Patent Application
20250221501
This invention relates generally to the field of wristwatch straps and, more specifically, to a new and useful adjustable watch strap component in the field of wristwatch straps.
The following description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. Variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive to the variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples they describe. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of these variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples.
As shown in
The tang 112 includes: a base configured to pivot about a buckle bar 122 (e.g., a spring bar, a spring pin) passing through a distal end of a first strap segment of a wrist strap; and a tongue 116 extending from the base and configured to insert into holes, arranged at a pitch distance, along a second strap segment of the wrist strap.
The buckle frame 120 includes: a center section 124 defining a tang seat 125 configured to receive the tongue 116; and a first lobe 126 extending from a first side of the center section 124. The first lobe 126 defines: a first proximal bore 134 configured to receive a first end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in a lengthened wrist strap configuration; and a first distal bore 144 configured to receive the first end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in a shortened wrist strap configuration. The first distal bore 144 is longitudinally offset from the first proximal bore 134 by less than the pitch distance. The first lobe 126 further defines: a first slot 132 extending between the first proximal bore 134 and the first distal bore 144; and a first flexure slit 138 extending from a face of the first lobe 126 and intersecting the first proximal bore 134.
The buckle frame 120 also includes: a second lobe 126 extending from a second side of the center section 124, opposite and parallel to the first lobe 126. The second lobe 126 defines: a second proximal bore 134 configured to receive a second end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; and a second distal bore 144 configured to receive the second end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the shortened wrist strap configuration. The second distal bore 144 is longitudinally offset from the second proximal bore 134 by less than the pitch distance. The second lobe 126 further defines: a second slot 132 extending between the second proximal bore 134 and the second distal bore 144; and a second flexure slit 138 extending from the face of the second lobe 126 and intersecting the second proximal bore 134.
In one variation shown in
In this variation the buckle frame 120 includes: a center section 124 defining a tang seat 125 configured to receive the tongue 116; and a lobe 126 extending from a side of the center section 124. In this variation, the lobe 126 further defines an aperture 130 including: a proximal bore 134 configured to receive an end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in a lengthened wrist strap configuration; and a distal bore 144 configured to receive the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in a shortened wrist strap configuration.
In this variation, the distal bore 144 is longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by less than the pitch distance.
In this variation, the aperture 130 further includes a slot 132 extending between the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144.
In this variation, the lobe 126 further defines a flexure slit 138 extending from a face of the lobe 126 and intersecting the aperture 130.
In one variation shown in
In this variation, the first lobe 176 further defines a first aperture 130 including: a first proximal bore 134 configured to receive a first end 123 of a pin 122 in a lengthened wrist strap configuration, the pin 122 coupling the band element 170 to a distal end of a first strap segment of a wrist strap; a first distal bore 144 configured to receive the first end 123 of the pin 122 in a shortened wrist strap configuration; and a first slot 132 extending between the first proximal bore 134 and the first distal bore 144. In this variation, the first distal bore 144 is longitudinally offset from the first proximal bore 134. In this variation, the first lobe 176 further defines a first flexure slit 138 extending from a first face of the first lobe 176 and intersecting the first aperture 130.
In this variation, the band element 170 further includes a second lobe 176 extending from a second side of the center section 174, opposite and parallel to the first lobe 176. In this variation, the second lobe 176 further defines a second aperture 130 including: a second proximal bore 134 configured to receive a second end 123 of the pin 122 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; a second distal bore 144 configured to receive the second end 123 of the pin 122 in the shortened wrist strap configuration; and a second slot 132 extending between the second proximal bore 134 and the second distal bore 144. In this variation, the second distal bore 144 is longitudinally offset from the second proximal bore 134. In this variation, the second lobe 176 further defines a second flexure slit 138 extending from a second face of the second lobe 176 and intersecting the second aperture 130.
Generally, an adjustable watch strap component 100 includes a wrist strap buckle 110 on a distal end of a buckle-side strap segment and operable in: a retracted position in which the buckle cooperates with the buckle-side strap segment to yield a first effective strap length; and an extended position in which the buckle cooperates with the buckle-side strap segment to yield a second effective strap length that exceeds the first effective strap length by a distance less than (e.g., approximately half of) a pitch distance between adjustment holes (or “perforations”) in a corresponding tail-side strap segment.
