Arm-Wearable Device and Timepiece

This application claims priority and benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-094784, filed on Jun. 12, 2024, the entire contents, including the description, claims and drawings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to an arm-wearable device and a timepiece.

Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3088951 describes a timepiece equipped with an arm-wearable band that is elastic in its longitudinal direction. Such a timepiece is easily wearable on and detachable from the arm.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an arm-wearable device including: a device main body; and a band that includes a part that has elasticity and a part that allows adjustment of a length of the band by a method other than elasticity, wherein the band is configured such that the length of the band is adjustable as a whole.

An embodiment of an arm-wearable device according to the present disclosure is described with reference toto. In the following embodiment, the arm-wearable device is a timepiece (wristwatch) wearable on the arm (e.g., wrist). Hereinafter, the arm-wearable device is simply referred to as a timepiece. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this embodiment.

As illustrated in, the timepieceas the arm-wearable device includes a device main body and a bandthat is attached to the device main body. In this embodiment, the device main body is the timepiece main body. The timepiece main bodyincludes a main body caseand a pair of band attachment parts. The band attachment partsare provided at opposite positions on the main body case. The opposite positions are the ends corresponding to 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock of an analog timepiece, for example. In, the band attachment partis at the end corresponding to 12 o'clock, and the band attachment partis at the end corresponding to 6 o'clock. In the embodiment, the band attachment partsandhave the same shape and configuration. When simply referred to as “the band attachment part”, the band attachment partmay include both the band attachment partsand

Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3088951 describes a timepiece equipped with an arm-wearable band that is elastic in its longitudinal direction. Such a timepiece is easily wearable on and detachable from the arm.

However, the thickness of the arm greatly differs among individuals. When one type of band is applied to various arms, wearers feel differently even if the band is elastic. The band may be loose for some wearers but may be tight for other wearers. Some wearers may feel too tight. Further, a wearer may wear the arm-wearable device (e.g., timepiece) on his/her arm directly or over his/her clothing, depending on the situation. Elasticity of the band alone is not enough for dealing with such cases.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arm-wearable device and a timepiece that are easily attachable and detachable and that allow easy adjustment of the band length.

The back surface side of the main body caseis covered by a back cover.is a perspective view of the timepieceviewed from the back coverside. Although not illustrated, an operation receiver, such as a press button(s) and a crown, is provided on the lateral side of the main body case. The main body casealso houses not-illustrated modules, such as a display. The timepiecemay include an analog display including hands (not illustrated). The timepiecemay include a digital display including a liquid crystal display. The timepiecemay include a hybrid display having both the digital and analog displays.

The bandincludes a part that has elasticity and a part that allows adjustment of the band length by a method other than elasticity. Specifically, the bandincludes a band main body, a connection member, and a loop member. The loop membercorresponds to the part that has elasticity, as described later. In this embodiment, the length of the band main bodyis adjustable at a buckle, which is described later. The band main bodycorresponds to the “part that allows adjustment of the band length by a method other than elasticity”. Thus, the bandincludes the part that has elasticity and the part that allows adjustment of the band length by a method other than elasticity, so that the length of the bandis adjustable as a whole.

The band main bodyincludes a band part, an end piece, the buckle, and a free ring. The band partis made of nylon fiber, for example, and has a long belt shape. The length of the band partis not limited to a specific length. Preferably, the length of the band partis equal to or longer than the outer circumference of the arm (especially the wrist) of an average adult, for example. One end (the base end) of the band partis fastened to one end of the end piece(a band part fastening partdescribed later). To fasten the band part, the band partis wound around the end piece, and the end parts of the band partare sewn together, for example. The method of fastening the band partto the end pieceis not specifically limited. The band partmay be fastened by glue or screws, for example. As illustrated in, the other end (free end) of the band partis folded back at the buckleso that the free end of the band partcomes at the timepiece main bodyside. The free end of the band partfolded back at the buckleis inserted to the free ring. Thus, the free end side of the band partoverlaps with the base end side of the band part, and this overlapping state is maintained.

One end of the end pieceis the band part fastening partfor fastening the band part. The other end of the end pieceis a main body attachment partto be attached to the band attachment part. In the example of, the main body attachment partof the end pieceis attached to the band attachment partat the 6 o'clock position of the timepiece main body. The band attachment parthas a recess for receiving the main body attachment part, and the main body attachment partis a projection that fits to the recess, for example. The main body attachment parthas a through holethat passes through the main body attachment partin the band width direction W (see, for example). The recess of the band attachment parthas a not-illustrated hole that communicates with the through holeat a position corresponding to the through hole. For example, a not-illustrated axis part is inserted to the through holeformed in the projection of the main body attachment partand the hole formed in the recess of the band attachment part, so that the end pieceis connected to the band attachment part, namely to the timepiece main body. The end piecemay be attached to either of the pair of the band attachment parts. Depending on the usability of a user, the end piecemay be attached to the band attachment part

