FASTENING DEVICE TO BE WORN ON AN ARM

Abstract

A fastening device, and corresponding methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed as the fastening device may be worn on an arm. In an example, the fastening device includes a band portion having an opening formed in the band portion. The opening is sized to slide onto a watchband. The fastening device may also include an edge portion of the band portion. A least one opening is provided with the edge portion for attaching a bracelet or other jewelry. As such, the bracelet or other jewelry is held next to the watchband when worn on the arm so that the bracelet or other jewelry does not slide up and down the arm.

Description

BACKGROUND

Watches, bracelets and other jewelry is often worn on a person's arm, mostly by women, but by men and children too. Watches are typically available with an elastic or adjustable band so that the watch can be fitted comfortably around the wearer's wrist so that the watch does not slide up and down the wearer's arm. But bracelets and other jewelry worn around the wrist typically cannot be adjusted, and therefore may slide up and down the wearer's arm when the wearer moves. This movement can be uncomfortable or even annoying for the wearer. In some circumstances, sliding jewelry can even catch on sleeves, nearby hooks, or other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example fastening device shown as the fastening device may be worn on a person's arm.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 b is a top plan view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1 c is a right side plan view of the example fastening device corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 1 d is a front side plan view of the example fastening device corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of another example fastening device.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another example fastening device.

FIGS. 4-8 are illustrations of other example fastening devices as the fastening devices may be used with a watch.

FIGS. 9 a-e are illustrations of other example fastening devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Watches have long been a fashion statement, and are considered an important part of a larger jewelry or fashion accessory wardrobe. However, many women (although not limited just to women) hesitate to wear bracelets with their watches on the same arm for various reasons. For example, the bracelet may scratch the watch crystal, the bracelet may interfere with reading the watch face, and the bracelet may get caught in the watchband and be a nuisance or cause discomfort.

A fastening device is disclosed herein as it may be worn on an arm. The fastening device may be connected to a watch (or other piece of jewelry worn on the wearer's arm) to keep a bracelet or bracelets (or other jewelry such as charms) substantially in place even when the wearer moves her (or his) arm.

The fastening device is comfortable to wear, and may be used to attach other jewelry (e.g., one or more bracelet, charm, etc.) to the watch and avoid issues such as those which have been described above. The fastening device enables braceletes to be attached to the watch and reside beside the watch, for example, giving the wearer an opportunity to showcase the bracelets or other jewelry in comfort without risk of the bracelet rolling over and/or scratching the watch crystal, getting wet during hand washing or dirty during work, and/or rolling up the wearer's sleeve and getting caught or tangled.

The fastening device may also be used as a decorative enhancer for the watchband itself, when used with bracelets or other jewelry, or even when worn by itself on the watchband (without bracelets or other jewelry). When not in use, the fastening device may be readily removed from the watchband and thus does not permanently alter the watch. The same fastening device can also be readily used with different watches.

The fastening device may be marketed by itself, in bundles (e.g., various colors and/or styles), and as part of a kit. The kit may include complementary bracelets (or other jewelry and charms, etc.), removable and/or interchangeable decorative items that can be inserted and removed from grommets/openings formed in the fastening device (e.g., bezel set crystals or other materials such as synthetic or natural pearls or gemstones, etc.), a watch or set of watches, one or more watchband, and various other accessories.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example fastening device 10 shown as the fastening device 10 may be worn on a person's arm 1. In an example, the fastening device 10 may be used to secure bracelets 12a-b (and/or other jewelry such as charms) to a watchband 14. The fastening device 10 may include a band portion 16 configured as a loop with an opening 18 formed therethrough such that the fastening device 10 at least partially or even fully encircles the watchband 14. The fastening device 10 can be made to slide up an open end of the watchband 14.

The band portion 16 may be sewn together. In another example, the band 16 of the fastening device 10 may be opened and closed for assembly by the wearer on the watchband 14. Examples include, but are not limited to the use of snaps and hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®. In any event, the top and underside (or “front” and “back”) of the band portion can be made to separate at one end (e.g., the right or left side).

To illustrate, the side flaps 21a-b may include a “top” layer and a “bottom” layer, each connected respectively to the top and underside of the band portion 16. The top layer may include one part of a snap configured to fit into a grommet via an interference fit. When the “open” band portion encircles the watch band, the top and bottom pieces of the flaps 21a-b can be closed by pressing the two pieces together so that the snap mates with the grommet The use of VELCRO® or other attachment means may also be utilized to open/close the band portion 16 around the watchband 14.

