AU2018206726A1 - A Wearable Band Storage Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wearable band storage device including an elongate body adapted to be attached about a body part, the elongate body provided with a charge of material available for use by the user as an when required. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

A WEARABLE BAND STORAGE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to wearable devices for storage of items and particularly to a wearable band that can be used for storage of lotions, gels or other similar materials.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Wearable devices designed for use in the sun are available. UV indicator wristbands provide a visual reminder to reapply sunscreen and when to get out of the sun or cover up.

[0003] One such device includes colour changing technology to detect harmful UVA & UVB rays. These devices work wet or dry and are ideal for children and adults. They can be used with any sunscreen, whether it is a cream, spray or lotion. The colour change is sun activated, with a user donning the device then applying sunscreen to skin and the device. As the user spends more time in the sun, the device changes colour as the sunscreen loses effectiveness.

[0004] Another type of indicator band uses colour changes which is UV activated but not dependent upon the application of sunscreen to the device.

[0005] These wearable devices are designed to provide a user with an indication of when their exposure to the sun has reached a particular point. The user will still have to have sunscreen to hand in order to apply it.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to a wearable band storage device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a wearable band storage device including an elongate body adapted to be attached about a user body part, the elongate body provided with a charge of material available for use by the user as and when required.

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 [0009] The wearable band storage device of the present invention is designed to be worn by a user so that the user will have a charge of material available to them as and when required. Normally, the wearable band storage device is adapted to hold a charge of material that a user would normally be required to carry with them in one or more bottles or other containers. The device of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with sunscreen, and may be explained with reference to sunscreen but it is important to recognise that the material may be any type of material including, but not limited to material such as lip balm, soap, moisturiser, shampoo or other body care or body maintenance material.

[0010] The device of the present invention includes an elongate body adapted to be attached about a user body part. The elongate body of the device may be manufactured from any material. Importantly, the material is preferably one that allows the device to be worn in a variety of different conditions, including inclement conditions as well as other conditions such as may be encountered, for example when the user is swimming or at the beach for example.

[0011] The device of the present invention will typically be removable from the user body part as required. Any method of attachment and removal may be used. For example, the elongate body may be provided with one or more snaps, buckles, Velcro portions or the like or be configured as a snap band or simply as a resilient band that requires deformation to pass over a user’s hand for example.

[0012] Preferably, the elongate band will be manufactured from a stable material which is able to be worn as described above without loss of function and also preferably be reusable. It is particularly preferred that the elongate band be manufactured from a plastic material and a silicone material may be a particularly preferred material. However, the elongate band may be manufactured from a fabric material or a woven material such as webbing for example.

[0013] Normally, the elongate band of the present invention is adapted to be worn about the user’s wrist and will preferably be sized accordingly. As mentioned above, because the elongate band is preferably removable, removal may require detachment of one portion of an elongate body from another for example, if a buckle or Velcro is provided or alternatively, if the elongate band is provided as a closed loop of resilient material, the user may simply deform the band sufficiently to enlarge the band in order to allow the band to pass the user’s hand.

[0014] The elongate body of the device of the present invention is provided with a charge of material available for use by the user as and when required. The charge of material may be provided in association with the elongate body in any way but will typically be provided in one

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 (or both) of two preferred ways namely provision of a container portion relative to the elongate body in order to contain material or provision of one or more portions on the elongate body into which material can be impregnated or temporarily held such that the user can use the material directly from the band.

[0015] For example, the elongate band may be provided with one or more pads or similar portions or devices with material impregnated thereinto. Material may be impregnated into the device or portion by soaking, steeping, infusion, permeated, filled, and absorbed or adsorbed. In this configuration, the material is preferably used by release directly from the portion device as required onto a user body part. The material used for manufacture of the device or portion will typically be appropriate for the material to be impregnated. The material used needs to be able to hold a charge of material as required and not drip or leak but then release the material as required by the user.

[0016] It may be that a cover or similar mechanism is provided in order to decrease leakage or loss of the material. It is preferred that a simple mechanism, such as a Velcro cover or similar, is provided if this is necessary.

[0017] The preferred pad or portion into which material is impregnated will preferably release material upon the application of pressure. For example, the user will typically press the impregnated pad or apply the pad directly to another body part whilst the elongate band is being worn. The impregnated pad may be additionally used to spread the material.

[0018] The pad or device into which material is impregnated may be rechargeable and/or replaceable. The pad or device may be recharged in situ whilst mounted to the elongate band. The pad or device may be attached to or embedded into the elongate band.

[0019] In an alternative configuration, the band itself may be impregnated in its entirety or a portion of the band only may be impregnated with material.

