WRIST BAND ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An improved wrist band assembly is provided that mitigates against a potential loss of a device mounted to the assembly, particularly during intense physical activity. The assembly supports multiple different closing schemes for securing the assembly to a user's wrist.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and any benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/003,091, filed Mar. 31, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The invention generally relates to wrist bands and, more particularly, to a wrist band assembly for securing a device to the wrist of a user.

BACKGROUND

As the popularity of smart watches (e.g., the Apple Watch) and other wrist-worn smart devices grows and the availability of fitness, action, and sports-specific apps. expands, more and more people are using these devices during intense physical activities, such as skydiving, surfing, cross fit, triathlons, etc.

While such a device is generally designed to be able to withstand the demands of these activities, conventional bands for securing the device to a user's wrist represent a weakness. Thus, what is needed is an improved watch band that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional bands.

Conventional watch bands typically fail for one of two reasons: (1) the band's closing mechanism fails and the device is no longer secured to the user's wrist; and/or (2) the band disconnects from the watch and the device is no longer secured to the user's wrist.

Issue (1) arises due to a two-piece band's closing mechanism (e.g., clasp, stud, Velcro® brand fastener) being unable to withstand the physical activity of the user, for example, as a result of poor design, poor fit, etc. Issue (2) arises due to either one of a two-piece band becoming separated from the device during the physical activity of the user. This can occur when the connecting structure (e.g., pins, screws) fails. In both instances, the device will no longer be secured to the user's wrist.

Thus, there is an unmet need for an improved watch band that overcomes or otherwise mitigates these drawbacks.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, an improved wrist band assembly for securing a device (e.g., smart watch) to a user's wrist is provided.

The wrist band assembly mitigates against a potential loss of the device resulting from a failure of the assembly. In particular, at least two mounting mechanisms are used to secure the device to the wrist band assembly, such that the failure of either mounting mechanism does not cause the device to separate from the wrist band assembly.

The wrist band assembly is designed to provide an adjustable and secure fit to the user's wrist.

The wrist band assembly is adaptable to attach to multiple different devices (e.g., of varying dimensions).

The wrist band assembly includes multiple closing schemes. For example, the wrist band assembly supports at least a first closing scheme and a second closing scheme. The first closing scheme is quicker to complete but less secure than the second closing scheme.

The wrist band assembly facilitates access to (a rear surface) of the device through the assembly. This is particularly beneficial for those devices that perform certain functions through their rear surface (e.g., a heart rate monitor) and/or interface with other software and/or hardware through their rear surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The general inventive concepts, as well as embodiments and advantages thereof, are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C are diagrams of a wrist band assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the band portion of the wrist band assembly. FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the wrist band assembly including the band portion of FIG. 1A along with other related structure. FIG. 1C is a top plan view of the wrist band assembly of FIG. 1B showing an optional aperture therein.

FIGS. 2A-2C are images showing one mounting means that is removably attached to the wrist band assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2A is an upper perspective view of the removable attachment means. FIG. 2B is a lower perspective view of the removable attachment means. FIG. 2C is a lower perspective view showing the removable attachment means (and the corresponding mounting means) separated from the wrist band assembly.

FIGS. 3A-3D are images showing an optional aperture formed in the band of the wrist band assembly, as well as exemplary applications thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a portion of the wrist band assembly having the aperture formed therein. FIG. 3B is a lower perspective view of a portion of the wrist band assembly having the aperture formed therein. FIG. 3C is a lower perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing an external device engaged (via the aperture) with a device mounted to the wrist band assembly. FIG. 3D is an upper perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing another external device engaged (via the aperture) with the device mounted to the wrist band assembly.

FIGS. 4A-4D are images illustrating two different schemes for securely closing the wrist band assembly (e.g., about a user's wrist), according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4A is a lower perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing completion of the first closing scheme. FIG. 4B is a side perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing an intermediate closing stage of the second closing scheme. FIG. 4C is a lower perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing the intermediate closing stage of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4D is a lower perspective view of the wrist band assembly showing completion of the second closing scheme.

FIG. 5 is an image of the wrist band assembly of FIGS. 3A-3D secured to the wrist of a user, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the general inventive concepts are susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered merely as an exemplification of the general inventive concepts. Accordingly, the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

The general inventive concepts encompass an improved wrist band assembly for securing a device (e.g., smart watch) to a user's wrist. The wrist band assembly mitigates against a potential loss of the device resulting from a failure of the assembly, particularly during physical activity by the user (e.g., running, swimming, climbing) likely to put additional stress on the assembly.

A wrist band assembly 100, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. The assembly 100 includes a band 102. The band 102 is a unitary (i.e., one-piece) member having a band length B_L and a band width B_W. The general inventive concepts are generally applicable regardless of the band length B_L or band width B_W. In some exemplary embodiments, the band length B_L is approximately 12 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the band width B_W is approximately ½ inches.

