WRISTBAND BARREL LOCK

Abstract

A wristband barrel lock includes a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end, a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway, and a breakaway feature formed in the tubular housing and/or the plurality of teeth that decreases a force required to fracture the wristband barrel lock.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

​This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/737,056, filed December 20, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/750,063, filed January 27, 2025, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

​Wristbands provide evidence of admittance and/or payment in amusement parks, water parks, medical facilities and the like.  Some wristbands include a fabric strap and a lock (i.e., a clasp) that prevents unauthorized removal of the wristband without destruction of the lock or the fabric strap.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock including: a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end; a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway; and a breakaway feature formed in the tubular housing and/or the plurality of teeth that decreases a force required to fracture the wristband barrel lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the breakaway feature is a region of decreased thickness in the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the region of decreased thickness is, at portions, a removal of all thickness such that a radial window is formed in the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the breakaway feature is a cutout formed in at least some of the plurality of teeth at a location between the base and the tip.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the breakaway feature is a V-shaped cutout extending from the first longitudinal end of the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the V-shaped cutout is formed in a region of decreased thickness of the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the V-shaped cutout is a first V-shaped cutout, the wristband barrel lock further including a second V-shaped cutout extending from the second longitudinal end of the tubular housing and aligned with the first V-shaped cutout.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the breakaway feature is a radial window extending through the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the radial window tapers in width in a longitudinal direction of the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, further including a radial opening between the first and second longitudinal ends, wherein the radial opening is configured to receive a wristband.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the radial opening is elliptical or oval.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the tubular housing is elliptical or oval.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the breakaway feature is a region of decreased thickness in the tubular housing, and wherein the region of decreased thickness is formed as a V-shaped recess with a point of a V-shape of the V-shaped recess extending radially outward towards an outer surface of the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock including: a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end; and a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway, the plurality of teeth configured to permit movement of a strap in a first direction through the passageway and prevent movement of the strap in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein the wristband barrel lock is configured to destructively fracture upon application of a predetermined force to permit removal of the strap from the wristband barrel lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the tubular housing includes a region of decreased thickness relative to adjacent portions of the tubular housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the tubular housing includes at least one cutout extending longitudinally from at least one of the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth includes a region of reduced material thickness at a location between the base and the tip.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, wherein the wristband barrel lock is a single-piece injection molded component.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock, further including a radial opening in the tubular housing between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the radial opening configured to receive the strap.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wristband barrel lock including: a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end; a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway; and a radial opening formed in the tubular housing at a location between the first longitudinal end and the plurality of teeth, the radial opening configured to receive a strap such that the strap enters the passageway through the radial opening and exits the passageway through the second longitudinal end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

​FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a first embodiment.

​FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 1.

​FIG. 3 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 1.

​FIG. 4 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 1.

​FIG. 5 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 1.

​FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 1.

​FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a second embodiment.

​FIG. 8 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 7.

​FIG. 9 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 7.

​FIG. 10 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 7.

​FIG. 11 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 7.

​FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 7.

​FIG. 13 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a third embodiment.

​FIG. 14 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 13.

​FIG. 15 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 13.

​FIG. 16 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 13.

​FIG. 17 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 13.

​FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 13.

​FIG. 19 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a fourth embodiment.

​FIG. 20 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 19.

​FIG. 21 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 19.

​FIG. 22 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 19.

​FIG. 23 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 19.

​FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 19.

​FIG. 25 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a fifth embodiment.

​FIG. 26 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 25.

​FIG. 27 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 25.

​FIG. 28 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 25.

​FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 25.

​FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 25.

​FIG. 31 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a sixth embodiment.

​FIG. 32 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

​FIG. 33 is a top view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

​FIG. 34 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

​FIG. 35 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

​FIG. 36 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

​FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31

​FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional top view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 31.

