WO2009061333A1

WO2009061333A1 - Communication system, device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009061333A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/003790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tracy Mckie Hatem
Original assignee: Tracy Mckie Hatem
Priority date: 2007-11-05
Filing date: 2008-03-21
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: US20110302957A1; US20090113933A1

Abstract

A communication system for conveying needs between two individuals who cannot verbally communicate with one another. The system is especially useful for use with incapacitated patients and includes a plurality of items which represent several conditions that the patients may experience and which may be corrected by a caregiver. The system may also be used by travelers in foreign countries or by children who are unable to verbally convey a need to a caregiver. The items are bound together such that the user may easily access an appropriate item and point to it to indicate a particular need to another. In this manner, a communication system is developed between the user and anothere that does not rely on verbal communications.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD

[0001] The present application relates to U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial Number 11/982,772 filed on November 5, 2007 and claims priority for the related subject matter there from.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Generally, the invention relates to a communication system and device that aids a user in visually conveying a message to another where a common verbal communications between the parties is impossible or impractical. The user may be an incapacitated person, a child, a traveler, or anyone who does not speak a common language with another. In one instance, the visual communication system and device are useful for aiding incapacitated or bedridden patients that cannot speak in conveying a message to a caregiver. In another instance, the visual communication system and device are useful for aiding a child in developing communication skills and conveying a need to a parent or guardian. In still another situation, the visual communication system and device may aid a traveler in a foreign country in conveying a message to a foreigner. More particularly, the invention is a device that includes a plurality of items which are bound together and easily accessible or worn by a user as referenced above. [0003] The device includes items which are preferably small ornaments, beads, charms or trinkets which are representative of a particular condition that the user is experiencing or a specific need or group of needs that may be rapidly conveyed to and identified another through use of the system and device. Each item visually conveys a condition experienced by the user or a question regarding a direction in which the user may proceed to satisfy a particular need. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a plurality of items arranged on a bracelet that is secure to the user's arm. In another embodiment, the items may be arranged on the necklace or the like and arranged around an easily accessible body part of the user. The system preferably comprises the device and an instruction manual for learning how to use the device and aiding the user in using the device.

[0004] When used in aiding a caregiver in providing care to a patient, the patient is initially taught simple word association for each item. The word associations. are hot, cold, pain, wet, oral care issues relating to the mouth, and relationship issues such as family and friends. These associations are preferably set forth on an instruction card or manual maintained by the user or by the bedside of a bed-ridden user. Another item arranged on the device is a question generator which represents to the caregiver when the patient needs assistance in other matters. The other matters may include when the user has dropped an object and cannot retrieve it without aid from the caregiver. In this instance, the patient may touch the question generating item and the caregiver is then cued to pose a series of questions to the patient. Through a process of elimination, the caregiver narrows the patient's need to assist in providing comforting care to the patient. The meanings of the words or questions for the question generator may be provided on a separate instruction sheet provided along with the device when purchased. Preferably, one or more of the items of the device relate to a patient's preferred temperature, a patient's pain level being experienced, bodily function issues such as the need for a change of clothes, underwear or bed linens, and relationship issues such as family and friends. In the instance when the device is being used in assisting a caregiver in providing care to a patient, when the patient experiences an uncomfortable condition or experiences a need, he/she can easily convey the condition to a caregiver by pointing to or grasping the particular charm or item to convey the predetermined meaning. In this manner, a caregiver can easily ascertain the needs of the patient. The caregiver can then meet the need or want of the patient or wearer.

