US20160157571A1

US20160157571A1 - Telescoping band system

Info

Publication number: US20160157571A1
Application number: US14/606,692
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Thomas Custer; Tyler Wolfe; Frank Barber; Henry Itani
Original assignee: Vortic LLC
Current assignee: Vortic LLC
Priority date: 2014-01-27
Filing date: 2015-01-27
Publication date: 2016-06-09

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a telescoping band system that may be used to fasten an object to another object. An example of such a system is a watch band for securing a wrist watch to a user. The telescoping band system includes a plurality of linking elements that are coupled together. Additionally, one or more pass through elements extend through the linking elements. When the pass through elements are pulled, the linking elements move closer together. As such, the telescoping band system and adjust to the size of the object, such as the user's arm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/931,718, filed Jan. 27, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a telescoping band system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the popularity of technology and gadgets worn on the wrist has greatly increased. Examples of such technology and gadgets include watches, heart rate monitors, MP3 players, Fitbits, flash drives and mobile phones. As many of these gadgets are made to be worn all day or during vigorous exercise and activity, it is imperative that gadgets worn on the wrist fit tightly to work efficiently and correctly.
Often times, these gadgets are worn on the wrist by a band of connected metal links or a semi-circle band made of rubber. Rubber is known to stretch out over time and does not hold its elasticity, and the bands typically come in only one size. The individual metal links are removable to make the size of the wrist band customizable, but removing the links rarely makes the wrist band fit tightly and properly. Removing one too many links makes the wrist band too small to fit, or too tight to be comfortable. Not removing enough links makes the wrist band too large, and the gadget does not sit snugly or comfortably where it belongs. Additionally, a professional is often required to remove the links, thus, the links are not user adjustable and can be an inconvenience to be removed.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for modifying the size of a wrist band in order for the technology and gadgets worn on the wrist to work properly and to fit comfortably.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to a telescoping band system that may be used to fasten an object to another object. An example of such a system is a watch band for securing a wrist watch to a user. The telescoping band system includes a plurality of linking elements that are coupled together. Additionally, one or more pass through elements extend through the linking elements. When the pass through elements are pulled, the linking elements move closer together. As such, the telescoping band system and adjust to the size of the object, such as the user's arm.
In one embodiment, a telescoping band system comprises a plurality of first link elements, wherein each first link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of second link elements, wherein each second link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element, wherein the second link element is rotatable around the first coupling element; a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to the first end of a second link element, wherein the second link element is rotatable around the second coupling element, and wherein the second coupling element is movable laterally within the first link element; and one or more pass through elements extending within the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements.
In another embodiment, a telescoping band system comprises a plurality of first link elements, wherein each first link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of second link elements, wherein each second link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element, wherein the first end of the first link element overlaps the second end of the second link element; a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to the first end of a second link element, wherein the second end of the first link element overlaps the first end of the second link element, and wherein the second coupling element is movable laterally within the first link element; and one or more pass through elements extending within the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements.
In another embodiment, a tightening band system comprises a plurality of first link elements, wherein each first link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of second link elements, wherein each second link element includes a first end and a second end; a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element; a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to a first end of a second link element; one or more pass through elements extending within the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements; and a tightening element coupled to at least one end of the one or more pass through elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of a telescoping band system having a watch attached thereto according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a schematic illustration of the telescoping band system with a generic object attached thereto.

FIGS. 2A-2G are illustrations of the first link element of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIGS. 3A-3F are schematic illustrations of the second link element.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic cross sectional illustrations of the band system when loosened and tightened.

FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic illustrations of tightening elements.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a telescoping band system that may be used to fasten an object to another object. An example of such a system is a watch band for securing a wrist watch to a user. The telescoping band system includes a plurality of linking elements that are coupled together. Additionally, one or more pass through elements extend through the linking elements. When the pass through elements are pulled, the linking elements move closer together. As such, the telescoping band system and adjust to the size of the object, such as the user's arm.
It is to be understood that while a watch has been shown in the drawings, the disclosure is not to be limited to watches. Other objects, such as a fitbit, GPS, smartwatch, heart monitor, medical alert bracelet, etc may be utilized with the telescoping band system. FIG. 1D shows a generic object coupled to the telescoping band system.
FIG. 1A is an isometric illustration of a telescoping band system 100 having a watch 102 attached thereto according to one embodiment. FIG. 1B is a side illustration of the telescoping band system 100 of FIG. 1A with the band system loosened. FIG. 1C is a side illustration of the telescoping band system 100 of FIG. 1A with the band system tightened. The system 100 includes a plurality of first link elements 104 and a plurality of second link elements 106. The first and second link elements 104, 106 alternate around the system 100. It is to be understood that the order of the first and second link elements 104, 106 may be reversed from what is shown and the disclosure is not to be limited to the arrangement of links shown in the drawings as the reverse order is also contemplated. One or more pass through elements 108, such as a wire, strap, band, twine, cord or strand, pass through each of the link elements 104, 106. It is to be understood that while a single pass through element 108 is shown, additional pass through elements 108 may be present and the disclosure is not limited to a single pass through element 108. A single pass through element 108 is shown for simplicity. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a joining element 110 to which the pass through element 108 is fixed at ends 112A, 112B. It is to be understood that rather than a joining element 110, a first link element 104 may be present such that the pass through element 108 does not have ends 112A, 112B at the location, but rather, has ends at a different location to be discussed later.
Suitable materials for the first and second link elements 104, 106 include leather, nylon, acrylic, plastic, stainless steel and other well known materials. The pass through element 108 may comprise stainless steel, braided stainless steel, carbon fiber, polymers, and other well known materials.
The band system 100 operates by initially being in a loosened position shown in FIG. 1B. The band system 100 is placed around the object, such as a user's wrist, and then the pass through element 108 will be pulled to tighten the band system 100 as shown in FIG. 1C. During the tightening process, the first and second link elements 104, 106 are pulled into closer proximity.
As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a first coupling element 114, such as a pin is coupled to both the first and second link elements 104, 106. A second coupling element 116, such as a pin, is also coupled to the second link element 106. The first coupling element 114 is fixedly coupled to the second link element 106 such that the first coupling element 114 and second link element 106 do not move relative to each other. However, the first coupling element 114 and second link element 106 may move relative to the first link element 104. Specifically, first coupling element 114 and second link element 106 may rotate about an axis (i.e., the centerline of the longitudinal portion of the first coupling element 114). Generally speaking, the second link element 106 and the first link element 104 are laterally spaced a fixed distance apart at the first coupling element 114.
In regards to the second coupling element 116, the second coupling element 116 is also fixedly attached to the second link element 106. However, the second coupling element 116 and second link element 106 are laterally movable in a slot 118 formed in the first link element 104. Whenever the pass through element 108 is tightened, the second coupling element 116 and second link element 106 move and bring the second link element 106 and first link element 104 closer together as shown in FIG. 1C.
FIGS. 2A-2G are illustrations of the first link element 104 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Figured 2A and 2B are isometric illustrations of the first link element 104. FIG. 2 shows the top surface 202 as well as side surfaces 204, 206. There is a slight arc to the top surface 202 of the first link element 104. The side surface 204 has a slot 118 formed therethrough which will house the second coupling element 116 described above. The side surface 206 has an opening 208 therethrough to permit the one or more pass through elements 108 to pass therethrough. Two extensions 210A, 210B extend from the side surface 206. Each extension has an opening 212A, 212B therethrough to permit the first coupling element 114 to engage the first link element 104.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the first link element 104 includes a back side 214 with a surface 216 that is recessed from the back side 214. Additionally, a slot 118 is also present in the other side 218. The surface 216 is recessed a distance so that the second link element 106 may be received between the side surfaces 218, 204 when the system 100 is tightened and the second coupling element 116 has moved within the slots 118. The first link element 104 also has a bottom surface 220 that has a slight arc.
FIGS. 3A-3F are schematic illustrations of the second link element 106. The second link element 106 has a generally rectangular body with a top surface 302, side surface 304 having an opening 306 therethrough and a side surface 308 having two openings 310A, 310B therethrough. The second link element 106 also has another side surface 312 with an opening 314 therethrough and another side surface with two openings 316A, 316B therethrough. The bottom surface 320 and top surface 302 both have a slight arc similar to the first link element 104. As shown in FIG. 3F, the openings 306, 314 are connected by a passage 322 that extends through the body of the second link element 106. The pass through element 108 extends through the passage 322 during operation.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the first coupling element 114 is actually two first coupling elements 114A, 114B and the second coupling element 116 is actually two coupling elements 116A, 116B. The first and second coupling elements 114, 116 are in two pieces because a single coupling element extending across the body of the second link element 106 would rub against and potentially interfere with operation of the pass through element 108.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic cross sectional illustrations of the band system 100 when loosened and tightened. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the band system 100 is loosened, the extensions 210A, 210B are spaced from the side surface 214 by a distance represented by arrow “A”. Once the band system is tightened as shown in FIG. 4B, the extension 210A, 210B are spaced from the side surface 214 by a distance represented by arrow “C”, which is shorter than the distance “A”. The distance between the side surfaces 206, 312 which is shown by arrow “B” remains constant while the distance between side surfaces 304, 216 decreases from distance shown by arrows “D” to the distance shown by arrows “E”. The pass through element 108 moves within the link elements 104, 106 to change move the link elements 104, 106 closer together and achieve the desired tightness of the band system. As also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first link elements 104 and the second link elements 106 have different widths as shown by arrows “F” and “G” such that the first link elements 104 have a greater width than the second link elements 106. As also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the ends of the first link elements 104 overlap with the ends of the second link element 106.
FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic illustrations of tightening elements. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, both ends 502A, 502B of the pass through element 108 are coupled to the winding mechanism 504. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, only one end 502A of the pass through element 108 is coupled to the winding mechanism 504 and the other end 502B is fixed and does not wind.
By utilizing one or more pass through elements through a plurality of link elements, a telescoping band system is obtained that leads to a custom fit of the band around a desired object.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telescoping band system, comprising:

