Patent Publication Number: US-11039668-B2

Title: Slack reducing device for modeling a watch

Description:
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to temporary wristwatch accessories. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adjusting the fit of a wristwatch having a watchband with a predetermined circumference larger than a wrist circumference of a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modeling wristwatches for the purposes of deciding whether to purchase a particular wristwatch can be a frustrating experience, especially when the watchband is not fitted to the user&#39;s wrist. This is particularly relevant for wristwatches with watchbands that cannot be easily adjusted. One such type of watchband that cannot be easily adjusted for the purpose of modeling or merely trying on the wristwatch is a metal watchband. Metal watchbands may have a clasp along a base portion and may be fitted to a user&#39;s wrist by removing or adding metal links from or to the metal watchband. This can be time-consuming, not only to remove the link but also to put them back should the user decide not to purchase the particular wristwatch. 
     Wristwatches having metal watchbands are typically manufactured to standard circumferences (e.g., as the wristwatch comes from the factory and as it sits on retail shelves). For men, the standard wristwatch circumference measures between 7.5 inches and 9.5 inches (or approximately 19.1 cm and 24.1 cm), depending on the style and manufacturer. For women, the standard wristwatch circumference is between 6.5 inches and 8 inches (or approximately 16.5 cm and 20.3 cm), again, depending on the style and manufacturer. Watchband widths typically range in size between 0.3 inch and 1.3 inches (or approximately between 8 mm and 33 mm). Some speciality watchbands can be much larger or smaller. 
     The average wrist size of a man is 7.3 inches (or approximately 18.5 cm). Additionally, 95% of men have a wrist size (i.e., a wrist circumference) between 5.8 inches and 8.7 inches (or approximately 14.7 cm and 22.1 cm). The average wrist size of a woman is 6.2 inches (or approximately 15.7 cm. Additionally, 95% of women have a wrist size between 5 inches and 7.5 inches (or approximately 12.7 cm to 19.1 cm. Accordingly, it is easy to see that many standard sized wristwatches will be too large for both men and women without having at least some adjustment made. This is especially true considering recent trends of women shoppers purchasing larger watches and sometimes even men&#39;s watches. 
     Ideally, the user desires the case of the wristwatch to rest securely along an upper portion of the user&#39;s wrist. This, however, is not the case when modeling a wristwatch that is not fitted to the user&#39;s wrist (i.e., the watchband of the wristwatch is too large). Based on the above average size ranges, it is all too common for a wristwatch to be larger than a user&#39;s wrist when modeling or trying on a standard sized wristwatch. 
     Modeling a wristwatch when deciding whether to purchase it may involve movements of the user&#39;s arm, wrist, and hand that allow the user may see how the watch looks on the user&#39;s wrist when the user&#39;s arm, wrist, and/or hand are in different positions. This movement may cause the wristwatch to shift along and rotate around the user&#39;s wrist, and even slide down onto the user&#39;s hand, which could negatively affect the user&#39;s perception of the wristwatch. The movement may also be dangerous if the wristwatch impacts and injures the user&#39;s hand. 
     The frustration with modeling wristwatches is two-fold. First, potential purchasers of a wristwatch want ideal conditions to be present (i.e., the wristwatch to be fitted to the potential purchaser&#39;s wrist) when trying the wristwatch on. A wristwatch that is constantly moving and shifting along the potential purchaser&#39;s wrist results in the potential purchaser not being able to properly evaluate the wristwatch. This may further affect the potential purchaser&#39;s decision whether to purchase a particular wristwatch. One solution a potential purchaser might try is to hold the wristwatch stationary on the wrist using the opposite, free, hand. 
