FOLDING STRAP FOR THE WRIST WITH FOLD-UP STRAP

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wrist encircling folding bracelet comprising a strap and a body connected to the band (2), with a first end module comprising at least two rigid arcuate elements, a reversibly deformable part comprising a multi stable element, the multi stable element assuming a stabilized shape both in a linear orientation and in a rolled-up orientation, and a second rigid module on which the band is arranged, comprising a multi stable element, said multi stable element assuming a stabilized shape both in a linear orientation and in a coiled orientation, and a second rigid module on which said strap is arranged, said strap being freely oscillating with respect to said body.

Description

The folding wrist bracelet with a hinged strap is a wearable device. It can be used for everyday use or for special occasions. The present invention avoids the problem of known wristbands of not being able to remove the wristband quickly and conveniently with a hand movement. The wristband can take on a flat shape when removed and can be put back on with a single hand movement. The bracelet can be put on and taken off with one hand. Essentially, the wristband has a body 1 and a strap 2. FIG. 1.

The present invention relates to a hinged bracelet according to claim 1.

The body may comprise at least one of the following elements: A large module 3, preferably curved, preferably comprising 2 rigid elements which may be connected by a hinge.

A movable part 4, which can also be called reversibly deformable, preferably comprising a multistable element, and/or a small module 5 which can be connected to the hinged strap with magnetic fastener. The bracelet can be folded thanks to the multistable element in the movable part 4 of the bracelet, the strap being folded over by the small module 5 moving along the circumference of the wrist and the magnetic clasp 7 connecting to the large module 3. In this state, the wristband/bracelet is put on and magnetically closed (FIG. 2). Preferably, the small module 5 can be provided as an extension of the multistable element, in particular as part of the body. This can be beneficial to the kinematics of the bracelet when it is closed, while the multistable element makes a change from one stable state to another, swinging the strap 2 around the wrist.

“Large module” and “small module” can be understood in particular as relative properties, namely that one module is larger than the other.

The bracelet is tightened by gripping the large module 3 with the free hand and guiding it in a straight line perpendicular to the wrist to which it is tightened; in doing so, the bracelet automatically folds up as the linearly aligned multistable element rolls up and closes, as shown in FIG. 2. In order for the bracelet according to the invention to close properly, and to do so for wrists of different sizes, the strap can, unlike the known slap bracelet, be fixed to a sliding fastener 7 with a specially designed clamp that allows the strap to be cut to the required length. However, other ways of fastening the clasp 7 to the strap 2 are also conceivable in principle.

According to the invention, a wrist-enclosing hinged bracelet may be provided comprising a strap and a body connected to the strap, with a first end module comprising at least one/two rigid/shape-stable and/or arcuate elements, a reversibly deformable part, which comprises a multistable element, the multistable element assuming a stabilised shape both in a linear orientation and in a rolled-up orientation, and a second rigid/shape-stable module on which the strap is arranged preferably in extension of the body and/or freely oscillating.

The second module according to the present invention may be arranged at an end of the body opposite the first module.

A magnetic clasp can be used to lock the two ends of the bracelet, which automatically engages and locks due to its design.

In the connected state, the clamp 6 according to the invention encloses the strap 2 from both sides, whereby an edge or serration of the clamp 6 can be introduced into the strap 2 in order to strengthen its hold on the strap and increase its frictional connection.

By means of the sliding lock 7 shown in FIG. 3, the two scissor-like wings of the clamp 6 can be fixed in their connecting/force-locking position with the strap 2.

Preferably, the wings of the clamp 6 have, relative to its folding axis 8, on a side opposite the edge or payment, at least one respective spring or lug which corresponds to a groove of the sliding fastening and can be fixed therein in the connected state.

In the operationally correct connection state of the sliding fastener 7 and clamp 6, opening of the wings of the clamp 6 is prevented, as the springs or lugs must be moved in opposite directions to each other about the axis 8 in order to open the clamp 6.

Alternatively, opening can also be prevented by the sliding fastener 7 resting against the surfaces of the clamp 6 facing the sliding fastener 7 and thus preventing a relative displacement of the wings of the clamp 6 with respect to each other (FIG. 3).

The clamp may have two parts in the form of a yoke connected by the axle 8, in the form of a cylindrical joint, in such a way that on one side of the axle the ends of the two parts/wings form a clamp 6 and on the other side the opposite ends of the same parts form a special element which takes the form of a nose/spring when the clamp 6 is closed with the strap 2 inserted therein. The clamp 6 in its closed position is thereby fixed by the fastening in the sliding fastener 7 by a kind of tongue and groove connection.

When closed, the clamp 6 holds the flat material of the strap 2 therein and can be attached to the rigid element 7. To release the strap, the clamp 6 is disengaged from the sliding fastener 7 by a pushing motion, causing the two parts of the clamp 6 to move as a hinge, releasing the strap, as shown in FIG. 4.

To attach the strap 2 to the sliding fastener 7 using the clamp 6, the strap is inserted into the side opposite the nose/spring between the two parts of the clamp 6, preferably up to the axis 8, after which the clamp 6 is closed and holds the strap 2 in place. This forms the nose/spring on the other side, which can then be inserted into the sliding fastener 7.

