U.S. patent application number 15/009571 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for wristband clasp assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rufus Armor, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Rufus Armor, LLC. Invention is credited to Gabriel Grifoni.
Application Number | 20170215530 15/009571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59385807 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170215530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grifoni; Gabriel |
August 3, 2017 |
WRISTBAND CLASP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A wristband assembly is provided having a strap assembly with a
first strap and a second strap. Each strap has a plurality of
apertures arranged thereon such that the apertures on each strap
align, allowing for prongs of a clasp member to pass through and
connect each strap. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar
disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar, whereby
the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard. Each prong has a first
lip and a second lip, both of which are slightly larger than the
corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through,
allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged with the
clasp member. When the two straps are connected via the clasp
member, the clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap
and simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two
straps forming a wristband.
Inventors: |
Grifoni; Gabriel; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rufus Armor, LLC |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rufus Armor, LLC
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
59385807 |
Appl. No.: |
15/009571 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/2071 20130101;
A44B 11/223 20130101; A44B 11/25 20130101; A44B 11/006
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/20 20060101
A44C005/20; A44B 11/22 20060101 A44B011/22 |
Claims
1. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a first
strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of
apertures; and a clasp member, that secures the first strap and the
second strap, the clasp member having: an upper lateral bar, and a
lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower
lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard,
the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending
therefrom, capable of passing through the one or more apertures of
the first strap and the plurality of apertures of the second strap
to secure the straps together; each prong having an upper lip
disposed at the top, and an intermediate lip disposed at an
intermediate position between the lower lateral bar and the upper
lip, each lip being slightly larger than the apertures through
which the prongs pass through, wherein the distance between the
surface of the lower lateral bar and the intermediate lip is
sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and the
distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is
sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap.
2. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs
and the apertures of the first and second straps are
triangular.
3. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs
and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned
laterally.
4. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the prongs
and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in an
offset alignment.
5. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper
lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along the
edge thereof to prevent snagging.
6-16. (canceled)
17. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a
first strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of
apertures; and a clasp member, that secures the first strap and the
second strap, the clasp member having an upper lateral bar, and a
lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower
lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard,
the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending
transversely therefrom, capable of passing through the one or more
apertures of the first strap and the plurality of apertures of the
second strap to secure the straps together, each prong having an
upper lip disposed at the top, each lip being slightly larger than
the apertures through which the prongs pass through.
18. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
prongs and the apertures of the first and second straps are
triangular.
19. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
prongs and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned
laterally.
20. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
prongs and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in
an offset alignment.
21. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
upper lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along
the edge thereof to prevent snagging.
22. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the
clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and
simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two
straps forming a wristband.
23. A wristband assembly comprising: a strap assembly having a
first strap and a second strap, each strap defining a plurality of
apertures; and a clasp member, that secures the first strap and the
second strap, the clasp member having an upper lateral bar, and a
lower lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower
lateral bar, whereby the upper lateral bar acts as a snag-guard,
the lower lateral bar having a plurality of prongs extending
transversely therefrom, each prong having an upper lip disposed at
the top, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate
position between the lower lateral bar and the upper lip, each lip
being slightly larger than the apertures through which the prongs
pass through, wherein the distance between the surface of the lower
lateral bar and the intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the
thickness of the second strap, and the distance between the
intermediate lip and the upper lip is sufficient to receive the
thickness of the first strap
24. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the
prongs and the apertures of the first and second straps are
triangular.
25. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the
prongs and the plurality of apertures of the straps are aligned
laterally.
26. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the
prongs and the plurality of apertures of the strap are arranged in
an offset alignment.
27. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the
upper lateral bar has a lateral ridge that extends laterally along
the edge thereof to prevent snagging.
