US20230210230A1

US20230210230A1 - Watchband connection mechanism system and method

Info

Publication number: US20230210230A1
Application number: US18/087,734
Authority: US
Inventors: Thinh Tran; Kyle Hay
Original assignee: Peer Inc
Current assignee: Peer Inc
Priority date: 2021-12-30
Filing date: 2022-12-22
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Also published as: WO2023129879A1

Abstract

A watchband connection mechanism includes a watchband with a watchband housing and a cam rotatable between a first position where the cam extends from the watchband into a watch ledge in a watch side cavity and a second position where the cam is recessed in the watchband housing. A watch includes a watch housing, a watch cavity in the watch housing for receiving at least a portion of the watchband, and a button coupled to the watch housing and movable with respect to the watch cavity. In operation, the watchband is received in the watch cavity of the watch housing, which enables the cam to rotate into the first position to extend from the band into the watch ledge. The watch housing prevents the watchband from uncoupling with the watch in the first position of the cam due to the cam securing in the watch ledge. The user then depresses the button to move the cam into the second position, which is back within the watchband, to uncouple the watchband from the watch.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present application pertains to watchbands, and more particularly, to watchband connection devices, systems, and methods.

Description of the Related Art

Watchbands have been used for many years. A typical watchband includes two pieces. The first piece includes a hole or bore through one end for receiving a pin to couple the first piece of the band to a watch as well as a number of holes in an opposite end of the first piece for receiving a clasp. The second piece similarly includes a hole or bore for receiving a pin on one end and a clasp on an opposite end. As a result, a user can removably secure the watch to their wrist by inserting the clasp of the second piece into one of the holes in the first piece with the holes enabling use of the band with different wrist sizes.
Known watchbands suffer from a number of deficiencies and disadvantages. For example, the holes in the first piece of the band may wear over time such that the watch begins to fit loosely or the clasp falls out of the selected hole. In addition, watchbands can fail at the hole or bore through the band that receives the pin or at the holes that receive the clasp, either of which can cause the watch to fall off the user's wrist and damage the watch. Known watchbands can also be difficult to manipulate, particularly for users with different levels of dexterity, and may have a design aesthetic that does not align with more modern watches, including but not limited to smart watches. As a result, it would be beneficial to have a watchband with a connection mechanism that overcomes the disadvantages of known watchbands.
Additionally, watch owners are known to desire different type of watchbands on different occasions. Thus, many watch owners have watches that have watchbands with fancier or more formal appearance for some occasions and other watches that have watchbands with more casual or “every day” appearance for other occasions. Accordingly, it would be a technological improvement to have a mechanism for changing watchbands completely from their watch. Such an ability would greatly improve the compatibility of a single watch for multiple situations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly stated, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards watchband connection mechanism devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments broadly include a watchband with an internal housing having a watchband cavity. A protrusion pivot extends from the watchband housing into the watchband cavity and a cam interfaces with the protrusion pivot. The cam rotates about the protrusion pivot such that the cam, and the watchband generally, is manipulatable between a first position, where the cam extends from the watchband, and a second position, where the cam is recessed internal to the watchband housing. A watch for use with the watchband includes a watch housing with a watch cavity and a button coupled within the watch housing that is movable in the watch cavity. The button includes a button protrusion in the watch cavity. In some embodiments, a flange or cap is positioned on the button protrusion.
In use, the user inserts the watchband into the watch cavity with the cam of the watchband in the second position internal to the watchband housing. As the watchband enters the watch cavity, the cam rotates to the first position and extends from the watchband housing into a watch ledge in a watch side cavity. In this first position, the cam may contact the cap on the button protrusion of the watch. The watch ledge in the watch side cavity prevents the cam from moving laterally in the first position (i.e., a watch ledge prevents the watchband from pulling out of the watch when the can in the watchband is in the first position). To remove the watchband, the user presses the button on the watch to manipulate the cam back to the second position via the button protrusion that urges the cam back into the watchband cavity.
