Wristband and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a bracelet comprising a functional and comfortable insert, which allows for a multitude of customization options.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a bracelet (1) including an upper strip (2) and a lower strip (3). The upper strip (2) and the lower strip (3) form at least one strand of the bracelet. The bracelet includes a flexible intermediate layer (4) disposed between the upper strip (2) and the lower strip (3). The flexible intermediate layer (4) is formed of at least one type of encapsulated phase-change material having a transition temperature in a range between 0°C and 40°C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible and deformable bracelet or wristband for the industries of portable timepieces (e.g., wristwatches, pocket watches), jewelry, or leather products, and a method for manufacturing such a bracelet or wristband.

Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, the bracelets of portable timepieces are made of leather, synthetic materials, cloth, rubber, or metal. The bracelets further have inserts disposed within a lining or sheath, or between an upper elongate member and a lower elongate member that are later joined together. This insert mainly has a mechanical function of imparting flexibility.

[0003] In the case of leather bracelets, the inserts are made of tear-resistant reinforcements, leather padding, or non-woven materials that increase the height of the bracelet. A leather lining is also provided together with an upper surface made of leather or synthetic resin.

[0004] In an alternative form, the upper part of the bracelet bends only on the surface of the bracelet and is of the semi-bending type. Semi-bending type bracelets and mechanically bending type bracelets are made using a mold and a platen press.

[0005] Bracelets made of an elastomeric material, in which several layers are joined and / or welded together to surround the insert, are also conceivable. In this case, a preform is cut using a press into the shape of each bracelet strand. And the edges of the bracelet can be protected with edge lacquer and sewn together.

[0006] Some bracelets are made by combining such an elastomeric type of material with typical high-quality leather, improving the durability of these bracelets without changing the appearance when the portable timepiece is worn.

[0007] However, these bracelets generally include different parts made of different materials that are typically sewn or joined together, and these parts may come loose over time. Also, the assembly of these different parts does not allow for sufficient and / or satisfactory personalization and / or decoration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a bracelet with a functional and comfortable insert, characterized by a combination of closely bonded materials, enabling many customization options, and a method for manufacturing such a bracelet.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a bracelet including an upper elongate member and a lower elongate member, the upper elongate member and the lower elongate member forming at least one strand of the bracelet, and the bracelet having a flexible intermediate layer disposed between the upper elongate member and the lower elongate member, the flexible intermediate layer being formed of at least one encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature within the range of 0°C to 40°C.

[0010] Another advantageous alternative embodiment of the present invention has the following features. - The at least one phase change material is selected from paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, waxes, oils, hydrated salts, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, dibasic acids, dibasic esters, monohalides, polymers, and mixtures thereof. - The lower elongate member has micropores. - The upper elongate member and the lower elongate member are made of an elastomeric composite material containing metallic and / or ceramic fillers to improve heat exchange. - The predetermined temperature threshold is within the range of 25°C to 30°C. - The layer of encapsulated phase change material has holes for passing through the fixing means. - The upper elongated member is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of leather, natural fiber or synthetic fiber, elastomer and silicone material. - The flexible intermediate layer is formed of two types of encapsulated phase change materials, a first encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 15°C to 25°C and a second encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 26°C to 35°C.

[0011] The advantage of the bracelet according to the present invention is based on the fact that while providing one or more additional functions, the insert is thin enough to replace the traditional reinforcing insert without increasing the traditional thickness of such a bracelet.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a bracelet having the features described in independent claim 9.

[0013] By reading the following description with reference to the drawings, the purpose, advantages and features of the bracelet with a phosphorescent insert will become clear.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a bracelet or wristband 1 comprising an upper elongate member 2 and a lower elongate member 3 forming at least one strand of the bracelet or wristband 1, each elongate member having a corresponding hole 10 for passing a pin or tongue. The bracelet further has an insert disposed between the upper elongate member 2 and the lower elongate member 3, the insert being in the form of a flexible intermediate layer 4 disposed between the upper elongate member 2 and the lower elongate member 3.

[0016] The term "upper" can be understood to mean the part of the bracelet that faces outwards and is visible to the wearer when the bracelet is worn. Similarly, the term "lower" can be understood to mean the part of the bracelet that faces inwards and contacts the wearer when the bracelet is worn.

[0017] Advantageously, the flexible intermediate layer 4 is formed by at least one encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 0°C to 40°C, such that heat can be released or absorbed when the bracelet is in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0018] The transition temperature is, for example, in the range of 25°C to 30°C. When this temperature is reached, the phase change material absorbs the heat of the wearer and gives the wearer a feeling of cold.

[0019] Conversely, it is also possible. The transition temperature can be, for example, in the range of 15°C to 20°C. When this temperature is reached, the phase change material releases heat to the wearer and gives the wearer a feeling of warmth.

