Band loop, band, wrist-worn device, and method for attaching and detaching the loop.

Abstract

To provide band loops, bands, and watches that are easy to replace, attach, or remove. [Solution] The band loop (24) is configured as an annular shape through which the band (20) to be attached can be inserted, and at least a portion of it is made of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a play ring for a band, a band, a wrist-worn device, and a method for attaching and detaching the play ring.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wrist-worn device (a band attached to a watch body) including a strip-shaped first band member (band body) connected to one side of a watch body, and a strip-shaped second band member (band body) connected to the other side of the watch body and having a plurality of hole portions (through holes) formed therein. The first band member (band body) has a play ring attached thereto, and a lock (padlock) is provided at the tip end portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The play ring is configured in an annular shape having an opening of such a size that the lock provided at the tip end portion of the first band member does not come out. However, when it becomes necessary to replace the play ring due to reasons such as damage or design, when attaching and detaching the play ring, operations such as removing the lock are required, and the operations of replacement, attachment, or removal become complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a play ring for a band, a band, a wrist-worn device, and a method for attaching and detaching the play ring, which are easy to replace, attach, or remove.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A band loop according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured as an annular shape through which the band to be attached can be inserted, and is formed of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature in at least a portion thereof. A band according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped band member, a buckle provided on one end of the band member, and a loop that is annular in shape through which the band member can be inserted and is attached to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the band member, wherein at least a portion of the loop is made of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature conditions, is configured in a first shape at a first temperature in which the passage of the buckle is restricted, and is deformable into a second shape of a size that allows the passage of the buckle at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for attaching and detaching a keeper loop to a band, comprising a band-shaped band member, a buckle provided at the end of the band member, and a keeper loop configured to be annular through which the band member can be inserted and which is attached to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the band member, wherein the keeper loop, at least a portion of which is made of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature conditions, is heated to a second temperature or higher, and can be deformed from a first shape in which the passage of the buckle is restricted to a second shape in which the passage of the buckle is permitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a band loop, a band, an arm-mounted device, and a method for attaching and detaching a band loop that are easy to replace, attach, or remove. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the first and second states of a watch band according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing the first and second states of the loop of the watch band. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the same circulating ring. [Figure 4] Top view of the same ring. [Figure 5] Side view of the same sightseeing ring. [Figure 6] Lower view of the same ring. [Figure 7] Front view of the same sightseeing loop. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, the band loop 24, band portion 20, arm-mounted device 1, and method for attaching or detaching the band loop 24 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In each figure, the components are shown schematically, with appropriate enlargements, reductions, and omissions.

[0010] The wrist-worn device 1 is, for example, a wristwatch and comprises a device body 10 and a band portion 20.

[0011] The main unit 10 is, for example, a clock. For example, the main unit 10 includes a display unit that displays information such as the time and date, a movement that operates the display unit, a circuit board equipped with electronic components such as ICs and antennas, a battery and other various components necessary for the clock function, and a case that houses the various components, with the band 20 attached to the outer circumference of the case.

[0012] The band section 20 comprises a first band member 21, a connecting mechanism 23 provided on the first band member 21, and a free loop 24 provided on the first band member 21. The band section 20 also includes a second band member connected to the first band member 21.

[0013] The first band member 21 and the second band member are connected to two opposing locations on the outer circumference of the device body 10, respectively. For example, one end of the first band member 21 and the second band member is connected to the device body 10, and the other ends are connected to each other by a connecting mechanism 23.

[0014] The first band member 21 is constructed in a strip shape from, for example, a resin material. One end of the first band member 21 is connected to the device body 10, and the other end has a mounting portion 21a for attaching the buckle 25. The mounting portion 21a has a pin insertion portion along the width direction into which the connecting pin 253 of the buckle 25 is inserted.

[0015] For example, the second band member is configured in a strip shape, with one end connected to the side opposite to the portion where the first band member 21 of the device main body 10 is connected, and having a plurality of holes into which the rod 252 of the connection mechanism 23 is inserted at the other end.

[0016] The connection mechanism 23 is a lock 25, and includes a lock frame 251 and a rod 252. The lock frame 251 includes a connecting pin 253 and a frame portion 254.

[0017] The connecting pin 253 is a shaft member extending in the width direction of the first band member 21. The connecting pin 253 is inserted into and attached to the mounting portion 21a at the tip of the first band member 21, and is held at the tip of the band member 21. For example, the rod 252 is rotatably mounted around the axis at the central portion in the axial direction of the connecting pin 253.