28. The wristband assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein the
clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and
simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two
straps forming a wristband.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to wrist-worn
devices and, more particularly, to wrist-worn devices including a
wristband clasp having a snag-guard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wristband clasp is used to secure two straps of a
wristband together around a user's wrist. Many different styles of
wristband clasps exist, most of which are permanently connected to
the end of one strap of the wristband and engage the other strap in
order to adjustably connect the two straps. These wristband claps
generally allow the overlapping portion of the other strap exposed
with the potential of being snagged during everyday use. To guard
against snagging, most wristband clasps have a loop through which
the end of the other strap is threaded. This acts to retain the
overlapping portion of the other strap to prevent snagging;
however, the slidable nature of this loop allows for the other
strap to slip out or the loop to slip off the other strap.
[0003] Existing wristbands typically have a clasp for connecting
the two straps and a separate snag-guard or loop to deal with the
excess portion of the connecting strap. These wristband loops are
configured to engage the overlapping portion of the other strap by
snap connecting or other means for detachable engagement. These
types of wristband loops act as a snag guard simply by securing the
overlapping portion of the other strap to the connecting strap;
however, the end of the other strap is generally left unguarded.
Even though this end is a small portion, it is still susceptible to
snagging.
[0004] Therefore, an improved wristband clasp that connects the two
straps and simultaneously acts as a snag guard that is easily
adjustable to the wearer's wrist is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a
wristband clasp assembly defining of a hollow body for receiving a
pair of straps of a wristband. The hollow body has an upper lateral
bar disposed above the straps and a lower lateral bar that is
disposed below the straps, when worn. The body includes one or more
prongs extending from one of the bars passing through corresponding
apertures defined by the straps. The upper and lower bars can be
offset from each other to inhibit the strap from detaching from the
prongs.
[0006] More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a wristband
assembly is provided having a first strap and a second strap. Each
strap has a plurality of apertures arranged thereon such that the
apertures on each strap align, allowing for prongs of a clasp
member to pass through and connect each strap. The clasp member
secures the first strap to the second strap, and has an upper
lateral bar disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral
bar. A plurality of prongs extending from the lower lateral bar
configured to pass through the corresponding apertures defined on
the first strap and the second strap, thereby securing the straps
together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are
spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap
simultaneously. In this arrangement, the upper lateral bar acts as
a snag-guard
[0007] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, each prong
of the clasp member has an upper lip, and an intermediate lip
disposed at an intermediate position between the lower lateral bar
and the upper lip. Each lip is slightly larger than the
corresponding apertures through which the prongs pass through,
allowing each lip to hold a strap in place when engaged. The
distance between the surface of the lower lateral bar and the
intermediate lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the
second strap, and the distance between the second lip and the first
lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap.
[0008] When the two straps are connected via the clasp member, the
clasp member acts as a snag-guard to the first strap and
simultaneously as the sole means of connection between the two
straps.
[0009] The prongs of the lower lateral bar and the corresponding
apertures of the straps can be triangular. Additionally, the prongs
and corresponding apertures of the straps can be arranged in a
straight line, traversing the width of the lower lateral bar and
the straps. Alternatively, the prongs and corresponding apertures
of the straps can be arranged in an offset alignment. The upper
lateral bar can have a ridge at its edge to further prevent
inadvertent snagging.
[0010] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and
a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed
thereon in alignment. The clasp member has an upper lateral bar
disposed at an offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper
lateral bar acts as a snag-guard and has a plurality of prongs
extending therefrom, capable of passing through corresponding
apertures defined on the first strap and the second strap to secure
the straps together. The upper lateral bar and the lower lateral
bar spaced sufficiently to receive both the first and second strap
simultaneously. Each prong extending from the upper lateral bar has
an upper lip, and an intermediate lip disposed at an intermediate
position between the upper lateral bar and the upper lip. Each of
these lips is slightly larger than the corresponding apertures
through which the prongs pass through, such that the distance
between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the intermediate
lip is sufficient to receive the thickness of the second strap, and
the distance between the intermediate lip and the upper lip is
sufficient to receive the thickness of the first strap. The clasp
member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and
simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp
member is engaged with both straps.