As illustrated into, the buckleincludes a frame, an attachment part, a lock projection, a first bar, and a second bar. The frameis the outer frame of the buckle. The inner width of the frameis wider than the width of the band part. The attachment partis formed at one end of the framefarther from the end piecein the band length direction L. To the attachment part, one end of the loop member(elastic member) described later is connected. For example, as illustrated in, the attachment parthas cut portionsin which the loop membercan be fit and locked. Once the loop memberis fitted to the cut portions, the loop memberdoes not easily come off. The structure for connecting the loop memberto the attachment partis not specifically limited as long as the loop memberdoes not easily come off. It is preferable that the loop memberis attachable and detachable without a special tool so that the user can replace the loop member.

When the band(the timepieceincluding the band) is worn, an end of the loop memberother than the end connected to the attachment partis locked by the lock projection. In the embodiment, as illustrated in, the loop memberis attached to the connection partdescribed later. One end of the loop memberis connected to the attachment part; the loop memberis folded back at the connection member; and the other end of the loop memberis locked by the lock projection. It is preferable that the lock projectionhas a hook shape as illustrated inandso that the loop memberis easily caught.

The first barand the second barare provided at the inner side of the frameto be substantially perpendicular to the length direction L of the band part. The first barand the second barare arranged in the band length direction L to be parallel to each other like a ladder. As illustrated in, it is preferable that the first barand the second barare arranged at different positions in the thickness direction H of the band. That is, the first barcloser to the lock projectionis provided at a higher position in the thickness direction H, and the second barcloser to the attachment partis provided at a lower position in the thickness direction H. The arrangements, the shapes, and so forth of the first barand the second barare not limited to the illustrated example. The band partis wound around the first barand the second bar. Since the first barand the second barare arranged at different heights, the band partcan be easily wound and caught. As described later, in this embodiment, the length of the band main bodycan be adjusted by winding the band partaround the first barand the second bar.

The connection memberis attached to the band attachment part opposite the band attachment part to which the end pieceof the band main bodyis attached. In the example illustrated in, the connection memberis attached to the band attachment partat the 12 o'clock position of the timepiece main body. As illustrated inand so forth, one end of the connection memberis a main body attachment partto be attached to the band attachment partof the timepiece main body; and the other end is a loop member attachment partto which the loop memberis attached. The band attachment parthas a recess for receiving the main body attachment part, and the main body attachment partis fitted to the recess, for example. The main body attachment parthas a through holethat passes through the main body attachment partin the band width direction W (seeand, for example). The recess of the band attachment parthas a not-illustrated hole that communicates with the through holeat a position corresponding to the through hole. For example, a not-illustrated axis part is inserted to the through holeof the main body attachment partand the hole of the band attachment part, so that the connection memberis connected to the band attachment part, namely to the timepiece main body.

As illustrated in, the loop member attachment parthas a slitthrough which the loop membercan be inserted. At both ends of the slitin the band width direction W, loop catchersare formed that can catch the loop member. The loop catchersare cut portions having the shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the loop member. In this embodiment, the loop catchershave a substantially circular shape. When the loop memberis caught in the loop catchersformed at both ends of the slit, the loop memberis prevented from twisting or getting unbalanced in the slit. By being caught in the loop catchers, the loop memberis connected to the band attachment partvia the connection member. The structure for connecting the loop memberto the connection memberis not specifically limited as long as the loop memberdoes not easily come off. It is preferable that the loop memberis attachable and detachable without a special tool so that the user can replace the loop member.

The loop memberis an elastic member having flexibility. The loop memberis attached to the connection member, and at least one end of the loop memberis connected to the buckle. Specifically, the loop memberincludes an endless loop main bodymade of resin, such as rubber, for example. The loop memberis inserted to the slitof the connection member, and the loop main bodyis fitted to the loop catchersat both ends of the slit. The loop catcherseach have a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cross section of the loop member(the loop main body). Thus, the loop member(the loop main body) can slide in the loop catchers. As illustrated inand so forth, one end of the loop memberis fitted to the cut portionsand thereby locked by the attachment partof the buckle. When the bandis worn, the loop memberis folded back at the connection member, and the other end of the loop memberis caught by the lock projectionof the buckleand locked. The end of the loop memberto be caught on the lock projectionis provided with a pull part. The pull part(tag) is made of any kind of cloth. The pull partmay bear a logotype, for example. The pull partis not essential for the loop member.

