U.S. patent application number 13/934528 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for dual function bracelet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronald H. Koeppel. Invention is credited to Ronald H. Koeppel.
Application Number | 20130291586 13/934528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47360526 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koeppel; Ronald H. |
November 7, 2013 |
DUAL FUNCTION BRACELET
Abstract
A dual function bracelet is formed of a first layer of a
resilient flexible material shaped with a width-wise arc; and a set
of first tick marks disposed on a bottom surface, the first tick
marks being spaced and indicative of standard length increments.
The first layer presents a linear orientation in an extended
configuration, and presents a coiled orientation when in a wearable
configuration initiated by deforming the width-wise arc. The dual
function bracelet is dimensioned to encircle a wearer's wrist in
the wearable configuration, providing a decorative function.
Additionally, the dual function bracelet presents a ruler in the
extended configuration, allowing the dual function bracelet to
function as a measurement device.
Inventors: |
Koeppel; Ronald H.;
(Brookville, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Koeppel; Ronald H. |
Brookville |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47360526 |
Appl. No.: |
13/934528 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13165291 |
Jun 21, 2011 |
|
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13934528 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0084 20130101;
A44C 5/0015 20130101; A44C 5/0053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.13 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A dual function bracelet comprising: a first layer formed of a
resilient flexible material shaped with a width-wise arc; and a set
of first tick marks disposed on a bottom surface, the first tick
marks being spaced and indicative of standard length increments;
wherein the first layer presents a linear orientation in an
extended configuration, and presents a coiled orientation when in a
wearable configuration initiated by deforming the width-wise
arc.
2. The dual function bracelet as in claim 1, wherein the bottom
surface is defined by a convex side formed by the width-wise arc,
and a top surface is defined by a concave side formed by the
width-wise arc.
3. The dual function bracelet as in claim 2, wherein the first
layer is formed of a metal.
4. The dual function bracelet as in claim 3, wherein the top
surface is a surface of a second layer formed of a material
selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather, silicone,
and plastic, the second layer having a decorative appearance.
5. The dual function bracelet as in claim 4, wherein the bottom
surface is a third layer, the third layer being formed of a
material selected from the group consisting of fabric, leather,
silicone, and plastic.
6. The dual function bracelet as in claim 4, wherein the decorative
appearance consists of one or more of ornamental designs, logos,
words, phrases, and colors.
7. The dual function bracelet as in claim 2, wherein the first
layer is formed of a plastic material.
8. The dual function bracelet as in claim 7, wherein the bottom
surface is a surface of the first layer.
9. The dual function bracelet as in claim 1, wherein the set of
first tick marks define a ruler in inches.
10. The dual function bracelet as in claim 9, further comprising a
set of second tick marks disposed on the bottom surface at an
opposing side to the set of first tick marks, the second tick marks
being spaced and indicative of standard length increments, and
defining a ruler in centimeters.
11. The dual function bracelet as in claim 1, wherein the set of
first tick marks define a ruler in centimeters.
12. The dual function bracelet as in claim 2, wherein the first
layer is formed of a silicone material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/165,291, filed Jun. 21, 2011, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to wearable
accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
bracelet capable of functioning as a ruler.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Easy access to a ruler or other measuring device is
desirable in many orientations of modern life, whether as part of a
professional set of tools or for purposes of education, as in the
case of students. However, a ruler is generally a cumbersome device
to carry on one's person at all times. Consequently, when a
measurement needs to be made, time is required to locate and
retrieve a ruler.
[0004] A need thus exists for a device which conveniently allows a
ruler to be carried at all times.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present invention is providing a wearable
accessory, such as a bracelet, on which a ruler is provided.
[0006] The dual function bracelet of the present invention is
formed of a first layer of a resilient flexible material shaped
with a width-wise arc; and a set of first tick marks disposed on a
bottom surface of the bracelet, the first tick marks being spaced
and indicative of standard length increments. The first layer
presents a linear orientation in an extended configuration, and
presents a coiled orientation when in a wearable configuration
initiated by deforming the width-wise arc. The dual function
bracelet is dimensioned to encircle a wearer's wrist in the
wearable configuration, providing a decorative function on the top
surface of the bracelet. Additionally, the dual function bracelet
presents a ruler in the extended configuration, allowing the dual
function bracelet to function as a measurement device.
[0007] The bottom surface of the bracelet is defined by a convex
side formed by the width-wise arc, and the top surface of the
bracelet is defined by a concave side formed by the width-wise arc.
