Expandable Strap Patents (Class 224/175)
  • Patent number: 11744334
    Abstract: A watch strap includes a substantially inflexible main portion, a flexible auxiliary portion coupled to the substantially inflexible main portion, and a tightener coupled to the flexible auxiliary portion. When in use, the tightener is configured to maintain a selected tightness, and the flexible auxiliary portion is configured to be elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Anna-Marja Suvilaakso, Olli Komulainen, Kaisa Lämsä, Katri Ervasti-Taskila, Marko Tuhkala, Seppo Korkala, Veli-Pekka Putila
  • Patent number: 11602201
    Abstract: A band for securing an electronic device to a user may include a monolithic band body having proximal and distal ends for coupling to a body of the electronic device. The monolithic band body may include an elastic material that is elastically stretchable between (1) a fitted mode where the electronic device is secured to a limb of the user, and (2) a stretched mode for fitting over the limb of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott W. Slabaugh, Tatsuya Sano, Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe, Zaki Moustafa, Motohide Hatanaka, Hsiang Hung Chen, Eiryo Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 11467541
    Abstract: A method for disassembling first and second watch-surfaces of a watch includes the steps of removing a decorative cover from the watch; rotating an adjusting screw to move an H-shaped snapping member toward a casing so that the H-shaped snapping member abuts against the adjusting screw; rotating a snapping ring so that an engaging protrusion does not overlap a pressing protrusion and the snapping ring can be removed from the casing; opening the watch; using a tool to press against a platform of the connecting sleeve; rotating the main screw to remove the connecting sleeve; removing the first watch-surface from the casing; removing first and second positioning rings and suspension columns; turning the casing to remove the snapping ring; opening the watch; using the tool to press against the platform; rotating the main screw to remove the connecting sleeve; and removing the second watch-surface from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Jun-Liang Guo
  • Patent number: 11090004
    Abstract: A wearable gear (100) for holding a physiological sensor for monitoring a subject, such as a pulse oximeter. Said wearable gear being configured to automatically adjust the maximal length such that the predefined tension is obtained regardless of the size of the body part of the subject. The wearable gear comprises a tensioning element (102) having a maximal length, a holding unit for holding the physiological sensor, the wearable gear further comprises a tension mechanism for tensioning the tensioning element to a predefined tension when at least partially around a body part of the subject, wherein the tension mechanism comprises i) a first part comprising a resilient material, and ii) a second part comprising a non-resilient material, and wherein the first part and the second part mechanically cooperate with each other to automatically adjust the maximal length such that the predefined tension is obtained regardless of the size of the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Herman Peeters, Pavankumar Murli Dadlani Mahtani, Ernest Roderick Laman, Ceren Bagatar, Tom Kassenaar, Sandra Liliana Ramirez Herrera
  • Patent number: 10936930
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wearable device comprising: a connector and at least two bodies, the connector is used to connect two of the at least two bodies, an opening structure is formed between portions of the two of the at least two bodies connected by the connector. The opening structure can reduce an area covered by the wearable device on the user's skin. The effect of the wearable device on the heat dissipation of the user's skin can be reduced. Compared with the non-hollow wearable device, the wearable device with the open structure is light in weight, thus the overall weight of the wearable device is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zilong Zhou
  • Patent number: 10739727
    Abstract: A watch having a double watch-surface and a method for disassembling the double watch-surface are provided. The watch includes a casing, in which an abutting ring portion is convexly provided; a first watch-surface which is placed on the top of the abutting ring portion; a second watch-surface which is placed at the bottom of the abutting ring portion; an snapping ring, the inner ring of which is annularly provided with a pressing portion and a groove; and a transparent cover engaged onto the groove. The two snapping rings are respectively engaged with the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing. The snapping ring is disposed on the abutting ring portion through the plural engaging protrusions. The pressing portion is pressed against the first and second watch-surfaces. Through the adjusting and snapping assembly, effect of engaging and fixing the two snapping rings to the casing can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Jun-Liang Guo
  • Patent number: 10064458
    Abstract: A wearable band formed from two or more pieces of material is disclosed. The wearable band may include a first material having a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the first material, and a second material positioned adjacent to the first material. The second material may include a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the second material. The wearable band may also include a coupling component configured to couple the first material to the second material. The thinned portion of the first material may be folded onto itself, and the thinned portion of the second material may be folded onto itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: James G. Griffin, II, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan
  • Patent number: 9848690
    Abstract: A high strength retention loops for a wearable band of an electronic device and method of forming the retention loop. The retention loop of the wearable band may include a bottom layer, a tensile member encircling the bottom layer, and a top layer positioned adjacent to and substantially encircling the bottom layer and the tensile member. A distinct retention loop may include a single piece of folded leather material having an exterior portion, and two interior portions positioned adjacent the outer portion. The distinct retention loop may also include a tensile member positioned between the exterior portion and the two interior portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Rohrbach, James J. Griffin, II, Edward Siahaan, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Adam K. Eschner
  • Patent number: 9836088
    Abstract: A flexible display device includes: a flexible display module; a first support member below the flexible display module, the first support member including a plurality of first blocks that are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction; and a second support member including a plurality of second blocks that are arranged to correspond to the plurality of first blocks and arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction, and each of the plurality of second blocks overlaps a corresponding first block of the plurality of first blocks in a first configuration, and the second support member is movable in the first direction between a second configuration, in which a second block of the plurality of second blocks overlaps two adjacent first blocks of the plurality of first blocks, and the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyungmin Choi, Younjoon Kim, Jangdoo Lee, Junghun Lee, Mi Jang, Taehyeog Jung
  • Patent number: 9634507
    Abstract: A power supply device of an electronic device including: a body formed to wear or to carry in a user body; a support groove formed in an upper portion of the body and that receives the electronic device; an insertion groove formed to insert from the outside to the inside of the body; a battery inserted into the insertion groove and that charges power applied from the outside and that charges the electronic device through charged power; a first through hole punched in the support groove so that the electronic device and the battery contact; and a pressing portion that presses to enclose the electronic device received in the support groove and that is provided to receive in the body regardless of a shape or a size of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ENXT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo Nam Kim, Soo Uk Lee, Jun Tae Hwang
  • Patent number: 9433251
    Abstract: A sleeve keeper for use with a wrist accessory or wristwatch worn by a user includes a first magnetic member coupled to the wrist accessory, and a second magnetic member coupled to the wrist accessory and being attracted to the first magnetic member to hold and retain, between the first and second magnetic members, a long sleeve of a garment worn by the user from obscuring the wrist accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: John E. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 8893938
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object (1). This portable object includes a case (2) to which a bracelet or strap (3) is fixed taking the form of two bracelet or strap strands. The portable object is characterized in that at least one of the bracelet or strap strands is moveably mounted to slide relative to the case so that the length of the bracelet or strap can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pascal Grossenbacher, Jean-François Dionne, Yves Winkler, Jean-Jacques Born, Erik Jan Frenkel
  • Patent number: 8191748
    Abstract: An identification apparatus and methods of use are presented. Embodiments include a loop of flexible material, having and exterior surface. Indicia, identifying an organization, is displayed on at least a portion of the exterior surface. A container is provided to store the loop of flexible material. Some embodiments couple the container with a belt or other article of clothing or clothing accessory. The loop of flexible material may be coupled with the container. The container may serve as an anchoring point for one or more methods of displaying the loop of flexible material. Some methods of use position the loop of flexible material over portions of a user's body. Some methods of use permit one hand operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Lessman
  • Publication number: 20100243688
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wristband, and in particular, to a wristband for a watch, wherein the watchband can flex and pivot about a longitudinal axis extending the length of the watchband and a transverse axis extending across the width of the watchband. The watchband has a plurality of segments spaced along its length, and each segment has a first and second adjacent section extending across the width of the watchband. Each segment can pivot about the transverse axis, and each section can pivot about the longitudinal axis. The watchband can stretch in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: OAKLEY, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Gutierrez, Peter Yee, Eric Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20070220919
