For wristband links and wristwatches

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wristband link (100) for a wristwatch, comprising: - a first end (2) configured to be connected to a watch case (300); - a comfort pad (1) disposed on at least a portion of its inner surface, for example, corresponding to the first end (2), wherein the comfort pad (1) comprises at least two consecutive lateral flexible supports (10). Each lateral flexible support (10) is located on the same side relative to a normal (n, m) of the inner surface of the wristband link corresponding to a contact point between each lateral flexible support (10) and the inner surface of the wristband link, or each lateral flexible support (10) is substantially aligned with the corresponding normal (n, m). The wristband link (100) according to the invention allows for improved comfort for the wristwatch wearer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bracelet link for a wristwatch. It also relates to a wristwatch incorporating such a bracelet link. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the wrist 400 of a watch wearer is shown, including a case 300, a first wristband link 100' and a second wristband link 200', the second wristband link 200' being arranged to be connected to the first wristband link 100', for example, via a buckle (not shown).

[0003] When wearing the watch, the two wristband links 100' and 200' wrap around the wrist 400. Normally, there is no contact between the wrist 400 and the wristband links 100' and 200' corresponding to two roughly triangular areas 500 near each end of the wristband links 100' and 200' close to the case 300, which compromises the wearer's comfort.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to distribute and / or control the pressure around the wearer's wrist. In particular, it is necessary to fill these non-contact areas 500 to increase the contact surface between the wrist and the wristband, thereby reducing contact pressure and improving wearer comfort. Specifically, it is necessary to fill these non-contact areas 500, for example, for wrists with diameters between 130 mm and 165 mm, while maintaining wearing comfort for larger wrists, such as those with diameters between 165 mm and 230 mm. In fact, for larger wrists, the non-contact areas are often small or non-existent.

[0005] If there are other elements at the case 300, such as decorative elements, like "ornaments" or engravings, or functional elements, such as buckles, then these non-contact areas 500 may also exist between the wristband links 100', 200' and the wrist 400.

[0006] Some wristbands are known to include a comfort pad on their inner surface (i.e., arranged on the surface that is at least partially in contact with the wearer when the wristband is worn).

[0007] One of the purposes of these comfort pads is to improve the wearer's comfort when wearing the wristband.

[0008] However, some known comfort pads cannot improve wearer comfort regardless of the wearer's wrist diameter.

[0009] EP2505095 describes an example of a known wristband link that includes a comfort pad disposed on its inner surface toward the link end connected to the watch case, the comfort pad including a longitudinal opening. Due to the presence of the longitudinal opening, this comfort pad is not easy to manufacture. Furthermore, due to the longitudinal opening, the surface area in contact with the skin is not maximized.

[0010] Document JP3042290U relates to a wristband that includes a comfort pad defining an opening between the wristband and the user's wrist to cushion impacts to the wrist and eliminate discomfort caused by sweat retention. The geometry of this opening does not allow the wristband to perfectly conform to the wearer's wrist.

[0011] Document US2184060 relates to a wristband that includes a triangular cushioning member and a spacer member relative to the inner surface of the wrist, made of an elastic material such as rubber, and includes holes to allow airflow between the wristband and the wrist, prevent skin irritation caused by sweating, and reduce pressure applied to the wrist. Summary of the Invention

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for a wristwatch that does not have the limitations of known wristband links.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for wristwatches that better adapts to the wearer's wrist compared to known wristband links.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for wristwatches that improves wearer comfort compared to known wristband links.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for wristwatches that improves the wearer's comfort regardless of the wearer's wrist diameter.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for wristwatches that is easy to manufacture.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wristband link for a wristwatch that has the largest contact surface with the skin compared to known wristband links.

[0018] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved in particular by the wristband according to claim 1, with preferred embodiments given in the dependent claims.

[0019] The wristband link for a wristwatch according to the present invention comprises: - The first end is configured to connect to the watch case. - A comfort pad, which is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the wristband segment, for example, corresponding to the first end.

