Icon Snap Bracelet and Method to Remember Tasks

Abstract

An Icon Snap Bracelet that has a strap and that uses a plurality of removable caps each applied with a different graphical icon that represents a particular task and/or activity. The caps are removably installed the strap using a connector such that each cap represents a task/activity that the person wearing the bracelet is supposed to do that day. The person then removes the cap representing a given task/activity when that task/activity has been completed. In this way, a plurality of daily tasks/activities can be monitored and reminded of for each given day or other time period.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a strap; a plurality of connectors mounted on the strap; a plurality of caps, each one of said caps having a different icon representing a task and/or activity indicated on one side and having a connector configured to removably connect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on the strap provided on the other side; and a strap connector for connecting ends of the strap together to configure the device for mounting on a body part of a person.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured to have an adjustable length.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured for receiving at least three of said caps on said strap.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured for receiving at least five of said caps on said strap.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured for receiving at least six of said caps on said strap.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured of a length for mounting around the wrist of the person.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic, and wherein each cap has a flat overhanging surface on which the icon is printed, engraved, etched, or applied with vinyl or a sticker.

9. A method of aiding in memory, said method comprising the steps of: providing a device comprising: a strap, a plurality of connectors mounted on the strap, a plurality of caps, each one of said caps having a different icon representing a task and/or activity printed on one side and having a connector configured to removably connect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on the strap provided on the other side, and a strap connector for connecting ends of the strap together to configure the device for mounting on a body part of a person; selecting a cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of a task and/or an activity that the person is to perform; and installing said selected cap on a respective connector on said strap.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising the step of removing the selected cap from said strap after said task and/or activity has been completed.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: after removing the selected cap from said strap after said task and/or activity has been completed, selecting another cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of a different task and/or an activity that the person is to perform; and installing the other selected cap on the same respective connector on said strap.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein respective ones of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing at least one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore; and wherein at least one other of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing another one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein a third one of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing still another one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

15. A method of aiding in memory, said method comprising the steps of: providing a device comprising: a strap, a plurality of connectors mounted on the strap, a plurality of caps, each one of said caps having a different icon representing a task and/or activity printed on one side and having a connector configured to removably connect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on the strap provided on the other side, and a strap connector for connecting ends of the strap together to configure the device for mounting on a body part of a person; selecting a cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of a task and/or an activity that the person is to perform; installing said selected cap on a respective connector on said strap; performing said task and/or activity; and removing the selected cap from said strap after said task and/or activity has been completed.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein respective ones of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing at least one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore; and wherein at least one other of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing another one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein a third one of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing still another one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.

19. The device of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: after removing the selected cap from said strap after said task and/or activity has been completed, selecting another cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of a different task and/or an activity that the person is to perform; installing said other selected cap on the same respective connector on said strap; performing said different task and/or activity; and removing the other selected cap from said strap after said different task and/or activity has been completed.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic, and wherein each cap has a flat overhanging surface on which the icon is printed, engraved, etched, or applied with vinyl or a sticker.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a snap bracelet;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a top view of the snap bracelet of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the snap bracelet of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the snap bracelet of FIG. 1 prepared for placing on a wrist of a user;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example embodiment having adjustable snap bracelet; and

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the adjustable snap bracelet of FIG. 5 prepared for placing on a wrist of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring now to the example embodiment of the invention in more detail, in FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown various views of a bracelet 10 made of a flexible strap 11 that can be provided, for example, between and 1 wide and between 5-10 long for typical use, although other sizes are easily accommodated, such as a longer version that can be used as a necklace or ankle bracelet. The bracelet 10 can be varied in length to fit many different wrist sizes, or it can be made adjustable as shown and discussed below regarding FIGS. 5-8 (discussed below).

[0027] The bracelet 10 is equipped with multiple snap sockets 12 throughout the length of the strap 11 adapted for receiving caps 14 having respective stud structures 14 that engage with the snap sockets 12 such that the caps 13 remain on the bracelet 10 until removed. The caps 13 are imprinted with various icons on an outer, flat surface that is easily visible to a person wearing the device. For the example embodiments shown in the figures, the caps are generally cylindrical but have a flat top surface that overhangs a cylindrical, side surface, for receiving the visible icon. The overhang portion provides a larger imageable surface, and also enables a person to remove the cap in an easier manner by providing a more grippable cap.

