U.S. patent application number 13/122897 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for fashion accessories and entertainment instruments with personalized appearances.
Invention is credited to Amanda Doherty, Richard Doherty.
Application Number | 20110254225 13/122897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42101169 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110254225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doherty; Amanda ; et
al. |
October 20, 2011 |
Fashion Accessories and Entertainment Instruments with Personalized
Appearances
Abstract
Fashion accessories and entertainment instruments where
accessory pieces can be rearranged instantly on a support.
Exemplary embodiments include a game board that can be curled up
and wrapped around a wrist.
Inventors: |
Doherty; Amanda;
(Northborough, MA) ; Doherty; Richard;
(Northborough, MA) |
Family ID: |
42101169 |
Appl. No.: |
13/122897 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
October 6, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/59715 |
371 Date: |
June 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61102932 |
Oct 6, 2008 |
|
|
|
13122897 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/287 ;
63/1.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 5/002 20130101;
A63F 2009/247 20130101; A63F 2003/00577 20130101; A63F 2009/0029
20130101; A44C 15/0025 20130101; A63F 2009/0024 20130101; A63F
2250/021 20130101; A63F 2009/1038 20130101; A63F 2009/0026
20130101; A63F 2009/0021 20130101; A63F 9/001 20130101; A63F
2003/00258 20130101; A63F 2009/2451 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/287 ;
63/1.18 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00; A44C 13/00 20060101 A44C013/00 |
Claims
1. A reconfigurable band, said band comprising: an elongated band
body of a length and a width and two ends, said band body having an
inner side and an opposing, outer side, said outer side comprising
one or more loop-fastener pieces, wherein said band body comprises
a substantially planar piece of board packed into a band
configuration; a pair of band fasteners, one at each end of said
band body to form a loop sized to fit around a substantially
cylindrical part of body; and a plurality of accessory items each
affixed with a hook-fastener piece, wherein said one or more
loop-fastener pieces cooperate with said hook-fastener pieces to
provide detachable and re-attachable fastening of said accessory
items to said outer side of said band.
2. The reconfigurable band of claim 1, wherein said substantially
cylindrical part of body is selected from the group consisting of a
limb, the head, the neck, the waist, the hip, and a finger.
3. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said band body
comprises a flexible material.
4. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said band body
comprises an elastic material.
5. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said band body
comprises a sleeve.
6. (canceled)
7. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said board bears at
least one pattern or one image.
8. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said board comprises
a game board.
9. The reconfigurable band of claim 8 wherein said accessory items
function as game pieces.
10. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said board
illustrates a story or a theme.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. The reconfigurable band of claim 1 wherein said accessory item
bears at least one image selected from the group consisting of a
character, an icon, a charm, a symbol, a letter, a word, a name, a
number, a shape, a color, a setting, a photograph, a frame, an
abstract image, a certificate, an award, a game piece, a medallion
and a message.
14-34. (canceled)
35. A wearable game instrument comprising: a board comprising a
flexible material, said board comprising a surface bearing a
pattern or image for a game to be played thereupon, said board is
adapted to be packed into an elongated body that can be wrapped
around a substantially cylindrical part of body; and a fastener
associated with a first part of the board, said fastener fastens
said first part to a second part of the board such that the board
can be worn around the part of body.
36. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 wherein the
substantially cylindrical part of body is selected from the group
consisting of a limb, the head, the neck, the waist, the hip, and a
finger.
37. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 wherein the fastener
is permanently attached to a first end of the elongate body of the
board and attaches said first end to a second end of the elongated
body of the board.
38. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 wherein the fastener
is a hook fastener and wherein said wearable game instrument
further comprises a loop fastener that cooperates with said hook
fastener.
39. (canceled)
40. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 further comprising
multiple game pieces.
41. The wearable game instrument of claim 40 wherein said multiple
game pieces each comprises a reversible fastening means to attach
to the board surface.
42. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 wherein said board
surface further comprises one or more fastener pieces for
attachment of multiple game pieces.
