Abstract:
A flexible band with clip-on watch module includes a band, a watch movement, a display, a surrounding case and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism has several embodiments. These include a channel beneath the case comprised of two pair of opposed prongs; an elastic member passed beneath the band and the case and secured to ridges on the top surface of the case; an underband platform suspended from the case with retaining members at a side edge; a hingedly attached retaining clip that encloses the band and snaps onto a side of the case; one or more lateral slots in a side edge of the case into which the band is inserted; and a curved support platform under the watch module with retaining notches at either end for retention of a folded and flattened band. The case, recess, channel and attachment mechanism may be curved to better fit the wrist.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention pertains to watches. More particularly, the invention relates to modular watches designed to attach to continuous flexible bands.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     With seven Tour de France victories, the story of Lance Armstrong and his battle with cancer has become a popular cause. Those supporting this cause do so by purchasing and wearing yellow plastic wrist bracelets. A charitable donation is made as a portion of the purchase price. Tens of millions of these bracelets have been sold and bracelets of other colors have been sold in association with other charitable causes. The present invention relates to a watch module designed to attach to these plastic wrist bracelets. Many designs have been developed for attaching a watch to a watch band, however, there are very few designs for attachment of a watch to a continuous flexible band, i.e., one without a closure means.  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,861, issued to Della Felice, discloses a watch case with a retaining means which is hinged at one end to the case by a hinge extending transversely with respect to the line of the strap, at a limited distance from the rear surface of the case in order to allow the strap to be passed through. The retaining means can be closed against the case in order to grip the strap (which is thus easy to replace) and is positionable at a limited angle with respect to the case, such that it can be stood on a surface like a little table-top clock.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,984, issued to Loch is directed to a ring-shaped member for hand wear. The ring-shaped member is to be worn on the hand of the individual and is band type structure having first and second ends for closure. In one embodiment of the invention a time piece may be attached to the ring shaped member.  
         [0005]     U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0022554, by Davidson et al. discloses a bracelet with interchangeable adornments for storing medications, hygiene products, or food. The bracelet with interchangeable adornments has a strap and a container. The container attaches to the strap via a fastening means. Furthermore, the container has a base and a lid. The lid is coupled to the base via a movable member. The movable member prevents the lid from detaching from the base while enabling the lid to open and close. The base is hollow and is generally geometric in shape or generally represents an object that is flower-like, person-like, or animal-like.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,541,432, issued to Muehlbauer describes a compass attachment for wristwatch straps and bands. The compass is attached to the band by means of a clip.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,740, issued to Fromer is directed to a wrist mounted pill box. A watch is attached to a band by means of flexible extensions which are secured to a lower container portion so that they can be bent under the wrist band or strap.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,280, issued to Perry, Jr. describes a device for convenient mounting of a wrist watch on a belt. The watch is mounted within a case having a belt bracket and a hinged protective cover. The watch is hingedly mounted on one of its conventional strap pins to the inside of the protective cover. Both hinged mountings are spring biased to urge the protective cover and watch to a normal closed position. The other conventional strap pin of the watch retains a strap which hangs freely from the case, to provide a convenient handle to open the case and pull the watch into view.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,436, issued to Harilela describes a watch and strap combination in which the strap is essentially constituted by an elongate rectangular strip of paper material of weight between 150 and 350 g/m.sup.2, carrying printed matter under an optional PVC lamination. Means for fastening together the strap ends may include a double-sided adhesive patch or a touch-and-close fastener.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,148, issued to Ivengsberg et al. is directed to an arrangement in or relating to a year calendar. The calendar is attached to a band by means of securing clips which are bent inwardly at the lower surface of the strap.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,630, issued to Nanasi discloses a flexible, elongated band that has a removable ornament thereon that can be intentionally removed from the band but cannot be accidentally removed.  
         [0012]     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mechanism for attaching a watch to a flexible continuous wrist band. It is a further objective to provide a mechanism that will provide a secure attachment while permitting relatively easy removal of the watch from the band. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an attachment mechanism that can be used with watches of different sizes. Finally, it is an objective to provide a watch and band combination based upon flexible, continuous bands that is simple and inexpensive to produce and durable in nature.  
         [0013]     While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art clip-on watch inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.  