FIG. 39 is a first perspective view of a wristband barrel lock according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a second perspective view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a first end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a second end view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is a side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 39.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of the wristband barrel lock of FIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

​In some instances, it is desirable to have a lock for a wristband that is capable of destruction.  For example, if a wristband is overtightened, it may be desirable to destroy the lock to remove the wristband, as opposed to locating a cutting implement to cut the fabric strap.  Further, if a user attempts to non-destructively remove the wristband (e.g., to circumvent an intended single-use), it may be desirable for the lock to mechanically and destructively fail such that the lock is not reusable.

​FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 100 having a housing 104 that is cylindrical and tubular, defining a passageway 108 therethrough. A fabric strap (not shown) is configured to pass through the passageway 108 defined by the housing in a looped arrangement to extend around the wrist of a user. The cylindrical housing 104 extends between a first longitudinal end 124 and a second longitudinal end 128 and the passageway 108 extends entirely through the housing 104 from the first longitudinal end 124 to the second longitudinal end 128. As shown, the housing 104 is formed of three portions: a first cylindrical portion 112, a second cylindrical portion 116, and a reduced thickness portion 120 between the first and second cylindrical portions 112, 116.

​The first cylindrical portion 112 extends longitudinally from the second longitudinal end 128, towards the first longitudinal end 124, and terminating at the reduced thickness portion 120. The second cylindrical portion 116 extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal end 124, towards the second longitudinal end 128, and terminating at the reduced thickness portion 120. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the first and second cylindrical portions 112, 116 is substantially the same, while the outer diameter of the reduced thickness portion 120 is smaller. In other embodiments, the reduction in material thickness could be achieved by varying the inner diameters of the respective portions, such that the reduced thickness portion could have a larger inner diameter than the first and second cylindrical portions. In some embodiments, a length (measured in the longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical housing 104) of the first cylindrical portion 112 is substantially (e.g., at least two times, at least three times, at least five times) greater than a length of the second cylindrical portion 116. In some embodiments, the length and thickness of the second cylindrical portion is short enough that an appearance of the second cylindrical portion 116 is substantially annular or ring-like, especially in view of rounded edges formed at the longitudinal ends of each cylindrical portion 112, 116.

​The reduced thickness portion 120 between the two cylindrical portions 112, 116 is a portion of decreased thickness of the housing 104 (relative to the two cylindrical portions 112, 116) at which, upon application of a requisite force, the housing 104 will destructively fracture to allow for removal of the wristband and prevent reuse of the wristband. The thickness and the length of the reduced thickness portion 120 may be modified to modify the requisite force for destructively fracturing the lock 100. The reduced thickness portion 120 has a length greater than the second cylindrical portion 116, but less than the first cylindrical portion. In other embodiments, the length of the reduced thickness portion may be increased or decreased to modify the fracturing force. In some embodiments, the thickness of the reduced thickness portion is less than half of the thickness of the two cylindrical portions 112, 116 (or at least one of the two cylindrical portions 112, 116). In some embodiments, the thickness of the reduced thickness portion 120 is less than a third of the thickness of one or both of the two cylindrical portions 112, 116. In some embodiments, the thickness of the reduced thickness portion 120 is less than a quarter of the thickness of one or both of the two cylindrical portions 112, 116. As shown, further material removal within the reduced thickness portion 120 is undertaken by the removal of material at evenly spaced circumferential locations within the reduced thickness portion 120, forming radial windows 144 into the passageway 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial windows 144 taper in the circumferential direction or width, from a narrower width adjacent the first cylindrical portion 112 to a larger or wider width adjacent the second cylindrical portion 116. This further material removal and the tapered configuration further decreases the force required to fracture the lock 100.

​A plurality of teeth 132 are positioned within the passageway 108 and selectively engage with the fabric strap (not shown) to permit one direction of travel (in the direction from the first longitudinal end 124 to the second longitudinal end 128) and prevent the opposite direction of travel (in the direction from the second longitudinal end 128 to the first longitudinal end 124) of the fabric band through the lock 100. From the frame of reference of the lock 100, the teeth 132 permit movement of the lock 100 with the first longitudinal end 124 as the leading edge and prevent movement of the lock 100 with the second longitudinal end 128 as the leading edge.

