阅读说明：本技术 用于增强智能手表的应用中固有的效用的表带和方法 (Watchband and method for enhancing utility inherent in smart watch applications ) 是由 K·J·齐根宾 于 2020-02-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于增强单个表带中的在功能上与传统手表结合的智能手表的应用中固有的效用的系统和方法。(A system and method for enhancing the utility inherent in the application of a smart watch that is functionally integrated with a traditional watch in a single watchband.)

1. A watchband comprising a set of elements for securing at least two watches directly or indirectly to a user's wrist, at least one of the at least two watches being a smart watch, the smart watch being secured directly or indirectly to the watchband in a manner that allows quick and easy attachment and removal of the smart watch without the use of tools.

2. The band of claim 1, wherein the smart watch is removably mounted by insertion into a cavity present in an option from the group consisting of:

in the watchband;

in a holder thus attached to the bracelet;

in a clasp attached to the wristband;

in both the watch band and a clasp attached to the watch band.

3. The band of claim 2, further comprising an insert plate insertable into the cavity when the smart watch is not present in the cavity.

4. The band of claim 3, wherein the insert comprises a volume therein for receiving an object.

5. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein the smartwatch is mounted to the watchband via a set of elements that include snaps that form a cavity.

6. The band of claim 5, wherein the clasp forming the cavity comprises a set of three elements, one end of the first element and one end of the third element rotatably attached to a first end and a second end of the band, and a second end of the first element and the third element rotatably attached to a first end and a second end of the second element.

7. The band of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one watch is not a smart watch permanently or removably secured to the band.

8. The band of claim 1, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the band by being placed in a cavity positioned such that the at least two watches are substantially parallel to each other.

9. The band of claim 1, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the band by being placed in a cavity positioned such that the at least two watches are substantially perpendicular to each other.

10. The band of claim 1, wherein indicia is included on the smartwatch that is visually and/or via touch perceptible to assist a user in positioning the smartwatch "upright" in the securing element, wherein "upright" means that the smartwatch is oriented such that the user can view it directly and easily.

11. A method of enhancing an application of a smart watch while maintaining use of a legacy watch, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a first system and a second system, the systems each comprising:

a watchband comprising a set of elements for securing at least two watches, directly or indirectly, to a user's wrist, at least one of the at least two watches being a smart watch mounted to the watchband in a manner that allows the smart watch to be quickly and easily attached and removed;

b) attaching the smart watch to the first one of the systems; and

c) removing the smart watch from the first one of the systems and attaching the smart watch to the second system.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, between steps b) and c): the user wears the first system on his or her wrist for at least 1 minute.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the watchband by being placed in a cavity in the watchband.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the watchband by being placed in a cavity in a clasp attached to the watchband.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the cavity in the clasp comprises a set of three elements, one end of the first element and one end of a third element rotatably attached to first and second ends of a watchband, and the second ends of the first and third elements rotatably attached to first and second ends of the second element.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: when the smart watch is not present in the cavity, securing an insert plate in the cavity.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the insert plate includes a volume therein for receiving an object.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the wristband by being placed in a cavity that causes the at least two watches to be substantially parallel to each other.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the smartwatch is secured to the wristband by being placed in a cavity that causes the at least two watches to be substantially perpendicular to each other.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein indicia is included on the smartwatch, the indicia being visually and/or via touch perceptible to position the smartwatch "upright" in the fixed element, wherein "upright" means that the smartwatch is oriented such that it can be easily viewed directly by a user.

21. An assembly of a wristband according to any one of the preceding claims and a smartwatch, wherein the wristband has a cavity, the smartwatch has a front face with a display and a plurality of side faces arranged to interoperate with a corresponding plurality of side faces of the cavity such that the smartwatch can be attached in the cavity of the wristband, the front face of the smartwatch is visible from the outside, and the smartwatch is retained in the cavity by the plurality of side faces.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the smart watch is designed such that the smart watch can only be attached in the cavity from the inside, or wherein the smart watch is designed such that the smart watch can only be attached in the cavity from the outside.

