US3279107A

US3279107A - Identification band

Info

Publication number: US3279107A
Application number: US349443A
Authority: US
Inventors: John G Baumgartner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-03-04
Filing date: 1964-03-04
Publication date: 1966-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 1983-10-18

Description

Oct. 18, 1966 ,1. G. BAuMGARTNl-:R

IDENTIFICATION BAND 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed March 4, 1964 IN VENTOR. Jawzwzgarzer WM i i /I Il Il Il Il Il Il Il Il. Il Il if Il Il Il fl if Il Il. Il Il Il ww mw mm mw mw .N wm. QW.

Oct. 18, 1966 J. G. BAUMGARTNER IDENTIFICATION BAND Filed March 4, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR United States Patent O 3,279,107 IDENTIFICATION BAND John G. Baumgartner, 434 Edgelawn Drive, Aurora, Ill. Filed Mar. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 349,443 11 Claims. (Cl. 40-21) This invention relates generally to identification bands such as may be worn by persons on the wrist or around the arm. More particularly this invention provides a sanitary plastic identification band which may be easily applied to a patient in a hospital to provide positive identification for the patient while in the hospital. This application is a continuation in part of application Serial No. 330,872 filed December 16, 1963, now forfeited.

Identification bands constructed of sanitary plastic material have been used on the arm or wrist of patients in hospitals, `and in other applications. Such an identification band which has been commercially used is described in applicants Patent No. 3,106,028, issued October 8, 1963 The prior identification bands have had a buckle or fastening arrangement which has been of complex construction. This has increased the cost of the identificationband and has also made the band difficult to apply, particularly on infants or patients who are ill and unable to cooperate in the applying of the bands.

Some prior identification bands included a metal clip or snap which has been uncomfortable to the wearer, particularly for those buckles which were relatively large. These bands also required in some instances that pliers, or another tool, be used to fasten the metal member and secure the band on the wearers arm In order to provide identification bands at low cost, it is necessary to produce the same by automatic machines. However, identification bands of prior constructions could not be manufactured by automatic equipment to provide high Volume production at low cost.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an identification band of improved and simplified construction and which is simple to apply, inexpensive to manufacture, and reliable in its function.

Another object of the invention is to provide an identification band for use in hospitals and elsewhere, which seals the identification card, and is sanitary and comfortable to wear, and meets all requirements for a product for hospital use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plastic identification band of a construction such that it may be quickly and simply tted to, and secured upon, the wrist of a person without the use of any tools, and which is locked on the wrist and can be removed only by severing the band.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an identification band of a construction which facilitates the manufacture thereof by automatic machines.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of constructing an identification band.

A feature of the invention is the provision of an identification band in the form of a fiat plastic strap which forms the entire outer surface of the band when in use, and which band includes a transparent -pocket for an identication card and adhesive for engaging the end of the strap for sealing the strap to itself.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an identification band including plastic parts sealed together to form a composite structure having a passage therein at one end through which the opposite end may be inserted when the band is looped, and in which passage adhesive material is provided with a cover which is removable so that the adhesive material engages the end of the strap land holds the band in a closed loop. The band when ap- 3,279,107 Patented Oct. 18, 1966 ice plied is fiat and has no projecting buckle which may cause discomfort tothe wearer.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of an identification band including a plastic strap with a single plastic strip sealed thereto to form a loop for receiving the end of the strap and a pocket for receiving an identification card, with the pocket having an opening which may be sealed by an extending flap on the strip on which adhesive is placed.

Still another feature of the invention is the method of constructing identification bands, wherein straps for the bands are formed from a first plastic sheet on which is placed adhesive coated tabs which have free folded over ends. A portion of the first plastic sheet is covered by a second plastic sheet which is heat sealed to the first sheet to form loops over the tabs and to form pockets for receiving identification cards. The first sheet is cut to provide openings through which the ends of the straps extend when the straps are formed into closed bands, and the second sheet is cut to provide openings into the pockets through which the identification cards are inserted. The end of the second sheet forms tabs on which adhesive is placed and which are sealed over the openings to completely close the pockets. The sealed sheets are then cut to provide the individual identification bands.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is -a plan view of a band constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the band in place on the -wrist of a wearer;

FIG. 3 is va cross-sectional view of the band in unsecured condition;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the band with the identification card in -place and the strap portion inserted in the receiving passage;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the band with the identification pocket sealed and the strap portion secured in place;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 -of FIG 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG 5', and

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the steps followed in the construction on the identification band.

