DUAL FUNCTION BRACELET
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.
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 DISCLOSUREEasy 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.
A need thus exists for a device which conveniently allows a ruler to be carried at all times.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREAn object of the present invention is providing a wearable accessory, such as a bracelet, on which a ruler is provided.
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.
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.
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.
In an alternate embodiment, the bottom surface is a surface of the first layer.
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.
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:
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference made to
As shown in
The obverse surface 202, shown in
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.
In the extended configuration, as shown in
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
The dual function bracelet 100 is formed into a width-wise arc, as shown in
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2011
Publication Date: Dec 27, 2012
Inventor: Ronald H. Koeppel (Brookville, NY)
Application Number: 13/165,291
International Classification: A44C 5/12 (20060101);