Thus, the embodiments described in the present disclosure improve upon known watchbands and watchband connection mechanisms by eliminating pin and clasp connections and the disadvantages associated with the same. In addition, the watchband connection mechanism devices, systems and methods described herein can be used effectively by users with different dexterities with many of the connection components being internal to the watch to provide a modern and minimal design aesthetic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following figures, which are for illustrative purposes only. These non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale in some figures. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility. In other figures, the sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are exactly to scale. The particular shapes of the elements as drawn may have been selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. The figures do not describe every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a watch assembly with a watchband coupled to a watch according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of the watchband of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the watchband of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the watch assembly of FIG. 1 with the watchband in a first position.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the watch assembly of FIG. 1 with the watchband in a second position.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a button assembly of the watch of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the watch assembly of FIG. 1 with magnets to assist with coupling the watchband to the watch.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a watchband according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a watchband connection mechanism of the watchband of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a cam of the watchband connection mechanism of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a housing of the watchband connection mechanism of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view through a screw of the watchband connection mechanism of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view through a spring of the watchband connection mechanism of FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, devices, and methods readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the assistance of this disclosure.
Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein can be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide watchband connection mechanism devices, systems, and methods. Representative examples utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to attached FIGS. 1-11B. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed in the detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of the present teachings.
In the description below, for purposes of explanation only, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the teachings of the present devices, systems and methods.
Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly noted that the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are designed to help understand how the present teachings are practiced, but are not intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes of the components.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a watch assembly 100 including a watch 102 and a watchband 104 coupled to the watch 102. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a bottom isometric view of the watch assembly 100 illustrating that the watch 102 includes a housing 106 with an outer surface 108 and at least one button 110 coupled to the housing 106. In some embodiments, the button 110 may include two buttons 110 disposed on the outer surface 108 of the housing 106 and positioned on opposite sides of the housing 106 of the watch 102 proximate the watchband 104. The watch 102 may be a smart watch in one or more embodiments, in which case, the buttons 110 may be arranged on opposite sides of a sensor array 112 of the watch 102 with the sensor array 112 disposed on the outer surface 108 of the housing 106 of the watch 102 to face a wrist of a user.
In one or more embodiments, the watch 102 is a standard mechanical or quartz watch and does not include the sensor array 112. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the button 110 in a specific position based on the sensor array 112, the location of the button 110 on the housing 106 may be selected to be different in some embodiments and may include the button 110 positioned anywhere along the outer surface 108 of the housing 106 of the watch 102. As will be described in greater detail below, a user depresses the button 110 to uncouple the watchband 104 from the watch 102 based on internal structures of the watch 102 and the watchband 104 of the watch assembly 100.
FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of the watchband 104 and FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the watchband 104. Beginning with FIG. 2 , the watchband 104 includes a watchband connection mechanism 113 internal to the watchband 104 with a cover plate 114 restricting access to the connection mechanism 113, as in FIG. 2 . The cover plate 114 is removable in some embodiments to enable maintenance, repair, and replacement of internal components of the watchband connection mechanism 113. The cover plate 114 may extend across, and cover, an opening in the watchband 104 with a width that is greater than a majority of a width of the watchband 104 in some embodiments. Further, the watchband 104 may have an outer surface 116A facing away from a user's wrist during use and an inner surface 116B opposite to the outer surface 116A and facing toward the user's wrist during use. The cover plate 114 is coupled to the outer surface 116A of the watchband 104 in some embodiments, although the same is not necessarily required.
