Sanitizer Bracelet

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to sanitizer bracelet that can be worn by the user anywhere the person travels throughout the day. The sanitizer bracelet includes a band portion and a body portion connected to opposite ends of the band portion. The body portion includes a sanitizer solution which is readily accessible for application on the individual's hand or other body parts for disinfection after touching a potentially contaminated surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sanitizer bracelet that can be worn by the user for ready and easy access to sanitizer solution stored within the bracelet.

BACKGROUND

With the onset of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, hygienic hand disinfecting with sanitizer products has become a top priority. However, sanitizer products and other methods of cleaning one's hands and body are not always readily available to people as they travel, work, complete chores, frequent venues and live their overall daily lives. Individuals who are more health conscious may seek restrooms whenever they can to wash or clean their hands whenever they touch surfaces that may be contaminated, however, restrooms may not always be conveniently located. Some individuals may spend time searching for restrooms to wash their hands while others may not. In either case, the more time that passes after touching a potentially contaminated surface, the greater the chance that the person who touched that surface may touch their face or other parts of their body that would allow for entry of the infectious disease inside their body, causing the person to become sick. More health conscious individuals may attempt to carry sanitizer products with them as they travel to various places throughout the day. However, this can be both difficult and inconvenient as many sanitizer products do not easily fit in one's pockets and many individuals do not carry bags with them which may be used to hold such products everywhere they go. Therefore, what is needed in the art is a sanitizer product which may be attached directly to a part of to one's body providing individuals with ready and easy access to the sanitizer product immediately when needed to ensure that they are able to disinfect their hands or other parts of their body whenever they come in contact with a surface that may be potentially contaminated.

SUMMARY

Provided is a sanitizer bracelet. The sanitizer bracelet includes: a body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top, a bottom, and a chamber; a first band which extends from the first end of the body; a second band which extends from the second end of body; and, a liquid sanitizer solution housed within the chamber of the body of the bracelet.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the body, the first band and the second band are integrally formed.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the first and second bands extending from the first and second end of the body are continuous, forming a single pre-formed loop that is fabricated from a material that is stretchy in nature.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the first band includes a first opposing end and the second band includes a second opposing end.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the first opposing end includes a buckle allowing passage of the second opposing end therethrough.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the first opposing end includes a plurality of female receiving connectors and the second opposing end includes a male pin connector, wherein the male pin connector is capable of engaging one of the female receiving connectors to form a snap-pin connection.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the female receiving connecter and the male pin connector of the snap-pin connection are magnetized.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the chamber houses a bottle or cartridge of liquid sanitizer solution for multi-use applications.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body includes a nozzle which allows for the release of liquid sanitizer solution upon application of pressure to the body.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body includes a button connected to a lever which is in turn connected to a valve adjacent to a nozzle, wherein pressing the button moves the lever and causes the valve to open to release liquid sanitizer solution.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body portion or body includes an accessible opening allowing a user to remove the bottle or cartridge of liquid sanitizer solution when desired for application of liquid sanitizer solution directly from the bottle or cartridge onto the user.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the accessible opening includes a removable cover on the top or bottom of the body which allows for insertion of the bottle or cartridge within the chamber.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the accessible opening includes a hatchway on the top or bottom of the body which allows for insertion of the bottle or cartridge within the chamber.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the liquid sanitizer solution is housed directly within the chamber without a bottle or cartridge for single-use applications.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the chamber includes a nozzle which allows for the release of liquid sanitizer solution upon application of pressure to the body.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body includes a button connected to a lever which is in turn connected to a valve adjacent to a nozzle, wherein pressing the button moves the lever and causes the valve to open to release liquid sanitizer solution.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body of sanitizer bracelet includes a cartridge containing liquid sanitizer solution, wherein the cartridge is engaged to the sanitizer bracelet to form the top of the body.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the cartridge includes a first tab on a first end and a second tab on a second opposing end which respectively engage a first slot on a first end of the body and a second slot on an opposing second end of the body.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the cartridge includes a first button on its first end and a second button on its second end which when pressed, respectively cause the first tab and second tab on the cartridge to retract for removal of the cartridge from the body and optionally, for positioning of the cartridge on the body and when released, cause the first and second tabs of the cartridge to respectively engage the first and second slots on the body or body portion.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, at least one of the first end, the second end, the first side portion and the second side portion of the body includes an opening allowing access to a chamber capable of housing a container or cartridge of liquid sanitizer solution.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the first end of the body includes a first opening and the second end of the body comprises a second opening which forms a chamber within the body, wherein the chamber is surrounded by an elastomeric material which extends from the first side to the second side of the body.