[0011] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
the wristband assembly has a strap assembly with a first strap and
a second strap, each strap having a plurality of apertures disposed
thereon in alignment. The clasp member secures the first strap to
the second strap, and has an upper lateral bar disposed at an
offset position above a lower lateral bar. The upper lateral bar
has a plurality of prongs extending therefrom, the prongs capable
of passing through corresponding apertures defined on the first
strap. The lower lateral bar has a plurality of prongs extending
therefrom, the lower prongs capable of passing through
corresponding apertures defined on the second strap. The upper
lateral bar and the lower lateral bar are far enough apart to
receive both the first and second strap simultaneously. The prongs
of the upper lateral bar each have a lip disposed at the end, the
distance between the surface of the upper lateral bar and the lip
being sufficient receive the thickness of the first strap, wherein
the lip is slightly wider than the corresponding apertures of the
first strap such that when engaged with the first strap, the lip
retains the first strap. The prongs of the lower lateral bar each
have a lip disposed at the end, the distance between the surface of
the lower lateral bar and the lip being sufficient to receive the
thickness of the second strap, wherein the lip is slightly wider
than the corresponding apertures of the second strap such that when
engaged with the second strap, the lip retains the second strap.
The clasp member acts as the sole connecter of the two straps and
simultaneously as a snag-guard to the first strap when the clasp
member is engaged with both straps.
[0012] The embodiment utilizing prongs on the upper lateral bar and
the lower lateral bar, the corresponding apertures of the first
strap do not need to match those of the second strap.
[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that
not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance
with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0014] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a wristband assembly in
accordance with the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the wristband assembly
of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the clasp member of the
wristband assembly of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a top view of the clasp member of the wristband
assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a side view of the clasp member of the wristband
assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0021] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp
member of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0022] FIG. 2E is a front view of the clasp member of the wristband
assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0023] FIG. 2F is a back view of the clasp member of the wristband
assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of clasp member engaged with
the second strap of the wristband assembly of FIGS. 1A-B.
[0025] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bottom of the clasp
member engaged with the second strap of the wristband assembly of
FIGS. 1A-B.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative exemplary embodiment
of the clasp member in accordance with the invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the clasp member in accordance with the invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of yet another
alternative embodiment of the clasp member in accordance with the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1A-B,
there is shown a wristband assembly 10 having a first strap 12 and
a second strap 14, connected by a clasp member 20. The first strap
12 and the second strap 14 have a plurality of apertures 16 that
align with each strap 12, 14, allowing the wearer to adjust the
size of the wristband assembly 10.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-2F, the clasp
member 20 has an upper lateral bar 22 that is disposed above the
straps 12, 14 and a lower lateral bar 24 that is disposed below the
straps 12, 14, when worn. The upper lateral bar 22 and the lower
lateral bar 24 are substantially flat, in order to be flush with
the straps 12, 14 when engaged. The upper lateral bar 22 and the
lower lateral bar 24 are connected by two sidewalls 23. The upper
lateral bar 22 is positioned such that when the last set of
apertures 40 of the second strap 14 are engaged with the prongs 26.
As such, the strap 14 is disengaged from the clasp member 20 by
lifting the first strap 12 from an intermediate portion of the
strap 14.
[0031] A plurality of prongs 26 extend out from the lower lateral
bar 24, designed to pass through corresponding apertures 16 defined
on both the first 12 and second 14 straps. The prongs 26 are
disposed proximate to the front edge of the lower lateral bar 24,
such that the remaining portion of the lower lateral bar 24 can
sufficiently support the straps 12, 14 when engaged. The upper
lateral bar 22 is offset from the lower lateral bar 24 in order to
inhibit the first strap 12 from disengaging from the prongs 26 if
the end of the first strap 12 is snagged on an object.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the prongs 26 and corresponding
apertures 16 on the straps 12, 14, are triangular. As best seen in
FIGS. 2E-F, each prong 26 extends from the lower lateral bar 24,
having an intermediate lip 28 at an intermediate portion, and an
upper lip 30 spaced distally therefrom. In the exemplary
embodiment, the upper lip is disposed atop the prong. The
intermediate lip 28 and the upper lip 30 are sized sufficiently
larger than the shaft 29 of the prong 26, and the corresponding
size of the apertures 16 to require a small amount of force when
pressing the prongs 26 through each aperture 16. The straps 12, 14
are made of an elastic material so that each aperture 16 can expand
when the lip 28, 30 of the prongs 26 pass through the apertures 16.