Thus, the watch band component 100 can be transitioned between the retracted and extended positions in order to double a count of effective length options of the strap and to halve the effective lengths between these effective length options, thereby enabling a user to find a more comfortable strap configuration for a wristwatch without adding additional adjustment holes to the tail-side strap segment.
More specifically, the wrist strap buckle 110 includes: a tang 112 configured to pivot on a buckle bar (or spring bar, spring pin) inserted through a distal end of the buckle-side strap segment; and a buckle frame 120. Left and right sides (or “lobes”) of the buckle frame 120 include tapered apertures extending longitudinally along these lobes and configured to capture ends of the buckle bar over a range of longitudinal positions. In particular, the left tapered aperture defines: circular seats at its distal and proximal ends and offset by a longitudinal less than (e.g., half) a pitch distance between adjustment holes in the tail-side strap segment; and a narrowed (and tapered) slot connecting these circular seats. The right tapered aperture defines corresponding geometry. The distal circular seats of the left and right lobes transiently capture the ends of the buckle bar in the retracted position; and the proximal circular seats transiently capture the ends of the buckle bar in the extended position.
The left lobe of the buckle frame 120 also include slits that intersect its aperture such that left lobe forms a cantilevered spring that: defines a bottom section of this aperture; and elastically deflects to accommodate movement of the left side of the buckle bar out of the left proximal circular seat and toward the left distal circular seat (e.g., when the buckle frame 120 is pulled against the buckle-side strap segment by a user to extend the strap) and vice versa. The right lobe of the buckle frame 120 defines a corresponding geometry.
Therefore, the buckle frame 120 can define a unitary structure (e.g., a billet or stamped 316L stainless steel element) defining a set of apertures and slits that form integral proximal and distal seats for the buckle bar and integral springs that enable the buckle bar to move between the proximal and distal seats: thereby enabling a user to pull or push the buckle frame 120 against the buckle-side strap segment in singular, simple gestures to transition the buckle bar into the proximal or distal seats, respectively; and thus yielding longer and shorter effective lengths of the buckle-side strap segment, respectively.
Additionally or alternatively, a base of the tang 112 can define a similar aperture and cantilever spring geometry and move between extended and retracted positions on the buckle bar to yield longer and shorter effective lengths of the buckle-side strap segment, respectively.
Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable watch strap component 100 can define a unitary intermediate buckle link: including lobes defining similar aperture and cantilever spring geometries; configured to install between a buckle and a buckle-side strap segment via a buckle bar and a spring pin; and enabling a user to transition the buckle bar (or the spring pin) between proximal and distal seats of the apertures of the unitary intermediate buckle link in order to swiftly lengthen and shorten the effective length of the buckle-side strap segment with singular, one-handed gestures and without tools.
Yet alternatively, the adjustable watch strap component 100 can define a unitary intermediate bracelet link: including lobes defining similar aperture and cantilever spring geometries; configured to install between links (e.g., steel, titanium, gold) links of a metal watch bracelet via a pair of spring pins; and enabling a user to transition either one of these spring pin between proximal and distal seats of the apertures of unitary intermediate bracelet link in order to swiftly lengthen and shorten the effective length of the metal watch bracelet with singular, one-handed gestures and without tools.
Generally, a wristwatch may include a wrist strap configured to secure the wristwatch around a user's wrist and defining a set of predefined sizes for adjusting the wrist strap length. More specifically, the set of predefined sizes can be spaced apart by a standard pitch distance (e.g., a uniform distance between holes or removable links). The standard pitch distance (or interchangeably “pitch distance”) between adjacent sizes may be too large for certain users to achieve a comfortable fit. In particular, the uniform or fixed spacing between predefined sizes may create adjustments that are too coarse, thus failing to accommodate minor variations in wrist size. For example, a user with a baseline wrist size (i.e., a size under normal, non-changing conditions) falling between two predefined sizes may experience discomfort when the wrist strap is either too tight or too loose when adjusted to these predefined sizes. Alternatively, a user with a baseline wrist size that that initially comfortably fits at a predefined size may later experience discomfort when the user's wrist swells (e.g., in hot weather, while exercising) or contracts (e.g., in cold weather), such that the predefined size, as previously-selected, becomes too tight or too loose.