The band 102 may be made of any suitable material. Typically, the band 102 will be made of a flexible material/fabric. In some exemplary embodiments, the band 102 is made of a polymer material, such as a polyester or an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material. In some exemplary embodiments, the band 102 is made of a nylon fabric. In some exemplary embodiments, the band 102 may be subject to further processing/treatment, such as coloring, waterproofing, etc. The general inventive concepts are generally applicable regardless of the band material, color, etc.

The assembly 100 includes a first closing fastener 104 and a second closing fastener 106. In some exemplary embodiments, the first closing fastener 104 is one of a hooks fastener or a loops fastener, and the second closing fastener 106 is one of a hooks fastener or a loops fastener, albeit complementary to the first closing fastener 104. Velcro® brand fasteners are suitable hook-and-loop fasteners. Together the first closing fastener 104 and the second closing fastener 106 constitute a first closing mechanism 130.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first closing fastener 104 has a width that corresponds to the band width B_W. In some exemplary embodiments, the first closing fastener 104 has a width that is at least 90% of the band width B_W. In some exemplary embodiments, the second closing fastener 106 has a width that corresponds to the band width B_W. In some exemplary embodiments, the second closing fastener 106 has a width that is at least 90% of the band width B_W. In some exemplary embodiments, a length of the second closing fastener 106 is greater than a length of the first closing fastener 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the length of the second closing fastener 106 is at least twice the length of the first closing fastener 104.

The first closing fastener 104 and the second closing fastener 106 are each permanently secured to the band 102. The closing fasteners 104, 106 can be secured to the band 102 in any suitable manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the closing fasteners 104, 106 are secured to the band by stitching. In some exemplary embodiments, the closing fasteners 104, 106 are secured to the band by one or more rivets. In some exemplary embodiments, the closing fasteners 104, 106 are secured to the band by an adhesive.

The assembly 100 also includes a first buckle 110 and a second buckle 112. Each of the buckles 110, 112 defines an opening, wherein a size of the opening is large enough to allow the band 102 to pass therethrough. In other words, a width of the opening in each of the buckles 110, 112 is at least as wide as the band width B_W. Together the first buckle 110 and the second buckle 112 constitute a second closing mechanism 140.

The first buckle 110 and the second buckle 112 are each permanently secured to the band 102. The buckles 110, 112 can be secured to the band 102 in any suitable manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the buckles 110, 112 are secured to the band 102 by stitching and, more specifically, by passing a portion of the band 102 through both buckles 110, 112 and then stitching that portion of the band 102 to the other portion of the band 102 (to form a loop which holds the buckles 110, 112).

The assembly 100 also includes a first mounting means 116 and a second mounting means 118. Each of the mounting means 116, 118 is intended to interface with a device (not shown), such as a watch, to secure the device to the band 102. The mounting means 116, 118 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the mounting means 116, 118 can be elastomeric members (e.g., silicone attachments) designed to interface with corresponding mounting means on the device.

The first mounting means 116 and the second mounting means 118 are each secured to the band 102, i.e., at an end opposite the end intended to interface with the device. The mounting means 116, 118 can be secured to the band 102 in any suitable manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting means 116, 118 are permanently secured to the band 102 by stitching. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting means 116, 118 are permanently secured to the band 102 by one or more rivets. Together the first mounting means 116 and the second mounting means 118 constitute a mounting mechanism 150.

In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting means 116, 118 are secured to the band 102 in a manner whereby the mounting means 116, 118 can be readily replaced with an alternative pair of mounting means, such as for interfacing with a different type or size device. In this case, the mounting means 116, 118 could be removably secured to the band 102 by screws, wherein removal of the screws with a tool (e.g., screwdriver) allows for replacement of the mounting means 116, 118.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the second mounting means 118 is removably secured to the band 102. More specifically, the assembly 100 includes a threaded screw 302 and a threaded nut 304. Because the threaded screw 302 and/or the threaded nut 304 extends through a hole 119 in the second mounting means 118 and a hole 306 in the band 102, engagement of the threaded screw 302 and the threaded nut 304 to one another secures the second mounting means 118 to the band 102. Likewise, disengagement of the threaded screw 302 and the threaded nut 304 from one another allows the second mounting means 118 to be separated from the band 102 so that it can be readily replaced with a different (or replacement) mounting means. It will be appreciated that the first mounting means 116 can be removably secured to the band 102 in a similar manner.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1C, the band 102 has an aperture 160 formed therein. In some exemplary embodiments, the aperture generally has a diameter of at least ¼ inches (up to the band width B_W). The aperture 160 is generally situated (and may be centered) between the first mounting means 116 and the second mounting means 118. In this manner, the aperture 160 provides access to a rear surface of the device (not shown) through the band 102. Accordingly, for those devices (e.g., a smart watch including a heart rate monitor) capable of interfacing with external equipment, the aperture 160 allows ready access to and connection with the device.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the aperture 160 in the band 102 allows access to a rear surface 202 of a device 200 mounted on the band 102. In this manner, the device 200 can interface with an adapter 500 for transferring data from the device 200 to another machine (e.g., a computer). See FIG. 3C. As another example, the device 200 can interface with a contact/proximity charger 600 via the aperture 160 in the band 102. See FIG. 3D.