In accordance with the present invention, an identification band is provided including a plastic strap which forms the entire outer surface when the band is in use, as on the wrist of a patient. A plastic strip is heat sealed to the underside of the strap to provide a pocket for an identification card and a securing portion to receive the opposite or free end of the strap. The securing portion includes a loop or passage for the free end of the strap, andy adhesive material is provided in this passage and is covered by a folded-over fiexible cover tab which is removable. An opening is provided in the strap between the securing portion and the pocket 'through which the free end of the strap extends by an amount to adjust the band to the desired wrist or arm size A slit is provided in the strip forming the pocket for insertion of an identification card. The part of the strap forming the pocket is transparent to provide a window through which the identification card is visible. The strip has an extension or ap having adhesive thereon for sealing the pocket, with a cover over the adhesive.

When the identification band is to be used, the identifi-V cation card is inserted in the pocket. The cover is taken from the adhesive on the flap, and the fiap secured over the slit to seal the pocket. The free end of the band may be inserted through the passage in the securing portion and through the opening in the strap to provide a loop which is placed about the wrist of a person. Alternately the band may be put around the wrist before a complete loop is formed. After the band is placed on the wrist the free end is drawn through the passage and opening in the strap, and adjusted to the desired size. The cover tab for the adhesive is withdrawn from the passage. The adhesive then engages the free end ofthe strap and joins the same to the securing portion so lthat the band is secured in a closed loop.

The band may be constructedby placing the cover tabs with adhesive thereon at spaced positions on a sheet of plastic material. A second plastic sheet is placed ovel the first sheet and the tabs, and sealed to the first sheet along areas to form the pocket andthe loop of the securing portion. Openings are cut in the first sheet to receive the ends of the bands, and in the second sheet to provide slits for receiving the identification cards, as has been `described. The adhesive for sealing the flaps of the pockets, with a cover thereon, is then applied to the aps, and the individual bands are cut from the sealed plastic sheets.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the band 11 includes a continuous plastic strap 13 and a plastic strip 14 sealed to the underside thereof forming a pocket 15 ifor receiving an identification card 25, and a securing or buckle portion 17. As will be explained in more detail, the end 18 of the strap 13 may be inserted through a passage in `securing portion 17 and through opening 19 in the strap to form a band about the wrist of a wearer. The end 18 may be secured in the passage by adhesive to prevent removal therefrom. This is shown in FIG. 2.

The strap 13 may be constructed of a flexible sanitary plastic material. A material .comprised of a .002 inch thick center layer of polyester film, with .0045 inch thick polyethylene layers of each side thereof, may be used. The plastic strip 14 may be made of two layers including a polyester layer .0005 inch thick and alayer of'polyi ethylene .00275 inch thick. YThe polyethylene'layer of strip y14 is positioned against the polyethylene layer of strap 13 for sealing the strip 14 to strap 13. The polyester layers of strap 13 and strip 14 provide the strength required so that the strap will not break or stretch. The polyethylene coatings provide body so that the strap can be easily handled, and these coatings can be sealed together by heat or other fusing processes to join the strap 13 and the strip14 at desired areas. The thickness of the polyester layer is held to a minimum which will provide the strength required, as this material is relatively expensive. Polyethylene is relatively inexpensive and greater thicknesses can be used to provide the desired body. The materials described have been found to be impervious to various substances commonly used in hospitals, enabling the band to remain in a sanitary condition.

The construction of the band is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 through 7. The identification card receiving pocket 15 is formed between the plastic strip 14 and the main strap 13 by heat sealing the strip 14 to strap 13 along the edges thereof at 20 (FIG. 7), and transversely of the strap at

portions

21 and 22. Heat is applied at the portion 21 to an area extending into the opening 19, so that the edge 23 of the opening 19 is sealed to the strip 14. Slot 24 in the strip 14 forms an opening for insertion of an identification card 25, of cardboard or similar material. The identification card is inserted face up so that it can be `viewed through the main strap 13 which is transparent at the pocket. The polyester layer of strap 13 maybe printed, and stripes or another pattern may be provided on parts other than the pocket portion to give a pleasing appearance.

