Band, wristwatch with the band and method of making the band

A band, a wristwatch with the band and a method of making the band are described. The band includes a strip-like body with a series of holes provided therein along a length thereof for adjusting an effective length thereof. The body includes a band-shaped support layer of woven or knit fabric of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers, the fibers being selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers. The body also includes a first resin layer adhering closely to one surface of the support layer, and a second resin layer adhering closely to the other surface of the support layer. The fibers of the support layer extend at a predetermined angle to longitudinal and transverse directions of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2009-201439, filed Sep. 1, 2009; and No. 2010-181370, filed Aug. 13, 2010, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a band, a wristwatch with the band and a method of making the band.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, wristwatch bands and band retaining loops made of a resin material are used. These bands and loops are liable to be broken when used for a long time because the resin materials are likely to absorb moisture and mold and their function is degraded. In order to conquer this problem, resin materials usable for a long time have been investigated and selected. However, only selection of such materials would limit improvements in the band strength.

Wristwatch bands have been developed which include a resin band and a carbon fiber texture layer inserted as a reinforcing material in the band. For example, Japanese Patent Application KOKAI publication No. 7-136008 discloses a wristwatch band whose whole or part is composed of a top transparent coat layer, a carbon fiber fabric layer attached closely to the underside of the top coat, and a band core layer closely attached to the underside of the carbon fiber fabric.

The wristwatch band disclosed in the Japanese Patent Application KOKAI publication No. 7-136008 shows an increased strength of a series of holes in the band in each of which is engaged a buckle clasp for adjusting the effective length of the band. However, no consideration is given to reinforcement of an end of the band which is connected to the case or, more particularly, of the peripheral part of a through hole extending through the width of the band end portion through which hole a spring bar is inserted to connect the band end portion to the case over the spring bar. Thus, the problem that the band is likely to be broken at the through hole in the band end portion has not been solved.

In addition, there is another problem that the top coat layer is likely to be separated from the band during its use due to partial breakage or twisting of the band.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a band of greatly increased strength where neither breakage of the band nor separation of the component layer from the band due to twisting of the band occurs during its use. The present invention also provides a wristwatch using the band and a method of making the band.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a band comprising a band body with a series of holes provided therein along a length thereof for adjusting an effective length thereof. The band body comprises: a band-shaped support layer of woven or knit fabric of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers; a first resin layer adhered closely to one surface of the support layer; and a second resin layer adhered closely to the other side of the support layer. The fibers of the support layer extend at a predetermined angle to longitudinal and transverse directions of the band body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided another band comprising a band body with a series of holes provided therein along a length thereof for adjusting an effective length thereof. The band body comprises: a band-shaped support layer comprising a fiber layer of woven or knit fabric of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers and aramid fibers, and a metal layer of metal particles including aluminum alloy or nickel alloy and deposited on the woven or knit fabric; a first resin layer adhered closely to one surface of the support layer; and a second resin layer adhered closely to the other side of the support layer. The fibers of the support layer extend at a predetermined angle to longitudinal and transverse directions of the band body.

According to the present invention, the predetermined angle is in a range of 15-75 degrees.

According to the present invention, the predetermined angle is 45 degrees.

According to the present invention, the support layer has a loop at one end thereof, the loop forming a spring-bar hole to be connected to an object to which the band is connected, a width of the one end of the support layer is somewhat narrower than a width of the band body, the first resin layer is transparent or semitransparent, the second resin layer has the same color as the support layer, and the first and second resin layers cooperate to form an outer shape of the band body.

According to the present invention, there is provided a wristwatch comprising a band including a band body with a series of holes provided therein along a length thereof for adjusting an effective length thereof, and a wristwatch case provided on the band. The band body includes: a band-shaped support layer of woven or knit fabric of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers; a first resin layer adhered closely to one surface of the support layer; and a second resin layer adhered closely to the other side of the support layer. The fibers of the support layer extend at a predetermined angle to longitudinal and transverse directions of the band body.