     Second, retailers may be frustrated that no legitimate solution exists for securely holding the case of a wristwatch along the upper portion of the user&#39;s wrist when the watchband is not fitted to the user&#39;s wrist, besides removing links of the watchband. Retailers may also become frustrated if they learn that the loose fit altered the potential purchaser&#39;s perception of the wristwatch and thus caused them to decide not to purchase a particular wrist watch. Finally, retailers could also become frustrated when they remove links to custom fit a wristwatch to a potential purchaser&#39;s wrist and the potential purchaser decides not to purchase the wristwatch. Also, metal tools and fittings are used to resize a wristwatch and this can lead to costly scratching of said wristwatch. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     What is needed, then, is a solution for securely holding the case of a wristwatch along the upper portion of the user&#39;s wrist when the watchband is not fitted to the user&#39;s wrist for the purposes of modeling the wristwatch prior to purchase. It is one object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for supporting a wristwatch on a user&#39;s wrist. The apparatus may include a spacer configured to fill a space between a lower portion of the user&#39;s wrist and the watchband so as to enable secure placement of the case of the wristwatch along the upper portion of the user&#39;s wrist. The apparatus may further include an attachment means, such as a band, for securely holding the spacer along the lower portion of the user&#39;s wrist. The apparatus may also include a cover configured to surround the spacer for aesthetic and hygienic purposes. The apparatus provides a short-term quick and easy solution to trying on the wristwatch prior to a potential purchase. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for positioning between a watch and a user&#39;s wrist. The apparatus is comprised of a spacer and a band. The spacer is configured to be positioned between a base portion of a watchband of the watch and a lower portion of the user&#39;s wrist. The band is couplable to the spacer. The band is configured to at least partially define a passageway configured to receive the user&#39;s wrist for holding the spacer along the lower portion of the user&#39;s wrist. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the spacer includes a first spacer end, a second spacer end, a spacer width, a first support surface, and a second support surface. The first and second support surfaces are defined between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The first spacer support surface is defined by a first radius of curvature. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the second spacer support surface is defined by a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, a variable spacer thickness is defined between the first support surface and the second support surface. The variable spacer thickness is defined perpendicularly to the second support surface and spans a majority of the second support surface between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, a maximal uncompressed spacer thickness is defined between the first support surface and the second support surface approximately midway between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the maximal uncompressed spacer thickness is less than or equal to 3 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, optimally the spacer width is less than or equal to the width of the watchband of the watch, though some watch bands may be so thin (width-wise) that this is not feasible. Additionally, the spacer width may be greater than or equal to 0.3 inch and less than or equal to 2 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band extends between the first and second spacer ends. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the spacer includes a pair of ridges extending radially from the first support surface of the spacer positioned adjacent a first edge and a second edge of the first support surface, respectively. The first and second edges spanning between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the pair of ridges are spaced apart by a ridge spacing width. According to this aspect, the ridge spacing width is greater than or equal to a watchband width of the base portion of the watchband. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band is resilient. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the passageway has a circumference greater than or equal to 3 inches and less than or equal to 12 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band and the spacer define an outer perimeter having a perimeter distance greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 14 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, at least a portion of a circumference of the passageway is defined by the band. In accordance with this aspect, a majority of the portion of the circumference defined by the band has a band width that is less than or equal to a watchband width of the watchband of the watch. Additionally, the band width may be less than or equal to 2 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band width varies along a majority of the portion of the circumference defined by the band. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a cover configured to surround and protect the spacer. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the cover is configured to couple the spacer and the band together. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band includes a non-slip outer surface. The non-slip outer surface may be configured to engage the watch when worn on the user&#39;s wrist. 
     According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the band includes an outer surface having a non-slip material disposed thereon. The non-slip material may be configured to engage the watch when the worn on the user&#39;s wrist. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a watch accessory for supporting a wristwatch on a user&#39;s wrist. The watch accessory is comprised of a spacer, a cover, and an attachment means. The spacer has a first spacer end, a second spacer end, a first spacer surface, and a second spacer surface. The first and second spacer surfaces span between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The first spacer surface is defined by a first radius of curvature. The cover is configured to surround the spacer. The cover has first and second cover ends corresponding to the first and second spacer ends. The attachment means is provided for positioning the spacer between an underside of the user&#39;s wrist and a watchband of the wristwatch 
     According to another aspect of the watch accessory of the present disclosure, the attachment means comprises at least one magnet positioned between first spacer surface and the cover. The at least one magnet is configured to couple to an interior surface of the watchband. 
     According to another aspect of the watch accessory of the present disclosure, the attachment means comprises a band having a first band end and a second band end. The first band end is coupled to one of the first spacer end or the first cover end. The second band end coupled to one of the second spacer end or the second cover end. 
     According to another aspect of the watch accessory of the present disclosure, the band includes a linkage coupled between the first band end and the second band end. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the second spacer surface and the cover. 
