A wearable device

Abstract

Wearable device for charity fundraising in the form of a strap 101 such as a wristband, and a badge 103. The strap has an engagement means 102 in the form of an opening 105 located around a central ap

Description

The present invention relates to a wearable device, particularly to wearable device for charity fundraising. Background Fundraising agents who raise funds for their chosen charity, in addition to contributing their quota to the general good of society, also earn financial reward for successful donations on their chained fundraising campaigns. Therefore, there is a need to track these donations. Today, fundraising agents engaging potential donors in person are usually armed with smart devices like laptops and tablets to capture data on the donors, replacing traditional paper methods due to weather resistance, and efficiency in data transfer. Whilst these devices have proved effective, they are expensive to procure, and the replacement costs are high. These constraints limit the number of these devices that can be assigned to fundraising agents. Coupled with the costs of also remunerating fundraising agents, the overall cost of fundraising for good causes is gradually becoming uneconomical. In many cases, leaving less and less funds available for the targeted causes. It is an aim of the invention to provide a wearable device that mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable device for charity fundraising comprising: a strap, at least one engagement means along the strap, each engagement means comprising a central aperture and at least one opening located around the central aperture, at least one badge comprising a readable code, a centrally located fastener and at least one protrusion around the fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to correspond to the central aperture and the at least one protrusion is configured to correspond with the at least one opening such that the badge can be attached to the strap. The readable code comprising a QR code or barcode. The strap comprising two or more engagement means, each engagement means comprising a different configuration of the at least one opening. Each badge only being attachable to the strap by its corresponding engagement means. The badge further comprising a cover over the readable code. To protect the code from damage such that it remains readable. The cover comprising silicone. Silicone is weather resistant, protecting the code when the wearable device is worn outside. The strap comprising rubber. Making the wearable device flexible, light weight and low cost. The strap comprising a closing means. Such that the strap can be open and closed, to prevent deformation caused by stretching of the strap when worn. The closing means comprises two engagement means. Any two engagement means can be selected as the closing means such that the length of the strap can be adjusted based on the selection. The readable code being changeable without damage to the badge. The fastener comprising a twist and lock mechanism. The fastener comprising a first part and a second part, the first part configured to be at one side of the strap and the second part configured to be at the opposite side of the strap. The first part and second part of the fastener being configured to join together only when the badge corresponds to the engagement means. The wearable device comprising a wristband. A method for tracking charity fundraising to a particular fundraiser using the wearable device, wherein the readable code links a donor to a replica page of an online fundraising campaign from which, any successful donations can be tracked and assigned to the particular fundraiser. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable device for charity fundraising comprising: a band comprising at least one engagement means, each engagement means comprising an array of openings, the device further comprising at least one badge comprising a readable code, a fastener and a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions correspond to the array of openings such that the badge can be attached to the band. Detailed description Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wearable device according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a badge according to the invention. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a badge 103 according to the invention. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a first example of the middle part 302 of the badge 103 according to the invention. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of a second example of the middle part of the badge according to the invention. Figure 5a shows one side of the third part of the badge according to the invention. Figure 5b shows another side of the third part of the badge according to the invention. Wearable device Figure 1 shows a wearable device 100 according to the invention. The wearable device comprises a band or strap 101, engagement means 102, and at least one badge 103. Each badge 103 is designed to correspond to an engagement means 102 such that the badge 103 can be releasably attached to the strap 101. The engagement means 102 comprises a central opening 104 and an array of smaller openings 105 located around the central opening 104. The central opening 104 and smaller openings 105 are substantially circular, but may be any suitable shape. The strap 101 comprises a plurality of engagement means 102 along its length. The engagement means 102 may be equally spaced along the strap 101 or spaced at varying intervals along the strap 101. Each of the plurality of engagement means 102 has the same central opening 104. The array of smaller openings 105 may comprise only one opening. The smaller opening or openings 105 of the engagement means 102 are positioned around the central opening 104 in various configurations. The array of smaller openings 105 may vary for each engagement means 102 along the strap 101. The distance between each engagement means 102 along the strap 101 may be dictated by the configuration of the array of smaller openings 105. For example. If a first engagement means 102 has an array of smaller openings 105 comprising eight openings, more space will be required before the second engagement means 102 to accommodate the array. If the first engagement means 102 comprises one opening, less space will be required before the second engagement means 102. The strap 101 is substantially rectangular and elongate. In this example, the strap 101 comprises rubber. Rubber is ideal for this purpose as it low cost and suitable for mass production. Rubber also has high durability meaning less replacement costs, rubber has the ability to withstand a range of temperatures and is waterproof making is suitable for use in all weather conditions. The strap may be provided in a variety of colours. In this example, the wearable device is a wristband. The width of the strap 101 may be provided with varying thickness, for example the width of the strap may be 20mm, 30mm or 40mm. The strap 101 comprises a closing means 106. Alternatively, the strap 101 could comprise a complete band which would stretch to fit over the wearer’s hand. The closing means reduces the strain on the engagement means preventing deformation of the openings. Providing the strap 101 with a closing means 106 increases longevity. The closing means 106 comprises an engagement means 102 located at both ends of the strap 101 and a badge 103 which corresponds to both engagement means and attaches the ends of the strap 101 together. The closing means 106 may comprise any two of the engagement means 102 such that the circumference of the band 101 may be adjusted to suit the wearer. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a badge 103 according to the invention. The badge 103 engages an engagement means 102 on the strap or band 101. The badge 103 comprises a centrally located fastening and one or a plurality of protrusions or lugs 201 located around the fastening. The central opening 104 of the engagement means 102 in the strap 101 receives the fastener of the badge 103. The circumferential array of openings 105 around the central opening 104 receive the protrusion or protrusions 201 of the badge 103. The specific arrangements of the lugs or protrusions 201 of the badge 103 are designed corresponding to the smaller openings 105 of the engagement means 102 on the strap 101. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a badge 103 according to the invention. Each badge 103 comprises three parts. The first part 301, a second part 302, and a third part 303. The first part 301 is located at the top of the badge 103. When the badge is attached to the strap 101, the first part 301 faces away from the wearer such that it is visible. The first part 301 comprises a code 304. The code may be any suitable code readable by a mobile phone or tablet device such as a QR code or a barcode. The first part 301 further comprises a cover, the code 304 being sealed by the cover. The code may be printed on any suitable material and subsequently sealed by a cover on the badge. The cover comprises silicone. Silicone can be easily moulded into different shapes to accommodate different size and shaped badges. In addition, silicone is waterproof and temperature resistant, such that there would be no damage to the code in extreme weather conditions. The cover ensures the code remains readable for a suitable duration of use. The second part 302 of the badge 103 is located between the first part 302 and the third part 301 when the badge is attached to the strap 101. The second part 302 comprises a first part of the fastening of the badge 103 and the protrusion or protrusions 201 of the badge 301. The third part 303 of the badge 103 is located at the opposite side of the strap 101 to the first part 301 and second part 302 when the badge 103 is attached to the strap 101. The strap is located between the third part 303 and second part 302. The third part 303 comprises a second part of the fastening 305 of the badge 103. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a first example of the middle part 302 of the badge 103 according to the invention. One side of the middle part 302 comprises the first part of the fastening 401 of the badge is located centrally and an array of protrusions 201 located around the first part of the fastening 401. The fastening may be any suitable fastening for connecting the second part 302 to the third part 303 of the badge with the strap 101 located between, such that the badge is help in place on the engagement means of the strap. The fastening may be a twist and lock fastening. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of a second example of the middle part of the badge according to the invention. The protrusions 201 correspond in number, location, size and shape to the array of apertures 105 of the engagement means 102. The length of the protrusions 201 are such that the badge 103 could not be fastened if they were not matched to the array of openings, but not so long that when matched to the array they prevent the badge from fastening in place on the strap. Figure 5a shows one side of the third part of the badge according to the invention. The third part 303 of the badge 103 comprises the second part of the fastening 305. The second part of the fastening 305 is located substantially centrally on the one side of the third part 303. Figure 5b shows another side of the third part of the badge according to the invention. The third part 303 in this example comprises an indent 501 to assist the wearer with the twist and lock fastening. The other side of the third part 303 is in contact with the wearer when the wearable device is in use. The other side should be substantially flat and smooth for comfort of the wearer. Each badge 103 configured to be attached to the wearable device 101 has the same fastener. Operation To assist fundraising agents in their fundraising, replica pages of online fundraising campaigns can be provided from where which, any successful donations can be tracked and assigned to the fundraising agent. The codes on the badges of the wearable device when scanned send a donor to a replica page specifically created for the fundraising agent wearing the device. Each fundraising agent can have a wearable device with specific engagement means which correspond to badges with the codes which take a donor to the replica pages assigned to that fundraising agent. Such that another fundraising agent cannot swap badges and the wearable device will only have badges where the codes correspond to their specific replica pages. Each fundraising agent may have different engagement means along the strap where different badges with codes to different campaigns. All campaigns will have replica pages assigned to the fundraising agent. As the badges correspond to the engagement means of the specific fundraisers wristband there is no accidental attaching the wrong badge. This ensures donations raised are connected to the wearer’s donation page such that they receive the correct reward for their fundraising. The engagement means corresponding to the badges is also a means of ensuring only authentic badges are being attached. Donors can be assured by the use of the wearable device that the fundraising agent is legitimate. In addition, using the replica page as opposed to inputting the donors personal details on a tablet device or other traditional method allows the donor to retain the privacy of their personal contact details from the fundraising agent. The wearable device connects a donor platform where any personal details captured will only be shared on the platform and not the fundraising agent. Also, as the device will need to be physically delivered to fundraising agents and made use of on a daily basis, the device is solid and durable, not fragile or easily breakable. The codes provide the flexibility enabling charities to link what might be appropriate for different uses of the wearable device. For example, the wearable devices can also be used for events as a giveaway, or for raising awareness about a charity. The codes can provide quick and easy links for the wearer to access more information about the charity’s products, event details or a donation page. Printing codes directly on wristband is undesirable due to wear on the band rubbing off the code or distorting a code, making them need a new wristband each time. In addition, it limits the number of QR codes per band. The codes being on badges attachable to a wristband or other wearable will enable unique codes to be replaced easily without having to replace the whole device. This will enable fundraising agents fundraise for different campaigns and switch campaigns as appropriate. The codes themselves may link to more than one campaign of the fundraiser.