According to further aspects of the present teaching, the body includes a screen or transparent portion which allows a user to view how much liquid sanitizer solution is present within the body.

Also provided is a sanitizer bracelet including: a body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a chamber; a first band which extends from the first end of the body; a second band which extends from the second end of body; an opening within the top surface of the body of the bracelet having a circumference, wherein the opening has a top portion having a first circumference and a bottom portion having a second circumference; a plug having a base portion and circumference along its base portion, an extension which extends from the base portion into the opening within the body of the bracelet, wherein the extension has a circumference which is smaller than the circumference of the base portion of the plug, and a rim formed between the extension and the base portion of the plug, wherein the plug fits within the opening within the top surface of the bracelet, wherein the circumference of the top portion of the opening in the body of the bracelet is slightly larger than the circumference of the base of the plug allowing a space to be formed between the circumference of the base of the plug and the body of the bracelet, wherein the bottom portion of the opening within the body of the bracelet has a smaller circumference from the top portion of the opening allowing for the extension to frictionally engage the smaller circumference bottom portion of the opening to provide a seal to the opening of the bracelet, wherein the sanitizer bracelet does not include a nozzle.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the body, the first band and the second band are integrally formed.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the first and second bands extending from the first and second end of the body are continuous, forming a single pre-formed loop that is fabricated from a material that is stretchy in nature.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the first band includes a first opposing end and the second band includes a second opposing end, wherein the first opposing end includes a buckle allowing passage of the second opposing end therethrough, wherein the first opposing end includes a plurality of female receiving connectors and the second opposing end includes a male pin connector, wherein the male pin connector is capable of engaging one of the female receiving connectors to form a snap-pin connection. In other embodiments, the male pin connector may simply fit within one of a series of apertures within the opposing band.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the female receiving connecter and the male pin connector of the snap-pin connection are magnetized.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the chamber houses liquid sanitizer solution for multi-use applications.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, wherein the body liquid sanitizer solution or fluid is dispensed through the opening upon application of pressure to the body of the bracelet.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the liquid sanitizer solution is housed directly within the chamber without a bottle or cartridge.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the opening may be located anywhere along the top surface of the body of the bracelet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the first exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of a second exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 5 is a top exploded view of a third exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 8 is a first side view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 9 is first end view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 11 is a second side view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 12 is a second end view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 15 is a first end view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 18 is a second end view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 19 is a perspective exploded view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 24 is a top view of several of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 25 is a top view of several of the same fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelets at various angles.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the fourth exemplary sanitizer bracelet.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the sanitizer bracelet wherein the plug is not flush.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, provides a device that can be worn by a user. The device houses a liquid sanitizer solution that is readily and easily accessible by the user at any time throughout the day which may be used to disinfect one's hands or other body parts which may potentially have come into contact with a contaminated surface. The device may also be referred to as a sanitizer bracelet and includes a body portion or body and a band portion or band having a first opposing end and a second opposing end. In the interest of simplicity, the term “body”, when used herein, refers to a body portion and/or body of the device and the term “band”, when used herein, refers to a band portion and/or band of the device.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment, includes a body portion 12 and a band portion 14. The band portion may extend between opposite ends 16, 18 of the body portion 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the body portion 12 and band portion are integrally-formed. By “integrally-formed”, it is meant that the body portion 12 and the band portion 14 are formed together as a single unit rather than being formed separately and subsequently joined. The term defines a structural feature since structures that are integrally-formed are structurally different than structures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately and then subsequently joined. The body portion 12 and band portion 14 cooperate to form a loop operable to receive a body part of a user such as an arm, wrist, leg, or ankle.