​Each tooth 132 includes a base 136 affixed to the housing 104 at a proximal end of the tooth 132 and a tip 140 at an opposite distal end.  Each tooth extends radially inward from the housing 104, then at an angle that is primarily longitudinal and also radially inward.  As such, the teeth 132 converge towards one another at their tips 140 and the tips extend in a direction to grab the fabric strap when the fabric strap is pulled backwards through the passageway 108 towards the first longitudinal end 124.

​As shown, the lock 100 includes eight teeth 132 spaced equidistant from one another about the inner diameter of the cylindrical housing 104, within the passageway 108, though other embodiments may include more or less teeth. The base 136 of each tooth 132 is coupled directly to the reduced thickness portion 120 of the housing 104. As such, upon fracture of the lock 100 at the reduced thickness portion 120, the teeth 132 destructively fracture and separate from the two cylindrical portions 112, 116 of the housing 104 to disengage the fabric strap (or prevent further engagement with the fabric strap). The tip 140 of each tooth 132 is within the passageway 108 of the housing 104 and in particular within the first cylindrical portion 112. The tips 140 collectively form a smaller passage within the passageway 108 through which the fabric strap passes and is retained.

​The radial windows 144 are located between adjacent teeth 132 such that, in some embodiments, a portion of the reduced thickness portion 120 associated with each tooth 132 may individually fracture, thereby decreasing the force required to fracture the lock 100.

​In operation, the lock 100 may come preassembled on a fabric strap, with both ends of the fabric strap passing through the passageway 108, first through the first longitudinal end 124, then through the second longitudinal end 128, forming a loop of the fabric strap to the side of the first longitudinal end 124. The loop is placed over the wrist of the user and the lock 100 is tightened to modify the diameter of the loop of the fabric strap to a desired diameter. Tightening the lock 100 includes moving the lock 100 relative to the fabric strap.

​If the lock 100 is overtightened on the wrist of the user (e.g., if the loop of the fabric strap is decreased too much), the user may destructively remove the lock 100 by making use of the built-in breakaway feature. By applying an upward pull on the fabric strap (i.e., away from the wrist of the user) adjacent the lock, the reduced thickness portion 120 fractures, thereby separating the teeth 132 from the first cylindrical portion 112, dislodging the tips 140 of the teeth 132 from their arrangement within the passageway 108, and permitting an embiggening (or opening) of the loop and removal of the wristband. While an upward pull on the fabric strap is described above, in other embodiments, similar fracturing of the reduced thickness portion 120 of the housing 104 may be accomplished by pushing radially inwardly on opposite sides of the lock 100 at the reduced thickness portion or pulling upwardly (away from the wrist) on the second cylindrical portion 116. In some embodiments, if the strap or the lock 100 become caught on an element of the environment (such as a protrusion), the lock 100 may fracture if the force applied by catching on the element is great enough to fracture the lock 100. If a user attempts to non-destructively remove the lock 100, a force applied by the user on the wristband to move the wristband over a hand of the user (the hand being larger in size than the wrist) may be sufficient to fracture the lock 100 at the reduced thickness portion 120, thereby preventing unauthorized reuse of the wristband.

​FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 200, similar to the wristband barrel lock 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6, except as otherwise described. Like elements are given like reference numerals, incremented by 100. In contrast to the lock 100, the lock 200 omits radial windows (such as the radial windows 144 shown in FIGS. 1-6), thereby increasing the force to fracture the lock 200. Additionally, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 12, a diameter and a thickness of the reduced thickness portion 220 decreases along its length. In other words, the reduced thickness potion 220 has a larger diameter and thickness adjacent the first cylindrical portion 216 and a smaller diameter and thickness adjacent the first cylindrical portion 212. As such, a thinnest portion of the reduced thickness portion 220 (as shown, the portion nearest the tips 240 of the teeth 232) is the most likely to fracture, thereby increasing the likelihood of a fracture that separates the teeth 232 from the first cylindrical portion 212 of the housing 204. Operation of the lock 200 is similar to operation of the lock 100.