a plurality of first link elements, wherein each first link element includes a first end and a second end;

a plurality of second link elements, wherein each second link element includes a first end and a second end;

a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element, wherein the second link element is rotatable around the first coupling element;

a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to the first end of a second link element, wherein the second link element is rotatable around the second coupling element, and wherein the second coupling element is movable laterally within the first link element; and

one or more pass through elements extending within the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element has a plurality of slots therein, and wherein the second coupling element is disposed through the plurality of slots.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second coupling element is fixedly coupled to the second link element such that the second coupling element and the second link element are rotatable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first link elements have a width that is greater than a width of the plurality of second link elements

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of second link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements comprise a material selected from the group consisting of leather, stainless steel, nylon, plastic and acrylic.

8. A telescoping band system, comprising:

a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element, wherein the first end of the first link element overlaps the second end of the second link element;

a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to the first end of a second link element, wherein the second end of the first link element overlaps the first end of the second link element, and wherein the second coupling element is movable laterally within the first link element; and

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first coupling element has a plurality of slots therein, and wherein the second coupling element is disposed through the plurality of slots.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the second coupling element is fixedly coupled to the second link element such that the second coupling element and the second link element are movable together within the first link element.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first link elements have a width that is greater than a width of the plurality of second link elements

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of second link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements comprise a material selected from the group consisting of leather, stainless steel, nylon, plastic and acrylic.

15. A tightening band system, comprising:

a plurality of first coupling elements, wherein each first coupling element couples the first end of a first link element to the second end of a second link element;

a second coupling element, wherein each second coupling element couples the second end of a first link element to a first end of a second link element;

one or more pass through elements extending within the plurality of first link elements and the plurality of second link elements; and

a tightening element coupled to at least one end of the one or more pass through elements.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first coupling element has a plurality of slots therein, and wherein the second coupling element is disposed through the plurality of slots.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second coupling element is fixedly coupled to the second link element such that the second coupling element and the second link element are rotatable.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first link elements have a width that is greater than a width of the plurality of second link elements

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of second link elements have an opening extending therethrough within which the one or more pass through elements is disposed.