According to further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a band, comprising:

cutting out a plurality of band-shaped support layers from a large-sized sheet including a support layer of a fabric or knit formed by fabricating or knitting bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers so as to intersect extending directions of the bundles at 90 degrees to each other, with a longitudinal direction of each band-shaped support layer being at a predetermined angle to the extending directions of the bundles of fibers of the support layer of the large-sized sheet;

adhering a first resin layer closely to one surface of each band-shaped support layer cut out from the large-sized sheet, using a mold; and

adhering a second resin layer closely to the other surface of each band-shaped support layer, using a mold.

According to further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a band, comprising:

cutting out a plurality of band-shaped support layers from a large-sized sheet including a fiber layer of a fabric or kit and a metal layer deposited on the fiber layer, the fiber layer being formed by fabricating or knitting bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from a group including carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers so as to intersect extending directions of the bundles at 90 degrees to each other, the metal layer including metal particles of aluminum alloy or nickel alloy, with a longitudinal direction of each band-shaped support layer being at a predetermined angle to the extending directions of the bundles of fibers of the large-sized sheet;

adhering a first resin layer closely to one surface of each band-shaped support layers cut out from the large-sized sheet, using a mold; and

adhering a second resin layer closely to the other surface of each band-shaped support layer, using a mold.

According to the band making method of the present invention, the predetermined angle is in a range of 15-75 degrees.

According to the band making method of the present invention, the predetermined angle is 45 degrees.

According to the band making method of the present invention, the bundles of fibers of the large-sized sheet are impregnated with the same resin as that of the second resin layer.

Thus, according to the band of this invention, a band-shaped support layer includes a fabric of two groups of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from the group of kinds of fibers consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers and woven or knit such that the selected two groups of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers extend perpendicular to each other. Further, the selected two groups of one or more kinds of fibers of the support layer extend at the predetermined angle to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the band. Thus, the fibers of the support layer are easy to extend in the longitudinal direction thereof in response to a longitudinal force applied to the support layer, thereby greatly improving the strength of the support layer against longitudinal pulling and/or twisting of the band. Thus, breakage and twisting of the band which are liable to occur during its use and separation between the first and second resin layers due to twisting of the band are prevented.

Likewise, according to the band making method of this invention, from the large sheet made of two groups of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from the group of kinds of fibers consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers and woven or knit such that the selected two groups of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers extend perpendicular to each other, a plurality of band-shaped support layers are cut out such that the support layers extend at the predetermined angle to the extending direction of the fibers of the large sheet. Therefore, cutting out the support layers is performed rapidly and easily. In addition, the first resin layer is caused to adhere closely to one surface of the support layer using the molds and the second resin layer is also caused to adhere closely to the other surface of the support layer using the molds. Thus, a band is made having a beautiful appearance and a sense of high quality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view of a wristwatch with a band according to the embodiment. The wristwatch100is one which displays time by rotating pointers thereof such as seconds, minute and hour hands (not shown). Of course, it may be a wristwatch with no pointers and/or a wristwatch with both pointers and a liquid crystal time indicator.

The wristwatch100has a case1with pairs of band attachment lugs2,3. A plurality of operation buttons4are provided along the outer periphery of the case1to give several commands including time correction although inFIG. 1only one operation button4is shown.

The band10is connected through the pairs of lugs2and3to the case. In the embodiment the band10includes a first band member11and a second band member12. The first band member11has a buckle14at one end. The buckle14is composed of a buckle clasp14aand a buckle frame14b. The second band member12has therein a series of holes20into a selected one of which the buckle clasp14ais inserted to adjust the effective length of the band, thereby wearing the watch snugly around a wrist.

The first band member11is shorter than the second band member12. The first band member11has a proximal end portion13for connection to an object, or more particularly the case1. The proximal end has a through hole13aextending transversely thereof. The first band member11also has a distal end15for connection to a buckle14. The distal end15has a through hole15aextending transversely thereof and a notch15bprovided centrally in the width thereof communicating with the through hole15a. A spring bar16is inserted into the hole13ain the proximal end13from the side of its one end such that the spring bar16appears at its either end outside the hole13aand is then engaged at its either end in the hole2ain the pair of lugs2, thereby connecting the first band member11to the case1.

