Wristband for covering a wrist accessory

Abstract

A wristband (10) for covering a wrist accessory (4) having an accessory band (6) adapted to extend around the palmar side (21), and the radial and ulnar zones (31,32), of a wrist (2) of a wearer; and an accessory feature (8) adapted to rest on the dorsal side (44) of the wrist (2). The wristband (10) comprises a rear section (20) including a volar portion (22) that is adapted to laterally and circumferentially cover the accessory band (6) outwardly of the accessory band (6) on the wearer's wrist (2). The wristband (10) also includes side radial and ulnar portions (32,34) and a front section (40). The front section (40) includes a laterally displaceable dorsal portion (42) adapted to move from a cover position (Fig. 4) in which it covers the accessory feature (8), and a displaced position (Fig. 3) in which the accessory feature (8) is uncovered.

Description

[0001] WRISTBAN D FOR COVERING A WRIST ACCESSORY

[0002] This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024902998 filed on 19 September 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated.

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to a wristband for covering a wrist accessory. More particularly, this invention relates to a wristband for covering a wrist accessory for the purposes of protection. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a wristband for covering a wrist accessory for the purposes of protection and for display purposes in use.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion should not be assumed to relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but to assist in the inventive process undertaken by the inventor(s) and in the understanding of the invention.

[0007] Wristbands are generally known for attaching accessories, such as watches, as well as being aesthetic accessories themselves, and as sweatbands. However, wristbands for the purposes of protecting wrist accessories, such as watches and jewellery, are needed to mitigate the risk of damage. For example, a watch face is vulnerable to scratches, fractures and being shattered on inadvertent exposure to hard materials and / or impact.

[0008] An example of a sleeve attachment for maintaining exposure of a wrist accessory is found in International Publication No. WO 2015 / 142960 to McLoughlin. The publication describes a sleeve keeper (for use with a wrist accessory warn by a user and adapted to retain a long sleeve of a garment worn by a user from obscuring the wrist accessory, namely a watch. However, this disclosure does not provide a solution for protecting a wrist accessory.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0010] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0011] The invention according to one or more aspects is described herebelow and further defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are described herebelow and further defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided: A wristband for covering a wrist accessory having: an accessory band adapted to extend around the palmar side, and the radial and ulnar zones, of a wrist of a wearer; and an accessory feature adapted to rest on a dorsal side or a volar side of the wrist, the wristband comprising: a rear section adapted to laterally and circumferentially cover the accessory band outwardly of the accessory band on the wearer's wrist; side radial and ulnar portions; and a front section including a laterally displaceable portion adapted to move from a cover position in which it covers the accessory feature, and a displaced position in which the accessory feature is uncovered.

[0013] In the description that follows, for convenience, the invention and associated embodiments will be described wherein the rear section is preferably located on the volar side of the wearer's wrist and the front section over or to the side of the accessory feature on the dorsal side of the wrist (see Fig. 19a). However, it is understood that the accessory feature may in some cases be worn on the volar side of the wearer's wrist and this arrangement is within the scope of the invention.

[0014] WRIST ACCESSORY

[0015] The wrist accessory may be a form of jewellery and the accessory feature may be a gem or an array of valuable gems. Alternatively, the accessory feature may be a personal display device (PDA), including a smartwatch. As to another option for an accessory feature is a timepiece, such as a watch. The accessory feature may have an exposed surface that is vulnerable to being scratched, fractured or shattered, such as a glass face.

[0016] The accessory band may be any length suitable to wrap around the palmar side of a wrist to secure the accessory feature to the dorsal side of the wearer's wrist. The accessory band may be made of flexible metal or plastic, segmented metal pieces connected by resiliently deformable material, flexible materials, such as leather or plastic and may secure the accessory feature either end of the circumferential ends of the accessory feature. A particularly relevant example of a wrist accessory is a watch or smartwatch with a glass, polycarbonate and / or plastic face that can be damaged during normal use.

[0017] WRISTBAND

[0018] The wristband is preferably made of a resilient and stretchable material adapted to slip over the wearer's hand.

[0019] The wristband is preferably made of a resilient and stretchable material adapted to slip over the wearer's hand. The material may be woven. The material may be a composite of neoprene, elastane (spandex), rubber, a blend, nonwoven and / or woven natural and / or synthetic fibres. Advantageously, the material is skin compatible and skin safe. The material is preferably a unitary or homogenous material, including polyester, cotton or wool. Most preferably, the material is merino wool. Preferably, the material is made from natural fibres that may be woven tightly and finely to achieve a light, flexible, and breathable material. Preferably, the material is varied for the intended purpose, noting that high quality natural fibres such as merino wool may be apt where the wristband is used as a fashion accessory, whereas sporting activities, including outdoors use, camping, hiking, and water-based activities, such as sailing, surfing, may warrant a more rugged and water-compatible material such as spandex / elastane.