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bracelet or wristband of adjustable length, including: a first link including two ends defining first and second fixed points of attachment, a stopper including a through hole that allows the link to pass therethrough, releasable means for locking the link in the hole, and means for securing one of the ends of the link, and a securing element associated with the first point of attachment, the link being on one hand secured to the stopper by the second fixed point of attachment using the securing means, and on the other hand engaged in the hole so as to be able to be locked at a variable locking point, by the locking means, or to slide therein when the locking means are released, and the link further comprising, a variable point of attachment located substantially half-way between the second fixed point of attachment and the variable locking point (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVICES AG
    Inventors: Philippe Loetscher, Clement Meyrat
  • Patent number: 7121587
    Abstract: A wearable book. A wearable book, comprising a plurality of pages and a loop adapted for encircling a body portion for attaching said pages to the body, is provided. The pages are preferably bound together at one edge and preferably are of substantially the same size. The loop preferably has at least about 50% elasticity for stretching the loop over a second body portion such as a hand having a substantially larger circumference than a first body portion such as a wrist, and thereafter snugly circumferentially contacting the first body portion to secure the book in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Julia B. Mark
  • Patent number: 6991364
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a limb-mounted device that is controlled by one or more inputs disposed within reach of the fingers of a user on the same hand that is associated with the limb. The inputs may be disposed upon a retractable or removable surface so that they have an operative position, in which they are within reach of the fingers, and an inoperative position, in which they are stowed outside reach of the fingers, but in a manner otherwise convenient to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Timberland Company
    Inventor: Jong H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6519207
    Abstract: An all-weather watch to be worn on the outside of one of the heavy-duty gloves of a glove wearer, such as a skier, snow boarder, hunter or motorcyclist, in cold and/or inclement weather. A length-adjustable elastic strap comprises a front strap portion which extends from the watch case and stretches to loop about at least one glove finger. A rear strap portion extends from the case and stretches outwardly to loop about the glove wrist to position the watch on the back of the glove. The rear strap portion is maintained in position by the stretching of the elastic strap, the friction between the strap and the glove and by the cinching action of the loop around the glove wrist, thus not requiring the use of a clasp or other fastener. This enables the watch to be readily removable from the glove by grasping the rear loop and stretching it to move over the glove body and thumb. Putting on and removing the watch can easily be performed by the wearer's other gloved hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jason B. Lukacsko
  • Publication number: 20020070252
    Abstract: One-piece and two-piece watchbands may be quickly and easily installed on a watch of the wearer's choice and may just as easily be removed and replaced with another watchband to provide color and style coordination with other items of the wearer's chosen wardrobe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Tonya Daree Bauer
  • Patent number: 6328188
    Abstract: A removable link for use in an arrangement comprising a plurality of interlocking links is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventors: George S. Boznos, Fong Hay Lo
  • Patent number: 6168309
    Abstract: A bracelet (6, 7) includes a series of links (8) articulated via bars (9). The links and the bars are held together by a tie (10) passing through holes (13, 15). The end (2) of the bracelet (6) includes a special link (3) to which the tie (10) is fastened by means of a fixing device (14, 16). This special link (3) is provided with a recess (4) arranged after said fixing device. A certain excess portion (11, 12) of the tie (10) can be held in reserve in this recess (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventor: Laurent Pantet
  • Patent number: 6053630
    Abstract: An elongated annular element to be worn around a user's wrist includes an expandable band including a multitude of expansion links situated adjacent one another longitudinally of the band and resiliently movable apart. Two such expansion links are separated from one another to form a gap, and an extension arrangement is interposed between them to span such gap. The extension arrangement includes a plurality of extension links situated next to one another. Any desired number of the extension links, as well as the connecting expansion links, are connected to one another to give the extension arrangement the length desired for extending the annular element. Each of the links to be connected includes at least one of the following two counterpart formations: a pair of lugs spaced from one another transversely of the annular element and each provided with a through aperture therein, and a sleeve-shaped portion bounding an elongated passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Edwin H. Polansky, Robert H. Arndt, Lisa B. Popowich
    Inventors: Edwin H. Polansky, Robert H. Arndt
  • Patent number: 5899370
    Abstract: An integrally formed watch band with a circular-shaped flexible harness having two strap portions extending from opposite ends therefrom. The harness has an a top opening through which a timepiece, when inserted, is made visible. The bottom of the harness has two oppositely extending flexible tab portions which support the timepiece in place within the harness. The harness is circular and flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of timepiece configurations. In one embodiment, molded cutouts line the inner wall of the harness and are arranged in locations that correspond with control buttons of a specific timepiece configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Strokz Digital Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Bould
