GB2546092A

GB2546092A - A fastening for securing an electronic device around a portion of the body

Info

Publication number: GB2546092A
Application number: GB1600305.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Marvin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-08
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Also published as: GB201600305D0

Abstract

A fastening for securing an electronic device 12 around a portion of the body, comprising a scaffold portion 10 having an opening for receiving the portion of the body, and a flexible elastomeric cover 20 covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the scaffold portion, the scaffold portion also having a rigid portion for mounting the electronic device thereto, and a semi-rigid strap portion for at least partially encircling and substantially conforming to the portion of the body. The strap portion may be formed by a one piece strap, or from a plurality of rigid segments connected by linkages. The segments, or edge of the one piece strap, may have thickened edges each with a notch. The fastening may have a clasp 22, such as a butterfly clasp. The flexible elastomeric cover is preferably formed from silicone and may be translucent or transparent, or comprises an aperture. The electronic device may have a display 18 that can be curved and flexible, and is preferably a watch and/or a heart monitor.

Description

A FASf ENIN© FOR SIGURING AN ELEGTRONIC DEVICE ARillND A

P0RTIQN OF THE BODY

The present invention relates to a fastening for securing: an electronic device around a portion of the body. The fastening may for example be used to secure an electronic device to the body of a sports player in the course of a game.

Due to the nature of some sports {particularly contact sports such as rugby and American football), It is desirable that a fastening for an electronic device is robust, both in order to protect the electronic device, and to avoid damage to the fastening itself; Additionally, It is desirable that the fastening not cause injury to either the sports piayer wearing the fastening, or to afiy other player, particularly in sports where collisions between players are likely. WO 2010/039114 discloses an apparatus for improving communications between players and coaches during a sporting event, more specifically allowing players to dynamically receive real-time communications from their coaches concerning intended game plays to be effected on the field or court. The apparatus comprises a transparent, protective top cover having the same contour as a middle portion, wherein said middle portion is provided with a display element, and wherein said top eoverBmiddle portion and the display element are all enclosed by a rear cover forming a housing for a receiving means for receiving an encrypted signal of an intended game play from a portable remote terminal, and wherein said top cover, middle portion, display element and housing are positioned on an upper portion of an elasticized band, which has an extended flap, wherein said extended flap includes a closing means used to secure the apparatus and to conceal the display element from public view. This device is a standard flat-format electronics devise mounted on a flexible strap, for example a fabric strap; by means of a seam or other stitching, and as such represents a poor solution to the heed for a robust device that will not risk breakage or injury to other players. It is particularly poorly adapted for contact sports such as rugby or American football.

There is therefore a heed for ah improved fastening for securing an electronic device around a portion Of the body.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fastening for securing an electronic device around a portion of the body; the fastening comprising; a scaffold portion forming an opening for receiving the body portion* and a flexible elastomeric cover (an inner flexible elastomeric cover) covering at least palially an outer surface of the scaffold portion, wherein the scaffold portion composes a rigid portion for mounting the electronic device thereto, and a semi-rigid strap portion for at least partially encircling and substantially conforming to the portion of the body.

Here, “scaffold portion” means a portion which provides a support for the fastening, and for example forms a framework of the: fastening. That is, the scaffolding may impart a degree of rigidity to the structure of the fastening. The scaffold may comprise a polymer, for exampie a thermoplastic elastomer, for example PVC or PET.

The term “elastomeric” is intended to encompass any material that is able tb resume its original shape when a deforming force is removed. That is, the flexible elastomeric ©over may form a sol, deformable outer cover, No Ifmitalpi on the material composition of the flexible elastomeric cover is implied by the term “elastomeric”.

The “cuter surface” of the scaffold portion is the surface of the scaffold portion opposite the surface which is closest to the body portion, when the fastening is worn around the body portion.

