# Patent

## Title
Flexible band

## Abstract

A band that may be utilized for a timepiece, such as a watch, is disclosed. The band may have a plurality of joined links, and each link includes a cover member, an extension element, a first springbar, and a second springbar. The extension element defines a first channel and a second channel, the first springbar extends through the first channel to secure the extension element to the cover member, and the second springbar extends through the second channel to join the extension element to an adjacent cover member. In addition, the cover member is configured to join with an adjacent extension element that is separate from the extension element.

## Background
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to bands for articles such as wrist-worn timepieces or jewelry, for example. The invention concerns, more particularly, a band with a plurality of links joined by springbars.
2. Description of Background Art
A conventional wrist-worn timepiece, typically referred to as a watch, may be designed to perform both aesthetically and functionally during a variety of activities. Dress watches, for example, are designed to have a fashionable appearance that is appropriate for business or social gatherings. Diving watches are designed to be particularly durable and to withstand the high-pressure environments often encountered by deep-sea divers. Similarly, athletic watches exhibit a lightweight, durable structure suitable for being worn by athletes participating in training exercises or various competitions where the features of a watch may be beneficial.
The components of a conventional watch typically include a timing element, a case, and a band. The timing element is located within the case and functions to track the time and display the time for a wearer or another individual. The timing element may also perform a variety of other functions, such as recording chronographic data, providing an alarm, displaying the date, monitoring the heart rate of the wearer, calculating distance traveled, functioning as a calculator, providing audible signals to pace the running speed of the wearer, gauging the temperature of surrounding air, displaying altitude, or functioning as a global positioning system, for example. The case protects the timing element and often includes a transparent face for viewing a time display on the timing element. The band extends from opposite sides of the case and secures the case and timing element to a wrist of a wearer.
Although the majority of watches include a timing element, a case, and a band, modern watch designs include a plurality of variations upon the components. The timing element, for example, may be mechanical, electrical, or a combination of mechanical and electrical. The band may incorporate a clasp that secures the watch to the wrist, or the band may exhibit an open, bracelet-like configuration. Furthermore, the materials that form the various components may include both polymers and metals, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is band that may be utilized for a timepiece, such as a watch, for example. The band has a plurality of joined links, and each link includes a cover member, an extension element, a first springbar, and a second springbar. The extension element defines a first channel and a second channel, the first springbar extends through the first channel to secure the extension element to the cover member, and the second springbar extends through the second channel to join the extension element to an adjacent cover member. In addition, the cover member is configured to join with an adjacent extension element that is separate from the extension element.
The cover member may include a first pair of apertures that receive end portions of the first springbar to secure the extension element to the cover member. In addition, the cover member may include a second pair of apertures that receive end portions of an adjacent springbar to join the adjacent extension element to the cover member. The apertures may be formed in sidewalls of the cover member. Various materials are suitable for the components of the band. For example, the cover member may be formed of a metal material, and the extension element may be formed of a flexible polymer material, such as urethane.
In another aspect of the invention, a wrist-worn timepiece includes a case, a timing element, a crystal, and a band. The case defines a recess, and the timing element is positioned within the recess. The crystal extends over the timing element and is formed of an at least partially transparent material. The band extends from at least one side of the case, and the band has a plurality of links joined by springbars. In addition, the band includes a cover member extending over at least a portion of the crystal.
The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.



DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wrist-worn timepiece having a band in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of the timepiece.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the timepiece.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the timepiece.
FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of a link portion of the band.
FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the link portion.
FIG. 7A is a first cross-sectional view of the link portion, as defined by section line 7A—7A in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7B is a second cross-sectional view of the link portion, as defined by section line 7B—7B in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the link portion.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of three joined link portions.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the three link portions.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a timepiece 10 in accordance with the present invention. Timepiece 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1–4 and includes a case 20, a timing element 30, and a band 40. The various components of timepiece 10 are configured such that timing element 30 is positioned within case 20, and band 40 extends from opposite sides of case 20. In operation, band 40 extends around a wrist of a wearer, thereby securing timepiece 10 to the wrist. Timepiece 10, as depicted in the figures, exhibits a sport watch configuration that is suitable for athletic activities. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the concepts disclosed below with respect to timepiece 10 may be applied to a wide range of timepiece styles and functions, in addition to the style and function of a sport watch.
Case 20 may be formed to have any practical shape ranging from round to angular. The primary purposes of case 20 are to receive timing element 30 and provide timing element 30 with an aesthetically-appealing, protective housing. Accordingly, case 20 includes a recess 21 configured to receive timing element 30. In order to further protect timing element 30, case 20 or timing element 30 may include a transparent crystal 22 that permits the wearer and other individuals to view the time or other information displayed by timing element 30. Crystal 22 may be formed from a plurality of materials that are at least partially transparent, including sapphire crystal, glass, or polymer materials, for example. Accordingly, the material forming crystal 22 may be a plurality of materials, in addition to a crystal material. Case 20 also includes four projections 23 that each define an aperture 24. Although one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that any attachment method is intended to fall within the scope of the present invention, projections 23 and apertures 24 provide suitable attachment points for securing band 40 to case 20.
The primary purpose of timing element 30 is to track and display time. Timing element 30 is depicted as having a digital display, but may also display time in an analog manner or in both a digital and an analog manner. By depressing or otherwise activating buttons 31 that extend through case 20, timing element 30 may also perform one or more alternate functions in addition to tracking and displaying time. The alternate functions may include, for example, performing as a chronograph, providing an alarm, displaying the date, monitoring the heart rate of the wearer, calculating distance traveled, functioning as a calculator, providing audible signals to pace the running speed of the wearer, gauging the temperature of surrounding air, displaying altitude, or functioning as a global positioning system.
Band 40 includes a first band portion 41 and a second band portion 42 that are formed from a plurality of links 50. In addition, first band portion 41 and second band portion 42 each include a connector link 60 that joins with projections 23 to secure band 40 to case 20. Accordingly, first band portion 41 extends from a front area of case 20, and second band portion 42 extends from an opposite rear area of case 20. Ends of first band portion 41 and second band portion 42 that are positioned opposite connector link 60 may be joined together with a clasp 43, which may have any conventional structure suitable for securing timepiece 10 to the wrist.
An individual link 50 is depicted in FIGS. 5–8 and includes a cover member 51, an extension element 52, a first springbar 53a, and a second springbar 53b. Cover member 51 forms an exterior of band 40 and includes a pair of end portions 54 that form sidewalls of cover member 51 and extend along sides of extension element 52. In addition, each end portion 54 defines an aperture 55a and an aperture 55b such that each cover member 51 includes a pair of apertures 55a and a pair of apertures 55b. Cover member 51 may provide protection and limit the degree of wear in extension element 52, first springbar 53a, and second springbar 53b. Accordingly, cover member 51 may be formed from a durable, wear-resistant material, such as a polymer or metal, for example. Suitable metals include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium.
Extension element 52 includes a first surface 56a, a second surface 56b, and a pair of substantially parallel channels 57a and 57b. First surface 56a is positioned opposite second surface 56b and is depicted as having a generally planar configuration. Second surface 56b includes an indentation or other contour between channels 57a and 57b but may also exhibit a generally planar configuration that is similar to first surface 56a. Similarly, first surface 56a may incorporate a contour. Channels 57a and 57b have a generally circular shape and extend through extension element 52. Suitable materials for extension element 52 include both polymers and metals. As will be apparent from the following discussion, however, the overall flexibility of band 40 is enhanced when extension element 53 is formed from a flexible material, such as urethane.
First springbar 53a and second springbar 53b have a substantially identical configuration that includes a tube 58, a pair of depressible ends 59, and a spring (not depicted). Ends 59 project outward from tube 58 and are positioned on opposite sides of the spring, which is located within tube 58. In operation, one or both of ends 59 may be depressed so as to retreat within tube 58. Accordingly, springbars 53a and 53b have a configuration that is substantially similar to the springbars that are conventionally utilized to secure a watch band to a watch case.
