WRISTBAND CLASP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A wristband assembly is provided having a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap. Each strap has a plurality of apertures arranged thereon such that the apertures on each strap align, allowing for prongs of a clasp member to pass through and connect each strap. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard. Each prong has a first lip and a second lip, both of which are slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged with the clasp member. When the two straps are connected via the clasp member, the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps forming a wristband.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wrist-worn devices and, more particularly, to wrist-worn devices including a wristband clasp having a snag-guard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wristband clasp is used to secure two straps of a wristband together around a user's wrist. Many different styles of wristband clasps exist, most of which are permanently connected to the end of one strap of the wristband and engage the other strap in order to adjustably connect the two straps. These wristband claps generally allow the overlapping portion of the other strap exposed with the potential of being snagged during everyday use. To guard against snagging, most wristband clasps have a loop through which the end of the other strap is threaded. This acts to retain the overlapping portion of the other strap to prevent snagging; however, the slidable nature of this loop allows for the other strap to slip out or the loop to slip off the other strap.

Existing wristbands typically have a clasp for connecting the two straps and a separate snag-guard or loop to deal with the excess portion of the connecting strap. These wristband loops are configured to engage the overlapping portion of the other strap by snap connecting or other means for detachable engagement. These types of wristband loops act as a snag guard simply by securing the overlapping portion of the other strap to the connecting strap; however, the end of the other strap is generally left unguarded. Even though this end is a small portion, it is still susceptible to snagging.

Therefore, an improved wristband clasp that connects the two straps and simultaneously acts as a snag guard that is easily adjustable to the wearer's wrist is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a wristband clasp assembly defining of a hollow body for receiving a pair of straps of a wristband. The hollow body has an upper lateral bar disposed above the straps and a lower lateral bar that is disposed below the straps, when worn. The body includes one or more prongs extending from one of the bars passing through corresponding apertures defined by the straps. The upper and lower bars can be offset from each other to inhibit the strap from detaching from the prongs.

More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a wristband assembly is provided having a first strap and a second strap. Each strap has a plurality of apertures arranged thereon such that the apertures on each strap align, allowing for prongs of a clasp member to pass through and connect each strap. The clasp member secures the first strap to the second strap, and has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. A plurality of prongs extending from the lower lateral bar configured to pass through the corresponding apertures defined on the first strap and the second strap, thereby securing the straps together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. In this arrangement, the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard

In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, each prong of the clasp member has an upper lip, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the lower lateral bar and the upper lip. Each lip is slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged. The distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the second lip and the first lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap.

When the two straps are connected via the clasp member, the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps.

The prongs of the lower lateral bar and the corresponding apertures of the straps can be triangular. Additionally, the prongs and corresponding apertures of the straps can be arranged in a straight line, traversing the width of the lower lateral bar and the straps. Alternatively, the prongs and corresponding apertures of the straps can be arranged in an offset alignment. The upper lateral bar can have a ridge at its edge to further prevent inadvertent snagging.

In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon in alignment. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard and has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the first strap and the second strap to secure the straps together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. Each prong extending from the upper lateral bar has an upper lip, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the upper lateral bar and the upper lip. Each of these lips is slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, such that the distance between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap. The clasp member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp member is engaged with both straps.

In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon in alignment. The clasp member secures the first strap to the second strap, and has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper lateral bar has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, the prongs capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the first strap. The lower lateral bar has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, the lower prongs capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the second strap. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are far enough apart to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. The prongs of the upper lateral bar each have a lip disposed at the end, the distance between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the lip being sufficient receive the thickness of the first strap, wherein the lip is slightly wider than the corresponding apertures of the first strap such that when engaged with the first strap, the lip retains the first strap. The prongs of the lower lateral bar each have a lip disposed at the end, the distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the lip being sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, wherein the lip is slightly wider than the corresponding apertures of the second strap such that when engaged with the second strap, the lip retains the second strap. The clasp member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp member is engaged with both straps.

The embodiment utilizing prongs on the upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar, the corresponding apertures of the first strap do not need to match those of the second strap.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a wristband assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the wristband assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2E is a front view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2F is a back view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of clasp member engaged with the second strap of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp member engaged with the second strap of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of yet another alternative embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1A-B, there is shown a wristband assembly 10 having a first strap 12 and a second strap 14, connected by a clasp member 20. The first strap 12 and the second strap 14 have a plurality of apertures 16 that align with each strap 12, 14, allowing the wearer to adjust the size of the wristband assembly 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-2F, the clasp member 20 has an upper lateral bar 22 that is disposed above the straps 12, 14 and a lower lateral bar 24 that is disposed below the straps 12, 14, when worn. The upper lateral bar 22 and the lower lateral bar 24 are substantially flat, in order to be flush with the straps 12, 14 when engaged. The upper lateral bar 22 and the lower lateral bar 24 are connected by two sidewalls 23. The upper lateral bar 22 is positioned such that when the last set of apertures 40 of the second strap 14 are engaged with the prongs 26. As such, the strap 14 is disengaged from the clasp member 20 by lifting the first strap 12 from an intermediate portion of the strap 14.

