Wristband Sanitizer Dispenser

A refillable portable storage container, which can be filled with sanitizing gel or liquid, which can then be attached to a smart phone or smart phone case or a wristband, which when used, emits sanitizing gel or liquid.

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Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority as the non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. 62/992,977 filed on Mar. 21, 2020 titled “Portable Mechanism for Storing Hand Sanitizer”, as the non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. 63/036,054 filed on Jun. 8, 2020 titled “Portable Mechanism for Storing Hand Sanitizer Mediums”, as the non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. 63/131,057 filed on Dec. 27, 2020, as the non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. 63/027,298 filed on May 19, 2020 titled “Portable Mechanism for Storing Hand Sanitizer Mediums”, and as a continuation of U.S. Design Application Ser. No. 29/773,170 filed on Mar. 8, 2021 titled “Wristband Sanitizer Dispenser”. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to storage containers, and more particularly to a portable container which is capable of storing hand sanitizing gel or hand sanitizing liquid that can be detachably secured to a smartphone, a water bottle, a bracelet, one's person, one's belt or one's keys, which allows for easy and accessible distribution of the liquid or gel to one's hands or person.

BACKGROUND

During our everyday life, our hands become dirty and are exposed to germs and viruses due to constant contact with others and surfaces of all types, shapes, forms, and textures. We touch doorknobs, hard surfaces, bathroom sinks, toilets, smart phones, keys, touch screens, etc., which are all a mecca for germs, bacteria, and viruses. Then we constantly shake hands and hug one another. A well, we are constantly close to one another on the bus, plane, or when waiting in line at the bank. In short, because of our daily human habits, our interactions and our close proximity to one another—especially during cold and flu season—the spread of illness, germs and viruses is rampant.

The common solution is to wash one's hands as much as possible, but in reality most do not have immediate access to sinks, soap or bathrooms. Another, often suggested solution, is for people to use hand sanitizer, which are the combination of gel and alcohol, which kills germs, bacteria and viruses. This can help, but in reality, these are not always available and only a small portion of the population carries portable hand sanitizer containers.

Or in a situation where one does have a portable hand sanitizer in their purse or pocket, if they shake someone's hand, and then use the sanitizer, it could be deemed as rude, implying the other person is infectious or has germs.

Further at a party or social gathering where food is present, humans shake many hands and each and drink quite vigorously throughout the duration of the party. To use hand sanitizer every few minutes, implies a negative social connotation toward the user and is therefore avoided, which promotes the passing of germs.

To add, at a fast food restaurant, a person orders food, goes to the bathroom to wash his hands, and then sits down to wait for his food. As he's waiting he takes out his smart phone and uses it. With his recently cleaned hands, he is now touching the dirtiest, most germ ridden item on his person, thus defeating the purpose of having washed his hands.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a small portable container with an opening to hold hand sanitizer liquid or gel. The container attaches to one's smart phone, or wrist to allow for a more accessible use of a hand sanitizer. When the container is filled, it can emit the gel or liquid to one's hand or surface through an opening situated on container.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a case or holding mechanism, which can hold portable and disposable capsules or pods, pre-filled with hand sanitizer gel or liquid, which can be added and removed to the phone case.

It is also an object of the present invention to have a container filled with hand sanitizer to magnetically attach to any smart phone by means of a magnetic charge.

It is also an object of the present invention to have a container wrap around the back of a smart phone or tablet, which emits hand sanitizer liquid or gel.

It is also an object of the present invention to have a pod or container, which has a door that opens via a hinge mechanism, that allows the container to open and be filled with sanitizer and then which allows the hand sanitizer gel or liquid to be dispensed through a pump built into this door.

It is also an object of the present invention to have a promotional wristband that houses a container filled with liquid or gel hand sanitizer.

It is yet another object of the present invention provide a system of interchangeable cases filled with hand sanitizer or any liquid that can easily attach or detach from a variety of accessories including a watch, a band, or a smart phone.

To these ends, the present invention is directed to a container, which holds hand sanitizer gel or liquid, which has an opening to allow for the container to be filled with hand sanitizer and an opening to allow the hand sanitizer to be emitted from the container, all while being separably detached to a smart phone, a smart phone case, or a wristband.