This clamp 6 is a reusable and quick fastener for various straps 2 and fasteners, which is characterised by its reusability, simple construction, quick fastening and secure fixing. It can be used in cases where it is necessary to reattach the strap to the clamp e.g. due to material wear, resizing or replacement.

When closed or on the wrist, the bracelet can have a uniformly rounded outer shape, which can be characterised by rounded bevels of the edges, elements and details of the bracelet. For this reason, the bracelet does not stick to clothes and creates a pleasant tactile feeling.

The bracelet can be pulled out by gripping the large module 3 with the free hand, releasing the magnetic lock with one finger and pulling the whole bracelet off the wrist in such a way that the small module 5 is pressed onto the wrist. When open, the strap straightens and assumes a J-shape, which it can hold thanks to the multistable element. When this happens, the strap folds onto the outside of the wristband, as can be seen in FIG. 5.

The multi-stable element can be designed as follows:

The multi-stable element may have two bistable flat springs held together by two flat rigid plates arranged at their opposite ends and parallel to the roll-up axis of the springs (FIG. 6). Preferably, this leaves a rectangular gap between the flat springs.

Bistable springs preferably have the shape of an elongated (metal) plate, which has a (uniformly) curved/arched shape transverse to its longitudinal direction. Due to this shape, bistable springs are characterised by formstability in two different states. As known, for example, from toy hinged bracelets, a single bistable spring is form stable when it is linearly aligned. When overcoming a first bending resistance, the spring rolls/bends into a form stable second state with a defined radius.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the rigid plates are joined to the bistable springs, preferably by laser welding, with an arcuate seam/bend which preferably overlaps the plate to a depth corresponding to the width of a spring.

The part of the bistable spring that rests on the plate is preferably flattened.

At least one of the panels can preferably partially or completely overlap with the small module 3, form a spatial unit or at least be provided in the same area.

Preferably, said buckling (line) 9 is formed at end portions of the bistable spring. An end section can be described as a part of the bistable spring in the (immediate/adjacent) vicinity of the rigid plates, in particular in a transition area to a part of the bistable spring connected to the rigid plate.

Basically, a kink is preferably a narrow, straight section of a spring element where the original curve preferably becomes a straight line in a cross-sectional view.

When looking at the spring from the side, it can look like a wave in the area of the bend.

An elastic polymer layer can be applied to the entire surface of the springs, except for the ends, which not only serves to dampen the bending/unbending action and extend the life of the spring, but can also reduce the noise during operation of the element. The bistable springs may have additional buckling lines 10. The buckling lines may be provided to separate individual sections of the bistable spring. Thus, activation of a single section results only in a change of shape of the activated part, leaving separated sections of the bistable spring in their original (stretched) orientation.

According to a preferred embodiment, bend lines are provided at each end of the at least one bistable spring adjacent to the rigid plates. As a result, the two bistable springs are decoupled and a transition of a bending force is not transmitted from one spring to the other. Consequently, both springs must be activated (e.g. pressed) for the bistable element to actually transition into a rolled shape.

The present invention has the following advantages:

Distinguishes itself by the following:

The design used allows for special wristband kinematics that make the wristband easy, quick and comfortable to put on and take off with one hand. This feature is particularly relevant in cases where the wristband has to be put on and taken off frequently.

• • 1. When open, the strap preferably has a J-shape and the strap is unfolded on the outside of the body.
  • 2. When the bracelet is put on, the body with the built-in multistable element folds up (rolls up), causing the hinged strap to swing around the wrist and close thanks to the magnetic clasp (6) on the body.
  • 3. When the wristband is taken off, it returns to its J-shape and the strap is unfolded and swung back into its previous position.
  • 4. When tightened, the body encloses most of the wrist, with the other part enclosed by the strap.
  • 5. The hinged and detachable strap allows the length of the bracelet to be adjusted to fit any wrist.
  • 6. The hinge connection of the two parts of the large module 3 dampens the mechanical action and increases the reliability and comfort when wearing the bracelet.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • Body—1
  • strap—2
  • Large module—3
  • Moving part—4
  • small module—5
  • Magnetic fastener—6
  • Sliding fastener—7;
  • Clamp—8;
  • Axis—9

Claims

1. A wrist wrapping folding bracelet comprising a strap (2),a body (1), which is connected to the strap (2), with a first module (3) arranged at the end of the body, comprising at least one form stable, preferably arc-shaped, element,a reversibly deformable member (4) comprising a multi stable element, the multi stable element assuming a stabilized shape in both a linear orientation and a rolled-up orientation; anda second, preferably form stable, module (5) on which the strap (2) is arranged.

2. Folding bracelet according to claim 1wherein the strap (2) is removable from the body (1).

3. Folding bracelet according to claim 1wherein the first module 3 is formed in two parts, the at least two elements are formed in the shape of an arc and are connected by a hinge, as a result of which the mechanical action on the bracelet during the transition of the multi stable element (5) from one stable state to the other is damped.

4. Folding bracelet according to claim 1wherein a magnetic fastening part is arranged on the strap, to which a corresponding fastening part is provided at an end of the body (1) opposite the strap (2), in particular the first module (3).

5. Folding bracelet according to claim 1Wherein the first module (3) is larger than the second module (5).

6. Folding bracelet according to claim 1wherein the strap (2) is arranged to oscillate freely with respect to the body.