23. The assembly of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the smart watch has a substantially rectangular shape and the front face is curved.

24. The assembly of any of claims 21-23, wherein the cavity is disposed in a clasp or buckle of the band.

25. The assembly of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the smart watch has visual or tactile cues to simplify the process of properly orienting the smart watch in view of inserting the smart watch into the cavity.

26. The assembly of any one of claims 21 to 25, further in combination with an insert plate having a plurality of sides compatible with the plurality of sides of the cavity, the insert plate being insertable into the cavity in place of the smart watch to close the cavity.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to watchbands and watches, and to systems and methods for enhancing utility inherent in smart watch applications in functional combination with conventional (e.g., mechanical) watches secured by a watchband.

Background

For at least a century it has been common practice for people to wear watches, and more recently this practice has included wearing smart watches, which are wearable devices in the form of watches for accessing the internet or connecting themselves to internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, to provide additional functionality beyond simple timekeeping. Many people still prefer traditional watches for their style, quality, etc., but some of them also want the benefits provided by smartwatches.

In response, watch manufacturers have provided watch systems that enable a wristband to simultaneously secure two watches (one conventional and one smart watch) to a user's wrist. However, available systems are often bulky and not particularly aesthetically pleasing. However, a major problem with the currently available dual watch systems is that their manufacturers specify a combination of watches, both of which are firmly fixed to the strap.

Other known watch systems have provisions for attaching accessories of different nature, such as pill boxes (pilboxes), to the bracelet or clasp.

The background discussed above includes the disclosures of the following patents and applications (among others): US9833048, US9723899, US9551978, US9152129, US7618269, US4786981, US3924304, US3293846, US2954622, US1485915, US2016143404, US20160066660, US20130223195, US20130206801, US20090173760, US20070279852, USD788105, CN 2014103610363735, CN201621101338, CN201610407204, U820150948093, EP 018997012015974, US2O160340576, U826060579916, U820150850717, CN 2012018213482134273, CN201620753049, JP 19880055, U820150948093, US20150189975, U820150249048764, CN 20113382424242738, CN 201653049, JP 198800530972972972 19880055, JP 198509494941981.

Commonly collected from studies of numerous known references are: many embodiments of the common idea of incorporating two watches into a single wristband are known. Even so, there remains a need for a single wristband system that allows a user to wear both their choice of traditional watches and smart watches, secured by a single wristband in a compact functional manner. In particular, there remains a need for a deployment method for such a system that is friendly to practice.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by the subject matter of the appended claims.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description of an embodiment given by way of example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a prior art single wristband securing both a conventional watch and a smart watch.

FIG. 2A shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the invention, wherein a smart watch resides in a cavity of the watchband in parallel with a conventional watch.

Fig. 2A' shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the invention, wherein a smart watch is present in a cavity of the watchband perpendicular to a conventional watch.

FIG. 2B shows a non-limiting bottom view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the invention, wherein a smart watch is present in a cavity of the watchband.

Figure 2C shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention, in which an insert plate (blank) is present in the cavity of the bracelet.

FIG. 2D illustrates a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a watchband in accordance with the invention, wherein the smart watch is secured by a clasp.

FIG. 2E shows a side view of the wristband clasp in an open position.

FIG. 2F shows a side view of the wristband clasp in a closed position.

Fig. 3A shows an embodiment of the watchband of the invention, wherein the smart watch is inserted from the inside of the clasp.

Fig. 3B shows an embodiment of the watchband of the invention, wherein the smart watch is inserted from the outside of the clasp.

Fig. 3C shows an embodiment of the watchband of the invention, in which an insert plate is inserted instead of a smart watch.

Fig. 3D shows an embodiment of the watchband of the invention, where the clasp is open, including an indication that the smart watch has entered both from the outside and the inside of the clasp.

Figure 3E partially shows a clasp for the embodiment of the bracelet of the invention illustrated in figures 3A to 3D.

Fig. 3F shows a smart watch configured for front insertion into a watchband of the present invention.