A spring bar17is inserted into the through hole15ain the distal end15from one end of the hole15a, pushed so as to pass through a proximal end of the buckle clasp14apositioned in the notch15b, and then engaged at either end thereof in an associated one of holes14cin the ends of the buckle frame14b, thereby connecting the buckle14to the distal end15. A second-band member retaining loop18is then attached to the first band member11.

The second band member12has a proximal end19for connection to the case1. The proximal end19has a through hole19aextending transversely thereof.

Then, the materials of the first band member11, the second band member12and the second-band member retaining loop18will be described in this order. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the first band member11has a 3-layered structure of a top layer, an intermediate layer and a bottom layer.FIG. 2Ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first band member11.FIG. 2Bis a transverse cross-sectional view of the first band member11.

The top layer of the first band member11is composed of a resin layer11aof a transparent or semitransparent material. The intermediate layer is made of a band-shaped support layer11bof a woven or knit fabric of carbon fibers. The bottom layer is composed of a second resin layer11cof the same color as the support layer11b. The second resin layer11cis made, for example, of polyurethane resin. The first and second resin layers11aand11care a size larger than the support layer11bsuch that the first and second resin layers11aand11ccover or hide the whole support layer11b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer11a.

The reason why the top layer11ais made of the transparent material is for the purpose of allowing the user to view the support layer11bas an exterior of the first band member11from the outside through the top transparent layer. The reason why the top layer is made of the semitransparent material is for the purpose of allowing the user to view the support layer11bas the exterior of the first band member from the outside through the top semitransparent layer and/or of rendering inconspicuous possible defects such as possible scratches on the surface of the top layer. In the present invention, the semitransparent materials include substantially transparent to substantially opaque materials each of which is lightly colored or not colored with a pigment or dyestuff contained in a kneaded state in that material.

Assume now that the intermediate layer11bincludes a band-shaped support layer of a fabric on which metal particles of aluminum or nickel alloy are deposited by evaporation or sputtering and that the top layer includes a semitransparent material. If in this case the color and transparency of the semitransparent material of the top layer11aare changed variously, bands having different specific visual appearances of design are obtained.

The reason why the bottom layer11chas the same color as the support layer11bis for the purpose of rendering inconspicuous a possible bad appearance of the support layer11binvolving possible gaps in the fabric of and/or possible deformed ends of the support layer11b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer11a. In the first band member11, the through holes13aand15aat the proximal and distal ends13and15are formed by the loops provided at the respective ends of the first band member11to increase the strength of the proximal and distal ends13and15.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the second-band member retaining loop18has a 3-layered structure of a top layer, an intermediate layer and a bottom layer.FIG. 3Ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the loop18.FIG. 3Bis a transverse cross-sectional view of the loop18. The top layer18aincludes a first transparent resin layer18a, for example, of polyurethane resin or a semitransparent material.

The intermediate layer includes a support layer18bof woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers. The bottom layer includes a second resin layer18chaving the same color as the support layer18b. The second resin layer18cis made, for example, of polyurethane resin.

The second resin layer18cand the first resin layer18aare a size larger than the support layer18b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer18aso as to cover the whole support layer18b.

Like in the case of the first band member11, the reason why the top layer18ais made of the transparent material is for the purpose of causing the user to view the support layer18bas an exterior of the second band member-retaining loop18from the outside through the top transparent layer. Likewise, the reason why the top layer is made of the semitransparent material is for the purpose of allowing the user to view the support layer18bas the exterior of the second band member-retaining loop18from the outside through the top semitransparent layer and/or of rendering inconspicuous possible defects such as possible scratches on the surface of the top layer. The semitransparent materials are similar to those described above. Like in the case of the first band member11, assume now that the intermediate layer includes a band-shaped support layer of a fabric on which metal particles of aluminum or nickel alloy are deposited by evaporation or sputtering and that the top layer is semitransparent. If in this case the color and transparency of the semitransparent material of the top layer are changed variously, bands having different specific visual appearances of design are obtained.

