Signal emitting member attachment system and arrangement

Abstract

A signal emitting member attachment system for attaching at least one signal emitting member to an item to be tracked, which includes an adjustable band configured to be placed on the item; and at least one fob. The adjustable band and the at least one fob are configured so that the at least one fob is connectable to the band. The at least one signal emitting member is disposed on the at least one fob.

Claims

1. A signal emitting member attachment system for attaching at least one signal emitting member to an item to be tracked, comprising: an adjustable band configured to be placed on or attached to the item; and at least one fob, wherein the adjustable band and the at least one fob are configured so that the at least one fob is attachable to the band, wherein the at least one signal emitting member is disposed on or at least partially within the at least one fob, wherein the adjustable band comprises a plurality of joints interconnected by flexible band segments, wherein at least one nub extends from at least one of the plurality of joints, the at least one nub configured to connect the at least one fob to the adjustable band, wherein the flexible band segments, the plurality of joints, and the at least one nub are comprised of a flexible elastic material, wherein each of the plurality of joints comprise a spherical ball configured to define a single point of direct contact between the spherical ball itself and the item such that the flexible band segments interconnecting the plurality of joints are spaced apart from the item when the adjustable band is placed on or attached to the item, wherein the adjustable band comprises a loop at one end of the adjustable band, wherein the loop defines an aperture, and wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of joints is greater than a diameter of the aperture.

2. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable band is configured to be placed on or attached to the item by being wrapped around the item.

3. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one signal emitting member is embedded at least partially within the at least one fob.

4. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible band segments, the plurality of joints, and the at least one nub are comprised of a silicon rubber material.

5. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable band is configured to have a plurality of fobs attached thereto and the at least one fob comprises at least two fobs.

6. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 5, wherein the adjustable band is configured to space the at least two fobs around a perimeter of the item to be tracked.

7. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 5, wherein the at least two fobs comprise at least one fob having a signal emitting member that transmits high frequency signals and at least one fob having a signal emitting member that transmits ultra high frequency signals.

8. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 5, wherein the at least two fobs are color coded or otherwise visually differentiated.

9. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fob is removably attachable to the band.

10. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nub extends from at least one of the plurality of joints in a direction substantially perpendicular to the band segments adjacent to the at least one of the plurality of joints.

11. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nub comprises a stem extending from the at least one joint, and a shaped head disposed on the stem at an end opposite the at least one joint.

12. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 11, wherein the shaped head is a conical tapered head tapering outwardly in a direction toward the at least one joint to define an annular abutment surface.

13. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one fob comprises a body having a first side and a second side, and a shaped hole extending through the body from the second side to the first side configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the shaped head.

14. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one fob comprises a body having a first side and a second side, and a shaped hole extending through the body from the second side to the first side configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the shaped head, wherein the shaped head is a conical tapered head tapering outwardly in a direction toward the at least one joint to define an annular abutment surface, and wherein the shaped hole is a tapered hole tapering inwardly from the second side to the first side and configured to receive the conical tapered head of the nub so that, when the conical tapered head of the nub extends completely through the hole, the annular abutment surface engages the first side of the at least one fob to connect the at least one fob to the adjustable band.

15. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the loop is configured to receive and retain at least one joint disposed at an opposite end of the adjustable band to secure the adjustable band to the item to be tracked.

16. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fob is comprised of the flexible elastic material, wherein the fob comprises a hole, wherein a diameter of at least a portion of the at least one nub is greater than a diameter of at least a portion of the hole, and wherein at least one of the at least one nub and the hole of the at least one fob are configured to flex when the at least one fob is connected to or removed from the adjustable band as the at least one nub is urged through the hole due to the nature and flexibility of the flexible elastic material.

17. The signal emitting member attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the loop is configured to receive two or more of the plurality of joints interconnected by the flexible band segments through the aperture, wherein the loop is configured to retain a latest joint of the two or more joints that passes through the aperture to secure the adjustable band to the item to be tracked, and wherein the at least one nub is configured to be removed from the at least one of the plurality of joints.

