TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosed inventive concept relates to watchbands, smartwatches, and to any communication device adapted for wearing on the user's wrist. More particularly, the disclosed inventive concept relates to a breathable, interchangeable and replaceable watchband liner which reduces or entirely eliminates perspiration which frequently forms between a watchband and the wearer's wrist. By utilizing a construction whereby the watchband is removed from direct contact with the wearer's skin by way of the liner, the user experiences greater comfort and improved wearability. The interchangeability and replaceability of the disclosed watchband allows the user to experience a comfortable watchband without having to replace the watchband itself.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The development of watches which could be worn on the wrist really had two beginnings, one for women and one for men. The first development took place in the early 1800s as women began wearing small watches fitted to bracelets. This fashion trend later resulted in watchmakers crafting bracelets around the small watches. The second development took place in the late 1800s when men began to surrender their pocket watches for watches attached to a leather strap which could be worn on the wrist. Horologists or watch enthusiasts point to the Boer War (1899-1902) as bringing about the change which was driven by practical reasons rather than responding to changes in fashion.
The Boer War took place generally in the area of South Africa, a very warm environment. At that time pocket watches were traditionally carried by men in their vest or coat pockets. But soldiers found wearing anything other than shirts to be uncomfortable. Lacking a pocket, innovation resulted in watches being attached to a leather strap which was then attached to the user's wrist.
Over the years the leather strap found itself competing with straps developed from other material, such as cloth, nylon, rubber, and metal. Cloth straps typically appear in the form of canvas while a good example of the nylon strap is the so-called one-piece “NATO strap.” Rubber straps are inexpensive and popular for integrally-molded sports watch. Metal straps of which the most recognizable type is the “Oyster bracelet” developed in the 1930's. Other metal straps including the “mesh strap” are known.
Regardless of the watchband style, a common undesirable characteristic of watchbands (particularly of the leather and rubber styles) is the lack of breathability. Often this is a function of climate and temperature with the greater the humidity and the higher the ambient temperature the greater discomfort to the wearer due to perspiration with the level of discomfort increasing with exertion. The problem of perspiration between the wrist and the watchband is more than one of discomfort as the damp and warm area may also provide an ideal environment for skin rashes and bacteria.
In an effort to overcome the problem caused by perspiration relative to the position of a watchband, some manufacturers attempt to provide breathability by, for example, providing perforations strategically formed in the band. This solution may help in the immediate area of the perforations but does little good over the rest of the watchband surface.
Accordingly, there is room for improvement in watchband construction. Particularly wanting is a new approach to watchband construction which provides relief to the wearer by minimizing perspiration between the wearer's wrist and the watchband itself or by avoiding it altogether.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The disclosed inventive concept is directed to a watchband having an interchangeable and replaceable liner designed to significantly reduce or entirely eliminate perspiration typically experienced by a wearer between the watchband and the wearer's wrist. The construction of the watchband avoids direct skin contact by providing an interchangeable and removable liner formed from a technical fabric, such as a 3-D spacer mesh material. The liner distances the watchband from the wearer's skin thereby allowing the area of the wrist to breathe better. Additional features of the liner include moisture-wicking properties and a “cushion comfort” effect.
The watchband construction of the disclosed invention also removes direct contact between the watchband and the watchband fastener (such as a metal buckle) by providing the liner in a position between the two, thus minimizing or avoiding the gathering of moisture entirely. Not only does this arrangement add increased comfort to the wearer, but also prevents irritation due to excess moisture as well as the possible infection due to bacteria. The watchband liner over time will become soiled in which bacteria and fungi are prone to grow due to skin perspiration. The liner is designed to be disposable. Replacing the liner with a new one will provide better hygiene to the wearer by eliminating or reducing bacteria or other potentially destructive pathogens. In addition, the placement of the liner between the wearer's skin and the metal buckle avoids a possible allergic reaction experienced in some people.