     According to still further aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for modeling a wristwatch on a user&#39;s wrist. The wristwatch has an interior circumference that is greater than an exterior circumference of the user&#39;s wrist. The method comprises selecting a spacer device from a plurality of spacer devices having differing maximal uncompressed spacer thicknesses defined between first and second spacer surfaces. The selected spacer has a maximal uncompressed spacer thickness greater than or equal to a maximal gap distance defined between a lower wrist portion of the user&#39;s wrist and a lower watchband portion of the wristwatch. The method further comprises positioning the selected spacer between the lower wrist portion of the user&#39;s wrist and the lower watchband portion of the wristwatch for holding a display portion of the wristwatch proximate to and securely along an upper wrist portion of the user&#39;s wrist. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, the method further comprises positioning the user&#39;s wrist through a passageway defined at least partially by a band coupled to the spacer, and positioning the wristwatch and the watchband around the spacer and the band. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, the method further comprises disposing a non-slip material along at least a portion of an outer band surface of a band coupled to the spacer for maintaining a position of the wristwatch and the watchband. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a wristwatch on a user&#39;s wrist, the wristwatch has an interior circumference that is greater than an exterior circumference of the user&#39;s wrist. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus positioned between a wristwatch and a user&#39;s wrist in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  in combination with the wristwatch in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  positioned around a user&#39;s wrist in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  including a band having a uniform width. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  including a band having a variable width. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  taken along line  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the apparatus of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 8A  with a linkage connected between first and second ends of a spacer of the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  with connectors extending from first and second ends of a spacer of the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a lower perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  with ridges extending from opposite edges of an outer surface of a spacer of the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side elevational view of an apparatus in combination with a wristwatch in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 
     Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. 
     The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, needle and thread, Velcro (e.g., hooks and loops) and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; as well as indirect or direct contact. 
     Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, a variety of fabrics, vinyl, leather, a variety of different resiliently flexible materials or elastomers, or any combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a wristwatch  20  (e.g., a watch) is shown being worn on a user&#39;s wrist  10 . The wristwatch  20  includes a case  22  and a watchband  24 . The case  22  may also be referred to herein as a display portion  22 . The case  22  of the wristwatch  20  is configured to rest along an upper wrist portion  12  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 . As illustrated, a gap  40  is defined between a lower wrist portion  14  (e.g., an underside  14  or a lower portion  14 ) of the user&#39;s wrist  10  and a lower watchband portion  26  (e.g., a base portion  26  where the clasp of the watchband  24  is generally located) of the watchband  24  of the wristwatch  20 . Accordingly, the wristwatch  20  is not fitted to the user&#39;s wrist  10  (e.g., the wristwatch  20  has an interior circumference  28  that is larger than a wrist circumference  16  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 ). The gap  40  allows the wristwatch  20  to move and shift excessively on the user&#39;s wrist  10 . This movement of the wristwatch  20  may be a substantial factor in why modeling or trying on wristwatches can be a frustrating experience. The gap  40  may have a maximal gap distance  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-15 , an apparatus  100  is provided for positioning between the wristwatch  20  and the user&#39;s wrist  10 . The apparatus  100  may also be referred to herein as a watch accessory  100 . The apparatus  100  comprises at least a spacer  110  and an attachment means  140  for positioning the spacer  110  between the lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  and the lower watchband portion  26  of the watchband  24  of the wristwatch  20 . The spacer  110  may also be referred to herein as a spacer device  110 . The apparatus  100  is configured to maintain an optimal position of the wristwatch  20  on the user&#39;s wrist  10  such that the case  22  of the wristwatch  20  is securely positioned along the upper wrist portion  12  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , without having to remove links from the watchband  24 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 4A , the apparatus  100  is shown on the user&#39;s wrist  10  without the wristwatch  20  positioned thereupon. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 4B-5 and 8A-14 , the spacer  110  includes a first spacer end  112 , a second spacer end  114 , a first spacer surface  116  (i.e., a first support surface  116 ), and a second spacer surface  118  (i.e., a second support surface  118 ). The first and second spacer surfaces  116 ,  118  are defined between the first and second spacer ends  112 ,  114 . The first spacer surface  116  may be configured to support (or may be associated with) the lower watchband portion  26  of the watchband  24 . The second spacer surface  118  may be configured to support (or may be associated with) the lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 8A , the first spacer surface  116  may be defined by a first radius of curvature R 1 . The first radius of curvature R 1  is defined such that the first spacer surface  116  has a convex shape. The first radius of curvature R 1  may be within a range of approximately 0.5 inch to 3 inches (including the outer limits). 