18. A method of attaching at least one signal emitting member to an item to be tracked, comprising: providing an adjustable band; providing at least one fob, the at least one fob having the at least one signal emitting member disposed thereon or at least partially therein; wrapping the adjustable band around the item; wherein the adjustable band comprises a plurality of joints interconnected by flexible band segments, wherein each of the plurality of joints comprise a spherical ball configured to define a single point of direct contact between the spherical ball itself and the item such that the flexible band segments interconnecting the plurality of joints are spaced apart from the item when the adjustable band is wrapped around the item, wherein at least one nub extends from at least one of the plurality of joints, the at least one nub configured to connect the at least one fob to the adjustable band, wherein the adjustable band comprises a loop at one end of the adjustable band, wherein the loop defines an aperture, and wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of joints is greater than a diameter of the aperture, the method further comprising: connecting the at least one fob to the at least one nub; removing at least one joint of the plurality of joints at an opposite end of the adjustable band; passing a next joint following the at least one joint at the opposite end of the adjustable band through the aperture when the adjustable band is wrapped around the item to secure the adjustable band to the item.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one fob comprises a plurality of fobs, wherein the at least one nub comprises a plurality of nubs, and wherein the method further comprises attaching a plurality of fobs to the plurality of nubs.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one fob is comprised of the flexible elastic material, wherein the fob comprises a hole, wherein a diameter of at least a portion of the at least one nub is greater than a diameter of at least a portion of the hole, the method further comprising: applying a force to the at least one nub to urge the at least one nub through the hole which causes at least one of the at least one nub and the hole of the at least one fob to flex due to the nature and flexibility of the flexible elastic material when connecting or removing the at least one fob from the adjustable band.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the next joint comprises a nub extending therefrom, and wherein the method further comprises removing the nub from the next joint before passing the next joint through the aperture.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the item is a medical device, the method further comprising cleaning, using at least one of an acid, a base, a solvent, an oil, heat, or any combination thereof, the medical device with the adjustable band secured to the medical device.

23. A signal emitting member attachment system for attaching at least one signal emitting member to a medical device to be tracked, comprising: an adjustable band configured to be placed on or attached to the medical device; and at least one fob, wherein the adjustable band and the at least one fob are configured so that the at least one fob is removably attachable to the band, wherein the at least one signal emitting member is disposed on or at least partially within the at least one fob, wherein the at least one signal emitting member is configured to emit a signal that identifies the medical device, wherein the adjustable band comprises a plurality of joints interconnected by flexible band segments, wherein at least one nub extends from at least one of the plurality of joints, the at least one nub configured to connect the at least one fob to the adjustable band, wherein the adjustable band and the at least one fob are comprised of a silicon rubber material, wherein each of the plurality of joints comprise a spherical ball configured to define a single point of direct contact between the spherical ball itself and the medical device such that the flexible band segments interconnecting the plurality of joints are spaced apart from the medical device when the adjustable band is placed on or attached to the medical device, wherein the adjustable band comprises a loop at one end of the adjustable band, wherein the loop defines an aperture, and wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of joints is greater than a diameter of the aperture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable band of a signal emitting member attachment system according to the principles of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable band of FIG. 1 with a plurality of fobs attached thereto;

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the adjustable band of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a front view of a fob of the signal emitting member attachment system according to the principles of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is a rear view of the fob of FIG. 4;

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the fob of FIG. 4; and

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an item to be tracked having the signal emitting member attachment system disposed on the item according to the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms end, upper, lower, right, left, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, lateral, longitudinal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

(9) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of a signal emitting member attachment system and arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown. The signal emitting member attachment system includes an adjustable band 10 made from a flexible elastic material (e.g., a silicon rubber material), such that the band 10 may be stretched, bent, and/or cut to be attached to or placed on a variety of different items to be tracked, where these items may be people, objects, medical devices, medical equipment, and/or any other item that the user desires to track.

(10) In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable band 10 includes a string of joints 11 interconnected by band segments 12. One end of the adjustable band 10 includes an end loop 18 defining an aperture 19. A tab 20 is also provided on the adjustable band 10 next to the loop 18 to facilitate handling of the adjustable band 10 at the loop 18. A plurality of nubs 14 extend from the joints 11 along the length of the adjustable band 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the nubs 14 extend from the joints 11 perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the band segments 12 adjacent to the respective joint 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable band 10 may be configured so that the nub 14 extends from each joint 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable band 10 may also be configured so that nubs 14 extend from only a portion, preferably a plurality, of the joints 11 of the adjustable band 10.

(11) With reference to FIGS. 2-7, the nubs 14 serve as attachment points for removably attaching at least one fob 50 to the adjustable band 10. As shown in FIG. 3, each nub 14 includes a stem 15 extending from the respective joint 11 and a shaped head 16, in particular a conical tapered head, disposed on an end of the stem 15 opposite from the respective joint 11. The conical tapered head 16 tapers outwardly in a direction toward the respective joint 11 to define an annular abutment surface 17.

