Self-adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or a portable object or device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-adjustable clasping structure (100) for a wearable or portable object or device, comprising at least two sections (11, 12, 13, 14) connected by at least one hinge (20a). The self- adjustable clasping structure (100) comprises at least one telescopic system 5 (30), the telescopic system (30) comprising - an inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and an outer sliding portion (12a, 14a), the inner and outer sliding portions (11a, 12a, 13a, 14a) being movable relative to each other between a maximum retracted position and a maximum extended position, 10 - a pin (32) whose first longitudinal end is held within the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) and whose second longitudinal end extends towards the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a), or vice versa, and - a spring element (36), the spring element (36) surrounding the pin (32) along the longitudinal axis of the pin (32) and arranged so that it urges the 15 inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and / or the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) towards the maximum retracted position.

Description

[0001] Self-adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or a portable object or device

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of wearable objects or devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a self- adjustable clasping structure, in particular to a self-adjustable structure worn on a finger, arm or foot or neck as a jewellery accessory, or as watch strap, clasp or clamp, or as a bracelet in relation to wearable or portable medical or security devices.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Jewellery and medical devices such as rings, bracelets, anklets, and watch straps come in a range of sizes to accommodate the varying circumferences of body parts like fingers, wrists, ankles, upper arms, necks, etc. Due to this, the size of the ring, for example, must be carefully chosen to fit a specific thickness of the body part, as it may not fit properly on other body parts or individuals with different measurements.

[0006] There are certain structures whose sizes can be adjusted, such as the adjustable finger ring disclosed in CN 210054868 U. This ring is made up of left and right half rings, which are connected by a ring base using pins that can slide through grooves on either side of the base. The other ends of the half rings are hinged, and an elastic member is placed between them to regulate their opening and closing.

[0007] The document KR 100803518 B discloses a size adjustable ring comprising a couple of semi-circular ring members, covers on both sides, a decoration member and a stretching. On one side, ring members are connected by a hinge. On the other side of each semi-circular ring member, a mounting groove is formed. The covers are fixed in the mounting grooves and provide inwardly orientated guide grooves. The decoration member has a guide bar formed on both sides thereof and each being insertable into and slidable in the groove guide. A tension spring is inserted into each through hole provided underneath each guide bar.

[0008] While these structures allow for adjustment of the size, they still present inconveniences in terms of limited flexibility, ease of use and optimum size fit at any time. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or a portable object or device wearable or portable object whose size can be adjusted in an automatic manner to match the body part it is attached to and that can keep that automatically adjusted size all the time the wearable or portable object or device remains in place. At the same time, this self- adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or a portable object or device should guarantee a comfortable and pleasant fit to the user thanks to the internal arrangement which provides uninterrupted light clamping pressure.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] These and other objects of the present inventions are achieved by a self-adjustable clamping structure for a wearable or portable object or device according to the present invention, in particular a self-adjustable clamping structure according to the independent claim 1 . Preferable embodiments of the present invention are defined in dependent claims.

[0011] More specifically, these and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a self-adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or portable object or device, comprising at least two sections connected by at least one hinge, wherein it comprises at least one telescopic system, the telescopic system comprising:

[0012] - an inner sliding portion and an outer sliding portion, the inner and outer sliding portions being movable relative to each other between a maximum retracted position and a maximum extended position, - a pin whose first longitudinal end is held within the outer sliding portion and whose second longitudinal end extends towards the inner sliding portion, or vice versa, and

[0013] - a spring element, the spring element surrounding the pin along the longitudinal axis of the pin and arranged so that it urges the inner sliding portion and / or the outer sliding portion towards the maximum retracted position.