Following is the description of how the timepieceas the arm-wearable device in this embodiment functions and how to wear the timepiece, specifically the bandof the timepiece. To attach the bandto the main body caseof the timepiecein this embodiment, the main body attachment partof the connection memberis attached to the band attachment part; and the main body attachment partof the band main bodyis attached to the band attachment part. Herein, the band main bodyis assembled as illustrated inbefore being attached to the band attachment part. Specifically, one end of the band partis fastened to the band part fastening partof the end pieceby sewing, for example. The band partis inserted to the free ring. The other end (free end) of the band partis inserted to the framefrom the side where the lock projectionof the buckleis provided. The band partis passed over the first barfrom the lower side of the buckle, passed over the second bar, folded back at the second bar, and passed below the second bar. The band partis then passed over the first bar, and the end of the band partis pulled out toward the timepiece main body. The length of the pulled-out band partis adjusted to adjust the entire length of the band main body. The end of the pulled-out band partis inserted to the free ring. Thus, the free end side of the band partis kept overlapped with the base end side of the band part, and the band main bodyis in the assembled state.

Next, the loop memberis attached to the connection memberattached to the band attachment partof the timepiece main body. Specifically, the loop memberis inserted to the slitof the loop member attachment partof the connection member. Herein, the loop memberis inserted to the slitsuch that the side provided with the pull partcomes at the 12 o'clock position of the timepiece to which the band main bodyis attached and that the opposite side comes at the 6 o'clock position. The loop memberis then slidably caught in the loop catchersformed at both ends of the slit. Further, one end of the loop member(the loop main body) that does not have the pull partis locked by the attachment partof the buckle. Thus, the bandis attached to the timepiece main body.

When the user wears the timepieceas the arm-wearable device on his/her arm (e.g., wrist), the user inserts his/her arm in the loop formed by the timepiece main bodyand the band. The user folds back the loop member, one end of which is locked by the attachment partof the buckle, at the connection memberand pulls the other end of the loop memberhaving the pull parttoward the buckleof the band main body. The user catches the other end of the loop memberon the lock projectionof the buckleand thereby locks the loop member. The user adjusts the length of the band main bodyas needed, depending on how it feels on the arm (wrist). That is, when the timepieceis loose or tight, the user pulls out the free end of the band partfrom the free ringand shortens/lengthens the length of the band partwound around the first barand the second barof the buckle. Thus, the user adjusts the basic length of the band main body. After adjusting the band to a desired length, the user again inserts the free end of the band partto the free ringand locks the free end to keep the adjusted length. Thus, the timepieceis worn on the wrist.

The bandof the timepiececan be easily detached from the wrist by simply detaching the pull partside of the loop memberfrom the lock projectionof the buckle. The bandof this embodiment provides the same fitting feeling unless the user changes the length of the band main body. Therefore, the user does not need to adjust the band length each time the user wears/detaches the timepiece.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the timepieceis an arm-wearable device including the band. The bandis attached to the device main bodythat includes a pair of band attachment partsandprovided at opposite positions. The bandincludes: the band main bodythat is attached to one band attachment partand the free end of which has the buckle; the connection memberthat is attached to the other band attachment part; and the elastic loop memberthat is attached to the connection memberand at least one end of which is connected to the buckle. The length of the band main bodyis adjustable at the buckle. Thus, the band length can be easily adjusted with the band main body. Further, once the length of the band main bodyis adjusted, the same fitting feeling is maintained even after attachment and detachment of the timepiece. Further, since the bandincludes the loop membermade of rubber or the like and having flexibility, elasticity, and restoring property, the bandcan be easily worn and detached. Further, with the flexible loop member, the bandcan naturally fit the arm when being worn.

Further, according to the embodiment, the band main bodyincludes the belt-shaped band part. The buckleincludes bars (the first barand the second bar) perpendicular to the length direction of the band part. By winding the band partaround the barsand, the length of the band main bodycan be adjusted. Thus, the length of the band main bodycan be easily adjusted with a simple structure.

Further, according to the embodiment, the connection memberincludes the loop catchers. By being caught in the loop catchers, the loop memberis connected to the band attachment partvia the connection member. Thus, the loop memberis caught in the connection memberby simply being caught in the loop catchers. Therefore, the loop membercan be detached from the connection memberby being strongly pulled without a special tool. The user can easily change the loop memberas desired.

Further, according to the embodiment, the buckleincludes: the attachment partto which one end of the loop memberis connected; and the lock projectionthat locks the other end of the loop memberfolded at the connection memberwhen the beltis worn. Thus, the user can easily wear/detach the 2 band by simply attaching/detaching the loop memberto/from the lock projection.

Further, according to the embodiment, the loop memberincludes the pull partat a portion to be locked by the lock projectionof the buckle. Thus, the user can attach/detach the loop memberto/from the lock projectionby holding the pull partand pulling the loop member. Thus, even when the loop memberis tightly fitted to the lock projection, the user can easily detach/attach the loop memberby strongly pulling the loop member. Further, with the pull part(e.g., cloth tag) provided to the part to be locked by the lock projection, the loop memberis less likely to be worn out after repetitive attachment and detachment. Thus, the durability of the loop memberis improved.