The band portion 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is integrally formed with the body portion 12 and includes opposing ends 20 and 22. Opposing end 20 includes a buckle 24 through which opposing end 22 may pass through to form a loop around the user's arm, wrist, leg or ankle. The band portion adjacent to opposing end 20 also includes a plurality of female receiving portions 26 designed to receive, engage and form a connection with a male pin through a snap-pin connection. Examples of receiving portions 26 include but are not limited to apertures and female receiving connectors. According to the embodiment illustrated within FIGS. 1-3, opposing end 22 includes a pin 28. To attach the device to one's arm or leg, the user will pass opposing end 22 of the band portion 14 through the buckle 24 on opposing end 20 of the band portion 14 and secure the pin 24 to one of the female receiving connectors 26 adjacent to opposing end 20 of the band portion 14. This snap-pin connection allows for quick and easy removal and attachment of the bracelet. Any overhanging material of opposing end 22 of the band portion 14 may pass through a loop (not shown) adjacent to the buckle 24 to secure the overhanging material to the band portion 14. Although the band portion 14 described above is in reference to FIGS. 1-3, it is to be understood the present disclosure also encompasses embodiments where the buckle 24 and the receiving portion 26 are alternatively located on opposing end 22 of the band portion and where the pin 28 is located on opposing end 20 of the band portion.

The body portion or body of the device and the band portion or opposing bands of the device may be fabricated of any material found to be suitable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the body portion or body of the device and the band portion or opposing bands of the device are fabricated from the same material although the present disclosure also encompasses embodiments where these components are made from different materials. The body portion or body of the device and the band portion or opposing bands of the device may be fabricated from a polymeric or elastomeric material that is rubber or rubber-like in nature, a hardened plastic material, leather, a synthetic leather material, nylon, a hard metallic material, or any other suitable material including suitable natural or synthetic materials.

Although the band portion 14 described above refers to the specific band portion as illustrated within FIGS. 1-3, it should be understood that the bracelet may incorporate various types of bands or band portions 14. For example, according to certain aspects of the present teaching, the band portion 14 is not required to have opposing end 20 and 22, but instead may form a single pre-formed loop that is stretchy in nature. Such band portions may be fabricated from a polymeric material that is rubber, rubber-like or elastomeric in nature, allowing the user to stretch the band portion 14 to increase its diameter and allow passage of the band portion 14 over his or her hand or foot for securing the band portion 14 onto the user's arm or leg. The band or band portion 14 may also be non-stretchy in nature. For example, it may be made from a hardened plastic material. Also, the band or band portion 14 may be made from a metallic or metallic-like material and may include a plurality of links joined together by pins.

Each opposing band 20, 22 respectively has a first end 30, 34 and a second end 32, 36. The first end 30, 34 of each of the opposing bands may include a clasping means allowing a first opposing band to engage a second opposing band forming a loop around a user's arm or leg. The second end 32, 36 of the first and second opposing bands may be integrally formed with the body portion 12 of the device or may be separately connected to the body 12 of the device in a hinge-like manner.

In certain embodiments, the clasping means may include a snap-pin connection wherein a first opposing band includes a pin at a first open end of the band which is capable of engaging one of a plurality of receiving portions (e.g., female receiving (snap) connectors or apertures) along a second opposing band. The plurality of receiving portions allows for adjustment of the size of the loop when the first and second opposing bands are engaged to each other depending on the diameter or size of the user's arm or leg. It is contemplated that the snap-pin connection may be magnetized in certain embodiments providing an alternative or further means of quickly, easily and efficiently securing and disengaging each of the opposing bands to and from each other. Either the first opposing band or the second opposing band may include a buckle allowing for passage of the opposite band therethrough when engaging the bands together.

In other embodiments, the first opposing band or the second opposing band may include a plurality of apertures along the length of the band and the opposite band may include a buckle and a buckle tongue allowing for the opposing band to be inserted through the buckle and the buckle tongue to be inserted within one of the apertures along the length of the opposing band to engage the bands together. The plurality of apertures allows for the size of the connected bands to be adjusted to the appropriate diameter depending on the size of the user's arm or leg.

The body portion 12 includes a chamber which houses or contains the liquid sanitizer solution. As shown in FIG. 2, the body or body portion 12 may be described as having a first end portion 42, a second end portion 44, a first side portion 46, a second side portion 48, a top surface 50 and a bottom surface (not shown).