[0020] In the alternate version of the invention in which a container portion is provided, the container portion may be provided in any way in association with the elongate band. For example, the container portion may be integrated into the band, in other words, a container portion may be provided as a hollow part of the band itself forming a volume within the band into which material can be provided. If provided in this form, the container portion may be or form an enlarged portion in the band in order to hold a useful charge of material.

[0021] A closure may be provided in order to open and close the container portion.

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Preferably, the closure may be a removable cap or similar.

[0022] A valve or similar may be provided to allow the user to dispense material held within the container portion as required but to prevent leakage or loss. Any type of valve may be used, but a flap valve of the type used in flexible bottles or other containers is particularly preferred. These types of valves have various names including cross slit valves, or silicon valves.

[0023] The preferred valve is used to open at a pre-determined pressure and closing thereafter in order to dispense a medium once a certain threshold pressure is achieved.

[0024] A valve unit may be housed within a neck of a flexible type container portion from which fluid and semi-fluid material can be dispensed. The valve unit preferably allows flow through when squeezing pressure is applied to the container portion and the material contained therein, and automatically closes to prevent further flow, when the pressure is removed. The valve unit preferably includes a valve having a plurality of (overlapping) flaps which are hinged to open back from one another and to form a central passageway between them when pressure is exerted from within the container or on the container portion. Each flap may have one or more elastic stiffener members to increase the flaps ability to return to its original location when pressure is removed. As the flaps close they preferably compress and shear through any material trapped in the central passage, with the lower flap portions wiping trapped material from the undersides of the upper flap portions so that no material is trapped between them.

[0025] As mentioned above, any containing portion may be flexible such that pressure can be applied to the material within the containing portion to force the material out of the containing portion. The containing portion may be deformable to reduce the volume of the containing portion temporarily to expel material (and could be used to charge the container as well utilising a siphon effect).

[0026] The container portion may be integrated into the elongate band or be a container portion which is attachable and detachable relative to the elongate band. For example, the container portion may be a cartridge or similar type of container portion which once empty, can be removed and replaced and/or refilled in situ.

[0027] Any attachment mechanism may be used if the container portion is attachable and detachable but it is preferred that the attachment mechanism the as simple as possible.

[0028] If the container portion is provided in the form of a cartridge, it is preferred that the cartridge be shaped in order to allow attachment to an elongate band and still lie as close as

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 possible to the user’s body part. In particular, it is preferred that a bottom wall of the cartridge be arcuate in order to conform as much as possible to the shape of the body part to which the device is attached.

[0029] An alternative embodiment has a filler cap in the bottom or rear of the body to fill the reservoir with material to be dispensed.

[0030] At least an upper surface of the body may be made of a resilient material. A selfsealing orifice or sphincter sealed orifice can be provided on the body such that depression of the resilient upper surface of the body, typically using a finger, drives material from the reservoir out of the orifice for application.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the orifice is on an edge of the body which faces away from the hand when worn.

[0032] A preferred embodiment is manufactured from a silicon material providing robustness, resilience (important for the function of the self-sealing orifice or sphincter sealed orifice and the upper surface) and comfort for the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the band may be provided with a clock or similar to allow the device to be used as a watch.

[0034] As mentioned above, the device may be provided with a charge of any type of material that a user may find useful to have to hand. One particularly preferred material will be sunscreen or similar.

[0035] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0036] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0038] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a wearable band storage device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the device illustrated in Figure 1 attached to a user’s wrist.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a wearable band storage device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a user’s wrist.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the use of the device illustrated in Figure 4 by user.

[0043] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a wearable band storage device according to a 3^rd preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the device illustrated in Figure 6 attached to a user’s wrist and showing the removable storage cartridge.

[0045] Figure 8 is a top view of a wearable band storage device according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is a side view of the device illustrated in Figure 8.

[0047] Figure 10 is an end view of the device illustrated in Figure 8.

[0048] Figure 11 is view from below of the device illustrated in Figure 8.

[0049] Figure 12 is a rendered view of the manufacturing blank corresponding to the configuration illustrated in Figure 8.

[0050] Figure 13 is a rendered view of the manufacturing blank corresponding to the configuration illustrated in Figure 11.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0051] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wearable band storage device 10 is provided.

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 [0052] Three particularly preferred embodiments of the wearable band storage device are illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 but all three preferred embodiments include an elongate body or band 11 adapted to be attached about a body part, the elongate body or band 11 provided with a charge of material available for use by the user as and when required.