In one application, the adjustable watch strap component 100 (or interchangeably “adjustable component 100”) can define intermediate sizes between each set of adjacent predefined sizes, thereby dividing the standard pitch distance into smaller increments. In particular, the ends 123 of the buckle bar 122 can be configured to slide within the set of apertures 130 to transition between a lengthened wrist strap configuration and a shortened wrist strap configuration. For example, a user may first select a predefined size and then further refine the wrist strap fit to an intermediate size by transitioning the buckle bar 122 to either the lengthened or shortened wrist strap configuration. Furthermore, the adjustable component 100 can enable the user to easily reposition the buckle bar 122 by applying a light pulling (or pushing) force to traverse the buckle bar 122 relative to the buckle frame 120.
For example, a buckle-closure wrist strap may include a set of holes, each hole separated from the adjacent hole(s) by a pitch distance of 5 millimeters. In this example, the adjustable component 100 can include a set of apertures 130 defining a length of 2.5 millimeters. Thus, in this example, by transitioning the buckle bar 122 between the lengthened and shortened wrist strap configurations, the user may adjust the fit of the wrist strap in 2.5 millimeter increments, rather than the standard 5 millimeter increments.
In one application, the set of apertures 130 can define a geometry configured to securely retain the ends 123 of the buckle bar 122. In particular, each aperture 130 can include: a proximal bore 134 configured to receive an end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; a distal bore 144 configured to receive the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the shortened wrist strap configuration; and a slot 132 extending between the proximal and distal bores 144 and configured to receive the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 during transition between the lengthened and shortened wrist strap configurations. The slot 132 can define a narrowed diameter relative to the proximal and distal bores 144 to prevent the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping between the proximal or distal bore 144 unless intentionally repositioned by the user. Furthermore, each aperture 130 can include a flexure slit 138 and/or a distal slit 148 configured to enable localized deflection proximal the slot 132 as the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 exerts a force on the region of the lobe 126 proximal the slot 132 while sliding through the narrowed-diameter slot 132. Thus, the aperture 130 defines a geometry configured to secure the buckle bar 122 to the buckle frame 120, thereby preventing the wrist strap from detaching from the wrist of the user during wear.
In one application, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into an existing wristwatch to improve the adjustability of the existing wristwatch. For example, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into: the frame or the tang 112 of a wrist strap buckle 110 of a buckle-closure watch; a deployant of a deployant-closure wristwatch; and/or an extensive link of a metallic watch bracelet. In particular, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into an existing wristwatch by replacing the analogous component (e.g., a wrist strap buckle 110) of the existing wristwatch with an instance of the adjustable component 100. The adjustable component 100 can, therefore, integrate with a variety of existing watches without compromising the aesthetic integrity or structural reliability of the wrist strap.
Accordingly, the adjustable component 100 can: facilitate fine, incremental adjustments to an intermediate size defined between a predefined size, thereby enabling the user to achieve a comfortable fit on a variety of watches regardless of wrist size variations; and enable the user to dynamically adapt the wrist strap length to temporary conditions (i.e., during wear), such as wrist size fluctuations due to temperature or activity, without requiring tedious adjustments involving tools or disassembly of the wrist strap (e.g., removing or adding an extension link).
The adjustable component 100 is described herein as integrated into various components (e.g., a tang 112, a buckle frame 120, a closure mechanism) of a wristwatch. However, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into various adjustment mechanisms, such as belt buckles, hat closure mechanisms, etc.
Generally, a wristwatch includes: a watch face configured to display time, date, or additional complications (e.g., chronograph or moon phase) to a user; a wrist strap coupled to the watch face and configured to secure the wristwatch around a user's wrist; and a closure mechanism (e.g., a buckle, a clasp, a deployant) configured to transiently secure the wrist strap around the user's wrist. Furthermore, the wristwatch may define a set of predefined sizes to enable the user to adjust the wrist strap to fit their wrist by selecting one of these predefined sizes. In particular, each predefined size is separated from an adjacent predefined size by a standard pitch distance (e.g., 5 millimeters, 7 millimeters).