A plurality of prongs 26 extend out from the lower lateral bar 24, designed to pass through corresponding apertures 16 defined on both the first 12 and second 14 straps. The prongs 26 are disposed proximate to the front edge of the lower lateral bar 24, such that the remaining portion of the lower lateral bar 24 can sufficiently support the straps 12, 14 when engaged. The upper lateral bar 22 is offset from the lower lateral bar 24 in order to inhibit the first strap 12 from disengaging from the prongs 26 if the end of the first strap 12 is snagged on an object.

In an exemplary embodiment, the prongs 26 and corresponding apertures 16 on the straps 12, 14, are triangular. As best seen in FIGS. 2E-F, each prong 26 extends from the lower lateral bar 24, having an intermediate lip 28 at an intermediate portion, and an upper lip 30 spaced distally therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper lip is disposed atop the prong. The intermediate lip 28 and the upper lip 30 are sized sufficiently larger than the shaft 29 of the prong 26, and the corresponding size of the apertures 16 to require a small amount of force when pressing the prongs 26 through each aperture 16. The straps 12, 14 are made of an elastic material so that each aperture 16 can expand when the lip 28, 30 of the prongs 26 pass through the apertures 16. The upper lip 30 is disposed below the upper lateral bar 22, allowing sufficient space to sandwich the second strap 14 between the intermediate lip 28 and the lower lateral bar 24. The distance between the intermediate lip 28 and the upper lip 30 is sufficient to sandwich the first strap 12 therebetween.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, when the clasp member 20 is engaged with the second strap 14, the prongs 26 push all the way through the desired set of apertures 16 on the second strap 14, such that the second strap 14 is secured by being sandwiched between lower lateral bar 24 and the intermediate lip 28 of the prongs. Once the clasp member 20 is secured to the second strap 14 at the desired location, the first strap 12 is then connected. The first strap 12 is pulled around the user's wrist, and then pushed down on the clasp member 20 such that the prongs 16, extending up through the second strap 14, engage with the desired set of apertures 16 on the first strap 12. As discussed below, the overlap of the first strap 12 with the clasp member 20 can be changed.

The arrangement and shape of the prongs 26 and corresponding apertures 16 of the straps 12, 14 can vary. In the depicted embodiment, the prongs 26 are triangular, and arranged in straight line. Alternative embodiments could have more, or less, prongs or different shapes, e.g. circular, rectangular, etc. as exemplified in FIG. 4. Additionally, the prongs 26 could be arranged in an offset alignment, or be arranged in multiple columns and/or rows. The arrangement and shape of the prongs 26 should substantially match those of the apertures 16 along each strap 12, 14. In variations, the shape of each prong and corresponding aperture could be arranged with different geometric shapes and alignments. For example, each row of apertures could have a circular prong and a rectangular prong, where the corresponding row of apertures has a circular aperture and a rectangular aperture. Any variation in shape, size, or arrangement of the prongs and apertures can be used, so long as the apertures of both straps align with each other and correspond with the arrangement of the prongs.

In an alternative embodiment, the prongs 26 could be arranged in a rectangular orientation, where the first row is only tall enough to engage the second strap 14 and the second row is tall enough to engage both straps 12, 14. In this configuration, the clasp member 20 is engaged with the second strap 14 through both rows of prongs 26, where the first strap 12 is only engaged by the second, taller row.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-B, the second strap 14 of the wristband assembly 10 is depicted. As shown, the clasp member 20 is engaged with the second strap 14. The prongs 26 of the clasp member 20 are pushed through the desired set of apertures 16 on the second strap 14. The length of the prongs 26 is sufficient to extend above the second strap 14 to securely engage the apertures 16 of the first strap 12 when engaged therewith, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-B, positioning of the clasp member 20 on the second strap 14, the size of the strap assembly can be adjusted by engaging the prongs 26 with the apertures 16 of the second strap 14 at the desired position. The upper lateral bar 22 of the clasp member 20 is arranged such that it prevents the edge of the first strap 12 from being snagged and disconnecting from the clasp member 20. When the first strap 12 is engaged with the clasp member 20, the end of the first strap 12 is guarded by the upper lateral bar 22 of the clasp member 20. Alternatively, the first strap 12 can also be engaged with the prongs 26 of the clasp member 20 at an intermediate location, with the end of the first strap 12 guided below the upper lateral bar 22. In either configuration, the upper lateral bar 22 acts as a snag guard to prevent the first strap 12 from inadvertent disengagement from the clasp member 20. When the end of the first strap 12 is engaged with the prongs 26 of the clasp member 20, the upper lateral bar 22 guards the first strap 12 from being lifted from the end. When the apertures 16 in the intermediate portion of the first strap 12 are engaged with the clasp member 20, the end of the first strap 12 is threaded between the upper 22 and lower lateral bars 24. In this configuration, if the end of the first strap 12 gets snagged on something that lifts the end of the first strap 12 upward, the upper lateral bar 22 will absorb the force and keep the intermediate portion of the first strap 12 engaged with the prongs 26 of the clasp member 20.