[0020] The rear and front sections, and the side portions, are preferably formed at least in part from a continuous loop of material.

[0021] The volar portion is preferably reinforced with stitching whereby to better hold its form compared to the dorsal portion. The dorsal portion is adapted to be more easily laterally displaced than the volar portion.

[0022] The dorsal portion is preferably made of the same thickness of material as that of the side portions.

[0023] The rear section may be in the form of a volar portion which is preferably resiliently foldable, but resistant to stretching in both the circumferential and the lateral directions.

[0024] The stitching lin the region of the volar portion is preferably adapted to resist stretching in any direction. The volar portion may include stitching around its boundary. The volar portion may include stitching in its central area. The stitching in the central area of the volar portion may include formation of insignia, such as a brand display. The stitching in the volar portion is preferably adapted to resist stretching in all directions.

[0025] The front section may be in the form of a dorsal portion that is preferably adapted to resiliently stretch in the circumferential direction. The dorsal portion is preferably adapted to be more resiliently stretchable in the circumferential direction than the volar portion.

[0026] The dorsal portion is preferably resistant to stretching in the lateral direction, whilst facilitative to displacement in the lateral direction. This may be achieved by the provision of enhanced resilient elasticity of the material in the circumferential direction. This property also assists the wearer in slipping the wristband over the wearer's wider hand and onto the wearer's narrower wrist.

[0027] The front section preferably comprises the dorsal portion in the form of an inner layer and the wristband preferably further includes an outer layer. The inner and layers are both adapted to be laterally displaceable. The outer layer is preferably adapted to at least partially superimpose over the inner layer in the cover position.

[0028] The outer layer is even more preferably adapted to superimpose over the inner layer in the cover position.

[0029] The outer layer is preferably adapted to be substantially circumferentially and laterally coextensive with the inner layer in the cover position.

[0030] The outer layer is preferably substantially coextensive with the dorsal portion in the cover position.

[0031] The outer layer is even more preferably substantially coextensive, collectively, with the dorsal and side portions.

[0032] The outer layer through the rear section is preferably made of the same thickness of material as that of the outer layer in the front section. Preferably, the outer layer is made of a continuous length of the same material. Preferably, the outer layer is joined at its ends to form an outer loop.

[0033] The inner layer preferably includes the dorsal and side portions.

[0034] The outer layer and the inner layer are preferably laterally displaceable to opposite sides of the accessory feature in the displaced position.

[0035] The outer layer and the inner layer are optionally laterally displaceable to the same side of the accessory feature in the displaced position.

[0036] The wristband material is preferably unidirectionally stretchable. The wristband material is preferably unidirectionally stretchable in the circumferential direction. The material is preferably resiliently stretchable in a circumferential direction corresponding to an orbital path around a wearer's wrist or about a longitudinal axis of the wearer's forearm (transverse to a lateral direction). The stretchability of the wristband material in the circumferential direction facilitates the slipping of the wristband over a wearer's hand. A wearer's hand will be greater in sectional area at its largest point than the circumference of the wearer's wrist. The material may be substantially non-stretchable in the lateral direction.

[0037] In the front section of the wristband, the respective inner and outer layers may be unattached to one another, whereby shear movement in a lateral direction allows the inner layer to be laterally displaced in one direction, and the outer layer laterally displaced in an opposite direction, whereby to open up a gap therebetween to allow touch and / or visual access to the accessory feature.

[0038] The laterally displaceable portion is held under tension over the accessory feature in the cover position. The circumferential stretchability of the wristband material and the lateral separability of the unattached layers of the front section facilitate a transition between the cover and displaced positions at the wearer's discretion.