[0020] The intermediate layer 4 further has holes 10' corresponding to the holes in the upper and lower elongate members for passing a pin or tongue.

[0021] The intermediate layer 4 is coupled to the upper elongate member 2 and the lower elongate member 3 so that the intermediate layer 4 does not move after the bracelet is assembled.

[0022] Traditionally, the upper elongated member 2 and the lower elongated member 3 are made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of leather, natural or synthetic fibers, elastomers, elastomer composite materials containing metallic and / or ceramic fillers, and silicone materials. These materials can also be combined as desired by the wearer.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower elongated member 3 has micropores 30 that enable better heat conduction to and / or from the phase change material encapsulated from the wearer.

[0024] The elastomer can be selected from fluorinated elastomers such as those belonging to the FKM family (crosslinkable fluorinated or perfluoropolyalkylene), or thermoplastic elastomers such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer), silicone, EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), and their thermoplastic derivatives (TPO) or acrylic elastomer families. Also, the selected elastomer has the advantage of being relatively flexible and able to adapt to the bending of the wrist when the bracelet is worn.

[0025] The intermediate layer 4 is thin enough to replace the traditional reinforcing insert without increasing the traditional thickness of such a bracelet while exerting an additional effect.

[0026] According to the present invention, the at least one type of phase change material is selected from paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, waxes, oils, hydrated salts, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, dibasic acids, dibasic esters, monohalides, polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0027] The phase change material is encapsulated within a casing made of a silicone or thermoplastic elastomer material, enabling the intermediate layer 4 to be easily bonded to the upper elongated member 2 and the lower elongated member 3.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible intermediate layer 4 is formed by pockets that contain a liquid such as mineral oil or vegetable oil and microcapsules of a phase change material.

[0029] Repeatedly, in a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible intermediate layer 4 is formed by two types of encapsulated phase change materials, a first encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 15°C to 20°C and a second encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 25°C to 35°C. Thanks to such a configuration, multiple functions can be combined so as to heat the wearer when the transition temperature is 15°C to 20°C and cool the wearer when the transition temperature is 25°C to 35°C.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a bracelet, the method comprising - manufacturing a flexible intermediate layer 4 formed by at least one type of encapsulated phase change material corresponding to the final shape of the desired bracelet; - providing the upper elongate member 2 and the lower elongate member 3; - coupling the intermediate layer 4 to the lower elongate member 3; - rigidly connecting the upper elongate member 2 to the lower elongate member 3 and the intermediate layer 4 to form the bracelet and comprising.

[0031] The upper elongate member 2 and the lower elongate member 3 are rigidly connected to each other, for example, by bonding, stitching or welding.

[0032] Thanks to these features, the two elongate members 2, 3 and the intermediate layer 4 are closely bonded to each other, thus ensuring that the bracelet thus made has a high level of robustness and excellent durability.

[0033] In addition, overmolding can also be performed on the upper elongated member 2. In this case, a groove or a molded article can be provided around the opening to improve the aesthetic appearance of the assembly. In fact, thanks to such a groove or molded article, it becomes possible to at least partially conceal the transfer of material between different parts of the bracelet.

[0034] Thanks to the above manufacturing method, many variations in the function of the flexible bracelet can be made to satisfy the wearer.

[0035] Also, these bracelets are very durable even when exposed to water or sweat.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0036] 1 Bracelet 2 Upper Elongated Member 3 Lower Elongated Member 4 Flexible Intermediate Layer

Claims

1. A bracelet (1) comprising an upper elongate member (2) and a lower elongate member (3), wherein the upper elongate member (2) and the lower elongate member (3) form at least one strand of the bracelet, the bracelet having a flexible intermediate layer (4) disposed between the upper elongate member (2) and the lower elongate member (3), the flexible intermediate layer (4) being formed of at least two encapsulated phase change materials, a first encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 15°C to 20°C and a second encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of 25°C to 35°C, characterized bracelet.

2. The at least one phase change material is selected from paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, waxes, oils, hydrated salts, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, dibasic acids, dibasic esters, monohalides, polymers, and mixtures thereof The bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The lower elongate member (3) has micropores The bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The upper elongate member (2) and the lower elongate member (3) are made of an elastomeric composite material containing a metallic and / or ceramic filler The bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The intermediate layer (4) made of an encapsulated phase change material has holes for passing through fixing means The bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The upper elongate member (2) is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of leather, natural fibers or synthetic fibers, elastomers and silicone materials The bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. A method of manufacturing the bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, manufacturing a flexible intermediate layer (4) formed of at least two encapsulated phase change materials corresponding to the final shape of the desired bracelet; providing an upper elongate member (2) and a lower elongate member (3); bonding the intermediate layer (4) to the lower elongate member (3); rigidly connecting the upper elongate member (2) to the lower elongate member (3) and the intermediate layer (4) to form a bracelet characterized by comprising.

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