According to another aspect of the present teaching, the band portion 14 need not be integrally-formed but instead may consist of two separate and opposing bands attached in a hinge-like manner to opposite sides of the body of the device. In such embodiments, the body of the device includes a first end for engaging a first opposing band and a second end for engaging a second opposing band. The first and second end of the body or body portion of the device includes two receiving slots or apertures positioned on opposing sides of the body and designed for receiving a pin. The second end of the first and second opposing bands each include a tubular aperture designed to receive the pin described above. The pin, in turn, includes a first end and a second end which engages the first receiving slot or aperture on a first opposing side of the body or body portion and a second receiving slot or aperture on a second opposing side of the body or body portion. This configuration allows the first and second band to move in a hinge-like or rotational manner with respect to the body or body portion of the device.

In certain embodiments, the bracelet is designed for single-use applications. In a single-use application design, the device or bracelet is intended to be disposed of after the liquid sanitizer solution has been depleted from the chamber of the body portion or body 12. In such embodiments, the body or body portion include a chamber containing liquid sanitizer solution and the first end portion 42, second end portion 44, first side portion 46 or second side portion 48 may include a nozzle (not shown) which provides access to the liquid sanitizer solution within the chamber. The nozzle is designed to allow the passage or flow of liquid sanitizer solution from the chamber or interior of the body portion or body 12 of the bracelet onto the user's hands or body. According to one embodiment, the user applies pressure on the top portion of the body portion or body 12 of the bracelet with one or more fingers while placing or cupping his or her hand around the side, end or end portion of the bracelet containing the nozzle. The application of pressure to the body portion 12 in this manner releases a squirt of liquid sanitizer solution through the nozzle onto the user's hand. This process may be repeated as necessary until the desired amount of liquid sanitizer solution is received in the user's hand. The user may then apply the liquid sanitizer solution by rubbing his or her hands together or applying the liquid sanitizer solution to the desired body part.

In another embodiment, the chamber of the body portion or body 12 containing the liquid sanitizer solution may be pressurized. In such embodiments, the body portion or body 12 may include a button connected to a lever which is in turn connected to a valve adjacent to the nozzle. Upon pressing the button, the lever moves causing a valve to open thereby releasing the liquid sanitizer solution onto the user's hand. Again, according to this method, the user would place or cup his or her hand over the nozzle to receive the liquid sanitizer solution as described above.

In other embodiments, the bracelet is designed for multi-use applications. In such embodiments, the body or body portion 12 of the bracelet includes a chamber. The chamber may be designed to house a miniature sanitizer container or cartridge or may not house a container or cartridge at all. In embodiments wherein the chamber does not house a liquid sanitizer container or cartridge, the chamber may include a removable cover providing an opening which allows liquid sanitizer solution to be poured into or replenished by directly filling it within the chamber.

In order to provide access to the chamber, the body portion or body 12 may be designed to include an accessible opening at one of the top portion 50, the bottom portion, the first side 46, the second side 48, the first end 42 or the second end 44 of the body portion or body 12. The accessible opening may include a hatchway that can be opened to allow for insertion of a miniature sanitizer container into the chamber of the bracelet or removal of an empty miniature sanitizer container from the chamber of the bracelet. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the accessible hatchway is located at the bottom portion of the body portion or body of the device. According to other aspects of the present teaching, the accessible hatchway is located at the top portion of the body portion or body 12 of the device. It should be understood that the hatchway is a hinge or hinge-like device that may include any type of fastener to secure the miniature sanitizer container or liquid sanitizer solution directly within the chamber of the bracelet and that such components are within the suitable skill of a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the hatchway may be secured by a tab, a latch or latch-like device, Velcro, or by snap connector comprising a male pin and a female receiving connector on the body or body portion 12 to form a snap-pin connection.

In other embodiments, the hatchway may include a hinge comprising a plate, a knuckle attached to the plate and to the body or body portion 12 of the device and a pin inserted within the knuckle allowing for rotational motion of the plate to open and close access to the chamber. In other embodiments, the hatchway may comprise an openable and closeable cutout within the body or body portion 12 of the device wherein the bendable nature of the material forming the body or body portion 12 allows the cutout to open or close in a rotational manner similar to that of a mechanical hinge as described above. The bendable nature of the body or body portion 12 forming the cutout may be due to the polymeric, elastomeric or rubber-like material forming the body or body portion 12 and the cutout.