[0014] Thanks to this arrangement, the self-adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or portable object or device according to the invention is capable of automatically adjusting size to match the body part it is clamping onto. Moreover, it also remains at that size until moved by force to another location while dynamically adjusting its internal size due to the counterpressure created by the body part it encounters due to the internal spring-loaded system which provides uninterrupted light clamping pressure.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of one of the sections may form the inner sliding portion of the telescopic system and / or at least a portion of another one of the sections forms the outer sliding portion. In this way, the self-adjustable clasping structure is composed by structural elements that also have functional meaning.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the inner sliding portion and / or the outer sliding portion may comprise a cavity for accommodating the pin and the spring element. Preferably, the pin and the spring element are accommodated within the outer sliding portion and / or within the inner sliding portion so that they are not visible from outside both in the maximum retracted position or in the maximum extended position. In this way, the pin and the spring element can be accommodated inside the sliding portions thus reducing the space necessary for them and, at the same time, not exposing sensitive functional elements.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pin may comprise at least one end element in operative contact with the spring element such that the at least one end element tensions the spring element when the inner sliding portion and the outer sliding portion move relative to each other towards the maximum extended position. Preferably, the outer sliding portion and / or the inner sliding portion, when viewed in cross section, comprise an abutment for abutting the end element of the pin. This arrangement allows for a simple yet effective design of the connection between the pin, the spring element and the remaining parts of the self-adjusting clasping structure.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, in the maximum retracted position, the spring element may also be slightly tensioned, such that the self-adjustable clasping structure is kept in the maximum retracted position if no external force is applied. Thanks to this feature, the self-adjustable clasping structure can be safely kept in the maximum retracted position when no external force is applied to it, preventing thereby an involuntary opening.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the maximum extended position may be defined by the maximum compression of the spring element or by the maximum opening ability of at least one hinge. In this way, there are various design options available so that the self-adjustable clasping structure can be adapted to various needs and applications in a very simple manner.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the inner sliding portion and / or the outer sliding portion, when viewed in cross section, comprise a thick portion and a thin portion, the thin portion extending into the complementary sliding portion, the thick portion serving preferably as a stop. Such a structure is very robust and efficient, providing for a very stable connection between the moving elements of the self-adjustable clasping structure.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the one or more connecting systems may be provided for opening or closing of the self- adjustable clasping structure to be wearable for example on a body part.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting system may comprise a female portion and a male portion, wherein the connecting system is in a locked position when both the female portion and the male portion are mated.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting system may comprise one or more stops, pinholes and / or locking pins for connecting the female portion and the male portion.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment, a locking system may be provided for locking the telescopic system for locking the self-adjustable clasping structure in a step-wise manner, wherein the locking system comprises a locking pin lever that is able to be locked with one of the plurality of holes or steps.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the self-adjustable clasping structure can comprise one or more electronic devices or sensors.

[0026] The term “movable in relation to” refers to one of the two parts arranged to be able to perform the relative movement. Since it is a relative movement between two parts and / or two assemblies, which part is considered the “movable part” is only a matter of convention. This designation is arbitrary as it is a relative displacement and therefore is clear for skilled persons. Also, the movable part can be made up of several components in order to allow the relative movements to take place.

[0027] Brief description of drawings

[0028] The present invention will be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0029] Figures 1 A and 1 B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figures 4A and 4B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figures 5A and 5B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figures 6A and 6B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figures 7A and 7B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figures 8A, 8B and 8C schematically show a side view of a self- adjustable clasping structure in a retracted position and an extended position according to further embodiments of the invention;

[0036] Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of a self-adjustable clasping structure comprising multiple telescopic systems arranged side by side in parallel which moved from a retracted position to an extended position according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Figures 10A and 10B schematically show a cross section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a plurality of telescopic systems arranged in different circumferential positions of the self-adjustable clasping structure.

[0037] Figures 11 A1 to 11 D2 schematically show a cross-section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to further embodiments of the inventions, wherein it comprises at least one connecting system.

[0038] Figures 12A1 to 12B2 schematically show a cross-section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to further embodiments of the invention, comprising multiple connecting systems.

[0039] Figures 13A and 13B schematically show a cross-section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a connection system having several stops.

[0040] Figures 14A and 14B schematically show a cross-section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein it comprises an adjustable locking system.

[0041] Figures 15A and 15B schematically show a cross-section top view of a self-adjustable clasping structure according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein it comprises one or more electronic additional devices.