Each link 50 is assembled such that extension element 52 is positioned between end portions 54 of cover member 51, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. The portion of extension element 52 that includes channel 57b extends outward from cover member 51 such that channel 57a is aligned with apertures 55a. In this configuration, first springbar 53a extends through channel 57a such that tube 58 contacts the interior surface of channel 57a and ends 59 extend into apertures 55a. In this configuration, cover member 51 and extension element 52 are secured together with first springbar 53a, first surface 56a contacts a surface of cover member 51, and second surface 56b is exposed to form the point of contact between each link 50 and the wrist. In addition, second springbar 53b extends through channel 57b such that tube 58 contacts the interior surface of channel 57b and ends 59 extend outward from channel 57b. 
In the assembled configuration of link 50 discussed above, apertures 55b and second springbar 53b form connection points with adjacent links 50. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, link 50 is positioned between and joined to two additional links 50, which are numbered link 50′ and link 50′′ for reference. Link 50′ includes a cover member 51′, an extension element 52′, a first springbar 53a′, and a second springbar 53b′. Cover member 51′ includes a pair of end portions 54′ that each define an aperture 55a′ and an aperture 55b′. Similarly, link 50′′ includes a cover member 51′′, an extension element 52′′, a first springbar 53a′′, and a second springbar 53b′′. Cover member 51′′ includes a pair of end portions 54′′ that each define an aperture 55a′′ and an aperture 55b′′. Accordingly, link 50′ and link 50′′ each exhibit a configuration that is substantially identical link 50.
As with link 50, a portion of extension element 52′ extends outward from cover member 51′, and second springbar 53b′ extends through extension element 52′. In this position, the portion of extension element 52′ that includes second springbar 53b′ extends under cover member 51 such that second springbar 53b′ extends into apertures 55b and secures link 50′ to link 50. That is, second springbar 53b′ and apertures 55b cooperatively operate to join links 50′ and 50.
The portion of extension element 52 that includes channel 57b extends outward from cover member 51, as discussed above. In order to secure link 50 to link 50′′, the portion of extension element 52 that includes second springbar 53b extends under cover member 51′′ such that second springbar 53b extends into apertures 55b′′ and secures link 50 to link 50′′. In other words, second springbar 53b and apertures 55b′′ cooperatively operate to join links 50 and 50′′.
Numerous links 50 may be joined together in the general manner discussed above. That is, a second springbar 53b of one link 50 may extend into apertures 53b of an adjacent link 50 to join the two links together. Referring to FIG. 1, first band portion 41 and second band portion 42 are each formed from multiple links 50 that are joined in this manner. Although the structure of the various links 50 are substantially similar, variations in links 50 modify the shape of band 40 in different locations. For example, the links 50 that are proximal to case 20 have a greater width than the links 50 proximal to clasp 43. That is, first band portion 41 and second band portion 42 exhibit a tapered configuration through links 50 with decreasing width. In addition, the links 50 positioned adjacent clasp 43 may have a structure that differs from the specific structure discussed above in that clasp 43 may join directly with a cover member 51. That is, a variety of attachment mechanisms may be utilized for clasp 43.
In the above discussion relating to the structure of links 50, each link 50 included a separate, discrete extension element 52. An advantage of this configuration is that the overall flexibility of band 40 is increased through the independent movability or rotatability of each extension element 52. In some embodiments, however, various adjacent extension elements 52 may be joined together. For example, the extension elements 52 that are proximal to case 20 may be joined, whereas the extension elements 52 that are proximal to clasp 43 may be separate and discrete. This configuration increases the flexibility of the portions of band 40 that are adjacent clasp 43.
The manner in which first band portion 41 is secured to case 20 will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 2. Connector link 60 is depicted as having a configuration wherein an extension element 52 extends between projections 23 and a first springbar 53a extends through extension element 52 and into apertures 24 in order to join first band portion 41 to case 20. In addition, a cover member 51 extends over a portion of case 20, and particularly crystal 22, such that end portions 54 extend over projections 23. Ends 59 of the first springbar 53a protrude from apertures 24 and extend into apertures 55a of the cover member 51, thereby securing the cover member 51 to timepiece 10. A similar attachment system involving another connector link 60 may be utilized to join second band portion 42.
In many conventional timepieces, the crystal is exposed and may, therefore, be damaged through contact with another object. In timepiece 10, however, two cover members 51 extend over opposite sides of crystal 22 and provide crystal 22 with a degree of protection. That is, two cover members 51 are secured to the front and rear areas of case 20 to protect crystal 22.
Band 40 is disclosed above in the context of timepiece 10, particularly a watch. A band having the structure and features of band 40 may also be incorporated into a variety of other products, including jewelry, for example. Accordingly, band 40 may have application to a variety of different products, in addition to timepiece 10.
The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A timepiece configured to be worn on a wrist of a wearer, the timepiece comprising:
a case that includes a timing element; and
a band extending from at least one side of the case, the band having a first link and an adjacent second link, the first link being joined to the second link, and the first link including:
a first extension element defining a connecting channel and a separate joining channel, each of the connecting channel and the joining channel extending entirely through the first extension element, and the first extension element having a outward-facing surface and an opposite wrist-facing surface, the wrist-facing surface being positioned to face the wrist,
a first cover member positioned adjacent the outward-facing surface of the first extension element, the first cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the connecting channel, and the first cover member having a pair of side portions that extend toward the wrist-facing surface of the first extension element, the side portions defining apertures aligned with the connecting channel and positioned adjacent ends of the connecting channel,
a connecting springbar extending through the first connecting channel and interfacing with the apertures to connect the first extension element to the first cover member, and
a joining springbar extending through the joining channel to join the first link to the second link,