Turning to FIG. 3 , the watchband 104 may include a first end 118A and a second end 118B opposite to the first end 118A. In some embodiments, as in FIG. 3 , the watchband 104 is a fixed length selected based on a diameter of a user's wrist. Thus, both ends 118A, 118B may be inserted into the watch 102 (FIG. 1 ) to secure the band 104 to the watch 102 (FIG. 1 ), although the same is not necessarily required. In one example, one of the two ends 118A, 118B is coupled to the watch 102 (FIG. 1 ) with a conventional pin while the other end is coupled to the watch 102 (FIG. 1 ) as described herein. Alternatively, one end may include a connection mechanism with a bar for receiving the watchband 104, as described with reference to FIG. 7 . Other configurations are also possible with the above merely being some non-limiting examples of different configurations of the watchband 104.
FIG. 3 also illustrates that the watchband 104, and specifically the watchband connection mechanism 113, includes a cam 120. As will be described in greater detail below, the cam 120 is rotatable between a first position illustrated in FIG. 3 and a second position where the cam 120 is recessed in a housing (FIG. 4A) of the watchband connection mechanism 113. More specifically, at least a portion of the cam 120 extends beyond the inner surface 116B of the watchband 104 in the first position, as shown in FIG. 3 . In the second position, an outer surface of the cam 120 is aligned with the inner surface 116B of the watchband 104 to facilitate uncoupling the watchband 104 from the watch 102 (FIG. 1 ).
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an interface between the watch 102 and the watchband 104 of the watch assembly 100 that provides more detail regarding the coupling between the watchband 104 to the watch 102 via the watchband connection mechanism 113. As shown in FIG. 4A, the connection between the watch 102 and the watchband 104 is internal to the watch 102 in some embodiments. The watch 102 includes a cavity 122 extending through at least two walls of the housing 106 of the watch 102. Specifically, the cavity 122 has a modified “T” shape with a lower portion 122A extending through a bottom surface of the housing 106 of the watch 102 and an upper portion 122B extending through a sidewall or upper surface of the housing 106 of the watch 102 with the lower and upper portions 122A, 122B in communication with each other to define the cavity 122. The button 110 of the watch 102 is positioned in the lower portion 122A of the cavity 122 and is structured to move within the lower portion 122A of the cavity 122, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 4A, the button 110 has a curved outer surface 124 that is aligned with the outer surface 108 of the housing 106 of the watch 102. More specifically, the outer surface 124 of the button 110 has a radius of curvature that is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer surface 108 of the housing 106 of the watch 102 to provide a smooth interface between the housing 106 and the button 110.
The button 110 also includes a button protrusion 126 extending into the cavity 122, and specifically into the lower portion 122A of the cavity 122 toward the upper portion 122B of the cavity 122. In some embodiments, a cap 128 is disposed on the button protrusion 126, and the cap 128 interacts with the cam 120. A flange can also be provided at the top of the button protrusion 126 instead of the cap 128. In other embodiments, the button protrusion 126 does not have a flange or a cap 128, but rather the top of the button protrusion 126 interacts directly with the cam 120 instead of indirectly by having a flange or cap 128. The button protrusion 126 may have a width less than a width of the button to define a shoulder 130 on the button 110 on opposite sides of the button protrusion 126. The cap 128 may be in direct contact with the button protrusion 126 but spaced from the shoulder 130, or the cap 128 may contact the shoulder 130 in addition to the button protrusion 126. The cap 128 has a rounded “U” shape with a channel for mating with the button protrusion 126. In some embodiments, the cap 128 is coupled to the button protrusion 126 in a friction fit, although the cap 128 may also be secured to the button protrusion 126 with fasteners or adhesive in some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail below, the button 110 is structured to slide or move in the lower portion 122A of the cavity 122 to manipulate the cam 120 of the watchband 104 between the first and second position.
