slap bracelet

{{Short description|Bracelets worn by slapping them on the wrist}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2018}}

File:Slapbracelet-example-2018.webm

Image:Slapbracelet.jpg

A slap bracelet (or snap bracelet) is a bracelet invented by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders in 1983, sold originally under the brand name of "Slap Wrap". Consisting of layered, flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands sealed within a fabric, silicone, or plastic cover, it can snap around a wrist when slapped on it with some force. It can have many different colours and/or designs.

History

The original Slap Wraps were {{convert|23|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, {{convert|2.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} wide, and made of steel {{convert|0.15|mm|in|abbr=on}} thick. Some knockoff versions used thinner steel, which was more likely to break and/or cut the wearer, the dangers of which first came to light in 1990, soon after they were released.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/27/business/turning-profits-hand-over-wrist.html|title=Turning Profits Hand Over Wrist|first=Anthony|last=Ramirez|date=October 27, 1990|work=The New York Times}}

It was a fad among teenagers and younger children in the early 1990s. It was available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The bracelet was banned in several schools following reports of injuries from worn out or modified versions.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/30/us/us-consumer-panel-warns-of-injury-by-slap-bracelets.html|title=U.S. Consumer Panel Warns of Injury by 'Slap' Bracelets|agency=Associated Press|date=October 30, 1990|work=The New York Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/11/garden/principal-puts-a-halt-to-slap-bracelet-fad.html|title=Principal Puts a Halt to Slap-Bracelet Fad|agency=Associated Press|date=October 11, 1990|work=The New York Times}}

In 2018, different slap bracelets were recalled: "The slap bracelet’s metal wristband can pierce the protective fabric around it and expose sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard to young children."{{Cite web|title=Fantasia Accessories Recalls Slap Bracelets Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target|url=https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Fantasia-Accessories-Recalls-Slap-Bracelets-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target|website=Consumer Product Safety Commission}}

References

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