43. The wearable game instrument of claim 35 wherein said flexible
material is selected from the group consisting of cloth, plastic,
and rubber.
44. A wearable game instrument comprising: a board comprising a
flexible material, said board comprising a surface bearing a
pattern or image for a game to be played thereupon, said board is
adapted to be packed into an elongated body that can be wrapped
around a substantially cylindrical part of body; a sheath
comprising a compartment for housing said elongated body of said
board, said sheath is equipped to be worn around the part of
body.
45. The wearable game instrument of claim 44 wherein said sheath
further comprises one or more reversible fastening means on a
surface.
46. The wearable game instrument of claim 45 further comprising a
plurality of accessory items each affixed with a fastener that
cooperates with said reversible fastening means to provide
detachable and re-attachable fastening of said accessory items to
said surface of said sheath.
47. The wearable game instrument of claim 44, further comprising
multiple game pieces.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/102,932
(Attorney Docket No. 3032460 US01), filed on Oct. 6, 2008, which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fashion
accessories and entertainment instruments, games, books, stories,
albums, memorabilia, collectibles and other related products and
services.
[0003] Traditionally, fashion has always looked to coordinate
certain well-established categories of accessories with the
clothing that one wears. These accessories tend to be more
permanent items of one's wardrobe and can be fairly expensive.
These accessories include hats, handbags, purses, jewelry, gloves,
and footwear. And traditional coordination efforts mainly address
aesthetic concerns over color, pattern, and texture.
[0004] Recently, however, the internet age has made it much easier
to network online, to publish work on line and to broadcast
home-made videos to the world. With that, more and more people are
looking for personal expressions in their appearances that keep
pace with the fast-changing, rules-breaking internet age. The
fashion business is also realizing the growing importance of market
revenues from young adults, teenagers and children. Their needs for
personalized, customizable, playful and maybe less permanent
accessories, games, entertainment instruments, and venues of
personal expression are not adequately addressed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In general, the present invention provides various
instruments for personalized expression and entertainment. The
invention provides detachable and re-attachable pieces that can be
used to decorate and reconfigure various objects such as small
fashion accessories (e.g., wristbands), game boards (e.g.,
puzzles), game frames, picture books (e.g., cartoons), furniture
and so on. The re-attachable pieces are fashioned from various
materials and rely on fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. (also known as
hook-and-loop fastener) and the like to anchor and release them in
such a way that they may be arranged, coordinated, reconfigured,
traded, stored, and outfitted in different ways at different times
to suit the owner.
[0006] The invention also provides packages and individual items
that can be used for such expression or entertainment. Various
re-attachable items can be personalized, purchased, traded, and
collected. Related behavior-altering methods are also provided.
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a
reconfigurable band, said band comprising: [0008] an elongated band
body of a length and a width and two ends, said band body having an
inner side and an opposing, outer side, said outer side comprising
one or more loop-fastener pieces spanning substantially the entire
length of said band body; [0009] a pair of band fasteners, one at
each end of said band body to form a loop sized to fit around a
substantially cylindrical part of body; and [0010] a plurality of
accessory items each affixed with a hook-fastener piece, wherein
said one or more loop-fastener pieces cooperate with said
hook-fastener pieces to provide detachable and re-attachable
fastening of said accessory items to said outer side of said
band.
[0011] In some embodiments, the accessory item emits light, sound
or scent. Some accessory items may include electronics. In one
feature, an accessory item bears at least one image. The
substantially cylindrical part of the body (e.g., a mammalian,
human) that the band of the invention fits around may be selected
from the group consisting of a limb, the head, the neck, the waist,
the hip, and a finger.
[0012] The band body may comprise a flexible material and/or an
elastic material. In an embodiment, the band body includes a
sleeve. In another embodiment, the band body includes a
substantially planar piece of board, e.g., a game board packed into
a band. The band may be used with accessories such as game pieces.
The board may illustrate a story or a theme.