         [0015]     (1) A flexible band with clip-on watch can be fabricated from the following components. At least one flexible, continuous band is provided. The band has a first predetermined width and a first predetermined thickness, is formed of resilient material and is sized and shaped to fit stretchably over a wearer&#39;s hand and loosely about the wearer&#39;s wrist. A watch module is provided. The watch module includes a time-keeping movement, a display, a surrounding case, and an attachment mechanism. The case has an upper surface and a lower surface. The attachment mechanism removably joins the watch module to the band.  
         [0016]     (2) In a variant of the invention, the attachment mechanism further includes first and second retaining clips. Each of the clips extends outwardly from the surrounding case along a diameter of the watch module in opposite directions. Each of the clips has a channel through it. The channel has an upper wall, a lower wall and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the band. The lower wall includes first and second opposing prongs. The prongs are located at right angles to the diameter and extend inwardly from outer edges of the clips toward each other. The prongs are spaced apart sufficiently to permit an edge of the band to pass between them. When the edge of the band is passed between each of the sets of prongs and turned to lie flat against the lower surface of the surrounding case, the band will be removably attached to the watch module.  
         [0017]     (3) In another variant, the watch module further includes a bottom plate. The bottom plate is attached to the lower surface of the surrounding case and forms the upper wall of the channel. The lower wall includes the first and second opposing prongs descending from side edges of the bottom plate.  
         [0018]     (4) In still another variant, the bottom plate is curved to permit the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0019]     (5) In yet another variant, the upper wall of the channel is recessed into the lower surface of the surrounding case, thereby permitting the band to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0020]     (6) In a further variant, the watch module includes an analog watch movement.  
         [0021]     (7) In still a further variant, the watch module includes a digital watch movement.  
         [0022]     (8) In yet a further variant, the watch module is waterproof.  
         [0023]     (9) In a variant of the invention, the attachment mechanism further includes at least one first side wall. The first side wall is attached at a right angle to the lower surface of the surrounding case and descends from it for a first predetermined distance. At least one underband plate is provided. The plate is attached at a right angle at a proximate edge to a lower edge of the first side wall. The plate has a width at least equal to the first predetermined width and is spaced from the lower surface by at least the first predetermined thickness. At least one second side wall is provided. The second side wall is attached at a right angle at a distal edge of the underband plate and ascends toward the lower surface for at least the first predetermined distance. At least one retaining tab is provided. The retaining tab is attached at a right angle at an upper edge of the second side wall and extends inwardly over the underband plate for a second predetermined distance. When the band is inserted between the lower surface of the surrounding case and the underband plate it will be located against the first side wall and when the band is then pushed under the retaining tab it will be located between the first side wall and the second side wall, thereby removably attaching the watch module to the band.  
         [0024]     (10) In another variant, the underband plate is curved to permit the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0025]     (11) In still another variant, the lower surface of the surrounding case is recessed, thereby providing a space for the band and permitting the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0026]     (12) In yet another variant, the attachment mechanism further includes first and second retaining means. The retaining means extend upwardly from the upper surface of the surrounding case. A continuous loop is provided. The loop is formed of resilient material and is sized and shaped to extend from an inner edge of the first retaining means, beneath the lower surface of the watch module and the continuous band, and over an inner edge of the second retaining means, thereby removably attaching the watch module to the band.  
         [0027]     (13) In a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes a recess. The recess is located in the lower surface of the surrounding case, is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band and permits the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0028]     (14) In still a further variant, the lower surface of the surrounding case and the recess are curved, thereby permitting the watch to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0029]     (15) In yet a further variant, the retaining means further includes first and second ridges. The ridges are sized and shaped to retain the continuous loop.  
         [0030]     (16) In another variant of the invention, the attachment mechanism further includes at least one side notch. The side notch extends downwardly from ends of the first and second ridges along side edges of the surrounding case. The notches make attachment of the continuous loop more compact.  
         [0031]     (17) In still another variant, the attachment mechanism further includes an attachment bracket. The bracket is formed of resilient material, hingedly attached at a first end adjacent a first side of the lower surface of the surrounding case and removably attached at a second end adjacent an opposite second side of the lower surface. The bracket is spaced downwardly from the lower surface by a distance slightly less than the first predetermined thickness. The bracket bears frictionally against the band when the second end is attached adjacent the opposite second side of the lower surface. When the second end of the bracket is detached from adjacent the opposite second side, the watch module may be removed from the band.  
