KEEPSAKE GAME

Abstract

A bracelet kit (10) for constructing a bracelet (70) as a group activity at a party or other such gathering. A plurality of beads (12,14) and a charm (18) are strung onto a bead string (16) according to an instruction sheet (50). Participants record sentiments (41) along with their names (39) on a sentiment sheet (30), as a part of the activity. The bracelet (70) and the sentiment sheet (30) are retained as a keepsake by the guest of honor at the activity.

Description

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of the patent document contains material which may be subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or the records of any country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of games and amusement activities and methods. The predominant current usage of the present inventive keepsake game is in the creation of a keepsake (e.g., a bracelet, necklace, etc.) through a process that is enjoyable to the participants.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] It is known in the art to play games, or to do other types of group activities; at events such as baptisms, wedding showers, bridal showers, baby showers, and the like. Such games are usually strictly for the amusement of the participants. There is, therefore, generally no remnant or reminder of the activity which will commemorate the activity. To the inventor's knowledge, no prior art game or activity, intended for such events, will result in a keepsake which can be kept and used to remember the event and the persons who participated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for creating a keepsake which is enjoyable to the participants.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a keepsake which is appropriate for group participation.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a kit for facilitating a party activity.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a keepsake and corresponding record of sentiments.

[0008] Briefly, one particular embodiment of the present invention is a kit for creating a bracelet as a group activity, and further for recording a thought or sentiment of each participant. The kit contains a plurality of beads, a bead sting and a charm, all contained in a bag. An instruction sheet guides participants in the group activity which will result in a bracelet keepsake, and a sentiment sheet is included upon which the participants record their sentiments, according to the instruction sheet. Each record on the sentiment sheet corresponds to one of the beads on the bracelet.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of modes of carrying out the invention, and the industrial applicability thereof, as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. The objects and advantages listed are not an exhaustive list of all possible advantages of the invention. Moreover, it will be possible to practice the invention even where one or more of the intended objects and/or advantages might be absent or not required in the application.

[0010] Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments of the present invention may achieve one or more, but not necessarily all, of the above described objects and advantages. Accordingly, the objects and/or advantages discussed herein are not essential elements of the present invention, and should not be construed as limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a bracelet kit, according to the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the beads of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a sentiment sheet, according to the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an instruction sheet, according to the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a bracelet, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The embodiments and variations of the invention described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the invention may be omitted or modified, or may have substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future, or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The invention may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.

[0017] A known mode for carrying out the invention is a bracelet kit. The inventive bracelet kit is depicted in a perspective view in FIG. 1 and is designated therein by the general reference character 10. The bracelet kit 10 has a has a plurality (seventeen, in the example shown) of a first type bead 12, a plurality (fifteen, in the example shown) of a second type bead 14, a bead string 16, a charm 18, and a bag 20 for containing the above listed components. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bead string 16 is supplied with a knot 22 in the end thereof, and further with a first bead 12a (which, in the example shown, is one of the first type beads 12) already strung thereonto. Although it is not a necessary aspect of the invention, in the embodiment shown in the view of FIG. 1, the bead string 16 is somewhat elastic.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of examples of the beads 12 and 14 showing an aperture 24 therethrough. The aperture 24 is sized to accept the bead string 16 (FIG. 1). The beads 12 and 14 can be of essentially any type. In one example of the invention the first type beads 12 are relatively round, made of a crystal type glass, and have silver appurtenances, while the second type beads 14 are generally oval and made of silver. However, these are not limitations of the invention. Indeed, it is within the scope of the invention to use a variety of different type beads. That is, it is not absolutely necessary that all of the first type beads 12 or the second type beads 14 be identical to all of the others of the same type. One such variation might be to provide all of the first type beads 12 in the same size and/or shape, but in different colors.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a generic example of a sentiment sheet 30. According to one example of the present invention, the sentiment sheet 30 will have a title 32. The title 32 will vary according to the purpose for which the bracelet kit 10 is intended. For example, where the bracelet kit 10 is intended for use at a baptism, then the title 32 will read, “BAPTISMAL REMEMBRANCE BRACELET,” or the like. A version of bracelet kit 10 which could be used for a variety of occasions could have a title 32 which reads. “WISH AND REMEBRANCE BRACELET,” or the like. The sentiment sheet 30 can optionally be decorated with designs, a watermark, pictures, or the like, such as might be appropriate for the intended purpose of the bracelet kit 10.