Figure 3G shows an insert plate configured for front insertion into a wristband of the invention.

Fig. 3H shows a cross-sectional view of one side of the latch mechanism.

Fig. 3I shows a smart watch configured to be inserted back into the wristband of the present invention.

Fig. 3J shows an insert plate configured for rear insertion into a band of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a prior art combination of a conventional watch CW and a smart watch SW secured to each other by a single wristband WB, which combination enables the user to wear both on his or her wrist. While providing utility, it is noted that the aesthetic aspects of the illustrated system may be enhanced.

In the present disclosure, a "single" watchband indicates a watchband for wearing on a wrist and arranged to interoperate with a plurality of different conventional watches and/or smart watches. The single wristband may comprise two separate pieces of fabric, or a chain of links joined by a clasp or buckle, or a continuous loop of elastic material, or any other suitable structure that can be worn on the wrist and to which the watch and smart watch may be attached.

Fig. 2A shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of the watchband WB of the invention, wherein a smart watch SW is present in a cavity CA of the watchband. It is further noted that one side of the bracelet WB may have an indication of the cavity CA'. In one embodiment of the invention, in addition to or instead of being present in the cavity CA, a smart watch is present in said cavity CA'. (this is further illustrated in FIG. 2A'). In addition, when there is one cavity CA or CA', there may be, but need not be, the other. Note that CA' as shown in fig. 2A is adapted to be worn on the right arm wrist. For the left wrist, the cavity CA will preferably be on the right side of fig. 2A. Note that the smart watch SW is fixed to the single watchband WB by being placed in a cavity positioned such that said at least two watches are substantially parallel (CA) or substantially perpendicular (CA ') to each other, depending on the position of the cavity CA or CA'. Positions between parallel and perpendicular are also within the scope of the invention, but are not preferred. Fig. 2A ' is included to show a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of the watchband of the invention, wherein the smart watch SW is present in a cavity CA ' of the watchband, the cavity CA ' being substantially perpendicular to the conventional watch CW. (note that fig. 2A' shows the case of the right and left arms).

It is also noted that fig. 2A shows the cavity CA communicating only with the outside of the bracelet. The bottom closes the inside of the cavity CA (the side that is normally in contact with the wrist when the watch is worn). However, this is not an essential feature of the present invention, and the cavity CA may be actually open and communicate with the inside and the outside.

Fig. 2B shows a non-limiting view of an embodiment of the watchband WB of the invention, wherein a smart watch SW is present in the cavity CA (or alternatively CA') of the watchband. Note also that optionally there may be an indication of the frame F around the perimeter of the cavity, shown as CA (or CA'). When present, the frame F serves to secure the strap against degradation in the size and shape of the cavity.

Fig. 2C shows a non-limiting view of an alternative embodiment of the bracelet WB according to the invention, in which an insert plate is present in the cavity CA (or CA') of the bracelet. When the smart watch SW is not present in the cavity CA, CA', the insert plate BL may be present for aesthetic and other reasons, such as providing a cavity for containing pills, etc.

Fig. 2D shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative non-preferred embodiment of the watchband WB of the invention, wherein the smart watch SW is secured by a clasp CLA secured to the outside of the watchband WB. This variant does not require a cavity in the wristband WB for fixing the smart watch SW. The smart watch SW in this variant protrudes from the wristband without a cavity. If a cavity is present, the smart watch may be fully or partially embedded inside the cavity and retained by the clasp.

For purposes of describing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2E is provided to show a side view of the bracelet clasp or clasp B in an open position. Figure 2F shows a side view of the bracelet clasp or buckle B in a closed position. Note that the buckle B system comprises three elements E1, E2 and E3, one end of the first element E1 and one end of the third element E3 being rotatably attached to the first and second ends of the bracelet WB, and the second ends of said first element El and third element E3 being rotatably attached to the first and second ends of said second element E2.

It should be understood that the execution of the strap clasp B allows many variants, without limitation, including a butterfly clasp, a tongue clasp, etc.