[0039] It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein can be used in any combination, and that the invention as described in respect of the second aspect may have the specific features referred to above in respect of the invention as described in respect of the first aspect.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a wristband in which an outer layer's dorsal portion or front section is visible according to one aspect of the invention;

[0043] Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the wristband shown in Figure 1 in which the outer layer's volar portion or rear section is visible;

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the wristband shown in Figure 1 in use in the displaced position;

[0045] Figure 4 is the wristband shown in Figure 3 in the closed position;

[0046] Figure 5 is a photograph of a swirl of material, namely superfine merino wool woven for stretchability in one direction and being stretched resistant in a transverse direction relative to the first direction;

[0047] Figures 6A and 6B are bottom plan views of the palmar or volar portion of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of the wristband;

[0049] Figure 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a flat blank of material used to form the wristband of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic view of an inner layer of the wristband of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

[0052] Figure 11 is a top plan view of an outer layer of a wristband according to the invention;

[0053] Figure 12 is a schematic view of the inner layer adapted for superimposed attachment to the outer layer shown in Figure 11;

[0054] Figures 13 and 14 are respectively a front facing outer layer and an inner layer of a wristband according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Figures 15 & 16 are respectively similar to those shown in respect of Figure 13 and 14, but are a larger size embodiment;

[0056] Figures 17 and 18 are respectively similar to those shown in respect of Figure 13 and 14, but are a larger size embodiment;

[0057] Figure 19 is a rear view of a left hand with the palmar side facing the front; and

[0058] Figure 20 is a top plan schematic view of an outer layer of the wristband according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0060] In the drawings of Figures 1 to 20, there is shown a wristband 10 for covering a wrist accessory 4 having: an accessory band 6 adapted to extend around the palmar side 21, and the radial and ulnar zones 31,33, of a wrist 2 of a wearer; and an accessory feature 8 adapted to rest on the dorsal side 42 of the wrist 2, the wristband 10 comprising: a rear section 20 including a volar portion 22 adapted to laterally and circumferentially cover the accessory band 6 outwardly of the accessory band 6 on the wearer's wrist 2; side radial and ulnar portions 32,34; and a front section 40 including a laterally displaceable dorsal portion 42 adapted to move from a cover position in which it covers the accessory feature 8, and a displaced position in which the accessory feature 8 is uncovered.

[0061] The front section 40 comprises the dorsal portion 42 in the form of an inner layer 50 and the wristband 10 includes an outer layer 60 adapted to be laterally displaceable. The inner and outer layers 50,60 are adapted to at least extend across the front section 40 in the cover position between the radial and ulnar portions32,34.

[0062] The outer layer 60 and the inner layer 50 in the front section 40 are laterally displaceable to opposite sides of the accessory feature 8 in the displaced position. This is achieved by the flexibility of the material, which is a 100% merino wool in a woven form.

[0063] The rear and front sections 20,40, and the side portions 30, are formed at least in part from a continuous loop of material 52. The inner layer 50 forms part of the continuous inner loop 52 that extends through the rear, front and side sections 20,30,40. The outer layer 60 forms part of a continuous outer loop 62 that also extends through the rear, front and side sections. 20,30,40.

[0064] The outer layer 60 forms part of the continuous outer loop that extends substantially over the continuous inner Ioop52. Except in the displaced position, the outer continuous loop 62 is substantially superimposed over the continuous inner layer 50.

[0065] The inner and outer continuous loops 52,62 are fixed to each other through at least part of the rear section 20. This may be achieved through stitching of an insignia 70 whereby to join the inner and out layers 50,60 in the rear section 20. The insignia, brand or logo may be embroidered or sewn onto or through the rear section 20, as shown in Figs. 2, 6a and 6b.

[0066] In any case each of the peripheral edges 54,64 of the inner and outer layers 50,60 are continuously stitched severally across the front section 40 between the radial and ulnar zones 31,33, and together across the rear section 20 between the radial and ulnar zones 31,33.

[0067] The rear section 20 may comprise a single lateral stitching line 85 substantially central to the rear section 20, with the inner and outer layers otherwise concentric but unattached for the remainder of the respective loops 52,62, so that they are easily laterally displaced. However, the preference is to provide a pair of circumferentially spaced lateral stitched lines 86a, b.

[0068] The continuous inner and outer loops 52,62 are substantially concentric and combined in a permanent superimposed arrangement. In the rear section 20, a length of the combined material comprising the inner and outer layers 50,60 comprises a thick wall made up of the combined thickness of the continuous inner and outer layers 50,60 in that rear section 20.

[0069] In the rear section 20 the insignia 70 is in the form of a brand applied to the rear section 20. This further decreases the relative stretchability and flexibility of the rear section 20 compared to the inner layer 50 in the front section 40. The brand 70 is formed by embroidery. The embroidery stitching 82 forming the insignia 70 extends through the inner and outer layers 50,60 in the rear section 20 to bind them together in the footprint of the brand. Further relative stiffness in the region of the rear section 20 may be achieved by stitching 85 applied through the corresponding and superimposed peripheries of the inner and outer layers 50,60. The stitching 85 through the rear section 20 penetrates and extends through both the inner and outer layers 50,60.