[0028] There may be any number of cap mountable locations provided on the strap, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (as shown in the example figures), or any desired number. In some cases, the mountable locations for the caps, where the sockets 12 are provided, will be on only a portion of the entire strap that can be made easily visible to the person wearing the device, although embodiments where caps can be provided around most of the entire strap can also be provided (as shown in the example figures, in which case the wearer may rotate the device on the wrist or other body part to gain visual access to the caps and hence the icons printed thereon).

[0029] The icons applied on the caps are designed to remind the wearer of particular tasks or events, such as chores, meetings, homework, classes, appointments, etc. The icon designs are applied to the top surface of the cap 13 in a permanent fashion such as printing, vinyl, stickers, engraving or etching so that the icon cannot be easily removed, and are configured for easy visibility on the top of the cap, which is visible when the caps 13 are removably affixed to the sockets 12 via the stud 14 on the bottom of the cap that is designed to snap into the socket 12 to temporarily affix the cap 13 to the bracelet 10. Caps with no printing can also be provided so that a person can draw their own icons on the cap using a permanent marker, for example, for customized tasks and activities.

[0030] Note that rather than using snap connections, the caps 13 could be attached to the bracelet 10 using other types of connectors, such as magnets, Velcro, or others.

[0031] The strap 11 can be made of plastic, leather, cloth, or some other material or combinations thereof that is comfortable to wear, and in some cases that might be hypoallergenic such that it prevents allergic reactions in the wearer. The caps can be made of plastic or metal or wood or glass or another hard, durable material, or they could be made of a more flexible material such as rubber or plastic.

[0032] Since there are a plurality of different caps 13, each provided with different icons representing different tasks and/or activities, the bracelet 10 can be configured on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis with the tasks/activities that are scheduled for that respective period of time. For example, in the case of a child, a parent could configure the bracelet with icons representing the various tasks/activities that the child must accomplish for that day, such as making the bed, cleaning the room, attending class or a club meeting, doing homework, washing dishes, etc. The child could then remove the appropriate cap when the task is completed, saving that cap for future use. In the case of special needs children, a similar procedure could be accomplished.

[0033] By utilizing this bracelet 10, the child is taught responsibility and tracking of tasks and activities, while relieving the parent of constantly reminding the child of those duties. Since children often lose things, replacement caps can be provided to easily replace lost caps.

[0034] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIGS. 1-3, the bracelet 10 is of sufficient length to wrap around a user's wrist (or other body part, such as ankle, neck, etc.). The closure 15 closes the bracelet to keep it on the wrist. This closure can be of a snap variety, or Velcro, or a magnet, or some other means of fastening the ends of the bracelet 10 together to wear the bracelet 10.

[0035] The bracelet 10 can be made adjustable to accommodate many different wrist sizes, such as using an adjustable connector 16 as shown in the alternative example embodiment 20 of FIGS. 5-6. Such a connector 16 might comprise Velcro pieces spread out on the bracelet strap 11 that engage with an opposite Velcro piece on the end of the strap 11, such as the length of the strap 11 can be varied allowing adjustable fit. Note that other forms of adjustment are possible, such as using a pin and hole arrangement such as is used in leather watch bands, or using replaceable links and adjustable connectors such as used in metal watch bands. Alternatively, bands using elastic components, such a rubber or other materials, could be utilized to allow the strap 11 to stretch to change its length.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows the snap bracelet formed into a loop as it would be formed around the wrist of a user or attached to a bag or belt loop, showing the closure 15 in a position to engage a corresponding snap socket on the bracelet. Thus, the closure 15 connects to a snap socket in a similar manner as the stamps 16 using a similar stud 12.