The upper lip 30 is disposed below the upper lateral bar 22,
allowing sufficient space to sandwich the second strap 14 between
the intermediate lip 28 and the lower lateral bar 24. The distance
between the intermediate lip 28 and the upper lip 30 is sufficient
to sandwich the first strap 12 therebetween.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, when the clasp member 20 is engaged
with the second strap 14, the prongs 26 push all the way through
the desired set of apertures 16 on the second strap 14, such that
the second strap 14 is secured by being sandwiched between lower
lateral bar 24 and the intermediate lip 28 of the prongs. Once the
clasp member 20 is secured to the second strap 14 at the desired
location, the first strap 12 is then connected. The first strap 12
is pulled around the user's wrist, and then pushed down on the
clasp member 20 such that the prongs 16, extending up through the
second strap 14, engage with the desired set of apertures 16 on the
first strap 12. As discussed below, the overlap of the first strap
12 with the clasp member 20 can be changed.
[0034] The arrangement and shape of the prongs 26 and corresponding
apertures 16 of the straps 12, 14 can vary. In the depicted
embodiment, the prongs 26 are triangular, and arranged in straight
line. Alternative embodiments could have more, or less, prongs or
different shapes, e.g. circular, rectangular, etc. as exemplified
in FIG. 4. Additionally, the prongs 26 could be arranged in an
offset alignment, or be arranged in multiple columns and/or rows.
The arrangement and shape of the prongs 26 should substantially
match those of the apertures 16 along each strap 12, 14. In
variations, the shape of each prong and corresponding aperture
could be arranged with different geometric shapes and alignments.
For example, each row of apertures could have a circular prong and
a rectangular prong, where the corresponding row of apertures has a
circular aperture and a rectangular aperture. Any variation in
shape, size, or arrangement of the prongs and apertures can be
used, so long as the apertures of both straps align with each other
and correspond with the arrangement of the prongs.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the prongs 26 could be
arranged in a rectangular orientation, where the first row is only
tall enough to engage the second strap 14 and the second row is
tall enough to engage both straps 12, 14. In this configuration,
the clasp member 20 is engaged with the second strap 14 through
both rows of prongs 26, where the first strap 12 is only engaged by
the second, taller row.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-B, the second strap 14 of the
wristband assembly 10 is depicted. As shown, the clasp member 20 is
engaged with the second strap 14. The prongs 26 of the clasp member
20 are pushed through the desired set of apertures 16 on the second
strap 14. The length of the prongs 26 is sufficient to extend above
the second strap 14 to securely engage the apertures 16 of the
first strap 12 when engaged therewith, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] Referring back to FIGS. 1A-B, positioning of the clasp
member 20 on the second strap 14, the size of the strap assembly
can be adjusted by engaging the prongs 26 with the apertures 16 of
the second strap 14 at the desired position. The upper lateral bar
22 of the clasp member 20 is arranged such that it prevents the
edge of the first strap 12 from being snagged and disconnecting
from the clasp member 20. When the first strap 12 is engaged with
the clasp member 20, the end of the first strap 12 is guarded by
the upper lateral bar 22 of the clasp member 20. Alternatively, the
first strap 12 can also be engaged with the prongs 26 of the clasp
member 20 at an intermediate location, with the end of the first
strap 12 guided below the upper lateral bar 22. In either
configuration, the upper lateral bar 22 acts as a snag guard to
prevent the first strap 12 from inadvertent disengagement from the
clasp member 20. When the end of the first strap 12 is engaged with
the prongs 26 of the clasp member 20, the upper lateral bar 22
guards the first strap 12 from being lifted from the end. When the
apertures 16 in the intermediate portion of the first strap 12 are
engaged with the clasp member 20, the end of the first strap 12 is
threaded between the upper 22 and lower lateral bars 24. In this
configuration, if the end of the first strap 12 gets snagged on
something that lifts the end of the first strap 12 upward, the
upper lateral bar 22 will absorb the force and keep the
intermediate portion of the first strap 12 engaged with the prongs
26 of the clasp member 20.