To seal the open end of they pocket 15, a sealing flap 27 extendsfrom the end of strip 14, fand a coating of adhesive material 29 is placed on the flap with a cover 31 thereover. The cover 31` may have a marking thereon :o indicate the slot in which the identificationcard is ilaced. The identification card may be a strip with `a perforation at 26 (FIG. 4) to facilitate removing the end Z8 thereof after the card 25 is placed in the pocket.

After card 25 is inserted, cover 31'may be removed to and 11. FIG. 8 shows a sheet ly described having a center layer of polyester and layers of polyethylene on each side thereof.. The center layer The sheet 40 has a width sufiicient' to form the length of the identification band as described, and a band for use on a human arm must 4. expose the adhesive material 29. 'Ihe cover 31 has a free edge 32 to facilitate removing the the adhesive may have a width of 1%: inch and the cover a width of 5%; inch so that a free edge of 1A; inch is provided. Then flap 27 is folded over the opening 24 of the 'I'he main strap 13 is provided with a layer of adhesive 33 at the securing end 17 thereof which, in turn, is covered The cover tab 35 is in turn i by a flexible cover tab 35. covered by the end of the strip 14, which is sealed to the end of strap 13 to formloop 37.` This loop `provides a passage longitudinally of main `stra Flexible cover tab 35 is removable from the passage by drawing on the free end; 39 thereof.

When it is desired to secure the patient, the free end 18 is inserted `through loop 37 of` securing portion 17, and also through strap, as shown in FIG.`4. Asthe edge is sealed to strip 14, the end can be easily to be easily placedV over the wrist, of a patient. 18 is then drawn through the opening 19 until a band of the desired size is attained. At this point the exible cover member 35 is withdrawn from the passage to permit the end 18 of strap 13 to come into contact with ad4- Vhesive 33. The cover member 35 is in securing portion by the adhesive, as shown in FIG. 5.` The free end of strap 13 may then be cutoff, as indicated at 38.

The adhesive identified as fKleen-Stik Kleen-Stik Products Inc., 7300 W. Wilson #201 Dubl Stik, available from Ave.,- Chicago 31, Illinois. 'I'his adhesive material isvery effective to hold the ,free end of strap through the passage or loop 37.1

13 `against sliding motion parts of the strap apart. ,t The loop 37 prevents the free end of the strap from being pulled or rolled away` from` the adhesive which requires muchA less force. The identification band is therefore effectively locked, and the band is normally removed by cutting through the band.

The process used in the construction of the identification band as described is illustrated in FIGS.` 8, 9, Vl0

of material 40 as previousis printed to provide stripes 41.

The sheet has have a length of the order of 13 inches.

markers 42 thereon spaced at intervals equal to the maxi-` mum width of the identification band.` These markers may be sensed, as by a photoelectric cell, to position other parts on the sheet 40.

Placed on the sheet 40 iare tabs 44 which may be of silicon treated paper having an adhesive layer on the lower side of the parts 45 thereof. esive 33 and cover 35 of the securing portion ofthe identification band, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The'v construction'of the tabs is such that they can be pulled smoothly out of the loop and will freely roll off the adhesive, as previously described. The .tabs may have a length of 21/2 inches and the parts 45 having adhesive thereon have lengths of 7A; inch. As shown, this is positioned on one end of each tab. The tabs 44 may have same. As an example,

p 13 in which the ad-` hesive material 33 and flexible cover tab 35 are disposed.'

band on-the` wrist of a opening 19 in the 23 of opening 19 threaded through the opening 19. The closed band is of suflicient diameter The end effect rolled away` pulled to draw the as shown by the dotted lines in FIG.

materials

33 and 29` may be of a type;

In actual tests a pull of` 1 l more than 60 lbs. has been required to pull the sealed This forms the adl holes 46 punched in the ends thereof to be used as markers for proper positioning of the strips on the -sheet 40, with respect to the markers 42.

FIG. 9 illustrates additional steps followed in the construction of the identification band and shows the tabs 44 bent over so that only the part engaged by the adhesive lremains in position over the sheet 40. After the strips are folded over, openings 19 are cut in the sheet 40, through which the ends of the identification band straps extend when the bands are formed as closed loops.