The set of first tick marks define a ruler, which is marked off in
unit of length, such as in the imperial system, for example,
inches, or in the metric system, such as millimeters and/or
centimeters.
[0008] In an embodiment, the top surface of the bracelet is a
surface of a second layer formed of a material selected from the
group normally used in slap bracelets, such as fabric, leather,
plastic, silicone and the like, the second layer having a
decorative appearance. The bottom surface of the bracelet, in
another embodiment, is a surface of a third layer formed of a
material normally used in a slap bracelet, such as fabric, leather,
plastic, silicone and the like. In another embodiment, the top
surface of the bracelet is a surface of a second layer formed of a
material selected from the group normally used in slap bracelets,
such as fabric, leather, plastic, silicone and the like, the second
layer having a decorative appearance, and the bottom surface of the
bracelet, in another embodiment, is a surface of a third layer
formed of a material normally used in a slap bracelet, such as
fabric, leather, plastic, silicone and the like.
[0009] In an alternate embodiment, the bottom surface is a surface
of the first layer.
[0010] In an alternative embodiment, a set of second tick marks
disposed on the bottom surface at an opposing side to the set of
first tick marks are also provided. The second tick marks are
spaced and indicative of standard length increments, and define a
ruler in a different standard in length relative to the first set
of tick marks. For example, the first set of tick marks may be in
the Imperial system, such as inches, while the second set of tick
marks, may be in the metric system, such as millimeters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features, orientations, and advantages of
the present invention will become better understood with regard to
the following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a decorative top surface of an embodiment
of the present invention in an extended configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an obverse surface of the embodiment of
the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment
of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 1 in a wearable configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail below, with reference made to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4.
Structures and features of the embodiment that are identical in the
figures are identified by identical reference numerals throughout
the figures.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 102 of the dual function
bracelet 100 of the present invention is provided with a graphic or
other ornamental design 104. The top surface 102 and the ornamental
design 104 will be visibly displayed when the dual function
bracelet is in the coiled wearable configuration shown in FIG. 4.
Alternatively, the top surface 102 may be provided with words,
logos, or left blank.
[0018] The obverse surface 202, shown in FIG. 2, includes imperial
tick marks 204 that are spaced to correspond to standard
measurement increments in imperial (i.e., inches), metric or other
standard units of linear measurement. The tick marks 204 may be
spaced at any commonly used division such as 1/4, 1/8 or 1/16 of an
inch. Additionally, a subset of the tick marks 204 may be varied in
length and or thickness to correspond to the various divisions.
Moreover, a numeral 208 may be placed adjacent to one or more tick
marks to indicate a whole increment of the unit of measurement,
such as an inch or a centimeter or the like.
[0019] Alternative to, or in combination with the tick marks 204
incremented in, for example, imperial units, a second set of tick
marks 206 may be provided incremented in a second unit of linear
measurement, such as metric units. The metric tick marks 206 are
preferably disposed opposite to the imperial tick marks 204. Each
set of tick marks 204 and 206 are identified with a corresponding
unit symbol, for example "In." for inch and "cm." for centimeter.
As with the imperial tick marks 204, the metric tick marks 206 are
spaced to correspond to standard metric measurement increments,
most preferably in one millimeter increments. Each full centimeter
increment may be identified by a corresponding numeral 210, as
well.
[0020] In the extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2, the dual function bracelet 100 takes on a linear orientation. In
an embodiment, the dual function bracelet 100 is dimensioned to
accommodate a ruler having a length of 12 inches. In the
embodiment, the dual function bracelet 100 would be 12.5 inches in
length, for example. However, the present invention contemplates
other lengths as well. For example, in the case where the metric
system of measurement is used or preferred, the ruler may have a
length of 30 cm and the dual function bracelet 100 may be 31 cm in
length. As a further example, the dual function bracelet 100 may
have a length of 6.5 inches and accommodate a ruler of 6 inches.
The width of the dual function bracelet may be appropriately
selected from the range of 1 inch to 2 inches or any other width
customarily used for slap bracelets.
[0021] An additional consideration for determining the range of
lengths of the dual function bracelet 100 appropriate for the
present invention is the circumference of a wearer's wrist. In the
case where the dual function bracelet 100 is intended for
school-aged wearers between the ages of, for example, 6 through 14,
the dual function bracelet 100 may be shorter in length than in a
case where the intended wearer may be an adult. The dual function
bracelet 100 should in all cases be dimensioned to comfortably fit
around an intended wearer's wrist when in the wearable
configuration shown in FIG. 4. However, as noted above, an
embodiment of the present invention is a 12 inch ruler, as this is
a standardized length of ruler used in the United States.
