Abstract:
A wristband assembly is provided having a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap. Each strap has a plurality of apertures arranged thereon such that the apertures on each strap align, allowing for prongs of a clasp member to pass through and connect each strap. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard. Each prong has a first lip and a second lip, both of which are slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged with the clasp member. When the two straps are connected via the clasp member, the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps forming a wristband.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to wrist-worn devices and, more particularly, to wrist-worn devices including a wristband clasp having a snag-guard. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A wristband clasp is used to secure two straps of a wristband together around a user&#39;s wrist. Many different styles of wristband clasps exist, most of which are permanently connected to the end of one strap of the wristband and engage the other strap in order to adjustably connect the two straps. These wristband claps generally allow the overlapping portion of the other strap exposed with the potential of being snagged during everyday use. To guard against snagging, most wristband clasps have a loop through which the end of the other strap is threaded. This acts to retain the overlapping portion of the other strap to prevent snagging; however, the slidable nature of this loop allows for the other strap to slip out or the loop to slip off the other strap. 
         [0003]    Existing wristbands typically have a clasp for connecting the two straps and a separate snag-guard or loop to deal with the excess portion of the connecting strap. These wristband loops are configured to engage the overlapping portion of the other strap by snap connecting or other means for detachable engagement. These types of wristband loops act as a snag guard simply by securing the overlapping portion of the other strap to the connecting strap; however, the end of the other strap is generally left unguarded. Even though this end is a small portion, it is still susceptible to snagging. 
         [0004]    Therefore, an improved wristband clasp that connects the two straps and simultaneously acts as a snag guard that is easily adjustable to the wearer&#39;s wrist is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a wristband clasp assembly defining of a hollow body for receiving a pair of straps of a wristband. The hollow body has an upper lateral bar disposed above the straps and a lower lateral bar that is disposed below the straps, when worn. The body includes one or more prongs extending from one of the bars passing through corresponding apertures defined by the straps. The upper and lower bars can be offset from each other to inhibit the strap from detaching from the prongs. 
         [0006]    More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a wristband assembly is provided having a first strap and a second strap. Each strap has a plurality of apertures arranged thereon such that the apertures on each strap align, allowing for prongs of a clasp member to pass through and connect each strap. The clasp member secures the first strap to the second strap, and has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. A plurality of prongs extending from the lower lateral bar configured to pass through the corresponding apertures defined on the first strap and the second strap, thereby securing the straps together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. In this arrangement, the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard 
         [0007]    In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, each prong of the clasp member has an upper lip, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the lower lateral bar and the upper lip. Each lip is slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged. The distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the second lip and the first lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap. 
         [0008]    When the two straps are connected via the clasp member, the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two straps. 
         [0009]    The prongs of the lower lateral bar and the corresponding apertures of the straps can be triangular. Additionally, the prongs and corresponding apertures of the straps can be arranged in a straight line, traversing the width of the lower lateral bar and the straps. Alternatively, the prongs and corresponding apertures of the straps can be arranged in an offset alignment. The upper lateral bar can have a ridge at its edge to further prevent inadvertent snagging. 
         [0010]    In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon in alignment. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard and has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the first strap and the second strap to secure the straps together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. Each prong extending from the upper lateral bar has an upper lip, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate position between the upper lateral bar and the upper lip. Each of these lips is slightly larger than the corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through, such that the distance between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap. The clasp member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp member is engaged with both straps. 
         [0011]    In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon in alignment. The clasp member secures the first strap to the second strap, and has an upper lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper lateral bar has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, the prongs capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the first strap. The lower lateral bar has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, the lower prongs capable of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the second strap. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are far enough apart to receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. The prongs of the upper lateral bar each have a lip disposed at the end, the distance between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the lip being sufficient receive the thickness of the first strap, wherein the lip is slightly wider than the corresponding apertures of the first strap such that when engaged with the first strap, the lip retains the first strap. The prongs of the lower lateral bar each have a lip disposed at the end, the distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the lip being sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, wherein the lip is slightly wider than the corresponding apertures of the second strap such that when engaged with the second strap, the lip retains the second strap. The clasp member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp member is engaged with both straps. 
         [0012]    The embodiment utilizing prongs on the upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar, the corresponding apertures of the first strap do not need to match those of the second strap. 