FIG. illustrates the next step in the construction wherein the sheet 50 is placed over the left hand portion of the sheet 40. The sheet 50 must be placed with the polyethylene layer thereof against the sheet 40. T-he edge 51 of the sheet 50 extends slightly beyond the edge 48 of the sheet 40 to facilitate the placing of the end of the strap into the loop of the securing portion. The sheet 50 may have a width of 4 inches for a band 13 inches long as previously mentioned. The sheet 50 has openings 24 cut therein which provide access to the pockets for receiving the identification cards.

After sheet 50 is placed on sheet 40, heat is applied along the areas identified as 52,53 and 54. The left portions of the areas 52 seal the

sheets

40 and 50 to provide the loops of the fastener portions 37, and the 4areas defined by

portions

52, 53 and 54 form the pockets 15 for receiving the identification cards. The portions 53 extend beyond the edges 23 of the openings 19 so that the edges 23 are securely sealed to the sheet 50. It is apparent that the openings 24 provide access to these pockets. It is noted that the extreme right edge 56 of the sheet 50 is not sealed to the sheet 40.

In FIG. 11 the construction as described in FIG. 10 has placed thereon a strip 60 which may be of silicon treated paper having adhesive 61 under the right hand edge thereof. This forms the adhesive 29 on the flaps 27 of the identification bands as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, with the paper strip 60 forming the covers 31 thereon. The right hand edge 62 of the paper is free to provide the tabs 32 for gripping the covers when they are removed from the adhesive. The strip 60 may be printed with the words card slot and arrows pointing to the openings 24 to assist a person using the identification bands.

After the strip 60 is applied, as shown in FIG. l1, the individual identification bands 11 are cut out along the lines 64 on each side thereof, by cutting through the composite

structure including sheets

40 and 50, and the strip 60. The portions shown at 65 and 66 are waste and can be discarded. Fllhese portions are relatively small and the amount of waste is a minimum.

It will therefore be seen that the invention provides an improved, fiexible identification band which may be secured to provide a loop of any size, and which is simple to apply. Furthermore, the band employs a low cost, simplified construction while still providing a secure lock once the band is in position. The entire outer surface of the band as used is formed by a single plastic member so that there is no projecting part and no part which can be pulled loose. Also, there are no metal parts which might irritate the wearer. The band has a minimum of parts and can be constructed by automatic machinery. Removal of the identification card or damage thereto is effectively prevented by the sealed pocket.

The band is very easy to apply Iand this is important for hospital use in connection with infants and sick patients who cannot cooperate in applying the band. As the closed band can be formed before it is applied to the patient it is only necessary to place the patients hand through the band and then draw the free end to provide the desired size. Although the band herein described is one primarily for hospital use, it will be apparent that other uses of such a band would be fully within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An identification band including an elongated flexible plastic strap forming the entire outside surface of the band when in use, plastic material sealed to the underside of said strap at one end thereof, said material cooperating with said strap to form a securing portion and an identification card receiving pocket which are independent of one another, said strap having a free end portion extending longitudinally from said rcard receiving pocket, said securing portion including a longitudinal passage between said strap and said material and an opening in said strap for receiving said free end portion Iof said strap, a layer of adhesive material on said strap within said passage, and a flexible removable cover for said adhesive material having a first portion engaging said adhesive material and a second portion folded back on said first portion with 4a tab portion at the end thereof to permit manual removal of said cover from said adhesive material, said free end portion of said strap being insertable through said passage and said opening to form a closed loop and being adjustable in said passage and said opening to provide the desired loop size, said free end portion of said strap engaging said adhesive material on said securing portion of said strap upon removal of said cover from said passage to secure said strap as a fixed closed loop of the desired size.

2. An identification band including an elongated flexible plastic strap having a transparent window p-ocket portion with an opening Ifor receiving an identification card therein, a flap on said pocket portion having adhesive material thereon for securing the same over said opening to seal the same, a securing portion extending longitudinally at `one end of said strap in a direction away from one end of said pocket portion, with said securing portion and pocket portion being independent of one another, and a free end portion extending longitudinally from the other end of said pocket portion, said securing portion having a loop forming a longitudinal passage for receiving said free end portion to form a closed band, a layer of adhesive material on said strap within said passage, and a removable cover for said layer of adhesive material, said cover being removable to expose said adhesive material and permit the same to engage said end portion of said strap to hold said strap to form a fixed closed band.