[0053] The wearable band storage device is designed to be worn by a user so that the user will have a charge of material available to them as and when required. Normally, the wearable band storage device is adapted to hold a charge of material that a user would normally be required to carry with them in one or more bottles or other containers. The device of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with sunscreen, and may be explained with reference to sunscreen but it is important to recognise that the material may be any type of material including, but not limited to material such as lip balm, soap, moisturiser, shampoo or other body care or body maintenance material.

[0054] The device of the present invention includes an elongate body or band 11 adapted to be attached about a user body part. The elongate body or band 11 may be manufactured from any material. Importantly, the material is preferably one that allows the device 10 to be worn in a variety of different conditions, including inclement conditions as well as other conditions such as may be encountered when the user is swimming for example.

[0055] The device 10 will typically be removable from the user body part as required. Any method of attachment and removal may be used. For example, the elongate body may be provided with one or more snaps, buckles, Velcro portions or the like or be configured as a snap band or most preferred as a resilient band that requires deformation to pass over a user’s hand for example as illustrated in the accompanying Figures.

[0056] Preferably, the elongate band 11 will be manufactured from a stable material which is able to be worn as described above without loss of function and also preferably be reusable. It is particularly preferred that the elongate band be manufactured from a plastic material and a silicone material is a particularly preferred material. However, the elongate band may be manufactured from a fabric material or a woven material such as webbing for example.

[0057] Normally, the elongate band 11 is adapted to be worn about the user’s wrist as shown in the accompanying Figures and is sized accordingly. As mentioned above, because the elongate band 11 is preferably removable, removal may require detachment of one portion of an elongate body from another for example if the buckle or Velcro is provided or alternatively, if the elongate band is provided as a closed loop of resilient material, the user may simply deform the

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 band 11 sufficiently to enlarge the band 11 in order to allow the band 11 to pass the user’s hand.

[0058] The charge of material may be provided in association with the elongate body or band 11 in any way but will typically be provided in one of two preferred ways namely provision of a container portion 13 relative to the elongate body in order to contain material, such as is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 6 and 7, or provision of one or more portions on the elongate body into which material can be impregnated or temporarily held such that the user can use the material directly from the band, such as is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

[0059] For example as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the elongate band 11 may be provided with one or more pads 12 or similar portions or devices with material impregnated thereinto. Material may be impregnated into the pad 12 by soaking, steeping, infusion, permeated, filled, and absorbed or adsorbed. In this configuration, the material is preferably used by release directly from the pad 12 as required by the user rubbing the pad 12 across their body of face as illustrated in Figure 5. The material used for manufacture of the device or portion will typically be appropriate allowing the material to be impregnated. The material used needs to be able to hold a charge of material as required and not drip or leak and then release the material as required by the user.

[0060] It may be that a cover or similar mechanism is provided in order to decrease leakage or loss of the material. It is preferred that a simple mechanism such as a Velcro cover or similar is provided if this is necessary.

[0061] The preferred pad 12 into which material is impregnated will preferably release material upon the application of pressure. For example, the user will typically press the impregnated pad 12 or apply the pad 12 directly to their face 16 whilst the elongate band 11 is being worn. The impregnated pad 12 may be additionally used to spread the material.

[0062] The pad 12 into which material is impregnated may be rechargeable and/or replaceable. The pad 12 may be recharged in situ whilst mounted to the elongate band 11. The pad 12 may be attached to or embedded into the elongate band 11.

[0063] In the alternate version of the invention in which a container portion 13 is provided such as is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 6 and 7, the container portion 13 may be provided in any way in association with the elongate band 11. For example, the container portion 13 may be integrated into the band 11, in other words, a container portion 13 can be provided as a hollow part of the band 11 itself forming a volume within the band 11 into which material can be provided as is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. If provided in this form, the container portion 13 may

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 be or form an enlarged portion in the band 11 in order to hold a useful charge of material.

[0064] A closure may be provided in order to open and close the container portion 13. Preferably, the closure may be a removable cap or similar.

[0065] A valve or similar may be provided to allow the user to dispense material held within the container portion 13 as required but to prevent leakage or loss. Any type of valve may be used, but a flap valve assembly 14 of the type used in flexible bottles or other containers is particularly preferred. These types of valves have various names including cross slit valves, or silicon valves.

[0066] The preferred valve is used to open at a pre- determined pressure and closing thereafter in order to dispense material once a certain threshold pressure is achieved.