     The second spacer surface  118  may be defined by a second radius of curvature R 2 . The second radius of curvature R 2  is defined such that the second spacer surface  118  has a concave shape. The second radius of curvature R 2  may be larger than (or greater than) the first radius of curvature R 1 . 
     Alternatively, as can best be seen in  FIGS. 9B and 9D , the second spacer surface  118  may be linear. In order embodiments (not shown), the second spacer surface  118  may even be convex shaped. 
     In certain embodiments (not shown), the spacer  110  has no pre-molded radius of curvature. In such instances the radius of curvature is defined along the spacer  110  by the user&#39;s wrist  10 . 
     The spacer  110  may be formed from a resilient material (e.g., memory foam or the like) such that when positioned between the user&#39;s wrist  10  and the watchband  24  of the wristwatch  20 , the spacer  110  deforms to fit in the gap  40  defined therebetween. The resilient material should ideally be form-fitting, moldable, cuttable, and shapeable and such that it is able to return to its original shape once pressure is removed. The resilient material from which the spacer  110  is formed may be one or a combination of a variety of different resiliently flexible materials or elastomers such as unsaturated rubbers, saturated rubbers, viscoelastics, gel infused viscoelastics, various other types of elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic-elastomers (TPE), -vulcanizates (TPV), -polyurethane (TPU), -olefines (TPO), resilin and elastin, polysulfide rubber, or the like), or other resiliently flexible materials. Unsaturated rubbers may include natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprene (IR), butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, IIR), halogenated butyl rubbers (Chloro Butyl Rubber: CIIR; Bromo Butyl Rubber: BIIR), polybutadiene (BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene, SBR), nitrile rubber (copolymer of polybutadiene and acrylonitrile, NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubbers (HNBR), and chloroprene rubbers (CR). Saturated rubbers may include EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene), EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ) fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), fluoroelastomers (FKM, and FEPM), perfluoroelastomers (FFKM), polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), (Hypalon), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The resilient material from which the spacer  110  is formed should be durable in a commercial setting where it is to be used many times per day and needs to return to original form very quickly to be used by the next customer. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 8A-9D , the spacer  110  may have a variable spacer thickness  120  defined between the first spacer surface  116  and the second spacer surface  118 . The variable spacer thickness  120  may be defined perpendicularly to the second spacer surface  118  and may span at least a majority of a length the second spacer surface  118  between the first spacer end  112  and the second spacer end  114 . The spacer  110  may include a maximal uncompressed spacer thickness  122  located approximately midway between the first spacer end  112  and the second spacer end  114 . The maximal uncompressed spacer thickness  122  may ideally be less than or equal to 3 inches. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the spacer  110  includes a spacer width  124 . Ideally, the spacer width  124  may be less than or equal to a watchband width  30  ( FIG. 1 ) of the watchband  24  of the wristwatch  20  so that the spacer  110  is not viewable when wearing the wristwatch  20  over the apparatus  100 . For men&#39;s wristwatches, this generally equates to the spacer width  124  being less than or equal to 3 inches. For women&#39;s wristwatches, this generally equates to the spacer width  124  being less than or equal to 2 inches. 
     In other embodiments, the spacer width  124  may be greater than or equal to the watchband width  30  so that the watchband  24  is stable upon the spacer  110  (e.g., wide enough so that the watchband  24  does not slip off or tip off the spacer  110 ). For men&#39;s wristwatches, this generally equates to the spacer width  124  being greater than or equal to 0.5 inch. For women&#39;s wristwatches, this generally equates to the spacer width  124  being greater than or equal to 0.3 inch. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 13A , in addition to the spacer width  124  being greater than or equal to a watchband width  30  for stabilizing the watchband  24 , the spacer  110  may include a pair of ridges  126  (i.e., first and second ridges  126 A,  126 B) positioned to ensure that the watchband  24  does not slip off the spacer  110 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 13B , the pair of ridges  126  may extend radially from the first spacer surface  116  adjacent to opposite edges  128  (i.e., first and second edges  128 A,  128 B), respectively. The opposite edges  128  span between the first and second spacer ends  112 ,  114  and are separated by the spacer width  124 . For example, the first ridge  126 A may extend radially from the first spacer surface  116  along the first edge  128 A and the second ridge  126 B may extend radially from the first spacer surface  116  along the second edge  128 B. When the pair of ridges  126  are included, the spacer width  124  may be greater than the watchband width  30 . 