         [0032]     (18) In yet another variant, the first end of the bracket is hingedly attached at a first point on a first side edge of the surrounding case. The bracket descends from the first point below the lower surface of the case, extends across the lower surface and ascends to a second point on an opposite second side edge of the case. The second end of the bracket is removably attached to the second side edge adjacent the second point.  
         [0033]     (19) In a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes a recess. The recess is located in the lower surface of the surrounding case, is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band and permits the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0034]     (20) In still a further variant, the lower surface of the surrounding case and the recess are curved, thereby permitting the watch to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0035]     (21) In yet a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes an elastic member. The member has a first predetermined cross section, is sized and shaped to fit elastically about a peripheral edge of the surrounding case, under the lower surface of the case, across the band and back over the peripheral edge. A circumferential groove is provided. The groove is located about the peripheral edge of the surrounding case and is sized and shaped to retain at least one cross section of the elastic member. When the elastic member is looped about the circumferential groove and passed under the lower surface of the surrounding case, under the band and back up and over the case and stretched over the groove, the watch module will be removably attached to the band.  
         [0036]     (22) In another variant of the invention, the attachment mechanism further includes a recess. The recess is located in the lower surface of the surrounding case, is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band and permits the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0037]     (23) In still another variant, the lower surface of the surrounding case and the recess are curved, thereby permitting the watch to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0038]     (24) In yet another variant, the elastic member includes two circular portions. The circular portions are sized and shaped to fit elastically about the circumferential groove. The circular portions are joined at their peripheral edges by at least one straight member. The straight member is sized to extend elastically from the first circular portion, under the lower surface of the surrounding case, under the band and back to the peripheral edge of the second circular portion.  
         [0039]     (25) In a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes at least one slot. The slot extends from a front edge of the surrounding case to a rear edge of the case, has an opening at a side edge of the case and is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band. When the band is inserted into the slot, the watch module will be removably attached to the band.  
         [0040]     (26) In still a further variant, the opening is slightly smaller than the first predetermined thickness. When the band is inserted into the slot, slight pressure will be required to force the band past the opening and into the slot, thereby securing the watch module to the band.  
         [0041]     (27) In yet a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes first and second parallel slots. The slots are located above the lower surface of the surrounding case. Each of the slots has an opening at an adjacent side edge of the case. Two bands are provided. Each of the bands is disposed in one of the first and second slots.  
         [0042]     (28) In another variant of the invention, the lower surface of the surrounding case is curved, thereby permitting the watch to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0043]     (29) In still another variant, the attachment mechanism further includes a curved support platform. The platform has a first end and a second end. Each of the ends extends outwardly adjacent first and second side edges of the lower surface of the surrounding case, is curved to conform to the wrist of the wearer, and has a width at least equal to the first predetermined width. First and second attachment notches are provided. Each of the notches is located adjacent one of the first and second ends of the support platform and is sized and shaped to retain a folded loop of the flexible, continuous band. When a folded loop of the band is inserted into to each of the first and second attachment notches, the watch module will be removably attached to the folded band.  
         [0044]     (30) In yet another variant, each of the attachment notches includes an aperture located adjacent each of the first and second ends of the support platform. A retaining member is provided. The retaining member extends from a proximal end attached to a lateral inside edge of the aperture toward an opposite lateral inside edge. A distal end of the retaining member is spaced from the opposite edge by at least the first predetermined thickness. When the folded loop of the flexible, continuous band is inserted into each of the apertures and about the retaining member, the watch module will be removably attached to the folded band.  
         [0045]     (31) In a further variant, each of the attachment notches includes an opening. The opening extends from a first edge of the curved support platform toward a second opposite edge of the platform. The opening defines a retaining member disposed at a distal end of the support platform, the retaining member is spaced outwardly from the opening by at least the first predetermined thickness. When the folded loop of the flexible, continuous band is disposed through the opening and about each of the retaining members the watch module will be removably attached to the folded band.  
         [0046]     (32) In still a further variant of the invention, each of the retaining members is attached to the second edge of the support platform at an acute angle, thereby more securely attaching the watch module to the folded band.  