[0020] A name caption 34 indicates that participants should enter their names 35 thereunder. Each name 35 corresponds to (or represents) a participant, or user, in the process. A sentiment caption 36 indicates that participants should enter a wish, words of wisdom, special thought, a prayer, or the like thereunder. Examples of the actual text of the sentiment caption 36 could be, “WISH/WORDS OF WISDOM,” “SPECIAL THOUGHT/PRAYER,” or the like, depending upon the occasion for which the bracelet kit 10 is intended. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 3, a plurality (nineteen, in this present example) of name spaces 38 are provided for entering the names 35, and a like plurality of sentiment spaces 40 are provided for entering corresponding sentiments 37.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an example of an instruction sheet 50 shown in the form of a flow chart. The actual instruction sheet will be written in ordinary prose such that the participants can readily read and follow the instructions. The actual text of each example of the instruction sheet 50 will vary slightly, according to the purpose for which the bracelet kit 10 is intended. One skilled in the art can readily adapt the instructions to refer to the type of event, as necessary or desirable. In a draw bead instruction 52, participants are directed to select a bead 12 or 14 from the bag. In an add bead instruction 54 participants are directed to string the bead 12 or 14 they have selected onto bead string 16. In one particular embodiment of the invention, participants are directed to alternate the first type beads 12 with the second type beads 14.

[0022] In an add sentiment instruction 56, participants are directed to express a wish or sentiment for the recipient. The add sentiment instruction 56 operation includes expressing the wish or sentiment orally (optional) and in writing on the sentiment sheet 30. However, it is not necessary that these operations are accomplished at generally the same time. In one embodiment of the invention, the participants are directed to express a wish or sentiment orally at the occurrence of the add sentiment instruction 56. Then, the sentiment sheet 30 is passed around later, so that the participants can write down the sentiment 37 at their leisure.

[0023] Following the add sentiment operation 56, the participant is directed to pass the bracelet on to the next person in a pass bracelet instruction 58.

[0024] In the flow chart form of FIG. 4, it can be seen that a last person decision operation 60 directs that the above operations be repeated for each participant. After the last person has placed their bead 12 or 14, then a host (for example, the parents or God parents, in the case of a baptism) is directed to finish the operations. An example of instructions for finishing the operations will generally include a directive to place a special token, such as the charm 18 of the example of FIG. 1, onto the bead string 16. In the example here presented, the charm 18 should be placed on the bead string 16 just after a first type bead 12, such that the charm 18 will be between two of the first type beads 12 in the finished product.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a bracelet 70 such as might be made according to the present inventive method. Now continuing with a discussion of the finish bracelet instruction 62 of FIG. 4, after the charm 18 is placed on the bead string 16, the beads 12, 14 and the charm 18 will then be centered on the bead string 16 and a double finishing knot 72 tied in the bead string 16. Excess bead string 16a can then be trimmed off. It should be noted that the knot 22 will be cut off along with the excess bead string 16a.

[0026] An optional feature of the instruction sheet 50 is to provide sizing instructions. For example, information as to how many beads are required to create a given size bracelet 70 could be provided. Of course, this information will vary according to the exact size of the beads 12 and 14 provided. One skilled in the art can easily determine this information to add to the instruction sheet 50.

[0027] As discussed previously herein, if the sentiment sheet 30 has not already been passed around to all participants in accordance with the add sentiment instruction 56, then it should be passed to any remaining participants after the bracelet 70 is completed. The sentiment sheet 30 can be framed, placed in a scrapbook or photo album, or the like. The bracelet 70 can be saved for the recipient. One example for the use of the bracelet 70 is that, where the occasion is a baptism, and the recipient is a baby girl, the bracelet can be saved to be worn at the recipient's future wedding. In such an example, the kit could be called a “baptism to wedding” set.