[0020] In the instruction manual, the term "inner surface" refers to the wristband segment surface facing the wearer's wrist, which is arranged to at least partially contact the wearer when the wristband is worn.

[0021] According to the invention, a comfort pad is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the wristband joint. In one embodiment, it is disposed on the entire inner surface of the wristband joint. In another embodiment, it is disposed on the inner surface corresponding to the first end of the wristband joint, for example, at half the length of the wristband joint.

[0022] In the specification, the expression "comfort pad, which is disposed on the inner surface corresponding to the first end (of the wristband)" means that the comfort pad is disposed on the inner surface of the wristband near or toward its first end, that is, at a distance from the first end of the wristband equal to or less than one-quarter, for example, one-tenth, of the length of the wristband.

[0023] According to the invention, the comfort pad includes at least two lateral flexible supports (poutre), i.e., arranged in a substantially lateral direction along the wristband joint.

[0024] These two lateral flexible supports are continuous, meaning there are no other lateral flexible supports in the space between them.

[0025] In the instruction manual, the adjective "longitudinal" refers to the direction along the length of the wristband link, extending from its first end (configured to connect to the watch case) to its second end (usually the free end or arranged to engage with the buckle).

[0026] In the instruction manual, the adjective "horizontal" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the main plane of the wristband joint, corresponding to the main axis of the wristband wearer's wrist.

[0027] In the instruction manual, the term "flexible support" refers to a support arranged to elastically deform when the wristband is worn, for example, through bending movements.

[0028] Therefore, the vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the wristband (or perpendicular to the wearer's skin surface), which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0029] Because the supports according to the invention are flexible, they allow for improved comfort for wearers with smaller wrists while maintaining comfort for wearers with larger wrists, as their deformation varies according to the diameter of the wearer's wrist when the wristbands are worn.

[0030] Since the supports according to the invention are transverse, they can be easily manufactured, for example, but not limited to, by molding or additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.

[0031] Because of the presence of a comfort padding comprising at least two lateral flexible supports, the wristband according to the invention maximizes the surface area in contact with the skin compared to known wristbands.

[0032] According to the invention, each lateral flexible support is located on the same side (i.e., always on the left, right, or always on the top or bottom) relative to the normal of the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point of the inner surface of each lateral flexible support and the wristband segment, or each lateral flexible support is substantially aligned with its corresponding normal.

[0033] In this context, the adverb "basically" indicates that a variation of + / -10° relative to perfect alignment is permissible.

[0034] In other words, each of the continuous transverse flexible supports forms an angle relative to the inner surface of the wristband segment. These two angles (α, β) are either acute or obtuse, or both are approximately equal to 90°.

[0035] Because the normal to the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support and the inner surface of the wristband joint is located on the same side (i.e., always on the left or right side), or because each lateral flexible support is substantially aligned with this normal, the wristband joint according to the invention is more adaptable to the wearer's wrist than known wristband joints. In fact, the two lateral flexible supports work together, bending in the same direction: therefore their effects are additive.

[0036] In some embodiments, this wristband retains less sweat, dust, and / or impurities compared to known wristbands. In some embodiments, it is easier to clean compared to known wristbands.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the continuous transverse flexible supports forms substantially the same angle relative to the inner surface of the wristband segment. In other words, in this embodiment, the continuous transverse flexible supports are substantially parallel. In this case, the adverb "substantially" also indicates that a variation of + / -10° relative to perfect parallelism is permissible.

[0038] In one embodiment, the width of the support member, i.e., its lateral dimension, is equal to or less than the width of the wristband joint. In another embodiment, the width of the support member is greater than the width of the wristband joint. However, compared to wristband joints where the width of the support member is greater than the width of the wristband joint, wristband joints where the width of the support member is equal to or less than the width of the wristband joint are aesthetically improved because they do not have protruding elements.

[0039] In one embodiment, the height of the support member perpendicular to the wristband (or perpendicular to the skin surface) (i.e., its vertical dimension) is less than its width, for example, equal to or less than one-third of its width.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thickness of the support (i.e., its longitudinal dimension) is less than its height, for example, equal to or less than half of its height.