         [0047]     (33) In yet a further variant, the attachment mechanism further includes an attachment bracket. The bracket is formed of resilient material, hingedly attached at a first end adjacent a first side of the lower surface of the surrounding case and removably attached at a second end adjacent an opposite second side of the upper surface of the case. The bracket is spaced downwardly from the lower surface by a distance slightly less than the first predetermined thickness. The bracket bears frictionally against the band when the second end is attached adjacent the opposite second side of the upper surface. When the second end of the bracket is detached from adjacent the opposite second side, the watch module may be removed from the band.  
         [0048]     (34) In another variant, the first end of the bracket is hingedly attached at a first point on the first side edge of the surrounding case. The bracket descends from the first point below the lower surface of the case, extends across the lower surface and ascends to a second point on an opposite second side of the upper surface of the case. The second end of the bracket is removably attached to the upper surface adjacent the second point.  
         [0049]     (35) In still another variant, the attachment mechanism further includes a recess. The recess is located in the lower surface of the surrounding case, is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band and permits the watch module to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0050]     (36) In a final variant of the invention, the lower surface of the surrounding case and the recess are curved, thereby permitting the watch to fit more closely against the wrist of the wearer.  
         [0051]     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0052]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention illustrating an analog watch module with prong-type attachment mechanism;  
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating passage of the continuous band through the attachment mechanism;  
         [0054]      FIG. 2A  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating a surrounding case having a curved lower surface;  
         [0055]      FIG. 2B  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating a surrounding case having a curved bottom plate;  
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the prong-type attachment mechanism;  
         [0057]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating a recessed channel in the lower surface of the surrounding case;  
         [0058]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention illustrating a digital watch movement and prong-type attachment mechanism;  
         [0059]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 4  embodiment illustrating passage of the continuous band through the attachment mechanism;  
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the watch module of the  FIG. 4  embodiment illustrating the prong-type attachment mechanism and a channel in the lower surface of the surrounding case;  
         [0061]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention illustrating an analog watch movement and elastic member-type attachment mechanism;  
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the  FIG. 7  embodiment with a partial section illustrating attachment ridges on an upper surface of the surrounding case;  
         [0063]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 7  embodiment illustrating a curved watch module and a recess the lower surface of the case;  
         [0064]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the  FIG. 7  embodiment illustrating a recess the lower surface of the case;  
         [0065]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating an analog watch movement and underband plate-type attachment mechanism;  
         [0066]      FIG. 12 a  side elevational view of the  FIG. 11  embodiment illustrating a curved underband plate;  
         [0067]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the  FIG. 11  embodiment illustrating the underband plate and two retaining tabs;  
         [0068]      FIG. 14 a  side elevational view of the  FIG. 11  embodiment illustrating a curved underband plate; and a recess in the lower surface of the watch module;  
         [0069]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a larger version of the  FIG. 11  embodiment illustrating a watch module having two underband plates and retaining tabs on each side of the surrounding case;  
         [0070]      FIG. 16 a  bottom view of the  FIG. 15  embodiment illustrating the two underband plates;  
         [0071]      FIG. 17 a  side elevational view of the  FIG. 15  embodiment illustrating a curved underband plate;  
         [0072]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention illustrating a hinged clip-type attachment mechanism in an open position;  
         [0073]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment of the invention illustrating a hinged clip-type attachment mechanism pivoting at the side of the lower surface of the surrounding case and fastening on the upper surface of the case;  
         [0074]      FIG. 19A  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment of the invention illustrating a hinged clip-type attachment mechanism pivoting at the side of the surrounding case and fastening on the upper surface of the case;  
         [0075]      FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment of the invention illustrating a hinged clip-type attachment mechanism pivoting at the side of the surrounding case and fastening on the side of the case;  
         [0076]      FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment of the invention illustrating a hinged clip-type attachment mechanism pivoting at the side of the lower surface of the surrounding case and fastening at an opposite side of the lower surface of the case;  
         [0077]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment of the invention illustrating a channel in the curved lower surface of the surrounding case;  
         [0078]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the invention illustrating a watch module with a circumferential groove and elastic member attachment means;  