[0028] Various modifications may be made to the invention without altering its value or scope. For example, different types and/or quantities of beads could be used. There might also be a greater or lesser quantity of different types of beads. Instead of a regular bracelet, the invention might be used to create an ankle bracelet, a pin, a necklace, a ring, or the like. Also, it would be within the scope of the invention to vary the order of the process, or add or delete instructions, while staying within the scope and intention of the invention as described herein. It should be noted that the term “beads” has been used herein as a generic term for essentially any type of trinket that might be strung upon the bead string 16, or the like. Charms, or other such devices or trinkets, could be used as “beads” to accomplish the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, each trinket added to the keepsake is distinguishable from the other trinkets, and each record on the sentiment sheet includes some indicia (e.g., a picture) corresponding to each particular trinket. In yet another alternate embodiment, the trinkets interlock with one another, instead of being strung on the string. The interlocking trinkets can form a complete keepsake without the string, or the string can be attached to each end of a chain of interlocking trinkets to complete the keepsake.

[0029] Additionally, the term “sentiment” is understood to include the specific examples listed herein, as well as virtually any communication from one of the participants to the intended recipient of the keepsake. The term “string” is interpreted to include, but not be limited to, such items as elastic, thread, metal wire, and so on.

[0030] All of the above are only some of the examples of available embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous other modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure herein is not intended as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the entire scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0031] The inventive bracelet kit 10 is intended to be widely used in many types of gatherings. Examples might be a birthday party, a get well gathering, a retirement, a going away party, or a party honoring a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, or the like. Other such events might be a moving away party, a graduation, a slumber party, a boy scout or girl scout gathering, a confirmation, a first communion party, a baby shower, a bridal shower, or a baptism. This list is intended to represent the types of events at which the inventive bracelet kit 10 might be used, but it is not exhaustive.

[0032] The inventive bracelet kit 10 will produce a unique and treasured gift and a treasured keepsake through a process which is an entertaining activity. Participants offer special thoughts or prayers for the recipient as they create the keepsake bracelet 70. The paper record (the sentiment sheet 30) of the event is suitable for framing or for placement in a scrapbook.

[0033] Since the bracelet kit 10 of the present invention may be readily produced and integrated with existing party games and activities, and since the advantages as described herein are provided, it is expected that it will be readily accepted. For these and other reasons, it is expected that the utility and industrial applicability of the invention will be both significant in scope and long-lasting in duration.

Claims

1. A kit for creating a keepsake item, comprising: a plurality of beads; a string for stringing the beads thereon; and a sentiment sheet for recording thereon sentiments.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein: one of the sentiments is recorded on the sentiment sheet corresponding to each of the beads that is strung on the string.

3. The kit of claim 1, and further including: an instruction sheet for directing users to string the beads and further to record the sentiments on the sentiment sheet.

4. The kit of claim 1, and further including: a bag for containing the beads and the string.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein: the beads are strung on the string to create a bracelet.

6. The kit of claim 1, and further including: a charm for stringing on the string.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads includes: a first plurality of a first type bead; and a second plurality of a second type bead.

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein: the first type beads and the second type beads are strung alternately on the string.

9. A method for creating a bracelet, comprising: passing a plurality of beads among a plurality of participants; causing each participant to place one of the beads on a string; and causing each participant to express a sentiment.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: the sentiments are recorded on a sentiment sheet.

11. The method of claim 9, and further including: placing a charm on the string.

12. The method of claim 9, and further including; tying a finishing knot in the string.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein: each of said beads is unique with respect to the other beads; and the step of causing each participant to express a sentiment includes causing each participant to record the sentiment in a record including a unique identifier associated with the bead selected by the respective participant.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein: the beads are passed among the participants in a bag; and each participant draws a bead from the bag.

15. A keepsake item, comprising: a plurality of trinkets strung on a string; and a plurality of recorded sentiments; wherein each sentiment corresponds to one of the trinkets.

16. The keepsake item of claim 15, wherein: the keepsake item is a bracelet.

17. The keepsake item of claim 15, wherein: the plurality of trinkets includes a plurality of beads.

18. The keepsake item of claim 17, wherein: the beads include a first plurality of a first type bead and a second plurality of a second type bead.

19. The keepsake item of claim 15, wherein: each of a plurality of participants places a trinket on the string; and each of the plurality of participants records a sentiment.

20. The keepsake item of claim 19, wherein: the sentiments are recorded on a sentiment sheet.