8 taken along line 1 9- 1 9;

[Para 37] FIGURE 20 is a top view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 1 8;

[Para 38] FIGURE 21 is a close-up view of a rib from FIG. 1 9;

[Para 39] FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fabric band closure of the present invention;

[Para 40] FIGURE 23 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 22 taken along line 23-23 ; and

[Para 41 ] FIGURE 24 is a top view of the fabric band closure of FIG. 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 42] As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of

illustration, the present invention is directed to a fabric band closure, generally referred to by the reference number 1 0, which is configured and designed so as to create a wristband 1 2 utilizing a strip of fabric 1 4. As will be more fully described herein, free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 are insertable through an inlet of the fabric band closure 1 0, through a catch disposed within the closure 1 0, and an outlet. The free ends 1 6 and 1 8 can be pulled through the closure 1 0 to create a loop 20 which encircles the object to be identified, typically a wrist of the user.

[Para 43] A variety of different fabrics can be utilized for the fabric strip 1 4. An advantage of utilizing a fabric strip 1 4 is that it can be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as well as functional for the purpose of serving as a wristband 1 2. The fabric strip 1 4 may be of a particu lar desired color, or may be of different colors, or may have imprinted or embroidered thereon words, designs, or other indicia so as to identify the objects or patrons with which the wristband 1 2 is associated. For example, a fabric strip 1 4 of one color or having a first design or word indicia imprinted or embroidered thereon may provide the patron access to a certain event or portions of an event or entitle the patron to various products or services that a wristband 1 2 having a different colored fabric strip 1 4, or a fabric strip 1 4 having different indicia, designs, etc. would not have access or be entitled to. [Para 44] It is contemplated by the present invention that an identification or informational tag 22 be associated with the fabric band 1 4. Such a tag could have data 24 associated therewith for providing desirable information

concerning the wearer of the wristband 1 2. For example, the data 24 could be in the form of imprinted indicia identifying the patron, the event, etc.

Alternatively, the data 24 could be in the form of a machine-readable code, such as a QR code, a barcode, etc. Yet another alternative is that the data 24 be in the form of an RFID tag or the like which can be scanned by a

corresponding machine and provide data to the desired entity or user. This data 24 would either present information concerning the object to which the band 1 2 is attached, identify various information relating to the identification of the individual wearing the band 1 2, access to various events or areas,

entitlement to various goods and services, etc.

[Para 45] The data tag 22 can be associated with the band 1 2 in a number of different ways. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the tag 22 is a relatively thin elongated member having slits 26 and 28 on generally opposite ends thereof for insertion of the fabric strip 1 4 therethrough so as to hold the tag 22 onto the closed loop 20 of the fabric band 1 4. Of course, other means of attaching or associating the tag 22 with the fabric band 1 4 are contemplated by the invention, such as sewing the tag 22 to the fabric band 1 4, using adhesives or staples or the like to attach the tag 22 to the fabric band 1 4, etc.

[Para 46] With reference now to FIGS. 1 -3 , the fabric band closure 1 0 is generally comprised of a hollow body, which is typically formed of a cylindrical sidewall 30 extending between and generally defining axially aligned first and second open ends 32 and 34. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first open end 32 of the hollow body 1 0 comprises a fabric band inlet. In this case, the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 are inserted into this open end 32 of the closure 1 0. The free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 would be inserted through the closure 1 0 and out the outlet, which could comprise the generally opposite open end 34 of the closure 1 0.

[Para 47] In another embodiment, apertures 36 and 38 of a size and configuration to permit the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 to be inserted therethrough are formed in the sidewall 30 of the closure 1 0.

Typically, the apertures 36 and 38 are formed adjacent to the end 32 of the closure 1 0 and on generally opposite sides of the generally cylindrical wall 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Preferably, the apertures 36 and 38 are generally circular or oval in configuration and have generally rounded edges such that the fabric strip 1 4 can be inserted therethrough without catching or damaging the fabric 1 4. This configuration with sidewall apertures 36 and 38 prevent twisting of the closu re 1 0 as might be done when tampering with the same.

[Para 48] With reference to FIG. 4, it is contemplated by the present invention that insertion of the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 into the inlet 32 or 36 and 38 of the closure 1 0, and passing the fabric ends 1 6 and 1 8 through the entire closure 1 0 might require the use of a tool 40. Such a tool 40 is illustrated in FIG. 4, and comprises an elongated rod. It will be understood that the elongated rod 40 may be connected to a handle or other device, or may simply comprise an elongated rod 40 which can be grasped by a user at one end and the opposite end used to push the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric band through the closure 1 0. However, it is possible that the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 may be capable of being i nserted through the closure 1 0 without the need for a rod or tool 40.

