WO2013054278A1

WO2013054278A1 - Ribbon-like identification element adapted to be worn

Info

Publication number: WO2013054278A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/055504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincenzo Battista
Original assignee: Italcode S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-10-14
Filing date: 2012-10-11
Publication date: 2013-04-18
Also published as: ITMI20111875A1

Abstract

A ribbon-like identification element (1) adapted to be worn by a user/patient comprises a base member (2) extending along a main axis and having two mutually- opposite ends (2b, 2c), and closing means (3a, 3b) acting on the base member (2) to define a closed and/or looped configuration thereof; the closing means (3a, 3b) comprise at least one pair of closing points to be activated on the base member (2) and positioned in the vicinity of, and/or at, the ends of the base member (2) itself.

Description

DESCRIPTION

RIBBON-LIKE IDENTIFICATION ELEMENT ADAPTED TO BE WORN Technical field

This invention relates to a ribbon-like identification element adapted to be worn by a user, for example for purposes of identification or carrying miscellaneous information.

Background art

As is known, in hospital treatment and care practices, patients are identified/recognized by means of identification bracelets worn by each patient and bearing basic patient information: name, doctor in charge of the patient, date of hospitalization, and other details.

Bracelets of this kind are made from ribbon-like strips of paper and/or plastic material and are usually provided with an adhesive element only at one end of the ribbon-like strip (or, in more sophisticated versions, with fastening mechanisms, again located only at one end of the strip): generally speaking, "fastening" the bracelet on the patient is done by placing the strip round the patient's wrist and acting on the adhesive element (or on the fastening mechanisms).

In structural terms, prior art bracelets are made in rolls, so that they can be used with thermal or thermal transfer printers suitable for printing one- /two-dimensional bar codes, as well as the patient's identification details. The materials used must have properties such that the data can be read even after extended exposure to water and environmental agents and they must have good resistance to scratching and deletion and may also be anallergic.

The above mentioned prior art solutions have several disadvantages, mainly connected with patient discomfort and complicating the work of the health operator/assistant in effect, the ribbon-like elements of prior art wrist strips/bracelets always have a free end that dangles loosely even after the fastening means are engaged. This causes discomfort and irritation to the patient and may need to be cut/torn off, which may unduly lengthen patient care operations.

In some cases, it may even be impossible to cut off the free end of the strip/bracelet, for example in an emergency or when the part of the patient's body concerned is inaccessible because there is not enough room around it or there is the risk of hurting the patient in order to do so. Disclosure of the invention

This invention therefore has for its purpose to provide a ribbon-like identification element which is adapted to be worn and which can overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.

The main aim of the invention is to provide a ribbon-like identification element which can be very easily adapted to the user/patient wearing it and which is at once comfortable and easy to apply/fasten.

The invention also has for an aim to provide a ribbon-like identification element which can be associated with/applied to a user/patient in such a way that any free ends of the ribbon-like element can be very quickly eliminated without problems or annoyance (either for the person wearing the object or the person in charge of applying it) once the "bracelet" proper has been formed.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a ribbon-like element which has properties of very high operating flexibility and which can therefore be made from different materials at a cost as limited as possible and with all the operating properties (printability, non-allergenicity, resistance to aggression from agents such as water, disinfectants and other) which may be required in the places where the object of the invention is used.

The stated technical purpose and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a ribbon-like identification element adapted to be worn and having the features described in one or more of the appended claims. Brief description of drawings

Preferred non-limiting embodiments of a ribbon-like identification element, adapted to be worn, according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 and 1 a are, respectively, a perspective view and a partly exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 2 and 2a are, respectively, a perspective view and a partly exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 3 and 3a are, respectively, a perspective view and a partly exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 4 and 4a are, respectively, a perspective view and a partly exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views of a further variant embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the ribbon-like identification element, adapted to be worn, according to the invention is denoted in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 and substantially comprises a base member 2 extending along a main axis 2a and having two mutually-opposite ends 2b, 2c along the main axis 2a.

Also present are closing means 3 acting on the base member 2 to define a closed and/or looped configuration thereof: in practical terms, the closed and/or looped configuration (which defines the annular structure of the bracelet proper) can be obtained in association with a part of the body of a user/patient, typically a wrist.