[0018] The frame portion 254 is a U-shaped frame member, and both ends are connected to both ends in the axial direction of the connecting pin 253. The frame portion 254 and the connecting pin 253 form a rectangular frame-shaped lock frame 251. The lock frame 251 has an opening 251a into which the tip of the second band member can be inserted.

[0019] The rod 252 is rotatably attached to the connecting pin 253. The rod 252 extends from the connecting pin 253 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting pin 253 and is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the connecting pin 253. For example, in the closed state, the rod 252 is bridged over the opening 251a toward the portion on the opposite side of the frame portion 254. The rod 252 positions and holds the second band member by being inserted into any one of the plurality of holes of the second band member passing through the opening 251a.

[0020] The keeper loop 24 is configured in an annular shape. For example, the keeper loop 24 is configured in a rectangular frame shape having a front wall portion that is positioned on the outside when the band portion 20 is wrapped around the arm and worn, a back wall portion that is positioned on the inside facing the arm, and a pair of side wall portions, and has a rectangular opening 240 that is formed when viewed from the insertion direction along the longitudinal direction of the band member 21. In the holding state in which the first band member 21 is inserted into the opening 240, the keeper loop 24 is held so as to be movable between the tip portion of the first band member 21 to which the buckle 25 is provided and the base portion that is connected to the case. For example, the opening 240 of the keeper loop 24 is set to a size that allows the first band member 21 and the second band member to be inserted in overlapping positions, and in the connected state, the second band member extending from the tip side to the base end side of the first band member 21 is inserted into the opening 240 of the keeper loop 24.

[0021] The strap keeper 24 is formed integrally by connecting, for example, two annular first strap portion 241 and a second strap portion 242 with a connecting portion 243 in the width direction. In other words, the strap keeper 24 is formed by dividing the band member 21 into two narrow strip-shaped parts on both sides in the width direction. Furthermore, a projection 243a (protruding portion) is formed on the inner surface of the connecting portion 243, for example, to improve ease of attachment and ease of removal.

[0022] For example, the loop 24 is formed from a temperature-sensitive resin that softens depending on temperature conditions. For example, after molding the loop 24 into a predetermined base shape, it is heated to a second temperature using a hair dryer, hot water, or human body heat to soften it, becoming a second state in which its shape can be changed, and when it cools to the first temperature, it returns to its original first state. If the second temperature at which the loop 24 softens is higher than human body heat, the loop 24 may be heated using a dedicated heater capable of heating it to a temperature above the second temperature. The shape of the heater may be a hot air blower capable of heating the loop 24 to a temperature above the second temperature by blowing hot air towards it, or a heating device capable of heating the loop 24 to a temperature above the second temperature by placing it inside a chamber. In this way, when the loop 24 is heated to a temperature above the second temperature by the dedicated heater, it changes from a first shape in which the passage of the buckle 25 is restricted to a second shape in which the passage of the buckle 25 is permitted to pass through. This process allows the strap keeper 24 to be removed from the band 20 and to be attached to the band. In other words, the first shape that the strap keeper 24 can take and the state in which it can be deformed into the second shape are reversibly changeable by the temperature change between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0023] The temperature-sensitive resin constituting the loop 24 only needs to be made of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature, at least in part. The temperature-sensitive resin constituting the loop 24 is composed of a material obtained by kneading together, for example, two or more types of resin materials. As an example, the first resin material is a temperature-sensitive resin, for example, a polyolefin-based resin material. As the second resin material, for example, a resin material containing polypropylene (PP) or a resin material containing TPX can be used.

[0024] For example, in a first state where the loop 24 has contracted at room temperature (first temperature), the opening 240 has a predetermined width W1 into which the target portions of the first band member 21 and the second band member can be inserted, and the height dimension is set to be greater than or equal to the combined thickness of the first band member 21 and the second band member.

[0025] In the first state, the width and height of the cross-section of the opening 240 of the loop 24 are both greater than the width and height of the cross-section of the first band member 21, and are smaller than the dimensions of the buckle frame 251 in either the width or height direction. The loop 24 is in a contracted first state, for example at room temperature (first temperature), and the width W1 of the cross-section of the opening 240 is smaller than the width W0 of the buckle frame 251, which is the maximum width of the band portion 20, and is shaped so that the buckle 25 cannot pass through.