[0042] Detailed description of the embodiments of the invention

[0043] Present invention allows the self-adjustable clasping structure to be adjusted according to the need of users. It can particularly be used as a ring worn on a finger or a toe, both as a piece of jewelry or for any other purpose (e.g. as a medical device or an input device for a mobile phone). Further, it can be used as a bracelet, again including both pieces of jewelry or electronic bracelets (e.g. for monitoring of vital functions or for electronic surveillance of prisoners). Of course, it is clear that the self-adjustable clasping structure according to the invention can be used in connection with any other device or in any other way.

[0044] Figures 1 A and 1 B show a first embodiment of the present invention in its simplest form. In this embodiment, the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 does not contain any additional object or device, but it is clear to any skilled person that it can comprise e.g. a precious stone, electronic device or any other similar additional object without departing from the general idea or scope of the present invention.

[0045] The self-adjustable clasping structure 100 comprises two sections 11 , 12 connected pivotally with a hinge 20a on one of their respective longitudinal ends. On the other longitudinal end of the sections 11 , 12, they are connected with a telescopic system 30. To this end, the telescopic system 30 comprises an inner sliding portion 11a that is in this embodiment integrated into the first section 11 and an outer sliding portion 12a that is integrated into the second section 12. In addition, the telescopic system 30 comprises a pin 32 and a spring element 36 that surrounds the pin 32 along its longitudinal axis (cf. further pictures for the reference).

[0046] In Figure 1A, the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 is illustrated in the maximum retracted position, the sections 11 , 12 being held closely together. Figure 1 B illustrates the same self-adjustable clasping structure 100 in the maximum extended position, where the sections 11 , 12 have been moved apart from each other, creating a bigger opening between them.

[0047] As can be seen, the inner sliding portion 11a and the outer sliding portion 12a comprise cavities for accommodating the pin 32 and the spring element 36. In addition, the inner sliding portion 11 a comprises a thick portion aT and a thin portion aD such that, in the maximum retracted position of Figure 1A the thin portion aD of the inner sliding portion 11a extends into the outer sliding portion 12a. In this maximum retracted position, the thick portion aT serves as a stop for the outer sliding portion 12a and the whole telescopic system 30 is very compact.

[0048] The pin 32 comprises end elements 32a, 32b at its longitudinal ends. At the same time, the outer sliding portion 12a comprises an abutment 70a for abutting one of both end elements 32a of the pin 32. On the other hand, the other end element 32b of the pin 32 is dimensioned and arranged so that it makes the spring element 36 to tension, when the inner sliding portion 11 a and the outer sliding portion 12a move relative to each other towards the maximum extended position as visible in Figure 1 B under influence of an external force. In this way, the inner sliding portion 11a and the outer sliding portion 12a are urged by the tensioned spring element 36 to move back towards the maximum retracted position. In this way, the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 according to the present invention automatically adjusts the size that nicely fits the body part on which it is worn (e.g. the finger or the arm of the user), while exercising only a slight pressure on this body part.

[0049] As visible in Figures 1A and 1 B, the inner sliding portion 11a and the outer sliding portion 12a are dimensioned such that the pin 32 and the spring element 36 are accommodated within the outer sliding portion 12a and the inner sliding portion 11a so that they are not visible from outside even when the self- adjusting clasping structure 100 is in the maximum retracted position of Figure 1 B.

[0050] The second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B is essentially identical to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B except for the fact that an additional element 13 is inserted between the first section 11 and the second section 12, these elements being interconnected by means of two hinges 20a and 20b. The specifical design of the additional element 13 offers additional options for the definition of the maximum extended position of the telescopic system 30, as visible in Figure 2B. In addition, this additional element 13 can serve as a basis for additional objects or devices (e.g. precious stones or electronic devices). The third embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the forth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B and the fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B are very similar to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1A and 1 B and the second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. The main difference relates to the fact that elements of the telescopic system 30 in these two embodiments are not directly integrated into the first and second sections 11 , 12, but are realised as a separate component, connected to the first section 11 and the second section 12 by means of additional hinges 20b, 20c or 20d. Other elements are however essentially identical to those mentioned in connection with the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B or the second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0051] The sixth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B is very similar to the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B except that a further section 15 is provided between the first section 11 and the second section 12 instead of an additional element 13. Other elements are essentially identical to those mentioned in connection with the previously explained embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] The seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B demonstrates a further variant of the invention, wherein the telescopic system 30 comprises an additional section 41 . In this embodiment, the telescopic system does not comprise an inner sliding portion fitting inside the outer sliding portion, but two identical outer sliding portions 12a and 12b on both sides. The additional section 41 , separate from these both outer sliding portions 12a and 12b plays the role of the thin portion of the inner sliding portion in previous embodiments. It therefore has a slightly smaller diameter and fits inside both outer sliding portions 12a and 12b. In addition, two different pins 32 and two different spring elements 36 are provided, one for connecting the additional section 41 to both of the outer sliding portions 12a and 12b. To reiterate, the present invention offers a self-adjustable clasping structure 100 proposing a uniquely designed telescopic system 30. When external force is applied to sections composing the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 trying to “push them apart”, the inner sliding portions 11a, 13a and the outer sliding portions 12a, 14a move apart until achieving a maximum extended position, increasing thereby the diameter of the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 and consequently increasing its circumference.