[0041] In one embodiment, the wristband joint includes a plurality of lateral flexible supports. In one embodiment, these lateral flexible supports are substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] In one embodiment, the height of these lateral flexible supports decreases from the first end of the wristband joint to the second end of the wristband joint opposite the first end. This allows for efficient filling. Figure 1 The non-contact area 500 shown is basically triangular.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least two lateral flexible supports are interconnected by a padding element, the padding element including a contact surface and defining at least one opening together with the lateral flexible supports. In one embodiment, the contact surface is configured to at least partially mate with and / or at least partially contact the surface of the wrist when the wristband is worn.

[0044] In one embodiment, the opening is both through and empty.

[0045] In another embodiment, the opening is at least partially filled with a flexible material, such as foam or gel.

[0046] In one embodiment, the contact surface of the padding element is substantially straight when at rest, but may also be slightly curved, allowing the padding element to better conform to the wearer's wrist.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the contact surface of the padding element is raised when at rest. In particular, when the wristband is worn, the raised surface faces the wearer's wrist.

[0048] In one embodiment, the padding element includes at least one through-hole to allow sweat from the wearer of the wristband to escape.

[0049] In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support includes an arcuate portion corresponding to at least one end thereto to enhance its flexibility when the wristband is worn.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least one lateral flexible support has a free end (i.e., an end opposite to the end connected to the inner surface of the wristband joint) having a V-shaped profile in a plane perpendicular to the inner surface of the wristband joint, the tip of which points toward the wearer's wrist when the wristband joint is worn.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one lateral flexible support comprises two parts that form an angle between them.

[0052] In one embodiment, each of the two parts of the lateral flexible support has a free end whose profile widens toward the center of the wristband joint, so that the two parts form a V-shape, with the tip of the wristband joint pointing toward the wearer's wrist when worn.

[0053] In one embodiment, two or more lateral flexible supports form a so-called "herringbone" or "straight herringbone" pattern.

[0054] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the wristband joint facing the padding element has a raised portion relative to the side of the wristband joint. This allows for easier manufacturing of the wristband joint, particularly when such manufacturing is achieved through molding, especially injection molding. In fact, the opening is formed using a removable insert that is removed after molding. The raised portion on the inner surface of the wristband joint facing the padding element prevents defects at the joint plane after injection, thereby improving the visual quality of the finish.

[0055] In one embodiment, the lateral flexible support and the padding element form a single part, i.e., a part manufactured integrally.

[0056] In one embodiment, the wristband link is formed as a single part.

[0057] In one embodiment, the wristband link and the comfort pad are two separate parts connected to each other, for example, by means of adhesive bonding, welding, sewing, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment, the wristband links and comfort padding are made of different materials.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one (preferably two) wristband links according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the description shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wristwatch and the wrist of the wristwatch wearer, based on existing technology, is shown.

[0061] Figure 2A A perspective view of an embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0062] Figure 3A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0063] Figure 4A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0064] Figure 5A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0065] Figure 6A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0066] Figure 7A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0067] Figure 8A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband according to the present invention is shown. Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A A side view of the wristband joint.

[0068] Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of a wristband segment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown when at rest.

[0069] Figure 9B It shows when the wearer wears it Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the wristband segment. Detailed Implementation

[0070] For simplicity, the following examples will refer to wristband links of a watch. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this application, but also includes wristband links that are not necessarily attached to the watch case. For example, it includes wristband links attached to decorative and / or functional elements.

[0071] For simplicity, the following examples will refer to a wristband containing two segments. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this feature, but also includes wristbands containing a single segment and / or more than two segments.

[0072] Figure 2A A perspective view of one embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Side view of wristband 100.

[0073] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The wristband link 100 for watches includes: - First end 2, which is configured to connect to the case (not shown). - The second end 3, opposite to the first end 2, - Comfort pad 1, which is disposed on the inner surface of the wristband link 100 corresponding to the first end 2.