Like in the case of the first band member11, the reason why the bottom layer has the same color as the support layer18bis for the purpose of rendering inconspicuous a possible bad appearance of the support layer18bdue to possible gaps in the fabric of and/or possible deformed ends of the support layer18b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer18a.

As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the second band member12has a 3-layered structure of a top layer, an intermediate layer and a bottom layer.FIG. 4Ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second band member12.FIG. 4Bis a transverse cross-sectional view of the second band member12.

The top layer of the second band member12includes a first transparent or semitransparent resin layer12a. The intermediate layer includes a support layer12bof woven and knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers. The bottom layer includes a second resin layer12chaving the same color as the support layer12b. The second resin layer12cis made, for example, of polyurethane resin. The second resin layer12cis a size larger than the support layer12b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer12a. The outside of the second band member12and the respective inner peripheries of series of holes20in the second band member12are formed by the first or second resin layer12aor12csuch that the carbon fibers of the support layer12bare not exposed outside.

Like in the case of the first band member11, the reason why the top layer12ais made of the transparent material is for the purpose of causing the user to view the support layer12bas an exterior of the second band member12from the outside through the top transparent layer. Likewise, the reason why the top layer12ais made of the semitransparent material is for the purpose of allowing the user to view the support layer12bas the exterior of the second band member12from the outside through the top semitransparent layer and/or of rendering inconspicuous possible defects such as possible scratches on the surface of the top layer. The semitransparent materials are similar to those mentioned above. Like in the case of the first band member11, assume now that the intermediate layer includes a band-shaped support layer of a fabric on which metal particles of aluminum or nickel alloy are deposited by evaporation or sputtering and that the top layer includes a semitransparent material. If in this case the color and transparency of the semitransparent material of the top layer12aare changed variously, bands having different specific visual appearances of design are obtained.

Like in the case of the first band member11, the reason why the bottom layer12chas the same color as the support layer12bis for the purpose of rendering inconspicuous a possible bad appearance of the support layer12bdue to possible gaps in the fabric of and/or possible deformed ends of the support layer12b, as viewed from the side of the first resin layer12a.

In the second band member12, the support layer12bhas a loop at its end so as to form the through hole19ain order to increase the strength of the proximal end19thereof.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the support layer12bof woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers is disposed between the first and second resin layers, thereby preventing the band from being separated into the respective layers due to breakage or twist of the band.

In this band, the extending direction of the bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer12bis at the predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction of the band. Thus, the first and second resin layers and the support layer and hence its bundles of carbon fibers follow an extension of the band and hence are easy to extend in the longitudinal direction of the band, thereby creating no separation between the support layer and each of the first and second resin layers. Thus, the strength of the band against a twist and/or pulling in the longitudinal direction of the band is greatly increased. Therefore, separation of the band into the first and second resin layers and the support layer due to the twist is prevented.

If the extending direction of the bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer12bis parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band, the first and second resin layers and the support layer follow an extension of the band in its longitudinal direction. However, the bundles of carbon fibers included in the support layer12bdo not follow the extension in the band in its longitudinal direction and hence the band would separate into the respective first and second resin layers and support layer. That is, the strength of the band against a twist and pulling in the longitudinal direction of the band is low.

However, since the extending direction of the bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer is at the predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction of the band, occurrence of a so-called “streak” along a longitudinal centerline of the band and hence its breakage at the streak are prevented in molding, thereby improving the appearance of the band.

Since the top or first resin layer12aof the second band member12is transparent, the state of color and gloss of the woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer can be securely viewed as a design through the first transparent layer from the outside. When the top or first resin layer12ais semitransparent, the state of color and gloss of the woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer can be securely viewed as a design through the first transparent layer from the outside, and possible defects such as possible scratches on the surface of the top layer are rendered difficult to view because these defects are rendered inconspicuous by the top layer. The semitransparent materials are similar to those described above.