[0005] When the device is used in aiding a traveler, the traveler is equipped with a device that includes a plurality of items. The device is maintained on the user or in an article of clothing. Each item is representative of one or more conditions that the traveler is experiencing. Otherwise the items may or be used in obtaining directions in which the traveler may proceed to satisfying a particular need or condition. By using the device and system, the user may be aided by another who does not enjoy a common spoken language with the user. Thus, the system employs use of a visual language to alleviate a necessary condition that the user is experiencing. The condition experienced by the traveler may be a need such as hunger, transportation, medical aid, governmental assistance, a local drug store, sleeping accommodations, or a public toilet or shower facilities. The items typically representative of these needs are preferably selected from a group consisting of a food item, a restaurant and/or marketplace item, a form of transportation item such as an automobile, airplane, bus or train, a drug store or other prescription drug dispensing store, a sleeping accommodations such as a hotel, a police or other competent legal authorities, a public toilet, and a physician. When the traveler experiences a need, he/she may approach a foreigner and visually convey this need by pointing to an item on the device. For example, a traveler who wants to wants something to eat may point to a food item displayed on the device to convey to a foreigner that he/she is hungry. In this manner, the traveler conveys a need to the foreigner and may receive assistance without speaking a common language.

[0006] When used by a child, the visual communication system is used by a child to convey a particular need or desire. The child's needs or desires may be represented by items that indicated the child is sleepy, in pain, in need of a bandage, happy, sad or mad, wants a family pet such as a cat or dog, wants his/her mother, wants to play, is hungry, is thirsty, needs to use the toilet or has a wet diaper, wants his friends, wants a phone, or wants a computer.. The child may indicate one of the aforementioned needs by pointing to a particular item on the device. In this manner, a parent or guardian may provide relief for the particular need specified by the child pointing to a representative item on the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Many patients are incapacitated and cannot verbally communicate their needs to caregivers. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "incapacitated" refers to patients who cannot perform verbal communications with another such a caregiver, parent or foreigner. Also, the terms "items," "ornaments," "beads," "charms", and "trinkets" are used interchangeably and are those things secured to the device and which are representative of a particular condition or need that the wearer is experiencing and which may be alleviated by the other to whom the need is visually indicated by pointing to an item on the device. For purposes of the disclosure, the terms "user", "child", "patient" "traveler" and "wearer" are interchangeable with respect to one who is wearing the device or using it to convey a message to another; it being understood that an incapacitated patient may have different needs than a traveler or child. Incapacitated patients may include those who are on a ventilator or who have tubes running down their throat such that they may be unable to perform verbal communications with a caregiver or to freely move about a room. This inability to verbally communicate or move freely may result in the patient being uncomfortable or may even lead to the creation and continuation of other complications relating to the successful recovery of the patient. The communication system may also be useful in situations where a wearer is unable to verbally communicate his/her needs such as when one is traveling abroad and does not speak the local language or between a child and a parent or guardian. Moreover, the instant invention may be useful for individuals who do not speak a particular common language and may comprise items that have an international meaning.

[0008] Previously, incapacitated patients or patients who are on ventilators have used writing instruments and pads of paper to communicate particular needs such as whether they are cold or hot. Otherwise, a caregiver must question the patient with a series of questions to ascertain a particular need of the patient. This is an ineffective use of time and resources and tends to frustrate both the patient and caregiver when a patient's need cannot be properly served. Likewise, many travelers waste valuable time attempting to convey a need to a foreigner. This time could be better spent in sightseeing or souvenir hunting.