In certain embodiments, the device may include a removable cover 52 at the top surface or bottom surface 50 of the body portion or body 12. The removable cover 52 may be secured to the top or bottom surface of the device by any means suitable to a person of ordinary skill in the art including but not limited to tabs, a press fit, a snap fit or by Velcro. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the removable cover 52 the removable cover may or may not be bendable.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the shape of the body portion or body 12 may be contoured to provide a chamber designed to house the contoured shape of the miniature liquid sanitizer container or cartridge.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the top surface 50 of the body or body portion 12 may include a screen or transparent portion which allows the user to view how much liquid sanitizer solution remains within the chamber before the liquid sanitizer solution would have to be replenished or the device would have to be discarded and replaced with a new device. The screen or transparent portion may or may not be a component of the removable cover 52.

According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the body or body portion 12 of the device may engage a cartridge 54 containing liquid sanitizer solution which fits over the top portion of the body or body portion 12. When engaged, the cartridge forms a party of the body portion or body of the device. The cartridge 54 may include a first tab on one end and a second tab on an opposing end on the bottom portion, side portion or bottom-side portion of the cartridge (not shown). Underneath the cartridge 54, the body or body portion 12 may include a slot on its first end and a slot on its second end (not shown) which respectively engages the first tab and second tab of the cartridge 54 to secure the cartridge to the body or body portion 12 of the device. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the cartridge 54 includes a button 56 on its first end and a button 58 on its second end which when pressed respectively cause the first tab and second tab on the cartridge to retract for positioning of the cartridge 54 on the body or body portion 12. After the cartridge 54 is positioned over the body or body portion 14, the buttons 56 and 58 may be released allowing the first and second tabs on the cartridge 54 to respectively engage the first and second slots. To release the cartridge 54 from the body or body portion 12, the buttons 56 and 58 may be pressed to respectively retract the first and second tabs from the first and second slots allowing the user to pull or raise the cartridge 54 off of the body or body portion 12 of the device. According to further aspects of the present teaching, cartridge 54 may be press-fit onto the body or body portion 12 of the device without pressing buttons 56 and 58 to retract the first and second tabs and the cartridge 54 may be released from engagement with the body or body portion 12 by pressing buttons 56 and 58 to retract the tabs. As described above, the cartridge may include a nozzle which allows for dispensing liquid sanitizer solution upon application of pressure to the cartridge or body or body portion. Also, in alternative embodiments, the cartridge may be pressurized include a lever connected to the button which is in turn connected to a valve adjacent to the nozzle. Upon pressing the button, the lever moves causing a valve to open thereby releasing the liquid sanitizer solution onto the user's hand.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary device wherein chamber 38 houses a bottle of liquid sanitizer solution 40. According to the embodiment illustrated within FIG. 4, the body portion or body 12 includes a chamber 60 having a first opening 56 formed at a first end 42 of the body portion or body 12 and a second opening 58 formed at a second end 44 of the body portion or body 12. The chamber is designed to hold a container or cartridge 62 of liquid sanitizer solution. The material forming the chamber or body portion that houses the container or cartridge 62 is a rubber or rubber-like elastomeric material capable of gripping the container or cartridge 62 to secure and retain the container or cartridge 62 within the chamber 60 while the bracelet is worn by the user. The material gripping the container or cartridge 62 may extend from the first side of the body to the second side of the body. To remove the container or cartridge 62 from the chamber, the user may insert his or her finger within one of the openings 56, 58 or apply pressure at one of the ends of the body portion or body 42, 44 to push the container towards the opposing opening 56 or 58 to remove the container 62 from the chamber 48. In an alternative embodiment, the body portion or body may include an opening at only one end 56 or 58 of the body. In a further alternative embodiment, the body portion or body may include an opening on at least one of the first side portion and/or second side portion of the body with no openings at the first end and second end of the body. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the body or body portion 12 of this embodiment may optionally include a cover to hide the container or cartridge of sanitizer solution and the openings 56 and 58 for aesthetic purposes.

It is to be understand that it is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the bracelet may either be removed or remain worn on the user's arm or leg when dispensing the liquid sanitizer solution while in other embodiments, the bracelet may be required to be removed from the user's body in order to obtain access to and dispense the liquid sanitizer solution (e.g., embodiments having a removable cover or hatchway on the backside of the body portion or body for obtaining access to a liquid sanitizer container or cartridge would require removal from the user's body to access, dispense and apply the liquid sanitizer solution).