In one implementation, various components (e.g., a tang 112, a buckle frame 120, a closure mechanism) of a wristwatch can be configured with an adjustable component 100 to enable the user to select intermediate positions between the predefined sizes. In particular, an adjustable component 100 includes: a first component including an aperture 130 and configured to interface with a second component; and a second component that is configured to engage with the aperture 130 of the first component and slide within the aperture 130 to achieve incremental adjustments of the wrist strap length. More specifically, the engagement between the second component and the aperture 130 defines a controlled pathway or range of motion, thereby enabling the second component to incrementally move (i.e., relative to the first component) while maintaining alignment with the first component.
The adjustable component 100 can be integrated into various watch band components (e.g., a buckle frame 120, a tang 112, a band element 170) to enable versatile and adaptable wrist strap length adjustment. For example, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into: a buckle frame 120 of the wrist strap buckle 110; a tang 112 of the wrist strap buckle 110; and/or a band element 170, such as an extension link segment of the wrist strap.
The adjustable component 100 can be configured to transition between a lengthened wrist strap configuration to a shortened wrist strap configuration. In the lengthened wrist strap configuration, the second component slides rearward relative to the first component, thereby increasing the overall wrist strap length. In the shortened wrist strap configuration, the second component slides forward relative to the first component, thereby decreasing the overall wrist strap length. The adjustable component 100 achieves this transition by facilitating controlled, incremental repositioning of the second component along the pathway defined by the aperture 130 in the first component. The adjustable component 100 can be configured such that the user may easily reposition the second component by applying a light pulling force, which allows the second component to smoothly slide within the aperture 130 while maintaining alignment with the first component. This incremental repositioning allows the wrist strap length to be fine-tuned, thereby accommodating a wider range of wrist sizes while maintaining proper alignment between the first and second components.
Accordingly, the adjustable component 100 is configured to enable the user to easily apply a light pulling or pushing force to the second component to facilitate controlled movement of the second component relative to the first component. Therefore, the adjustable component 100 can enhance the fit and comfort of a variety of wristwatches by creating additional intermediate positions for fine-tuning the wrist strap length and enabling the user to make quick, intuitive, and precise adjustments.
In one implementation, a buckle-closure wristwatch may include a buckle-closure wrist strap (hereinafter referred to as a “wrist strap”), the wrist strap including: a first discrete strap segment (i.e., the buckle-side strap segment) including a wrist strap buckle 110, arranged at a distal end of the first discrete strap segment (or interchangeably “strap segment”), configured to transiently secure the wrist strap; and a second discrete strap segment (i.e., the tail-side strap segment) including a set of holes, wherein each hole is arranged at a predefined size and separated from an adjacent hole by a standard pitch distance.
In this implementation, the wrist strap buckle 110 can include: a buckle frame 120 defining an opening configured to receive and guide the second strap segment; a buckle bar 122, arranged at a distal end of the buckle frame 120, configured to secure the distal end of the first strap segment to the wrist strap buckle 110; and a tang 112, configured to pivot about the buckle bar 122 and transiently engage the holes in the second strap segment to secure the wrist strap. In particular, the tang 112 can include: a base configured to pivot about the buckle bar 122; and a tongue 116 extending from the base and configured to insert into the set of holes in the second strap segment. The buckle frame 120 can include: a center section 124; a first lobe 126 extending from a first side of the center section 124; and a second lobe 126 extending from a second side of the center section 124. In one variation, the center section 124 defines a tang seat 125 configured to receive the tongue 116. In another variation, the center section 124 defines a continuous surface devoid of a tang seat 125, such that the tongue 116 seats against the center section 124.
