Band-based lock

A flexible band for use in a band-based lock, comprising:

• an inner metal ribbon comprising two or more layers of metal, wherein each layer of the two or more layers of metal has a width to thickness ratio between 10:1 and 200:1, wherein a first of the two or more layers of metal consists of a first hardness and a second of the two or more layers of metal consists of a second, different hardness, and wherein the two or more layers of metal are not bonded to each other to permit sliding of the two or more layers of metal with respect to each other;
• an outer jacket comprising plastic, silicone, and/or rubber;
• and
• a bonding layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the bonding layer bound to an inferior surface of an upper side of the outer jacket.

A flexible band for use in a band-based lock, comprising:

• an inner metal ribbon comprising at least three metal layers, namely a top metal layer;
• a bottom metal layer;
• and one or more middle metal layers, wherein each of the metal layers has a width to thickness ratio between 10:1 and 200:1, wherein the one or more middle metal layers and the top and/or bottom metal layers have different hardnesses, wherein at least one middle metal layer has a Rockwell hardness of between about 35 C and 45 C, and wherein the metals layers are not bonded to each other to permit sliding of the metal layers with respect to each other;
• one or more inner jackets surrounding the metal layers, wherein the one or more inner jackets comprise a tear resistant material;
• and
• an outer jacket surrounding the one or more inner jackets, wherein the outer jacket comprises plastic, silicone, and/or rubber.

A flexible band for use in a band-based lock, comprising:

• an inner metal ribbon comprising at least three metal layers, namely a top metal layer;
• a bottom metal layer;
• and one or more middle metal layers, wherein each of the metal layers has a width to thickness ratio between 10:1 and 200:1, wherein the one or more middle metal layers and the top and/or bottom metal layers have different hardnesses, wherein at least one of the top metal layer or bottom metal layer has a Rockwell hardness of between about 55 C and 65 C, and wherein the metals layers are not bonded to each other to permit sliding of the metal layers with respect to each other;
• one or more inner jackets surrounding the metal layers, wherein the one or more inner jackets comprise a tear resistant material;
• and
• an outer jacket surrounding the one or more inner jackets, wherein the outer jacket comprises plastic, silicone, and/or rubber.

A flexible band for use in a band-based lock, comprising:

• an inner metal ribbon comprising two or more layers of metal, wherein each layer of the two or more layers of metal has a width to thickness ratio between 10:1 and 200:1, wherein a first of the two or more layers of metal consists of a first hardness and a second of the two or more layers of metal consists of a second, different hardness, and wherein the two or more layers of metal are not bonded to each other to permit sliding of the two or more layers of metal with respect to each other;
• one or more inner jackets surrounding the two or more layers of metal, wherein the one or more inner jackets comprise a tear resistant material;
• an outer jacket surrounding the one or more inner jackets, wherein the outer jacket comprises plastic, silicone, and/or rubber;
• and
• a wire disposed within the outer jacket and running along an edge of the flexible band adjacent to the inner metal ribbon.