[0053] Figures 8A to 8C illustrate several further variants which have been seriously contemplated and could be equally implemented to all embodiments of the present invention. For instance, both the inner sliding portion 11a and the outer sliding portion 12a could be provided with a thick portion aT and a thin portion aD, wherein the inner sliding portion 11a could slide into the outer sliding portion 12a. In other words, the inner sliding portion 11 a could function as a male portion which is complementary to the outer sliding portion 12a which function as a receiving partner (female portion). A further variant of the invention as demonstrated in the Figure 8B shows that a number of additional sections 41 , 42, 43, 44 (Figure 8C) could be provided to the telescopic system 30. To this end, it can be foreseen that one or more pins 32 and spring elements 36 wound lengthwise along these pins 32 are provided to the cavity of the inner and outer sliding portions 11a, 12a.

[0054] Apart from the aforementioned embodiments, the inventors of the present invention have also found out that it is especially advantageous when a plurality of telescopic systems 30 are arranged side by side parallel to the longitudinal pin 32, as illustrated in the Figure 9. This allows for a higher resistance in adjusting the size of the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 as more spring elements 36 are provided in the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 and therefore incidences such as accident change of the position of the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 can be avoided.

[0055] Figure 10A and 10B show a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein several telescopic systems 30 are provided circumferentially to the automatic self-adjustable clasping structure 100 for maximum adjustment of its size. This particular variant of the invention is especially advantageous when the circumference of the self-adjustable clasping structure 100 is to be expanded significantly.

[0056] According to some preferred embodiments, one or more connection systems 60 may be incorporated into the clasping structure 100 to allow opening or closing of the clasping structure 100, as demonstrated in the Figures 11 A1 to 11 D2. In these examples, the connecting system 60 functions similar to a handcuff. This can be particularly advantageous when the clasping structure 100 with such a connecting system 60 is for example used on a wrist, leg, ankle or neck where the hand, foot or head will not pass though the aperture.

[0057] To this end, it is foreseen that multiple connecting systems 60 can be provided to the clasping structure 100. As illustrated in Figures 12A1 and 12B1 , two connecting systems 60 are provided to the clasping structure 100. This has the advantage for an exchangeable modular part, as well as for opening and closing of the clasping structure 100.

[0058] According to another preferred embodiment such as shown on Figures 13A and 13B, the connecting system 60 may be provided with one or more stops 66. This allows to have progressive opening positions via notches, teeth, pins or other means, permitting an additional adjustment of the self- adjustable clasping structure 100.

[0059] Figures 14A and 14B show a further embodiment of the invention, wherein a locking system 50 is incorporated into the clasping structure 100 such that a fixed position of the telescopic system 30 may be secured, for example through a pin and hole adjustable locking system.

[0060] Figures 15A and 15B demonstrate yet a further embodiment of the invention, wherein electronic devices or sensors 72 are provided to the clasping structure 100. In this embodiment, it is foreseen that spaces, holes or cavities 75 are provided within the clasping structure 100 for accommodating the electronic devices or sensors 72. Touch screens 74, folded screens 73, insulated copper wires 76, holes with rounded edges for insulated copper wire 77 may also be provided to the self-adjustable clasping structure 100. The devices or sensors 72 may be for instance health monitoring sensors that may keep track of such as heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body temperature, dehydration, toxicity and / or radiation levels. By using any wireless communication system (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.), one may send medical information in real time to mobile devices or in hospitals to main monitoring computers.