The buckle frame 120 is configured to engage the buckle bar 122, such that the buckle bar 122 traverses the opening and extends perpendicularly between the first lobe 126 and the second lobe 126. More specifically, the first lobe 126 of the buckle frame 120 is configured to receive a first end 123 of the buckle bar 122, and the second lobe 126 of the buckle frame 120 is configured to receive a second end 123, opposite the first end 123, of the buckle bar 122. Furthermore, the buckle frame 120 includes an interior surface 127 (e.g., an underside surface) configured to seat against the wrist of the user when the watch is worn; and an exterior surface 128 (e.g., a top surface), opposite the interior surface 127, oriented to face outwardly when the watch is worn.
In one implementation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into the wrist strap buckle 110 to enable incremental adjustments of the wrist strap length between predefined sizes. In particular, in this implementation, the buckle frame 120 can include: a first lobe 126 extending from the first side of the center section 124 and defining a first aperture 130 configured to receive the first end 123 of the buckle bar 122; and a second lobe 126 extending from the second side of the center section 124 and defining a second aperture 130 configured to receive the second end 123 of the buckle bar 122.
Each aperture 130 can include: a proximal bore 134 configured to receive the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; a distal bore 144 configured to receive the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 in the shortened wrist strap configuration; and a slot 132 extending between the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144. In particular, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 to enable the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to slide from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration. For example, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by an offset distance between 2.5 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters. Furthermore, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by less than the standard pitch distance to enable incremental adjustments smaller than the pitch distance to create intermediate wrist strap sizes between predefined sizes.
In one example, a strap segment may include a set of holes, wherein each hole is arranged at a predefined size and separated from the adjacent hole(s) by a standard pitch distance of 5 millimeters. In this example, the distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by an offset distance of 2.5 millimeters. Thus, in this example, transitioning the wrist strap buckle 110 between the lengthened and shortened wrist strap configurations enables the user to adjust the fit of the wrist strap in 2.5 millimeter increments, rather than the standard 5 millimeter increments.
In this implementation, the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144 can define a diameter approximating a diameter of the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122, such that the proximal and distal bores 144 can securely retain the end 123 of the buckle bar 122. Furthermore, the slot 132 can define a slot diameter less than the diameter of the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144, such that the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 experiences resistance from the slot 132 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration. More specifically, the narrowed slot diameter prevents the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping between the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144, unless intentionally repositioned by the user. In one example, the slot 132 can define a slot diameter between approximately 80% and approximately 90% of the diameter of the proximal bore 134 and/or distal bore 144.
In one variation, the slot 132 can define a tapered geometry such that the slot 132 narrows from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144, as shown in
Furthermore, in this implementation, each lobe 126 can further define a flexure slit 138 configured to enable localized deflection of the lobe 126 to accommodate bending during the transition of the buckle bar 122. In particular, the flexure slit 138 can extend from a face of the respective lobe 126 and intersect the respective proximal bore 134. For example, the flexure slit 138 can extend from the interior surface 127 of the lobe 126 to the proximal bore 134 such that the flexure slit 138 is not visible on the exterior, outwardly-facing surface of the buckle frame 120 (i.e., when the watch is worn). Alternatively, the flexure slit 138 can extend from the exterior surface 128 of the lobe 126 to the proximal bore 134 such that the flexure slit 138 is visible on the exterior, outwardly-facing surface of the buckle frame 120 (i.e., when the watch is worn).
In this implementation, each lobe 126 can define a spring extending from the proximal bore 134 to the distal bore 144 and terminating at the flexure slit 138. In particular, each spring is configured to deflect to accommodate the respective end 123 of the buckle bar 122 sliding from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration.
In this implementation, the flexure slit 138 defines a discontinuity in the lobe 126, thereby dividing the lobe 126 into segments. More specifically, the flexure slit 138 divides the lobe 126 into: an upper segment arranged above the slot 132; and a lower segment arranged below the slot 132 and configured to deflect responsive to the buckle bar 122 sliding from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144. During the transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the lengthened wrist strap configuration to the shortened wrist strap configuration, the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 exerts a force on the lower segment of the lobe 126, thereby causing the lower segment of the lobe 126 to deflect away from the slot 132. Thus, the flexure slit 138 introduces a discontinuity in the lobe 126 to enable the lower segment to move independently of the upper segment to accommodate the deflection required for transitioning the wrist strap buckle 110 between configurations.