The disclosed inventive concept provides several other advantages over known watchband constructions related to relatively low production cost and high durability. Because the formation of the wearer's perspiration between either minimized or eliminated altogether, the life of the overlying leather strap (when leather is the material of choice) is extended as the damage resulting from moisture is either not present or is minimized. Instead, wear is limited to the interchangeable and replaceable liner itself, being a relatively low-cost component of the watchband.
The above advantages and other advantages and features will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two adjacent strap portions shown in spaced apart relation and fitted to the underside of a watchband according to a first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing each strap in exploded and partially cutaway view in which the technical fabric lining is shown in spaced apart relationship to the watch strap portions;
FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of a single liner portion of the watchband according to the first embodiment illustrating the layers and the array of magnets fitted therebetween;
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a strap portion according to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept partially taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 illustrates the liner portion viewed from the skin-contacting side according to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the undersides of two adjacent strap portions shown in spaced apart relation which constitute a watchstrap according to a second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the technical liner is attached to the watch strap by sutures;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but illustrating the two adjacent strap portions from the topsides;
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a strap portion according to the second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the liner portion is attached to the watchstrap portion by sutures taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a strap portion according to the third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the liner portion is attached to the watchstrap portion by an adhesive glue;
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a watchstrap portion according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the liner portion is attached to the watchstrap portion by hook-and-loop fasteners;
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a watchstrap portion according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the liner portion is attached to the watchstrap by a combination of adhesive glue and hook-and-loop fasteners;
FIG. 12 illustrates two adjacent watchstrap portions according to the sixth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept viewed from the undersides of the watchstrap portions;
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a watchstrap portion according to the sixth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in FIG. 12 in which the liner portion is attached to the watch strap by a combination of adhesive glue and a snap track;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a seventh embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the technical fabric lining is shown in spaced apart relationship to the watch strap portions having male post press fasteners and the female liner fastener layer portions disposed therebetween;
FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a strap portion according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the female liner fastener layer portion is attached to the technical fabric lining by sutures; and
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a strap portion according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which the female liner fastener layer portion is attached to the technical fabric lining by sutures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for different constructed embodiments. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting.
The disclosed inventive concept provides an improvement over known wristwatch bands through the use of an interchangeable and replaceable watchband liner formed from a number of materials the objective of which is to provide an added layer between the watchband itself and the wearer's wrist. The liner in combination with the watchband overcomes many of the disadvantages commonly associated with conventional watchbands.
Different embodiments of the watchband construction having the interchangeable and removable liner are discussed herein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The disclosed embodiments are intended as being illustrative and are not intended as being limiting.
A first embodiment in the form of a liner which may be magnetically attached to the wristwatch having a wristwatch band is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. Referring to these figures, an interchangeable and removable liner portions, generally illustrated as 10 and 10′, is shown. The liner portions 10, 10′ may be formed from a number of suitable materials but are preferably formed from a technical material such as a 3-D spacer mesh material. Technical materials are generally understood as being man-made materials composed of polyester, nylon, carbon, polypropylene, glass, viscose, acrylic, protein, and metal fibers. In some instances more advanced fibers, such as auxetic fibers and nano fibers, may be used. As a rule, technical materials are generally made from blends of such fibers, woven so that the fabric is breathable.
Referring first to FIG. 1 in which each of the liner portions 10, 10′ is shown in perspective view, the liner portions 10, 10′ are interchangeably and removably attached to respective watchband portions 12, 12′. One of the watchband portions, such as the portion 12′, traditionally includes a watchband buckle 14 and a stationary loop 16. It is to be understood that other approaches to fastening one watchband portion 12 to the other watchband portion 12′ are possible beyond the illustrated watchband buckle 14 are possible. Accordingly, the watchband buckle 14 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as being limiting.
Referring to FIG. 2, the internal components of the liners 10, 10′ and the watchband portions 12, 12′ are shown. The liner 10 includes a series of internally disposed spaced apart magnets 18 while the liner 10′ includes a series of internally disposed spaced apart magnets 18′. The number, placement, and general shapes of the magnets 18 and 18′ as shown are illustrative only as the number, placement and shapes of the magnets may be other than shown.