3. An identification band including in combination, an elongated flexible plastic strap forming the entire outside surface of the band when in use, said plastic strap having first and second ends, -a plastic strip sealed to the underside of said strap at said first end thereof and forming therewith a passage for receiving said second end of said strap, said second end lof said str-ap being insertable through said passage to form a closed band, a layer of adhesive material on said strap within said passage, and a cover over said adhesive material, said cover being removable so that the portion of said strap within said passage engages said adhesive material `for securing such portion to said first end of said strap to form a fixed closed band.

4. The method of constructing identification bands including the steps of, forming a first multi-layer plastic sheet, marking the plastic sheet, placing tabs with adhe- -sive material on one end thereof along one edge of the first sheet in fixed positions with respect to the marking thereon, folding back the free ends of the tabs so that they extend beyond said one edge of the sheet, placing a second plastic sheet over the first sheet along said one edge thereof and over the tabs, sealing the second sheet to the rst sheet along restricted regions to provide a composite structure including loops lover the tabs and closed Ipockets adjacent to the loops but independent of one another, with the second plastic sheet being free at the edge thereof spaced from one edge, cutting openings in the first sheet to provide openings at the inside ends of the loop-s, cutting slits in the second sheet to provide openings into the pockets adjacent the -free edge of the second sheet, applying a strip with adhesive thereon to the free edge of the second sheet to form sealing flaps for the open-ings in the pockets, and cutting the composite structure into individual bands.

5. The method of constructing plastic identification bands including the steps of, providing a first sheetof plastic material, placing tabs with adhesive material on one end thereof at spaced positions along one edge of the first sheet with the adhesive engaging such sheet, placing a second sheet of plastic material over the first sheet along said one edge thereof and over the tabs, sealing the second sheet to the first sheet at restricted areas to provide a composite structure having loops over the tabs and closed pockets adjacent to the loops, cutting openings in the first sheet to provide openings at the inside ends of the loops, cutting slits in the second sheet to provide openings into the pockets, and cutting the composite structure to provide individual bands.

6. The method of constructing plastic identification bands including the steps of, providing a first sheet of plastic material, placing adhesive material with covering tabs thereon `at spaced positions along one edge of-the first sheet, placing a second sheet of plastic material over the first sheet along said one edge thereof and over the tabs, sealing the second sheet to the first sheet along restricted regions to provide a composite structure having loops over the tabs, and cutting the composite structure to provide individual bands.

7. An identification band for adjustment to and positioning on the wrist of a person including in combination,

an elongated flexible plastic strap having therewith a transparent Vwindow pocket portion with an opening -for receiving an identification card therein, a yfiap on said Vband adjacent said opening of said pocket portion, said flap having adhesive material thereon for securing the same over said opening of said pocket portion to seal the same, a securing portion for said band on said plastic strap at an end thereof spaced away from one end of said pocket portion, and a free end portion for-said plastic strap extending from the other end of said pocket portion longitudinally the full length of the strap away from said pocket portion, said securing portion having a loop forming a longitudinal passage therein for receiving said free end portion therein to form a closed loop identification band, a layer of adhesive material on said strap Within said longitudinal passage, and a fiexible removable cover for said adhesive material having a first portion engaging said adhesive material within said passage and a second portion folded I"back on said first portion with a tab portion at the end thereof to permit manual removal of said cover from said passage when the free end portion is in said passage and is adjusted to the desired closed loop size, said free end being adju-stable in said longitudinal passage and securable to said securing portion by said adhesive material upon removal of said cover from said passage, to thereby hold said strap in a closed loop of the desired size.

8; An identification band including an elongated ilexible plastic strap forming the entire outside surface of the band when in use, plastic material sealed to the underside of said strap over one end part thereof and providing as the remaining part of the `band a free end portion consisting of the plastic strap only, said free end portion having an insertable end, said plastic material including one portion sealed over three edges thereof to said plastic strap to form a card receiving pocket, and said plastic material including another portion sealed to said strap in a position longitudinally displaced from said pocket portion and having a Walled passage entirely therethrough between the strap and the plastic material for receiving said insertable end and a measured length of said free end portion of said strap to form a closed loop band, a

the passage so that said free end portion of said strap engages said adhesive material and is secured thereby to 1 said another portion to form a fixed closed identification band, and an adhesive cover tab adapted to fold over au open end of said pocket portion to close the same after the insertion of an identification card therein.