Additional aspects, alternatives and variations as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are also disclosed herein and are specifically contemplated as included as part of the invention. The invention is set forth only in the claims as allowed by the patent office in this or related applications, and the following summary descriptions of certain examples are not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating example aspects of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views and/or embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. It will be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the figures to assist in more clearly describing the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a container that is constructed to be attached to a smart phone or phone case.

FIG. 2 illustrates the container of FIG. 1 attached to a smart phone.

FIG. 3 illustrates structures used to allow for the re-fill of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the container shown in FIG. 1, dispensing sanitizer.

FIG. 5 illustrates a phone case with an integrated container that carries sanitizer.

FIG. 6. Illustrates a container that is constructed to be attached to a smart phone or phone case.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wallet attached to a smart phone, the wallet further including a container that holds sanitizer.

FIG. 8 illustrates a container that is constructed to be attached to a smart phone or phone case.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wristband or bracelet with a removable container that holds sanitizer.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wristband or bracelet with a removable container that holds sanitizer.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wristband or bracelet of FIG. 10 with the container being inserted therein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wristband or bracelet with the container removed.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of the wristband or bracelet of FIG. 12 with the container being inserted therein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of a wristband or bracelet that uses pins to secure the bands.

FIG. 15 illustrates the insertion of a container into a holding case, that is then mounted to a smart phone.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a smart phone and wallet combination where the container is inserted into the holding case and then mounted to the smart phone.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view a wristband sanitizer dispenser with a removable container inserted therein.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 22 is a right-side view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view thereof, illustrating the profile of the interior cavity.

FIG. 24 is a front view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a wristband sanitizer dispenser with the container removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the present invention, including any best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described or illustrated embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, process operations well known to persons of skill in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the present invention. Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple mechanisms unless noted otherwise. Similarly, various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order indicated, or performed at all in certain embodiments. Accordingly, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown or described. Further, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe a connection, relationship or communication between two or more entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities or processes may reside or occur between any two entities. Consequently, an indicated connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6 a first embodiment of the present invention as it is used when attached to a smartphone. Empty container or case 7 is a soft and flexible or semi-rigid bladder, which has exit and entry points, 15, 9, and 5 with opening 9. Opening 9 is opened by zip seal 11, which moves along track 10. Opening or exit point 5 is an opening, which will be used emit sanitizing gel from case 7. Container 7 may also be made of hard plastic, rubber, polypropylene or semi-rigid plastic. Opening 15 is capped by cap 3, which is attached to case 7 by band 1. Cap 3 and opening 15, are the entry points for the hand sanitizer to be inserted into case 7 from another source.

Layer 13 is situated on the back of container 7 by an adhesive which, when in use, the user peels layer 13 completely off of case 7 exposing the adhesive layer, and sticks case 7 to the back of smart phone 17 as seen in FIG. 2. Container 7 can be applied to any area on the back of smart phone 17. It is also possible that smart phone 17 has a protective case or cover in which container 7 would be attached to. Container 7 may also be attached to any hard surface, computer tablet, desk top computer, lap top computer, steering wheel of a car, a car's dashboard, one's desk, ones flashlight, one's water bottle or any other accessory or surface where the user desires to adhere it to.

Rather than having an adhesive side, case 7 may also house a hooking means, a clipping means, a button snap or snaps, a magnet, or a key ring, so that it can hook on to one's belt, waistband of pants, pocket, shirt pocket, or keys.

It is also possible that the adhesive on the back of container 7 may be semi-sticky and reusable so that it can be freely applied to and easily removed from any hard surface. In use, the user could remove it from his smart phone and then attach it to his lap top computer.

Furthermore, it is also possible that case 7 may have material containing a system of hook or loop fasteners secured to the back of it, which would then allow it to be separably attached to the smart phone, but also to any other surface with connecting hook or loop fasteners. In practice, the user could remove it from the smart phone and attach it to their water bottle.