     The pair of ridges  126  may be spaced apart by a ridge spacing width  130 . The ridge spacing width  130  may be defined parallel to the space width  124 . The ridge spacing width  130  may ideally be greater than or equal to the watchband width  30  along the lower watchband portion  26 . Such a ridge spacing width  130  allows the lower watchband portion  26  to rest securely along the first spacer surface  116  between the pair of ridges  126 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 2-13B , the attachment means  140  of the apparatus  100  may comprise a band  142  couplable to the spacer  110 . The band  142  is configured to at least partially define a passageway  144  ( FIGS. 4B and 5 ) configured to receive the user&#39;s wrist  10  for holding the spacer  110  along the lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 2-5, 7-8B, and 10-12 , the band  142  may include a first band end  146  and a second band end  148 . The first band end  146  may be connected to the first spacer end  112  and the second band end  148  may be connected to the second spacer end  114 . Accordingly, the passageway  144  is partially defined by the band  142  and partially defined by the spacer  110  in this embodiment. 
     In an alternate embodiment, as can best be seen in  FIGS. 9A-9D , the band may form a continuous loop (e.g., not having the first and second band ends  146 ,  148 ). As can best be seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , an outer band surface  150  of the band  142  may be coupled to the second spacer surface  118  such that the passageway  144  is entirely defined by the band  142 . As can best be seen in  FIGS. 9C-9D , an inner band surface  152  of the band  142  may be coupled to the first spacer surface  116  such that the passageway  144  is defined partially by the inner band surface  152  and partially by the second spacer surface  118 . In other embodiments (not shown), the band  142  may divide the spacer into two pieces sandwiched on either side of the band  142 . This potential configuration allows for substantially equal amounts of cushioning to be possible on either side of the spacer  110 . 
     The passageway  144  includes a circumference  154 . The wrist circumference  16  of 95% of adult men ranges between 5.8 inches and 8.7 inches. The wrist circumference  16  of 95% of adult women ranges between 5 and 7.5 inches. In some embodiments of the apparatus  100 , the band  142  is made from a resilient material. In other embodiments (not shown), the circumference  154  of the passageway  144  may be adjusted to the wrist circumference  16  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  using some sort of adjustment mechanism (not shown) attached to the band  142 . The adjustment mechanism could utilize Velcro, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or some type of slide-fitting clasp with a release on it that allows for the passageway  144  to be easily adjustable. In still further embodiments (not shown), the band  142  may include a first Velcro half and a second Velcro half that overlap for adjustment of the circumference  154  of the passageway  144 . The circumference  154  of the passageway  144  may be greater than or equal to 3 inches and less than or equal to 12 inches any of the aforementioned embodiments. The circumference  154  of the passageway  144  utilizing a resilient band may on average be smaller than the circumference  154  when utilizing an adjustable band 
     The band  142  and the spacer  110  define an outer perimeter  156 . The outer perimeter  156  should generally be greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 14 inches. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 4B and 5 , at least a portion of the circumference  154  of the passageway  144  is defined by the inner band surface  152  of the band  142 . A majority of the portion of the circumference  154  defined by the band  142  has a band width  158  that is less than or equal to the watchband width  30 . Ideally, the band width  158  is less than or equal to 3 inches. More ideally, for male users, the band width  158  may generally be less than or equal to 2 inches so that the band is not visible along either edge of the watchband  24 . More ideally, for female users, the band width may generally be less than or equal to 1 inch so that the band is not visible along either edge of the watchband  24 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 4B and 6 , the band width  158  is substantially constant. As can best be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the band width  158  varies along a majority of the portion of the circumference  154  defined by the band  142 . The variable band width  158  may allow for the band to be visible along a lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  to better connect with the spacer  110  and also be hidden along an upper portion  12  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 . An average width of the band width  158  when the band varies along a majority of the circumference  154  should ideally be less than or equal to 2 inches for men and less than or equal to 1 inch for women. 