The first end 118A of the watchband 104 is received in the cavity 122 of the watch 102, and specifically in the upper portion 122B of the cavity 122. The watchband connection mechanism 113 includes a housing 132 internal to the first end 118A of the watchband 104. As shown in FIG. 4A, the housing 132 may be spaced from the first end 118A by a selected distance, although the housing 132 may also be positioned at the first end 118A of the watchband 104 in some embodiments. The housing 132 includes a cavity 134 and an opening 136 (See FIG. 8 ) leading into the cavity 134 in the housing 132 of the watchband connection mechanism 113. The cover plate 114 is removably coupled to the housing 132 and disposed over the opening 136 to selectively restrict access to the cavity 134 and the opening 136. The cam 120 is received in the cavity 134 of the housing 132 and structured to rotate between the first position shown in FIG. 4A and the second position shown in FIG. 4B. The cam 120 includes a rounded channel 138 on only one side of the cam 120, and specifically a side facing the watch 120 when the watchband 104 is coupled to the watch 102. As described below with reference to FIGS. 9-11A, the channel 138 of the cam 120 interfaces with a protrusion pivot 166 of the housing 132 of the watchband connection assembly 113 to enable rotation of the cam 120 between the first position shown in FIG. 4A and the second position shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, rotation of the cam 120 between the first and second positions is further aided by a spring or magnets, as described herein. Further, the housing 106 of the watch 102 may include a ledge 140 adjacent an interface between the first and second portions 122A, 122B of the cavity 122 that is in contact with at least a portion of the cam 120 to prevent the cam 120 and the watchband 104 from moving laterally (i.e., left to right in the orientation shown in FIG. 4A) and uncoupling from the watch 102.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the watch assembly 100 with the watchband 104 and the watchband connection mechanism 113 in the second position. To manipulate the watchband 104 to the second position, the user applies a force or otherwise manipulates the button 110 to move or slide the button 110, the button protrusion 126, and the cap 128 on the button protrusion 126 in the first portion 122A of the cavity 122. As a result of the movement of the button 110, the cap 128 contacts the cam 120 and pushes the cam 120 into the housing 132 in the watchband 104. As shown in FIG. 4B, the cam 120 may be recessed completely internal to the housing 132 and the watchband 104 in the second position. In other words, an outermost surface of the cam 120 is aligned and planar with, or recessed with respect to, an outermost surface of the watchband 104 in the second position. As a result, the ledge 140 of the housing 106 of the watch 102 does not prevent the watchband 104 from uncoupling with the watch 102 in the second position of the watchband 104. Rather, once the watchband 104 is in the second position, the user can pull the watchband 104 to remove the first end 118A of the watchband 104 from the watch 102, which uncouples the watchband 104 from the watch 102.
Once the first end 118A of the watchband 104 is removed from the watch 102, the cam 120 rotates back to the first position via a spring described in more detail below. To couple the watchband 104 to the watch at a later instance, the user inserts the first end 118A of the watchband 104 into the second portion 122B of the cavity 122 with the housing 106 of the watch 102 manipulating the cam 120 to the second position due to the alignment of the cam 120 at an angle to the watchband 104 in the first position. Otherwise stated, the cam 120 is at an angle, such as 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees, or more or less and inclusive of values therebetween in the first position, such that contacting the cam 120 with the housing 106 of the watch 102 rotates the cam 120 to the second position for insertion into the watch 104. Once the first end 118A is fully inserted into the housing 106 of the watch 102, the cam 120 rotates to the first position shown in FIG. 4A to secure the watchband 104 to the watch 102. Although not shown, the second end 118B of the watchband 104 (FIG. 3 ) may include the same or similar features as the first end 118A of the watchband 104 described in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B such that the watchband 104 is removably coupleable to the watch 102 at both ends.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the button 110 (which may also be referred to herein as a button assembly 110) of the watch assembly 100. As described above, the button 110 includes the outer surface 124 corresponding to a size, shape, and curvature of the housing 106 of the watch 102 (FIG. 4A) as well as the button protrusion 126 and the cap 128 on the button protrusion 126. In some embodiments, the button protrusion 126 is centrally located relative to the button 110 and is in the shape of a ridge extending over a majority of a length of the button 110, although the same is not necessarily required. The cap 128 is disposed on the button protrusion 126 and may extend beyond outermost edges of the button protrusion 126 accordingly. In some embodiments, the button 110 further includes at least one hole or bore 142 in the button 110 for receiving a spring 144 or other biasing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 5 , the button 110 preferably includes two holes 142 arranged on opposite sides of the button protrusion 126 with two springs 144 at least partially received in the holes 142, although some embodiments may include more or less than two holes 142 and corresponding springs 144. The opposite ends of the springs 144 are received in the cavity 122 in the watch 102 (FIG. 4A) and act against the housing 106 of the watch 102. After a user pushes the button 110, as in FIG. 4B, the springs 144 provide a biasing force to manipulate the button 110 from the position shown in FIG. 4B back to the position shown in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, the springs 144 act against a ledge or other portion of the housing 106 of the watch 102.