US20140250637A1

US20140250637A1 - Spring Bar with Radial Pin

Info

Publication number: US20140250637A1
Application number: US13/790,526
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerhard Stotz
Original assignee: Timex Group USA Inc
Current assignee: Timex Group USA Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-08
Filing date: 2013-03-08
Publication date: 2014-09-11

Abstract

A spring bar assembly having a tubular member and a first end member at a first end of the tubular member. A first axial pin extends from the first end of the tubular member. A second end member is provided at a second end of the tubular member. A second axial pin extends from the end of the second end member. A biasing member positioned within the tubular member biases the axial pins towards each other, and a retractor is provided and connected to either the tubular member or the second end member (but not through the tubular member) for facilitating the urging of the axial pins toward each other, The second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to coupling assemblies for coupling a wristworn device to a strap, and in particular, to an improved spring bar assembly for facilitating the removal and attachment of the strap to the wristworn device. In a preferred embodiment, the wristworn device is a wristwatch but as will be understood from the disclosure herein, the invention is not so limiting.
Constructions for watchband couplings are well-known. For example, one known construction is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,806. However, this construction is less than desirable for at least three (3) reasons. One perceived drawback is that this prior art construction includes a less than optimally shaped actuator element, which makes it remarkably more difficult and less reliable to use as a spring bar assembly for a wide range of conventional type strap and band combinations. Secondly, it is believed that the construction of this prior art coupling device would fall apart once it is removed from between the lugs of the wristworn device. In addition, this prior art construction is not meant to be inserted into the strap as with a conventional spring bar.
Another known prior art spring bar construction is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,505. However, this construction too has perceived deficiencies. For example, it requires a much more precise construction than is desirable, in that it requires that the operating rod, which is perpendicularly assembled to the inner rod, protrudes through an opening (slot) of the outer shaft. Requiring such precise alignment of the operating rod with the slot of the outer shaft during assembly and usage is less than desirable.
It is thus believed that further advances to the state of the art are both desirable and achievable. In particular, it is desirable to provide users with an ability to more easily couple and decouple a strap to and from a wearable device, such as a wristwatch by way of example. Accordingly, such constructions and methodologies for spring bar assemblies in accordance with the present invention are set forth herein.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art.
For example, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a spring bar assembly that facilitates the changing of a strap for a wristworn device as well as the coupling and decoupling between the device and the strap.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a spring bar assembly that permits a user to more easily change a strap for the wristworn device without using tools or having special knowledge of the spring bar construction.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a spring bar assembly that provides for easy and user friendly usage with a wide range of conventional type straps and bands without the use of the unnecessary and/or extra coupling elements.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a spring bar assembly that does not fall apart when disassembled from between the lugs of the wristworn device, thus securing and maintaining the integrity of the spring bar assembly even after decoupling from the wristworn device.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, arrangement of parts and sequence of steps which will be exemplified in the construction, illustration and description hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
Therefore, and generally speaking, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to a spring bar assembly comprising a tubular member having a first end and a second end; a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member; a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member; a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the first axial pin towards the second axial pin; and a retractor connected to the tubular member for facilitating the urging of the first axial pin toward the second axial pin; wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a spring bar assembly comprising: a tubular member having a first end and a second end; a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member; a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member; a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the second axial pin toward the first axial pin; and a retractor connected to the second end member for facilitating the urging of the second axial pin toward the first axial pin; wherein the retractor does not extend through the tubular member; wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is &coupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a wristworn device comprising a first lug and a second lug spaced from the first wherein the first lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof and the second lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof; a strap for maintaining the wristworn device about a wrist, the strap including a first strap end itself having a slot; and a spring bar assembly for coupling the first strap end to the wristworn device, wherein the spring bar assembly is positioned in the slot at the first strap end, and wherein the spring bar assembly comprises a tubular member having a first end and a second end; a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the first lug; a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the second lug; a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the first axial pin toward the second axial pin; and a retractor connected to the tubular member for facilitating the urging of the first axial pin towards the second axial pin; wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between the first and second lugs of the wristworn device.
And yet in another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a wristworn device comprising a first lug and a second lug spaced from the first lug, wherein the first lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof and the second lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof; a strap for maintaining the wristworn device about a wrist, the strap having a first strap end itself having a slot; a spring bar assembly for coupling the first strap end to the wristworn device, wherein the spring bar assembly is positioned in the slot at the first strap end, and wherein the spring bar assembly comprises a tubular member having a first end and a second end; a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the first lug; a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the second lug; a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the second axial pin towards the first axial pin; and a retractor connected to the second end member for facilitating the urging of the second axial pin towards the first axial pin; wherein the retractor does not extend through the tubular member; wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between the first and second lugs of the wristworn device.