[0074] In other words, the comfort pad 1 is disposed on the inner surface of the wristband link 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, it is located near or toward its first end 2, that is, the distance between it and the first end 2 of the wristband 100 is equal to or less than half the length of the wristband 100, for example, one-third.

[0075] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the comfort pad 1 includes two continuous lateral flexible supports 10.

[0076] In the instruction manual, the term "flexible support" refers to a support arranged to elastically deform, for example, through bending motion, when the wristband 100 is worn.

[0077] In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is made of an elastomer (such as rubber) or any flexible plastic material.

[0078] Since each support 10 according to the invention is flexible, it allows for improved wearer comfort regardless of the wearer's wrist diameter, as the deformation of the support 10 depends on the wearer's wrist diameter.

[0079] Since each support 10 according to the invention is transverse, it can be easily manufactured, for example, by molding or additive manufacturing techniques (such as 3D printing), but is not limited thereto.

[0080] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this embodiment, the width lp (i.e., its lateral dimension) of each lateral flexible support 10 is equal to or less than the (maximum) width of the wristband segment 100. This allows for improved aesthetics of the wristband segment 100.

[0081] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the two transverse flexible supports 10 have different widths, but both are smaller than the (maximum) width lb of the wristband joint 100.

[0082] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn one embodiment, the width of the flexible support 10 near the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100 is greater than the width of the flexible support 10 away from the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100.

[0083] In one embodiment, the height h of each support 10 (e.g., in...) Figure 2A (As can be seen in the image), that is, its dimension perpendicular to the wrist band (or perpendicular to the skin surface), perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, is smaller than its width, for example, equal to or less than one-third of its width.

[0084] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this embodiment, the height of the flexible support 10 near the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100 is greater than the height of the flexible support 10 away from the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100. In other words, the height of the lateral flexible support 10 decreases from the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100 toward the second end 3.

[0085] In one embodiment, the thickness e of each support 10 (e.g., in...) Figure 2B (As can be seen in the image), that is, its longitudinal dimension is smaller than its height h, for example, equal to or less than half of its height.

[0086] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the thickness of the flexible support 10 near the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flexible support 10 away from the first end 2 of the wristband joint 100.

[0087] According to the present invention, each lateral flexible support 10 is located on the same side relative to the normal (n and m, respectively) of the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support 10 and the inner surface of the wristband segment. In fact, in Figure 2B In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is located above the corresponding normal n or m.

[0088] In another embodiment, each lateral flexible support is substantially aligned with its corresponding normal n or m.

[0089] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiment, the transverse flexible supports 10 are substantially parallel to each other because the corresponding angles α and β they form with respect to the inner surface of the wristband are substantially equal, i.e., the maximum difference is + / - 10°.

[0090] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn one embodiment, two lateral flexible supports 10 are interconnected by a padding element 11 having a contact surface configured to at least partially engage with and / or at least partially contact the wrist surface when the wristband 100 is worn. The padding element 11, together with the two lateral flexible supports 10, defines an opening 13.

[0091] The presence of the padding element 11 allows for an increase in the contact surface with the wearer's wrist, thereby reducing contact pressure when the wristband 100 is worn.

[0092] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, opening 13 is through and empty. However, in another embodiment (not shown), opening 13 is at least partially filled with a flexible material, such as foam or gel.

[0093] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments, the contact surface of the padding element 11 is substantially straight when at rest, but may have a slight curvature, allowing the padding element 11 to better conform to the wearer's wrist. The presence of this padding element 11 with a substantially straight contact surface when at rest allows for a further increase in the contact surface, thereby further reducing its contact pressure when the wristband 100 is worn.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the padding element 11 is also flexible, i.e., the padding element 11 elastically deforms when worn, for example, through bending movements.

[0095] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the lateral flexible support 10 and the padding element 11 form a single part, i.e., a part manufactured as a whole.

[0096] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the wristband 100 is formed as a single part.

[0097] Figure 3A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A Side view of wristband 100.