[0013] In one feature, the one or more loop-fastener pieces of the
reconfigurable band can be a single, continuous piece of loop
fastener or multiple loop fastener pieces spaced out along
substantially the entire length of the band body. The accessory
item can bear at least one image selected from the group consisting
of a character, an icon, a charm, a symbol, a letter, a word, a
name, a number, a shape, a color, a setting, a photograph, a frame,
an abstract image, a certificate, an award, a game piece, a
medallion and a message.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention provides an instrument for
viewing, reading or inspection, comprising: [0015] a substantially
planar piece of board comprising one or more loop-fastener pieces:
and [0016] multiple entertainment pieces each affixed to a
hook-fastener piece, at least one of said entertainment pieces
belonging to a theme or a story, wherein said one or more
loop-fastener pieces cooperate with said hook-fastener pieces to
provide detachable and re-attachable fastening of said multiple
entertainment pieces to said board.
[0017] In one feature, the invention provides a wearable game
instrument comprising: [0018] a board comprising a flexible
material, said board comprising a surface bearing a pattern or
image for a game to be played thereupon, said board is adapted to
be packed into an elongated body that can be wrapped around a
substantially cylindrical part of body; and [0019] a fastener
associated with a first part of the board, said fastener fastens
said first part to a second part of the board such that the board
can be worn around the part of body.
[0020] In an embodiment, the fastener (e.g., a hook fastener) is
permanently attached to a first end of the elongate body of the
board and attaches said first end to a second end of the elongated
body of the board. The instrument may further include a loop
fastener to work in cooperation with a hook fastener. The
instrument may include multiple game pieces. In some cases, the
flexible material that makes up the board is cloth, plastic or
rubber.
[0021] In another feature, the invention provides a wearable game
instrument comprising: [0022] a board comprising a flexible
material, said board comprising a surface bearing a pattern or
image for a game to be played thereupon, said board is adapted to
be packed into an elongated body that can be wrapped around a
substantially cylindrical pan of body; and [0023] a sheath
comprising a compartment for housing said elongated body of said
board, said sheath is equipped to be worn around the part of
body.
[0024] In an embodiment, the sheath further includes one or more
loop fastener pieces on a surface. The embodiment may also include
a plurality of accessory items each affixed with a hook-fastener
piece, wherein said one or more loop-fastener pieces cooperate with
said hook-fastener pieces to provide detachable and re-attachable
fastening of said accessory items to said surface of said sheath.
Multiple game pieces may be included as well.
[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
encouraging desired behavior in a person, said method comprising:
[0026] providing a person with a wearable band comprising an
elongated band body having an inner side and an opposing, outer
side, said outer side comprising one or more first fasteners:
[0027] providing multiple reward tokens each affixed to a second
fastener, wherein said one or more first fasteners cooperate with
said second fasteners to provide detachable and re-attachable
fastening of said multiple reward tokens to said wearable band: and
[0028] adjusting reward tokens given to said person based on said
person's behavior. [0029] The person can be a child or in a penal
system, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a band embodiment with a
strip of hook-fastener spanning continuously the entire length of
the band body.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another band embodiment with
strips of hook-fasteners spanning intermittently the entire length
of the band body.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve embodiment of the
present invention fitted over a hair band with a strip of
hook-fastener spanning continuously the entire length of the sleeve
body.
[0033] FIG. 4A illustrates the front (face) of an example of a
decorative/entertainment piece that can be attached to the band,
sleeve, board and other embodiments shown in other figures
herein.
[0034] FIG. 4B illustrates the back of the decorative/entertainment
piece shown in FIG. 4A.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reconfigurable band
embodiment that includes the band embodiment of FIG. 2 and multiple
decorative/entertainment pieces attached thereon.
[0036] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a game board rolled up as a
closable wrist band.
[0037] FIG. 6B shows a person wearing the game board shown in FIG.
6A on her wrist.