[0009] There is a need for a more effective method and system for communicating the needs of incapacitated patients to caregivers. Likewise, there is a need for an easy method and system for communicating between people who do not speak a common language. The instant invention solves both of these needs by providing a simple system and method for communicating between people who cannot verbally communicate with one another. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the communication system comprises a bracelet containing various trinkets or charms which represent a specific need or group of needs. The caregiver and the wearer of the bracelet are taught a meaning of each particular bead or charm. For example, a charm such as a hot pepper may be attached to the bracelet to indicate that the room temperature of the patient's room is too hot. When a patient points to the hot pepper, the caregiver easily recognized the need to turn down the thermostat in the patient's room. Likewise, an ice cube charm may be included on the bracelet for indicating that the patient is cold. Other charms may be provided that a patient may touch to indicate a particular need including the need for oral care, thirst, hunger, pain medication or the like.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the communication system comprises a device, such as a bracelet or necklace, that forms a loop. The bracelet is preferably eight to ten inches in length and comprises a loop of material such as nylon coated multi-strand wire having a split ring at one end and a catch at the other. The catch engages the split ring to secure the bracelet about a patient's wrist. Glass or plastic beads may be included between each charm for providing a spacing that allows the patient to use tactile feel to determine the shape of a particular charm. This spacing of the charms also assists the visually impaired in using the device. In one embodiment, the charms included on the bracelet may include a chili pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a hand. The chili pepper indicates that the patient is hot. The ice cube indicates that the patient is too cold. The star indicates that the patient is in pain. The tear drop indicates that the patient is wet and needs to be changed. The doughnut indicates that the patient needs to receive oral care. The heart indicates that the patient is looking for a family member or friend. The hand indicates that the patient needs other assistance and operates as a general question triggering mechanism that causes the caregiver to query the patient with a series of questions. Preferably, each charm has a distinct shape, exclusive color and unique meaning. In another embodiment, the charms are directed towards use by a traveler and includes a food charm, at least one transportation charm, a pharmacy charm, a sleeping charm, a contact-the-authorities charm, a toilet charm and a healthcare charm. The food charm may be used to indicate that the traveler is hungry and in need of assistance in finding an establishment to eat. The transportation charm is used by the traveler to gain assistance from a member of the populace in finding a plane, automobile, bus, train including those servicing municipal regions, as well as national and multi-national systems. The pharmacy charm indicates that a traveler desires to find a local drug store. The sleeping charm indicates that the wearer would like to find a hotel, motel, hostel or other area that may be used for sleeping. The contact-the-authorities charm indicates that the wearer would like to speak with someone such as a police or authority figure. The toilet charm is used for gaining directions to a public toilet. The healthcare charm is used for being directed towards the local hospital or healthcare facility. The marketplace charm is represented by a shopping cart and used to obtain directions to the local market.

[0012] Initially, the communication device is provided with an instruction manual or guide. This guide or manual may include a translation section that comprises a single question translated into several languages alongside a picture depicting a particular charm. For example, a question such as "where is a drug store?", may be translated into English, Spanish, Italian, and Russian for use in European countries. This guide is preferably durable and may include a plastic or laminated sheet that operates as a key indicating the meaning of each charm. Where care is being given to a patient, the guide may include a series of questions that aid the caregiver in quickly identifying a problem that the patient is experiencing. The caregiver and wearer of the communication device learns the meaning or group of meanings of each charm by discussing the instruction manual. When the wearer desires to communicate a particular need, he/she touches the specific charm that is associated with the particular need when in the presence of the individual to whom the need is being conveyed. In instances where the charm represents a group of needs, the caregiver or one to whom the message is being conveyed may then proceed with a line of questions that narrows the alternate meanings down to a single request.

[0013] These questions may be provided in the instruction manual that is provided with the communication device. For example, when a patient points to a charm that indicates the patient is cold, the caregiver may respond with a question relating to whether the patient wants another blanket to cover the patient. Alternatively, the caregiver may ask the patient what are of the patient's body is cold. In this instance, the caregiver may point towards or touch the feet of the patient and wait for a nod, blink or other indication from the patient to indicate an answer.

[0014] In an instance when the patient has indicated that he/she is in pain, the caregiver may query the patient on how bad the pain is on a scale of one-to- ten, ascertain the location of the pain by pointing to, touching, or listing various parts of the patient's body and waiting for a response from the patient.

[0015] By pointing to or holding the doughnut trinket, the patient indicates that he/she is requesting that a task be performed in connection with the patient's mouth area. This may indicate that the patient is hungry, thirsty or needs oral care such as lip balm being placed on the lips of the patient to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the tube that is inserted through the patient's mouth or nose. The caregiver may determine the message being conveyed by the patient by asking a series of questions relating to whether the patient is hungry, thirsty, in need of having a tube suctioned, needing lip balm applied or other oral care performed on the patient. [0016] The patient indicates that he/she would like to know where his/her family or friends are located by pointing to or touching the heart charm. The caregiver may list the names of the family members or friends to identify particular individuals who the patient would like to see.