​FIGS. 13-18 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 300 having a housing 304 that is cylindrical and tubular, defining a passageway 308 therethrough. A fabric strap (not shown) is configured to pass through the passageway 308 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the lock 100. The cylindrical housing 304 extends between a first longitudinal end 324 and a second longitudinal end 328 and the passageway 308 extends entirely through the housing 304 from the first longitudinal end 324 to the second longitudinal end 328. A plurality of teeth 332 are positioned within the passageway 308 and are similar in size, number, position, orientation, and function, as the teeth 132 described with respect to the lock 100, extending between a base 336 coupled to the housing 304 at a proximal end and a tip 340 at an opposite distal end.

​The housing 304 of the lock 300 includes multiple V-shaped cutouts 348 extending longitudinally from opposite longitudinal ends 324, 328 of the housing 304. The V-shaped cutouts 348 form pre-defined fracture points that require a decreased force (relative to the remainder of the lock 300) to destructively fracture the lock 300. The vertex of each V-shaped cutout 348 is spaced apart from the respective longitudinal end 324, 328 such that the V-shaped cutouts 348 effectively point as an arrow towards the opposite longitudinal end 324, 328. In the embodiment shown, V-shaped cutouts 348 are in pairs, with a first V-shaped cutout 348 extending from the first longitudinal end 324 and aligned with a second V-shaped cutout 348 extending from the second longitudinal end 328. Described in another way, a line drawn between the vertices of the first and second V-shaped cutouts 348 is parallel to the axis of the passageway 308. By aligning the V-shaped cutouts 348 on opposite ends 324, 328, the length of the housing 304 at the V-shaped cutouts 348 is significantly reduced (e.g., less than 75% of the overall length, less than 50% of the overall length) and the vertex creates a stress point to assist in the induction of failure upon application of a fracturing force. In the embodiment shown, eight V-shaped cutouts 348 are spaced apart, four on either end 324, 328 of the housing 304. In other embodiments, more or fewer V-shaped cutouts 348 may be included to modify the force to fracture the lock 300. In yet other embodiments, the cutouts may have other shapes that would still operate similarly, such as a U-shape or a W-shape, though some alternative shapes may lack a sharp vertex and the associated reduction in force to fracture.

​As shown, the thickness of the housing 304 in the region of the V-shaped cutouts 348 (e.g., between the V-shaped cutouts 348 on opposite ends 324, 328, the area to either side of the V-shaped cutout 348) is decreased relative to the remainder of the housing 304, forming a reduced thickness region 352. In the illustrated embodiment, the reduced thickness region 352 can be considered a channel or rectangular recess formed in the inner surface or bore of the housing 304 that extends longitudinally between aligned V-shaped cutouts 348. The thickness of the reduced thickness region 352 may be, in some embodiments, less than 50% of the thickness of the remainder of the housing 304. The decreased thickness further decreases the force to fracture the lock 300. In some embodiments, other portions of the housing 304 may have a reduced thickness, such as the annular region 356 adjacent the first end 324 of the housing 304. By reducing the thickness in these regions, the force to fracture the lock 300 is further reduced.

​In operation, the lock 300 may come preassembled on a fabric strap, with both ends of the fabric strap passing through the passageway 308, first through the first longitudinal end 324, then through the second longitudinal end 328, forming a loop of the fabric strap to the side of the first longitudinal end 324. The loop is placed over the wrist of the user and the lock 300 is tightened to modify the diameter of the loop of the fabric strap to a desired diameter. Tightening the lock 300 includes moving the lock 300 relative to the fabric strap.