When the user wears the timepieceon the left arm, the user pulls the pull partof the loop member(elastic member) toward the user's body with the right hand. In such a case, it is preferable that the loop member(elastic member) is provided at the 12 o'clock side of the timepiece.

When the configuration of the above embodiment is applied to a timepiece, the timepiece is easily attachable and detachable and can be adapted to various thicknesses of arms (wrists). For example, one timepiece can be worn by both men and women. Further, one type of bandcan cope with various cases, such as a case of wearing the timepiece directly on the arm or a case or wearing the timepiece over a jacket, for example.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the embodiment does not limit the present disclosure and can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the band partconstituting the band main bodymay not be made of cloth tape. For example, the band partmay be made of leather or synthetic resin of any type, such as silicone or urethane, as long as the band partcan be wound around the bars of the buckle(the first barand the second bar) and folded back. Further, the loop main bodyof the loop membermay not be made of resin, such as rubber, as long as the loop main bodyat least has flexibility. For example, the loop main bodymay be a leather cord or a chain of any kind of metal to have flexibility. Further, according to the above embodiment, the timepieceat least includes the timepiece main body(device main body), the band main bodythat is provided to one end of the timepiece main bodyand that allows adjustment of the length of the band overlapping in the length direction, and the elastic member (the loop member) that is provided to the other end of the timepiece main body. However, the entire loop member(elastic member) may not be elastic as long as at least part of the loop memberis elastic.

The entire elastic member may not have a loop shape like the loop member. For example, the elastic member may be one piece of rubber cord both ends of which are ring-shaped. The ring at one end of the cord is caught on and thereby attached to the axis of the T-shaped attachment partof the buckle, and the ring at the other end of the cord is caught and locked by the lock projectionof the buckle.

The band partof the band main bodymay not be folded back at the buckle. At least the length of the parts of the band partof the band main bodyoverlapping in the length direction should be adjustable. For example, there may be two band parts, and the two band partsmay be configured such that the length of the parts of the band partsoverlapping with each other in the length direction is adjustable as desired. Specifically, the two band partsinclude: a first band part one end of which is attached to the end piececonnected to the band attachment partof the timepiece main body; and a second band part at least part of which in the length direction overlaps with the first band part. At least part of both the first band part and the second band part is a surface fastener (e.g., magic tape, registered trademark). Thus, the first band part and the second band part can be easily attached to each other at a desired position by a single touch, and the band parts can be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from each other.

Although the elastic member (loop member) is attached to the connection memberand at least one end of the elastic member is connected to the buckle, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The elastic member may be directly fixed to the second band part without the connection memberin-between. For example, one end of the elastic member may be sewn on the second band part. In such a case, the length of the band in the length direction is adjustable by fastening the first band part and the second band part connected to the elastic member by using a surface fastener, for example.

An embodiment of the arm-wearable device according to a fourth modification is described with reference to. As with the above embodiment, in the fourth modification, the arm-wearable device (a timepiecein) includes the timepiece main body(device main body) including the main body caseand a band. The bandincludes: a band main bodythat is provided at one end of the timepiece main bodyand that allows adjustment of the overlapping band length in the length direction; and an elastic member (a loop member) that is provided at the other end of the timepiece main body. The configuration of the band main bodyin the fourth modification is different from that in the above embodiment. According to the arm-wearable device (timepiece) of the fourth modification, the band main bodydoes not include a buckle or a free ring. The band main bodymay include fastening partsfor fastening the loop memberon the front surface of the band part, instead of the lock projectionin the above embodiment.

The fastening partsare hooks, as illustrated in, for example. The fastening partsare not limited to hooks but may be buttons, for example. The fastening parts(hooks or buttons) are provided at a predetermined interval in the length direction of the band part. The user can adjust the length and fit of the bandas desired by catching the loop memberon one of the fastening parts(hooks or buttons). The fastening part is not limited to a hook or a button. For example, the band part may have a surface fastener. In such a case, the band part includes multiple projection parts in the length direction of the band main body for attaching the loop member. The projections protrude from the band part, and one end of each projection is attached to the band main body. The band main body fastens the loop member by sandwiching the loop member between the other ends (tip ends) of the protrusions and the band main body. There may not be multiple projections formed on the band main body. There may be only one projection of a certain length provided along the length direction of the band main body. Since the band part has a surface fastener, a single protrusion can fasten the loop member at a desired position.

Further, the arm-wearable device provided with the band is not limited to a timepiece. The band is also applicable to arm-wearable devices, such as various smartwatches, electronic devices such as sports watches, and various electronic devices that obtain biometric information including the heartbeat and the blood flow as well as current time, for example.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments but may be formed by combining the elements of the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.