Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/0007—Bracelets specially adapted for other functions or with means for attaching other articles
  • A44C5/0015—Bracelets specially adapted for other functions or with means for attaching other articles providing information, e.g. bracelets with calendars
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
  • A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
  • A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
  • G04B37/00—Cases
  • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
  • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet

Definitions

• the present invention relates to watchbands and watches, and to a system and method for enhancing the utility inherent in the application of smartwatches in functional combination with conventional (e. g.
• Figurel demonstrates a prior art single watchband that secures both a conventional watch and a smartwatch.
• Figure 2A shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the present invention with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein, parallel to a conventional watch.
• Figure 2A' shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the present invention with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein perpendicular to a conventional watch.
• Figure 2B shows a non-limiting bottom view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the present invention with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein.
• Figure 2C shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a watchband according to the present invention with a blank present in a cavity therein.
• Fig 2D shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a watchband according to the present invention with a smartwatch secured by clasps.
• Figure 2E shows a side view of a watchband buckle in an open position.
• Figure 2F shows a side view of a watchband buckle in a closed position.
• Figure 3A shows an embodiment of the inventive watchband with a smartwatch inserted from the inside of a buckle.
• Figure 3B shows an embodiment of the inventive watchband with a smartwatch inserted from the outside of a buckle.
• Figure 3C shows an embodiment of the inventive watchband with a blank inserted instead of a smartwatch.
• Figure 3D shows an embodiment of the inventive watchband with the buckle open, including indication of a smartwatch being entered from both from the outside and inside of a buckle.
• Figure 3E shows, partially, a buckle for the embodiment of the inventive watchband illustrated in figures 3A-3D.
• Figure 3F shows a smartwatch constructed for front insertion into the inventive watchband.
• Figure 3G shows a blank constructed for front insertion into the inventive watchband.
• Figure 3H shows a cut-away view of one side of a latching mechanism.
• Figure 3I shows a smartwatch constructed for back insertion into the inventive watchband.
• Figure 3J shows a blank constructed for back insertion into the inventive watchband.
• Figure 1 shows a prior art combination of a conventional watch CW and a smartwatch SW secured to one another by a single watchband WB, which enables a user to wear both on his or her wrist. While providing utility, it is noted that the aesthetic aspect of the shown system could be enhanced.
• Single watchband indicates, in the present disclosure, a watchband for wearing at the wrist and arranged to interoperate with a plurality of distinct conventional watches and/or smart watches.
• the single watchband could comprise two separate webs, or chains of links united by a buckle or a clasp, or a continuous loop of elastic material, or any other suitable structure capable of being worn at the wrist and to which can be affixed watches and smart watches.
• FIG. 2A shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband WB with a smartwatch SW present in a cavity CA therein. Note also the indication of a possible cavity CA' on a side of the watchband WB.
• a smartwatch is present in said cavity CA' in addition to, or instead of being present in cavity CA. (This is further shown in figure 2A'). Further, where one cavity CA or CA' is present, the other can, but need not, be present.
• CA' as shown in figure 2A is appropriate for wearing on a right arm wrist. For a left wrist the cavity CA would preferably be on the right side of figure 2A.
• the smartwatch SW is secured to the single watchband WB by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially parallel CA to one another, or substantially perpendicular CA' to one another. Positions in between parallel and perpendicular are also within the scope of the present invention but are not preferred.
• Figure 2A' is included to show a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch SW present in a cavity CA' therein, which cavity CA 1 is substantially perpendicular to a conventional watch CW. (Note figure 2A' shows the situation for both right and left arms).
• figure 2A shows a cavity CA that communicates only with the outside of the watchband.
• a bottom closes the inner side of the cavity CA (the side normally in contact with the wrist when the watch is worn). This is not an essential feature of the invention, however, and the cavity CA could in fact be open and communicate with the inside and with the outside.
• FIG. 2B shows a non-limiting view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband WB with a smartwatch SW present in a cavity CA (or alternatively CA') therein.
• a frame F which can optionally be present around the perimeter of the cavity shown as CA, (or CA').