[0038] The clasp member 20 is not permanently connected to either
strap 12, 14 of the wristband assembly 10. The clasp member 20 can
engage any of set of apertures 26 on either strap 12, 14. This
allows the clasp member 20 to be positioned such that the upper
lateral bar 22 acts as an anti-snag barrier covering the end of the
first strap 12. It also allows the user to attach the clasp member
20 to the second strap 14 at the location that best fits the user's
wrist when the first strap 12 is connected. Even when the first
strap 12 extends through the clasp member 20, the upper lateral bar
22 prevents the first strap 12 from disengaging the clasp member
20. If the tip edge of the first strap 12 catches on something and
bends backward, the upper lateral bar 22 prevents the strap 12 from
detaching from the prongs 26.
[0039] Additionally, since the clasp member 20 is not permanently
connected to either strap 12, 14, it allows the wristband assembly
10 to be easily modified to cater to left-handed users.
[0040] In use, the user of the wristband assembly 10 wraps the
straps 12, 14 around his or her wrist to determine which aperture
set 26 and alignment fits the user's wrist. Then the user slides
the second strap 14 through the clasp member 20, that is, between
the upper 22 and lower lateral bars 24 to the desired set of
apertures 16 and presses the strap 14 down, snap-fitting the prongs
26 through said apertures 16. The prongs 26 are pressed through the
second strap 14, passing over the second lip 30, and over the
intermediate lip 28 until the intermediate lip 28 of the prongs 26
has secured the second strap 14. The remaining length of the prongs
26 and the upper lip 30, stick out above the second strap 14. After
connecting the clasp member 20 to the second strap 14, the user
connects the first strap 12 to the clasp member 20. The user will
arrange the fit of the wristband assembly 10 such that the last set
of apertures 40 on the first strap 12 engages the remaining length
of the prongs 26. After pressing the first strap 12 down over the
prongs 26, the wristband assembly 10 is secure. As shown in FIGS.
1A & 1B, the back edge of the upper lateral bar 22 is
positioned ahead of the end of the first strap 12. This prevents
the tip of the first strap 12 from inadvertent snagging and
disengagement from the clasp member 20.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the
prongs 26 are located on the upper lateral bar 22, extending
downward therefrom. In this embodiment, the clasp member 20 is
connected to the first strap 12 (outer strap) at the end portion,
and then the second strap 14 (inner strap) is threaded through the
clasp member 20 to the desired position and then engaged with the
prongs 26 in the corresponding apertures 16.
[0042] In yet another alternative embodiment, depicted in FIG. 6,
both lateral bars 22, 24 have prongs 26 extending therefrom. The
upper lateral bar 22 has prongs 52 facing downward, and the lower
lateral bar 24 has prongs 54 facing upwards. The prongs 26 on each
bar 22, 24 are sized to engage with only one strap. The upper
prongs 52 on the upper lateral bar 22 engage with the first strap
12 and the lower prongs 54 on the lower lateral bar 24 engage with
the second strap 14.
[0043] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a wristband assembly having a clasp member that
acts as the connector of the two straps, and simultaneously acts as
a snag-guard.
[0044] The present invention has been described above in terms of
presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the
present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other
embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present
invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should
not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be
considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
* * * * *