In a preferred embodiment, the wristworn device is a timepiece in the form of a wristwatch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 collectively illustrates a line drawing (i.e. FIG. 1A), a cross-sectional view (i.e. FIG. 1B) and a 3-D image (i.e. FIG. 1C) of a spring bar assembly constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a line drawing (i.e. FIG. 2A), a cross-sectional view (i.e. FIG. 2B) and a 3-D image (i.e. FIG. 2C) of a spring bar assembly constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a line drawing (i.e. FIG. 3A), a cross-sectional view (i.e. FIG. 3B) and a 3-D image (i.e. FIG. 3C) of a spring bar assembly constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a line drawing (i.e. FIG. 4A), a cross-sectional view (i.e. FIG. 4B) and a 3-D image (i.e. FIG. 4C) of a spring bar assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a line drawing (i.e. FIG. 5A), a cross-sectional view (i.e. FIG. 5B) and a 3-D image (i.e. FIG. 5C) of a spring bar assembly constructed in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, coupling a conventional wristworn device with a strap and the spring bar assembly as constructed in accordance with the detailed description herein and FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates an assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, coupling a conventional wristworn device with a strap and the spring bar assembly as constructed in accordance with the detailed description herein and FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, coupling a conventional wristworn device with a strap and the spring bar assembly as constructed in accordance with the detailed description herein and FIG. 4; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, coupling a conventional wristworn device with a strap and the spring bar assembly as constructed in accordance with the detailed description herein and FIG. 5.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which collectively comprises FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, all of which illustrates a spring bar assembly, generally indicated at 10, constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In accordance with this first embodiment, spring bar assembly 10 includes a tubular member generally indicated at 20 having a first end generally indicated at 25 and a second end generally indicated at 30. Assembly 10 also includes a first end member generally indicated at 35 at the first end 25 of the tubular member 20, wherein the first end member 35 comprises a first axial pin 36 extending from the first end 25 of the tubular member 20; and a second end member generally indicated at 40 at the second end 30 of the tubular member 20, the second end member 40 comprising a first end generally indicated at 42 and a second end generally indicated at 44, with a second axial pin 45 extending from the first end 42 of the second end member 40. Assembly 10 also includes a biasing member generally indicated at 50, most preferably in the form of a spring, positioned within the tubular member 20. Biasing member 50 biases the first axial pin 36 toward (i.e. relative to) the second axial pin 45. In this first embodiment, assembly 10 includes a retractor 60 connected to the tubular member 20. Retractor 60 may be integrally formed with tubular member 20, or may be welded, glued, soldered or otherwise connected thereto. Retractor 60 facilitates the urging of the first axial pin 36 towards the second axial pin 45 as explained further below.
Importantly, in accordance with the present invention and in an improvement over the cited prior art, the second end 30 of the tubular member 20 and the second end member 40 are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member 40 from uncoupling from the tubular member 20 when the spring bar assembly 10 is decoupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device. For example, in a preferred specific, the edges of second end 30 of tubular member 20 may be bent inwardly (creating an annular flange) about “A,” and second end member 40 may include an annular shoulder 41 which is “caught” by the lip created at the second end 30 so as to prevent the second end member 40 from uncoupling from the tubular member 20 when the spring bar assembly 10 is removed from between lugs of a wristworn device.
In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention and depicted in FIG. 1, the first end member 35 is integrally formed with the first end 25 of the tubular member 20. This manufacturing feature of a one piece tubular member 20 and integrally formed first end member 35 facilitates the manufacturing process of the spring bar assembly. Alternatively however, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first end member 35 need not be integrally formed with the first end 25 of the tubular member 20. For example, in this latter embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the first end member 35′ may be a press-fit insert and press-fit into (i.e. at) the first end 25′ of the tubular member 20. In addition to such press-fitting or instead thereof (i.e. in the case of a non-integrally formed first end), the first end member 35′ may be glued, soldered and/or welded at the first end 25′ of the tubular member 20.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3 for a discussion of yet another spring bar assembly, generally indicated at 10A, constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, and similar to the aforementioned embodiments, spring bar assembly 10A includes a tubular member generally indicated at 20A having a first end generally indicated at 25A and a second end generally indicated at 30A. Assembly 10A also includes a first end member generally indicated at 35A at the first end 25A of the tubular member 20A, wherein the first end member 35A comprises a first axial pin 36A extending from the first end 25A of the tubular member 20A; and a second end member generally indicated at 40A at the second end 30 of the tubular member 20, the second end member 40 comprising a first end generally indicated at 42A and a second end generally indicated at 44A, with a second axial pin 45A extending from the first end 42A of the second end member 40A. Assembly 10A also includes a biasing member 50, again preferably in the form of a spring, positioned within the tubular member 20A. Biasing member 50 likewise biases the second axial pin 45A towards (i.e. relative to) the first axial pin 36A. However, this FIG. 3 embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 & 2 in that the retractor, i.e. indicated by 60A, is connected to the second end member 40A. Retractor 60A likewise facilitates the urging of the second axial pin 45A towards the first axial pin 36A. Importantly, it can be seen that retractor 60A does not extend through the tubular member 20, as in the case of the prior art construction of U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,505. Therefore, the construction as disclosed herein significantly simplifies the manufacturing process by not requiring such precision manufacturing and assembly of the spring bar assembly 10A of this embodiment. in this embodiment of spring bar assembly 10A, the second end 30A of the tubular member 20A and the second end member 40A are likewise cooperatively shaped (as in the aforementioned embodiments) to prevent the second end member 40A from uncoupling from the tubular member 20A when the spring bar assembly 10A is decoupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device.