​If the lock 300 is overtightened on the wrist of the user (e.g., if the loop of the fabric strap is decreased too much), the user may destructively remove the lock 300 by making use of the built-in breakaway feature. By applying an upward pull on the fabric strap (i.e., away from the wrist of the user) adjacent the lock, the V-shaped cutouts 348 and reduced thickness portion 352 fracture, thereby separating the cylindrical housing 304 with an axial tear, effectively opening up the cylindrical sidewall of the housing 304 and separating the teeth 332 from one another, permitting an embiggening (or opening) of the loop and removal of the wristband. While an upward pull on the fabric strap is described above, in other embodiments, similar fracturing of the housing 304 may be accomplished by pushing radially inwardly on opposite sides of the lock 300 between the V-shaped cutouts 348. In some embodiments, if the strap or the lock 300 become caught on an element of the environment (such as a protrusion), the lock 300 may fracture if the force applied by catching on the element is great enough to fracture the lock 300. If a user attempts to non-destructively remove the lock 300, a force applied by the user on the wristband to move the wristband over a hand of the user (the hand being larger in size than the wrist) may be sufficient to fracture the lock 300 between two V-shaped cutouts 348, thereby preventing unauthorized reuse of the wristband.

​FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 400, similar to the wristband barrel lock 300 shown in FIGS. 13-18, except as otherwise described. Like elements are given like reference numerals, incremented by 100. In contrast to the lock 300, the lock 400 omits an annular recess (such as the annular region 356 shown in FIG. 13) and decreases the size and number of V-shaped cutouts 448, thereby increasing the force to fracture the lock 400. Operation of the lock 400 is similar to operation of the lock 300.

​FIGS. 25-30 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 500 having a housing 504 that is cylindrical and tubular, defining a passageway 508 therethrough. A fabric strap (not shown) is configured to pass through the passageway 508 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the lock 100. The cylindrical housing 504 extends between a first longitudinal end 524 and a second longitudinal end 528 and the passageway 508 extends entirely through the housing 504 from the first longitudinal end 524 to the second longitudinal end 528. A plurality of teeth 532 are positioned within the passageway 508 and are similar in size, number, position, orientation, and function, as the teeth 132 described with respect to the lock 100, except as otherwise described. The teeth 532 extend between a base 536 coupled to the housing 504 at a proximal end and a tip 540 at an opposite distal end.

​As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the housing 504 omits any areas of reduced thickness or cutouts and maintains a substantially consistent thickness between the longitudinal ends 524, 528. Each tooth 532 (or in some embodiments, only some of the teeth 532) includes a cutout 560 formed along its length between the base 536 and the tip 540. As shown, the cutout 560 is substantially L-shaped in cross-section and creates a thin point, such that the thickness of the tooth 532 does not monotonically decrease from the base 536 to the tip 540 but instead thins at the cutout 560, then thickens out again before tapering once again at the tip 540. The cutout 560 could also be described as providing a shoulder or step in the tooth 532 that reduces a material thickness of the tooth at a location along the tooth’s longitudinal length. The shoulder or step creates a deviation from an otherwise smooth and homogenous thickness of the tooth along a portion of its longitudinal length. The cutout or step 560 creates a weak point within the tooth 532 that fractures at a predetermined force, thereby releasing the grasp on the fabric band. The force required to fracture the tooth 532 at the cutout or step 560 may be modified by adjusting the size of the cutout or step 560 and/or adjusting the location of the cutout or step 560 along the length of the tooth 532.

​In operation, the lock 500 may come preassembled on a fabric strap, with both ends of the fabric strap passing through the passageway 508, first through the first longitudinal end 524, then through the second longitudinal end 528, forming a loop of the fabric strap to the side of the first longitudinal end 524. The loop is placed over the wrist of the user and the lock 500 is tightened to modify the diameter of the loop of the fabric strap to a desired diameter. Tightening the lock 500 includes moving the lock 500 relative to the fabric strap.

​If the lock 500 is overtightened on the wrist of the user (e.g., if the loop of the fabric strap is decreased too much), the user may destructively remove the lock 500 by making use of the built-in breakaway feature. By applying an upward pull on the fabric strap (i.e., away from the wrist of the user) adjacent the lock, a force is applied on at least some of the teeth 532, causing fracture at the cutouts 560, separating the teeth 532 from one another, permitting an embiggening (or opening) of the loop and removal of the wristband. In some embodiments, if the strap or the lock 300 become caught on an element of the environment (such as a protrusion), the lock 300 may fracture if the force applied by catching on the element is great enough to fracture the lock 300. If a user attempts to non-destructively remove the lock 500, a force applied by the user on the wristband to move the wristband over a hand of the user (the hand being larger in size than the wrist) may be sufficient to fracture one or more of the teeth 532, thereby preventing unauthorized reuse of the wristband.

