US20110127306A1

US20110127306A1 - Retractable wrist warn note pad

Info

Publication number: US20110127306A1
Application number: US12/628,044
Authority: US
Inventors: Jared C. Haston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2009-11-30
Publication date: 2011-06-02

Abstract

Improvements in a retractable wrist warn note pad are disclosed. The device will allow people to make notes of information that they should remember. This device will allow people to look-up any past notes written such as a grocery lost for supper, math, history, scripture notes, text for a speech, special formulas and instructions for carpenters. The device is small and can attach to a wristwatch or bracelet; the device would be installed in an area that is already being used. The spool of paper can be changed or replaced. The note system can also be created from a transparent outer layer and an inner layer where a user can scribe notes that can later be erased by stripping the two sheets apart. Another embodiment would be for a digital touch screen that stores the markings and the markings can be uploaded and or downloaded.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in a note storage device. More particularly, the present retractable wrist-warn note pad is contemplated in a variety of embodiments that allows a person to make notes that are stored on the wrist of a user like a wristwatch.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
People often forget a large amount of information. This often includes specific information which they need to remember. A devise is needed that will allow people to make notes of information they should remember. This device will allow people to look-up any past notes written such as a grocery lost for supper, math, history, scripture notes, text for a speech, special formulas and instructions for carpenters. Since this device is small and can attach to a wristwatch or bracelet, the device would not take a great deal of space and would be installed in an area that is already being used. Several products and patents have been issued that try to disclose a product that solves this problem. Exemplary examples of patents covering these products are disclosed herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,136 issued Apr. 11, 1978 to Harry Zelenko, U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,140 issued Apr. 25, 1989 to Virginia W. Rankim and published application 2008/0069626 published on Mar. 20, 2008 to John E. Cribbs each disclose a wrist-mounted note taking system where the paper is spooled from one shaft to another shaft. The user writes on the paper and turns one spool to transport new paper over a writing platen. This patent does not allow for displaying an extended strip of paper and the roll of paper does not retract into the spool.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,407,239 issued Feb. 21, 1992 to H. W. Weiss and 6,471,091 issued on Oct. 29, 2002 to Peter C. Unverzagt discloses a wrist mounted note taking system where the notes are retained on small strips of paper. This patent does not use an elongated roll of paper, and the strips of paper must be frequently replaced to keep a significant amount of information.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,680,628 issued on F. Berman on Jun. 8, 2954 discloses a memorandum device. The memorandum device is a spool of note paper that can be connected to a key chain. There is a small window for writing a note on the paper. This patent does not disclose a device that is mountable on a wrist and the spool of notes can't self retract.
What is needed is a retractable wrist warn note pad to where the note pad is retractable and can be withdrawn from a retractable spool. The spool of notes can be attached and removed from a wrist watch or a bracelet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object for the retractable wrist warn note pad to be an elongated strip of paper that can be extended and the retracted to prevent damage to the strip of paper. The strip of paper coils upon a central dowel or spool to allow a long strip of paper to be rolled into a small space. A spring mechanism retains tension on the strip of paper when it is drawn off the rod, dowel, tube or spool to retract the strip of paper back into the housing in a retracted condition.
It is an object of the retractable wrist warn note pad to have a locking mechanism that allows a user to pull out the spooled paper to a finite amount and lock the strip of paper at the finite amount of extension. This feature allows a user to write on the paper without the paper retracting. When the user is finished writing, the lock is released or the paper strip is slightly pulled and the paper strip retracts into the housing.
It is an object of the retractable wrist warn note pad for the strip of paper to be replaceable. The replaceable paper roll allows a user to extend the strip of paper outside of the housing, write a large amount of notes that are placed onto the wrist mounted mechanism and retracted. The user can also remove the strip of paper from the wrist warn device and unroll the notes at a desk or give the rolled note to another person who can use the note(s).
It is an object of the retractable wrist warn note pad for it to be temporally installed or removed from a wrist watch band. This allows the install of the note taking system onto a watch band or bracelet that they would wear on a daily basis. This also allows a user to place the note pad on a watch that they wear while at work, but can remove the note system when they get back into their car or return to home.
It is an object of the retractable wrist warn note pad to keep special notes with a person at all times. This information could be identification that is needed in a high security building or environment. An identification card or flash drive could fit within the retractable wrist warn note pad where it is not visible, but could be shown or used when required.
It is an object of the retractable wrist warn note pad to have a storage location for a pencil, pen or stylus. This allows a user to store the writing tool within or near the note taking mechanism. Storing of the pencil, pen or stylus reduces the possibility that the marking instrument will be misplaced or requiring the user to place the marking instrument in a pocket or similar location.
It is another object of the retractable wrist warn note pad to be made of a material that does not require the use of a marking tool such as a pencil or pen. This strip has a transparent outer layer and an inner layer. The user can scratch or scribe a note into the strip. To erase the note, the user simply pulls the transparent outer layer from the back or inner layer. Once erased, the user can scratch new markings into the strip.
It is still another object of the wrist-warn note pad to be a pixilated touch screen where a user can inscribe the notes onto the display that stores the markings. The notes can be converted into text on one or multiple paged screens. The information can further be uploaded or downloaded to a cell phone, PDA or computer.
Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the retractable wrist warn note pad with a single retractable note pad.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a dual roll retractable wrist-warn note pad.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a replacement roll with erase peel function.