In addition, and similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the first end member 35A may likewise be integrally formed with the first end 25A of the tubular member 20A, thus providing the advantages set forth above. Alternatively, as discussed above, the first end member 35A need not be integrally formed with the first end 25A of the tubular member 20A, and thus may be constructed as set forth above with respect to the description of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the features and construction of which are also intended to apply to this embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C as well.
Reference is thus now made to the embodiment of FIG. 4 (e.g. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C) of a spring assembly, generally indicated at 10B, in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, spring assembly 10B is similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 3, yet in this embodiment, the first end member and first axial pin 35B is formed from a deep-drawing process. That is, tubular member 20B undergoes a deep-drawing process as would be known in the art, in order to form the first end member 35B. In all other material respects, spring assembly 10B functions and is constructed functionally identical to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C (collectively “FIG. 5”) in connection with a spring bar assembly, generally indicated as 10C, in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention. Here, spring bar assembly 10C is functionally similar to that of spring bar 10B, although the retractor, generally indicated at 60C, is connected to the outer side of the tubular member 20C, similar to that of spring bar assembly 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2.
In all of the embodiments, the biasing member 50 may be wedged between the first and second end members (e.g. FIG. 2B) or may be wedged at one or both ends against an internal flange of the tubular member (e.g. see end 35B of FIG. 4B).
Reference is thus next made collectively to FIGS. 6-9, which illustrate constructed assemblies in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, most specifically, coupling a conventional wristworn device with a strap using the respective embodiments of the spring bar assemblies disclosed herein.
Generally, and applicable to all the assemblies, FIGS. 6-9 each depict a conventional wristworn device in the nature of a wristwatch, generally indicated at 1, which is coupled to a conventional strap, generally indicated at 2. Applicable to each of the embodiments and all the figures generally, it can be seen that each respective first axial pin of each of the spring bar assemblies is dimensioned to be received in a recess in an inner face of a first lug 3 and each respective second axial pin of each of the spring bar assemblies is dimensioned to be received in a recess in an inner face of a second lug 4. The shapes and sizes of the respective axial pins is one of design choice, as illustrated herein. The respective biasing members (e.g. spring 50) of each of the spring bar assemblies along with the respective retractors of the preferred embodiments, permit the first (or second) axial pin to be biased towards and away from the second (or first) axial pin (as the case may be). The use of first and second axial pins is by illustration only, as such terms are interchangeable as would be understood from a reading hereof. In this way, no special tool is needed to remove the spring bar assemblies of the present invention from the strap and/or from between the lugs.
The strap used in connection with the present invention may be comprised of multiple sections, for example, if a buckle is being utilized or may be of one piece as would be understood in the art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each side of the wristworn device (e.g. at the 6:00 and/or the 12:00 positions) preferably includes a spring bar assembly as disclosed herein to couple a first strap end of strap 2 to the device 1. FIGS. 6-9 by example and not limitation, show the present invention only at the 6:00 position, It can also be seen that strap 2 includes the first strap end, generally indicated at 2A. Strap end 2A includes a slot 2C through which the spring bar assembly of each respective embodiment of the present invention is inserted and positioned, which is a very different construction and arrangement from that described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,806.
To fully take advantage of the benefits of the present invention, strap 2 will include a cut-out section (i.e. slot) 6 so that the respective retractors as disclosed herein may extend therethrough and be easily accessible by the fingers of a user's hand. The precise position and location of the retractors and slots is somewhat of design choice. As can be seen by comparing the slots 6 in the respective FIGS. 6-9, the position of the particular slot will most likely depend on the particular embodiment of the spring bar assembly being used therewith.
As can be seen from the foregoing as well as the figures, the present invention provides an improvement over prior art constructions in that the user can more easily change the straps for the wristworn device without using tools or having special knowledge of the spring bar construction.
While other attempts have been made to achieve the objectives herein, such attempts have been seen to be, among other things, more expensive and more complicated.
Thus, the present embodiment provides for a more user friendly construction and methodology to allow for the exchangeability of the spring bar, a feature and advantage not achievable with the present state of the art as well as the other advantages and benefits explicitly and inherently noted above.
Although the wristworn devices discussed and disclosed herein are preferably a wristwatch, this is by example and not limitation. That is, the wristworn device for use with the present invention may be in the form of and/or have functionality related to blood pressure, heartrate, altitude, temperature or compass measurements, barometric pressure, (and/or combinations of any of the foregoing), just to name a few.
It can thus be seen that the present invention provides for improved spring bar constructions for coupling of a wristworn device to a strap. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention that as a matter of language might fall therebetween.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A spring bar assembly comprising:

a tubular member having a first end and a second end;

a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member;

a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member;

a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the first axial pin towards the second axial pin; and

a retractor connected to the tubular member for facilitating the urging of the first axial pin toward the second axial pin;

wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between first and second lugs of a wristworn device.

2. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end member is integrally formed with the first end of the tubular member.

3. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end member is not integrally formed with the first end of the tubular member.

4. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first end member is a press-fit insert at the first end of the tubular member.

5. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first end member is glued, soldered or welded at the first end of the tubular member.

6. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first end member is glued, soldered or welded at the first end of the tubular member.

7. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim I, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

8. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first end member is formed from a deep-drawing process.

9. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the edges of second end of the tubular member are bent inwardly to form an annular flange; and

the second end member includes an annular shoulder that is engageable with the annular flange;

whereby the second end member is prevented from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is removed from between lugs of a wristworn device.

10. A spring bar assembly comprising:

a tubular member having a first end and a second end;

a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the second axial pin toward the first axial pin; and

a retractor connected to the second end member for facilitating the urging of the second axial pin toward the first axial pin; wherein the retractor does not extend through the tubular member;

11. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first end member is integrally formed with the first end of the tubular member.

12. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first end member is not integrally formed with the first end of the tubular member.

13. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first end member is a press-fit insert at the first end of the tubular member.

14. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first end member is glued, soldered or welded at the first end of the tubular member.

15. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first end member is formed from a deep-drawing process.

16. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein:

17. A wristworn device comprising:

a first lug and a second lug spaced from the first lug, wherein the first lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof and the second lug includes a recess in an inner face thereof;

a strap for maintaining the wristworn device about a wrist, the strap including a first strap end itself having a slot; and

a spring bar assembly for coupling the first strap end to the wristworn device, wherein the spring bar assembly is positioned in the slot at the first strap end, and wherein the spring bar assembly comprises:

a tubular member having a first end and a second end;

a first end member at the first end of the tubular member, the first end member comprising a first axial pin extending from the first end of the tubular member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the first lug;

a second end member at the second end of the tubular member, the second end member comprising a first end and a second end, with a second axial pin extending from the first end of the second end member and positionable in the recess in the inner face of the second lug;

a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the first axial pin toward the second axial pin; and

a retractor connected to the tubular member for facilitating the urging of the first axial pin towards the second axial pin;

wherein the second end of the tubular member and the second end member are cooperatively shaped to prevent the second end member from uncoupling from the tubular member when the spring bar assembly is decoupled from between the first and second lugs of the wristworn device.

18. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first end of the strap includes a cut-out section through which the retractor extends so as to be accessible by fingers of a user's hand.

19. A wristworn device comprising:

a strap for maintaining the wristworn device about a wrist, the strap having a first strap end itself having a slot;

a tubular member having a first end and a second end;

a biasing member positioned within the tubular member for biasing the second axial pin towards the first axial pin; and

a retractor connected to the second end member for facilitating the urging of the second axial pin towards the first axial pin; wherein the retractor does not extend through the tubular member;

20. The spring bar assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first end of the strap includes a cut-out section through which the retractor extends so as to be accessible by fingers of a user's hand.