[0038] FIG. 6C shows the game board in FIG. 6A unfurled and with
game pieces attached to it.
[0039] FIG. 6D shows four game boards assembling into a larger
piece.
[0040] FIG. 7A shows a front view of a storage case for the game
board shown in FIG. 6A.
[0041] FIG. 7B shows a side view of the storage case of FIG. 7A
with additional fastening means for attaching to the back of the
game board shown in FIG. 6C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific
reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the
particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and are presented in the course of providing what
is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a
fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken
with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how
the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0043] According to the invention, a base article is provided with
detachable and re-attachable items or pieces such that its
appearance can vary and be personalized. Various base articles are
used to accept and hold one or more detachable and re-attachable
items that are in the form of or bear an image of various objects
including, but not restricted to: icons, characters, shapes,
colors, settings, symbols, words, numbers, letters, awards,
certificates, medallions, messages, pictures, picture frames and
other objects.
[0044] The base article includes a "docking" means for the
re-attachable pieces. In one feature, the base article is wearable.
Examples of such base articles include but are not restricted to:
bracelets, anklets, necklaces, bands, headbands, hairbands, rings,
belts, hats, caps, collar, leash and so on. In various embodiments,
the base article is a band that forms a loop that is sized to fit
around a substantially cylindrical part of a person or an animal,
such as a limb (e.g., arm, leg, wrist, and ankle), the neck, the
waist or hip area, a finger or the head. In other embodiments, the
loop is configured to fit over an object used in sports or leisure,
e.g., sporting equipment, balls, dolls, backpacks, bicycles,
skateboards, toys, hairpieces, combs, brushes, hats, clothing,
electronics, mobile device holders, vehicles, and furniture (e.g.,
armrests and headrests in cars). The loop may be adjustable in size
or of a fixed size. Configurations other than loops that allow
fixation of the base article onto a person, an animal, or an object
are also contemplated by the present invention. In one feature, the
base article can be a substantially planar piece of board or
material that is rolled up, folded up, compressed or otherwise
packed into a band. The board surface may bear patterns and images,
and serve as a game board or illustrates a story or a theme. In
various embodiments, the base article is made of a flexible and/or
elastic material, such as a fabric, a metal, a plastic, a polymer,
a paper product, and so on.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, principles of the invention
are now illustrated through examples of wearable bands such as
wristbands and hairbands, but should not be construed to be limited
to such. According to the present invention, bracelets or
wristbands 10 and 30 are shown to each include an elongated band
body 12 that is of a certain length and width. In general and
depending on the person wearing it, the length of the band body 12
is selected such that the loop formed by the band body 12 fits over
the wrist of the wearer. In one preferred embodiment, the band body
12 is made of an elastic material such that it can be expanded to
fit over wrists of a range of sizes. In one feature, the band body
12 is made of a flexible material such that the contour of its loop
can be altered to fit over the wrist comfortably. The two ends 14
and 16 of the band body 12 can be permanently joined to form a loop
or reversibly joined through one or more band fasteners or links
such as button(s), zipper, magnet(s), buckles, hook(s) and loop(s).
Of course, the band body 14 may be of sufficient hardness that it
forms part of a loop and is still wearable around part of a body,
e.g., a limb.
[0046] In the specific example shown in FIG. 1, the two ends 14 and
16 of the band body 12 are reversibly fastened to each other
through a pair of Velcro.RTM. fasteners (also known as
hook-and-loop fastener). Specifically, on the inner side 18 of the
band body 12 and close to one end 14 of the band body 12, is
affixed a hook-fastener piece 20 which is a piece of fabric covered
with tiny hooks. On the opposing outer side 22 of the band body 12,
a strip of loop-fastener piece 24, the other half in a pair of
Velcro.RTM. fasteners, spans substantially the entire length, e.g.,
100%, or more than 90%, 80%, 70%, or 60% of the band body 12. In an
embodiment, the material of the band body 12 itself has a texture
that is sufficient for the hook-fastener piece 20 to attach
thereon. The loop-fastener piece 24 may also span substantially the
entire width of the band body 12. Accordingly, virtually the entire
outer side 22 of the wristband 10 offers a docking or attachment
surface for decorative or entertainment pieces to be described in
further details below. The Velcro.RTM. fasteners are affixed to
respective surfaces through any suitable means, e.g. sewing or
gluing. Besides the Velcro.RTM. fasteners, other means of instant,
reversible fastening means such as magnets, buttons, suction cups,
weak glues, can also be used in the present invention to provide
the docking surface.