As noted above, the fastening comprises a scaffold portion forming an opening for receiving the body portion. Here, the opening may be entirely encircled by the scaffold portion (that is, so that the scaffold portion forms a complete annulus) or the scaffold portion may not completely encircle the opening (that is, so that the scaffold forms an incomplete annulus, having for example a shape, or U” shape). the semi-rigid strap portion may comprise a plurality of rigid segments connected by linkages allowing relative movement of the rigid segments. Advantageously, this allows for flexure of the semi-rigid strap portion in order to substantially conform to the body portion. The linkages may themselves be rigid, and may be pivotably or otherwise movably attached to the rigid segments, or may be flexible. For example, the linkages may be elastically deformable. Each of the rigid segments and/or the rigid portion may be curved, in order to conform mo re closely to the shape of the body portion. The rigid segments may comprise a thickened rim along the edges which define the edge of the strap portion. As a result, the strap portion is stronger and more robust, arid in particular is more resistant to twisting forces which may be applied to the strap portion. The thickened rim of each edge of each rigid segment may Comprise one or more notches. Such notches allow the rigid segments of the strap portion to bend sightly, thereby improving the ability of the strap portion to conform to the body portion, and also allowing the strap portion to lex in tie event of an impact on the fastening, reducing the chance that the fastening will break.

Alternatively (that is, instead of comprising a plurality of rigid segments) the semi-rigid strap portion may comprise a one-piece strip. The one-piece strip may comprise a thickened rim. As a result, the strap portion is stronger and more robust, and in particular is more resistant to twisting forces which may be applied to the strap portion. The thickened rim may comprise one or more notches to allow the one-piece strip to bend slight!^ thereby improving the ability of the strap portion to conform to the body portion, and also allowing the strap portion to flex in the event of an impact on the fastening, reducing the chance that the fastening will break.

The scaffold portion may comprise a clasp; The clasp is preferably mounted on an inner surface of the scaffold portion, more preferably on an inner surface of the semi-rigid strap portion of the scaffold portion; The clasp allows the size of the opening to be temporarily increased so that the body portion can be received through the opening By mounting the clasp on the inner surface of the scaffold portion (or an inner surface of the semi-rigid strap portion of the scaffold portion), the clasp is protected from external impacts. The clasp may be curved, in order to conform more cioseiy to the shape of the body portion.

In embodiments where the opening is entirely encircled by the scaffold portion, the opening may be encircled by the combination of the rigid portion, the semi-rigid strap portion and the clasp.

The clasp is preferably moyaiy mounted on the semi-rigid strap portion. Preferably, a number of mounting points (preferably holes) are provided on the semi-rigid strap portion, to allow the size of the opening (when the clasp is done up) tp be adjusted according to the wearer, to allow a snug fit about the wearer's body portion. When first fit to the user; the clasp Can be mounted to the appropriate mounting points (preferably using screws) on the semi-rigid strap portion, and any excess of the semi-rigid strap portion Can be out off.

The clasp is preferably a butterfly clasp (also known as a deployment buckle, hidden deployment buckle or invisible double-locking clasp). Such a clasp has a slim profile and smooth surfaces, and is therefore unlikely to cause injury to the wearer in the event of a collision.

As weli as covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the scaffold portion, the (inner) flexible elastomeric cover may extend over the inner surface of the scaffold portion (that is, the surface of the scaffold portion closest to the wearer) as well, in such embodiments, the (Inner) flexible elastomeric cover may Include an aperture allowing access to the clasp.

The (inner) flexible elastomeric cover may be translucent or transparent, or may comprise a translucent or transparent window portion. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments of the invention in which the electronic device includes a display, as the display can then be viewed'through the cover;; or the; translucent or transparent window portion;

Alternatively, the (inner) flexible elastomeric cover may be opaque, In that case, in embodiments in which the electronic device includes a display, the flexible elastomeric cover may comprise an aperture through which the display cart be viewed.

The fastening may also include ah outer flexible elastomeric cover. In some embodiments, for example embodiments in which the electronic device includes a display, the outer flexible elastomeric cover is preferably transparent or transparent, or may comprise a translucent or transparent window portion, allowing the display to be viewed through the cover. It is particularly aavanta|eous to provide such an outer flexible elastomeric cover where the other (inner! flex*ble elastomeric coyer is opaque and comprises an aperture through which the display can be viewed. The outer flexible elastomeric cover then provides protection for the display.