[0022] FIG. 3 presents a cross-sectional, cut-away view of the dual
function bracelet 100 of the present invention. In an embodiment of
the present invention, the dual function bracelet 100 is
constructed of a first layer 302 formed of a resilient flexible
metal. As understood in the art, a resilient flexible metal is a
metal or metal alloy that is bendable but will return to its
original form once a bending force is removed. The first layer 302
is sandwiched between a second layer 306 and a third layer 304
formed of fabric, plastic, leather, silicone or other materials
having similar properties, namely, thin, non-allergenic and
flexible, normally found in slap bracelets. The second layer 306
and the third layer 304 may or may not be formed of the same
materials.
[0023] The dual function bracelet 100 is formed into a width-wise
arc, as shown in FIG. 3. A convex side of the width-wise arc
defines the bottom surface of the dual function bracelet, and the
top surface is defined by a concave side of the width-wise arc in
the extended configuration. The width-wise arc is maintained by the
first layer 302 when the dual function bracelet 100 is in the
extended configuration. However, deforming the width-wise arc by
pressing down on the crown of the width-wise arc, indicated by
arrow 310, causes the dual function bracelet 100 to transition from
the extended configuration to the wearable configuration.
[0024] The deformation of the width-wise arc can be initiated by,
for example, slapping the width-wise arc in the extended
configuration against the wearer's wrist 402 with a light force,
such that the bottom surface 202 of the dual function bracelet 100
comes in contact with the wearer's wrist 402. Such an action will
cause the dual function bracelet 100 to coil around the wearer's
wrist 402, as shown in FIG. 4, with the top surface 102 facing
outward.
[0025] Alternative construction of the dual function bracelet 100
of the present invention is also contemplated by the present
disclosure. For example, the first layer 302 may be formed of a
resilient flexible plastic or silicone. In the case where the first
layer 302 is a plastic material, the second layer 306 and third
layer 304 may not be necessary.
[0026] The second layer 306 and the third layer 304 are optional.
In an embodiment, the bracelet may have the second layer 304, but
not the third layer. In another embodiment, the bracelet may have
the third layer 304, but not the second layer 306. In another
embodiment, the bracelet may have both layers. The purpose of the
second layer 306 and the third layer 304 are primarily to protect
the wearer against abrasion resulting from contact between the
first layer 302, which may have sharp or hard edges, and the
wearer's skin. This is primarily a concern when the first layer 302
is metal. Additionally, the second layer 306 is selected to provide
suitable surface for printing and/or embossing decorative designs
on the second layer 306 and the third layer 304 is selected to
provide suitable surface for ruler tick marks on the third layer
304. If the first layer 302 satisfies the conditions outlined above
for the second layer 306 and the third layer 304, the ensuing
embodiment of the present invention may forego the second layer 306
and the third layer 304 altogether, having the decorative design
and the ruler tick marks instead formed on the top and bottom
surfaces of the first layer 302.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the dual function bracelet may
be formed with one or more holes, indentations, projections,
etchings, or ajoure. However, in all cases the type and extent of
the ornamentations formed on the dual function bracelet of the
present invention is limited by the need for the dual function
bracelet to be usable as a ruler when in an extended configuration
and wearable about a wear's wrist when in a coiled
configuration.
[0028] As used hereinabove, the term layer is not intended to be
limited to a singular layer, but rather may include structures
where multiple layers are combined to function as the described
layer. Thus, the first layer, as described above, may be formed
from a single layer or may be a combination of layers used to
provide the structural shape and behavior of the dual function
bracelet. The second and third layers may be individual layers or
may be multiple layers that combine to perform the intended
function of protecting the first layer from damage resulting from
normal wear, imparting comfort to the wearer, and providing a
surface for forming the ornamental designs and the ruler tick
marks, respectively.
[0029] Additionally, the present invention is not limited to these
three layers. Additional layers may be applied, such as a clear
protective film covering the surface of the second and/or third
layers in order to protect the ornamental designs and tick marks
from wear.
[0030] The described embodiments of the present invention are
intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not
intended to represent every embodiment of the present invention.
Various modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the
following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in
law.
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