WONDERBAND SYSTEMS

Abstract

An apparatus for efficiently securing and transporting multiple hand-held implements for individuals completing assorted projects. Wonderband is a small, stylish wristband or armband designed to hold necessary tools for makeup artists, hair stylists, painters, and the like. Through its comfortable design, this innovative product conveniently holds a wide variety of tools on a user's wrist or arm for quick and easy access. Wonderband may simply be strapped onto a user's wrist or arm like a watch, and one or more tools may be secured to the band by silicone rubber grips. Individuals in hair styling and makeup artistry fields, painters, or virtually anyone needing access to multiple tools while working will appreciate the convenience and accessibility that this product affords.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/446,525, filed Feb. 25, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of tool-securing armbands and more specifically relates to tool-securing armbands for securely storing and transporting various types of hand-held implements.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Many individuals in modern society use multiple hand-held implements when working to complete a project for either work or play. Hair stylists utilize various combs and scissors when styling a customer's hair. Similarly, makeup artists alternate makeup brushes depending on the area of the face being tended.

A person who passes leisure time as a painter employs brushes of varying size and shape to create different styles and textures in a painting. Each of these implements plays a vital role in completing an undertaken project. Easy access to these tools is important in maintaining a person's efficiency and good humor when working on a project. An individual's efficiency is affected not only by easy access of required implements, but also by the number of locations in which these implements are stored. A single storage space minimizes the time spent looking for a desired tool and maximizes a person's efficiency. Storing several implements in one area for easy access can be a challenge when workspace is limited. Holding several tools in hand while working often increases a person's frustration and causes tools to be fumbled and dropped.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. and Pub. Nos. 2011/0108589; 2003/0230606; 2006/0016841; 2004/0173484; 2006/0166720; 6,629,628; and D496,155. This prior art is representative of tool-securing armbands. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a tool-securing armband for securely storing and transporting various types of hand-held implements should be lightweight, versatile, user friendly and, yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable tool-securing armband system to increase efficiency of individuals utilizing multiple hand-held implements when completing projects and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known tool-securing armband art, the present invention provides novel Wonderband systems. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an efficient bodily-worn means of securing and transporting multiple hand-held implements.

Wonderband systems includes a small, stylish wristband or armband able to hold necessary tools for makeup artists, hair stylists, painters, and the like. Through its comfortable design, this innovative product conveniently holds a wide variety of tools on a user's wrist or arm for quick and easy access. With a multitude of implements held in the Wonderband systems, a user isn't interrupted to search their worktable each time a need arises to exchange tools. Wonderband systems may simply be strapped onto a user's wrist or arm like a watch. One or more tools may be secured to the band by silicone rubber grips.

A tool-securing armband for efficiently storing and transporting multiple hand-held implements is disclosed herein preferably comprising: a band having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of tool-grip-holders. The tool-grip-holders of the present invention are preferably affixed to the outer surface of the band while the inner band surface may be worn adjacent to the skin of a user. Though the band may be constructed as a single uninterrupted unit, the band of the present embodiment includes a first end and a second end capable of removably coupling one with the other. The first end comprises attachment means while the second end comprises a receiver for the attachment means. The attachment means in this case takes the form of a hook-and-loop fastener for the easy attachment and release of the first end and second end coupling.

Tool-grip-holders are designed to be used to retain the multiple implements employed by a user of the Wonderband systems. The tool-grip-holders may consist of silicone rubber grips with various sized grooves for holding different types of instruments. These grooves are formed of a cylindrically-shaped ring made up of an outer circumference and an inner circumference, where the inner circumference defines an inner volume that may be occupied by a hand-held tool such as a comb, scissors, brush, or writing instrument in a friction-fit manner.