(12) As shown in FIGS. 4-6, and in this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the fob 50 includes a body 51 at least partially made from the same or similar material as the adjustable band 10 (e.g., a silicon rubber material). The body 51 includes a front side 52 and a rear side 53, with a shaped hole 54, in particular a conical tapered hole, extending through the body 51 from the front side 52 to the rear side 53. The conical tapered hole 54 tapers inwardly from the rear side 53 to the front side 52 of the body 51 and is sized and shaped to at least partially receive at least a portion of the conical tapered head 16 of one of the nubs 14 on the adjustable band 10, such as through a compression and/or friction fit between the head 16 and the hole 54. In this manner, the head 16 of the nub 14 can be pressed through the hole 54 of the fob 50, and be retained together. In order to remove the fob 50 from the band 10, the user may simply press on the head 16 or otherwise urge the head 16 of the nub 14 back through the hole 54. Based upon the nature and flexibility of the material, the fob 50 is retained on the band 10 once connected, and is removable therefrom upon the application of direct or intentional force applied to the head 16 of the nub 14. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the fob 50 may be attached to the adjustable band 10 by passing the conical tapered head 16 and stem 15 of the nub 14 through the conical tapered hole 54 in the body 51 of the fob 50 from the rear side 53 to the front side 52, such that the conical tapered head 16 of the nub 14 extends entirely through the hole 54 and the abutment surface 17 of the conical tapered head 16 comes into engagement with the front side 52 of the body 51 in order to retain the fob 50 on the nub 14 and the adjustable band 10. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the fob 50 includes a readable signal emitting member, e.g., an RFID tag 55, disposed on or at least partially within the body 51 to identify the item to be tracked via the RFID fob 50 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In accordance with one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the term disposed on or at least partially within is intended to encompass any one of a number of techniques for attaching, connecting, or embedding the RFID tag 55 on the fob 50, such as fastening, adhering via an adhesive or adhesive member, applying, attaching via a separate carrier, etc. In accordance with a particular non-limiting embodiment, the RFID tag 55 is disposed on or at least partially within the fob 50 by being embedded at least partially within, and even more particularly by being fully embedded within, the material of the fob 50, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Of course, it should be recognized that the signal emitting member, e.g., the RFID tag 55, may be any member capable of emitting a readable signal, and the signal emitting member may be associated with, attached to, or embedded within the fob 50.

(13) The signal emitting member 55, e.g., the RFID tag, may be programmed or reprogrammed with any desired information that can be read by an appropriate controller or signal receiving mechanism, such as an antenna or the like. For example, the RFID tag 55 may include information and data associated with the item, the object, the person, the device, the equipment, etc., such as location information, attributes, conditions, status information, state information, group information, user information, authorization data, authentication data, or any other data or information that can be assigned to or associated with the specified item (or item grouping). In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a system that is configured, programmed, and/or adapted to program or (directly or indirectly) communicate with one or more signal emitting members. This system can be configured to interact with the fob 50 (and, thus, the signal emitting member) whether attached to or detached from the band 10.

(14) With further reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, the adjustable band 10 can be attached to or placed on an item 100 to be tracked by wrapping the adjustable band 10 around the item 100. After the adjustable band 10 is wrapped around the item 100 and stretched to form a tight fit about the item 100, the excess length of the band 10 may be cut off at or near one of the joints 11 to cinch or position the band 10 about the item 100. The nub 14 on the last joint 11 on the re-sized band 10 is then cut off and the last joint 11 is inserted through the aperture 19 in the loop 18. As shown in FIG. 7, the joints 11 are sized larger than the aperture 19 in the loop 18 so that passing the joint 11 through the loop 18 serves to secure the ends of the adjustable band 10 together around the item 100. The interaction between the joints 11 and the loop 18 are similar to the interaction (and attachment and removal) between the nub 14 and hole 54 discussed above. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, each joint 11 comprises a spherical ball that defines a single point of or minimal contact 13 between itself and the item 100 to be tracked in order to minimize contact between the adjustable band 10 and the item 100, and eliminate the entrapment of dust, contaminants, and biohazards between the adjustable band 10 and the item 100. In particular, and based upon the geometry of the components of the band 10, optionally coupled with the use of certain desired materials of construction (e.g., silicon rubber), the trapping of dust, contaminants, and/or biohazards is avoided, as these contaminants do not have pockets or surfaces in or on which they can adhere or settle. It is to be appreciated that the adjustable band 10 may alternatively be attached to or placed on the item 100 by any mechanism or method known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as by a fastener or adhesive member.