[0017] A hand ornament is used by the patient to indicate when he/she has dropped something or needs assistance from the caregiver in reaching something. This ornament may also indicate that the patient wants or desires something. In this instance, the caregiver may use questions provided in the manual to identify the specific need or request by having the patient indicate the general location of the object that he/she wishes to have retrieved. In this instance, the caregiver may ask the patient if the object is on the bed, in the room or outside of the room. The patient can indicate where the object is located and further questions and corresponding answers narrow the caregiver to a correct object.

[0018] Other items may be included in the device for conveying other messages to assist the caregiver in delivering services.

[0019] It should be noted that the communication system, bracelet or necklace, may also be worn by individuals who do not speak a common language. Each person can learn the meaning of each particular charm in their particular language and thereafter use the communication system or bracelet as a translation device to facilitate effective communications of their needs or other's needs in the absence of a translator. In another embodiment, the charms are directed towards use by a traveler and include a food charm, one or more transportations charms, a drug store charm, a sleeping charm, a contact-the- authorities charm, a toilet charm and a healthcare charm. The design of each charm is chosen to depict a particular need of the traveler to be easily recognized by a member of the populace. In all instances, the charms are visually representative of a particular condition or need. The food charm indicates that the wearer would like to

[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide a communications method and system whereby an incapacitated patient, traveler, child, or user may easily convey a need or a plurality of needs to a caregiver, a member of the populace, or another by simply pointing to or holding a particular charm on a bracelet that indicates a particular need.

[0021] It is a further object of the invention to provide a communications system that incorporates a plurality of charms, trinkets, beads or the like that have a particular common meaning between a patient and a caregiver such that the patient can convey a need or group of needs to a caregiver by simply pointing to or holding one of the charms, trinkets, beads or the like. Likewise, the particular common meaning may be understood between the traveler and members of the general population of a foreign country. Alternatively, the particular need may be conveyed by a child to an adult by pointing to a particular item displayed on the device.

[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide a communication system that utilizes symbolic features to indicate a particular need without the use of verbal communications from the wearer.

[0023] It is a further object of the invention to provide a communication system that can convey needs between individuals who do not speak a common language.

[0024] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth, appear in part or become apparent after considering the specification and accompanying drawings. It is to be realized that the following embodiments of the invention have been represented in their simplest form for ease in understanding the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention realized in a bracelet for use between a patient and a caregiver.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows the invention of Fig. 1 realized in a necklace form. [0027] Fig. 3 is an instruction guide for use in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows the process steps in practicing the system between a patient and a caregiver.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention for use with practicing the system between a traveler and a member of the populace of a foreign country.

[0030] Fig. 6 is an instruction guide for use in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention for use by a child in conveying a need to a caregiver such as a parent or legal guardian.

[0032] Fig. 8 is an instruction guide for use in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The following is the preferred embodiment or best mode for carrying out the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited by the discussion of the preferred embodiment and should only be defined by the appended claims. The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the features of one embodiment may be employed with the other embodiments as the skilled artisan recognizes, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and techniques may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments set forth herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the use of a plurality of charms 10-16 that are included on a bracelet 1 to implement the communication system. In this embodiment, the communication system comprises a bracelet 1 that is preferably eight to ten inches in length and comprises a loop of material that extends through the beads 7. The loop of material may comprise a nylon coated multi-strand wire having a split ring 3 at one end and a catch 5 at the other. The catch 5 engages the split ring 3 to secure the bracelet 1 about a patient's wrist. The beads 7 may comprise glass or plastic and are preferably provided between each charm for providing a spacing that allows the patient to use tactile feel to determine the shape of a particular charm. The charms may comprise metal, plastic, glass or any other durable material that may be secure to the multi-strand wire.

[0035] The charms included on the bracelet 1 may include a chili pepper 10 that is used to indicate that the patient is too hot and needs the temperature of the patient's room to be cooled to a lower temperature. The chili pepper 10 may be red. However, it should be noted that other types of charms may be substituted for the chili pepper such as a flame trinket to indicate that the patient is hot. When a patient points to the chili pepper or touches it, the caregiver may lower the thermostat in the patient's room.