[Para 49] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, in the embodiment where the closure 1 0 has fabric band inlets 36 and 38 formed by apertures in the sidewall 30, the closure 1 0 may include an end cap 42 covering the first open end 32 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. The end cap 42 may be attachable and secured to the first end of the closure 1 0 or formed integrally therewith. In order to enable the use of the rod of the tool 40, an aperture 44 is formed through the end cap 42 sized and configured so as to permit the rod 40 to be inserted into and through the closure body 1 0.

[Para 50] With reference now to FIG. 8, in a particularly preferred

embodiment the fabric band outlet is defined by a slot 46. The slot 46 is elongated and of a relatively thin opening so as to permit the insertion of the ends of the fabric band 1 6 and 1 8 therethrough, but resist reverse travel of the fabric bands 1 6 and 1 8 by virtue of the size and configuration of the slot 46. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the elongated slot fabric band outlet 46 may be formed in an end cap 48, which may be flat or rounded, as illustrated in FIG. 8. It will be appreciated that a slot may be formed at the first end of the closure 1 0 and form the fabric band inlet. The slot 46 covering end 34 restricts the ability of a person to separate the ribs 56 and fabric band 1 4 by inserting a tool or other implement.

[Para 51 ] As shown by means of the dotted lines in FIG. 3 , the closure 1 0 includes a fabric band catch disposed therein intermediate the inlet 32 and the outlet 34. As will be discussed more fully herein, the catch 50 has a first open end disposed towards the fabric band inlet and a generally opposite second open end disposed towards the fabric band outlet. The second open end of the catch has a smaller diameter than the first open end, such that the catch is generally conical in configuration and permits insertion of the fabric bands 1 6 and 1 8 through the first open end and then the second open end of the catch, but inhibits reverse travel of the fabric bands 1 6 and 1 8.

[Para 52] A catch 50 is illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the first open end or inlet 52 is adjacent to or directed towards the first open end 32 of the closure 1 0 and the second smaller open end or outlet 54 is directed towards or disposed adjacent to the outlet 46 of the closure 1 0.

[Para 53] With reference now to FIGS. 5-8, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the catch 50 is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart ribs 56. First ends of the ribs 56 are attached to or extend from an inner surface of the wall 30 of the body, and extend from the inner surface of the closure 1 0 towards a central axis of the closure 1 0 to second free ends 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. The first ends 58 of the ribs 56 collectively define the first open end 52 of the catch 50. The second ends 60 of the ribs, which are generally disposed adjacent to one another collectively define the second open end or outlet 54 of the catch 50. Preferably, the ribs are comprised of a resilient material. This enables the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 to be inserted into the first open end or inlet 52 of the catch, and pushed through the ribs 56 and out the second open end or outlet 54 of the catch 50, defined by the closely associated free ends 60 of the ribs 56. Once the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 are pushed through the catch, the free ends 60 of the ribs 56 of the catch 50 resist reverse travel of the fabric bands 1 6 and 1 8 through the catch 50. This is due to the fact that the second open end or outlet 54 of the catch 50 can be slightly enlarged as the fabric strips 1 6 and 1 8 are pushed therethrough from the fabric inlet side of the closure 1 0, but resists opening if reverse travel of the fabric bands 1 6 and 1 8 is attempted. This is due to the fact that the free ends 60 of the ribs 56 will catch upon the strip of fabric 1 4 as it is attempted to be withdrawn from the outlet to the inlet of the closure 1 0, and the free ends 60 will actually be brought towards one another instead of away from one another to open the second opening or outlet 54 of the catch 50.

[Para 54] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the closure 1 0 may include a crossbar 62 spaced from the second open end 54 of the catch 50, and typically adjacent to the second open end 34 or outlet of the closure 1 0. The crossbar 62 may be utilized to spread the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 apart from one another so as to prevent binding, catching, twisting, etc. of the free ends 1 6 and 1 8. [Para 55] With reference now to FIGS. 9- 1 1 , it has been found that in order to attach or create the ribs 56 and their configuration in order to create the catch 50 embodying the present invention, it is beneficial to form the closure body as first and second separate shell members 64 and 66, which can be joined or otherwise associated with one another to form the closure. The first and second shell members 64 and 66 are each generally semi-cylindrical in configuration so as to cooperatively form a hollow passageway therethrough. The ribs 56 are attached or formed on the inner surface of each of the first and second shells 64 and 66, as illustrated in FIG. 9. When the shells 64 and 66 are brought towards one another, and joined along a common edge, they form a generally cylindrical body, as illustrated in FIG. 1 0.

[Para 56] The ends of each of the shells 64 and 66 include notches 68 and 70, which when the shells 64 and 66 are brought towards one another align to form the inlet 72 and outlet 74 of the closure 1 0. In the embodiment

illustrated in FIGS. 9- 1 1 , the notches 68 and 70 cooperatively form elongated inlet and outlet slots 72 and 74 through which the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 are inserted to create the wristband 1 2, as described above.