[0098] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Implementation examples and Figure 2A and Figure 2B The difference in this embodiment lies at least in that: three, instead of two, lateral flexible supports 10 are interconnected via padding elements 11. This embodiment allows for better distribution of contact pressure by preventing the comfort pad 1 from bending excessively and losing contact with the skin, as it is more effective than... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The version is harder.

[0099] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is located on the same side relative to the normals (n, m, and p, respectively) of the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support 10 and the inner surface of the wristband segment. In fact, in Figure 3B In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is located above the corresponding normal n, m or p.

[0100] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment, the transverse flexible supports 10 are substantially parallel to each other because the angles α, β and φ they form with respect to the inner surface of the wristband are substantially equal, i.e., the maximum difference is + / - 10°.

[0101] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In one embodiment, the two openings 13 have different shapes and sizes.

[0102] Figure 4A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A Side view of wristband 100.

[0103] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Implementation examples and Figure 3A and Figure 3B The difference in the embodiments is at least that the pad element 11 includes at least one through hole 14. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The embodiment has multiple through holes to allow sweat from the wearer to escape.

[0104] certainly, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The shape, number, and arrangement of the through holes 14 should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, through holes 14 may be present in the padding element 11, regardless of the number of lateral flexible supports below the padding element 11 and / or the shape of its contact surfaces.

[0105] Figure 5A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A Side view of wristband 100.

[0106] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5BIn one embodiment, the padding element 11 connects three transverse flexible supports 10 (two end supports and one central support) and defines two openings 13 together with the three transverse flexible supports 10 and a portion of the inner surface of the wristband 100.

[0107] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In one embodiment, the contact surface of the padding element 11 between the two transverse flexible supports 10 is convex when at rest. The contact surface of the padding element 11 between the two end transverse flexible supports 10 has a wavy shape and a recess corresponding to the central transverse flexible support 10. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The embodiments allow for more efficient deformation of the padding element 11 when the wristband 100 is worn.

[0108] In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 includes an arcuate portion 12, particularly corresponding to at least one end thereof, such as... Figure 5A As shown, this is to improve flexibility when the wristband 100 is worn. Of course, the presence of this or these arcuate portions 12 is related to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The embodiments described are not relevant, but are applicable to all embodiments of the wristband 100 according to the present invention.

[0109] Figure 6A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A Side view of wristband 100.

[0110] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In one embodiment, there are four lateral flexible supports 10, the height of which decreases from the first end 2 of the wristband 100.

[0111] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is located on the same side relative to the normals (n, m, p, and q, respectively) of the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support 10 and the inner surface of the wristband segment. In fact, in Figure 6B In one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is located above the corresponding normals n, m, p, and q.

[0112] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the embodiment, the transverse flexible supports 10 are substantially parallel to each other because the angles α, β, λ and φ they form with respect to the inner surface of the wristband are substantially equal, i.e., the maximum difference is + / - 10°.

[0113] The first padding element 11 connects to the first two transverse flexible supports 10 and defines a first opening 13 together with the two transverse flexible supports 10 and a portion of the inner surface of the wristband joint 100. The second padding element 11' connects to the last two transverse flexible supports 10 and defines a second opening 13' together with the two transverse flexible supports 10 and a portion of the inner surface of the wristband joint 100.

[0114] In an embodiment not shown, the wristband 100 includes four or more lateral flexible supports 10. These supports may all be connected to a single padding element 11. Alternatively, at least one subgroup of the lateral flexible supports 10, formed by at least two lateral flexible supports 10, may be connected to the padding element 11.

[0115] In embodiments not shown, two or more lateral flexible supports 10 are interconnected by padding elements 11, and the wristband 100 includes at least one other lateral flexible support 10 without padding elements 11.

[0116] Figure 7A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A Side view of wristband 100.

[0117] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B In one embodiment, the comfort pad 1 includes a plurality of transverse flexible supports 10, each support having a free end 15 (i.e., an end opposite to one end connected to the inner surface of the wristband 100), the free end 15 having a V-shaped profile in a plane perpendicular to the inner surface of the wristband 100, the tip pointing toward the wearer's wrist when the wristband 100 is worn.

