Flexible band clasp with communication device

Abstract

A clasp is configured to permanently interlock around a flexible strip of material and includes first and second interlocking members. At least one interlocking member includes a Bluetooth communication device. Each interlocking member can include a plurality of hooks and a corresponding plurality of recesses, where the recesses of one interlocking member receive the hooks of the other interlocking member to secure a band within the clasp between the interlocking members. The recesses can be completely internal to the clasp to prevent external tampering. Each of the interlocking members can include various protrusions and ribs that compress and secure the band within the clasp, so as to prevent movement of the band between the interlocking members when interlocked.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An identification band, comprising:
 a flexible band; and   a clasp configured to permanently secure to and encase at least a portion of the band, the clasp comprising a Bluetooth communication device.   
     
     
         3 . The identification band of  claim 2 , wherein the clasp comprises a shell and the Bluetooth communication device is embedded within the shell. 
     
     
         4 . The identification band of  claim 2 , further comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. 
     
     
         5 . The identification band of  claim 2 , wherein the clasp comprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to lock together to permanently secure to and encase at least a portion of the band. 
     
     
         6 . The identification band of  claim 5 , wherein each of the first and second interlocking members includes a tongue and a tongue receiving slot. 
     
     
         7 . The identification band of  claim 6 , wherein the tongue of the first interlocking member includes at least one hook and the second interlocking member includes one recess configured to permanently receive the at least one hook of the first interlocking member. 
     
     
         8 . The identification band of  claim 5 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is embedded in an outer shell of the second interlocking member. 
     
     
         9 . The identification band of  claim 8 , wherein the outer shell comprises a holder configured to maintain the Bluetooth communication device within the outer shell of the second interlocking member. 
     
     
         10 . The identification band of  claim 8 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is a sticker beacon. 
     
     
         11 . The identification band of  claim 8 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device has adjustable transmission power levels. 
     
     
         12 . The identification band of  claim 11 , wherein the adjustable transmission power levels are within a transmission power range of −30 dBm to +4 dBm. 
     
     
         13 . The identification band of  claim 8 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is password protected. 
     
     
         14 . The identification band of  claim 8 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is configured to broadcast encrypted data. 
     
     
         15 . A clasp, comprising:
 at least one member configured to permanently secure to and encase at least a portion of a flexible band; and   a Bluetooth communication device embedded within the clasp.   
     
     
         16 . The clasp of  claim 15 , further comprising a shell and the Bluetooth communication device is embedded within the shell. 
     
     
         17 . The clasp of  claim 15 , comprising a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to lock together to permanently secure to and encase at least a portion of the flexible band,
 wherein each of the first and second interlocking members includes a tongue and a tongue receiving slot, and   wherein the tongue of the first interlocking member includes at least one hook and the second interlocking member includes one recess configured to permanently receive the at least one hook of the first interlocking member.   
     
     
         18 . The clasp of  claim 15 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device has adjustable transmission power levels. 
     
     
         19 . The clasp of  claim 18 , wherein the adjustable transmission power levels are within a transmission power range of −30 dBm to +4 dBm. 
     
     
         20 . The clasp of  claim 15 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is password protected. 
     
     
         21 . The clasp of  claim 15 , wherein the Bluetooth communication device is configured to broadcast encrypted data.