​FIGS. 31-38 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 600 having a housing 604 that is tubular, defining a passageway 608 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 604 is substantially elliptical or oval in cross-section having a minor dimension and a major dimension greater than the minor dimension, though in other embodiments, the housing could be circular or multi-faceted, having more than one side. A fabric strap 602 is configured to pass through the passageway 308, though in a manner dissimilar than is described above with respect to the previously described locks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. As shown in FIG. 37, rather than passing into the lock 600 via the opening at the first longitudinal end 624 and passing out of the lock 600 via an opening at the second longitudinal end 628, the two straps of the fabric strap 602 pass into the lock 600 via radial openings 664 and out of the lock 600 via the opening at the second longitudinal end 628. The radial openings 664 are sized (i.e., having a width) to receive the strap 602, and are diametrically opposed to one another on opposite sides of the housing 604 at a lengthwise location between the two longitudinal ends 624, 628. In some embodiments, the openings 664 are elliptical or oval. The openings are also at a lengthwise location between the first longitudinal end 624 and the teeth 632 (e.g., the entirety of the teeth 632) that prevents removal of the wristband 602. As such, the wristband 602 does not pass through the opening at the first longitudinal end 624. Feeding the wristband 602 through the radial openings 664 prevents a user from twisting the lock 600 relative to the wristband to disengage the lock 600.

​ The plurality of teeth 632 are positioned within the passageway 608 and are similar in size, number, position, orientation, and function, as the teeth 132 described with respect to the lock 100, extending between a base 636 coupled to the housing 604 at a proximal end and a tip 640 at an opposite distal end.  

​The housing 604 of the lock 600 includes multiple V-shaped cutouts 648 extending longitudinally from opposite longitudinal ends 624, 628 of the housing 604. In the embodiment shown, the second longitudinal end 628 includes four longitudinally-extending V-shaped cutouts 648 spaced equally about the perimeter of the housing 604. The first longitudinal end 624 includes two longitudinally-extending V-shaped cutouts 648 on opposite sides of the housing 604. The first longitudinal end 624 omits two of the V-shaped cutouts 648 to accommodate the two radial openings 664. The V-shaped cutouts 648 form pre-defined fracture points that require a decreased force (relative to the remainder of the lock 600) to destructively fracture the lock 600. The vertex of each V-shaped cutout 648 is spaced apart from the respective longitudinal end 624, 628 such that the V-shaped cutouts 648 effectively point as an arrow towards the opposite longitudinal end 624, 628. By aligning the V-shaped cutouts 648 on opposite ends 624, 628, the length of the housing 604 at the V-shaped cutouts 648 is significantly reduced (e.g., less than 75% of the overall length, less than 50% of the overall length) and the vertex creates a stress point to assist in the induction of failure upon application of a fracturing force. In other embodiments, more or fewer V-shaped cutouts 648 may be included to modify the force to fracture the lock 600. In yet other embodiments, the cutouts may have other shapes that would still operate similarly, such as a U-shape or a W-shape, though some alternative shapes may lack a sharp vertex and the associated reduction in force to fracture.

​As shown, the thickness of the housing 604 in the region of the V-shaped cutouts 648 (e.g., extending between the V-shaped cutouts 648 on opposite ends 624, 628 of the housing 604) is decreased relative to the remainder of the housing 604, forming a reduced thickness region 652. In the illustrated embodiment, the reduced thickness region 652 can be considered a channel or recess formed in the inner surface or bore of the housing 604 that extends longitudinally between aligned V-shaped cutouts 648. The thickness of the reduced thickness region 652 may be, in some embodiments, less than 50% of the thickness of the remainder of the housing 604 or less than 25% of the thickness of the remainder of the housing 604, as shown in FIGS. 35-36. The decreased thickness further decreases the force to fracture the lock 600. As shown in FIG. 35, other portions of the housing 604, such as those at the first longitudinal end 624 may have a reduced thickness to counteract the decreased number of V-shaped cutouts 648 at the first end 624. As shown in FIG. 35, eight reduced thickness regions 652 are formed as V-shaped recesses or notches with the point of the V-shape extending radially outward towards an outer surface of the housing 604. Additionally, an annular region 656 adjacent the first end 624 of the housing 604 has a reduced thickness. By reducing the thickness in these regions, the force to fracture the lock 600 is further reduced.