The watchband portions 12 and 12′ respectively include embedded magnets 20 and 20′ positioned in locations within the watchband portions 12 and 12′ opposite their counterparts 18 and 18′ of the liner portions 10 and 10′. It is to be understood that one set of magnets 18, 18′ or 2020′ could be substituted with similarly shaped and similarly positioned sections of metal.
Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded sectional view of the single liner portion generally illustrated as 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded end view of the single liner portion generally illustrated as 10 partially taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 is shown. Referring to both FIGS. 3 and 4, the liner portion 10 includes an upper (outer) fabric layer 22 which would be in contact with the wrist of the wearer. The upper fabric layer 22 may be made of a number of materials including 3-D mesh spacer fabric. Opposite the upper fabric layer 22 is a watchband-contacting layer 24 which is fitted to the inside surface of the adjacent watchband portion 12. The watchband-contacting layer 24 may also be made of a variety of materials but is preferably though not exclusively made of a microfiber fabric material.
The magnets 18 are positioned on supporting layers 26 which are themselves placed upon the watchband-contacting layer 24. Above the magnets 18 are top layers 28 preferably of the same microfiber material as is used in the watchband-contacting layer 24. The magnet 18 and the top layer 28 are attached to the watchband-contacting layer by an attachment material such as an adhesive 32.
FIG. 4 further illustrates the upper fabric layer 22 being attached to the
watchband-contacting layer 24. As illustrated, this connection is made by sutures 30 although other known methods of attachment such as adhesive is possible. FIG. 4 additionally illustrates the position of the liner portion 10 relative to the watchband portion 12 to which it is magnetically attached.
Between the watchband-contacting layer 24 and the watchband portion 12 is preferably provided a tacky rubber layer 31. The tacky rubber layer 31 provides a tacky contact between the watchband portion 12 and the watchband-contacting layer 24 to thereby prevent the liner portion 10 (and 10′) from slipping or sliding on the watchband portion 12 (or 12′). During the production process, a thin layer of a liquid rubber substance is applied to the watchband-contacting layer 24. After a short period of time the liquid rubber solidifies on the watchband-contacting layer 24.
With reference to FIG. 5, a view of the liner portion 10 viewed from the upper (outer) fabric layer 22 side is illustrated. The placement and shape of each of the embedded magnets 18 are illustrated.
A second embodiment in the form of a liner which is interchangeably and removably fixed to the watchband is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8. Referring to these figures, a pair of spaced apart liner portions, generally illustrated as 40 and 40′, is shown. The liner portions 40, 40′ may be formed from a number of suitable materials but are preferably formed from a technical material such as a 3-D spacer mesh material.
Referring to FIG. 6 in which each of the liner portions 40, 40′ is shown in perspective view, the liner portions 40, 40′ are interchangeably and removably attached to respective watchband portions 42, 42′. One of the watchband portions, such as the portion 42′, traditionally includes a watchband buckle 44 and a stationary loop 46. It is to be understood that other approaches to fastening one watchband portion 42 to the other watchband portion 42′ are possible beyond the illustrated watchband buckle 44 are possible. Accordingly, the watchband buckle 44 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as being limiting.
According to the second embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 8, the liner portions 40, 40′ are attached to the watchband portions 42, 42′ respectively by sutures 48, 48′ respectively. The sutures 48, 48′ may be of any suitable suturing material as is known in the art. Regardless of the material, the sutures 48, 48′ may be readily removed for replacement of the liner portions 40, 40′ as needed to be replaced by new sutures to make the replacement complete.
Referring to FIG. 7, top views of the liners 40, 40′ attached to the watchband portions 42, 42′ are illustrated. The sutures 48, 48′ serve not only a functional purpose but also serve an aesthetic purpose particularly if the color of the sutures 48, 48′ contrasts with or in otherwise offsets the color of the watchband portions 42, 42′.