The opening 18 may be sized at least large enough to accommodate common size watchbands. The fastening device 10 may be slid around the watchband 14 and reside anywhere on the watchband 14. For example, the fastening device 10 may reside near the watch face 15, or on the side of the watch (the side of the user's wrist) as shown in FIG. 1. The fastening device 10 may also reside on the watchband 14 on the portion opposite of the watch face, for example, underneath the user's wrist within the belt buckle 417 between the closed buckle and the watchband's keeper loop 413, as shown in FIG. 4 (described below). Of course, the watchband 14 may have any suitable type of clasp or buckle.

In another example, the opening of fastening device 10 is adjustable in size, such as may be made possible by using an elastic or other stretchable and/or resilient material for the band portion (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Elasticity may also be provided using goring, shirring, or gusseting techniques (see, e.g., FIG. 4 described below). These techniques may provide the further benefit of reinforcement and/or as a decorative detail.

The fastening device 10 may include edge portions 20a-b including one or more “flaps” 21a-b on one or both sides of the band portion 16. The flaps 21a-b may be part of the same material which forms the band portion 16, or may be separate and attached to the band portion 16. The flaps 21a-b may be substantially square-edged as shown in FIG. 1, rounded, V-shaped, or any other size and/or shape. In addition, the flaps 21a-b may include different coloring and/or designs (e.g., college, sports, or charity logos). Of course, the flaps 21a-b do not need to be provided at all in other embodiments.

One or more openings 22a-d may be provided with the edge portions 20a-b (e.g., in or on flaps 21a-b). In an example, grommets (shown surrounding the openings 22a-d in FIG. 1) may serve to reinforce these openings. In another example, rings may be attached to the flaps 21a-b (or directly to the band portion 16) instead of or in addition to the openings 20a-b being formed therein (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-8 described below). The rings and/or openings in the edge portions may be configured to attach the bracelets 12a-b to the fastening device 10.

The openings 22a-b (and/or the grommets and rings) may also serve as receptacles for “snap-in/snap-out” or magnetic (or otherwise attachable) design elements, such as bezel set crystals or pearls or other decorative items (see, e.g., FIG. 3 described below). It is noted that the grommet and/or openings 22a-b may be decorative by itself. For example, the grommets may be colored or crystal encrusted and/or the openings 1a-b may be wound with different color threads to provide a decorative effect.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bracelets 12a-b connect to the fastening device 10, which in turn connects to the watchband 14. In this example, the bracelets 12a-b are shown as each bracelet may be slid through the openings 22a-b in the flaps 21a-b. In other example, a clasp on the bracelet may be connected to the openings 22a-b (see, e.g., FIG. 4 described below).

The bracelets 12a-b may be specifically manufactured for use with the fastening device and/or conventional bracelets (or other jewelry) can be used with the fastening device. Complementary jewelry can also be provided. Complementary jewelry may include the design elements (above) and/or other coordinating jewelry that can be purchased and worn together or in various combinations with the fastening device 10. When worn on an arm, the fastening device 10 holds the bracelets 12a-b substantially adjacent to the watchband 14 on the wearer's arm 1.

It is noted that the fastening device 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, cloth, leather, Metal, beads, elastic, plastic, or other natural or synthetic materials, including any combination thereof.

The fastening device 10 may be used anywhere on the watchband 14, for example, on the underside (so that it is not readily visible under the user's wrist), on one side of the watch face 15, or on both sides of the watch face 15. The band portion 16 may also include windows(s) of any suitable shape (e.g., diamond shaped, circle shaped, heart shaped) so that the watchband 14 itself is visible, at least in part, through the band portion of the . fastening device 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 described below).

Multiple fasteners 10 (only one is shown in FIG. 1, but see FIGS. 5-8 described below) may also be used on the same watchband 14, even if only one (or a few) of the fasteners 10 are used for fastening jewelry to the watchband 14. In this regard, the fastening device 10 may be used a decorative item in itself, for example to enhance the appearance of the watchband 14 even when not used with other jewelry such as bracelets 12a-b.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the example fastening device 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1b is a top plan view of the example fastening device 10 shown in FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c is a right side plan view of the example fastening device 10 corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1d is a front side plan view of the example fastening device 10 corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

The various components of fastening device 10 described above for FIG. 1, are further visible in FIGS. 1a-d. Here it can be seen that the example fastening device 10 includes band portion 16 having opening formed in the band portion 16. The opening is sized to slide onto a watchband (as shown in FIG. 1). The fastening device 10 also includes an edge portion (two edge portions 20a-b are shown) of the band portion 16. At least one opening (four openings 22a-d are shown) is provided with at least one of the edge portions 20a-b for attaching a bracelet or other jewelry (as shown in FIG. 1).

In an example, one or more flap (two flaps 21a-b are shown) may be provided on the edge portion(s) 20a-b. In use, the bracelet or other jewelry may be attached with the openings 22a-b so that the bracelet or other jewelry is held substantially adjacent the watchband when worn on the arm so that the bracelet or other jewelry does not slide up and down the arm, as shown in FIG. 1.