A method of using the bodily-worn tool-securing armband for efficiently storing and transporting multiple hand-held implements is disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: attaching at least one tool-grip-holder to a band; securing the band around a wrist or an arm; inserting one or more implements in at least one of the tool-grip-holders located about the outer periphery of the band; removing a tool from its tool-grip-holder and using the implement; and finally re-inserting the tool in an empty tool-grip-holder. When the project is complete, the user may remove the Wonderband system and store it until its next use.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a tool-securing armband system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Wonderband system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views illustrating a tool-securing armband system for securing and transporting multiple hand-held implements in an in-use condition according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the tool-securing armband system with a plurality of tool-grip-holders molded together in a single unit for securing and transporting brushes according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the tool-securing armband system with cone-shaped-tip-holders and a sleeve-slit-holder in a single molded unit for securing and transporting styling utensils according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A-3E are perspective views illustrating sliding individual tool-grip-holders of the tool-securing armband system including: a small tool-grip-holder (FIG. 3A) in profile, a medium tool-grip-holder (FIG. 3B) in profile, a large tool-grip-holder (FIG. 3C) in profile, a cone-shaped-tip-holder (FIG. 3D) in profile, and an individual tool-grip-holder unit in plan view according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3F is a perspective view illustrating a band of the tool-securing armband system with an attacher and a receiver of a hook-and-loop design according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view illustrating the band of the tool-securing armband system with an attacher and a receiver of a frame-and-prong buckle design according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the tool-securing armband system with individual tool-grip-holder units such as a cone-shaped-tip-holder, a small tool-grip-holder, a medium tool-grip-holder, and a large tool-grip-holder according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A-3G.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the tool-securing armband system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-3G.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a tool-securing armband device and more particularly to Wonderband systems as used to improve the efficiency of storing and transporting multiple hand-held implements when completing projects.

Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, perspective views illustrating tool-securing armband system 100 for securing and transporting multiple hand-held implement(s) 105 in an in-use condition according to embodiments of the present invention.

Tool-securing armband system 100 preferably comprises: at least one band 110 made up of outer surface 112 and inner surface 111; and at least one tool-grip-holder 140, wherein tool-grip-holder 140 is attached to band 110 preferably extending from outer surface 112 while inner surface 111 is worn adjacent a skin surface of user-wearer 180. Within this particular embodiment, tool-securing armband system 100 may be worn by user-wearer 180 and is adapted to hold hand-held implement(s) 105 in tool-grip-holder(s) 140 such that user-wearer 180 may easily access hand-held implement(s) 105 during at least one wearing period.

Within the present embodiment, tool-securing armband system 100 may provide convenient access to styling utensil(s) 120, brush(es) 125, writing instrument(s) 126 and the like, via band 110 secured around the wrist or arm of user-wearer 180. Alternate versions of tool-securing armband system 100, however, may be attachable to other body members of a user-wearer 180, such as a leg or hip. Band 110 may support silicone rubber grip(s) 130, or tool-grip-holder(s) 140, into which user-wearer 180 may insert at least one hand-held implement 105 necessary to complete a project. The size, shape, and placement of the silicone rubber grip(s) 130 may vary depending on the use of band 110. For hair stylists, band 110 may support at least one sleeve-slit-holder 142 capable of retaining at least one comb 121 and at least one cone-shaped-tip-holder 141 capable of retaining at least one scissors 122. Sleeve-slit-holder 142 may comprise a rounded arch with a cutout in the center. In preferred embodiments, tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be raised from band 110 for easy gripping. One or more tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be affixed to a hair stylist band 110 for various other necessary tools. For makeup artists, tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be placed around band 110 to retain assorted brush(es) 125 of varying sizes. Tool-securing armband system 100 may be manufactured in a variety of colors and designs to suit user-wearer 180 preferences.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a perspective view illustrating tool-securing armband system 100 with a plurality of tool-grip-holder(s) 140 molded together in a single molded unit 150 for securing and transporting brush(es) 125 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Tool-securing armband system 100, in a preferred embodiment, may retain myriad types of hand-held implement(s) 105 such as writing instrument(s) 126, scissors 122, comb(s) 121, and brush(es) 125 (those for make-up application, painting, etc.). To accommodate these hand-held implement(s) 105, tool-grip-holder(s) 140 of the present invention are preferably manufactured in one of two forms: single molded unit(s) 150 or individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151. A plurality of tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be produced in single molded unit 150 in which at least one inner volume 164 is formed that may be capable of retaining at least one hand-held implement 105. Individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151 may be produced with only one inner volume 164, one cone-shaped-tip-holder 141, or one sleeve-slit-holder 142, making each individual tool-grip-holder unit 151 capable of being used by user-wearer 180 alone or in conjunction with other various tool-grip-holder(s) 140. User-wearer(s) 180 may slide at least one tool-grip-holder 140 onto band 110 to construct tool-securing armband system 100 customized to user-wearer 180 preferences. Alternately, at least one tool-grip-holder 140 may be permanently connected to outer surface 112 of band 110 during manufacture. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of connecting materials during manufacture as described herein, methods of material connecting/binding/joining will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a perspective view illustrating tool-securing armband system 100 with cone-shaped-tip-holder(s) 141 and sleeve-slit-holder 142 in a single molded unit 150 for securing and transporting styling utensil(s) 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Tool-securing armband system 100 of the present embodiment contains at least one sleeve-slit-holder 142 and at least one cone-shaped-tip-holder 141 for removably securing at least one comb 121 and at least one scissors 122, respectively. Sleeve-slit-holder 142 may preferably constitute an arch-shaped member profile raise-offset from outer surface 112 of band 110. In preferred embodiments, tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be formed of silicone rubber utilizing injection molding to create a desired shape and size. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other component arrangements such as, for example, plastic, foam, metal, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of molding or casting as described herein, methods of molding or casting will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3E, perspective views illustrating sliding individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151 of tool-securing armband system 100 including: small tool-grip-holder 143 (FIG. 3A) in profile, medium tool-grip-holder 144 (FIG. 3B) in profile, large tool-grip-holder 145 (FIG. 3C) in profile, cone-shaped-tip-holder 141 (FIG. 3D) in profile, and individual tool-grip-holder unit 151 in plan view according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In certain embodiments, tool-grip-holder(s) 140 may be comprised of at least one cylindrically-shaped ring 161 with outer circumference 162 and inner circumference 163. Inner circumference 163 defines inner volume 164 in which various hand-held implement(s) 105 may be secured in a friction-fit manner within the confines of inner volume 164 abutting inner circumference 163. Tool-securing armband system 100 may comprise tool-grip-holder(s) 140 with inner volume 164 of varying sizes. At least one (but allowing for combinations of) small tool-grip-holder 143, and/or medium tool-grip-holder 144, and/or large tool-grip-holder 145 may be assembled to securely retain hand-held implement(s) 105 of varying sizes and profiles. While cylindrically-shaped ring 161 and inner circumference 163 are circular in this embodiment, inner circumference 163 may be formed in any other shape conducive to securely retaining hand-held implement(s) 105 (rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