     This variable band width may allow for the apparatus to be sold in unisex sizing such that the band  142  will also be hidden along an upper portion  12  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  regardless of the sex of the user. It should be noted, that a band  142  of the apparatus  100  having substantially constant band width  158  may be sold as unisex if the band width  158  is selected such that the band would remain hidden from sight regardless of the sex of the user. 
     The band  142  may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments where the band  142  is resilient, the band  142  may be any of a knit elastic material, a rubber/latex material, a neoprene material, spandex or a spandex blend material, or the like. When the band  142  is resilient and formed from an abrasive material such as rubber, the band  142  may further include a soft but durable fabric covering (not shown). This covering may lead to a more luxury feel of the apparatus  100 . In some embodiments wherein the band  142  is not resilient, the band may be any other suitable material such as nylon, cotton, or the like. In other embodiments, the band  142  may be fashioned from a nonporous material for hygienic purposes. In some embodiments (not shown), the band  142  may be a prime advertising location and may include marketing information about the retailer, or the specific watches sold, such as logos, product names, or the like. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 4B-7, 11, and 13 , the outer band surface  150  includes a non-slip material  160  disposed thereon (e.g., the band  142  may include a non-slip outer surface). The non-slip material  160  disposed on the outer band surface  150  may be configured to engage the wristwatch  20  when worn on the user&#39;s wrist  10  (e.g., when modeling or trying on the wristwatch  20 ). The non-slip material  160  may be silicon, rubber, or a like material having elastic properties and non-slip properties for enabling the outer band surface  150  to be resistant to slippage of the wristwatch  20  and/or watchband  24 . The non-slip material  160  may be applied to the outer band surface  150  according to a pattern such as a zig-zag pattern ( FIGS. 4B, 6, 11, and 13 ), a dashed pattern ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ), or some other pattern. 
     Alternatively, as can best be seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the attachment means  140  of the apparatus  100  may comprise at least one magnet  162 . The apparatus  100  as shown in  FIG. 14  is cross-sectioned, while the wristwatch  20  is not. The at least one magnet  162  may be connected to the first spacer surface  116 . The at least one magnet  162  may be configured to magnetically connect with an interior surface  32  of the watchband  24  (e.g., along an interior surface of the lower watchband portion  26  of the watchband  24  of the wristwatch  20 ). The magnetic interaction with the watchband  24  enables the apparatus  100  to remain situated between the lower wrist portion  14  and the lower watchband portion  26 . The at least one magnet  162  may be a continuous flexible magnet that matches the curvature of the first spacer surface  116  (as illustrated) or may be a plurality of magnets (not shown) joined together to match the curvature of the first spacer surface  116 . 
     In a still further embodiment (not shown), the spacer  110  may be positioned between the lower wrist portion  14  and the lower watchband portion  26  without any additional attachment means  140  as described above. In other words, the spacer  110  may remain between the lower wrist portion  14  and the lower watchband portion  26  solely based upon frictional compression. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-10 and 12 , the apparatus  100  may further comprise a cover  170 . The cover  170  is configured to at least surround the spacer  110 . The cover includes a first cover end  172  and a second cover end  174 . The first cover end  172  is positioned to cover the first spacer end  112 . The second cover end  174  is configured to cover the second spacer end  114 . According, the first and second cover ends  172 ,  174  correspond to the first and second spacer ends  112 ,  114 . The cover  170  is configured to protect the spacer from excessive wear and tear while also acting as a hygienic barrier. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 9A-9D , the cover  170  may be configured to couple the spacer  110  and the band  142  together when the band  142  forms a continuous loop. As previously mentioned, the first band end  146  of the band  142  may be connected to the first spacer end  112  of the spacer  110  and the second band end  148  may be connected to the second spacer end  114 . Alternatively, as can best be seen in  FIG. 8B , the first band end  146  of the band  142  may be coupled to the first cover end  172  and the second band end  148  of the band  142  may be coupled to the second cover end  174 . In other embodiments (not shown), the cover  170  may include features such as a Velcro opening or seam to allow the spacer  110  to be easy removed and replaced. The spacer  110  may be a solid piece of material or may be fill type of material (not shown) configured to fill the cover  170 . 