wherein the second link is substantially identical to the first link and has a second extension element and a second cover member, the second cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the joining channel, the joining springbar securing the first extension element to the second cover member to join the first link to the second link.

2. The timepiece recited in claim 1, wherein a crystal extends over the timing element, the crystal being fanned of an at least partially transparent material.

3. The timepiece recited in claim 2, wherein the first cover member extends over at least a portion of the crystal.

4. The timepiece recited in claim 3, the connecting springbar extends through a connector area of the case and joins the band to the case, and the connecting springbar includes a pair of end portions that extend through additional apertures in the first cover member to secure the first cover member to the case.

5. The timepiece recited in claim 2, wherein the first cover member and another cover member extend over at least a portion of the crystal.

6. The timepiece recited in claim 2, wherein the first cover member and another cover member extend over opposite sides of the crystal, the timing element being visible between the first cover member and the another cover member.

7. The timepiece recited in claim 1, wherein the first cover member is formed of a metal material and the first extension element is formed of a polymer material.

8. The timepiece recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting springbar and the joining springbar each include a tubular member and a pair of depressible end portions.

9. The timepiece recited in claim 1, wherein the band includes a plurality of links that are substantially identical to the first link and the second link, and a first portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a first band portion, and a second portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a second band portion, the first band portion and the second band portion each including an end that is configured to join with the case.

10. The timepiece recited in claim 9, wherein a clasp joins an end of the first band portion with an end of the second band portion.

11. A timepiece configured to be worn on a wrist of a wearer, the timepiece comprising a case, a timing element positioned within the case, and a band extending from at least one side of the case, the band having a first link and a second link joined together;
the first link including:
a first extension element defining a first connecting channel and a separate first joining channel, the first extension element having a outward-fazing surface and an opposite wrist-facing surface, the wrist-facing surface being positioned to face the wrist,
a first cover member positioned adjacent the outward-facing surface of the first extension element, the first cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the first connecting channel, and the first cover member having a pair of first side portions that extend toward the wrist-facing surface, the first side portions defining first connecting apertures aligned with the first connecting channel and positioned adjacent ends of the first connecting channel,
a first connecting springbar extending through the first connecting channel and interfacing with the first connecting apertures to connect the first extension element to the first cover member, and
a first joining springbar extending through the first joining channel to join the first extension element to the second link; and

the second link including:
a second extension element defining a second connecting channel and a separate second joining channel,
a second cover member extending over a portion of the second extension element that has the second connecting channel, the second cover member having a pair of side portions that define second connecting apertures aligned with the second connecting channel and positioned adjacent ends of the second connecting channel, and the second cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the first joining channel, and the side portions of the second cover member defining joining apertures aligned with the first joining channel, the first joining springbar extending into the joining apertures to join the first link to the second link,
a second connecting springbar extending through the second connecting channel and interfacing with the second connecting apertures to connect the second extension element to the second cover member, and
a second joining springbar extending through the second joining channel.