[0070] The relative stiffness of the rear section 20 still results in a soft and pliable material that is comfortable to wear and adapted to fit over and around the raised, proud configuration or pronouncement of the relatively flat accessory band 6 against the wearer's skin 2.

[0071] With reference to Figs. 9 and 11, in portions where the material is folded to effect an edge seam 54,64 or join 55i, the stitching is carried out using a sewing method to minimise bulk. Undesirable thickness of layers and excessive bulging of wristband material components is minimised. The peripheral side edges 54,64 and the inner and the outer loop ends 56,66 may be sewn with a view to minimising the thickness of the material in those parts. The sewing technique may include cover stitch or flat lock methods.

[0072] The flat lock sewing method uses 2 or 3 thread forms and results in a flat seam 54,64 or join 55i. The flat lock sewing method is preferred to the over lock method. Seams along the side edges of the respective loops 52,62 may also be achieved using a cover stitch method.

[0073] The inner and outer loop ends 56,66 are joined in manufacture to achieve the respective inner and outer loops 52,62 mutually joined at a join section 55 using the flat lock sewing technique. The join section 55 may bring together the respective inner and outer loops. However, in the preferred embodiment the join section 55 extends across the rear section 20 and inner loop ends 56 are joined at a first join section 55 defining the circumferential extent of one end of the rear section 20 and the outer loop ends 66 are joined at a second join section 65 on the other end of the rear section 20.

[0074] As seen in Fig. 7, the inner and outer layers 50,60 are joined at circumferentially spaced junctions 55,65 so that the thickness of the combined loops 50,60 at the junctions 55,65 is minimised.

[0075] At the first join section 55, a first folded 56i of one of the ends 56 of the inner layer 50 is formed by folding the end of the inner layer internally back on itself. The first folded end 56i can be the utilisation of a seam allowance. The other end 56ii of the inner layer 50 is flat and unfolded. The second flat end 56ii is interposed between the first folded end 56i and an intermediate section 66iii of the outer layer 60 between its respective ends 66i,ii. The first junction 55 includes stitching 86a that joins an inner fold of the first inner layer end 56i to the second inner layer flat end 56ii together. The first stitching 86a also joins the first inner folded end 56i and the second inner flat end 56ii to the intermediate section 66iii of the outer layer 60. As a consequence, the stitching 86a may be obscured on the inner side of the inner layer at the first join 55 and the combined layer thickness at this location is minimised to 4 layers in total.

[0076] The second join 65 provides a complementary overlapping arrangement of the layer ends 56,66 whereby a first outer end layer 66i is folded on itself such that the tail end of the first outer end layer 66i is placed inwardly of remaining outer layer 60. Interposed between an intermediate section 56iii of the inner layer 50 and the first folded outer end 66i is a second flat outer end 66ii.

[0077] The combination of the first and second joins 55,65 circumferentially spaced apart either side of the rear section 20 achieves the following advantages: a. a portion of the wristband that is joined together to resist shear movement of the inner and outer layers 50,60 relative to each other through the rear section 20; b. the inner and outer layers 50,60 through the front section 40 are lose and capable of shear movement relative to each other in the lateral directions 92 because the first and second layers 50,60 are join on the opposite side of the inner and outer loops; c. the concentration of stitching in the rear section provides a strong platform with which to reliably position the wristband on the naturally anatomically flat of the palmar side of the wearer's wrist; and / or d. the combination of the first inner and outer ends 56i, 66i the flat ends 56ii,66ii and the inner and outer intermediate sections 56iii,66iii provide a compromise of minimisation of the thickness of the combined layers at the joins 55,65 together with obscuration of the respective stitching 86a, b by hiding it from view or shielding it from wearer's skin by enclosing one side of the stitching 85a, b within a crook of the first inner or outer folded end 56i,66i.

[0078] An end section of loop material 53,63, being 5 - 15mm, preferably about 10mm, in length in the circumferential direction is allowed in the section of material used to form each loop 52,62 to achieve the respective loop end joins 55,65. The joins 55,65 may be overlaid at a single circumferential location in the respective loops 52,62. In the blank material 51,61 used to make the loops 52,62, the portions of material corresponding to the join section 55 are in the form of 4 rectangular lateral strips 58a-b,68 a-b. The lateral strips 58a-b,68 a-b extend the full lateral width of the inner and outer loops 52,62 along the edge of the ends 56,66. These strips 58a-b,68a-b are flat locked to achieve an end section of minimal material thickness at the respective loop junctions.