9. An identification band for application to a wearerY including in combination .an elongated fiexible plastic strap 'having therewith an identification card receiving portion, a securing portion positioned longitudinally on said strap away from one end of said card receiving portion, a free end portion positioned longitudinally on said strap away from the other end of said card receiving portion, said securing portion including a loop forming a longitudinal walled passage for receiving said `free end portion to forma closed identification band on a wearer', a layer of adhesive material on one wall within said pasf sage, and a removable cover within said' passage for said adhesive material having a first porti-on engaging said adhesive material and a second portion folded back on said first portion and extending out of said passage to be grasped ouside said passage in order to remove said cover from said adhesive material when said free end portion of the strap i-s in the passage, said free en-d portion being adjustable in said passage before removal of said cover, and being engageable with said adhesive material upon removal of said flexible cover to adhesively secure `said free end portion in said passage and provide the identi-` iication band in a closed loop of lthe desired size for the plastic strap having first and second end portions, plastic material sealed to one surface of said strap at said first end portion thereof and forming therewith a passage havt ing corresponding in-side walls for receiving said second end portion of said strap therebetween, said second end portion of said strap being insertable through said pasi sage to form a closed loop identification band, a layer of adhesive material on one of said inside walls within said passage, and a removable cover for said adhesive material which lies within said passage and covers the adhesive material while said second end portion is being adjusted therein, said removable cover having a portion extending outside said passage for grasping and for pulling to remove said cover 4so that the portion of the second end portion of said strap within said passage engages said adhesive material for securing such portion in said passage and provide a fixed closed loop identification band.

11. In an identification band as defined in claim 10, a card receiving pocket portion of plastic material sealed on three edges thereof to a surface of ysaid strap and open` at one end to receive a card, and a tab of plastic material on said strap adjacent the open end of said pocket portion,

said ta'b having covered adhesive material on one face 2,893,143 7/ 1959 Mosher et al 40-21 3,020,657 2/ 1962 Clark 40-21 3,027,665 4/ 1962 St. John 40-21 3,106,028 l9/1963` Baumgartner `40L21 3,153,869 9/ 1964 Twentier 40-21 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. W. I. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner'.

Claims

1. AN INDENTICATION BAND INCLUDING AN ELONGATED FLEXIBLE PLASTIC STRAP FORMING THE ENTIRE OUTSIDE SURFACE OF THE BAND WHEN IN USE, PLASTIC MATERIAL SEALED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID STRAP AT ONE END THEREOF, SAID MATERIAL COOPERATING WITH SAID STRAP TO FORM A SECURING PORTION AND AN IDENTIFICATION CARD RECEIVING POCKET WHICH ARE INDEPENDENT OF ONE ANOTHER, SAID STRAP HAVING A FREE END PORTION EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY FROM SAID CARD RECEIVING POCKET, SAID SECURING PORTION INCLUDING A LONGITUDINAL PASSAGE BETWEEN SAID STRAP AND SAID MATERIAL AND AN OPENING IN SAID STRAP FOR RECEIVING SAID FREE END PORTION OF SAID STRAP A LAYER OF ADHESIVE MATERAIL ON SAID STRAP WITHIN SAID PASSAGE, AND A FLEXIBLE REMOVABLE COVER FOR SAID ADHESIVE MATERIAL HAVING A FIRST PORTION ENGAGING SAID ADHESIVE MATERIAL AN A SECOND PORTION FOLDED BACK ON SAID FIRST PORTION WITH A TAB PORTION AT THE END THEREOF TO PERMIT MANUAL REMOVAL OF SAID COVER FROM SAID ADHESIVE MATERIAL, SAID FREE END PORTION OF SAID STRAP BEING INSERTABLE THROUGH SAID PASSAGE AND SAID OPENING TO FORM A CLOSED LOOP AND BEING ADJUSTABLE IN SAID PASSAGE AND SAID OPENING TO PROVIDE THE DESIRED LOOP SIZE, SAID FREE END PORTION OF SAID STRAP ENGAGING SAID ADHESIVE MATERIAL ON SAID SECURING PORTION OF SAID STRAP UPON REMOVAL OF SAID COVER FROM SAID PASSAGE TO SECURE SAID STRAP AS A FIXED CLOSED LOOP OF THE DESIRED SIZE.