  • Patent number: 5823409
    Abstract: A wrist instrument has an expandable strap for use in securing the instrument about a wearer's wrist. The expandable strap has a strap casing or a sheath on each end and an interconnecting member attached to the strap casings. The interconnecting member includes a non-expandable section and at least one elastic member housed in one of the strap casings. The elastic member is attached to both the strap casing housing it and the non-expandable section of the interconnecting member such that when a pulling force is exerted on the interconnecting member, the elastic member expands within the strap casing to allow the strap to accommodate different wrist sizes without exposing the elastic member to view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Amelia Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5779113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch holder system, which is worn on the back side of a hand, comprising a casing, an elastic cord, and a buckle. The casing is provided with two holes passing through from the front end to the back end and accommodating the elastic cord. The lower side of the casing is concave to match the surface of the back side of the hand. By the wearing position of the watch holder system, a novel and beautiful effect is created. In use, the watch will not be covered by a long sleeve, thus allowing for unhindered reading of the displayed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Chen-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 5660308
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed for joining two sections of an expansible watchband. The watchband sections have adjacent ends defined by endmost top and bottom links interconnected by pairs of mutually spaced staples. The connector comprises a unitary element having first and second sets of locking ears projecting laterally in opposite directions from opposite sides thereof. The connector has an initial laterally contracted configuration which accommodates its insertion between the endmost top and bottom links of the adjacent ends of the watchband sections, with the first and second sets of locking ears having passed between and beyond the respective pairs of staples interconnecting the endmost top and bottom links. The thus inserted connector is permanently deformable into a laterally expanded configuration which causes its locking ears to mechanically interengage with the staples to thereby effect a connection between the watchband sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 5639000
    Abstract: The watch band assembly includes a pair of buckle devices and a strap assembly. The buckle devices are fabricated to be a one piece structure which are adapted to be removably secured to opposite ends of a conventional watch. Extending outwardly from the buckle devices are studs that are adapted to receive and maintain the strap assembly. The strap assembly is comprised of at least one elongated tubular member having opposite ends. These ends are adapted to be releasably secured to the buckle devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: V. Robin McDaniel, O. Kevin McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5479381
    Abstract: A reversible timepiece is provided having at least two opposite faces and at least one movement. The timepiece includes and is attached to a bi-laterally flexible watchband adapted to permit its wearer to reverse the timepiece and change from one face to the other without having to remove the timepiece from their wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Jack D. Goldenberg, Peter Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5441686
    Abstract: A method of assembling top shells onto the links of a flexible linkage, the top shells being configured and dimensioned to overlie the links and having bendable end tabs. The method includes the steps of: forming an elongated framework which includes a plurality of the top shells arranged in an integrally interconnected parallel array; combining a section of the linkage with the top shell framework in a manner such that the links are aligned with the top shells; and subdividing the framework to separate the top shells one from the other in connection with the deformation of the end tabs around and into mechanical interengagement with the ends of the links to thereby secure the top shells to the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Jackl, Richard E. Ripley
  • Patent number: 5235567
    Abstract: A watch bezel including opposite side partial strap members pivotally secured thereto. A flexible band assembly including opposite end portions is provided and the opposite end portions of the band assembly are lengthwise slidably anchored relative to the free ends of the partial strap members and bent back upon themselves. A first of the back turned portions is adjustably anchored to predetermined longitudinally spaced portions of the band and the other end portion spans the full distance between the partial strap members and is lapped over and releasably anchored to the outer side of the partial strap member remote from the strap member with which the other band portion is slidably anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Charles M. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5176301
