Patent Publication Number: US-9892618-B2

Title: Signal emitting member attachment system and arrangement

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/864,136 filed on Aug. 9, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to inventory management methods and systems, and signal emitting members, such as radio frequency identification tags, systems, and the like, for application in a variety of industries, such as the health care industry. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and method for attaching at least one radio frequency identification tag (or other signal emitting member) to an item to be tracked, such as for attaching such tags to a medical device. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Presently, in the health care industry, complex and expensive equipment and systems are utilized in the diagnosis and care process. As the development of this equipment and associated systems continues, the necessity to monitor and track the usage is of the utmost importance. Certain drawbacks and deficiencies exist in the prior art, including (1) theft of the equipment or its components; (2) inaccurate manual compliance and tracking methods; (3) ineffective and inefficient compliance monitoring and similar management; (4) inefficient equipment sharing and distribution; (5) high repair costs; (6) difficulty in tracking; (7) inaccurate identification and tracking methods, etc. 
     Many medical devices, such as endoscopes, are highly complex and expensive medical instruments to purchase, maintain, and repair. Unfortunately, equipment theft does occur, with some hospitals reporting the annual loss of 5-7 endoscopes, which, as stated, are extremely expensive to replace. According to the prior art, and especially in those procedures involving the use of many medical devices and equipment, such as endoscopes, compliance with hospital protocol is an entirely manual process, i.e., using “pen and paper”. 
     A solution to accurately and efficiently track the location of usage of equipment in the health care industry and in a wide variety of other industries is to attach at least one Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag to the equipment. Such tags include a microchip and a signal emitting member, such as a transmitter, programmed to emit a unique radio signal that can be read by a local control device in communication with a signal receiving device (e.g., an antenna) that is configured to receive and process the signal emitted by the signal emitting member. When an RFID tag having a unique identification frequency is scanned by a local control device in a particular location, the local control device communicates with a database to log the location of the item being tracked. Such systems are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The problem with RFID-based tracking systems is that the ability to track items using RFID technology depends on the ability to attach an RFID tag to the item. Since items that can be tracked using RFID technology come in many different shapes, sizes, materials, and configurations, RFID tags have to be specifically designed for the item to be tracked. Such RFID tag designs may, by necessity, require permanent/semi-permanent attachment to the item to be tracked or alteration of the item to be tracked, may interfere with operation and use of the item to be tracked, and, if the item to be tracked is large, bulky, or irregular, may require that the item to be tracked be lifted, handled, and manually searched to scan the RFID tag. Additionally, as it relates specifically to the health care industry, the RFID tag may trap dirt, moisture, and other contaminants between itself and the item to be tracked, necessitating additional cleaning of the tag and the device, and removal of the tag to accomplish such cleaning 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is a general need in the art for an adjustable and configurable device for attaching at least one standardized signal emitting member to a variety of items to be tracked in any one of a number of different industries. There is also a general need in the art for an adjustable and configurable device for attaching at least one standardized signal emitting member to a medical device that prevents the trapping of contaminants between the signal emitting member and the device being tracked. Generally, provided is a configurable item tracking device and method that address or overcome some or all of the deficiencies and drawbacks noted above that occur in connection with existing tracking systems and devices. 
     According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the present invention relates to a signal emitting member attachment system and arrangement that includes an adjustable band and a detachable fob that allows for an adjustable and configurable attachment of at least one signal emitting member, e.g., an RFID tag, to a medical device, such as an endoscope. 
     According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the present invention relates to a signal emitting member attachment system for attaching at least one signal emitting member to an item to be tracked that includes an adjustable band configured to be wrapped around or placed in contact with the item; and at least one fob connectable to the band. The at least one signal emitting member is embedded within, attached to, or associated with the at least one fob. 
     In accordance with one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a signal emitting member attachment system for attaching at least one signal emitting member (e.g., an RFID tag) to an item to be tracked is provided. The system includes an adjustable band configured to be placed on or attached to 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 attachable to the band. The at least one signal emitting member is disposed on or at least partially within the at least one fob. 
     The adjustable band may be configured to be placed on or attached to the item by being wrapped around the item. The at least one signal emitting member may be embedded at least partially within the at least one fob. The adjustable band and the at least one fob may be made wholly or partially from a silicon rubber material. The adjustable band may be configured to have a plurality of fobs attached thereto, and the at least one fob may include two, three, or more fobs. The at least one fob may be removably attachable to the band. The adjustable band may be configured to space the at least two fobs around a perimeter of the item to be tracked. The at least two fobs may include at least one fob having a signal emitting member or RFID tag that transmits high frequency signals, and at least one fob having a signal emitting member or RFID tag that transmits ultra high frequency signals, and the at least two or more fobs may be color coded or otherwise differentiated from each other. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable band includes a plurality of joints interconnected by flexible band segments and at least one nub extending from at least one of the plurality of joints, the at least one nub being configured to connect the at least one fob to the adjustable band. Each one of the plurality of joints may have a respective one of the plurality of nubs extending therefrom, or a portion of the plurality of joints may have a respective one of the plurality of nubs extending therefrom. 
     The at least one nub extends from the 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. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one nub includes 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. The shaped head may be a conical tapered head tapering outwardly in a direction toward the at least one joint to define an annular abutment surface. 
     In this embodiment, the at least one fob includes 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. The shaped hole may be a conical 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. The adjustable band includes a loop disposed at one end of the adjustable band, the loop defining an aperture that 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. The adjustable band may include a plurality of joints, at least one of the plurality of joints includes a spherical ball configured to define a single point of or minimal contact between itself and the item to be tracked. The adjustable band and the at least one fob may be color coded. The item to be tracked may be a person, an object, a medical item, medical equipment, e.g., an endoscope, and the like. 
     In accordance with another preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method of attaching at least one signal emitting member to an item to be tracked is provided. The method includes 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; cutting an excess length of the band to position the adjustable band about the item and form a second end of the adjustable band opposite to a first end; connecting the first end of the band to the second end of the band; and connecting the at least one fob to at least a portion of the adjustable band. 
     The adjustable band may include a plurality of joints interconnected by flexible band segments, the method further including inserting at least one of the plurality of joints through an aperture in a loop at the first end of the adjustable band. The adjustable band may be configured to have a plurality of fobs attached thereto and the at least one fob may include at least two fobs. The adjustable band may be configured to space the at least two fobs around a perimeter of the item to be tracked. Each one of the plurality of joints may include a spherical ball configured to define a single point of or minimal contact between itself and the item to be tracked. 
     These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         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; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the adjustable band of  FIG. 1  with a plurality of fobs attached thereto; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a portion of the adjustable band of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a fob of the signal emitting member attachment system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the fob of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the fob of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         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 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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&#39;s wrist or a wheelchair to track the patient&#39;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. 
     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 . 
     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.