[0047] In the specific example shown in FIG. 2, instead of having a
single piece of loop-fastener, the outer side 22 of the band body
12 is covered with multiple pieces of loop fasteners 24a-24e that
are spaced out throughout the entire length of the band body 12.
While not uninterrupted, these loop fasteners 24a-24e effectively
cover substantially the entire length and width of the band body
12. Accordingly, by "spanning substantially the entire length," it
is meant herein to include situations where the fasteners are
spaced out.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, the band body of the present
invention can also be a sleeve, or forms a sleeve, such that it can
be fitted outside all or part of a less flexible accessory. As
shown here, a flexible band body 40 is a sleeve that slides over or
is otherwise fitted over a hairband 42 made of hard plastic, wood,
metal or other similar materials. Other inserts include but are not
limited to bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, and so on. The band
body 40 has an outer side 44 that is generally the visible side
when worn, and substantially the entire surface of the band body's
outer side 44 is available for attaching, detaching and
re-attaching decorative and entertainment pieces. In one
embodiment, the band body's outer side 44 is affixed with at least
one loop-fastener piece 46 in manners similar to embodiments
described above.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an example of an accessory
item 50 which can function as a decorative or entertainment piece
according to the present invention is illustrated. The accessory
item 50 has an outer side (or a front side) 52 for viewing. The
outer side 52 bears or otherwise depicts an image including but are
not limited to one or more characters (e.g., cartoon), icons,
charms, symbols, letters, words, names, numbers, shapes, colors,
settings, photographs, frames, abstract images, landscape images
(e.g., national parks), citizenship, certificates, awards, game
pieces, medallions, messages, and the like. For example, as shown
in FIG. 4A, the image may be a cartoon character, in this case, the
smiling face of a frog. Other examples of images are shown in FIG.
5, which include a baseball with bats (50a), a butterfly (50b), a
girl's sandal (50c), a letter "A" (50d), and a number "2" or "3"
(50e). In an embodiment, the accessory items 50 include random
words so that they can be arranged and re-arranged on a base
article to form sentences or poems. In an embodiment, the accessory
item 50 includes a video clip.
[0050] The accessory item 50 may vary in size and dimension, and
may be made from any suitable material such as fabrics, cloth,
plastic and metal. In one embodiment, the accessory items 50 is
edible. In some embodiments, the accessory item 50 assumes largely
a flat or two-dimensional appearance. In an embodiment, the
accessory item 50 includes a reflective surface, e.g. for safety
purpose. In other embodiments, the accessory item 50 assumes a
three-dimensional appearance. For example, the eyes 53 of the frog
image in FIG. 4A can consist of two convex surfaces. The accessory
item 50 can also include texture variations on its front surface
52. Similar images may vary in color (e.g., pink vs. blue),
appearance, material and/or function to indicate a gender
preference. Further, the accessory item 50 can include features
such as luminescence, fluorescence, smell, and sound (e.g., music).
For example, the accessory item 50 may be a scented piece of
various fragrances. In an embodiment, the accessory item 50 has
insect repellant, and can be used on pet collars or regular bands
worn by humans. In some embodiments, the accessory item 50 and/or
the band body 12 are made of or coated with a waterproof material,
and some of these embodiments float in water.
[0051] In an embodiment, the accessory item 50 functions as a badge
or token of game-playing skill or accomplishment. For example, the
accessory item 50 may function as a certified medallion symbolizing
a level or feat for playing a video-game such as the X-Box.RTM.