Advantageously, the closing means 3 just mentioned comprise at least one pair of closing points 3a and 3b, which can be coordinately activated on the base member 2 and which are positioned in the proximity of, and/or at, the ends 2a, 2b of the base member 2.

In the spirit of this invention, the closing points 3a and 3b can be made in any way and, for example, may comprise elements which create fastenings of a "mechanical" type (for example, clasps, through slits, snap fasteners, and so on) or of a "chemical" type (gluing, heat or sound seals and so on): whatever the case, for the invention to be able to meet the above mentioned basic technical need, the closing points must be such that the identification element does not have any loose free ends when it is worn like a bracelet by a user/patient.

At this stage, the difference between the invention and the prior art described above must be stressed: in effect, thanks to the pair of closing points and their position at the ends, it is possible to define a bracelet without any free ends. More specifically, it is possible to prevent the formation of loose ends on the base member 2 both internally of the closed "loop" structure (that is, inside the closed and/or looped ribbon occupied by the wrist of the user/patient) and externally of the closed bracelet structure (where they may create problems of entanglement or discomfort).

In other words, the pair of closing points located at the ends of the base member 2 allows the outer or free ends of the base member 2 itself to be fastened securely to an "intermediate" part of the base member by a quick and easy operation.

Looking more closely at the details of the invention, it may be observed that the closing means 3 conveniently comprise adhesive areas located in the vicinity of, and/or at, the ends 2a and 2b of the base member 2: in any case, according to the invention, other embodiments of the closing means are possible (for example) by mechanical connection elements such as clasps or snap fittings or by snap fasteners and so on.

Depending on the requirements of the moment, the closing means may also comprise a through slit 3c , formed at, and/or in the vicinity of, at least one of the ends 2a or 2b of the base member 2: the through slit 3c is adapted to enable a portion of the base member 2 to be inserted into and passed through it, thus making the invention more adaptable to different body features and at the same time allowing correct "closing" of the identification bracelet which can be made according to the invention.

To meet the different operating requirements specific to the places where the invention can be used, the base member 2 advantageously has a multi-layered structure: in its basic form, this multi-layered structure comprises a first layer 10 which can be associated with an adhesive material. Typically, the first layer 10 is adapted to be brought into contact with the user's skin under operating conditions and, for that reason, is made of an anallergic and/or non-toxic material.

There is also a second layer 20, which is superposed over the first layer 10 and is made from a transparent material (for example, the transparent material is a transparent siliconized PET).

It should also be noted that in order to be able to fully use the invention to indentify a user/patient, at least the first layer 10 is made of any material which is printable and/or adapted to be submitted to thermal printing processes.

Depending on the requirements of the moment (for example, if the bracelet needs to be made more mechanically resistant) the multi-layered structure may comprise at least a third layer 30 interposed between the first layer 10 and the second layer 20: conveniently, the third layer 30 may have adhesive capabilities on both of its faces and is made, for example, of transparent siliconized PET.

According to another - optional - feature of the invention, the base member 2 may have at least one data displaying portion 4 positioned at least at one end 2a or 2b of the base member 2: this data displaying portion 4 is larger in width than an average width of the base member 2 and is adapted to receive information identifying a user, either by writing or by printing.

Looking in more detail, it may also be noticed that the data display portion 4 has at least one adhesive area and/or through slit: the adhesive area and/or through slit may be located, respectively, at a first and/or a second (mutually opposite) end of the data display portion 4 itself.

From the viewpoint of the possible implementation of the invention, it should be noted that the data display portion 4 can be used to identify the person wearing the element 1 by coded information (for example, information contained in bar codes): to be able to take advantage of this operating feature, it is conveniently possible to make continuous rolls of ribbon-like elements 1 connected end to end and which can be submitted to printing processes (for example, with thermal or thermal transfer printers suitable for printing one-/two-dimensional bar codes, as well as the patient's identification details in high definition).

Conveniently, the identification information (whether printed or handwritten) can also be applied to the element 1 according to the invention also outside the data display portion 4, depending on the requirements of the moment.

As regards choice of materials, the element 1 (and hence, if any, the rolls of elements 1 connected in sequence) can be made of any material provided always that the material's properties are such as to allow the data to be read even after extended exposure to water and environmental agents and such as to confer good resistance to scratching and deletion. Further, anallergic and latex-free materials may be used.