         [0013]    For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
         [0014]    All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a wristband assembly in accordance with the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the wristband assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0021]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0022]      FIG. 2E  is a front view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0023]      FIG. 2F  is a back view of the clasp member of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of clasp member engaged with the second strap of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp member engaged with the second strap of the wristband assembly of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom of yet another alternative embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, and particularly  FIGS. 1A-B , there is shown a wristband assembly  10  having a first strap  12  and a second strap  14 , connected by a clasp member  20 . The first strap  12  and the second strap  14  have a plurality of apertures  16  that align with each strap  12 ,  14 , allowing the wearer to adjust the size of the wristband assembly  10 . 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-B  and  FIGS. 2A-2F , the clasp member  20  has an upper lateral bar  22  that is disposed above the straps  12 ,  14  and a lower lateral bar  24  that is disposed below the straps  12 ,  14 , when worn. The upper lateral bar  22  and the lower lateral bar  24  are substantially flat, in order to be flush with the straps  12 ,  14  when engaged. The upper lateral bar  22  and the lower lateral bar  24  are connected by two sidewalls  23 . The upper lateral bar  22  is positioned such that when the last set of apertures  40  of the second strap  14  are engaged with the prongs  26 . As such, the strap  14  is disengaged from the clasp member  20  by lifting the first strap  12  from an intermediate portion of the strap  14 . 
         [0031]    A plurality of prongs  26  extend out from the lower lateral bar  24 , designed to pass through corresponding apertures  16  defined on both the first  12  and second  14  straps. The prongs  26  are disposed proximate to the front edge of the lower lateral bar  24 , such that the remaining portion of the lower lateral bar  24  can sufficiently support the straps  12 ,  14  when engaged. The upper lateral bar  22  is offset from the lower lateral bar  24  in order to inhibit the first strap  12  from disengaging from the prongs  26  if the end of the first strap  12  is snagged on an object. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, the prongs  26  and corresponding apertures  16  on the straps  12 ,  14 , are triangular. As best seen in  FIGS. 2E-F , each prong  26  extends from the lower lateral bar  24 , having an intermediate lip  28  at an intermediate portion, and an upper lip  30  spaced distally therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper lip is disposed atop the prong. The intermediate lip  28  and the upper lip  30  are sized sufficiently larger than the shaft  29  of the prong  26 , and the corresponding size of the apertures  16  to require a small amount of force when pressing the prongs  26  through each aperture  16 . The straps  12 ,  14  are made of an elastic material so that each aperture  16  can expand when the lip  28 ,  30  of the prongs  26  pass through the apertures  16 . The upper lip  30  is disposed below the upper lateral bar  22 , allowing sufficient space to sandwich the second strap  14  between the intermediate lip  28  and the lower lateral bar  24 . The distance between the intermediate lip  28  and the upper lip  30  is sufficient to sandwich the first strap  12  therebetween. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A-B , when the clasp member  20  is engaged with the second strap  14 , the prongs  26  push all the way through the desired set of apertures  16  on the second strap  14 , such that the second strap  14  is secured by being sandwiched between lower lateral bar  24  and the intermediate lip  28  of the prongs. Once the clasp member  20  is secured to the second strap  14  at the desired location, the first strap  12  is then connected. The first strap  12  is pulled around the user&#39;s wrist, and then pushed down on the clasp member  20  such that the prongs  16 , extending up through the second strap  14 , engage with the desired set of apertures  16  on the first strap  12 . As discussed below, the overlap of the first strap  12  with the clasp member  20  can be changed. 
         [0034]    The arrangement and shape of the prongs  26  and corresponding apertures  16  of the straps  12 ,  14  can vary. In the depicted embodiment, the prongs  26  are triangular, and arranged in straight line. Alternative embodiments could have more, or less, prongs or different shapes, e.g. circular, rectangular, etc. as exemplified in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, the prongs  26  could be arranged in an offset alignment, or be arranged in multiple columns and/or rows. The arrangement and shape of the prongs  26  should substantially match those of the apertures  16  along each strap  12 ,  14 . In variations, the shape of each prong and corresponding aperture could be arranged with different geometric shapes and alignments. For example, each row of apertures could have a circular prong and a rectangular prong, where the corresponding row of apertures has a circular aperture and a rectangular aperture. Any variation in shape, size, or arrangement of the prongs and apertures can be used, so long as the apertures of both straps align with each other and correspond with the arrangement of the prongs. 