In one variation, the flexure slit 138 can define an acute angle relative to the slot 132, as shown in
The flexure slit 138 can define the acute angle relative to the slot 132 to prevent the end of buckle bar 122 from inadvertently slipping from the aperture 130. More specifically, responsive to the force exerted by the buckle bar 122 during transition, the lower segment of the lobe 126 deflects away from the slot 132 to create a pathway for the buckle bar 122 to transition between configurations. The acute angle between the flexure slit axis and the longitudinal slot axis ensures that, as the lower segment deflects, the lower segment comes into mechanical contact with the upper segment of the lobe 126, thereby maintaining a closed structure around the buckle bar 122 during transition between configurations. Thus, the acute angle introduces a mechanical constraint that restricts the degree of deflection of the lower segment relative to the upper segment, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of the buckle bar 122 from the aperture 130.
In one variation, each lobe 126 can further define a distal slit 148 configured to enhance the flexibility and deflection of the lower segment under applied force, as shown in
In this variation, each lobe 126 can define the spring extending from the proximal bore 134 to the distal bore 144, further extending along the distal slit 148, and terminating at the flexure slit 138. In particular, the distal slit 148 extends along the lobe 126 from the distal bore 144 toward the center section 124 of the buckle frame 120, further dividing the lobe 126 into the upper segment and the lower segment. The distal slit 148 introduces an additional degree of localized flexibility to the lower segment of the lobe 126. More specifically, the distal slit 148 enables the lower segment to effectively deflect without compromising the integrity of the lobe 126 or the spring function. By extending adjacent to the interior surface 127 and along the longitudinal slot axis, the slit reduces material stress concentration points, thereby enabling controlled and predictable deflection of the lower segment under applied force. Thus, the distal slit 148 enhances the ability of the lower segment to accommodate the sliding motion of the buckle bar 122 while maintaining structural stability and preventing undesirable displacement of the buckle bar 122.
In one variation, the proximal bore 134 can define a shelf 136: interposed between a proximal end of the slot 132 and the flexure slit 138; and configured to transiently retain the end 123 of the buckle bar 122, as shown in
The shelf 136 thus requires the application of a pulling or pushing force (i.e., to the buckle bar 122)—exceeding a threshold force—for the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to overcome resistance applied to the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 by the shelf 136. More specifically, the buckle bar 122 must be intentionally pushed or pulled for the end 123 of the buckle bar 122 to clear the shelf 136 and slide out of the proximal bore 134. Thus, the shelf 136 facilitates secure retention of the buckle bar 122 within the proximal bore 134 by preventing undesired displacement of the buckle bar 122, such as responsive to accidental forces (e.g., external tension, vibrations, or impacts) applied to the buckle bar 122.
In one variation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into a deployant 160 of a deployant-closure wristwatch, as shown in
In one variation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into a band element 170 (e.g., an extensive link) of a wristwatch, as shown in
In one example, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into an extensive link 170 of the wristwatch, the extensive link 170 configured to install a clasp and a link of a metallic watch bracelet. In this example, the extensive link 170 is configured to locate between the distal end of the first strap segment and a proximal end 123 of the pin 122. In particular, the extensive link 170 can be configured to enable the pin 122 to slide relative to a link frame 172 of the extensive link 170.
In one variation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into the tang 112 to enable the tang 112 to slide relative to the buckle bar 122 and buckle frame 120, as shown in
In one variation, the adjustable component 100 can be integrated into the tang 112 to enable the tongue 116 of the tang 112 to slide relative to the base 114 of the tang 112, as shown in
In this variation, the base 114 of the tang 112 can define: a pivot bore configured to receive the buckle bar 122; a proximal bore 134 configured to receive the boss 118 of the tongue 116 in the shortened wrist strap configuration; a distal bore 144 configured to receive the boss 118 of the tongue 116 in the lengthened wrist strap configuration; and a slot 132 extending between the proximal bore 134 and the distal bore 144. The distal bore 144 can be longitudinally offset from the proximal bore 134 by less than the pitch distance to enable incremental adjustments that are smaller than the pitch distance to create intermediate wrist strap sizes between predefined sizes.