[0067] A valve unit may be housed within a neck of a flexible type container portion 13 from which fluid and semi-fluid matter can be dispensed. The valve unit preferably allows flow through when squeezing pressure is applied to the container portion 13 and the material contained therein, and automatically closes to prevent further flow, when the pressure is removed. The valve unit preferably includes a valve having a plurality of (overlapping) flaps which are hinged to open back from one another and to form a central passageway between them when pressure is exerted from within the container or on the container portion. Each flap may have one or more elastic stiffener members to increase the flaps ability to return to its original location when pressure is removed. As the flaps close they preferably compress and shear through any material trapped in the central passage, with the lower flap portions wiping trapped material from the undersides of the upper flap portions so that no material is trapped between them.

[0068] As mentioned above, any containing portion 13 may be flexible such that pressure can be applied to the material within the containing portion 13 to force the material out of the containing portion 13. The containing portion 13 may be deformable to reduce the volume of the containing portion 13 temporarily to expel material (and could be used to charge the container as well).

[0069] The container portion 13 may be integrated into the elongate band (illustrated in Figures 1 to 3) or be a container portion which is attachable and detachable relative to the elongate band. For example, the container portion may be a cartridge 15 or similar type of container portion 13 which once empty, can be removed and replaced and/or refilled in situ.

2018206726 17 Jul 2018 [0070] Any attachment mechanism may be used if the container portion 13 is attachable and detachable but it is preferred that the attachment mechanism be as simple as possible.

[0071] If the container portion 13 is provided in the form of a cartridge 15, it is preferred that the cartridge 15 be shaped in order to allow attachment to an elongate band 11 and still lie as close as possible to the user’s body part. In particular, it is preferred that a bottom wall of the cartridge be arcuate (as can be seen in Figure 6 in particular) in order to conform as much is possible to the shape of the body part to which the device 10 is attached.

[0072] The device illustrated in Figures 8 to 10 is generally the same as that illustrated in the earlier Figures, particularly Figures 1 to 3 albeit with a slightly different configuration to store more material.

[0073] This embodiment has a filler cap 50 in the bottom or rear of the body as shown in Figure 11 to fill the reservoir with material to be dispensed.

[0074] The upper surface 51 of the body is a resilient material. A self-sealing orifice 52 or sphincter sealed orifice 52 is provided on the body such that depression of the resilient upper surface 51 of the body, typically using a finger, drives material from the reservoir out of the orifice 52 for application. In the preferred embodiment shown, the orifice 52 is on an edge of the body which faces away from the hand when worn.

[0075] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 is basically the same as that illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 but showing the manufacturing finish.

[0076] As mentioned above, the device may be provided with a charge of any type of material that a user may find useful to have to hand but a preferred embodiment holds a charge of sunscreen for convenience of the user.

[0077] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0078] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

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Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0079] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

1. I. A wearable band storage device including an elongate body adapted to be attached about a body part, the elongate body provided with a charge of material available for use by the user as and when required.
2. 2. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 1 further including provision a container portion provided relative to the elongate body in order to contain material.
3. 3. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 1 further including provision of one or more portions on the elongate body into which material can be impregnated or temporarily held such that the user can use the material directly from the band.
4. 4. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the elongate band is provided with one or more pads or similar portions or devices with material impregnated thereinto.
5. 5. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 1 further including provision a container portion provided relative to the elongate body in order to contain the material.
6. 6. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the container portion is integrated into the elongate body.
7. 7. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the container portion is provided as a hollow part of the band itself forming a volume within the elongate body into which material can be provided.
8. 8. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the container portion is an enlarged portion in the elongate body in order to hold a useful charge of material.
9. 9. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the container portion is separate from but attached to the elongate body.
10. 10. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein a removable closure is provided in order to open and close the container portion.

    II. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 10 wherein removable closure is provided in a rear portion of the container portion.
11. 12. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11 wherein an outlet

    2018206726 17 Jul 2018 from the container portion is provided associated with a non-return valve to allow the user to dispense material held within the container portion as required but to prevent leakage or loss.
12. 13. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the valve is used to open at a pre-determined pressure in order to dispense an amount of material once a certain threshold pressure is achieved and closing thereafter.
13. 14. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the valve is configured to allow flow through when squeezing pressure is applied to the container portion and the material contained therein, and automatically closes to prevent further flow, when the squeezing pressure is removed.
14. 15. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 14 wherein a part of the containing portion is flexible and resilient such that pressure can be applied to the material within the containing portion to force the material out of the containing portion by depression of the part.
15. 16. A wearable band storage device as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the outlet is located on an edge of the containing portion which faces away from a user’s hand when worn.
16. 17. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims manufactured from a silicon material
17. 18. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a clock or similar to allow the device to be used as a watch.
18. 19. A wearable band storage device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the material is sunscreen or similar.