(15) Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the adjustable band 10 is configured so that multiple fobs 50 may be attached to the band 10 and connected to the item 100 to be tracked. For instance, three fobs 50 may be attached to the band, as is shown. This provides flexibility in terms of tracking larger items. With larger items, the position of an individual signal emitting member, e.g., RFID tag 55, may be located too far from the reader or not in an ideal orientation for scanning by the reader. By attaching multiple fobs 50 to the item 100 about the perimeter of the item 100, the scanning of the item 100 becomes easier and more efficient since the item 100 may be accurately scanned in multiple positions and orientations. Further, the multiple fobs 50 attached to the item 100 may incorporate RFID tags 55 of different frequencies, such as HF and UHF, in order to provide for added tracking flexibility. It is to be appreciated that the adjustable band 10 may be configured to have any number of fobs 50 attached thereto in a variety of different spaced configurations along the band 10.

(16) According to one particular embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the adjustable band 10 and at least a portion of the fob 50 are made from a silicon rubber material. Different formulations of silicon, or other rubber material, can be mixed to obtain the desired qualities for both the adjustable band 10 and the fob 50. When used in connection with medical devices, such as endoscopes, in a hospital environment, silicon rubbers offer resistance to acids, bases, solvents, oils, water, and heat. This makes the material ideal for the process of cleaning of medical devices, such as endoscopes. It is to be appreciated, however, that the adjustable band 10 and the fob 50 may be made from any rubber, plastic, or other type of material known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

(17) Also, the adjustable bands 10 and the fobs 50 may be made in different colors or be otherwise visually differentiated. For instance, the bands 10 and fobs 50 may be color coded to identify items 100 belonging to different departments or to distinguish between particular models or types of items 100. Some users may want to utilize one color to identify fobs 50 having UHF RFID tags 55 and fobs 50 having HF RFID tags 55.

(18) It is further envisioned that these fobs 50 can be sized and shaped differently, or include patterns, letters, or any other visual markings. For example, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the signal emitting member attachment system may be used to track a person, such as a child. As such, the fobs 50 may be offered in a variety of fanciful shapes, colors, patterns, lights (e.g., LEDs), and/or labels. Further, it is envisioned that the fobs 50 may be customized by the user or child prior to attachment to the band 10. In this manner, the user can create a charm bracelet that is attractive, but offers the further functionality discussed above.

(19) According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the item 100 to be tracked is a medical device used in a health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, or other patient care facility. More particularly, the item 100 is an endoscope. However, use of the adjustable band 10 and the RFID fobs 50 is not limited to tracking endoscopes or other medical devices and equipment. For instance, the system of the band 10 and RFID fobs 50 could be attached to a patient's wrist or a wheelchair to track the patient's whereabouts within the facility. To that end, the adjustable band 10 may vary in configuration to be more suitable for being worn by a patient. For instance, the band 10 may be configured to have its ends connected by a button snap or a zip tie or a similar mechanism. It is also to be appreciated that the adjustable band 10 and fobs 50 are configured such that they may be attached to a large variety of items associated with a large variety of industries so long as the item is able to have the adjustable band 10 wrapped around itself or otherwise attached thereto.

(20) With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a method of attaching at least one signal emitting member 55 (e.g., RFID tag) is provided in accordance with a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention. The method includes the steps of providing an adjustable band 10 that includes a plurality of joints 11 interconnected by flexible band segments 12, a plurality of nubs 14 each extending from a respective one of the plurality of joints 11, and a loop 18, which defines an aperture 19, disposed at a first end of the adjustable band 10; providing at least one fob 50, which has the at least one signal emitting member 55 disposed thereon or at least partially therein; wrapping the adjustable band 10 around the item 100 to be tracked; cutting an excess length of the adjustable band 10 at one of the joints 11 to position the adjustable band 10 about the item 100 and form a second end of the adjustable band 10 opposite to the first end; removing the nub 14 from the joint 11 at the second end of the adjustable band 10; connecting the first end of the band to the second end of the band by inserting the joint 11 at the second end of the adjustable band 10 through the aperture 19 in the loop 18 at the first end of the adjustable band 10 to secure the adjustable band 10 to the item 100; and connecting the at least one fob 50 to one of the plurality of nubs 14 of the adjustable band 10.

(21) It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope thereof. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.