Abstract:
A rosary device which may be used during activities has a plurality of bead members. A string is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of bead members. The string is of sufficient thickness to prevent the plurality of bead members from freely moving. Connectors are coupled to the string for removably coupling the rosary device to an object.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to religious items and, more specifically, to a rosary device which is removably coupled to a steering wheel so that one may pray the Rosary while in the automobile. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     It is customary for members of the Roman Catholic faith to recite prayers consisting of various portions which collectively make up the rosary. When “praying the Rosary”, the following steps are involved: 1) Make the Sign of the Cross and say the “Apostle&#39;s Creed”; 2) Say the “Our Father”; 3) Say three “Hail Marys”; 4) Say the “Glory be to the Father”; 5) Announce the First Mystery; then say the “Our Father”; 6) Say ten “Hail Marys,” while meditating on the Mystery; 7) Say the “Glory be to the Father”; 8) Announce the Second Mystery; then say the “Our Father”. Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner. 
     When praying the Rosary, some individuals finger or manipulate a string of rosary beads. Each bead corresponds to a, section of the Rosary. The rosary beads allow one to count the number of times that a selected portion of the prayer has been recited in order to complete the prayer according to the prescribed form. 
     Many people recite the Rosary prayer while engaging in some form of activity. This makes it extremely difficult to manipulate a traditional rosary with both hands. For example, if a person was driving in an automobile, it would be impossible for the driver to remove both hands from the steering wheel in order to manipulate the traditional rosary. 
     Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved rosary device. The improved rosary device would allow one to manipulate the improved rosary device without using both hands. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved rosary device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved rosary device that would allow one to manipulate the improved rosary device without using both hands. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a rosary device which may be used during activities is disclosed. The rosary device has a plurality of bead members. A string is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of bead members. The string is of sufficient thickness to prevent the plurality of bead members from freely moving. Connectors are coupled to the string for removably coupling the rosary device to an object. 
    
    
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the rosary device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the rosary device of the present invention coupled to a steering wheel. 
     FIG. 3 is a securing mechanism used in the rosary device of the present invention to secure the rosary device to the steering wheel. 
     FIG. 4 is a close-up view of one section of the rosary device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the securing mechanism and the rosary device of the present invention 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the rosary device of the present invention taken along lines  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-6 wherein like numerals and symbols represent like elements a rosary device  10  is shown. The rosary device  10  has a plurality of beads  12 . Each bead  12  represents a step in the praying of the Rosary. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures ten beads  12  are shown. However, this should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Each bead  12  is constructed in a similar fashion. Each bead  12  is generally spherical or oblong in shape. However, this should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. Other shapes may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A passage way  14  is formed through each bead  12 . The passage way  14  goes completely through each bead  12  along a central axis line. The passage way  14  allows all of the beads  12  to be placed on a string member  16 . The diameter of the passage  14  and the thickness of the string member  16  is such that the beads  12  will not freely move on the string member  16 . Thus, movement of the rosary device  10  will not cause the beads  12  to move along the string member  16 . Only by a person applying pressure to the beads  12  with his/her fingers will the beads  12  move along the string member  16 . The string member  16  may be a string, rope, pipe cleaner material, and the like. It should be noted that the above are given just as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Coupled to each end of the string member  16  is a connector  18 . The connector  18  allows one to removably couple the rosary device  10  to an object. Thus, one does not have to use both hands in order to hold and move the beads  12  of the rosary device  10 . The connectors  18  will allow each end of the rosary device  10  to be removably coupled to a device. 
     In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, each connector  18  is similar to a belt. The connector is comprised of a strip  20 . In general, the bottom section of the strip  20  is slightly narrower than the top section. The strip  20  will have an opening  22  located near the top of the strip  20 . The opening  22  is where the bottom section of the strip  20  will be inserted in order to secure the connector  18  to an object. Hook and loop material may also be used to secure each end of the strip  20  together. Located just below the opening  22  is another opening  24 . The opening  24  is where the string member  16  is coupled to the connector  18 . It should be noted that this is just one example of a connector  18 . Other connectors may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     As seen more clearly in FIG. 2, each connector  18  is coupled to an object. In FIG. 2, each connector  18  is coupled to a steering wheel  26  of a vehicle. Each connector  18  is secured to the object so that the rosary device  10  cannot be moved. Once in position, one may pray the Rosary while manipulating the beads  12 . As stated above, the beads  12  allow one to count the number of times that a selected portion of the prayer has been recited in order to complete the prayer according to the prescribed form. Thus, the rosary device  10  will allow one to pray the Rosary while driving or in a vehicle or during other types of activities. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.