One element of the clasp B-E3 in the illustrated example has a hole or cavity designed for attaching a smart watch thereto.

Fig. 2A to 2F will be explained as disclosing the present invention in general. Fig. 3A-3J illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a bracelet clasp B, although fig. 2A-2C are preferred placements with respect to the cavities CA and/or CA'.

Fig. 3A shows the invention, wherein the smart watch SW is inserted from the inner side II of the clasp B. The cavity in the clasp and the smart watch SW are designed so that the watch can be inserted from the inside of the watchband towards the outside (the inside being the wrist side when wearing the watch) and removed by pushing it inwards. This variant of the invention may present a safety hazard because the smart watch cannot be separated from the wristband without opening the clasp and taking the wristband off.

Fig. 3B shows the invention, wherein the smart watch SW is inserted from the outside OI of the clasp B. The cavity in the clasp and the smart watch SW are designed so that the watch can be inserted from the outside towards the inside of the wristband and removed by pushing it outwards. This variant may be simpler and more intuitive, allowing the smart watch to be attached without opening the clasp or removing the watch.

Fig. 3C shows the invention wherein, in the absence of a smart watch SW, the plug board BL is inserted instead of the smart watch.

Fig. 3D illustrates the invention showing how the clasp BL opens to allow insertion and removal of the smart watch SW or the plug board BL. Note that the elements E1, E2, and E3 as shown in fig. 2E and 2F are shown for inter-drawing coordination.

Fig. 3B shows a partial inventive buckle B with a smart watch insertion holder button latch CL for inserting a fixed smart watch SW.

Fig. 3F shows a smart watch configured for outside insertion. It is particularly noted that the top of the display surrounds a thin suspension 49 for preventing push-through, and there is also a groove 45 around the central area for a common simplified means of holding the insert as the designer wishes. Fig. 3F also shows a detectable aspect DA of the smart watch SW that may assist in inserting the smart watch into the cavity of the watchband WB, for example, in dim lighting. The detectable aspect DA may be a simple visible mark or may be a physical attribute embedded in the smart watch.

Fig. 3G shows the interposer BL configured to be inserted from the outside when the smart watch insert is not desired to be used.

Fig. 3H shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary latch mechanism B (as also represented in fig. 3E) for holding the smart watch in place, fig. 3H being a cross-section. The latch mechanism comprises one or more protrusions 35 protruding towards the interior of the opening, the protrusions 35 being arranged to interact with mating features of the smart watch, thereby retaining the smart watch in the aperture. In the illustrated example, the projection 35 is designed to engage into a side recess 45 of the smart watch indicated in fig. 3F. The button 30, which can be operated from the outside of the buckle B, when pressed, causes the retraction of the projection 35 and the release of the smart watch SW from the wristwatch. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the structure and operation of the latch mechanism may deviate considerably from this example.

Fig. 3I shows a smart watch SW or an insert board BL for inside insertion II, showing a recess around the central area for holding it substantially. Note that a holding hanger 48 for preventing push-through is on the bottom of the insert.

Fig. 3J shows the interposer BL configured for back side inside insertion when the smart watch insert is not desired to be used.

It is to be understood that the drawings are illustrative only and not restrictive. As indicated in fig. 2A-2F, any method of removably securing the smart watch SW to a single watchband (with the conventional watch CW also attached) is to be considered within the scope of the present invention. The preferred mechanism for attaching the smart watch SW allows for quick and easy attachment and removal, thus easy transfer between different single watchband WB systems and traditional watch CW systems. It is also within the scope of the invention to enable both smartwatches and traditional watches to be easily removed from the watchband. This may provide utility where two or more conventional watches include substantially identical means for attaching to the watchband.

The term "legacy" is used herein to identify a non-smart watch. Thus, conventional watches may include both mechanical watches and electronic watches having analog or digital displays, as well as hybrid devices having both analog and digital displays.

Having thus disclosed the subject matter of the present invention, it should be apparent that many modifications, substitutions, and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and that it should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.