It is noted that the terms “provided with” as used to describe the opening(s) 22a-d provided with the edge portions 20a-b, means that the openings 22a-d may be provided through the flap(s) 21a-b (as shown in FIGS. 1a-d), and/or directly on the edge portions 20a-b, and/or otherwise attached to the edge portions 20a-b, for example, as the rings that are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (described below).

The following figures show other examples of the fastening device 10. Hundred series reference numbers are used to identify like components for the corresponding Figures (e.g., 200-series are used in FIG. 2, 300-series are used in FIG. 3, and so forth). Therefore, these components (if already described above for FIGS. 1 and 1a-d) may not be described again for each of the following figures.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of another example fastening device 210. In this example, the band portion 216 of the fastening device 210 includes an elastic portion 230. The elastic portion 230 enables the fastening device 210 to be readily slid over the watchband (not shown in FIG. 2), while helping to maintain the fastening device 210 in a desired location on the watchband while being worn on the user's arm. Any elastic material (or technique such as shirring, etc.) may be used to provide a resilient effect.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another example fastening device 310. In this example, three openings 222a-f are shown on flaps 321a-b on each side of the band portion 316 of the fastening device 310. The two outermost openings 322a-b and 322c-d on each of the flaps 321a-b may be used for attaching the bracelet, similarly as shown in FIG. 1. The other opening(s) 322e-f may be used for complementary jewelry or other decorative items, such as the heart charm 332 (attached with a chain or other connector) and the crystal insert 334.

Although not shown, there exist many methods of attaching the crystal insert 334 to the opening 322f, such as a soft plastic “plug” which can be push-inserted into the opening 322f via an interference fit, and then pulled out to remove the crystal insert 334 from the opening 322f. Or the crystal insert 334 may include a magnet (e.g., for connecting to the metal ring or grommet), or other attachment that can be inserted through the opening 322f and connected thereon (such as the pin and backing used for earrings) to retain the crystal insert 334 attached with the opening 322f. Of course, the decorative items are not limited to charms or crystal inserts (shown only for illustration), and any desired item may be attached to the fastening device.

It is noted that any number of openings 322a-f (fewer openings and/or more openings) may be provided on one or both sides of the band 316. In addition, multiple flaps (not shown) may be provided on the same side or in the same location. For example, another flap may be used to cover the openings 322a-b and 322e in the flap 321a.

FIGS. 4-8 are illustrations of other example fastening devices as the fastening devices may be used with a watch or other similar item. FIG. 4 shows an example fastening device 410 with shirring 436a-b and 436c, both on the flaps 421a-b and the band portion 416. Shining (or similar technique) may be used to provide elasticity, resilience, and/or decorative effect. FIG. 4 also shows the bracelets 412a-b connected using clasps 411a-d connected to the openings 422a-d. The clasps 411a-d may be provided with the bracelets 412a-b as bracelet clasps, or the bracelets 412a-b may be modified as such. This method of attachment is an alternative to sliding the bracelets 412a-b through the openings 421a-d in the flaps 421a-b, as described above and shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows two example fastening devices 510a-b with crystals 540a-b or other decoration (or “bling”). Also in this example, the fastening devices 510a-b are shown without any visible openings for connecting the bracelets. That is, openings may (or may not) be provided. For example, openings may be provided on the underside and thus are not visible in the top plan view. In another example, the fastening devices 510a-b may not have any openings, wherein the bracelet (if used) can be held within the same opening of the band portions 516a-b which wrap around the watchband 514. In addition, the fastening devices 510a-b may be used without a bracelet as a decorative element itself for the watchband 514.

FIG. 6 shows example fastening devices 610a-b having windows 642a-b formed through the band portions 616a-b, so that the watchband 614 is visible (at least partly visible) even when the fastening devices 610a-b are slid onto the watchband. Although circular windows 642a-b are shown in FIG. 6, any shape window (or plural windows) may be provided.

FIG. 7 shows example fastening devices 710a-b without any flaps (such as the flaps 21a-b shown in FIG. 1). In this example, the openings for attaching the bracelets are provided as rings 744a-d and 745a-d sewn or otherwise attached to the band portions 616a-b of the fastening devices 710a-b. In this example, the bracelets 712a-b are shown attached to the fastening devices 710a-b with separate clasps 746a-d. That is, the clasps 746a-d are not connected on the bracelet itself, but rather the bracelets 712a-b are provided through the clasps 746a-d and the clasps 746a-d are attached to the rings 744a-d on the fastening devices 710a-b.