    Abstract: An elongate wrist band segment has a top row of links overlying a bottom row of links. U-shaped staples connect the links of the top row to the links of the bottom, and springs housed in the links coact with the staples to resiliently accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction of the band segment. An elongate non-expansible element is received between the top and bottom rows of links and serves to resist longitudinal expansion of the band segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 4905879
    Abstract: An expandable watchband is described which is both simple and inexpensive to manufacture and simple to use. The watchband includes an outer flattened tubular member of flexible fabric material with one end of the tube folded into itself so that the length of the tube can be adjusted. An elongated strap of flexible elastic material has one end secured to one end of the tube. The other end of the strap passes through the entire length of the tube and out the first end again where it is then adjustably connected to the second end of the tubular member. The watch is connected to the elastic strap between the two ends of the tube. If desired, a trademark, advertising or other printed indicia can be printed on the outer surface of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Adrian J. Piccone
  • Patent number: 4855974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for configuring a watchband (10) such that it can be worn in a non-conventional fashion on the user's upper arm or conventionally on the user's wrist. The invention is comprised of a shorter elastic strap (16) attached to a watch (12), this shorter strap (16) has attached to is two sets of buckles (18), (20), (22), (24). The watch (12) also has attached to it a longer elastic strap (14) having slidably attached to it a strap retaining band (26). When it is desired to configured the watchband (10) such that it can be worn on the upper arm, the longer strap (16) is passsed through one set of buckles (22), (24) located at the free end of the shorter strap (16). The free end of the longer strap (14) is then passed through the strap retaining band (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Watchout Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: Hardy Steinmann
  • Patent number: 4847729
    Abstract: A spring-biased expansion band of metal bar members, attaches to a clasp member at one end and to a linear array of separately removeable and replaceable links at the other end to complete the bracelet. Each link has a pivot bar at one end and a complementary shaped aperture at the other end which engages the pivot bar upon an adjacent link. Size adjustment is obtained by user insertion or removal of one or more links from the band. The band and clasp member are electrically conductive at the bracelet's interior circumference, but electrically insulating at the bracelet's exterior circumference. A grounding cord connects to the conductive surface through a swivel and snap electrical connector at the clasp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Jes, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Hee
  • Patent number: 4770008
    Abstract: A plastic watchband made of individual links, having greater variety in design and secureness of fit is provided. The plastic watch band is joined of a plurality of separate links, each link having an engagement projection on one platform for engaging an enjoining link through an engagement opening on another platform of an adjacent link. A flexible intermediate member is provided between the platforms. The intermediate region is angled relative to the platforms so that the engagement opening is offset relative to the engagement projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Hattori Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Yamaura
  • Patent number: 4769656
    Abstract: An antenna for a wrist transmitter or receiver carried in a wrist instrument is made of a wire mesh enclosed in an elastic fabric sleeve. The antenna wire is composed of a tubular mesh of individual copper conductors which are loosely woven, twisted, or braided in such a way as to permit lateral expansion and also to assume a flat configuration. In a preferred form of the invention, the wire is woven in a manner similar to that of a coaxial cable outer shield conductor. The method of making the expansion band antenna consists of inserting an unexpanded wire mesh within a stretchable elastic fabric sleeve, expanding the mesh within the sleeve, and then flattening the sleeve and wire mesh. The wire mesh may be expanded within the sleeve by allowing a stretched sleeve to relax while holding the unexpanded mesh within it, or it may be expanded laterally within the sleeve by a mechanical or pneumatic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Dickey
  • Patent number: 4757926
    Abstract: A decorative sleeve for wrist watchbands is disclosed. The sleeve includes first and second elongated tubular elements, first ends of each of which are interconnected by a short segment of planar elastic material. The sleeve is positioned upon a watch such that substantial portions of each of two watchband segments or straps are enclosed within the tubular elements, with the elastic segment being disposed beneath the rear surface of the watch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Stephen Leo
  • Patent number: 4609786
    Abstract: A band comprising many beam portions and arcuate hinge portions formed integrally so as to be alternately arranged, a fitting force being obtained at least due to the returning force of the hinge portion so that the band can be expanded even with a small force and, in spite of the repeated use over a long period, the fitting force and winding action will not deteriorate and the band will not crack. The bands are connected symmetrically to both ends of a top band and are utilized as head bands for headphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Omoto, Takao Nakaya
  • Patent number: 4458478