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of the watch assembly 100 with magnets 146A, 146B. In some embodiments, the springs described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-5 may be replaced by magnets 146A, 146B that assist with coupling the watchband 104 to the watch 102. In yet further embodiments, the watch assembly 100 may include both springs (or other biasing mechanisms) and magnets, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 6 , the watch assembly 100 may include a pair of magnets 146A associated with the first end 118A of the watchband 104 and a surface of the housing 106 of the watch 102 defining the second portion 122B of the cavity 122. Thus, when the user inserts the watchband 104 into the cavity 122, the magnets 146A hold the first end 118A of the watchband 104 in close proximity to the housing 106 of the watch 102 to assist with coupling the watchband 104 to the watch 102. The user then presses the button 110 to manipulate the cam 120 and pulls on the watchband 104 to overcome the magnetic force and remove the watchband 104.
In one or more embodiments, the watch assembly 100 includes a pair of magnets 146B associated with the cam 120 and the cap 128 on the button protrusion 126 of the button 110 to assist with rotating the cam 120 between the first and second positions. As the watchband 104 is inserted, the magnets 146B rotate the cam 120 into contact with the cap 128 (i.e., from the second position to the first position) and therefore assist with securing the watchband 104 to the watch 102. The watchband 104 can be removed by a similar process to that described above. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one or more embodiments of the watchband 104. In some embodiments, the watchband 104 may include the watchband connection mechanism 113 external to the watchband 104 at the first end 118A and the second end 118B of the watchband 104. Further, both ends 118A, 118B include the watchband connection mechanism 148, although the mechanisms 113 may have differences and are therefore not required to be the same. For example, the watchband connection mechanism 113 at the second end 118B may include a band 150 or other fastening device coupled to and extending from the housing 132 of the watchband connection mechanism 113. A band 150 can be attached to the bar 148 with the housing 136 removably received in the watch 102 as described above. The embodiment of the watchband 104 in FIG. 7 may therefore provide users with a greater selection of bands 150 for use with the watch 102, in addition to providing bands 150 design for wrists of different sizes. At the first end 118A of the watchband, the watchband connection mechanism 113 may be the same as that shown in FIGS. 4A-5 and may not include the bar 148. Rather, the watchband connection mechanism 113 is coupled directly to the first end 118A of the watchband 104, such as through use of a fastener or coupling device 152.
FIGS. 8-11B provide additional detail of the watchband connection mechanism 113 and also provide additional detail regarding the operation of aspects of the watch assembly shown in FIGS. 4A-5 . Although FIGS. 8-11B generally illustrate an embodiment of the watchband connection mechanism 113 with the bar 148, the internal aspects of the watchband connection mechanism 113 may be consistent across all embodiments.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the watchband connection mechanism 113 with the cover plate 114 removed. As shown in FIG. 8 , the watchband connection mechanism 113 includes the one or more openings 136 through the housing 132 into the cavity 134 with the cam 120 received in the cavity 134. In some embodiments, the one or more openings 136 comprise two openings that are separated by a plate 154 located centrally with respect to the housing 132. The connection assembly 113 may also include a hole 156 through the plate 154 for receiving a fastener to couple the cover plate 114 to the plate 154. Further, the cam 120 may include fasteners 158, which may be conventional screws or bolts in some embodiments, that will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 11A.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the cam 120 of the watchband connection mechanism 113. The cam 120 includes the rounded channel 138 extending along an entirety of a length of the cam 120 in some embodiments, although the same is not necessarily required. Further, the cam 120 includes one or more bores 160 for receiving springs 162 for manipulating the cam 120 between the first and second positions, as described herein. As stated above, in other embodiments other biasing mechanisms may be used instead of springs. FIG. 9 also provides additional detail regarding the fasteners 158.