The (inner) flexible elastomeric cover and/or outer flexible elastomeric cover may comprise a polymer, for example silicone.

The (inner) flexible elastomeric cover and/or outer flexibie elastomeric cover may be printed on.

The (inner) flexible elastomeric cover and/or outer flexibie elastomeric cover may provide a degree of water-resistance to protect the electronic device.

The fastening may be configured to be received Over a wrist, Upper or lower arm, ankle, upper or lower leg, of waist, for example. Thus, the fastening may be a wristband, arm band; anklet, leg band or waist band.

The invention also extends to an electronic device comprising the previously described fastening.

The electronic device may comprise a display, and the display is preferably covered by the flexible elastomeric cover. The display is thereby protected by the flexible elastomeric cover from damage, Preferably, at least a portion of the ©over overlying the display is transparent. This allows the wearer to see the display through the flexible elastomeric cover

The electronic device may comprise an electroluminescent (or similar^ light source to illuminate the display. This has the advantage that it is possible to see the display in low-light conditions, and also improves visibility of the display through the flexible elastomeric cover. The light source may be flexible^ Advantageously, such a light source is lees likely to be damaged if deformed by contact/impact, Compared to a rigid light source.

The display may p an e-paper type display, of may comprise an LCD display, or may comprise ©LEDs.

The display may be flexible^ Advantageously, such a display is less likely to be damaged if deformed by contact/impact, compred to a rigid display.

The display may be curved. Where the rigid portion of the scaffold portion is curved (as may be the case to allow the rigid portion to conform to the body portion|, the display may be similarly curved to conform to the curve of the rigid portion. This allows the display to broadly conform to the body portion. A curved display is advantageous1 as I will be less likely to cause injury to another player in a collision or impact.

The electronic device may comprise a watch.

The electronic device may comprise a heart monitor, in which case the electronic device preferably comprises electrodes for measuring the heart rate.

The electronic device may comprise a vibration motor and/or an audio output fer outputting m alert to the wearer.

The electronic device may comprise a sensor adapted to sense movement/and or acceleration of the device. The sensor preferably comprises an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope· This allows the device to be used as a pedometer, for example.

The electronic device may comprise a receiver for receiving an RF Signal. The electronic device may therefore comprise a radio. Preferably, the receiver is adapted to receive messages via one or more of wireless LAN, Bluetooth and mobile phone text/SMS messaging. In one embodiment, this allows a coach or manager to communicate with members of a sports team, for example.

The electronic device may comprise a transmitter for sending an RF signal. This may allow the electronic device to communicate player data (such as heart rate in embodiments where the electronic device comprises a heart rate monitor, or movement data where the eiectronic device comprises a sensor adapted to sense movement/and or acceleration of the deice) to a remote data system, Preferabiy, the transmitter is adapted to transmit messages via one or mop of wireless LAN, Bluetooth and mobile phone text/SMS messaging.

The eiectronic device may comprise asuser control: means to control the transmitter to transmit assignat,. for examp!® to acknowledge receipt of a message, when activated by the wearer of the electronic device, in one embodiment, the usei control means is a simple button (or the like) which may be activated by the wearer of the electronic device by pressing the button. In another embodiment, the user control means may comprise a sensor adapted to sense movement or acceleration of the device, and a control means adapted to receive sensor data torn the sensor and to determine based on the sensor data from the sensor whether to send the signal (for example, a signal acknowledging receipt of the message): This allows the wearer of the electronic device to send a signal, for example to acknowledge receipt of a message, by shaking the device (that is, by shaking the body portion to which the fastening is attached) or by tapping the device. The control means may le adapted to compare the sensor data from the sensor with reference data stored ih the control means to determine whether to send the signal. That is; the control means may be adapted to compare the pattern of shock or acceleration measured by the sensor to reference data. This allows the control means to reject false signals, so that the signal is only sent when the wearer of the electronic device purposefully shakes or taps the electronic device in a; certain way.