[Para 57] In order to serve as the closure member 1 0, the shells 64 and 66 must be capable of being aligned with one another and secured in position. This can be done by the shells 64 and 66 being snap-fit to one another or adhered or affixed to one another. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 0 and 1 1 , a case 76 encircles the first and second shell members 64 and 66 to hold the first shell member relative to the second shell member. Typically, the case 76 is generally cylindrical and hollow and is friction-fit over the first and second shell members 64 and 66.

[Para 58] To facilitate the retention of the case 76 with respect to the first and second shell members 64 and 66, the first and second shell members 64 and 66 cooperatively define a shoulder 78 which is of slightly larger diameter than the attached shell members 64 and 66, as illustrated in FIG. 1 0. The case 76 includes a corresponding annular groove or depression into which the shoulder 78 is inserted. The case 76 may also include a flange 82 which extends over the end of the body generally opposite the shoulder 78, as illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , so as to retain the first and second shell members 64 and 66 within the case 76 and relative to one another.

[Para 59] The case 76 includes generally aligned apertures 84 and 86 which define a fabric inlet and outlet, respectively, which permits the ends of the fabric 1 6 and 1 8 to be inserted through the case opening 84 through fabric inlet 72 of the closure body, through the ribs of the catch 56, out the fabric band outlet 74 of the body, and finally through the outlet opening 86 of the case 76, as illustrated in FIG. 1 2. Although the case 76 is shown exploded from the first and second shell members 64 and 66 forming the body of the closure, it will be appreciated that typically the case 76 is snap-fit onto the joined first and second shell members 64 and 66 before the ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 are inserted through the assembly.

[Para 60] FIGURES 1 3- 1 5 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the closure 1 0 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the closure 1 0 has a generally oval shape and the ribs 56 are disposed generally along the inner su rface the elongated sidewalls of the oval shape. The second ends 60 of the ribs 56 extend into the center of the oval 1 0 but generally do not meet or intersect. In this embodiment, the second ends 60 of each of the ribs 56 are preferably aligned directly opposite from the second end 60 of another of the plurality of ribs 56. Apertures 36 and 38 are provided through sidewall 30 of the closure 1 0. The apertures 36 and 38 provide the same twist prevention feature as described above. The oval shape of the closure 1 0 provides narrower entry and exit points to make it more difficult to access the ribs 56 or otherwise tamper with the security of the closure 1 0. The configuration of the ribs 56 allows the closure 1 0 to be molded as a single piece. FIG. 1 4 includes arrows illustrating the path followed by the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 when inserted into the closure 1 0.

[Para 61 ] FIGURES 1 6 and 1 7 illustrate a further variation on the closure 1 0 depicted in FIG. 1 3. In this embodiment, the oval shape of the closure 1 0 is more pronounced such that a short axis of the oval has a shorter length than that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 4 and 1 5 , i.e., the inner surfaces of the sidewall 30 are closer together. This configuration provides for much narrower entry and exit points, increasing the difficu lty of access to the ribs 56. In this embodiment, the second ends 60 of the ribs 56 may meet or intersect along the central axis of the body as illustrated in FIG. 1 7. More preferably, the second ends 60 of each of the ribs 56 are oppositely offset from the second end of another of the ribs 56 such that the second ends 60 would appear to interweave with one another should they be brought together or intersect. FIG. 1 6 presents arrows illustrating the path followed by the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the strip of fabric 1 4 when fed through the closure 1 0.

[Para 62] FIGURES 1 8-21 illustrate yet another alternate embodiment of the closure 1 0. The closure 1 0 again has a generally oval shape with apertures 36 and 38 disposed proximate to the first end 32 of the closure 1 0. Additional outlet apertures 90 and 92 are disposed in the sidewall 30 proximate to the second end 34 of the closure 1 0. These outlet apertu res 90 and 92 provide additional resistance to twisting of the closure 1 0 resulting from efforts to tamper with the same. FIGS. 1 9 and 20 illustrate a recess 94 of the distal end 96 of the sidewall 30 relative to the main portion of the sidewall 30, which recess 94 facilitates passing the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 through the apertures 90 and 92. The second end 34 also includes a crossbar 62 and a plurality of buttresses 98 extending from the distal end 96 of the sidewall 30 to the crossbar 62. An underside 1 00 of the buttresses 98 preferably has a smooth curve extending from the crossbar 62 to an edge of the apertures 90 and 92. The crossbar 62 may extend from the second end 34 toward the first end 32 along the central axis, substantially the entire length of the closure 1 0, forming a dividing wall 1 1 0 so as to divide the closure 1 0 into two separate sides - one for each free end 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4. The configu ration of the crossbar 62 and buttresses 98 further hinders any effort to tamper with the closure 1 0 by accessing the ribs 56 from the second end 34. [Para 63] The ribs 56 preferably include a barb 1 02 on a side facing the sidewall so as to minimize the degree to which the rib 56 may bend when passing through the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4. Upon sufficient bending of the ribs 56, the barb 1 02 comes into contact with the interior sidewall 30 of the closure 1 0 and prevents any further bending of the same. The crossbar 62 may include a plurality of matching teeth 1 04 proximate to the second ends 60 of each of the ribs 56. In this instance, the second end 60 of each of the ribs 56 may include a notch 1 1 2 to mate with the matching tooth 1 04. The notch 1 1 2 of the second end 60 and matching tooth 1 04 are preferably configured to pinch or grab the fabric strip 1 4 from either or both sides.