12. The timepiece recited in claim 11, wherein a crystal extends over the timing element, the crystal being formed of an at least partially transparent material, and the first cover member extends over at least a portion of the crystal.

13. The timepiece recited in claim 12, the connecting springbar extends through a connector area of the case and joins the band to the case, and the connecting springbar includes a pair of end portions that extend through additional apertures in the first cover member to secure the first cover member to the case.

14. The timepiece recited in claim 12, wherein the first cover member and another cover member extend over opposite sides of the crystal, the timing element being visible between the first cover member and the another cover member.

15. The timepiece recited in claim 11, wherein the band includes a plurality of links that are substantially identical to the first link end the second link, and a first portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a first band portion, and a second portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a second band portion, the first band portion and the second band portion each including an end that is configured to join with the case.

16. The timepiece recited in claim 15, wherein a clasp joins an end of the first band portion with an end of the second band portion.

17. The timepiece recited in claim 11, wherein the band includes a third link, and the second joining springbar joins the second link to the third link.

18. The timepiece recited in claim 11, wherein the first connecting channel and the first joining channel are substantially parallel.

19. A timepiece configured to be worn on a wrist of a wearer, the timepiece comprising a case, a timing element positioned within the case, and a band extending from at least one side of the case, the band having a first link, a second link, and a third link joined in series;
the first link including:
a first extension element defining a first connecting channel and a separate first joining channel, the first connecting channel being substantially parallel to the first joining channel, the first extension element having a outward-facing surface and an opposite wrist-facing surface, the wrist-facing surface being positioned to face the wrist,
a first cover member positioned adjacent the outward-facing surface of the first extension element, the first cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the first connecting channel, and the first cover member having a pair of first side portions that extend toward the wrist-facing surface, the first side portions defining first connecting apertures aligned with the first connecting channel and positioned adjacent ends of the first connecting channel,
a first connecting springbar extending through the first connecting channel and interfacing with the first connecting apertures to connect the first extension element to the first cover member, and
a first joining springbar extending through the first joining channel to join the first extension element to the second link; and

the second link including:
a second extension element defining a second connecting channel and a separate second joining channel,
a second cover member extending over a portion of the second extension element that has the second connecting channel, the second cover member having a pair of side portions that define second connecting apertures aligned with the second connecting channel and positioned adjacent ends of the second connecting channel, and the second cover member extending over a portion of the first extension element that has the first joining channel, and the side portions of the second cover member defining joining apertures aligned with the first joining channel and positioned adjacent ends of the first joining channel, the first joining springbar extending into the joining apertures to join the first link to the second link,
a second connecting springbar extending through the second connecting channel and interfacing with the second connecting apertures to connect the second extension element to the second cover member, and
a second joining springbar extending through the second joining channel to join the second extension element to the third link,


wherein the third link is substantially identical to the first link and has a third extension element and a third cover member, the third cover member extending over a portion of the second extension element that has the second joining channel, the second joining springbar securing the second extension element to the third cover member to join the second link to the third link.

20. The timepiece recited in claim 19, wherein a crystal extends over the timing element, the crystal being formed of an at least partially transparent material, and the first cover member extends over at least a portion of the crystal.

21. The timepiece recited in claim 20, the connecting springbar extends through a connector area of the case and joins the band to the case, and the connecting springbar includes a pair of end portions that extend through additional apertures in the first cover member to secure the first cover member to the ease.

22. The timepiece recited in claim 20, wherein the first cover member and another cover member extend over opposite sides of the crystal, the timing element being visible between the first cover member and the another cover member.

23. The timepiece recited in claim 19, wherein the band includes a plurality of links that are substantially identical to the first link and the second link, and a first portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a first band portion, and a second portion of the plurality of links are joined together to form a second band portion, the first band portion and the second band portion each including an end that is configured to join with the case.

24. The timepiece recited in claim 23, wherein a clasp joins an end of the first band portion with an end of the second band portion.

25. The timepiece recited in claim 19, wherein the band includes a third link, and the second joining springbar joins the second link to the third link.

26. The timepiece recited in claim 25, wherein the first connecting channel and the first joining channel are substantially parallel.