Claims

1. A wearable device for charity fundraising comprising:a strap;at least one engagement means along the strap;each engagement means comprising a central aperture and at least one opening located around the central aperture;at least one badge comprising a readable code, a centrally located fastener and at least one protrusion around the fastener;wherein the fastener is configured to correspond to the central aperture and the at least one protrusion is configured to correspond with the at least one opening such that the badge can be releasably attached to the strap.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising the strap comprising two or more engagement means, each engagement means comprising a different configuration of the at least one opening.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2 further comprising two or more badges each badge only being attachable to the strap by its corresponding engagement means.

4. The device of any preceding claim further comprising the readable code comprising a QR code or barcode.

5. The device of any preceding claim further comprising the badge further comprising a cover over the readable code.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the cover comprises silicone.

7. The device of any preceding claim wherein the strap comprises rubber.

8. The device of any preceding claim further comprising the strap comprising a closing means.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the closing means comprises two engagement means.10.The device of any preceding claim further comprising the readable code being replaceable without damage to the badge.11 .The device of any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a wristband.12.The device of any preceding claim wherein the fastener comprises a first part and a second part, the first part configured to be at one side of the strap and the second part configured to be at the opposite side of the strap.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the first part and second part of the fastener are configured to join together only when the badge corresponds to the engagement means.14.The device of any preceding claim wherein the fastener comprises a twist and lock mechanism.

15. A method for tracking charity fundraising to a particular fundraiser using the wearable device of claim 1, wherein the readable code links a donor to a replica page of an online fundraising campaign from which any successful donations can be tracked and assigned to the particular fundraiser.16.The method of claim 15 further comprising the readable code linking to multiple replica pages.

Images