FIG. 3 shows the invention in use where the user takes bottle 16, which is filled with hand sanitizing gel and inserts nozzle 18 into now open entry point 15 and pumps gel 21 into container 7 until container 7 is filled with gel, and then puts cap 3 back over entry point 15. Alternately, opening 9, with zipper track 10 and zipper 11, when opened, may be used to receive nozzle 18 and gel 21.

In use, as seen in FIG. 4, the user takes his finger and presses flexible or semi-rigid container 7, to emit gel 21a through exit point or opening 5, typically into the users other hand (not shown). The gel is then rubbed between both hands, thus cleaning them while killing bacteria, germs, and viruses. Opening 5 is constructed in a way, so that gel 21a can only leave container 7 but never re-enter though opening 5. When untouched or no pressure is applied, this opening remains sealed or closed. When pressure from one's finger is applied to container 7, it opens and emits the sanitizing gel.

Opening 5 may also have a cap or cover or sliding door like mechanism placed over it, so that gel 21a only gets released when this cap, cover, or door is open, exposing opening 5.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention where phone case 24 is attached to smart phone 17a at the top portion of smart phone 17a. Case 24 consists of case portion 25a with opening 22 and the side case 27a, which is attached to case portion 25b by means of metal or plastic rods 33. Ridged case portion 25b houses semi-rigid container 7a, which is similar in nature to container 7 as seen in FIGS. 1-4. Here container 7a also houses point 5a, cap 3a, entry point 15a, band 1a and door 29, which is embedded into case 7a via seal 31. Door 29 can be popped or peeled open via seal 31, to allow the user to pump or distribute sanitizer into container 7a as is seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. When case 7a is pressed, sanitizing gel emits from point 5a onto the user's hand.

Case 25b also has side case 27b, which is meant to, in conjunction with case side 27a, hold case 24 onto smart phone 17a, as seen at the bottom of FIG. 5. In use, the user takes case portions 25a and 25b spreads them apart via rods 33, which has built-in tension by a series of springs or bands built within case portion 25, and wraps case 24 over smart phone 17a. The built in tension between 25a and 25b allows for a snug fit of case 24 around 17a. Side case 27 houses foam or rubber pad 27c, just as side case 27b houses foam or rubber pad 27d, to allow for a snug fit around smart phone 17a.

Gap 35 shows how rods 33 are now embedded into case portion 25b, again by the built in tension of the spring loaded mechanism within case portion 25b. A similar embodiment would allow case 24 to be wrapped around smart phone 17a in the middle of 17a or at the bottom of 17a. It is also possible that case portion 25b and 25a attached together with no gap separating them, or that they are connected together by any other adjustable means such as a wheel that is tightened or loosened, a screwing mechanism, a magnet, a lever, snap adjustments or the like, with the ultimate goal being to secure a snug fit for case 24 onto smart phone 17a or any sized smart phone. It is also possible that case 24 may be a full sized smart phone case or cover, which fully and completely surrounds the entirety of the smart phone. It is also possible that case 7a can filled with liquid and be released through a spray nozzle on to one's hands as will be seen and explained in FIG. 11 of this application.

FIG. 6 shows a similar embodiment to FIGS. 1 and 2, but here the shapes of case 7b and 7c are elongated and circular in nature when attached to smart phone 17b. Case 7c is wrapped around collapsible knob 37, which a user, uses to hold his phone. This is a product commonly known on the market as PopSockets™.

It's typical to have a wallet wrapped around a smart phone or attached to the back of a smart phone, where the user would store his money and credit cards. In FIG. 7 a wallet 246 is attached to the back of smart phone 242. Wallet 246 may also fully encase smart phone 242, by wrapping around it. Pockets 244 show where credit cards or money may be stored. At the bottom of case 246 we see that case 7r is embedded or built into wallet 246 or it may be separably detachable to wallet 246 via any connecting means such as—magnets, hook and loop fasters, clips, button snaps. Etc. Case 7r houses case cavity 248, which is exposed when door 252 is opened by arrows 250. In use the user fills cavity 248 up with sanitizing gel and pumps it out of case 7r, via means of pump 254. It is also possible that case 7r may be attached to or embedded into the folds or pockets of a typical wallet that folds in half.