[0036] The ice cube 11 indicates that the patient is too cold. A snowflake trinket may be substituted for the ice cube. Preferably, the ice cube is blue in color to indicate cold. Other types of charms may be substituted for the ice cube 11. When a patient points to the ice cube 11 , the caregiver may respond with a question relating to whether the patient wants another blanket to cover the patient. Alternatively, the caregiver may ask the patient what are of the patient's body is cold. In this instance, the caregiver may point towards or touch the feet of the patient and wait for a nod, blink or other indication from the patient to indicate an answer.

[0037] The star 12 indicates that the patient is in pain. In an instance when the patient has indicated that he/she is in pain, the caregiver may query the patient on how bad the pain is on a scale of one-to-ten, ascertain the location of the pain by pointing to, touching, or listing various parts of the patient's body and waiting for a response from the patient.

[0038] The tear drop 13 indicates that the patient needs is wet and needs to be changed. The caregiver can clean the patient, change the patient's clothing, and replace any soiled bed linens with clean ones when the patient points to the tear drop 13.

[0039] The doughnut 14 indicates that the patient has an oral need. By pointing to or holding the doughnut trinket, the patient indicates that he/she is requesting that a task be performed in connection with the patient's mouth area. This may indicate that the patient is hungry, thirsty or needs oral care such as lip balm being placed on the lips of the patient to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the tube that is inserted through the patient's mouth or nose. The caregiver may determine the message being conveyed by the patient by asking a series of questions relating to whether the patient is hungry, thirsty, in need of having a tube suctioned, needing lip balm applied or other oral care performed on the patient. [0040] The heart 15 indicates that the patient is looking for a family member or friend. The patient indicates that he/she would like to know where his/her family or friends are located by pointing to or touching the heart charm. The caregiver may list the names of the family members or friends to identify particular individuals who the patient would like to see.

[0041] The hand 16 indicates that the patient needs other assistance and operates as a general question triggering mechanism that causes the caregiver to query the patient with a series of questions. A hand ornament is used by the patient to indicate when he/she has dropped something or needs assistance from the caregiver in reaching something. This ornament may also indicate that the patient wants or desires something. In this instance, the caregiver may use questions provided in the manual to identify the specific need or request by having the patient indicate the general location of the object that he/she wishes to have retrieved. In this instance, the caregiver may ask the patient if the object is on the bed, in the room or outside of the room. The patient can indicate where the object is located and further questions and corresponding answers narrow the caregiver to a correct object. Preferably, each charm has a distinct shape, exclusive color and unique meaning.

[0042] In another embodiment the bracelet may be incorporated into a necklace to be worn by the patient about his/her neck, the charms 10-16 are included on a necklace 2 that comprises the bracelet 1 and an add-on piece 20 of a nylon coated multi-strand wire 4 having a split ring 3 at one end and a catch 5 at the other. This add-on piece is preferably twelve to twenty inches in length and may comprise gold, silver, nylon or beaded wire. The split ring 3 and catch 5 on the add-on piece 20 mates with the catch 5 and the split ring 3 of the bracelet 1 to create the necklace 2 as shown.

[0043] Fig. 3 is an instruction manual 50 for use with the communication device. As shown, the bracelet 1 and its associated charms are reproduced on the instruction manual. A word is provided alongside every charm 10-16 for indicating a general meaning of each charm. Alongside the general meaning word, is a visual meaning for illiterate individuals or those who can no longer read because of an injury or an illness. Questions may be provided alongside the visual meaning for aiding the caregiver in ascertaining a problem being experienced by the patient.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows the process steps for practicing the communication system between a patient and a caregiver. The device of Fig. 1 is produced with the necessary charms to aid the caregiver in providing adequate service to the patient. The device is provided to the patient along with the instruction guide. The caregiver and patient review the meanings provided with the instruction guide. When a need is experienced, the patient indicates the need to the caregiver by touching or pointing to the charm on the device. Questions from the instruction guide are used by the caregiver to narrow down the problems associated with the patient.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a second embodiment of the invention showing the communication system implemented in a device 1 for use by a traveler to a foreign country having an uncommon language to the traveler. In this instance, the bracelet 1 includes a food charm 31 indicating that the traveler is hungry and wishes to find a restaurant or other retail food establishment. This charm may also show a rolling shopping cart 41 to convey that the traveler would like to be directed to the nearest marketplace.