With regard to the multi-layered structure described above (and claimed below), it may be observed that in the embodiment comprising the three layers 10, 20 and 30 not only is the bracelet firmer and more resistant but it is also possible to implement the two connection points (adhesive) on opposite faces of the intermediate layer 30: this makes the ends of the element 1 adhesive on both sides so it can be closed to form a bracelet without having to be twisted (and of course without leaving free ends). Considering the multi-layered structure with only the layers 10 and 20, on the other hand, it should be noted that the use of the through slit instead of one of the two closing points advantageously makes it possible to use only one adhesive face: in other words, by functionally coupling the end through slit to a single adhesive point it is nevertheless possible to close the ribbon-like element without forming free ends and starting from a base structure having less layers (and thus more economical).

Moreover, the possibility of positioning the through slit at two opposite positions of the data display portion 4 allows implementing different embodiments of the invention based on structures with two layers only and which enable the bracelet to be formed and closed extremely quickly. Conveniently, for the purposes of this invention, the element 1 may be made in any size and colour according to requirements. Further, the zone on which to print the identification data may vary in size and position relative to the closing point of the element/bracelet itself.

To further increase the functionality of the invention, the element 1 can conveniently be provided with an additional identification part 5 fitted to the base member 2 and adapted to slide along the base member 2 itself (in other words, the additional identification part is structurally connectable to the base member but is in the form of a label which is physically separate or separable from the base member).

With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the additional identification part 5 comprises a thin plate-like member defining a writing area 5a (on a first face thereof) and a sliding area 5b mutually opposite to the face 5a. There are also one or two through insertion slits 5c located at least at the sliding area 5b and adapted to engage the base member 2.

Depending on the requirements of the moment, the additional identification part may be fitted to the base member and made to slide to the most comfortable position for the wearer of the element 1 as a whole (for example, by first moving it away from the end zone where the base member 2 is closed or by temporarily moving it away from positions of interference).

For stopping the additional identification part 5 in a desired position, the invention conveniently comprises sliding stop means 6: the sliding stop means 6 are located on the sliding area 5b and are configurable (reversibly or irreversibly) between a free condition where they allow the additional identification part 5 and the base member 2 to move freely relative to each other and a locked condition where, instead, they prevent the additional identification part 5 and the base member 2 from moving relative to each other.

For maximum comfort and precision of use, the sliding stop means 6 comprise an adhesive area (which can be pressed or positioned on the face of the base member 2 facing it) and preferably a removable covering member associated with the adhesive area in such a way that the latter can be put into operating condition only when the final position of the additional identification part 5 has been chosen.

Generally speaking, to confer a suitable level of protection against water or disinfectant/detergent agents or other more or less aggressive chemical/organic substances, both the base member 2 and the additional identification part 5 of the element 1 may be made from a film of multi- layered polymeric materials.

For example, in two possible embodiments of it, the multi-layered film might be composed of three layers, as follows:

- a first, bottom layer, adapted to be directed towards the skin of a wearer/patient and made from siliconized liner in turn comprising transparent, mono silicone film of PET (or polyester, or polyethylene terephthalate) approximately 23 microns thick, a backing adhesive and a film of closed-cell, high density PE (or polyethylene) foam, approximately 0.2 millimetres thick;

- a second, intermediate layer connected to the top of the first layer and made from a self-curing, permanent acrylic adhesive for medical use with a density of approximately 25 g/m2; and

- a third, top layer directed towards the external environment, placed over the second layer and made from PP (or polypropylene) 65 microns thick (in the case of the first embodiment) or 112 microns thick (in the case of the second embodiment), preferably white in colour and treated to receive printing or writing.

The embodiment just described is thus based on a closed cell expanded polyethylene film, free of chemical additives and able to maintain its dynamic mechanical properties in a natural manner, coupled to a film of mono silicone polyester.

Whatever the embodiment adopted, the material, thickness and size of the base member 2 and of the additional identification part 5 may be varied according to operating requirements, whether technical or economic.

The invention achieves numerous advantages.