Operation of the wrist band assembly 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D. In particular, the wrist band assembly 100 has two closing schemes, i.e., a first closing scheme that primarily utilizes the first closing mechanism 130 for securing the assembly 100 and a second closing scheme that utilizes both the first closing mechanism 130 and the second closing mechanism 140 for securing the assembly 100.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first closing scheme involves feeding an end portion 103 of the band 102 directly through the openings of both buckles 110, 112 and around the top edge of both buckles 110, 112 so that the first closing fastener 104 and the second closing fastener 106 can interface with one another. In this manner, the assembly 100 (including the device 200 mounted thereon) can be secured to a user's wrist using only the first closing mechanism 130.

As shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, the second closing scheme involves feeding an end portion 103 of the band 102 through the openings of both buckles 110, 112, around/over the top edge of the first buckle 110, and back through the opening in the second buckle 112 (i.e., under the top edge of the second buckle 112) to form a looped (locking) portion 105 between the buckles 110, 112 (see FIGS. 4B-4C). Thereafter, the end portion 103 can continue to be advanced until the first closing fastener 104 and the second closing fastener 106 interface with one another (see FIG. 4D). In this manner, the assembly 100 (including the device 200 mounted thereon) can be secured to a user's wrist using both the first closing mechanism 130 and the second closing mechanism 104 in combination.

An advantage of the first closing scheme is that it can generally be completed more quickly than the second closing scheme. A disadvantage of the first closing scheme is that it is less secure than the second closing scheme, given that it only relies on a single closing mechanism. Conversely, an advantage of the second closing scheme is that it is generally more secure than the first closing scheme, given that it relies on two different/independent closing mechanisms. A disadvantage of the second closing scheme is that it generally takes longer to complete than the first closing scheme. With these closing schemes available, a user can decide which closing scheme is appropriate for any given situation. For example, if the user is simply going to the movies, the first closing scheme may suffice. However, if the user plans on engaging in a physically intense activity, such as skydiving, the second closing scheme may make more sense.

Furthermore, regardless of the closing scheme adopted at any given time, the wrist band assembly 100 is readily adjustable to securely and comfortably fit around the user's wrist, across a wide range of wrist sizes (e.g., from 5 inches to 10 inches). See FIG. 5. In some exemplary embodiments, the band 102 of the wrist band assembly 100 includes portions that are readily removable (e.g., cutting, tearing) by the user to further customize the band length B_L and/or the band width B_W.

Because each of the mounting means 116, 118 is separately secured to the one-piece band 102, as noted above, failure of either of the mounting means 116, 118 does not result in the device 200 separating from the band 102 (and, thus, the user's wrist).

Because each of the mounting means 116, 118 may be removable members, as noted above, the wrist band assembly can be readily adapted to mount different types, sizes, etc. of devices thereon.

Because the band 102 may include an aperture 160 formed therein, as noted above, access to the rear surface 202 of the device 200 mounted to the band 102 is facilitated.

Because multiple closing mechanisms (e.g., the fasteners 104, 106 and the buckles 110, 112) can be used to secure the band 102 to the user's wrist, as noted above, the wrist band assembly 100 is less likely to separate from the user's wrist, even during physical activities.

The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concepts and their attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts, as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A wrist band assembly comprising:

a band,

a first mounting member attached to the band,

a second mounting member attached to the band,

a closing fastener attached to the band,

a first buckle attached to the band, and

a second buckle attached to the band,

wherein the wrist band assembly is operable to mount a device on the band between the first mounting member and the second mounting member,

wherein the first mounting member is operable to interface with a first end of the device, and

wherein the second mounting member is operable to interface with a second end of the device.

2. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are made of silicone.

3. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member is removably attached to the band, and

wherein the second mounting member is removably attached to the band.

4. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the closing fastener comprises a hooks portion and a loops portion.

5. The wrist band assembly of claim 4, wherein the loops portion is closer to the first and second buckles than the hooks portion.

6. The wrist band assembly of claim 4, wherein a width of the hooks portion is equal to a width of the band.

7. The wrist band assembly of claim 4, wherein a width of the loops portion is equal to a width of the band.

8. The wrist band assembly of claim 4, wherein a length of the hooks portion is less than a length of the loops portion.

9. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the first buckle is adjacent to the second buckle,

wherein the first buckle defines a first opening,

wherein the second buckle defines a second opening,

wherein the first opening overlaps the second opening,

wherein a width of the first opening is greater than or equal to a width of the band, and

wherein a width of the second opening is greater than or equal to the width of the band.

10. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second buckles are metal.

11. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the band includes an aperture situated between the first mounting member and the second mounting member.

12. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second buckles are located on a first end of the band, and

wherein a portion of the closing fastener is located on a second end of the band.

13. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein the band is polyester.

14. The wrist band assembly of claim 1, wherein a length of the band is at least 10 inches.