         [0035]    In an alternative embodiment, the prongs  26  could be arranged in a rectangular orientation, where the first row is only tall enough to engage the second strap  14  and the second row is tall enough to engage both straps  12 ,  14 . In this configuration, the clasp member  20  is engaged with the second strap  14  through both rows of prongs  26 , where the first strap  12  is only engaged by the second, taller row. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-B , the second strap  14  of the wristband assembly  10  is depicted. As shown, the clasp member  20  is engaged with the second strap  14 . The prongs  26  of the clasp member  20  are pushed through the desired set of apertures  16  on the second strap  14 . The length of the prongs  26  is sufficient to extend above the second strap  14  to securely engage the apertures  16  of the first strap  12  when engaged therewith, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    Referring back to  FIGS. 1A-B , positioning of the clasp member  20  on the second strap  14 , the size of the strap assembly can be adjusted by engaging the prongs  26  with the apertures  16  of the second strap  14  at the desired position. The upper lateral bar  22  of the clasp member  20  is arranged such that it prevents the edge of the first strap  12  from being snagged and disconnecting from the clasp member  20 . When the first strap  12  is engaged with the clasp member  20 , the end of the first strap  12  is guarded by the upper lateral bar  22  of the clasp member  20 . Alternatively, the first strap  12  can also be engaged with the prongs  26  of the clasp member  20  at an intermediate location, with the end of the first strap  12  guided below the upper lateral bar  22 . In either configuration, the upper lateral bar  22  acts as a snag guard to prevent the first strap  12  from inadvertent disengagement from the clasp member  20 . When the end of the first strap  12  is engaged with the prongs  26  of the clasp member  20 , the upper lateral bar  22  guards the first strap  12  from being lifted from the end. When the apertures  16  in the intermediate portion of the first strap  12  are engaged with the clasp member  20 , the end of the first strap  12  is threaded between the upper  22  and lower lateral bars  24 . In this configuration, if the end of the first strap  12  gets snagged on something that lifts the end of the first strap  12  upward, the upper lateral bar  22  will absorb the force and keep the intermediate portion of the first strap  12  engaged with the prongs  26  of the clasp member  20 . 
         [0038]    The clasp member  20  is not permanently connected to either strap  12 ,  14  of the wristband assembly  10 . The clasp member  20  can engage any of set of apertures  26  on either strap  12 ,  14 . This allows the clasp member  20  to be positioned such that the upper lateral bar  22  acts as an anti-snag barrier covering the end of the first strap  12 . It also allows the user to attach the clasp member  20  to the second strap  14  at the location that best fits the user&#39;s wrist when the first strap  12  is connected. Even when the first strap  12  extends through the clasp member  20 , the upper lateral bar  22  prevents the first strap  12  from disengaging the clasp member  20 . If the tip edge of the first strap  12  catches on something and bends backward, the upper lateral bar  22  prevents the strap  12  from detaching from the prongs  26 . 
         [0039]    Additionally, since the clasp member  20  is not permanently connected to either strap  12 ,  14 , it allows the wristband assembly  10  to be easily modified to cater to left-handed users. 
         [0040]    In use, the user of the wristband assembly  10  wraps the straps  12 ,  14  around his or her wrist to determine which aperture set  26  and alignment fits the user&#39;s wrist. Then the user slides the second strap  14  through the clasp member  20 , that is, between the upper  22  and lower lateral bars  24  to the desired set of apertures  16  and presses the strap  14  down, snap-fitting the prongs  26  through said apertures  16 . The prongs  26  are pressed through the second strap  14 , passing over the second lip  30 , and over the intermediate lip  28  until the intermediate lip  28  of the prongs  26  has secured the second strap  14 . The remaining length of the prongs  26  and the upper lip  30 , stick out above the second strap  14 . After connecting the clasp member  20  to the second strap  14 , the user connects the first strap  12  to the clasp member  20 . The user will arrange the fit of the wristband assembly  10  such that the last set of apertures  40  on the first strap  12  engages the remaining length of the prongs  26 . After pressing the first strap  12  down over the prongs  26 , the wristband assembly  10  is secure. As shown in  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B , the back edge of the upper lateral bar  22  is positioned ahead of the end of the first strap  12 . This prevents the tip of the first strap  12  from inadvertent snagging and disengagement from the clasp member  20 . 
         [0041]    In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the prongs  26  are located on the upper lateral bar  22 , extending downward therefrom. In this embodiment, the clasp member  20  is connected to the first strap  12  (outer strap) at the end portion, and then the second strap  14  (inner strap) is threaded through the clasp member  20  to the desired position and then engaged with the prongs  26  in the corresponding apertures  16 . 
         [0042]    In yet another alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 6 , both lateral bars  22 ,  24  have prongs  26  extending therefrom. The upper lateral bar  22  has prongs  52  facing downward, and the lower lateral bar  24  has prongs  54  facing upwards. The prongs  26  on each bar  22 ,  24  are sized to engage with only one strap. The upper prongs  52  on the upper lateral bar  22  engage with the first strap  12  and the lower prongs  54  on the lower lateral bar  24  engage with the second strap  14 . 
         [0043]    It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a wristband assembly having a clasp member that acts as the connector of the two straps, and simultaneously acts as a snag-guard. 
         [0044]    The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.