(Microsoft, WA) games, PlayStation.RTM. games (Sony) or
Nintendo.RTM. games. The medallion may bear an image of a
particular game, level, character, or weaponry, and may be obtained
only through accomplishing a certain level of play or through a
purchase.
[0052] In one feature, the accessory item 50 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) or
the band body 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes electronics. In an
embodiment, the electronics emits signals and is used as a locator
in case the wearer (e.g., a child or pet) is lost. In another
example, the electronics emits a signal, e.g., a chirping sound, in
response to another signal and can also be used to locate the
wearer. In yet another embodiment, the accessory item 50 includes
electronics equipped with wireless technologies such as the
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology that reacts to a control. In a
further embodiment, the accessory item 50 includes an altimeter, a
locator chip, a tracking device (e.g., GPS, telemetry), a computing
chip or microchip. Multiple accessory items 50 may be packaged and
sold as a series or a collection.
[0053] As shown by above-described embodiments having embedded
electronics, the accessory item 50 may have additional functions
besides being decorative and entertaining. Additional examples of
the accessory item 50 and/or parts of the band body 12 include:
[0054] timepiece, such as a clock or stopwatch; [0055] reminder
piece; [0056] laser piece: devices that generate laser: [0057]
foghorn piece; [0058] proximity piece: the piece reacts to other
pieces/games etc. based on distance in between; [0059] radio piece:
live radio broadcast; [0060] canvas piece: durable piece for
painting; [0061] compartment piece, e.g., scalable or lockable (key
or combination code activated) containers: for holding small items;
[0062] locking bands: can be linked to form "bike lock" style
device (e.g., unlocked by combination or key); [0063] temperature
piece: reports temperature or reacts to temperature change by
changing color; [0064] mood piece: changes color by reacting to
changes in body temperature; [0065] atmospheric piece: react to
humidity, air pressure, etc; [0066] detector piece: function as
indicators that react to certain chemicals; [0067] identity piece:
with names, address, etc; [0068] medical alert piece: displays
existing medical conditions to alert first responders; [0069] label
piece: label and display injuries, conditions, status, medications
of or for an unconscious patient, e.g., when in ambulance; [0070]
partial piece: each being a portion of a total image or idea where
multiple pieces can be reunited to form the complete concept;
[0071] whistle: e.g., dog whistle or human whistle.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4B, the inner side (or the back side) 54 of
the accessory item 50 is affixed with an anchoring means, e.g., a
hook-fastener piece 56, which would cooperate with the docking
means in the base article, e.g., the loop-fastener piece 24 and
24a-24e described above, to provide detachable and re-attachable
fastening. Other anchoring means that provides instant; reversible
fastening such as magnets, buttons, suction cups, weak glues, can
also be used in the present invention.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 5, a reconfigurable band 55 includes
the band body 12 with docking means, specifically in this
embodiment, multiple loop-fastener pieces 24a-24c and beyond (some
not visible in this view). A plurality of accessory items 50a-50e,
each with a hook-fastener backing (not shown), are attached to the
loop-fastener pieces. These accessory items 50 can serve a
decorative or entertainment purpose, and can be easily rearranged,
coordinated, removed, traded, replaced, or stored away at different
times such that the band 60 would have a different look to suit the
owner. For instance, a child can have multiple sets of charms to
put on the band 60, such that it can have different themes: sports,
nature, animals, occasions (e.g., birthdays), favorite cartoon
characters, and so on. In an embodiment, the reconfigurable band 55
is designed for animal, e.g., a pet, to wear. Examples include
animal leashes or collars that have accessory items on them with
inset repellant, reflectors, electronic doggy door opener, or
locators. In one embodiment, the accessory item has a location chip
or GPS beacon, or identification tag.
[0074] A wearable base article can embody other entertainment
purposes, for example, as a game board, the background for a story
or a theme or setting, e.g. a theatrical or artistic scene. FIGS.