A sectional view of the liner portion 40 affixed to the watchband portion 42 is illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown, the liner portion 40 is attached to the watchband portion 42 by the sutures 48. FIG. 8 also illustrates a layer 50 preferably composed of a microfiber material being in attachment to the liner portion 40 also by sutures 52 although other methods of attaching the microfiber layer 50 to the liner portion 40 may be possible without deviating from the underlying invention.
A sectional view of the liner portion 40 affixed to the watchband portion 42 according to a third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept is illustrated in FIG. 9. The microfiber layer 50 of the second embodiment is attached to the liner portion 40 by sutures 52 although, as noted above with reference to FIG. 8, other methods of attaching the microfiber layer 50 to the liner portion 40 may be possible without deviating from the underlying invention. According to the third embodiment, the microfiber layer 50 is attached to the watchband portion 42 by a layer of an adhesive 60. Various adhesives in any one of several forms including but not limited to one or more adhesive tapes may be used for attachment.
A fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept is illustrated in FIG. 10 in which a sectional view of the liner portion 40 affixed to the watchband portion 42 is shown. The microfiber layer 50 is attached to the liner portion 40 by sutures 52 which may be replaced by other methods of attachment as noted in relation to the second embodiment. The microfiber layer 50 is attached to the watchband portion 42 by a hook and loop fastening system 62 such as Velcro®. The hook and loop fastening system 62 includes a hook portion 64 and a loop portion 66. The hook portion 64 is preferably attached to the microfiber layer 50 by sutures 68 although other methods of attachment such as chemical adhesive may be suitable. Similarly, the loop portion 66 is preferably attached to the watchband portion 42 by sutures 70 although again other methods of attachment such as chemical adhesive may be suitable. While the hook portion 64 is illustrated in FIG. 10 as being attached to the microfiber layer 50 and the loop portion 66 is illustrated in FIG. 10 as being attached to the watchband portion 42, the hook portion 64 could instead be attached to the watchband portion 42 and the loop portion 66 could instead be attached to the microfiber layer 50.
FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in which a sectional view of the liner portion 40 affixed to the watchband portion 42 is shown. As with the fourth embodiment, a hook and loop fastening system 62 such as Velcro® is provided to attach the microfiber layer 50 to the watchband portion 42. One portion of the hook and loop fastening system 62, in the illustrated figure a hook portion 64, is attached to the microfiber layer by an adhesive 72 which may be of any of a variety of known adhesives. The other portion of the hook and loop fastening system 62, in the illustrated figure a loop portion 66, is attached to the watchband portion 42 also by an adhesive 74 which may also be of any of a variety of known adhesives. As an alternative to the adhesive one of the adhesives 72 or 74 may be substituted for by a suture such as the sutures 68 and 70 illustrated in FIG. 10 as part of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.
Like the hook and loop fastening system 62 of the fourth embodiment, while the hook portion 64 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as being attached to the microfiber layer 50 via the adhesive 72 and the loop portion 66 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as being attached to the watchband portion 42 via the adhesive 74, the positions of the hook portion 64 and the watchband portion 42 could be reversed.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a watchstrap having interchangeable and removal liner portions according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. Referring to these figures, interchangeable and removable liner portions, generally illustrated as 80 and 80′, are shown. The liner portions 80, 80′ may be formed from a number of suitable materials but are preferably formed from a technical material such as a 3-D spacer mesh material
Referring first to FIG. 12 in which each of the liner portions 80, 80′ is shown in perspective view, the liner portions 80, 80′ are interchangeably and removably attached to respective watchband portions 82, 82′. One of the watchband portions, such as the portion 82′, traditionally includes a watchband buckle 84 and a stationary loop 86. It is to be understood that other approaches to fastening one watchband portion 82 to the other watchband portion 82′ are possible beyond the illustrated watchband buckle 84 are possible. Accordingly, the watchband buckle 84 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as being limiting.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, a sectional view of a liner portion 80 is illustrated in which an upper fabric layer 88 and a lower fabric layer 90 are shown attached by sutures 92. It is to be understood that while the upper fabric layer 88 and the lower fabric layer 90 are attached by sutures 92 other methods of attaching the two layers, such as a chemical adhesive, are possible. In addition, while the liner portion 80 is shown in cross section it is to be understood that the liner portion 80′ is similarly constructed.