Furthermore, in this variation, the base 114 of the tang 112 can further define a flexure slit 138 configured to enable localized deflection of the base 114 of the tang 112 to accommodate bending during the transition of the boss 118 between configurations. In particular, the flexure slit 138 can extend from a face of the base 114 of the tang 112 and intersect the proximal bore 134. Additionally, in this variation, the base 114 of the tang 112 can further define a distal slit 148 configured to enhance the flexibility and deflection of the base 114 of the tang 112 under applied force. In particular, the distal slit 148 can extend from the distal bore 144, opposite the proximal bore 134. In this variation, the base 114 of the tang 112 can define a spring extending from the proximal bore 134 to the distal bore 144, further extending along the distal slit 148, and terminating at the flexure slit 138. In particular, the spring is configured to deflect to accommodate the boss 118 sliding from the proximal bore 134 toward the distal bore 144 during transition of the wrist strap buckle 110 from the shortened wrist strap configuration to the lengthened wrist strap configuration.
In one implementation, the aforementioned watch components can be formed by an electrical discharge machining (or “EDM”) process, such as wire EDM, wherein a thin, continuously fed wire electrode precisely erodes material along a defined path to form the aperture 130 (s) in the metallic material.
For example, a wrist strap buckle 110 can be formed by: hydroforming, stamping, or computer numerical control (or “CNC”) machining a billet formed from a metallic material (e.g., 316 stainless steel, Grade 2 titanium, or Grade 5 titanium [Ti-6Al-4V]) to form a wrist strap buckle workpiece with the general geometry and structural integrity required for the wrist strap buckle 110; machining the features (e.g., the proximal bore 134, the distal bore 144, the slot 132, the flexure slit 138, the distal slit 148, and the shelf 136) of each aperture 130, on the wrist strap buckle workpiece, via the wire EDM process; and finishing the surfaces of the wrist strap buckle workpiece via a finishing process (e.g., deburring, polishing, anodizing, electropolishing, or applying a PVD coating) to form the wrist strap buckle 110.
In another example, a wrist strap buckle 110 can be formed by: hydroforming, stamping, or CNC machining a billet formed from a metallic material to form an insert workpiece; machining the features (e.g., the proximal bore 134, the distal bore 144, the slot 132, the flexure slit 138, the distal slit 148, and the shelf 136) of the aperture 130 on the insert workpiece (e.g., via the wire EDM process); installing (e.g., via interference fit) the insert workpiece within an insert receptacle of a first lobe 126 of a non-metallic (e.g., carbon fiber) buckle frame 120; and finishing the surfaces of the wrist strap buckle 110 via a finishing process.
Generally, the lobe 126 defines the cantilever spring geometry, wherein the set position of the cantilever spring is adjustable. More specifically, the cantilever spring geometry can enable a user to quickly adjust the clamping force (i.e., the tension) of the interface between the buckle bar and the aperture, such as in response to the clamping force falling outside of a target force range due to manufacturing variations.
For example, a user may pry against the lobe 126 to open the aperture 130 (i.e., to open the spring) responsive to a clamping force exceeding the target force range. Conversely, the user may squeeze the lobe 126 with pliers to close the aperture 130 (i.e., to close the spring) responsive to the clamping force falling below the target force range. Therefore, the aperture 130 can define a geometry that facilitates quick manual adjustment of the lobe 126, thereby enabling compensation for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring consistent clamping performance.
Furthermore, the wrist strap buckle 110 can be configured for wire EDM processing to enable concurrent machining of the first and second apertures 130. More specifically, the wrist strap buckle 110 workpiece can be positioned such that the wire electrode simultaneously erodes material along predefined paths for both the first and second apertures 130. By concurrently forming the first and second apertures 130 by the wire EDM process, the geometries of each aperture 130 can be accurately formed, while reducing machining time required to form the first and second apertures 130.
The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface, hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wrist strap, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.
As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.
This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/619,310, filed on 9 Jan. 2024, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63619310 | Jan 2024 | US |