​In operation, the lock 600 may come preassembled on a fabric strap 602, with both ends of the fabric strap passing through the radial openings 664, into the passageway 608, and then through the second longitudinal end 628, forming a loop of the fabric strap 602. The loop is placed over the wrist of the user and the lock 600 is tightened to modify the diameter of the loop of the fabric strap 602 to a desired diameter. Tightening the lock 600 includes moving the lock 600 relative to the fabric strap 602.

​If the lock 600 is overtightened on the wrist of the user (e.g., if the loop of the fabric strap 602 is decreased too much), the user may destructively remove the lock 600 by making use of the built-in breakaway features. By applying an upward pull on the fabric strap (i.e., away from the wrist of the user) adjacent the lock, the V-shaped cutouts 648 and reduced thickness portions 652, 656 fracture, thereby separating the elliptical housing 604 with an axial tear, effectively opening up the sidewall of the housing 604 and separating the teeth 632 from one another, permitting removal of the wristband. While an upward pull on the fabric strap is described above, in other embodiments, similar fracturing of the housing 604 may be accomplished by pushing radially inwardly on opposite sides of the lock 600 between the V-shaped cutouts 648. In some embodiments, if the strap or the lock 600 become caught on an element of the environment (such as a protrusion), the lock 600 may fracture if the force applied by catching on the element is great enough to fracture the lock 600. If a user attempts to non-destructively remove the lock 600, a force applied by the user on the wristband to move the wristband over a hand of the user (the hand being larger in size than the wrist) may be sufficient to fracture the lock 600 between two V-shaped cutouts 648, thereby preventing unauthorized reuse of the wristband.

FIGS. 39-44 illustrate a wristband barrel lock 700, similar to the wristband barrel lock 300 shown in FIGS. 13-18, except as otherwise described. Like elements are given like reference numerals, incremented by 400. The wristband barrel lock 700 includes a tubular housing 704 that is cylindrical and tubular, defining a passageway 708 therethrough. The tubular housing 704 extends between a first longitudinal end 724 and a second longitudinal end 728 and the passageway 708 extends entirely through the tubular housing 704 from the first longitudinal end 724 to the second longitudinal end 728. A plurality of teeth 732 are positioned within the passageway 708 and are similar in size, number, position, orientation, and function, as the teeth 332 described with respect to the lock 300, extending between a base 736 coupled to the tubular housing 704 at a proximal end and a tip 740 at an opposite distal end.

The tubular housing 704 of the lock 700 includes multiple V-shaped cutouts 748 extending longitudinally from opposite longitudinal ends 724, 728 of the tubular housing 704. The V-shaped cutouts 748 form pre-defined fracture points that require a decreased force (relative to the remainder of the lock 700) to destructively fracture the lock 700. The vertex of each V-shaped cutout 748 is spaced apart from the respective longitudinal end 724, 728 such that the V-shaped cutouts 748 effectively point as an arrow towards the opposite longitudinal end 724, 728. In contrast to the lock 300, the lock 700 includes a different number and arrangement of V-shaped cutouts 748. As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the V-shaped cutouts 748 are positioned around the perimeter of the tubular housing 704 at both longitudinal ends 724, 728.

As shown, the thickness of the tubular housing 704 in the region of the V-shaped cutouts 748 is decreased relative to the remainder of the tubular housing 704, forming a reduced thickness region 752. The reduced thickness region 752 extends longitudinally between aligned V-shaped cutouts 748. In contrast to the lock 300, the lock 700 omits an annular region of reduced thickness adjacent the first longitudinal end 724, thereby increasing the force to fracture the lock 700 relative to the lock 300. Operation of the lock 700 is similar to operation of the lock 300.