[0079] The peripheral edges 54,64 in the rear section 20 perform in a unified manner and there is no separation therebetween The combined peripheral edges 54,64 in the rear section 20 are less stretchable than the combined inner and outer layers of interposed material 24 extending between the peripheral edges 54,64 so that the peripheral edges 54,64 are configured to lightly hug the wearer's wrist either side of the rear section of the accessory band 6. The interposed material 24 in use fits over the accessory band 6.

[0080] The rear section 20 is defined between the pair of circumferentially spaced laterally aligned stitching lines 86a, b rearward of, and respectively approaching, the radial and ulnar zones 31,33.

[0081] Preferably, the rear section 20 as defined between the lateral stitched lines 86a, b is about 50 - 60mm long in the circumferential direction 90. Preferably, the rear section 20 as defined between the lateral stitched lines 86a, b makes up about 20 - 50%, preferably 20 - 40%, of the total circumference of the inner loop 52. Whilst the rear section 20 length may remain uniform, the length of the loop 52 may be expanded in the side and front sections 30,40 to accommodate different wristband 10 sizes for wearers' wrists' 2 with small, medium or large wrist circumferences which may generally vary in adults between 130mm and 300mm. By providing a consistently sized rear section 20, the embroidery 82 associated with branding 70 may be applied using similar machine settings in mass production, irrespective of the size of the wristband 10.

[0082] The wristband 10 is made of a resilient and stretchable material adapted to slip over the wearer's hand. In the preferred form, the volar portion 22 is made of a material that is thicker than the material of the dorsal portion 42. The dorsal portion 42 is preferably made of the same thickness of material as that of the side portions.

[0083] The volar portion 22 is resiliently foldable, but resistant to stretching in the lateral direction 92. The volar portion 22 is adapted to resiliently stretch in the circumferential direction 90. The dorsal portion 42 is adapted to resiliently stretch in the circumferential direction 90.

[0084] The dorsal portion 42 in the front section 40 is preferably resistant to stretching in the lateral direction 92.

[0085] The outer layer 60 is adapted to at least partially superimpose over the inner layer 50 in the cover position (see Fig. 4) and preferably is capable of being superimposed over the entirety of inner layer 50 in the cover position. The outer layer 60 is adapted to be substantially circumferentially and laterally coextensive with the inner layer 50 in the cover position. The front section 40 of the outer layer 60 is substantially coextensive with at least the dorsal portion 42 in the cover position. Moreso, the outer layer 60 is substantially coextensive, collectively, with the dorsal and side portions 32,34,42.

[0086] The front section of the inner layer 50 includes the dorsal and side portions 32,34,42.

[0087] The outer layer 60 and the inner layer 50 are laterally displaceable in the direction 92 to the same or opposite sides of the accessory feature 8 in the displaced position (Fig. 3).

[0088] DEFINITIONS, MEANINGS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS

[0089] Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0090] In the present specification, terms such as "apparatus", "means", "device" and "member" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an "apparatus", "means", "device" or "member" or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an "apparatus", "assembly", "means", "device" or "member" is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0091] In the present specification, the phrase "and / or" refers to severally or any combination of the features. For example, the phrase "feature 1, feature 2 and / or feature 3" includes within its scope any one of the following combinations: Feature 1 or feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 or feature 2 and feature 3; feature 1 and feature 3 or feature 2; feature 1 and feature 2 and feature 3.

[0092] The meaning of descriptive, precise or absolute terms such as "flexed", "normal", "parallel", "horizontal", "vertical" or "fully" includes the preceding qualifier "substantially or almost", unless the context or contrary is expressly indicated.

[0093] Qualifying relative terms, such as "relatively", "sufficiently", "near", "almost" or "substantially", may be taken to indicate a variation in an absolute value of between 05 and 10^ or between 0% and 10%, relative to the absolute value. For example, "near horizontal" may be taken to mean any orientation between 05 and 105 relative to the horizontal.

[0094] Where the word "for" is used to qualify a use or application of an object term, the word "for" is only limiting in the sense that the device or component should be "suitable for" that use or application.

[0095] In the present specification, the term "integral" means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term "integrally formed" means formed of the one body without postforming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, "integrally formed" and the similar term "unitarily formed" mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0096] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, which will usually be apparent from the context. In the present context, dorsal may be considered upper, palmar or volar downward, radial proximal to the thumb and ulnar proximal to the fifth digit (little finger). Although the wristband is described with reference to lateral terms (radial and ulnar), it is preferably bisymmetrical so that the same wearer could apply the same wristband to either the left or right wrist with equal effect.