The reference data may be acquired by asking the user to shake the device in a particular fashion, and then recording the sensor data obtained. In this way, the device can be calibrated for a particular wearer.

The electronic device may comprise any one of the foregoing features (watch, heart monitor, vibration motor, audio output, sensor adapted to sense movement and/or acceleration of the device* receiver for receiving an RF signal, transmitter for sending an RF signal, user control means) or any combination thereof or may comprise ail of the foregoing features.

The electronic device may also comprise a power source, for example a battery, which is preferably rechargeable. The electronic device may also comprise contact charging pins for charging the battery.

The electronic device may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB).

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention may relate to a device for communication with a sports player, for example for use by the sports player in the course of a game. The device may allow a coach or manager to communicate with the sports piayer, and in particular may alio# the coach to communicate with specific sports players within a team. Various means are described in the prior art literature to provide electronic communication between a coach add individual players, but none has been designed adequately to overcome the inherent risks of carrying ah electronic device in a sports match: breakage of the device and injury to players caused by the device,

Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communications device for allowing a message to be sent to a user wearing the device, the device comprising: a display; a receiver for receiving an RF signal; and a fastening for securing an electronic device around a portion of the body, the fastening comprising: a scaffold portion forming an opening for receiving the body portion, and a flexible elastomeric cover covering an outer surface of the scaffold portion, wherein the scaffold portion comprises a rigid portion for mounting the electronic device thereto, and a semi-rigid strap portion for at least partially encircling and substantially conforming to the portion of the body.

This aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the foregoing preferred or optional features of the firs! aspect of the invention described above. icqprding to a further aspect, the invention provides a system to communicate a rnessase id # sports player comprising a communications device as described above and a remote computer system comprising an RF communication means adapted to communicate with the communications device and a user interface through which a message may be entered and sent to a piayer.

The user interface preferably comprises a display and may be configured to present a plurality of messages on the display such that a user may choose one to be sent. The user interface may comprise a keyboard means for a user to send a message to the player, for example a simulated keyboard displayed on a touchscreen* The user interface may comprise a diagram of the field, pitch or court on which a sport is te le played and icons denoting the players on the diagram, the user iniertace is preferably configured to allow a user to move an icon denoting a player and to send a message based on the said movement to the player. For example a user such as a coach may wish a player to player further up the field, and map move the icon to a position further up the field, the apparatus then sending an RF message to the chosen player to Invite him/her to move forward.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a fastening;

Figure s shows an exploded view of the embodiment ae shown in Figure 1 with the flexible elastomeric cover separated from the scaffold portion;

Figure 3 shows a cutaway isometric view of the embodiment shown ih Figure 1 with haif of the flexible ilaitdmehe cover removed;

Figure 4 shows a side View of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3; and Figure S shows ah exploded View of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of a device to communicate a message to a sports player comprises: a scaffoid portion 10 comprising a substantially circular strap podion; an electronics unit 12 on a PCB mounted on said scaffold portion 10 comprising RF communication means to receive an RF message; a battery 14 mounted on said scaffold portion 10 to power the electronics unit; a vibration motor 16 mounted on said scaffoid portion 10; a curved display 18 mounted on the scaffold portion 10. an outer flexible elastomeric band ID to cover the display and the scaffoid portion 10; an inner flexible elastomeric band 24 to cover an inner surface of the: scaffold portion 10; and a clasp 22 to close the device onto a player’s wrist. Here, the inner flexible elastomeric band 24 is opaque and comprises an aperture through which the display 18 can be viewed, and the outer flexible elastomeric band 20 is transparent. The display 18 comprises an ©-ink display IS end an electroluminescent: light source 28 (see Figure 5),

The clasp Is completely hidden when closed, ensuring no hard edges can injure players, Ih this embodiment the clasp 22 comprises a butterfly clasp mounted on the interior surface of the strap. In this way the clasp is protected from Contact with the user Of any other player. The clasp 22 is movably mounted on the strap 10 by means of mountings 31, fixing screws 32 and screw holes 34 provided in the strap to allow the length of the strap to be adjusted. To undo the fastening, the user pulls the one end of the clasp Ilsaway from the body portion, until the: clasp opens

The strap portion of the scaffold portion 10 comprises a moulded polymer strip haVing thickened rim edges 36 to give strength and resistance to twisting of the device. The rim edges comprise a number of notches 38 to allow the strap to bend so as to allow it to be tightened using the clasp 22.