The clasp member 20 is not permanently connected to either strap 12, 14 of the wristband assembly 10. The clasp member 20 can engage any of set of apertures 26 on either strap 12, 14. This allows the clasp member 20 to be positioned such that the upper lateral bar 22 acts as an anti-snag barrier covering the end of the first strap 12. It also allows the user to attach the clasp member 20 to the second strap 14 at the location that best fits the user's wrist when the first strap 12 is connected. Even when the first strap 12 extends through the clasp member 20, the upper lateral bar 22 prevents the first strap 12 from disengaging the clasp member 20. If the tip edge of the first strap 12 catches on something and bends backward, the upper lateral bar 22 prevents the strap 12 from detaching from the prongs 26.

Additionally, since the clasp member 20 is not permanently connected to either strap 12, 14, it allows the wristband assembly 10 to be easily modified to cater to left-handed users.

In use, the user of the wristband assembly 10 wraps the straps 12, 14 around his or her wrist to determine which aperture set 26 and alignment fits the user's wrist. Then the user slides the second strap 14 through the clasp member 20, that is, between the upper 22 and lower lateral bars 24 to the desired set of apertures 16 and presses the strap 14 down, snap-fitting the prongs 26 through said apertures 16. The prongs 26 are pressed through the second strap 14, passing over the second lip 30, and over the intermediate lip 28 until the intermediate lip 28 of the prongs 26 has secured the second strap 14. The remaining length of the prongs 26 and the upper lip 30, stick out above the second strap 14. After connecting the clasp member 20 to the second strap 14, the user connects the first strap 12 to the clasp member 20. The user will arrange the fit of the wristband assembly 10 such that the last set of apertures 40 on the first strap 12 engages the remaining length of the prongs 26. After pressing the first strap 12 down over the prongs 26, the wristband assembly 10 is secure. As shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B, the back edge of the upper lateral bar 22 is positioned ahead of the end of the first strap 12. This prevents the tip of the first strap 12 from inadvertent snagging and disengagement from the clasp member 20.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the prongs 26 are located on the upper lateral bar 22, extending downward therefrom. In this embodiment, the clasp member 20 is connected to the first strap 12 (outer strap) at the end portion, and then the second strap 14 (inner strap) is threaded through the clasp member 20 to the desired position and then engaged with the prongs 26 in the corresponding apertures 16.

In yet another alternative embodiment, depicted in FIG. 6, both lateral bars 22, 24 have prongs 26 extending therefrom. The upper lateral bar 22 has prongs 52 facing downward, and the lower lateral bar 24 has prongs 54 facing upwards. The prongs 26 on each bar 22, 24 are sized to engage with only one strap. The upper prongs 52 on the upper lateral bar 22 engage with the first strap 12 and the lower prongs 54 on the lower lateral bar 24 engage with the second strap 14.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a wristband assembly having a clasp member that acts as the connector of the two straps, and simultaneously acts as a snag-guard.

The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a first strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of apertures; anda clasp member, that secures the first strap and the second strap, the clasp member having: an upper lateral bar, and a lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard, the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, capable of passing through the one or more apertures of the first strap and the plurality of apertures of the second strap to secure the straps together;each prong having an upper lip disposed at the top, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the lower lateral bar and the upper lip, each lip being slightly larger than the apertures through which the prongs pass through, wherein the distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap.

2. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs and the apertures of the first and second straps are triangular.

3. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned laterally.

4. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in an offset alignment.

5. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along the edge thereof to prevent snagging.

6-16. (canceled)

17. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a first strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of apertures; anda clasp member, that secures the first strap and the second strap, the clasp member having an upper lateral bar, and a lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard, the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending transversely therefrom, capable of passing through the one or more apertures of the first strap and the plurality of apertures of the second strap to secure the straps together, each prong having an upper lip disposed at the top, each lip being slightly larger than the apertures through which the prongs pass through.

18. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the prongs and the apertures of the first and second straps are triangular.

19. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned laterally.

20. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in an offset alignment.

21. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the upper lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along the edge thereof to prevent snagging.

22. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps forming a wristband.

23. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a first strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of apertures; anda clasp member, that secures the first strap and the second strap, the clasp member having an upper lateral bar, and a lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard, the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending transversely therefrom, each prong having an upper lip disposed at the top, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the lower lateral bar and the upper lip, each lip being slightly larger than the apertures through which the prongs pass through, wherein the distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap

24. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the prongs and the apertures of the first and second straps are triangular.

25. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned laterally.

26. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the prongs and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in an offset alignment.

27. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the upper lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along the edge thereof to prevent snagging.

28. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps forming a wristband.