• frame F serves to secure the band against degradation in the size and shape of said cavity.
• Figure 2C shows a non-limiting view of an alternative
• a present invention watchband WB with a blank BL present in a cavity CA (or CA') therein.
• a smartwatch SW is not present in a cavity CA
• CA' a blank BL can be present for aesthetic and other reasons, such as providing a cavity for containing pills or the like.
• FIG. 2D shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative, non-preferred, embodiment of a present invention watchband WB, with a smartwatch SW secured by clasps CLA which secure to the outside of a watchband WB.
• This variant does not require a cavity in the watchband WB for securing the smartwatch SW thereto. Without a cavity, the smartwatch SW in this variant protrudes from the watchman. Should a cavity be present, the smartwatch could be totally or partially embedded inside, and retained by the clasps.
• figure 2E is provided to demonstrate a side view of a watchband clasp or buckle B in an opening position.
• Figure 2F demonstrates a side view of a watchband clasp or buckle B in a closed position.
• the buckle B system comprises three elements E1, E2 f and E3, one end of the first element E1 and one end of the third element E3 being rotatably affixed to first and second ends of a watchband WB, and second ends of said first El and third E3 elements being rotatably affixed to first and second ends of said second element E2.
• watchband buckle B admits many variants and is not limiting, including butterfly clasps, tongue buckles, and so on.
• One of the elements of the buckle B - E3 in the illustrated example - has an aperture or cavity that is designed for affixing a
• FIG 3A shows a present invention with a smartwatch SW inserted from the inside II of a buckle B.
• the cavity in the buckle and the smartwatch SW are designed such that the watch can be inserted from the inside towards the outside of the watchband - the inside being the wrist side when the watch is worn - and removed by pushing it from inwards.
• This variant of the invention may present an implicit safety, in that the smartwatch cannot be separated from the watchband without opening the buckle and wearing off the watchband.
• Figure 3B shows a present invention with a smartwatch SW
• Figure 3C shows a present invention with a blank BL inserted instead of a smartwatch, for use when a smartwatch SW is not present.
• Figure 3D shows a present invention showing how the buckle BL opens to allow insertion and removal of a smartwatch SW or blank BL. Note that element E1, E2 f and E3 as shown in Figs. 2E and 2F are shown for coordination between figures.
• Figure 3B shows a partial present invention buckle B with a smart watch insert retainer press button latches CL for insert securing a
• FIG. 3F shows a smartwatch constructed for outside insertion.
• Figure 3F also shows a detectable DA aspect of a smartwatch SW which can assist with insertion into a watchband WB cavity when in dim lighting, for instance.
• the detectable DA aspect can be simply a visible marking or can be a physical attribute embedded in the smartwatch.
• Figure 3G shows a blank BL constructed for outside insertion when smart watch insert is not desired to be used.
• FIG. 3H shows a cut-away view of an exemplary latching mechanism B to hold the smartwatch in place, as represented also in figure 3E, of which figure 3H is a cross-section.
• the latching mechanism includes one or more protrusions 35 protruding towards the inside of the opening that are arranged to interact with a matching feature of the smartwatch, thereby retaining it in the aperture.
• the protrusions 35 are designed to engage into the side groove 45 of the smartwatch, indicated in figure 3F.
• a button 30, operable form the external side of the buckle B causes, when pressed, the retraction of the protrusions 35, and the liberation of the smartwatch SW from the wristwatch.
• the structure and the working of the latching mechanism could deviate considerably from this example in other embodiments of the invention, however.
• Figure 3I shows a smartwatch SW or blank BL for inside insertion II, showing groove around center area for general retention thereof. Note the retaining overhang 48 to prevent push-out is on bottom of this insert.
• Figure 3J shows a blank BL constructed for back inside insertion when smart watch insert is not desired to be used.
• any approach to removably securing a smartwatch SW to a single watchband, (to which is also affixed a conventional watch CW), is to be considered within the scope of the present invention.
• Preferred mechanisms for affixing a smartwatch SW allow quick and easy affixing and removal, and therefore easy transfer between different systems of single watchband WB and conventional watch ON systems. It is also within the scope of the present invention to make both the smartwatch and conventional watch easily removable from a watchband. Where two or more conventional watches comprise substantially the same means for affixation to a watchband, this might provide utility.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)
• Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=78238197

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Family Cites Families (7)

• 2020
  • 2020-02-10 EP EP20707822.1A patent/EP3941299A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-02-10 CN CN202080021959.7A patent/CN113597266A/zh active Pending

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