[0026] The strap keeper 24 softens when heated to a second temperature, approximately body temperature. For example, in its softened state, the opening 240 can be temporarily widened by stretching the first strap portion 241 and the second strap portion 242 with fingers or the like. Therefore, it is possible to stretch and deform the opening 240 with fingers or the like so that it becomes larger than the width of the buckle frame 251. For example, the width W2 of the opening 240 in the second shape is greater than the width W0 of the buckle frame 251.

[0027] In other words, the loop 24 has a first shape in which the buckle 25 cannot pass through, and has an opening 240 of a shape that restricts the buckle 25 from passing through. However, by being softened by heating, it becomes deformable, and the opening 240 is widened, resulting in a second shape in which the buckle 25 can be inserted. In the second shape, it is possible to attach or detach the loop 24 to the band member 21 by passing it through the buckle 25, and after the attachment or detachment operation, it returns to its original first shape when cooled.

[0028] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in a first state which is under a predetermined first temperature, the loop 24 is attached to the first band member 21. For example, depending on the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of the first band member 21 and the shape of the opening 240, the loop 24 can move within a predetermined range. For example, when only the first band member 21 is inserted, a gap is formed in the opening 240, and the second band member can be inserted into this gap. Also, since the buckle 25 cannot pass through the opening 240, it does not come off the buckle 25 and is held in place by the first band member 21.

[0029] As a method for replacing the strap keeper 24, for example, when removing a strap keeper 24 that has been pre-attached to the first band member 21, first, the strap keeper 24 is touched with fingers or the like to soften it and warm it to a second temperature, which is a temperature at which it can be stretched and deformed. The second temperature is, for example, higher than the first temperature, for example, human body temperature. Then, the strap keeper 24 is pulled and deformed to widen the opening 240 and make it a second shape that is sized to be removed from the buckle 25 side. Once it has reached the second shape that the buckle 25 can pass through, the strap keeper 24 is pulled out from the buckle 25 side and removed.

[0030] Similarly, when attaching the keeper loop 24 to the first band member 21, the keeper loop 24 is warmed to a second temperature, which is a temperature at which it can be stretched, by touching it with fingers or the like, and the keeper loop 24 is pulled to widen the opening 240 so that it can be detached from the buckle 25 side. Then, the buckle 25 is inserted into the widened opening 240, and the first band member 21 is passed through the opening 240 from the buckle 25 side, thereby attaching the keeper loop 24 to the first band member 21. After that, it returns to its original first shape over time. That is, as the temperature drops from body temperature to ambient temperature, the keeper loop contracts and returns to the first shape, preventing the buckle 25 from coming off.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the keeper 24, band portion 20, and wrist-worn device 1 allow the keeper 24 to be easily attached to and detached from the band portion 20. That is, in the event of damage due to deterioration, the keeper 24 can be heated to soften it and widen the opening 240, allowing the buckle 25 and the first band member 21 to pass through, thus enabling easy attachment and detachment. Therefore, maintainability is improved. In addition, since the keeper 24 returns to its original shape and width over time, it can be prevented from coming off the buckle 25 side, and by heating and stretching it again, it can be replaced with another keeper 24, thus improving handling. For example, by providing a detachable keeper 24 during the manufacturing of the wrist-worn device 1, the keeper 24 can be easily replaced, allowing for the application of multiple designs and improving the design of the wrist-worn device 1. Furthermore, since the keeper 24 softens at body temperature, the fit when worn on the arm or other body part is also improved.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the loop 24 is split into a thin first strap portion 241 and a second strap portion 242, the deformability of the first strap portion 241 and the second strap portion 242 can be increased. From the viewpoint of deformability, a thinner portion is preferable. By dividing a part into two parts to form a thin strap, both deformability and holding performance can be achieved. Therefore, both holding performance and deformability can be achieved.

[0033] The embodiments described above are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, an example of warming to body temperature was shown, but it is not limited to this, and it can be set to soften at a temperature range according to the usage conditions. Also, although a material that expands when the temperature is raised was given as an example, it is not limited to this, and for example, a material that shrinks when the temperature is raised may be used. Furthermore, although the example of the keeper ring 24 has a configuration having a first strap portion 241 and a second strap portion 242, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may have a third strap portion. In this case, the keeper ring 24 is formed integrally by connecting the annular second strap portion 242 and the third strap portion by a connecting portion in the width direction center. That is, the keeper ring 24 is formed by dividing both sides in the width direction of the band member 21 into three thin strip-shaped parts.