Like in the case of the first band member11, assume now that the intermediate layer includes a band-shaped support layer of a fabric on which metal particles of aluminum or nickel alloy are deposited by evaporation or sputtering and that the top layer includes a semitransparent material. If in this case the color and transparency of the semitransparent material of the top layer are changed variously, bands having different specific visual appearances of design are obtained.

For example, as shown inFIG. 2C, the first band member11may include an intermediate or support layer11bwhich consists of a fiber layer11b1of a woven or knit fabric of bundles of fibers of one or more kinds selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers; and a metal layer11b2of metal particles such as aluminum or nickel alloy deposited on the fiber layer11b1, in addition to the first and second resin layers11aand11cadhering to the opposite sides of the intermediate layer11b.

When the bottom layer12chas the same color (for example, black) as the support layer, possible distorted and/or deformed edges and possible unevenness in the fabric of the support layer are rendered inconspicuous. Thus, the bands are suitable for mass production.

Since the support layer has the through hole13aor15aformed by looping itself at one end thereof for receiving the spring bar, so-called “breakage” of the band at the through hole is prevented.

Then, one example of a method of making the wristband100will be described. As shown inFIG. 5, this method includes a support layer cutting-out step (step1), a support layer deforming step (step2), a first resin molding step (step3), and a second resin molding step (step4), which will be described sequentially.

The band-shaped support layer cutting-out step (step1) includes cutting or stamping out a plurality of support layers from a prepared large carbon sheet.FIG. 6Ais a plan view of the sheet specifically andFIG. 6Bis an enlarged view of part of the sheet ofFIG. 6A.FIG. 7specifically illustrates a step for stamping out a plurality of support layers each for a corresponding band member12from the sheet200.

First, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the prepared large square sheet200is of a woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers intersecting at 90 degrees. Each bundle is composed, for example, of 1000 carbon fibers having a diameter of 7 μm. Alternatively, the materials of the fabric may be glass fiber, aramid fiber or boron fiber. That is, a fabric may be used which is woven or knit with bundles of fibers of one or more kinds.

In this embodiment, the sheet200has a size large enough to stamp out either a large number of support layers each for a corresponding first band member11or a large number of support layers each for a corresponding second band member12therefrom.

The size of the sheet is also large enough or stamp out, in a mixed manner, both a large number of support layers each for a corresponding first band member11and a large number of support layers each for a corresponding second band member12therefrom.

The woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers of the large sheet200are beforehand impregnated with the same resin component as contained in the first and second resin layers11a,12a,18aand11c,12c,18cto ensure a high interfacial affinity between a support layer12bcut out from the sheet200and each of the first and second resin layers. Alternatively, a composite of the large sheet200and a film of the same resin material as the first and second resin layers attached to at least one of the opposite surfaces of the large sheet200may be used to cut out support layers therefrom. Further alternatively, in the last-mentioned case, the bundles of fibers included in the large sheet200may be beforehand impregnated with the same resin as the first and second resin layers.

As shown inFIG. 7, a large number of support layers12beach for a corresponding second band member12are stamped out from the large sheet200in a state in which the longitudinal direction H of each support layer12bis at a predetermined angle of 45 degrees to the extending directions of the bundles of vertical and horizontal carbon fibers201and202of the sheet200. The series of holes20for the buckle clasp in each support layer12bis formed by stamping methods simultaneously with or at a different time when that support layer is stamped out.

FIG. 8illustrates one example of the support layers12bobtained in the stamping step. Similarly, a large number of support layers12beach for a corresponding first band member11and a large number of support layers18beach for a loop18are stamped out. If possible, one or more support layers18beach for a corresponding loop18are preferably stamped out from the remainder of the large sheet200from which the support layers11band12bfor the first and second band members11and12have been stamped out.

The band-shaped support layer deforming step will be described next. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the step includes deforming the stamped out support layers11band12b, including a loop forming step. A corrugation-forming step is performed on each of the support layers11band12bas required.