A snap plate 94 is provided for interchangeably and removably attaching the liner portion 80 to the watchband portion 82. The snap plate 94 includes an upper surface 96 and a lower surface 98. The upper surface 96 of the snap plate 94 is attached to the lower fabric layer 90 of the liner portion 80 by an adhesive layer 100. Other methods of attaching the upper surface 96 of the snap plate 94 to the lower fabric layer 90 of the liner portion 80 are possible.
A snap fastener rail 102 is formed axially on the lower surface 98 of the snap plate 94. The snap fastener rail 102 is configured to releasably connect to a snap fastener channel 104 formed axially along at least a portion of the watchband portion 82. The configuration of the snap fastener channel 104 is illustrated in FIG. 12 in which a snap fastener channel 104 is illustrated formed in the watchband portion 82 and a snap fastener channel 104′ is illustrated formed in the watchband portion 82′. Also in FIG. 12 the snap fastener rail 102 is partially visible in relation to the liner portion 80 while a snap fastener rail 102′ is partially visible in relation to the liner portion 80′.
FIGS. 14 through 16 illustrate a watchstrap having interchangeable and removal liner portions according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. Referring to these figures, interchangeable and removable liner portions, generally illustrated as 80 and 80′, are shown. The liner portions 80, 80′ may be formed from a number of suitable materials but are preferably formed from a technical material such as a 3-D spacer mesh material.
Referring to FIG. 14 in which each of the liner portions 80, 80′ is shown in perspective view, the liner portions 80, 80′ are interchangeably and removably attached to respective watchband portions 110, 110′. One of the watchband portions, such as the portion 110′, traditionally includes a watchband buckle 112 and a stationary loop 114. It is to be understood that other approaches to fastening one watchband portion 110 to the other watchband portion 110′ are possible beyond the illustrated watchband buckle 112 are possible. Accordingly, the watchband buckle 112 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as being limiting.
The watchband portion 110 includes a series of male post fasteners 116 and the watchband portion 110′ includes a series of male post fasteners 116′. Preferably but not absolutely the male post fasteners 116, 116′ are composed of a metal although it is possible for the male post fasteners 116, 116′ to be composed of a hard plastic. The number, placement, and shape of the male post fasteners 116, 116′ are illustrative only as it is to be understood that the number, placement and shape of the male post fasteners 116, 116′ may be varied without deviating from the scope of the disclosed inventive concept. Female liner fastener layer portions 118, 118′ are respectively sandwiched between the liner portions 80, 80′ and the watchband portions 110, 110′. The female liner fastener layer portion 118 includes a series of male post-receiving apertures 120 numbered and positioned so as to align with the male post fasteners 116 for removable attachment thereto. Similarly, the female liner fastener layer portion 118′ includes a series of male post-receiving apertures 120′ numbered and positioned so as to align with the male post fasteners 116′ for removable attachment thereto.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, a sectional view of a liner portion 80 is illustrated. A microfiber layer 122 is attached to the liner portion 80 by sutures 124. According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, the microfiber layer 122 is attached to the female liner fastener layer portion 118 by sutures 126. While the liner portion 80 is shown in cross section it is to be understood that the liner portion 80′ is similarly constructed.
It is to be understood that while the liner portion 80 and the female liner fastener layer portion 118 are illustrated in FIG. 15 as being attached to the microfiber layer 122 by sutures 126 other methods of attaching the two layers are possible. Such an alternative is illustrated in FIG. 16 in which the microfiber layer 122 is attached to the female liner fastener layer portion 118 by an adhesive 128.
While the preferred embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept have been discussed are shown in the accompanying drawings and are set forth in the associated description, one skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20240206602