FIG. 4 shows a wrist-warn note taking system with a pixilated screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the retractable wrist warn note pad with a single retractable note pad. In the preferred embodiment the retractable wrist-warn note pad is about two inches in length by about one inch in rolled diameter. While these dimensions are provided, it is contemplated that the length can be as small as ½ inch or less or much wider than two inches. The diameter is also contemplated to be as small as ¼ inch diameter to much larger than one inch. At the preferred diameter, the retractable wrist-warn note pad can be comfortably warn around the wrist and produce enough note material. The depth is further contemplated at about ¼ to ⅜″ in diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the housing of the retractable wrist warn note pad is made from a plastic or light weight metal material with a top housing 20 and a bottom housing 21. The bottom housing in this figure is shown with wrist band retaining tabs 30 that attaches the retractable wrist-warn note pad onto the wrist band of an existing bracelet or watch. The writing material 22 can be made from such material as linen paper or made from wood pulp paper. In one method of constructing the retractable wrist-warn note pad, the housing is made from a plastic box made with a clam shell top 20 and a clam shell bottom 21. The sides are molded or otherwise fabricated to be formed with a lowered front lip for a paper path. A paper stop 48 prevents the loose end of the paper from being pulled into the housing.
FIG. 3 shows another contemplated embodiment in a perspective view of a replacement roll with erase peel function. The writing material can be constricted of a two layer material where the upper layer is transparent plastic 23 over a colored semi-adhesive layer 24 such that pressing onto the outer transparent layer 23 will temporally bond the two layers together to maintain the markings until the two layers are pealed apart.
In FIG. 1 the note material 22 is wrapped around a pin, rod or tube 25 that is inserted at the back of the inside of the top housing 20 and bottom housing 21 shells. The pin, rod, tube or spindle 25 has an internal spring 26 that is wound to retract the rolled paper 22 or rolled material 23, 24. The spring 26 operates similar to a tape measure mechanism such that the paper 22 can be easily pulled out, locked in an extended position and can be retracted back into the spool or onto the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25. Both sides of the note material 22 can be used for writing. It is further contemplated that the note material can be made in colors to match a bracelet or watch band. In the embodiment shown, the spring 37 is placed onto the lock and release button 28. This sub assembly is then inserted into the bottom housing 21 and into hole 47. The pin, rod, tube or spindle 25 is placed into the lower housing 21. The coiled spring 26 is inserted through hole 39 and through the center of the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25. As the spring is inserted into hole 39 the end of the spring 26 has a tang 32 that engages into notch 38 to prevent rotation of one end of the spring 25. On the other end of the lower housing a bearing 29 is inserted into the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25 where it engages into the opposite end of the coiled spring 26 and onto the tang 33 that holds the spring onto notch 31.
The engagement of the tang 33 in notch 31 provides retraction of the writing material 22 that is pulled out. The coiled spring 26 also pulls the coiled spring 26 and the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25 to one side of the lower housing 21 over the top of release button 28. As the writing material 22 is withdrawn, the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25 turns and steps notch 27 over the head of the release button 28. A shoulder on notch 27 prevents the writing material from being pulled back into the housing 21. When the release button 28 is activated, the head of the release button clears the notch 27 and the writing material is free to spool back onto the pin, rod, tube or spindle 25. In another contemplated embodiment, the retractable wrist warn note pad can be manufactured with its own bracelet or watch as shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a dual roll retractable wrist-warn note pad. In this embodiment, the retractable wrist warn note pad is configured with multiple rolls of writing material and the material can be withdrawn or retracted from both sides 42, 43 of the housing. The paper or writing material 42, 43 is shown with pull handles 63 that makes it easier to grasp the end of the paper or writing material 42, 43. A paper stop 48 prevents the loose end of the paper from being pulled into the housing.
The retractable wrist-warn note pad is made to attach to a watch band or bracelet or to have its own wrist band. When the retractable wrist-warm note pad includes its own band or strap, the strap or band has a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism can take many forms including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners 41, snaps elastic, pin and hole or clips. The housing also shows a writing or marking instrument or stylus 60 is configured to fit onto or within the housing within a recess or slot 62. The writing or marking tool 60 is shown with two marking sides 61, but could be made with only one marking side, or one marking side and a scribe or stylus. The retractable wrist-warn note pad in this figure includes a wrist band 56 that uses hook and loop fasteners 41 to secure the wrist band 56 onto a users wrist.
It is further contemplated that the retractable wrist-warn note pad could have some permanent information that is specific for the type of work that is being performed by the wearer. Examples of the permanent markings could be formulas 44, conversion factors 45, diagrams 46 or constants that are used on a regular basis. Both sides of the marking material can be used to further increase the amount of information that can be stored.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a replacement roll with erase peel function. It is contemplated that this, and other types, of writing material can be replaced in the retractable wrist warn note pad. In this figure, the roller 34 has a receiving slot 35 that engages onto a tab 36 located on the end of the marking material 23, 24. This embodiment allows for more writing material to be available without occupying additional space by replacing the writing strip.
In another contemplated embodiment the marking film is made with waterproof material that is removable using solvents. This is useful if the retractable wrist warn note pad is used underwater, in rain or in wet conditions.
FIG. 4 shows a wrist warn not taking system with a pixilated screen. In this embodiment the wrist warn note pad is made from a pixilated 50 touch screen. The pixilated 50 touch screen where a user can inscribe the notes onto the small display that stores the markings. The notes 51 can be converted into text 52 on one or multiple paged screens. The information can be uploaded or downloaded 57 to a cell phone 54, PDA or computer 55. In this embodiment, the pixilated screen 50 can also include a display of the time 53 to allow the devise to also operate as a chronograph.
Thus, specific embodiments of a retractable wrist warn note pad have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retractable wrist-warn note pad comprising:

an outer housing;

a spool with a coiled retraction mechanism located within said outer housing;

a strip of writing material that is connected to said retraction mechanism such that said strip of writing material can be pulled from within said outer housing,

and said retraction mechanism withdraws said strip if writing material into said outer housing and around said spool.

2. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein two strips of writing material can be withdrawn and retracted from opposing sides of said outer housing.

3. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said outer housing includes a securing mechanism for attaching said outer housing to a wrist watch strap and or a bracelet.

4. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said housing further includes a wrist strap that is secured to said outer housing.

5. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said retraction mechanism is a coiled spring located within said spool.

6. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said strip of writing material is paper, plastic, cotton or linen.

7. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said writing material is replaceable.

8. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 that further includes a writing instrument that is storable within said outer housing.

9. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 that further includes permanently printed reference tables, charts, conversion factors, equation or constants.

10. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said strip of paper can be temporally prevented from retracting into said outer housing.

11. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 1 wherein said strip of writing material is constructed of at least one transparent outer layer and an inner layer wherein when sufficient pressure is made to said at least one transparent outer layer, said inner layer temporally bonds to said at least one transparent outer layer. to indicate where the sufficient pressure was applied to said writing material.

12. The retractable wrist-warn note pad according to claim 11 wherein said temporary bonds are broken by pealing apart said at least one transparent outer layer from said inner layer.

13. A wrist-warn note pad comprising:

an outer housing;

a wrist band mounted to said outer housing;

said outer housing having a pixilated display;

said pixilated display further having a touch sensitive surface integrated over said pixilated display such that,

physical contact with said touch sensitive surface provides mimicked indicia on said pixilated display.

14. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 that further includes at least one switch that allows a user to erase, and or page through more than one indicia that is mimicked on said pixilated display.

15. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 wherein mimicked indicia is converted into text that is shown on said pixilated display.

16. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 that further includes a data transfer mechanism to transfer information into and or out of said wrist warn note pad.

17. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 that further includes a removable flash based memory device for uploading and downloading pixilated information for said pixilated display.

18. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 that further includes a stylus.

19. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 wherein said display further includes backlighting.

20. The wrist-warn note pad according to claim 13 wherein said pixilated display further includes a chronograph.