         [0079]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 23  embodiment of the invention illustrating the attachment of the elastic member;  
         [0080]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 23  embodiment of the invention illustrating the elastic member attached to the circumferential groove;  
         [0081]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention illustrating a dual band side opening attachment mechanism;  
         [0082]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the watch module of the  FIG. 26  embodiment of the invention illustrating the side openings of the attachment mechanism;  
         [0083]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of  FIG. 26  embodiment of the invention illustrating a curved watch module;  
         [0084]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 26  embodiment of the invention illustrating a curved watch module for a single band;  
         [0085]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the invention illustrating a curved watch module with an attachment mechanism for a folded flexible band;  
         [0086]      FIG. 31  is a partial detailed perspective view of the  FIG. 30  embodiment of the invention illustrating attachment of the folded band to the watch module;  
         [0087]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 30  embodiment of the invention illustrating a variant in the band retaining mechanism; and  
         [0088]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 30  embodiment of the invention illustrating another variant in the band retaining mechanism having an angled retaining member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0089]     (1) A flexible band with clip-on watch  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-33 , providing all of the desired features can be constructed from the following components. At least one flexible, continuous band  14  is provided. The band  14  has a first predetermined width  18  and a first predetermined thickness  22 , is formed of resilient material and is sized and shaped to fit stretchably over a wearer&#39;s hand (not shown) and loosely about the wearer&#39;s wrist  30 . A watch module  34  is provided. The watch module  34  includes a time-keeping movement  38 , a display  42 , a surrounding case  46 , and an attachment mechanism  50 . The case  46  has an upper surface  54  and a lower surface  58 . The attachment mechanism  50  removably joins the watch module  34  to the band  14 .  
         [0090]     (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes first  62  and second  66  retaining clips. Each of the clips  62 ,  66  extends outwardly from the surrounding case  46  along a diameter  70  of the watch module  34  in opposite directions. Each of the clips  62 ,  66  has a channel  74  through it. The channel  74  has an upper wall  78 , a lower wall  82  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the band  14 . The lower wall  82  includes first  86  and second  90  opposing prongs. The prongs  86 ,  90  are located at right angles to the diameter  70  and extend inwardly from outer edges  94  of the clips  62 ,  66  toward each other. The prongs  86 ,  90  are spaced apart sufficiently to permit an edge  96  of the band  14  to pass between them. When the edge  96  of the band  14  is passed between each of the sets of prongs  86 ,  90  and turned to lie flat against the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , the band  14  will be removably attached to the watch module  34 .  
         [0091]     (3) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the watch module  34  further includes a bottom plate  98 . The bottom plate  98  is attached to the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and forms the upper wall  78  of the channel  74 . The lower wall  82  includes the first  86  and second  90  opposing prongs descending from side edges  102  of the bottom plate  98 .  
         [0092]     (4) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the bottom plate  98  is curved to permit the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0093]     (5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the upper wall  78  of the channel  74  is recessed into the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , thereby permitting the band  14  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0094]     (6) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the watch module  34  includes an analog watch movement  110 .  
         [0095]     (7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the watch module  34  includes a digital watch movement  114 .  
         [0096]     (8) In yet a further variant, the watch module  34  is waterproof.  
         [0097]     (9) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-17 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes at least one first side wall  118 . The first side wall  118  is attached at a right angle to the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and descends from it for a first predetermined distance  122 . At least one underband plate  126  is provided. The plate  126  is attached at a right angle at a proximate edge  130  to a lower edge  134  of the first side wall  118 . The plate  126  has a width  138  at least equal to the first predetermined width  18  and is spaced from the lower surface  58  by at least the first predetermined thickness  22 . At least one second side wall  142  is provided. The second side wall  142  is attached at a right angle at a distal edge  146  of the underband plate  126  and ascends toward the lower surface  58  for at least the first predetermined distance  122 . At least one retaining tab  150  is provided. The retaining tab  150  is attached at a right angle at an upper edge  154  of the second side wall  142  and extends inwardly over the underband plate  126  for a second predetermined distance  158 . When the band  14  is inserted between the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and the underband plate  126  it will be located against the first side wall  118  and when the band  14  is then pushed under the retaining tab  150  it will be located between the first side wall  118  and the second side wall  142 , thereby removably attaching the watch module  34  to the band  14 .  