FIG. 8 shows a similar embodiment to FIG. 1, but here container 7x, houses pump 347 and exit spout 353, which also has rod 351 extending to the bottom of container 7x. Container 7x is either filled with hand sanitizing gel or liquid sanitizer. Pod 7x attaches to any hard surface, tablet, computer, smartphone, gaming controller, desk, or smart phone case by removing cover 355 which exposes and adhesive on the back of container 7x. Latches or covers 359 and 357 can be removed so that the user can refill container 7x with either hand sanitizing gel or liquid hand sanitizer. Pump 347 and bottom portion pump 349 can also be removed from container 7x so that container 7x can be refilled.

FIG. 9 shows a flexible bracelet 206 with housing area 203, which houses semi rigid pod 7n by means of arrows 201. Case 7n also has selective opening 205, which allows for gel to be poured in and then exited through exit point 207 by squeezing case 7n. 7n may also be disposable or made of a rigid plastic, which would also house a spray nozzle used to expel liquid sanitizer.

FIG. 11 shows a rubber, plastic or silicone promotional band 380 which houses top band portion 360 and holes 363, bottom band portion 362 and notches 365. Towards the middle of band 380 we see sidewalls 367 and 368, strip 380a as well backing wall 371. Backing wall 371 may also not be present a situation in which an opening or hole would be present.

Container 7y houses cap 375 with lid 377. Container 375 may be filled with liquid sanitizer or sanitizing gel. Cap 375 may be substituted for a spraying mechanism or a pump. In use the wearer would wrap band 360 and 362 around his wrist connecting holes 363 with notches 365.

Walls 367 and 368 may act as a canyon or concave encasement to receive container 7y, when 7y is inserted into case 380 via means of directional arrows 372. Cavity 369 is also a canyon, hollow, or concave like area, which will house cap 375 and lid 377, allowing it to protrude slightly upward, as we see in FIG. 41.

FIG. 10 shows container 7y encapsulated by sidewalls 367 and 368. Walls 367 and 368 and backing 371 are flexible in nature form a cocoon like encasement around container 7y. It is also shown that cap 375 and lid 377 are tucked under lip or strip 380a, which further holds container 7y in place. Container 7y may be constructed of rigid plastic, semi-rigid plastic, flexible plastic or silicone. It is also possible that band 380 may fully encapsulate or cover container 7y. Container 7y may have any name, company logo, symbol or picture printed on it so that is shows through the opening of band 380 to onlookers, thus making this an item that is user for promotional purposes.

In use, the user takes container 7y, tucks cap 375 under strip 380a, then presses container 7y into band 380 by gently forcing side walls 367 and 368 to pry apart or to bend open. Then, once the container 7y is firmly in place, walls 367 and 368 will wrap back around container 7y holding it in place. The user would then flip open lid 377 of cap 375 with his hand and then press container 7y so that liquid gel 382 pours out of cap 375 onto his finger or hands. It is also possible that a pumping mechanism to disperse liquid into a mist or into a foam maybe be used here instead of the cap and gel partnership.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, but in more detail and with some enhanced features. In FIG. 12 we see band 430 with band extensions 431 and 433. Extension 433 houses knobs 444, which plug into holes 446 to secure the full band around one's wrist. Opening 432 is an open cavity which leads to channel 438, which is surrounded by edges 440, 442, 436, and 441 and the top layer of the channel 434. Channel 438 is covered by top portion 434, but it is hollow beneath 434, and it is an open connection to cavity 432. Channel 438 is surrounded by sidewalls 454 and 455. Here channel 438 has sharp defining angels and walls, but it may also be cylindrical or tube like in nature. The Channel 438 is also meant to house nozzle 452, as well it provides a channel or canyon for the sanitizer to rest or remain in, once the user squeezes it from the bottle. At the end of channel 438, there may also be a bowl like indenture to house the sanitizer.