Indeed, thanks to the special constructional architecture of the ribbon-like element described above (and claimed below) it is possible to make a closed bracelet without free ends, whether "Internal" or "external": this makes the bracelet much more comfortable for the patient/user, and makes the task of applying it easier and quicker for the operator.

Moreover, all the different embodiments of the invention can guarantee the maximum flexibility of use in terms of resistance to environmental agents, printability and adaptability to different body features and sizes of the users/patients.

Moreover, the ease with which all the embodiments of the invention can be made keeps production costs low and allows rapid application and set- up times, high operating reliability and considerable ease of use and positioning: all of this translates as advantages in terms of overall production economy, extending the range of functionalities offered and improving the cost/benefit ratio of the end product.

Claims

1. A ribbon-like identification element, said element being preferably adapted to be worn by a user/patient and including:

- a base member (2) extending along a main axis (2a) and having two mutually-opposite ends (2b, 2c) along said main axis (2a); an

- closing means (3) acting on the base member (2) to define a closed and/or looped configuration thereof, said closed and/or looped configuration preferably occurring in association with a part of the body of a user/patien

characterized in that said closing means (3) comprise at least one pair of closing points (3a, 3b) to be activated on the base member (2) and positioned in the vicinity of, and/or at, the ends (2a, 2b) of the base member (2) itself.

2. An element as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the closing means (3) comprise adhesive areas positioned in the vicinity of, and/or at, the ends (2a) and (2b) of the base member (2).

3. An element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing means further comprise at least one through slit (3c) formed at, and/or in the vicinity of, at least one of the ends (2a) or (2b) of the base member, said through slit (3c) being adapted to enable a portion of the base member (2) to be inserted into and passed through it

4. An element as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member (2) has a multi-layered structure.

5. An element as claimed in claim 4, wherein said multi-layered structure comprises:

- a first layer (10), associable with an adhesive material adapted to be brought into contact with the user's skin under operating conditions, and made of an anallergic and/or non-toxic material; and - a second layer (20) superposed over said first layer (10) and made of a transparent material, said transparent material preferably being a transparent siliconized PET.

6. An element as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first layer (10) is of a printable material and/or a material adapted to be submitted to thermal printing processes.

7. An element as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said multi-layered structure comprises at least one third layer (30) interposed between the first layer (10) and the second layer (20), said third layer (30) having adhesive capabilities on both faces thereof and being preferably made of transparent siliconized PET.

8. An element as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member (2) has at least one data displaying portion (4) positioned at least at one end (2a) or (2b), said data displaying portion (4) preferably having a larger width than an average width of the base member (2) and more preferably being adapted to receive information identifying a user, either by writing or by printing.

9. An element as claimed in claim 8, wherein said data displaying portion (4) has at least one adhesive area, said at least one adhesive area being preferably positioned at a first end of the data displaying portion (4) itself.

10. An element as claimed in claim 8, wherein the displaying portion has at least one through slit, said at least one through slit being preferably positioned at a second end of the data displaying portion (4) opposite to said first end of the data displaying portion (4).

11. An element as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional identification part (5) fitted to the base member (2) and adapted to slide along the base member (2).

12. An element as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the additional identification part (5) comprises - a thin plate-like member defining a writing area (5a) on a first face and a sliding area (5b) on a second face opposite to the first face; and

- at least one, and preferably two, through insertion slits (5c) located at least at the sliding area and adapted to engage the base member (2).

13. An element as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the additional identification part (5) also comprises sliding stop means (6) located on the sliding area (5b) and configurable between a free condition where they allow the additional identification part (5) and the base member (2) to move freely relative to each other and a locked condition where, instead, they prevent the additional identification part (5) and the base member (2) from moving relative to each other.

14. An element as claimed in claim 13, wherein the sliding stop means (6) comprise an adhesive area and preferably a removable covering member associated with the adhesive area.

15. An element as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member (2) and/or the additional identification part (5) are made of a multi-layered film, preferably comprising polymer materials and still more preferably comprising:

- a second, intermediate layer connected to the top of the first layer and made from a self-curing, permanent acrylic adhesive for medical use with a density of approximately 25 g/m²; and

- a third, top layer directed towards the external environment, placed over the second layer and made from PP (or polypropylene) 65 microns or 112 thick, preferably white in colour and treated to receive printing