Patent Application
20230354969
Not Applicable
The present invention pertains generally to watch-repair tools and, more particularly, to tools for separating a watch case from a watchband.
Generally, a wristwatch includes a case and a watchband (or simply “band”). The case carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch, including the face. The band extends away from the case, so as to be able to wrap around the wrist of a user, thereby securing the wristwatch to the user. In some instances, the case and band are integral. However, more typically, the band is a separate part that is attached to the case. In some embodiments, the case includes a pin that captures the band, thereby attaching the band to the case. To detach the band from the case, the pin needs to be removed. In some instances, band removal is accomplished with a special tool. However, in many instances, a user needs to visit a specialty store or have the assistance of technician in order to remove the band.
Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,327,520, assigned to Apple Inc., discloses an attachment system for connecting and releasing a removable module that interfaces with some portion of a wearable electronic device (such as a watch). For example, a watch can include locking mechanisms that allow a user to connect a watchband to a watch housing by moving the watchband directly toward the watch housing. An attachment unit of a watchband can be moved in a direction along its own longitudinal axis to securely engage the watch housing. Once engaged, one or more locking mechanisms limit longitudinal movement of the attachment unit away from the watch housing. One or more locking mechanisms also limit lateral movement of the attachment unit with respect to the watch housing until a user releases the one or more locking mechanisms and enables the lateral movement.
A need is still felt for an easy-to-use tool that allows a user to manipulate a wristwatch case so as to detach a band from the case without the assistance of a technician or other watch professional.
Disclosed herein are various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept.
In various example embodiments according to the present general inventive concept, a watchband release button spanner tool includes a central spanner body and two watch pin engagement tabs that extend from opposing sides of the spanner body. The spanner body generally comprises a substantially disc-shaped body with a watch-facing surface and an opposing surface, along with at least one or two raised lip portions situated near the perimeter or outer edge of the spanner body. Each pin engagement tab includes a raised knob member that protrudes from the pin engagement tab from the watch-facing surface, and each raised knob member is surmounted by a watch case release pin engagement probe configured to interact with a wristwatch case release pin in order to engage the release pin so as to permit separation of a band segment from the watch case.
To separate band segments and from a case, release pins on the case are depressed. To use the watchband release button spanner tool, the tool is positioned over the case, with the watch-facing surface of the spanner body oriented such that one watch pin engagement tab positioned proximate each release pin. A user presses the each watch pin engagement tab in turn (or both or all simultaneously) so that the pin engagement probes depress the release pins, thereby releasing the band segments.
In some embodiments, the spanner body is substantially circular in shape. In some embodiments, the spanner body is substantially square, rectangular, or oval shaped.
In some embodiments, the watchband release button spanner tool is fabricated from a molded plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic makes a distinctive clicking sound when the pin engagement tabs are pressed during use.
In some embodiments of the watchband release button spanner tool, the spanner member is approximately 40 millimeters in diameter; this diameter permits a reasonably good fit with the dimensions of some wristwatches marketed to women. In some embodiments, the spanner member is approximately 44 millimeters in diameter; this diameter permits a reasonably good fit with the dimensions of some wristwatches marketed to men.
The above-mentioned and additional features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:
Reference will now be made to the example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments are described herein in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.
The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modification, and equivalents of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of fabrication operations described are merely examples, however, and the sequence type of operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, description of well-known functions and constructions may be simplified and/or omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.
Note that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
As noted above, a wristwatch generally includes a case and a band. The case carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch, including the face. The band extends away from the case, typically in two segments or portions, each one radiating away from opposing sides of the case. The band segments are wrapped around the wrist of a user and then joined (through one of multiple known means or mechanisms), thereby securing the wristwatch to the user’s wrist. Typically, the band is a separate part that is attached to the case. In some embodiments, such as with smartwatches produced by Apple Inc., the case includes a pin that captures the band, thereby attaching the band to the case. To detach the band from the case, the pin needs to be removed. In some instances, band removal is accomplished with a special tool.
Turning to the Figures,
In some embodiments, the watchband release button spanner tool is fabricated from a molded plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic makes a distinctive clicking sound when the pin engagement tabs are pressed during use.
In some embodiments of the watchband release button spanner tool, the spanner member is approximately 40 millimeters in diameter; this diameter permits a reasonably good fit with the dimensions of some wristwatches marketed to women. In some embodiments, the spanner member is approximately 44 millimeters in diameter; this diameter permits a reasonably good fit with the dimensions of some wristwatches marketed to men.
Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide an easy-to-use tool that allows a user to manipulate a wristwatch case so as to detach a band from the case without the assistance of a technician or other watch professional.
Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated.
It is noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings included in the present application do not illustrate all the various connections and assemblies of the various components, however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement such connections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components, figures, and descriptions provided herein, using sound engineering judgment. Numerous variations, modification, and additional embodiments are possible, and, accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant’s general inventive concept.
This Application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 63/339,229, filed May 6, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63339229 | May 2022 | US |