[0046] Transportation charms 32, 33, 35, and 39, when touched by the traveler indicate that the traveler would like to proceed to a place where he/she may utilize a particular form of transportation. The form of transportation is usually provided at a central location such as a bus stop, an airport, a taxi stand, or a train stop. A traveler wanting to be directed towards the airport would touch the airplane charm 32. Likewise, if he/she wanted to hire a taxis or automobile, the traveler touches the automobile charm 33. Directions to a bus stop may be obtained by touching the bus charm 35. The location of the train station would be obtained by touching the train charm 39.

[0047] Healthcare charms 34 and 40 relate to a drugstore charm 34 and a physician's charm 40. The traveler may point to the drugstore charm 34 to obtain directions or transportation to a drugstore. When need of medical assistance, the traveler points to the physician's charm 40 and is directed or taken to a hospital, clinic or medical doctor's office.

[0048] The device 1 may also include a sleeping accommodations charm 36. The traveler may be directed to a hotel, motel, hostel, guest house or other shelter where the traveler may rest and sleep. In this instance, the sleeping accommodations charm shows a bed with a traveler resting upon it.

[0049] The device 1 may further include a charm for directing the traveler to the nearest authority figure or place of civil authority such as policeman or a police station. The contact-the-authorities charm 37 is represented by a police hat and a pair of handcuffs.

[0050] The device 1 of Fig. 5 includes a charm that indicates the traveler's need to use a public restroom. The toilet charm 38 indicates that the traveler needs to use a restroom and may be used to obtain the directions to the nearest bathroom. The marketplace charm 41 is used to obtain directions to the local market. A computer charm 42 indicates that the user would like to use a computer.

[0051] Fig. 6 is an instruction booklet for use by a traveler with the device of Fig. 5. The instruction booklet includes pictures of all of the charms that and their respective meanings in several languages such as English, Spanish, French and Italian. In this instance, the bracelet shown in Fig. 5 is useful in most European countries by foreign travelers who do not speak a common language with the local populace.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a third embodiment of the invention and includes a device 1 that comprises a bed charm 81 that indicates that the user is sleepy. A bandage charm 82 indicates that the user is hurt or in need of a bandage. A happy face 83 indicates that the user is happy. A sad face 84 indicates that the user is sad or mad. A cat item 85 indicates that the user would like to pet the cat. A dog item 86 indicates that the user would like to pet the dog. A mother charm 87 indicates that the user would like to see his/her mother. A soccer ball 88 indicates that the user would like to play. A plate and utensils charm 89 indicates that the user is hungry. A drink charm 90 indicates that the user is thirsty. A toilet charm 38 indicates that the user has used or needs to use the toilet. A friends charm 91 indicates that the user would like to see his/her friend. A telephone handset charm 92 indicates that the user would like to use a telephone.

[0053] Fig. 8 is an instruction guide for use by a user in connection with the device 1 shown in Fig. 7. In this instance, the instruction guide displays a respective meaning of each of the charms provided alongside the charms. In this instance, the bracelet shown in Fig. 5 is useful in aiding a young child in developing communication skills with their caregiver such as a parent or guardian.

[0054] While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that changes, modifications and additions may be made to the herein described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense or use.