[0097] Typically, for most wearers of the wrist accessory, the rear section will be positioned on the volar side of the wearer's wrist corresponding to the placement of the accessory band. For example, where the accessory feature is the face of a watch, the front section will, for most users, be positioned over or to the side of the watch face and the rear section will be positioned over the accessory band. However, some users may prefer the accessory feature to be on the volar side of their wrist and the invention envisages this positioning as an alternative.

[0098] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0099] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The features and components of each of the embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be interchangeable as required, with regard to functional equivalency and compatibility. A feature or component described with reference to one but not all embodiments, if functionally and dimensionally compatible as an addition with another embodiment herein described, or substitutable with a corresponding feature or component of that other embodiment in relation to which it has not been expressly described, should be read as a potential addition or substitution to that other embodiment and as being within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in considering a feature or component that is described in relation a particular embodiment but may be omitted from the embodiment without losing the functionality characterising the invention and without departing from the scope of the invention, unless the context and expressions used in describing the embodiment imputes that the feature or component is essential to the invention as broadly described, the omittable feature or component may be read as not being included in the embodiment.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 30 October 2025 (30.10.2025)1. A wristband for covering a wrist accessory having: an accessory band adapted to extend around the palmar side, and the radial and ulnar zones, of a wrist of a wearer; and an accessory feature adapted to rest on a dorsal side or a volar side of the wrist, the wristband comprising: a rear section adapted to laterally and circumferentially cover the accessory band outwardly of the accessory band on the wearer's wrist; side radial and ulnar portions; and a front section including a laterally displaceable dorsal portion adapted to move from a cover position in which it covers the accessory feature, and a displaced position in which the accessory feature is uncovered wherein: the rear and front sections, and the side portions, are formed from inner and outer layers; the inner layer includes a continuous inner loop having a pair of inner loop ends that are joined at a first join section; the outer layer includes a continuous outer loop having a pair of outer loop ends that are joined at a second join section; and the second join provides a complementary overlapping arrangement of the layer ends whereby a first outer end layer is folded on itself to form a first folded outer end such that the tail end of the first outer end layer is placed inwardly of remaining outer layer.

2. The wristband as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the wristband is made of a resilient and stretchable material adapted to slip over the wearer's hand and Interposed between an intermediate section of the inner layer and the first folded outer end is a second flat outer end.

3. The wristband as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear and front sections, and the side portions, are formed at least in part from a continuous loop of material.

4. The wristband as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the volar portion is made of a material that is thicker than the material of the dorsal portion.

5. The wristband as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the dorsal portion is made of the same thickness of material as that of the side portions.

6. The wristband as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the volar portion is resiliently foldable, but resistant to stretching in the lateral direction.

7. The wristband as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the volar portion is adapted to resiliently stretch in the circumferential direction.

8. The wristband as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the dorsal portion is adapted to resiliently stretch in the circumferential direction.

9. The wristband as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the dorsal portion is resistant to stretching in the lateral direction.

10. The wristband as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the front section comprises the dorsal portion in the form of an inner layer and the wristband includes an outer layer adapted to be laterally displaceable.

11. The wristband as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the outer layer is adapted to at least partially superimpose over the inner layer in the cover position.

12. The wristband as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the outer layer is adapted to superimpose over the inner layer in the cover position.

13. The wristband as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the outer layer is adapted to be substantially circumferentially and laterally coextensive with the inner layer in the cover position.

14. The wristband as claimed in any one of Claims 10 - 13, wherein the outer layer is substantially coextensive with the dorsal portion in the cover position.

15. The wristband as claimed in any one of Claims 10 - 13, wherein the outer layer is substantially coextensive, collectively, with the dorsal and side portions.

16. The wristband as claimed in Claim 14 when dependent on any one of Claims 5 - 10, wherein the outer layer is made of the same thickness of material as that of the dorsal portion.

17. The wristband as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the outer layer is made of the same thickness of material as that of the dorsal and side portions.

18. The wristband as claimed in any one of Claims 10 - 17, wherein the inner layer includes the dorsal and side portions.

19. The wristband as claimed in any one of Claims 10 - 17, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are laterally displaceable to opposite sides of the accessory feature in the displaced position.

20. The wristband as claimed in any one of Claims 10 - 17, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are laterally displaceable to the same side of the accessory feature in the displaced position.

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