Slap bracelet

A slap bracelet (or snap bracelet) is a bracelet consisting of layered, flexible stainless steel bi-stable spring bands sealed within a fabric cover. The bracelet can be straightened out, creating tension within the springy metal bands. The straightened bracelet is then slapped against the wearer's forearm, causing the bands to spring back into a curve that wraps around the wrist, securing the bracelet to the wearer.

History

The slap bracelet was a popular fad among children, pre-teens and teenagers in the early 1990s, and was available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The bracelet was banned in several schools following reports of injuries stemming from improper use. [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE1D61F3CF933A05753C1A966958260 U.S. Consumer Panel Warns Of Injury by 'Slap' Bracelets - New York Times ] ] [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CEFD7133FF932A25753C1A966958260 Principal Puts a Halt To Slap-Bracelet Fad - New York Times ] ] The bracelet was later reintroduced with a plastic spring, but there were still reports of injuries. [ [http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2000/10/12/News/The-Dark.Side.Of.A.SlapHappy.Fad-2193618.shtml The dark side of a slap-happy fad - News ] ]

References