     The cover  170  should be made of some sort of luxury material such as leather, luxury vinyl, suede or the like. Additionally, the cover  170  could be made of some other fabric material that is durable, yet soft, pliable, and comfortable. In some embodiments (not shown), the cover  170  may be a prime advertising location and may include marketing information about the retailer, or the specific watches sold, such as logos, product names, or the like. The cover  170  may be formed from a material that is inherently non-slip. Alternatively, the cover  170  may include a non-slip material (not shown) disposed on an outer surface thereof (e.g., similar to the non-slip material  160  of the band  142 ). The cover  170  material should be durable, non-scratching, and non-porous so that it can easily be cleaned and will serve hygienic purposes to not absorb any skin oils from a potential user. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 10 , the apparatus  100  may further include a linkage  180  spanning between the first space end  112  and the second spacer end  114 . The linkage  180  includes a first linkage end  182  and a second linkage end  184 . The linkage  180  may be configured to connect at the first linkage end  182  to the first band end  146  and may be configured to connect at the second linkage end  184  to the second band end  148 . The linkage  180  may be implemented in the apparatus  100  to reduce or eliminate tensile stress on the spacer  110  which may be caused by the band  142  pulling on the first and second space ends  112 ,  114 . 
     The linkage  180  is configured to be positioned between the second spacer surface  118  and the cover  170 . As illustrated, the linkage  180  is connected to the second spacer surface  118 . In other embodiments (not shown), the linkage  180  may be connected to the cover  170 . The linkage  180  may be pre-molded to match the second radius of curvature and/or may be formed from a flexible material that is substantially resistive to stretching (e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, or the like). In other embodiments (not shown), the linkage  180  may be more reminiscent of a spine and be comprises of a plurality of linked pieces which may be formed from any applicable material including metal. 
     In certain embodiments, as can best be seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the apparatus  100  may include a first connector  190  positioned at the first spacer end  112  and a second connected  192  positioned at the second spacer end  114 . As illustrated, the first connector  190  is connected to the first spacer end  112  and the second connector  192  is connected to the second spacer end  114 . The first and second connectors  190  are configured to allow the band  142  to be removably coupled to the spacer  110 . In such an embodiment, the first and second band ends  146 ,  148  comprise loops for engaging the first and second connectors  190 ,  192 . 
     In other embodiments (not shown), the first connector  190  may be coupled to the first cover end  172  or the first linkage end  182 . Likewise, in such embodiments, the second connector  192  may be coupled to the second cover end  174  or the second linkage end  184 . The first and second connectors  190 ,  192  may be a metal bra strap hook or some other similar hook having a substantially linear hook portion. 
     In certain embodiments, each main component (i.e., the spacer  110 , the band  142 , the cover  170 , or the like) of the apparatus  100  may be separable so that it may easily be replaced based on wear and tear. In other embodiments, certain components may be permanently coupled together and may have to both be replaced when one wears out. It is likely that the band  142  will wear out first. Accordingly, replacement bands  142  will be available a la carte. 
     A method for modeling the wristwatch  20  on the user&#39;s wrist  10  is also provided herein. The method includes selecting a spacer  110  from a plurality of spacers having differing maximal uncompressed spacer thicknesses defined between first and second spacer surfaces  116 ,  118  and positioned approximately midway between first and second spacer ends. The selected spacer  110  has a maximal uncompressed thickness  122  that is greater than or equal to a maximal gap distance  42  defined between a lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  and a lower watchband portion  26  of the wristwatch  20 . 
     The method further comprises positioning the selected spacer  110  between the lower wrist portion  14  of the user&#39;s wrist  10  and the lower watchband portion  26  of the wristwatch  20  for holding a case  22  of the wristwatch proximate to and securely along an upper wrist portion  12  of the user&#39;s wrist  10 . 
     The method may further comprise positioning the user&#39;s wrist  10  through a passageway  144  defined at least partially by a band  142  coupled to the spacer  110 . And may still further comprise positioning the wristwatch  20  and the watchband  24  around the spacer  110  and the band  142 . 
     The method may further comprise disposing a non-slip material  160  along at least a portion of an outer band surface  150  of the band  142  coupled to the spacer  110  for maintaining a position of the wristwatch  20  and the watchband  24  along the user&#39;s wrist  10 . 
     It is noted that the method may include additional steps consistent with the previous description. 
     The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.