Tool-grip-holder 140 of the preferred embodiment, when in the form of individual tool-grip-holder unit 151, comprises at least one notch 160, preferably in the form of a rectangular void. In other embodiments, notch 160 may take the shape of an elliptical, circular, etc. void. Band 110 may be placed through notch 160 of at least one tool-grip-holder 140 in this embodiment, and tool-grip-holder 140 may be placed along band 110 at a desired location in conjunction to any other tool-grip-holder(s) 140 attached to band 110. In this way, tool-securing armband system 100 may be customized with the number, type, size, shape, color, etc. of tool-grip-holder(s) 140 user-wearer 180 chooses to attach to band 110.

Referring now to FIGS. 3F and 3G perspective views illustrating band 110 of tool-securing armband system 100 with attacher 170 and receiver 171 of hook-and-loop 175 design and that of a frame-and-prong buckle 174 design, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Tool-securing armband system 100 of the present embodiment preferably consists of band 110, which comprises at least one length of hook-and-loop fastener 175, nylon, leather, canvas, woven fabric or the like. Within this particular embodiment, band 110 may comprise first end 113 and second end 114 (as shown), and in other variations band 110 may comprise an uninterrupted loop design. First end 113 preferably comprises attacher 170 and second end 114 preferably comprises receiver 171. First end 113 and second end 114 may be removably coupleable to each other. In the present embodiment, first end 113 comprises hook(s) 172 and second end 114 comprises loop(s) 173, creating hook-and-loop fastener 175. In certain embodiments, frame-and-prong buckle 174 may be used as fastening means for first end 113 and second end 114. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening arrangements such as, for example, snaps, buttons, clasps, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating tool-securing armband system 100 with individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151 such as cone-shaped-tip-holder 141, small tool-grip holder 143, medium tool-grip-holder 144, and large tool-grip holder 145 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A-3G.

Individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151 of the present embodiment are preferably slide-mounted to band 110. This allows user-wearer 180 to arrange, securely attach, and easily detach each tool-grip holder 140 in order to achieve the most efficient arrangement to meet the needs of user-wearer 180. Though notch(es) 160 allow for the slide-mounting of individual tool-grip-holder unit(s) 151 in the preferred embodiment, other securing means may be employed. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other securing arrangements such as, for example, clips, snaps, etc., may be sufficient.

Tool-securing armband system 100 may be sold as kit 240 comprising the following parts: at least one band 110 at least one tool-grip-holder 140; and at least one set of user instructions. Tool-securing armband system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use 500 for tool-securing armband system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-3G.