The RF communication means is adapted to receive messages via one or more of wireless LAN, Bibetooth and cellphone fext/SMS messaging. In this embodiment the device comprises a user control means to acknowledge receipt of a message and the device is adapted to send an RF message when the user control means is activated. The user control means comprises a sensor adapted to sense an acceleration of the device, the sensor being an accelerometer. The also device cpraprises a control means provided as part of the electronics unit 12 adapted to receive signals from the sensor and to operate an algorithm to determine whether to send an acknowledgement. The control means is adapted to compare one or more signals from the sensor (that is, sehsbr iafa) with data stored in the control means to determine whether to send ah acknowledgement. In this way the device is adapted to allow a user to acknowledge receipt of a message, for example by pressing a control button or by accelerating the device, such as by tapping or shaking the device. The control means is programmed to compare the pattern of shock or acceleration of the device to reference data stored in a data store forming part of the control means in order to reject false signals.

The control means also comprises a heart rate monitor and the; device comprises a first;and a second electrode 40 to contact a player’s skin to monitor heart rate. In; some embodiments the device is;;adapted to communicate player data such as heal rate data to a remote data system.

The device is capable of receiving messages from a remote computer system comprising an RF communication means adapted to communicate with tie device and a user interface through which a message may be entered and sept to a player.

The following clauses set pui features of the invention which may not presently be claimed in this application, but which may form the basis for future arhehlfnent or a divisional application. 1. A device to communicate a message to a sports player comprising: a polymer housing in the form of a substantially circular strap; an electronics unit on a RGB mounted on said strap comprising RF communication means to receive an RF message; a battery mounted on said strap to poWer the electronics unit; a vibration motor mounted on said strap controlled by the RF communication means; a curved display mounted on the strap; an outer flexible polymer bandto cover the display and the housing; and a clasp means mounted on the strap to close the device onto a player’s %n||. 2, A device according to clause 1 comprising: an inner band to cover all or pad of said strap; a display mounted on one of the strap or the inner band comprising a flexible display unit and a flexible electroluminescent light source to illuminate the display; and an outer band covering the display and at least part of the inner band. 3. A device according to clause 1 or clause 2 wherein the RF communication means is adapted to receive messages via one or more of wireless LAN, Bluetooth (RTM) and cellphone text/SMS messaging. 4; A device according to any preceding clause comprising a user control means to acknowledge receipt of a message and wherein the device is adapted to send an RF message When the user control means is activated. 5. A device according to clause 4 wherein the user control means comprises a control button. 6; A device according to clause 4 wherein the user control means comprises a sensor adapted to sense an acceleration of the device. 7. A device according to clause 6 wherein the device comprises a control means adapted to receive signals from the sensor and to operate an algorithm to determine whether to send an acknowledgement. 8. A device according to clause 7 wherein the control means is adapted to compare one or more signals from the sensor with data stored in the control means to determine whether to send an acknowledgement. §. A device according to ciause 8 wherein the control means may he programmed to compare the pattern of shock or acceleration of the device to reference data stored in a data store forming part of the control means in order to reject false signals. 10. A device according to any preceding clause wherein the clasp means comprises a butterfly clasp mounted on the Interior surface of the straps 11. A device according to clause 10 wherein the clasp means is movably mounted oh the strap to aildwlhe length of the strap to be adjusted. 12. A device according to any preceding ciause wherein the control means comprises a heart rate monitor and the device comprises a first and a second electrode to contact a player's skin to monitor heart rate. 13 A device according to clause 12 adapted to communicate player data such as heart rate data to a remote data system. 14. A system to communicate a message to a sports player comprising a device as described herein and a reraotescomputersystem: compfiiing an RF communication means adapted to ccmmunicateswlh the device and a user interface through which a message may be entered- 15. A system according to ciause 14 wherein the user interface comprises a display and is configured to present a plurality of messages on the display such that a user may choose one to be sent. 16. A system according to clause 14 or clause 15 wherein the user interface comprises keyboard means for a user to send a message to the player, for example a simulated keyboard displayed on a touchscreen, 17. A system according to any of clauses 14 to 18 wherein the user interface comprises a diagram of a playing field, pitch or court on which a sport is to be played and icons denoting the players on the diagram. 18, A system according to clause 17 wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to move an icon denoting a player and to send a message based on the said movement to the player.