FIGS. 9 and 10respectively illustrate a second-band support layer12bwith a corrugated part A near its proximal end and a different second-band support layer12bwith a looped end B formed after the formation of the corrugated part A. After forming the loop end, overlapping parts of the second-band support layer12bcooperated to form the loop are preferably press-adhered to each other to avoid collapse of the loop shape.

Similarly, a corrugated part and a loop are formed at a proximal end of a support layer12bfor each first band member support layer11b. After the loop is formed, overlapping parts of the second-band support layer12bcooperated to form the loop are preferably press-adhered to each other to avoid collapse of the loop form. Each support layer18bfor the second-band retaining loop18is then looped so as to form this retaining loop18. After this loop is formed, overlapping parts of the second-band retaining loop support layer18bcooperated to form the loop18are preferably press-adhered to each other to avoid collapse of the loop form.

FIGS. 11-13specifically illustrate the first and second resin molding steps for forming the second band member12. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the first resin molding step includes providing a second resin layer12cof the same color as the support layer12bon its lower side to compose a corresponding second band member12, using an upper fixed mold300and a lower movable mold301.

As shown inFIG. 12, the second resin molding step includes providing a first transparent or substantially transparent resin layer12aon the upper side of the support layer12b, using the lower movable mold301and another upper fixed mold303. The sequence of performing the first and second resin molding steps may be reversed.

FIGS. 11-13illustrate specified first and second resin molding processes for the second band12and specifically illustrates a process of forming, by molding, holes20in the band where the buckle clasp is inserted to adjust the effective length of the band.

First, the first resin molding step will be described. As shown inFIG. 11, each second-band support layer12bis disposed within a recess300aof the upper mold300, and each of projections301aof the movable mold301is disposed in a corresponding one of the series of holes20in abutting and aligning relationship with a corresponding one of projections300bof the fixed mold300to form a corresponding final one of the holes20at that position. Then, the fixed and movable molds300and301are secured together. Then, a melted thermoplastic resin, for example, of polyurethane is charged into cavities302within the fixed and movable molds300and301, thereby forming a second resin layer12cunder the second-band support layer12b. At this time, the second-band support layer12bis moved from the fixed mold300and then sticks to the second resin layer12c. Then, the second resin layer12cis cured.

Then, the second resin molding step will be described. As shown inFIG. 12, the movable mold301is separated from the fixed mold300with the second-band support layer12band the underlying second resin layer12creceived within the movable mold301. Then, the movable mold301with the support layer12band the underlying second resin layer12creceived therein is secured together with another fixed mold303with its protrusions303aat positions corresponding to those of the holes20in the second-band support layer12bdisposed in abutting relationship with the projection301aof the movable mold301.

Then, a melted thermoplastic resin, for example, of polyurethane is introduced into a cavity304formed by the fixed and movable molds300and301to form a first resin layer12aon an upper surface of the second-band support layer12b. This support layer12balso adheres to the first resin layer12a. Then, the first resin layer12is cured. One example of the second band member12obtained in the first and second resin molding steps is illustrated inFIG. 13. Similarly, a first band member11and a second band member-retaining loop18are molded. In order to mold the loop18, a jig which delimits a cavity for the loop in a mold is needed. After molding of the loop18, the jig is removed from the loop18.

In each of the first and second resin molding steps, the melted resin is generally charged, as shown by X inFIG. 14, so as to flow from the side of one end (for example, a left end inFIG. 14) of the second-band support layer12btoward its other end (for example, a right end inFIG. 14). At this time, the charged melted resin hits the outer front of each of projections300bor300aof the fixed mold300or303, separates into two flows along the outer periphery of that projection and then these flows merge at the outer back of the projection. This operation is repeated each time the melted resin hits a respective one of the series of the projections300bor300aarranged from left to right within the molds shown inFIG. 14as the resin flows from left to right within the molds.