6A-6C illustrate an example. In FIG. 6A, a wearable band 60 is
shown with an elongated band body 62 flanked by two ends 64 and 66.
The band body 62 unfurls into an overhang strip 61 attached to a
planar board 70 (FIG. 6C). There is a strip of hook-fastener piece
68 on one end 66 of the overhang strip 61, and a corresponding
loop-fastener piece (not shown) on the back of the other end 64.
The fastener pieces can be on the same side of the overhang strip
61 or opposite sides as is shown in FIG. 6C. The band body 62 is
made of flexible materials, such as a cloth or fabric, plastic, or
rubber, so that the band 60 can be wrapped around a substantially
cylindrical pan of a body for wearing. As shown in FIG. 6B, the
particular example shown can be wrapped twice around a person's
wrist before one end is fastened to the other through the
hook-and-loop fasteners or other fastening means. The fastener does
not necessarily have to be on the end, as long as it fastens one
pan of the board to another part such that it forms a loop, in
other words, such that it can be worn around a part of the
body.
[0075] The band body 62 can be unpacked, in this case, unfurled,
into a substantially planar piece of board 70 (FIG. 6C). The board
can be used as a variety of entertainment instruments. e.g., game
boards, background for puzzles, books, illustrations and other art
projects. The board 70 can be packed into a band or an otherwise
elongated body in a variety of ways, e.g., curled into a roll,
folded, or compressed together. The board may bear patterns and/or
images for a game to be played upon. In the example shown in FIG.
6C, the board 70 bears the pattern of a checker game board, which
is basically 8.times.8 squares or rectangles of alternating colors
(e.g., black and white). Other examples of the board 70 include but
are not limited to: tic-tac-toe, chess, checkers, go, goose, Oware,
memory games, counting games, spelling games, Sugoroku, backgammon,
Patolli, Daldos, and Sowing. The board 70 may also represent
miniature athletic fields, courts or rinks.
[0076] Accessory pieces of the invention described herein can be
attached, removed and reattached to the board 70 through a variety
of fastening means including Velcro fasteners. Accessory/game
pieces 72 (soccer balls) and 74 (baseballs) with hook-fasteners
(not shown) on the back, for example, can be used as entertainment
pieces, specifically game pieces, on the board 70. The board 70, in
one embodiment, is made of a fabric such that hook-fasteners can be
attached to it as the hooks grab onto the textured board surface.
In another embodiment, the board surface has one or more fastener
pieces (e.g., loop fastener pieces or magnets) for attaching
multiple game pieces. The hook-fasteners can also be easily removed
and reattached so that a player can move the game piece.
[0077] The board 70 may be played upon by itself or, as shown in
FIG. 6D, may have fastening means or mounts 63 thereon to attach to
another board in order to combine to form a larger game surface, on
their reverse or in different patterns. The board 70 can also be
attached to more rigid or stable "game frames." game albums,
collector sets or common items to make playing and storage easier.
Different individuals may each carry or wear a game board 70 rolled
up into a band 60, and combine or assemble them into a larger game
board. In one embodiment, the board 70 has different images or
patterns on two sides, for example, a checkerboard on one side and
a different game on the other. The image or pattern can be such
that it requires other images or patterns on other boards to
assemble into a functional piece, e.g., for a game.
[0078] Specifically, as a simple illustration and referring to FIG.
6D, each band 60 can have, on a first overhang strip 61a, a
mounting means 63a such as a strip of hook-fastener piece.
Similarly, on a second overhand strip 61b, there may be amounting
means 63b. e.g., also a strip of hook-fastener piece. A game board
70 spreads out between the two overhand strips. Those mounting
means 63a and 63b allow the band 60 to attach to a corresponding
mounting means at the back of a frame or another band, e.g., strips
of loop-fastener piece. As a result, multiple numbers of game
boards 70, e.g., four as shown in FIG. 6D, can be easily assembled
during travel, with or without a frame 71. Again, each board 70 may
have a different image or pattern on the reverse side. In some
embodiments, such image or pattern combines with those born on
other boards to form a functional piece for games when the images
are pieced together correctly.