    Abstract: Extensible metal assembly, for example bracelet or ring, comprising link members (1) and connecting members (2). Each link member has at its center a cavity (3) which goes right through in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The side walls of said cavity have each two holes (4). The connecting member is formed by a flattened tubular envelope. In this envelope there is provided a spring (6) having four S-shaped arms. The ends of those arms form studs (5) which project by pairs on either side of the tube. The tube has a width slightly smaller than that of the cavity (3). The connecting member is arranged on the side of the cavity (3), in the same plan as the rigid element, and pushed into the cavity. Upon passing, two of the studs (5) slide against the edges (8), are retracted into the opening (7) of the tube, and expand into the holes (4), fixing the members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Jean M. North
  • Patent number: 4414714
    Abstract: Disclosed are expansible clasp and module constructions for connecting the free ends of a watch strap together while at the same time providing adequate expansion along the length of the strap to permit removal of the strap over the hand of the wearer without having to disconnect the free strap ends. The expansible clasp and module constructions employ one or more spring-biased sliding members disposed in a housing elongated along the strap length. In the clasp construction, the outer end of the sliding member effects releasable connection to one free strap end while one end of the housing is permanently attached to the other free strap end. The sliding member slides out of the housing against the spring bias in one direction along the strap length for expansion purposes during removal of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Kostanecki, George Mileos
  • Patent number: 4358875
    Abstract: An improved security buckle for a wrist watch metal bracelet is disclosed which utilizes a first and second frame work, one mounted within the other, which are provided with a limited amount of relative sliding movement. A spur of the first frame work is in engagement with or is disengaged from a first traverse element of the second frame work when the two frame works are respectively in a first and second relative position. An inflexible removable traverse element is attached to the first frame work and to a first portion of the metal bracelet. A locking band attached to a second portion of the metal bracelet passes under the first traverse and is engageable with the spur when the frame works are in the second relative position and further passes through a space defined by the inflexible removable traverse element and a second traverse element on the first frame work when the frame works are in the first relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: Marcel Solomon
  • Patent number: 4357694
    Abstract: Thermally expansive jewelry as bracelets, rings, wristwatch bands and the like are characterized by formation of the entirety or a component part thereof of an arcuate length of bimetallic strip, thereby to increase and decrease the effective diameter or bounded area of the jewelry to maintain comfort and fit of the jewelry as the body member such as a wrist or finger may swell or recede under varying temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Inventor: Carl F. Montuori
  • Patent number: 4300346
    Abstract: An extensible watch strap is made up from tubular links which extend transverse to the length of the strap. The links are arranged in two rows with the links in one row offset from the links in the other row. Each link is connected to the two adjacent links in the other row by U-shaped connectors which have limbs projecting into respective links. The limbs are received between pairs of leaf springs which act in the longitudinal direction of the strap and tend to push both of the limbs which are received in each link against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Hans E. Kalanke
    Inventor: Hans Kugler
  • Patent number: 4237585
    Abstract: An improved security buckel for a wrist watch metal bracelet is disclosed which utilizes a first and second frame work, one mounted within the other, which are provided with a limited amount of relative sliding movement. A spur of the first frame work is in engagement with or is disengaged from a first traverse element of the second frame work when the two frame works are respectively in a first and second relative position. An inflexible removable traverse element is attached to the first frame work and to a first portion of the metal bracelet. A locking band attached to a second portion of the metal bracelet passes under the first traverse and is engageable with the spur when the frame works are in the second relative position and further passes through a space defined by the inflexible removable traverse element and a second traverse element on the first frame work when the frame works are in the first relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Inventor: Marcel Solomon
  • Patent number: 4178751
    Abstract: An injection molded casing for an electronic time-keeping module includes integrally-molded wrist band and clasp portions adapted to fit over the wrist of a user. The watch casing and band are formed over a metal base strip which provides protection for the time-keeping module while maintaining sufficient pliability in the wrist band portions for a comfortable fit. The watch casing includes one or more control buttons in the form of deformable integrally-molded wall sections which may be pushed inwardly to control the operation of the time-keeping module within the casing without compromising the protection provided to the module by the housing against water and outside contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Inventor: James P. Liautaud