The reduced thickness portions 120, 220, the radial windows 144, the V-shaped cutouts 348, 448, 748, the reduced thickness regions 352, 452, 752 the annular region 356, and the cutouts 560 in the teeth 532 are breakaway features that permit the respective lock 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 to fracture and allow for removal of an overtightened wristband and/or prevent unauthorized reuse of the wristband. Each of these breakaway features may be utilized together with one another or separate from one another to vary the force required to fracture the lock 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700.

As shown, the locks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 are formed as single-piece, injection molded plastic locks.  The material of the locks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may include, for example, nylon, acetal, or polycarbonate, and is chosen to have enough rigidity to fracture, rather than elastically deform at the desired force to fracture.  In some embodiments, a material choice may accompany a selection of breakaway features to achieve a desired fracture force.

Claims

1. A wristband barrel lock comprising:

a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end;

a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway; and

a breakaway feature formed in the tubular housing and/or the plurality of teeth that decreases a force required to fracture the wristband barrel lock.

2. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the breakaway feature is a region of decreased thickness in the tubular housing.

3. The wristband barrel lock of claim 2, wherein the region of decreased thickness is, at portions, a removal of all thickness such that a radial window is formed in the tubular housing.

4. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the breakaway feature is a cutout formed in at least some of the plurality of teeth at a location between the base and the tip.

5. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the breakaway feature is a V-shaped cutout extending from the first longitudinal end of the tubular housing.

6. The wristband barrel lock of claim 5, wherein the V-shaped cutout is formed in a region of decreased thickness of the tubular housing.

7. The wristband barrel lock of claim 5, wherein the V-shaped cutout is a first V-shaped cutout, the wristband barrel lock further comprising a second V-shaped cutout extending from the second longitudinal end of the tubular housing and aligned with the first V-shaped cutout.

8. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the breakaway feature is a radial window extending through the tubular housing.

9. The wristband barrel lock of claim 8, wherein the radial window tapers in width in a longitudinal direction of the tubular housing.

10. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, further comprising a radial opening between the first and second longitudinal ends, wherein the radial opening is configured to receive a wristband.

11. The wristband barrel lock of claim 10, wherein the radial opening is elliptical or oval.

12. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the tubular housing is elliptical or oval.

13. The wristband barrel lock of claim 1, wherein the breakaway feature is a region of decreased thickness in the tubular housing, and wherein the region of decreased thickness is formed as a V-shaped recess with a point of a V-shape of the V-shaped recess extending radially outward towards an outer surface of the tubular housing.

14. A wristband barrel lock comprising: wherein the wristband barrel lock is configured to destructively fracture upon application of a predetermined force to permit removal of the strap from the wristband barrel lock.

a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end; and

a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway, the plurality of teeth configured to permit movement of a strap in a first direction through the passageway and prevent movement of the strap in a second direction opposite the first direction;

15. The wristband barrel lock of claim 14, wherein the tubular housing includes a region of decreased thickness relative to adjacent portions of the tubular housing.

16. The wristband barrel lock of claim 14, wherein the tubular housing includes at least one cutout extending longitudinally from at least one of the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end.

17. The wristband barrel lock of claim 14, wherein at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth includes a region of reduced material thickness at a location between the base and the tip.

18. The wristband barrel lock of claim 14, wherein the wristband barrel lock is a single-piece injection molded component.

19. The wristband barrel lock of claim 14, further comprising a radial opening in the tubular housing between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the radial opening configured to receive the strap.

20. A wristband barrel lock comprising:

a tubular housing extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the tubular housing defining a passageway extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end;

a plurality of teeth positioned within the passageway, each tooth of the plurality of teeth extending from a base coupled to the tubular housing to a tip spaced apart from the tubular housing within the passageway; and

a radial opening formed in the tubular housing at a location between the first longitudinal end and the plurality of teeth, the radial opening configured to receive a strap such that the strap enters the passageway through the radial opening and exits the passageway through the second longitudinal end.