[0037] The caps 13 are provided with various icons so they are interchangeable based on the user's tasks/activities for a given period of time, and they might be arranged in the order at which the tasks/activities should be accomplished. For example, icons representing sports (a baseball mitt), watering plants (a watering can), and taking out recyclables (the recycle symbol) are shown as examples, each of which can represent a task to be performed by the wearer. Other tasks such as getting dressed (clothing), taking out the trash (a trash can), doing homework (a pen to paper), feeding the pet (dog or cat), cleaning the kitchen (stack of dishes), and many others could be utilized, may be put in the order those tasks should be accomplished over the day, for example. In the case of special needs persons, the tasks might be basic routines (getting dressed, personal care, brushing teeth, etc.), whereas for average children and adults, the tasks or scheduled events could be more complicated.

[0038] In the case of special needs persons, bracelets might be provided where the caps 13 are not removable, so that they cannot be lost or unintentionally removed and they might have typical tasks or activities done by such persons. In this case, different bracelets might be provided for different time periods, all having permanently fixed caps 13.

[0039] A particularly common set of caps 13 might be provided packaged with the strap 11, and additional icon caps 13, including replacements, can be provided for the user as an after-market add-on.

[0040] As additional examples, an icon showing a notebook might represent a task for doing homework, an icon showing dinner dishes might represent a task of washing dishes or loading a dishwasher, an icon showing a dog might represent feeding, walking, or bathing a pet, for example. There are innumerable examples of different tasks that could be represented. In addition to icon snaps, some caps would be blank so users could write their own reminders with an erasable or permanent marker, for example.

[0041] In more detail, referring to the example embodiments of the invention of FIGS. 1-4, and FIGS. 5-6, the strap 11 can, for example, be made of fabric, nylon webbing, leather, rubber, plastic, laminate, or other flexible material(s). The snap elements (socket 12, cap 13, and stud 14) could be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or some other material that allows the icons to be purposefully and easily added and removed by the user, without becoming unattached unintentionally. Any method of snapping could be used for such a purpose.

[0042] As an alternative to snaps, these removable icons could be affixed with magnets, velcro, or other temporary attachment methods that allow for the icons to be removed and added as desired.

[0043] In addition to the bracelet design, alternative embodiments might include a necklace having the icon attachment feature, such as on an extension strip provided on the necklace that can be seen by the wearer or on snaps provided around the neck. Other alternatives include individual pins for the icons that can be pinned to clothing, for example, or other wearable devices that can receive the icons using the snaps or other attachment mechanism. A user might use more than one device, such as using one device for some purposes (e.g., homework) and the other device for other purposes (e.g., chores).

[0044] Some potential advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it need not rely on expensive electronic technology to operate. Also, it is more convenient and better at jogging the user's memory than a handwritten list or writing reminders on your hand. Furthermore, a large variety of icon graphics can be provided to represent a myriad of different tasks, and the use of icons avoids issues of language barriers or lack of ability to read.

[0045] In broad embodiment, the present invention is a system to help people remember their daily tasks with the use of multiple removable visual icons attached to a bracelet or other wearable strap.

[0046] Example icons that can be used with the device include, without limitation, images and/or text depicting: Book; Bed; Shower; Backpack; Laptop; Winter; Sports Bottle; Laundry; Play; Phone; Paper Document; Trash Can; Comb; Tooth Brush; Money; Lunch Bag; Broom; Bake; Christian Faith; Winter Hat; Shoe; Food; Sports; Medicine; Dishes; Dog; Art; Umbrella; Music; Swimming; Water Plants; Recycle; Toilet; Fish; Dust; Shopping Cart; Tooth; Charge; Mail; Sunscreen; Health; Video Games; No Phone; Mittens; 1:00; 2:00; Cookie; Boots; Stethoscope; Padlock; gift; Glasses; Deodorant; Cat; Ballet Shoe; Briefcase; School Bus; Theatre; Baseball; 3:00; 4:00; 5:00; 6:00; 7:00; 8:00; 9:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; Water; Scarf; Notebook; Locker; Soccer; Bowling; Iron; Pot; Paw Print; Car Wash; Dog Food; Camera; Prayer; Muslim Faith; Jewish Faith; Dumbbell; Namaste; Apple; School Supplies; Presentation; Megaphone; Whistle; Lacrosse; Volleyball; Basketball; Tennis; Football; Airplane; Sunglasses; Heart; Door Lock; Potty; Lawnmower; Watch; Light Switch; Bike; Soap; and vehicle (e.g., automobile)

[0047] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.