[0079] The board 70 may have different wearable configurations.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, the board 70 is
stored in a separate sheath 80 that secures the board and the game
pieces in an inner compartment and attaches itself as a wearable
accessory with the help of fastening means 82 (e.g., Velcro). The
sheath 80 may have a closure means 83 such as a zipper or Velcro.
Some boards have additional fastening means or clasps 84 (e.g.,
loop fastener pieces) attached directly on them. These clasps 84
allow them to be stacked together or attached to the back of the
game board 70 so that they stay together when the board is taken
out for use. Accessory items described herein such as the
decorative and entertainment pieces may be attached to the clasps
84 when they are not attached to other clasps. The sheath 80 may be
a stand-alone instrument or part of a larger piece of clothing.
e.g., a jacket.
[0080] Examples of such wearable accessories include bracelets,
necklaces, headbands, belts, anklets, suspenders, hats, straps,
armbands, fringe, trim and/or combinations of such. Many would be
able to wear differently and could be used as the desired accessory
then changed or combined to be worn as another. Again, the size,
coloring, material, luminescence, smell, sound, embedded technology
and textures of the board 70 and attached accessory pieces can be
varied.
[0081] All or part of the items described herein as part of the
invention may be offered in packages with multiple items, with
either receiving pieces or docking objects or both, by theme,
color, variety, context, setting, sport, activity, animal taxonomy,
ecosystem, celestial relationships, abstract concept, fictional
creations or ideas or based upon varying themes. They may be sold
with or without supplemental material such as storage albums, game
boards or books that can receive and bind the objects for later use
or for use within the supplemental materials.
[0082] The instruments of the present invention may be used to as a
reward/punishment system to encourage certain behavior. In one
embodiment, certain instruments of the invention are supplied
exclusively to certain organizations, e.g., law enforcement,
educators, emergency services, and retirement homes, to establish
authority or trust with the instruments, and are not sold to the
general public.
[0083] In an embodiment, instruments of the present invention are
used to encourage certain behavior in a person. Such a person can
be a student, a child, a patient, or a member of an organization,
club or group. For example, a child can be provided with a wearable
base article of the invention, e.g. a wearable band described in
connection with FIGS. 1-3. The band has a fastening means such as a
loop-fastener piece on its outer surface. The person, upon his or
her action/behavior, is rewarded or punished by receiving or losing
one or more accessory item of the invention as reward or
accomplishment tokens. Such reward tokens can be, for example, the
accessory items described in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B. The
reward tokens, by virtue of its material (e.g., textured fabric) or
an associated fastener (e.g., a hook-fastener piece), can be
attached and removed from the wearable base article. A display of
the wearable base article indicates a status or accomplishment. The
reward tokens can be used as a currency to earn rewards or
privileges. A group of persons wearing such base articles will
encourage them to compete for the reward tokens and hence certain
behavior or achievement.
[0084] For example, a group of children can each be given to wear a
wristband of the invention. The teacher rewards a token (e.g., a
gold star) for certain good behavior like completing a particular
task or particular goal, e.g. solving a puzzle, so that the child
can place the token on his or her wristband as a badge of honor.
Optionally, after accumulating a number of (e.g., 5) such tokens,
the child is rewarded with a prize. If the child does not behave,
the teach may remove a token from the wristband as a punishment.
Similar academic-related reward tokens can be rewarded for good
academic performance. e.g., perfect attendance, completion of home
work, or making the honor roll. A similar award/punishment system
can also be set up in a penal system to encourage good behavior
among the incarcerated.
[0085] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the structures and methods disclosed
herein and as illustrated in the drawings, it is not confined to
the details set forth and this invention is intended to cover any
modifications and changes as may come within the scope and spirit
of the following claims.
* * * * *