[0061] Currently, one needs to have a variety of devices attached to a patient to monitor all of the aforementioned patient’s levels, but the device according to the present invention takes over many of these tasks. In many cases, current devices (e.g. oxygen meters) are not well designed for comfortable wearing and constantly fall off the finger due to an awkward wearing system. The design of the device according to the present invention fixes many of these challenges in just one wearable self-adjustable system which keeps contact with the patient's skin to allow sensors to always be effective. By using current state of the art mobile phone technology such as FOLED screens that are also touch sensitive, one may manually watch the patient's levels and also switch the device on and off, the device may have power via an embedded rechargeable battery or may have a solar collector as part of the screen, one may also draw power from a human body using special state of the art power harvesting sensors which have contact with the patient's skin.

[0062] In the end, it is to be mentioned that the embodiments and / or any elements of the invention illustrated in this application are not meant to be interpreted in a limiting way and that skilled person will understand that the self- adjustable clasping structure for a wearable or portable object or device according to the present invention can comprise further or equivalent elements to those described, without departing from the essence of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A self-adjustable clasping structure (100) for a wearable or portable object or device, comprising at least two sections (11 , 12, 13, 14) connected by at least one hinge (20a), characterised in that it comprises at least one telescopic system (30), the telescopic system (30) comprising- an inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and an outer sliding portion (12a, 14a), the inner and outer sliding portions (11a, 12a, 13a, 14a) being movable relative to each other between a maximum retracted position and a maximum extended position,- a pin (32) whose first longitudinal end is held within the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) and whose second longitudinal end extends towards the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a), or vice versa, and- a spring element (36), the spring element (36) surrounding the pin (32) along the longitudinal axis of the pin (32) and arranged so that it urges the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and / or the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) towards the maximum retracted position.

2. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of one of the sections (11 , 12) forms the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) of the telescopic system (30) and / or wherein at least a portion of another one of the sections (13, 14) forms the outer sliding portion (13a, 14a).

3. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to claim 2, wherein the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and / or the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) comprise a cavity for accommodating the pin (32) and the spring element (36).

4. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (32) and the spring element (36) are accommodated within the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) and / or within the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) so that they are not visible from outside both in the maximum retracted position or in the maximum extended position.

5. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (32) comprises at least one end element (32a, 32b) in operative contact with the spring element (36) such that the at least one end element (32a, 32b) tensions the spring element (36) when the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) move relative to each other towards the maximum extended position.

6. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a) and / or the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a), when viewed in cross section, comprise an abutment (70a) for abutting the end element (32a, 32b) of the pin (32).

7. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the maximum retracted position, the spring element (36) is also slightly tensioned, such that the self-adjustable clasping structure (100) is kept in the maximum retracted position if no external force is applied.

8. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum extended position is defined by the maximum compression of the spring element (36).

9. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the maximum extended position is defined by the maximum opening ability of at least one hinge (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

10. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner sliding portion (11a, 13a) and / or the outer sliding portion (12a, 14a), when viewed in cross section, comprise a thick portion (aT) and a thin portion(aD), the thin portion (aD) extending into the complementary sliding portion, the thick portion (aT) serving preferably as a stop.

11. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it further comprises one or more connecting systems (60) for opening or closing of the self-adjustable clasping structure (100) to be wearable for example on a body part.

12. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to claim11 , wherein the connecting system (60) comprises a female portion (62) and a male portion (64), wherein the connecting system (60) is in a locked position when both the female portion (62) and the male portion (64) are mated.

13. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the connecting system (60) comprises one or more stops (66), pinholes (67) and / or locking pins (68) for connecting the female portion (62) and the male portion (64).

14. The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it further comprises a locking system (50) for locking the telescopic system (30) for locking the self-adjustable clasping structure (100) in a step-wise manner, wherein the locking system (50) comprises a locking pin lever (54) that is able to be locked with one of the plurality of steps (52).15 The self-adjustable clasping structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises one or more devices or sensors

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