With reference to FIGS. 6-19, according to certain embodiments, the sanitizer bracelet may be made out of a flexible material such as 100% medical grade silicone. The body of the bracelet may include a refillable cell also referred to as a chamber which provides for an easy refill method directly into the cell through a pluggable opening within the top surface of the body of the bracelet. In certain embodiments, a plug 100 (also referred to as a cap, refill cap, filler cap, etc.) is provided which closes the opening, may be removed to uncover the opening which allows for sanitizer or other fluid to be dispensed upon pressing or squeezing the body of the bracelet. Removal of the plug from the body of the bracelet also allows for the user to refill sanitizer solution or other fluid directly into the body of the bracelet. An Example of this is shown within FIG. 19 which illustrates a plug removed from the bracelet allowing for either dispensing of sanitizer solution from the bracelet by applying pressure to the body of the bracelet (e.g., by pressing on or squeezing the body of the bracelet) or for filling of the body of the bracelet with sanitizer solution or other fluid. The plug may be provided in any number of geometric shapes including but not limited to circular, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, rhombical, etc. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the plug includes a lip or rim, a planar base, and extension which extends from the planar base into the interior of the opening within the chamber or cell of the body of the bracelet. The lip or rim of the plug may also be made out of a flexible material (e.g., 100% medical grade silicone) to allow the user easier access for removing the plug from the body of the bracelet. The bracelet may also include a space provided between the circumference of the plug and the body of the bracelet allowing for a user to insert his or her fingers between the space to access the rim of the plug to remove it from the body of the bracelet. The plug may be designed to be flush with the surface of the body of the bracelet providing a sleek design. However, it is also contemplated that the plug may also be slightly raised with respect to the body of the bracelet to provide the user with slightly easier access to remove the plug from the body of the bracelet. The opening within the body of the bracelet may include a stop (e.g., a circular or other shaped flange (not shown)) in contact with the extension of the plug allowing for a flush or slightly raised configuration of the plug with respect to the body of the bracelet.) The stop or flange allows the rim or lip of the plug to rest upon it when closed allowing for a seal between the plug and the body of the base. The plug may also be designed to provide a friction fit (e.g., between the circumference of the extension of the plug and the circumference of an interior opening within the stop or flange) with the opening to provide a seal preventing the leakage of sanitizer solution or fluid from the interior of the chamber or cell. According to certain embodiments, the planar base of the plug is circular and includes no extensions or flanges from its circular shape as a gripping means as the gripping means is provided between the space between the body of the bracelet and the outer circumference of the plug allowing the user to grip the rim under the plug with his or her fingers. The plug also includes no apertures along its planar surface and is sealable with respect to the body of the bracelet.

Also provided is a method of using a sanitizer bracelet. The method may include the following steps—1) A Filling Step; 2) a Sanitizing Step and 3) a Refill Step. According to the filling step, one removes the plug on the body of the bracelet, presses any air pockets out and firmly fills up the cell or chamber of the bracelet with sanitizer solution or other fluid. According to the sanitizing step, one removes the plug with ones opposing hand's thumb and index fiber, pushes down on the top or applies pressure to the top of the bracelet (e.g., by pressing on or squeezing the body of the bracelet) with one's palm or hand to release sanitizer. The user may then rub sanitizer solution or other fluid on one's hands or body. The plug may then be placed back into the opening and the bracelet may continue to be worn for access to sanitizer solution at a later time. According to the refill step, the sanitizer bracelet may be refilled by removing the plug, optionally, pressing down on body of the bracelet until all air pockets are out and then quickly refilling the cell or chamber by firmly pumping or pouring sanitizer solution or other fluid directly into the bracelet through the opening from a bottle or container. The plug may then be reinserted into the body of the bracelet and the bracelet may be worn for access to the sanitizer solution or fluid at a later time.

The bracelet may come in youth, women's and men's sizes. Youth and women's sizes of the bracelet have a circumference of 5.5″ to 7.25″. The men's size of the bracelet has a circumference of 6.87″ to 8.41″.

While the invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential cope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the bet mode contemplated for ferrying out the invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “invention” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other inventions in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.