A method of using (at least hereby enabling method of use 500) a tool-securing armband system 100 preferably comprising the steps of: step one 501 attaching at least one tool-grip-holder 140 to band 110; step two 502 securing band 110 about a wrist or arm of user-wearer 180; step three 503 inserting at least one hand-held implement 105 in at least one tool-grip-holder 140, tool-grip-holder 140 located about an outer periphery of band 110; and step four 504 removing, using, and re-inserting at least one hand-held-implement 105 while working on at least one project. Method of use 500 preferably further comprises the step of: step five 505 removing band 110.

It should be noted that steps 501 and 504 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A tool-securing armband system comprising:

a band having an outer surface and an inner surface;

a plurality of tool-grip-holders;

wherein said tool-grip-holders are affixed to said outer surface of said band;

wherein said inner surface of said band is worn adjacent a skin surface of a user-wearer; and

wherein said tool-securing armband system is worn by said user-wearer and said tool-securing armband system is adapted to hold tools in said tool-grip-holders such that said user-wearer is able to easily access said tools during at least one wearing period.

2. The tool-securing armband system of claim 1 wherein said band comprises a first end and a second end.

3. The tool-securing armband system of claim 2 wherein said first end comprises an attacher.

4. The tool-securing armband system of claim 3 wherein said second end comprises a receiver.

5. The tool-securing armband system of claim 4 wherein said first end and said second end are removably coupleable to each other.

6. The tool-securing armband system of claim 1 wherein said first end comprises hooks.

7. The tool-securing armband system of claim 1 wherein said second end comprises loops.

8. The tool-securing armband system of claim 1 wherein said holders comprise rubber grips.

9. The tool-securing armband system of claim 8 wherein said rubber grips comprise silicone.

10. The tool-securing armband system of claim 8 wherein said holders comprise notches.

11. The tool-securing armband system of claim 8 wherein said holders comprises cylindrically-shaped rings, said cylindrically-shaped rings having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, said inner circumference defining an inner volume.

12. The tool-securing armband system of claim 11 wherein said tools are friction-fit within confines of said inner volume abutting said inner circumference of said cylindrically-shaped ring(s).

13. The tool-securing armband system of claim 9 wherein said holders comprise a sleeve-slit-holder and cone-shaped-tip-holders for removably securing scissors and at least one comb, said comb removably insertable into said sleeve-slit-holder and said scissors removably held in place by said cone-shaped-tip-holders.

14. The tool-securing armband system of claim 12 wherein said tools comprise composing utensils including brushes and writing instruments.

15. The tool-securing armband system of claim 13 wherein said tools comprise make-up applicators.

16. The tool-securing armband system of claim 1 wherein said holders comprise different sized retainers such that said tools of different sizes and profiles may be securely held.

17. The tool-securing armband system of claim 13 wherein said sleeve-slit-holder comprises an arch-shaped profile raise-offset from said outer surface of said band.

18. A tool-securing armband system comprising:

a band having an outer surface and an inner surface;

a plurality of tool-grip-holders;

wherein said tool-grip-holders are affixed to said outer surface of said band;

wherein said inner surface of said band is worn adjacent a skin surface of a user-wearer;

wherein said band comprises a first end and a second end;

wherein said first end comprises an attacher;

wherein said second end comprises a receiver;

wherein said first end and said second end are removably coupleable to each other;

wherein said first end comprises hooks;

wherein said second end comprises loops;

wherein said holders comprise rubber grips;

wherein said rubber grips comprise silicone;

wherein said holders comprises cylindrically-shaped rings, said cylindrically-shaped rings having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, said inner circumference defining an inner volume;

wherein said tools are friction-fit within confines of said inner volume abutting said inner circumference of said cylindrically-shaped ring(s);

wherein said tools comprise composing utensils including brushes and writing instruments; and

wherein said tool-securing armband system is worn by said user-wearer and said tool-securing armband system is adapted to hold tools in said tool-grip-holders such that said user-wearer is able to easily access said tools during at least one wearing period.

19. A method of using a tool-securing armband comprising the steps of:

attaching at least one tool-grip-holder to a band;

securing said band about a wrist of a user-wearer;

inserting a plurality of tools in tool-grip-holders, said tool-grip-holders located about an outer periphery of said band; and

removing, using and re-inserting said tools during a perform of at least one project.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of removing said band.