[0118] Within the scope of this invention, a single transverse flexible support 10 having a V-shaped profile at the free end 15 is sufficient. Furthermore, it should not be assumed that… Figure 7A and Figure 7B The number of support components shown is limited.

[0119] In the presence of multiple lateral flexible supports 10, their height can decrease starting from the first end 2 of the wristband 100. In this case, as... Figure 7A As shown, the V-shaped profile can vary from one support member to another, such as... Figure 7A The angle θ between the two legs forming a "V" shape may increase from the first end 2 of the wrist band 100 to the second end 3.

[0120] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn one embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the wristband segment, thereby forming a so-called "straight herringbone" pattern.

[0121] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The wristband 100 of the embodiment may also include one or more padding elements 11 (not shown), such as one or more reference elements. Figures 2A to 6B The aforementioned padding element 11.

[0122] Figure 8A A perspective view of another embodiment of the wristband 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A Side view of wristband 100.

[0123] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B In each embodiment, each lateral flexible support 10 includes two parts 10', 10'', which form an angle δ between them, for example as... Figure 8A As shown.

[0124] In addition, each part 10', 10'' has a free end 15', 15'' (i.e., the end opposite to the end connected to the inner surface of the wristband joint), the outline of which increases toward the center of the wristband joint to form a V-shape, the tip of which points toward the wearer's wrist when the wristband joint 100 is worn.

[0125] Within the scope of this invention, a single transverse flexible support 10 comprising two parts 10', 10'' is sufficient. Furthermore, it should not be assumed that... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The number of support components shown is limited.

[0126] In the presence of multiple lateral flexible supports 10, their height can decrease from the first end 2 to the second end 3 of the wristband 100. In this case, as... Figure 8A As shown, the angle δ between the two parts 10' and 10'' can be increased from the first end 2 to the second end 3 of the wristband 100.

[0127] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B In one embodiment, the lateral flexible support 10 thus forms a so-called "herringbone" pattern.

[0128] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The wristband 100 of the embodiment may also include one or more padding elements 11 (not shown), such as one or more reference elements. Figures 2A to 6B The aforementioned padding element 11.

[0129] In one embodiment (not shown), the wristband 100 simultaneously includes at least one such as Figures 2A to 6B One of the support members shown and at least one of the support members shown Figures 7A to 8B One of the support components shown.

[0130] Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the wristband 100 at rest is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9B It shows what happens when the wearer wears it. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the wristband 100.

[0131] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The comparison shows that due to the deformation of the lateral flexible support 10, the size of the opening 13 is reduced and its shape is changed, which maximizes the support surface S corresponding to the comfort pad 1 between the wristband 100 and the wearer's wrist 400. This reduces the pressure exerted on the wrist by the wristband 100 and improves the wearer's comfort.

[0132] Because each lateral flexible support 10 is on the same side as the normal to the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support and the inner surface of the wristband joint, or because each lateral flexible support 10 is substantially aligned with this normal, the wristband joint 100 adapts better to the wearer's wrist than known wristband joints. In fact, the lateral flexible supports 10 work together, bending in the same direction: therefore their effects are additive.

[0133] Of course, the deformation of the lateral flexible support 10 and the changes in the size and shape of the opening 13 will vary depending on the diameter of the wrist 400, so the wristband 100 can improve comfort by adapting to the diameter of the wearer's wrist 400.

[0134] although Figure 9A and Figure 9B Wristband 100 and Figures 5A to 5B The wristband segment shown is similar, but the above reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B The considerations also apply to other embodiments covered by the claims, including those shown in this application.

[0135] In one embodiment, the lateral flexible support 10 and the padding element 11 form a single part, i.e., a part manufactured integrally.

[0136] In one embodiment, the wristband 100 is formed as a single part.

[0137] In one embodiment, the wristband 100 and the comfort pad 1 are two separate parts made of different materials and / or connected to each other, for example, by means of bonding, welding, sewing, etc.