FIG. 13. shows cross section 448 of FIG. 12. Here we see bottle 450 with its cap 452 and lid 454, which is plugged into, or inserted into cavity 432, by means of arrows 436. Cap 452 slides through hole or channel 434, where it will rest in channel 438. Band 430 has top layer 458 and bottom layer 456 which will help secure bottle 450 into cavity 432. The user may refill bottle 450 by removing it from cavity 432, and placing it up to the nozzle of a bigger container with a pump filled with sanitizer, or he can keep the bottle secured into cavity 432 and directly hold the wristband (wearing it or not) up to the refill container. It is also possible that the user may fill up bottle 450 with honey, so that it can be consumed to gain energy.

Protruding out of the bottom of band extension 431 we see notch 430, which is created by peak 450 and troughs 452. Here the same pattern is repeated twice, but it may be repeated more times on this extension as well as extension 433. These notches allow for the cavity 432 and the entire band to bend comfortably around one's wrist without feeling too bulky. When the user connects notches 444 to holes 446, the notches collapse on to each other, allowing for the band to easily contour to the shape of one's wrist.

FIGS. 17-25 illustrate a flexible wristband 1000 similar to that describe with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The wristband 1000 include a band 1005 with a first end 1010 and a second end 1015, wherein the first end 1010 is constructed to detachably attach to the second end 1015. A cavity 1020 is formed in the band 1005 between the first end 1010 and the second end 1015. The cavity 1020 is defined by a sidewall 1025 which has a notch, port or a hole 1030. A container 1035 includes a cap or a nozzle 1040 (FIG. 19). The container 1035 is constructed to lodge in the cavity 1020, and when so lodged, the cap or nozzle 1040 extends through the notch 1030, allowing the user to access the sanitizer.

FIG. 14 shows a similar embodiment in FIGS. 12 and 13, but here we see main band 472 connected to extended bands 480 and 482. Extended band 480 is connected to the main band 472 by a pin 476a. Line 478a shows where 480 is inserted into main band 472, and where pin 476a holds the two pieces together. We also see the same connecting means where band 482 is connected to main band 472, by means of lines 478b and pin 476b. Dotted lines 474a and 474b are etched into the external surface of the band to show the user where to cut if desired. In use the user may purchase this item and wear it around his wrist. He may also choose to attach the band to his smart phone, but taking a scissor and cutting along etched lines 474a and 474b or by separating extended bands 480 and 482 from the main band 472. We also see adhesive layer 486 situated to the bottom of main band 472, with a top cover later 488. In use he would peel top layer 488 off, exposing the sticky side of adhesive layer 475, where he would then stick main band to the surface on his smart phone, his smart phone case, or any hard surface.

We also see metal insert 484, which is embedded into the plastic or rubber of main band 472. Smart phones are sometimes constructed with built-in magnets. In use, the user could leave top layer 488 of 486 intact and attach main band 472 to any magnetic surface, or any smart phone with a built-in magnet, or any smart phone case with a built-in magnet, thus magnetically securing a bond of band 472 to the object. It is also possible that 484 may be a magnet, and that this magnet may attach to any metal surface, metals surface built into a smart phone case, or any metal surface built into a smart phone.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the invention, where bottle 496 is plugged into holding case 502 at cavity 504 by means of arrows 497. Solid lines 498 and dotted lines 500 show the edges circular metal ring 501, embedded into the bottom of holding case 502. Rather than being ring, this metal part may extend through the full bottom portion of case 502. It may be embedded into the rubber, silicone, or plastic or exposed on the outer surface of case 502. It may also be removable from case 502.

Smart phone 490 depicts a smart phone with a built-in magnetic ring 493, depicted by inner edge 494 and outer edge 492. A magnet of this sort may be any shape or size and it may be positioned anywhere within the smart phone. It is also possible that a magnet of this shape and size may be positioned or stuck by adhesive, to the outer layer of any smart phone, smart phone case, embedded between a smart phone and a smart phone case or built or embedded directly into the smart phone case.