FIG. 10 is a bottom isometric view of the housing 132 of the watchband connection mechanism 113 with the cam 120 removed for clarity. The bottom of the housing 132 includes an aperture 164 leading into the cavity 134 with the cam 120 structured to rotate in the aperture 164. Further, the housing 132 includes one or more protrusion pivots 166 coupled to an internal surface of the housing 132. As shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion pivots 166 may include two protrusion pivots 166 positioned on opposite outermost ends of the internal surface of the housing 132. The rounded channel 138 of the cam 120 interfaces with the protrusion pivots 166 to enable rotation of the cam 120 between the first position and the second position. FIG. 10 also illustrates the springs 162, which may be received on an opposite end in direct contact with the housing 132, or in bores in the housing 132 structured to receive and hold the springs 162 in position.
FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are cross-sectional views through the watchband connection mechanism at different locations. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view through the fastener 158 of the cam 120 and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view through one of the springs 162 of the watchband connection mechanism 113. Beginning with FIG. 11A, the fasteners 158 are coupled to the cam and include an outermost edge 168 that extends beyond an outermost edge 170 of the cam 120. In other words, the head of the fastener 158 extends beyond the cam 120 in some embodiments. The housing 132 further includes a ledge 172 extending into the cavity 134. The fastener 158 is structured to contact the ledge 172 and prevent the cam 120 from uncoupling with the housing 132. Thus, the fastener 158 limits rotation of the cam 120 between the first and second positions with the cam 120 resting on the protrusion pivots 166. FIG. 11A further illustrates that the protrusion pivots 166 may be rounded protrusions that are integrally formed with the housing 132 of the connection mechanism 113 as a single, unitary component in some embodiments. In further aspects, the protrusion pivots 166 are separate and are spaced from the housing 132.
Turning to FIG. 11B, the housing 132 includes bores for receiving the springs 162 and holding the springs 162 in position. As shown in FIG. 11B, the springs 162 act on the housing 132 to manipulate the cam 120 to the first position except when the cam 120 is manipulated to the second position by the user via the button 110 (FIG. 4B) or by the housing 132 when inserting the connection mechanism 113 into the watch.
In view of the above, the embodiments described in the present disclosure improve upon known watchbands and watchband connection mechanisms by eliminating pin and clasp connections and the disadvantages associated with the same. In addition, the watchband connection mechanism devices, systems and methods described herein can be used effectively by users with different dexterities. For example, it is easier for users of all abilities to insert a watchband into a watch or press a button than to manipulate a conventional watchband clasp. Further, many of the connection components are internal to the watch when the watchband is connected to the watch to provide a modern and minimal design aesthetic.
Certain words and phrases used in the specification are set forth as follows. As used throughout this document, including the claims, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless indicated otherwise. Any of the features and elements described herein may be singular, e.g., a watch may refer to one watch and a watchband may refer to one watchband. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Other definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure.
Throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the following terms take the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification, claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” and other variations thereof refer to one or more features, structures, functions, limitations, or characteristics of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the same or different embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the phrases “A or B, or both” or “A or B or C, or any combination thereof,” and lists with additional elements are similarly treated. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional features, functions, aspects, or limitations not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural references.
Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the present disclosure.
Generally, unless otherwise indicated, the materials for making the invention and/or its components may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys (high strength alloys, high hardness alloys), composite materials, ceramics, intermetallic compounds, plastic, 3D printable materials, thermosetting compounds, polymers, resins, concrete, leather, fabric or textiles, and the like.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature and formula to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It should be apparent to those of skill in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments and its practical application, thereby enabling others of skill in the art to utilize the disclosed embodiments, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and those of skill in the art recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/295,328 filed Dec. 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of a disclosed embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a watch, including:

a watch housing including an outer surface;

a watch lower cavity in the watch housing;

a button disposed on the outer surface of the watch housing and being movable in the watch lower cavity, the button including a button protrusion extending into the watch lower cavity;

a watch side cavity in the watch housing, the watch side cavity including a watch ledge; and

a watchband coupleable to the watch, the watchband including:

a first end;

a second end opposite to the first end;

a watchband housing in the first end and including a protrusion pivot;

a watchband cavity in the watchband housing, the protrusion pivot extending into the watchband cavity; and

a cam in the watchband cavity of the watchband housing, the cam disposed on the protrusion pivot of the watchband housing and being rotatable around the protrusion pivot to contact the button protrusion of the watch,

wherein the first end of the watchband is receivable and securable in the watch side cavity of the watch housing, wherein movement of the first end of the watchband into the watch side cavity of the watch housing enables the cam in the watchband cavity to rotate into the watch ledge in the watch side cavity in the watch housing and prevent the first end of the watchband from being removed from the watch; and

wherein movement of the button into the watch cavity rotates the cam out of the watch ledge and back into the watchband cavity, thereby enabling removal of the first end of the watchband from the watch.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the watch further includes at least one spring coupled to the button and coupled to the watch housing to bias the button in the watch lower cavity of the watch housing.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cap on top of the button protrusion.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a flange on top of the button protrusion.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the cam of the watchband further includes a first magnet on the cam, and a second magnet positioned on the cap and configured for interfacing with the first magnet in response to the watchband being coupled to the watch.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the watchband further includes a first magnet on the first end of the watchband, and the watch includes a second magnet in the cavity of the watch housing, the first magnet interfacing with the second magnet in response to the watchband being inserted into the watch side cavity in the watch.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the watchband further includes at least one spring coupled to the cam and coupled to the watchband housing to bias the cam about the protrusion pivot of the watchband housing.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the watchband housing is internal to a surface of the watchband, the cam rotating around the protrusion pivot of the watchband housing from a first position where the cam extends beyond the surface of the watchband to a second position wherein the cam does not extend beyond the surface of the watchband.

9. A system comprising:

a watchband connection assembly including:

a watchband having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an outer surface;

a watchband housing internal to the watchband;

a watchband cavity in the watchband housing, the watchband housing including a protrusion pivot extending into the watchband cavity; and

a cam in the watchband cavity of the watchband housing, the cam disposed on the protrusion pivot of the watchband housing and being rotatable around the protrusion pivot from a first position in which at least a portion of the cam extends beyond the outer surface of the watchband and a second position in which the cam does not extend beyond the outer surface of the watchband.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the protrusion pivot is a rounded protrusion, the cam including a rounded cavity interfacing with the rounded protrusion.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a magnet on at least one of the first end of the watchband and the cam of the watchband connection assembly.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the watchband connection assembly further includes at least one spring coupled to the watchband housing and coupled to the cam, wherein the at least one spring biases the cam into the first position in which at least a portion of the cam extends beyond the outer surface of the watchband.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the watchband connection assembly includes at least one watchband fastener coupled to the cam, the at least one watchband fastener in contact with a watchband ledge of the watchband housing to limit rotation of the cam in the watchband cavity.

14. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a watch, including:

a watch housing including an outer surface;

a watch lower cavity in the watch housing; and

a watch side cavity in the watch housing, the watch side cavity structured to receive the cam of the watchband housing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the watchband connection assembly is coupleable to the watch with the first end of the watchband received in the watch side cavity in the watch housing, and wherein the cam of the watchband connection assembly is biased into the first position in which at least a portion of the cam extends beyond the outer surface of the watchband into the watch side cavity.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the first end of the watchband is receivable and securable in the watch side cavity of the watch housing, wherein movement of the first end of the watchband into the watch side cavity of the watch housing enables the cam in the watchband cavity to rotate into the watch side cavity in the watch housing and prevent the first end of the watchband from being removed from and the watch housing, and wherein movement of the button into the watch cavity rotates the cam out back into the watchband cavity, thereby enabling removal of the first end of the watchband from the watch.

17. A system, comprising:

a watch, including:

a watch housing including a curved sidewall surface with a lower portion and an upper portion;

a watch cavity in the watch housing, the watch cavity including a first portion extending through the lower portion of the curved sidewall surface of the watch housing and a second portion extending through the upper portion of the curved sidewall surface of the watch housing; and

a button disposed in the first portion of the watch cavity and being movable in the first portion of the watch cavity, the button including a button protrusion extending into the first portion of the watch cavity.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the button has an outer surface with a corresponding curvature to the lower portion of the curved sidewall surface of the watch housing.

19. The system of claim 17, further comprising:

a magnet coupled to at least one of the watch housing and the button of the watch.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the watch further includes at least one spring coupled to the button and coupled to the watch housing, the at least one spring biasing the button in the watch cavity.

21. The system of claim 17, further comprising:

a watchband coupleable to the watch, the watchband including:

a first end;

a second end opposite to the first end;

a watchband housing in the first end including a protrusion pivot;

a watchband cavity in the watchband housing; and

a cam in the watchband cavity of the watchband housing, the cam disposed on the protrusion pivot of the watchband housing, and rotatable around the protrusion pivot between a first position with the cam extending from the watchband housing into the watch side cavity and a second position with the cam recessed in the watchband cavity of the watchband housing.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the watchband further includes a magnet coupled to at least one of the first end of the watchband and the cam of the watchband.