[0138] In one embodiment, the wristband 100 and the comfort pad 1 have different colors.

[0139] In one embodiment, the wristband 100 and the comfort pad 1 are made of different materials. As a non-limiting example, the wristband 100 may be made of leather and the comfort pad 1 may be made of rubber.

[0140] The comfort pad 1 and (optionally) the entire wristband segment 100 can be manufactured by molding or additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.

[0141] In one embodiment, where the comfort pad 1 and (optionally) the entire wristband 100 are molded, the wristband 100 faces the inner surface 16 of the padding element 1 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2A The wristband 100 has a raised portion (not shown) on its side 18 relative to the wristband joint. This facilitates the manufacture of the wristband joint 100.

[0142] The present invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one (preferably two) wristband links 100 according to the invention.

[0143] In one embodiment, where the watch includes two wristband links 100, both wristband links 100 have the same comfort pad 1.

[0144] List of reference numerals 1. Wristband padding 2. The first end of the wristband 3. The second end of the wristband 10 Lateral Flexible Support Components 10' and 10'' Lateral Flexible Support Sections 11, 11' gasket element 12. The arc-shaped portion of the transverse flexible support. 13, 13' Opening 14 holes 15, 15', 15'' Free End 16. The inner surface of the wristband segment facing the padding element. 18. Side of the wristband joint 100 First wristband 200 Second wristband 100' The first known carpal joint 200' The known second carpal girdle segment 300 case 400 wrist 500 is basically a triangular non-contact area α angle β angle θ angle δ angle λ angle φ angle e. Thickness of the lateral flexible support component h Height of the lateral flexible support lb (width of the wristband link) LP refers to the width of the lateral flexible support. n normal m normal p normal q normal S - Support surface.

Claims

1. A wristband link (100) for a wristwatch, comprising: - First end (2), which is configured to be connected to the case (300). - A comfort pad (1) is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the wristband segment, for example, corresponding to the first end (2). in, The comfort pad (1) includes at least two continuous lateral flexible supports (10). Each lateral flexible support (10) is located on the same side relative to the normal (n, m) of the inner surface of the wristband corresponding to the contact point between each lateral flexible support (10) and the inner surface of the wristband segment, or each lateral flexible support (10) is substantially aligned with the corresponding normal (n, m).

2. The wristband (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of consecutive transverse flexible supports (10), each of the consecutive transverse flexible supports (10) forming an angle (α, β) relative to the inner surface of the wristband (100), the angles (α, β) being substantially equal.

3. According to the wristband segment (100) of claim 1 or 2, the height of the transverse flexible support (10) decreases from the first end (2) of the wristband segment toward the second end (3) of the wristband segment opposite to the first end (2).

4. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two lateral flexible supports (10) are interconnected via a padding element (11), the padding element (11) including a contact surface that together with the lateral flexible supports (10) defines at least one opening (13).

5. The wristband link (100) according to claim 4, wherein the contact surface of the padding element (11) is substantially straight when at rest.

6. The wristband link (100) according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface of the padding element (11) is raised when at rest.

7. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the padding element (11) includes at least one through hole (14) to facilitate the drainage of sweat from the wearer of the wristband.

8. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, each lateral flexible support (10) includes an arcuate portion (12) corresponding to at least one end thereto, so as to improve its flexibility when the wristband (100) is worn.

9. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one lateral flexible support (10) has a free end (15) having a V-shaped profile in a plane perpendicular to the inner surface of the wristband (100), the tip of which points toward the wearer's wrist when the wristband (100) is worn.

10. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one lateral flexible support (10) comprises two parts (10, 10') forming an angle (δ) between the two parts.

11. The wristband (100) according to claim 10, wherein at least one portion (10, 10') has a free end (15) whose profile decreases toward the center of the wristband to form a V-shape, and whose tip points toward the wearer's wrist when the wristband (100) is worn.

12. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the lateral flexible support (10) and the padding element (11) form a single part.

13. The wristband (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is formed as a single part.

14. A wristwatch comprising at least one wristband link (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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