Claims

ClaimsI claim:

1. A communication system for a user who cannot verbally communicate with another, said communication system comprising: a plurality of charms bound together, each charm representative of a need that the user is experiencing, the plurality of charms maintained on or near the user such that the user may easily access one or more of the plurality of charms to convey to another the need being experienced; and, an instruction manual having a key that explains the meaning of each charm, wherein said plurality of charms each having one or more meanings selected from a group consisting of a temperature in the user's room is too hot, the temperature in the user's room is too cold, the user is wet and needs to undertake a change of clothing, the user is in need of an object, where is a family member of the individual, the user cannot reach a first object and needs assistance in retrieving the first object, the individual has dropped a second object and cannot retrieve the second object, the user wants a third object, the user is hungry and interested in finding a place where food may be purchased, the user needs to be directed to the nearest prescription drug dispensing store, the user needs to be directed to the nearest sleeping accommodations, the user is seeking competent legal authorities, the user wants to visit a public toilet, and the user needs to be directed to a medical facility, the user is sleepy, the user is in pain, the user is in need of a bandage, the user is happy, the user is sad, the user is mad, the user wants a family pet, the user wants mother, the user wants to play, the user is hungry, the user is thirsty, the user has a wet diaper, the user wants to see his friends, the user wants a phone, and the user wants a computer.

2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of charms are bound together on a bracelet that is worn about a wrist of the user.

3. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of charms are bound together on a necklace that is worn about a neck of the user.

4. The communication system of claim 3 wherein said necklace comprises a bracelet and an add-on piece of wire having a split ring at one end and a catch at an opposite end.

5. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of charms include one or more selected from a group consisting of a hot pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a hand, a food item, a restaurant, a shopping cart, a marketplace item, an airplane, a bus, an automobile, a train, a prescription drug dispensing store, a sleeping accommodations, a legal authorities, a public toilet, a physician, a bed, a bandage, a smiley face, a sad face, a cat, a dog, a women, a ball, a plate and eating utensils, a drink, a toilet, a pair of friends holding hands, a telephone, and a computer.

6. A communication device comprising: a loop of material that is arranged around a part of a wearer's body; a plurality of trinkets arranged on the loop of material, each trinket having a meaning to convey a need from the wearer of the communication device to an individual who can alleviate the need being experienced by the wearer; a plurality of beads separating each trinket of the plurality of trinkets such that the wearer may recognize each trinket through tactile feeling of the wearer's fingertips; and, an instruction manual providing a meaning that is associated with each of the trinkets and having the trinkets displayed thereon.

7. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of trinkets are bound together on a bracelet that is worn about the wearer's wrist.

8. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of trinkets are bound together on a necklace that is worn about the wearer's neck.

9. The communication system of claim 8 wherein said necklace comprises a bracelet and an add-on piece of wire having a split ring at one end and a catch at an opposite end.

10. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of trinkets include one or more selected from a group consisting of a hot pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a hand, a food item, a restaurant, a shopping cart, a marketplace item, an airplane, a bus, an automobile, a train, a prescription drug dispensing store, a sleeping accommodations, a legal authorities, a public toilet, a physician, a bed, a bandage, a smiley face, a sad face, a cat, a dog, a women, a ball, a plate and eating utensils, a drink, a toilet, a pair of friends holding hands, a telephone, and a computer.

11. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of beads comprises plastic beads.

12. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of beads comprises glass beads.

13. A method for providing a communication system between a user and an other who cannot verbally communicate with one another, said method comprising: providing an article of manufacture that includes a plurality of items that represent a variety of needs of a patient, said plurality of items include one or more selected from a group consisting of a hot pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a hand, a food item, a restaurant, a shopping cart, a marketplace item, an airplane, a bus, an automobile, a train, a prescription drug dispensing store, a sleeping accommodations, a legal authorities, a public toilet, a physician, a bed, a bandage, a smiley face, a sad face, a cat, a dog, a women, a ball, a plate and eating utensils, a drink, a toilet, a pair of friends holding hands, a telephone, and a computer; providing an instruction guide on operating the communication system to the user; securing the article of manufacture to a particular part of the user; and indicating through the user to the other by touching or pointing towards an item of the article of manufacture to represent a particular need when an associated need is experienced by the user patient.

14. The method of claim 13 further including: providing instructions to the user through one of displaying the communication system to the user and placing the communication system into a hand of the user such that users who are visually impaired use tactile feel and an audible command from another to describe each item in the article of manufacture and associated meaning.

15. The method of claim 13 further including: the other querying the user with a series of questions relating to a particular meaning of an item after the user has pointed towards or touched an item on the article of manufacture.