         [0098]     (10) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12, 14  and  17 , the underband plate  126  is curved to permit the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0099]     (11) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  is recessed, thereby providing a space  162  for the band  14  and permitting the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0100]     (12) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes first  166  and second  170  retaining means. The retaining means  166 ,  170  extend upwardly from the upper surface  54  of the surrounding case  46 . A continuous loop  174  is provided. The loop  174  is formed of resilient material and is sized and shaped to extend from an inner edge  178  of the first retaining means  166 , beneath the lower surface  58  of the watch module  34  and the continuous band  14 , and over an inner edge  182  of the second retaining means  170 , thereby removably attaching the watch module 34  to the band  14 .  
         [0101]     (13) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes a recess  186 . The recess  186  is located in the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band  14  and permits the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0102]     (14) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and the recess  186  are curved, thereby permitting the watch  10  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0103]     (15) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the retaining means  166 ,  170  further includes first  190  and second  194  ridges. The ridges  190 ,  194  are sized and shaped to retain the continuous loop  174 .  
         [0104]     (16) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes at least one side notch  198 . The side notch  198  extends downwardly from ends  202  of the first  190  and second  194  ridges along side edges  206  of the surrounding case  46 . The notches  198  make attachment of the continuous loop  174  more compact.  
         [0105]     (17) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18-22 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes an attachment bracket  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the bracket  210  is formed of resilient material, hingedly attached at a first end  214  adjacent a first side  218  of the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and removably attached at a second end  222  adjacent an opposite second side  226  of the lower surface  58 . The bracket  210  is spaced downwardly from the lower surface  58  by a distance  230  slightly less than the first predetermined thickness  22 . The bracket  210  bears frictionally against the band  14  when the second end  222  is attached adjacent the opposite second side  226  of the lower surface  58 . When the second end  222  of the bracket  210  is detached from adjacent the opposite second side  226 , the watch module  34  may be removed from the band  14 .  
         [0106]     (18) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the first end  214  of the bracket  210  is hingedly attached at a first point  234  on a first side edge  238  of the surrounding case  46 . The bracket  210  descends from the first point  234  below the lower surface  58  of the case  46 , extends across the lower surface  58  and ascends to a second point  242  on an opposite second side edge  246  of the case  46 . The second end  222  of the bracket  210  is removably attached to the second side edge  246  adjacent the second point  242 .  
         [0107]     (19) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes a recess  250 . The recess  250  is located in the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band  14  and permits the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106   
         [0108]     (20) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and the recess  250  are curved, thereby permitting the watch  10  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0109]     (21) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 23-25 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes an elastic member  254 . The member  254  has a first predetermined cross section  258 , is sized and shaped to fit elastically about a peripheral edge  262  of the surrounding case  46 , under the lower surface  58  of the case  46 , across the band  14  and back over the peripheral edge  262 . A circumferential groove  266  is provided. The groove  266  is located about the peripheral edge  262  of the surrounding case  46  and is sized and shaped to retain at least one cross section  258  of the elastic member  254 . When the elastic member  254  is looped about the circumferential groove  266  and passed under the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , under the band  14  and back up and over the case  46  and stretched over the groove  266 , the watch module  34  will be removably attached to the band  14 .  
         [0110]     (22) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes a recess  270 . The recess  270  is located in the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band  14  and permits the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0111]     (23) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and the recess  270  are curved, thereby permitting the watch  10  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0112]     (24) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 23-25 , the elastic member  254  includes two circular portions  274 ,  278 . The circular portions  274  are sized and shaped to fit elastically about the circumferential groove  266 . The circular portions  274  are joined at their peripheral edges  282  by at least one straight member  286 . The straight member  286  is sized to extend elastically from the first circular portion  274 , under the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , under the band  14  and back to the peripheral edge  282  of the second circular portion  278 .  
         [0113]     (25) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26-29 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes at least one slot  290 . The slot  290  extends from a front edge  294  of the surrounding case  46  to a rear edge  298  of the case  46 , has an opening  302  at a side edge  306  of the case  46  and is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band  14 . When the band  14  is inserted into the slot  290 , the watch module  34  will be removably attached to the band  14 .  