In this case, assume that the extending directions of the bundles of carbon fibers of the second-band support layer12bare parallel or otherwise perpendicular, or not inclined, to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the second-band support layer12b. In this case, in molding, a weak “weld line” can be produced on a formed first or second resin layer along a line connecting the centers of adjacent holes20in a resulting support layer by confluence of the two separated flows of plastic resin which have flowed around an associated projection303aor303bof the molds between that projection303aor303band a next adjacent projection303aor303b. This weld line can extend parallel to, and through a gap between, adjacent straight bundles of carbon fibers of the woven or knit fabric where the gap is divided by a multiplicity of other parallel bundles of carbon fibers of the fabric, perpendicular to those adjacent bundles of straight carbon fibers, into a corresponding number of smaller cellular gaps. In this case, a resulting band would be liable to be broken at the weld line during use thereof.

However, in the embodiment the extending direction of the bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer12bis at the predetermined angle, for example of 45 degrees, to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the support layer12b. Thus, a situation does not occur in which when the band12is pulled in its longitudinal direction, only the first and second resin layers12aand12ceach made of a thermoplastic resin, for example of polyurethane resin, are extended in the longitudinal direction thereof, and in which the support layer12bof bundles of carbon fibers do not extend in the longitudinal direction of the first and second resin layers12aand12c. Instead, the support layer12bof bundles of carbon fibers extending at the predetermined angle (for example of 45 degrees) and the first and second resin layers12aand12ctogether can extend to the same extent in the longitudinal direction thereof. Therefore, a situation is also prevented from occurring in which the first and second resin layers12aand12care separated from the support layer12bwith a strange sound.

Even when a weld line is created on the second resin layer12cdue to confluence of the melted resins in the molding, as mentioned above, occurrence of a so-called “breakage” extending between adjacent holes20in the second resin layer12calong a line connecting the adjacent holes20during use of a resulting band is prevented.

According to the band making method of this embodiment, a plurality of support layers are stamped out simultaneously from a prepared large carbon fiber sheet where the extending directions of the vertical and horizontal carbon fibers intersect at 90 degrees in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of each support layer is at a predetermined angle to the extending directions of the carbon fibers of the fiber sheet. Thus, such support layers can be made rapidly and easily.

According to the band making method of this embodiment, then a first resin layer is adhered closely to one surface of the support layer with molds and a second resin layer adhered closely to the other surface of the support layer with molds. Thus, a band with a beautiful appearance and a sense of high class is provided.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the band comprises the thin flat strip-like body (FIG. 1,10) with the series of holes (FIG. 1,20) provided therein along the length thereof for adjusting the effective length thereof, the band body (10) comprising; the support layer (FIG. 2,11b;FIG. 4,12b), for the band, of woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers; the first resin layer (FIG. 2,11a;FIG. 4,12a) adhered closely to one surface of the support layer; the second resin layer (FIG. 2,11c;FIG. 4,12c) adhered closely to the other side of the support layer; the fibers of the support layer extending at the predetermined angle to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the strip-like body (FIG. 7).

Specifically, the predetermined angle is in the range of 15-75 degrees.

Alternatively, the predetermined angle may be 45 degrees.

In the band of this embodiment, the support layer has the through hole (FIG. 1,13a;15a;19a) at one end thereof in which hole the spring bar is received so as to connect the band to an object (1) over the spring bar, the width of that end of the support layer being somewhat narrower than the width of the band body. The first resin layer (FIG. 2,11a;FIG. 4,12a) is transparent or semitransparent, and the second resin layer (FIG. 2,11c;FIG. 4,12c) has the same color as the support layer, the first and second resin layers cooperating to form the outer shape of the band.

According to this embodiment, the wristwatch comprises: the band; and the wristwatch case (1) provided on the band. The band comprises the support layer (11binFIG. 2;12binFIG. 4), for the band, of woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers; the first resin layer (11ainFIG. 2;12ainFIG. 4) adhered closely to one surface of the support layer; the second resin layer (11cinFIG. 2;12cinFIG. 4) adhered closely to the other side of the support layer; the bundles of fibers of the support layer extending at the predetermined angle to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the strip-like body (FIG. 7).