[0034] As described in the above embodiment, the expandable and retractable strap loop is easy to attach and detach. Therefore, in addition to attaching a new strap loop in case of damage, it can also be used for purposes such as swapping out multiple types of strap loops with different designs, such as different colors, patterns, or shapes. For example, if the deformation is reversible, it can be removed again. On the other hand, depending on the needs, such as when only attachment is required, irreversible deformation may be acceptable.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the entire loop 24 is made of the same temperature-sensitive resin material and is configured to be expandable and contractible, but it is not limited to this, and for example, only a part of it may be made of temperature-sensitive resin material and configured to be expandable and contractible. For example, in order to achieve both deformability and shape retention, only the front wall portion or the back wall portion may be configured to be softened and deformable. Alternatively, only a pair of side wall portions may be configured to be softened and deformable. The first resin material and the second resin material constituting the loop 24 may both be temperature-sensitive resins. Furthermore, the loop 24 may be made only of the first resin material which is a temperature-sensitive resin. Alternatively, the loop 24 may be made of the first resin material which is a temperature-sensitive resin and the second resin material which is a temperature-sensitive resin.

[0036] Furthermore, the buckle 25 may be made of a heat-shrinkable material. In this case, the buckle 25 shrinks when its temperature is lowered, making it even easier to remove the strap keeper 24. Also, in the above embodiment, the strap keeper 24 becomes deformable by softening when heated, and the opening 240 is widened to form a second shape having an opening 240 of a size through which the buckle 25 can be inserted, but the configuration is not limited to this. The strap keeper 24 may also be configured such that the opening 240 is widened by heating to form a second shape having an opening 240 of a size that allows the buckle 25 to be inserted.

[0037] Furthermore, the shape of the loop can be changed as appropriate. For example, although it is shown as having two thin straps on both sides, it is not limited to this, and may be a ring of a certain width, or a shape in which an opening is formed in part of the front or back wall, and the shape can be set as appropriate according to conditions such as response speed and elasticity. For example, if an opening is formed in the front or back wall, it becomes an air vent when worn, improving the fit.

[0038] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is included within the scope of the claims and its equivalents. The invention as originally claimed in this application is listed below. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 20...Band section (band), 24...Swivel loop, 240...Opening

Claims

1. It is configured as a ring through which the band to be attached can be inserted. A band loop formed from a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens at least partially with temperature.

2. The band loop according to claim 1, configured in a first shape at a first temperature in which the passage of a buckle provided on one end of the band is restricted, and deformable into a second shape at a second temperature higher than the first temperature in which the passage of the buckle is permitted.

3. A strip-shaped band member, A buckle provided on one end of the band member, A loop is provided which the band member can pass through and which is attached to the band member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, Equipped with, The strap keeper comprises at least a portion of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens with temperature conditions, is configured in a first shape at a first temperature that restricts the passage of the buckle, and is deformable into a second shape of a size that allows the passage of the buckle at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

4. The band according to claim 3, wherein the first shape that the loop can take and the state in which it can be deformed into the second shape are reversibly changeable by a temperature change between the first temperature and the second temperature.

5. The band according to claim 3, wherein the loop includes an annular first strap portion, an annular second strap portion, and a connecting portion to which the first strap portion and the second strap portion are connected.

6. The band according to claim 5, wherein the connecting portion has a protruding portion formed on its inner surface.

7. The aforementioned buckle includes a buckle frame, a shaft attached to the buckle frame, and a rod rotatably attached to the shaft. The band according to claim 3, wherein the loop is configured in a first shape at a first temperature that restricts the passage of the buckle frame of the buckle, and is deformable into a second shape at a second temperature that allows the passage of the buckle frame of the buckle.

8. The band described in claim 3, The other end of the aforementioned band member is attached to the device body, An arm-mounted device equipped with the following features.

9. A method for attaching and detaching a loop that can be attached to a band, comprising a band-shaped band member, a buckle provided at the end of the band member, and a loop configured to be annular through which the band member can be inserted and which is attached to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the band member, A method for attaching and detaching a strap keeper, comprising heating the strap keeper, which contains at least a portion of a temperature-sensitive resin material that softens depending on temperature conditions, to a second temperature or higher, thereby deforming it from a first shape that restricts the passage of the buckle to a second shape of a size that allows the buckle to pass through.

10. The method for attaching and detaching a strap keeper according to claim 9, comprising the step of heating the strap keeper to a second temperature or higher, thereby making the strap keeper removable from the band or making the strap keeper attachable to the band.

Images