[Para 64] FIGURES 22-24 illustrate another alternate embodiment for the closure 1 0 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the crossbar 62 extends from the second end 34 of the closure 1 0 to approximately a top edge 1 06 of apertures 36 and 38 - again forming a dividing wall 1 1 0 as described above. This dividing wall 1 1 0 effectively divides the interior of the closure 1 0 into two halves. A plurality of ribs 56 extend from an interior surface of the sidewall 30 toward the dividing wall 1 1 0. Where this embodiment is configured with the closure having a generally oval shape, the second ends 60 of each rib 56 are oriented toward a central bulge 1 08 on the dividing wall 1 1 0. The second ends 60 of the ribs 56 and the central bulge 1 08 of the dividing wall 1 1 0 cooperate to pinch or grab the fabric strip 1 4 once it has been inserted through the closure 1 0. The arrows of FIG. 23 illustrate the path of the free ends 1 6 and 1 8 of the fabric strip 1 4 through the closure 1 0.

[Para 65] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate how features of the various embodiments described above may be interchanged or combined in ways other than in the specific embodiments described above. For example, a particular closure may vary from a rounded shape to an oval shape - even having a stretched major axis and a shortened minor axis - and the ribs 56 and other security features of the closure 1 0 will still function as described.

[Para 66] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

What i s c lai m ed i s :

[C lai m 1 ] A closure for a fabric band, comprising:

a hollow body comprising a generally cylindrical sidewall extending between a fabric band inlet and a fabric band outlet disposed at axially opposite first and second ends of the body;

a fabric band catch disposed within the body intermediate the inlet and the outlet, the catch having a plurality of ribs disposed around an inner surface of the sidewall, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of ribs is connected to the inner surface proximate to the fabric band inlet, and a second end of each of the plurality of ribs extend toward a central axis of the body and project toward the fabric band outlet; and

wherein the second end of each of the plurality of ribs is configured to permit insertion of a fabric band through the catch to the fabric band outlet, but inhibit removal of the fabric band from the catch to the fabric band inlet.

[C lai m 2 ] The closure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs is disposed directly opposite from another of the plurality of ribs about the central axis of the body.

[C lai m 3 ] The closure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs is disposed oppositely offset from another of the plurality of ribs about the central axis of the body.

[C lai m 4] The closure of either of claims 2 or 3 , wherein the plurality of ribs are comprised of a resilient material.

[C lai m 5 ] The closure of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of ribs comprises a barb on a sidewall-facing surface, said barb configured to contact the inner surface of the sidewall when the barb is bent by fabric inserted through the catch.

[C lai m 6] The closure of claim 4, wherein the fabric band inlet comprises two oppositely disposed inlet apertures in the sidewall adjacent to the first end of the body.

[C lai m 7] The closure of claim 4, wherein the fabric band outlet comprises at least one outlet aperture formed in the sidewall adjacent to the second end of the body.

[C lai m 8] The closure of claim 4, further comprising a crossbar disposed in the second end of the body adjacent to the outlet.

[C lai m 9] The closure of claim 8, further comprising a curved buttress extending from the crossbar to the outlet.

[Claim 10] The closure of claim 8, wherein the crossbar extends from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body along the central axis, forming a dividing wall between oppositely disposed ribs.

[Claim 11 ] The closure of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of matching teeth disposed on the dividing wall, each of the plurality of matching teeth being disposed proximate to the second end of the one of the plurality of ribs.

[Claim 12] The closure of claim 11 , wherein the second end of each of the plurality of ribs comprises a notch that matches one of the plurality of matching teeth.

[Claim 13] The closure of claim 4, wherein the body has a generally oval shape, with the plurality of ribs disposed along a long axis of the oval shape.

[Claim 14] The closure of claim 4, wherein the body is comprised of a first shell member and a second shell member.

[Claim 15] The closure of claim 14, further comprising a case configured to encircle the first and second shell members and hold the same together so as to form a secure body.