         [0114]     (26) In still a further variant, the opening  302  is slightly smaller than the first predetermined thickness  22 . When the band  14  is inserted into the slot  290 , slight pressure will be required to force the band  14  past the opening  302  and into the slot  290 , thereby securing the watch module  34  to the band  14 .  
         [0115]     (27) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26-28 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes first  306  and second  310  parallel slots. The slots  306 ,  310  are located above the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 . Each of the slots  306 ,  310  has an opening  302  at an adjacent side edge  314 ,  318  of the case  46 . Two bands  14  are provided. Each of the bands  14  is disposed in one of the first  306  and second  310  slots.  
         [0116]     (28) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  is curved, thereby permitting the watch  10  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .  
         [0117]     (29) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes a curved support platform  322 . The platform  322  has a first end  326  and a second end  330 . Each of the ends  326 ,  330  extends outwardly adjacent first  334  and second  338  side edges of the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , is curved to conform to the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 , and has a width  342  at least equal to the first predetermined width  18 . First  346  and second  350  attachment notches are provided. Each of the notches  346 ,  350  is located adjacent one of the first  326  and second  330  ends of the support platform  322  and is sized and shaped to retain a folded loop  354  of the flexible, continuous band  14 . When a folded loop  354  of the band  14  is inserted into to each of the first  346  and second  350  attachment notches, the watch module  34  will be removably attached to the folded band  14 .  
         [0118]     (30) In yet another variant, each of the attachment notches  346 ,  350  includes an aperture  358  located adjacent each of the first  326  and second  330  ends of the support platform  322 . A retaining member  362  is provided. The retaining member  362  extends from a proximal end  366  attached to a lateral inside edge  370  of the aperture  358  toward an opposite lateral inside edge  374 . A distal end  378  of the retaining member  362  is spaced from the opposite edge  374  by at least the first predetermined thickness  22 . When the folded loop  354  of the flexible, continuous band  14  is inserted into each of the apertures  358  and about the retaining member  362 , the watch module  34  will be removably attached to the folded band  14 .  
         [0119]     (31) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 32 , each of the attachment notches  346 ,  350  includes an opening  382 . The opening  382  extends from a first edge  386  of the curved support platform  322  toward a second opposite edge  390  of the platform  322 . The opening  382  defines a retaining member  362  disposed at a distal end  394  of the support platform  322 , the retaining member  362  is spaced outwardly from the opening  382  by at least the first predetermined thickness  22 . When the folded loop  354  of the flexible, continuous band  14  is disposed through the opening  382  and about each of the retaining members  362  the watch module  34  will be removably attached to the folded band  14 .  
         [0120]     (32) In still a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 , each of the retaining members  362  is attached to the second edge  390  of the support platform  322  at an acute angle  398 , thereby more securely attaching the watch module  34  to the folded band  14 .  
         [0121]     (33) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18, 19  and  22 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes an attachment bracket  210 . The bracket  210  is formed of resilient material, hingedly attached at a first end  214  adjacent a first side  218  of the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and removably attached at a second end  222  adjacent an opposite second side  402  of the upper surface  54  of the case  46 . The bracket  210  is spaced downwardly from the lower surface  58  by a distance  230  slightly less than the first predetermined thickness  22 . The bracket  210  bears frictionally against the band  14  when the second end  222  is attached adjacent the opposite second side  402  of the upper surface  54 . When the second end  222  of the bracket  210  is detached from adjacent the opposite second side  402 , the watch module  30  may be removed from the band  14 .  
         [0122]     (34) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 19A , the first end  214  of the bracket  210  is hingedly attached at a first point  234  on the first side edge  238  of the surrounding case  46 . The bracket  210  descends from the first point  234  below the lower surface  58  of the case  46 , extends across the lower surface  58  and ascends to a second point  406  on an opposite second side  402  of the upper surface  54  of the case  46 . The second end  222  of the bracket  210  is removably attached to the upper surface  54  adjacent the second point  406   
         [0123]     (35) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the attachment mechanism  50  further includes a recess  250 . The recess  250  is located in the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46 , is sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the band  14  and permits the watch module  34  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106   
         [0124]     (36) In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the lower surface  58  of the surrounding case  46  and the recess  250  are curved, thereby permitting the watch  10  to fit more closely against the wrist  30  of the wearer  106 .