Claims

1. A sanitizer bracelet comprising:

a body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a chamber;

a first band which extends from the first end of the body;

a second band which extends from the second end of body;

an opening within the top surface of the body of the bracelet having a circumference, wherein the opening has a top portion having a first circumference and a bottom portion having a second circumference;

a plug having a base portion and circumference along its base portion, an extension which extends from the base portion into the opening within the body of the bracelet, wherein the extension has a circumference which is smaller than the circumference of the base portion of the plug, and a rim formed between the extension and the base portion of the plug, wherein the plug fits within the opening within the top surface of the bracelet, wherein the circumference of the top portion of the opening in the body of the bracelet is slightly larger than the circumference of the base of the plug allowing a space to be formed between the circumference of the base of the plug and the body of the bracelet, wherein the bottom portion of the opening within the body of the bracelet has a smaller circumference than the top portion of the opening of the bracelet allowing for the extension to frictionally engage the smaller circumference of the bottom portion of the opening to provide a seal to the opening of the bracelet,

wherein the sanitizer bracelet does not include a nozzle and wherein the chamber houses fluid which is inserted into the chamber of the bracelet and dispensed from the chamber of the bracelet through the opening in the body of the bracelet.

2. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the body, the first band and the second band are integrally formed.

3. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 2, wherein the first and second bands extending from the first and second end of the body are continuous, forming a single pre-formed loop that is fabricated from a material that is stretchy in nature.

4. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 2, wherein the first band includes a first opposing end and the second band includes a second opposing end, wherein the first opposing end includes a buckle allowing passage of the second opposing end therethrough, wherein the first opposing end includes a plurality of female receiving apertures and the second opposing end includes a male pin connector, wherein the male pin connector is capable of engaging one of the female receiving apertures to engage the first and second bands together.

5. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 2, wherein the first band includes a first opposing end and the second band includes a second opposing end, wherein the first opposing end includes a buckle allowing passage of the second opposing end therethrough, wherein the first opposing end includes a plurality of female receiving connectors and the second opposing end includes a male pin connector, wherein the male pin connector is capable of engaging one of the female receiving connectors to form a snap-pin connection.

6. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 5, wherein the female receiving connecter and the male pin connector of the snap-pin connection are magnetized.

7. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the chamber houses liquid sanitizer solution for multi-use applications.

8. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 6, wherein the body liquid sanitizer solution or fluid is dispensed through the opening upon application of pressure to the body of the bracelet.

9. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the liquid sanitizer solution is housed directly within the chamber without a bottle or cartridge housed within the chamber.

10. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the opening may be located anywhere along the top surface of the body of the bracelet.

11. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the body, first band, second band and plug of the bracelet are made from 100% medical grade silicone.

12. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1 wherein the plug is circular, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal or rhombical.

13. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 12, wherein the plug is circular.

14. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 13, wherein the plug is flush with the body of the bracelet.

15. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 13, wherein the plug is raised with respect to the body of the bracelet.

16. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the opening within the body of the bracelet comprises a flange in contact with the extension of the plug when the plug is inserted within the opening, wherein the flange allows for a flush or raised configuration of the plug with respect to the body of the bracelet.

17. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1, wherein the planar base of the plug is circular and includes no extensions or flanges which extend or deviate from its circular shape to provide a gripping means, wherein the gripping means is instead provided between the space between the body of the bracelet and the outer circumference of the base of the plug allowing the user to grip a top and a bottom surface of the rim formed at the base of the plug with his or her fingers.

18. The sanitizer bracelet of claim 1 wherein the plug incudes no apertures along its planar base surface and provides a complete seal to the opening within the body of the bracelet.

19. A method of using the sanitizer bracelet of claim 1 comprising:

removing the plug from the body of the bracelet by utilizing the space between the base of the plug and the body of the bracelet to grasp the rim of the plug with one's fingers and pull the plug from the opening within the body of the bracelet;

with the plug removed either i) filling the chamber within the body of the bracelet with sanitizer solution by pouring sanitizer solution into the opening within the body of the bracelet; or ii) applying pressure to the body of the bracelet to dispense sanitizer solution from the chamber; and

reinserting the plug into the body of the bracelet.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein before filling the chamber with sanitizer solution, with the plug removed, pressing down on the body of the bracelet until all air pockets are removed from the chamber.