In use, the user takes holding case 502 and places it on smart phone 490, magnetically securing case 502 to phone 490, where metal ring 501 magnetically connects to magnet 493, thus securing case 502 to smart phone 490. Case 502 may also have a peel and stick option or adhesive layer secured to its bottom so that the case may attach to any non-magnetic or non-metal surface. Importantly, the sanitizer container 496 can be swapped from the wristband embodiments described above, creating an interchangeable system. Also, separating the container 496 from the holding case 502 or the wristband described above, permits for the more efficient manufacturing of these products. Specifically, the wristband and holding case described herein may be made of a soft pliable plastic or silicone so as to allow the easy insertion of the container into the designated cavity. Manufacturing a smart phone case or a wrist band to include the sanitizer container within the soft plastic, and pre-loading the container with sanitizer, may cause leakage during shipping—particularly if the item is exposed to pressure changes during transport. Many of these sanitizers are made of alcohol, so leakage would create a hazard. By having a separate container, the embodiments described herein can have the container pre-filled locally or regionally to avoid, or at least diminish the likelihood of leakage.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a smart phone and wallet combination where bottle 586 is plugged into cavity 588 of case 589 by means of arrows 582. Embedded into case 588 is metal insert 590, which may be completely embedded into the silicone or rubber of case 589 or stuck by adhesive to the outside of case 588. Wallet 578 has attached base 574, connected by lines 584. Credit card 576 protrudes out of the pocket of wallet 578. This pocket may also hold cash. This wallet or pocket may be made of leather, plastic, metal, silicone, canvas or fabric. Embedded into base 574 is metal insert 591, which may also exist outside of base 574 attached by and adhesive, or it may be removable.

Smart phone 570 houses an internal magnetic ring 577, similar to magnetic ring 493 as seen in FIG. 48. Magnetic ring 570 is depicted by lines 575a, 575b, 575c, and 575d. In use the user would take case 574 and attach it to smart phone 570, where metal insert 574 would be drawn to and attach itself to all areas of magnet 577, thus securing wallet 578 to smart phone 570. The user would then take bottle 586, plug it into cavity 588, and then attach case 589 to base 574 by means of arrows 580, which would allow for the lower portion of magnet 577 depicted by lines 575c and 575d, to magnetically pull metal insert 590 of case 589 to smart phone 570, thus securing a secure bond between smart phone 570, wallet 578, base 574, and case 589, with bottle 586 housing hand sanitizer. In all situations, rather than using magnets and metal, any connecting means such as hook and loop fasteners; button snaps, adhesive or a clipping mechanism may be used.

It is to be noted, that the cases described here, may be attached to any object or surface. It is possible cases shaped like these, or any other shape mentioned in this application may be part of a system as well. In use the user would purchase a batch of these cases along with a batch of refillable bottles of hand sanitizer. The user may choose to peel and stick the cases to his water bottle, steering wheel of his car, his computer, his alarm clock, his belt, his smart phone, smart watch, dog leash, etc. Or rather than peel and stick the container, he may magnetically attach the case to any of the aforementioned as long as there is a magnetic case open to receiving it. This magnetic case may also be built into the structure or surface of the item, or it may be stuck to the surface by means of a peel and stick adhesive. In regards to bottles sold with hand sanitizer, boxes of refills may be sold or distributed to hospitals, schools, places of business, institutions, etc.

It will be understood that although the present invention has been hereinabove described with respect to several embodiments thereof, modifications may be made therein and thereto without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Although exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention have been described herein including as described above and shown in the included example Figures, there is no intention that the invention be limited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or to the manner in which the exemplary embodiments and applications operate or are described herein. Indeed, many variations and modifications to the exemplary embodiments are possible as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The invention may include any device, structure, method, or functionality, as long as the resulting device, system or method falls within the scope of one of the claims that are allowed by the patent office based on this or any related patent application.

Claims

1. A wristband comprising:

a band with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is constructed to detachably attach to the second end;
a cavity formed in the band a region between the first end and the second end, wherein the cavity is defined by a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall wall comprises a notch;
a container comprising a cap or a nozzle, the container is constructed to lodge in the cavity, and when so lodged, the cap or nozzle extends through the notch.
Patent History
Publication number: 20210289992
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 10, 2021
Publication Date: Sep 23, 2021
Inventor: Gregory J. Saladino (Del Mar, CA)
Application Number: 17/198,161
Classifications
International Classification: A47K 5/12 (20060101); A44C 15/00 (20060101); A44C 5/00 (20060101);