Claims

Mips

1. A fastening for securing an electronic device around a portion of the body, the fastening comprising: a scaffold portion forming an opining for receiving the body portion, and a flexible elastomeric Cover covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the scaffold portion, wherein the scaffold portion comprises a rigid portion for mounting the electronic device thereto, and a semi-rigid: strap portion for at least partially encircling and substantially conforming to the portion of the body.
2. A fastening as claimed in claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid strap portion comprises a plurality of rigid segments connected by linkages allowing relative movement of the rigid segments.
3. A fastening as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rigid segments comprise thickened edges along the edges which define the edges of the strap portion, and preferably wherein the thickened rim edges of each rigid segment each comprise a notch:.
4. A fastening as claimed in claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid strap portion comprises a one-piece strip, preferably wherein the Strip comprises a thickened rim, and more preferably wherein the thickened rim comprises a plurality of notches.
5. A fastening as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the scaffold portion comprises a clasp, preferably mounted on an inner surface of the semi-rigid strap portion. C A fastening as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clasp is movably mounted on the scaffold portion, and/or wherein the clasp is a butterfly clasp.
7. A fastening as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flexible elastomeric cover is translucent or transparent.....or comprises a translucent or transparent window portion, or comprises an aperture; |> A fastening as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flexible elastomeric cover comprises silicone |. A fastening; as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an outer flexible elastomeric cover, preflrably cgmFising silicone, 10 An electronic device comprising the fastening of any preceding claim.
11. An electronic device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the electronic device comprises a display.
12. An electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the display is covered by the cover.
13. An electronic device as claimed m claim ll; wherein at least a portion of the cover overlying the display is transparent.
14. An electronic device as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13. comprising a light source to illuminate the display, preferably wherein the light source is an electroluminescent light source, and/or wherein the tight source is flexible.
15. An electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the display is flexible.
16. Ah electronic device as Claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the display is curved.
17. Ah electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the electronic device comprises a watch,
18. An electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the electronic device comprises a heart monitor, and preferably comprises electrodes for measuring the heart rate. 1|, An electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the electronic device comprises a vibration motor and/or audio output for outputting an alert. 20; An electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor adapted to sense movement/and or acceleration Of the device, preferably wherein the sensor Comprises an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.
21. An electronic device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 20, wherein the electronic device comprises a receiver for receiving an RF signal, and wherein preferably the receiver is adapted to receive messages via one or more of wireless LAN, Bluetooth and mobile phone text/SMS messaging.
22. An electronic device as Claimed in any of claims 10 to 21, wherein the electronic device comprises a transmitter for sending an RF signal, and wherein preferably the transmitter is adapted to transmit messages via one or more of wireless LAN, Bluetooth and mobile phone text/SMS messaging,
23. An electronic device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the electronic device comprises a user control means to control the transmitter to transmit a user signal, preferably acknowledging receipt of a message, when activated by a user.
24. Ah electronic device as ciairhed in Claim 23, herein the user control means comprises a sensor adapted to sense ah acceleration of the device and a control means adapted I© receive sensor data from the sensor and to determine based on the sensor data whether to send the user signal,
25. An electronic device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the control means is adapted to compare the sensor data with reference data stored in the control means to determine whether to send the user signal·