FIG. 8 shows examples fastening devices 810a-b, again without any flaps. In this example, the openings for attaching the bracelets (not shown) are provided as rings 844a-d and 845a-d connected by corresponding links 848a-d and 849a-d (e.g., a single chain element or wire) to the band portions 816a-b of the fastening devices 810a-b.

In another example, both side flaps may be opened by snapping (or pulling in the case of VELCRO®) the top layer from the bottom layer, thereby fully separating the top and bottom portions of the band portion of the fastening device. In this example, the fastening device becomes two separate portions (e.g., halves) that are mirror images of each other that can be assembled together by the wearer onto the watch band.

FIGS. 9 a-e are illustrations of other example fastening devices. FIGS. 9a and 9b show top views of example fastening device 910a and 910b, respectively. Fastening devices 910a-b are. similar, but fastening device 910a includes decorative seams 911, whereas fastening device 910b is a “plain” configuration. FIG. 9c is a perspective view of the fastening device 910a shown in FIG. 9a so that a “hidden” elastic band 912 can be seen on the underside of the fastening device 910a. FIGS. 9d and 9e show the underside of the fastening device 910a and another example fastening device 910a′, respectively. Fastening device 910a includes a rectangular metal fastener 913, where the band portion goes through three metal (or other material) “holder” loops 914a-c. Fastening device 910a′ includes a square metal fastener 913′, where the band portion goes through two metal (or other material) “holder” loops 914a′ and 194b′. Of course, other numbers of loops and other sizes and configurations of fastener (e.g., circles) may also be used.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ may be positioned above, and are connected to, the elastic band portion of the fastening devices to go around the open end of the watch band. In effect, the fasteners 913 and 913′ hide the elastic band, in particular as the fasteners 913 and 913′ may extend on both sides beyond the “hidden” elastic band. The fasteners 913 and 913′ may also have side flaps with small openings.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ may be smooth and/or decorative on the top (finished) side. The underside has thin, narrow metal openings (e.g., on the left, center and/or right) that descend slightly and run the width of the fasteners 913 and 913′, and are large enough to receive the thin “hidden” elastic portion of the band, which passes through in a closed loop. In effect, the elastic band runs through openings that are connected from the underside (non-finished side) of the fasteners 913 and 913′. It is the hidden closed loop that receives the open end of the watch band, just as the other examples described above.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ can have all the same variations in edges and flaps and small openings as previously described. However, the edges and/or flaps in this particular formulation can be flush with the fasteners 913 and 913′, or offset (e.g., by a 1/16th of an inch) by a piece of metal. These examples provide a high-end, substantial look and may be appealing to some demographics of watch buyers.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A fastening device to be worn on an arm, comprising: a band portion having an opening formed in the band portion, the opening sized to slide onto a watchband;an edge portion on either or both sides of the band portion, and at least one opening provided with the edge portion for attaching a bracelet or other jewelry, wherein the bracelet or other jewelry is held substantially adjacent to the watchband when worn on the arm so that the bracelet or other jewelry does not slide up and down the arm.

2. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising at least one flap on the edge portion, wherein the opening provided with the edge portion is provided on the flap.

3. The fastening device of claim 2, wherein the opening provided with the edge portion is provided through the flap.

4. The fastening device of claim 2, wherein the opening provided with the edge portion is a ring connected to the flap.

5. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener.

6. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein 91 the band portion is resilient.

7. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising complementary jewelry configured to connect to the opening provided with the edge portion.

8. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising complementary jewelry configured to snap into the opening provided with the edge portion.

9. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bracelet connects to the edge portion by sliding through the opening provided with the edge portion.

10. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bracelet connects to the edge portion by attaching on either end directly to the opening provided with the edge portion.

11. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising a clasp to connect around the bracelet and to the opening provided with the edge portion.

12. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the band portion is configured to attach at a buckle of the watchband.

13. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising at least one window formed through the band portion so that the watchband is visible through the at least one opening.

14. A method of using a fastening device to hold a bracelet together with a watchband worn on an arm, comprising: providing a band portion of the fastening device with an opening to slide onto the watchband;providing an opening with an edge portion of the fastening device to attach the bracelet or other jewelry; andwherein the fastening device holds the bracelet or other jewelry together with the watchband when worn on the arm to reduce sliding on the arm.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a flap on the edge portion.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting the band portion to fit different size watchbands.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing complementary jewelry to connect with the edge portion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the complementary jewelry snaps into an opening associated with the edge portion.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a window through the band portion of the fastening device so that the watchband is visible.

20. A fastening device for holding a bracelet in substantial alignment with a watchband worn on an arm, comprising: means for sliding onto the watchband;means for attaching the bracelet to the means for sliding onto the watchband so that the bracelet is held together with the watchband when worn on the arm so that the bracelet or other jewelry does not slide on the arm.