According to this embodiment, the method of making a band comprises: cutting out the plurality of support layers (12binFIG. 7) for the band from the large-sized sheet (200inFIG. 6), including the fabric of bundles of fibers knitted or woven so as to intersect at 90 degrees to each other, in such a manner that the support layers extend at a predetermined angle to the extending direction of the bundles of fibers thereof (S1inFIG. 5;FIGS. 6-8); adhering a first resin layer closely to one side of each of the cut-out plurality of support layers, using the mold (S3inFIG. 5;FIG. 11); and adhering a second resin layer closely to the other side of that support layer, using the second mold (S4inFIG. 5;FIG. 12).

The method of making the band of this embodiment includes cutting out the plurality of support layers from the large sheet in such a manner that the support layers extend at 45 degrees to the extending direction of the bundles of carbon fibers of the sheet.

In the method of making the band of this embodiment, (1) the bundles of carbon fibers of the sheet may be beforehand impregnated with the same resin as contained in the first and second resin layers; (2) the large sheet may be replaced with the composite of the large sheet such as shown by200and the film of the same resin material as the first and second resin layers attached closely to at least one of the opposite surfaces of the sheet; and (3) the large sheet may be replaced with the composite of the large sheet such as shown by200impregnated beforehand with the same resin as the first and second resin layers, and the film of the same resin as the first and second resin layers attached closely to at least one of the opposite surfaces of the large sheet.

In this embodiment, the large size sheet200is in the form of a rectangle where the bundles of carbon fibers of the sheet extend parallel to the vertical and horizontal sides of the rectangle. Thus, the bundles of carbon fibers extend so as to intersect at 90 degrees. The support layers are stamped out from the sheet200in such a manner that the respective support layers extend at the angle of 45 degrees to the extending direction of the bundles of fibers included in the sheet200.

In the case of another large sized rectangular sheet200where the bundles of vertical and horizontal carbon fibers intersect at 90 degrees and extend at the angle of 45 degrees to the vertical or horizontal side of the sheet200, many support layers may be stamped out from the sheet in such a manner that the support layers extend parallel to the vertical or horizontal side of the sheet.

Although in this embodiment the support layers are illustrated as stamped out from the sheet in such a manner that they extend at the angle of 45 degrees to the extending direction of the bundles of fibers thereof, they may be stamped out at another angle such as 43 or 30 degrees to the extending direction of the bundles of fibers thereof.

It is preferable that the angle at which the support layer is stamped out to the extending direction of the bundles of fibers thereof is in the range of 15-75 degrees. If the angle is smaller than 15 degrees and larger than 75 degrees, the first and second resin layers extend in response to a force which extends the band in its longitudinal direction, but the bundles of carbon fibers of the support layer do not follow the force. Therefore, the support layer would be separated from the respective first and second resin layers. Thus, the strength of the band cannot be increased against a twist and/or pulling in its longitudinal direction. Also, in this range of angles, a weak “weld line” produced by confluence of the two separated flows of resin between every adjacent projections303aor303bof the molds on a formed first or second resin layer on a line connecting the centers of every resulting adjacent holes20in the band can coincide with a gap produced between adjacent bundles of straight carbon fibers of the woven or knit fabric with the gap being divided by a multiplicity of other parallel bundles of carbon fibers of the fabric, perpendicular to those adjacent bundles of straight carbon fibers, into a corresponding number of cellular gaps. Thus, a resulting band is liable to be broken at the weld line during use thereof.

Although in this embodiment the materials of the support member are illustrated as including the woven or knit fabric of bundles of carbon fibers, the present invention is not limited to this particular case. The support member may be made of a woven or knit fabric of bundles of one or more kinds of fibers selected from the group of kinds of fibers consisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers and boron fibers with the bundles of one or more types of fibers intersecting each other at right angles. Alternatively, it may be a composite of such fabric and metal particles of aluminum or nickel alloy deposited by evaporation or sputtering on the fabric.

Although in this embodiment the invention is illustrated as being applied to the wristwatch band, the present invention may be applicable to various bands such as dress bands and arm bands.