System and method for enhancing the utility of smartwatches in combination with conventional watches

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing the utility inherent in the application of smartwatches, in functional combination with conventional watches, in a single watchband.

Claims

1. A single watch band comprising a system of elements for securing at least two watches, directly or indirectly, to a user's wrist, at least one of said at least two watches being a smartwatch, said smartwatch being removably secured directly or indirectly to said single watch band in a way which allows quick and easy affixing and removal thereof without the use of tools; wherein two watches are present and are secured such that said two watches are oriented with respect to one another exclusively and non-adjustably as a selection from the group consisting of: substantially parallel; and substantially perpendicular.

2. A single watchband as in claim 1, which further comprises a blank that is insertable into said cavity when a smartwatch is not present therein.

3. A single watchband as in claim 2, wherein said blank comprises a volume therein for containing objects.

4. A single watchband as in claim 1, in which one of said at least one watch is not a smartwatch which is permanently, or removably secured to said watchband.

5. A single watchband as in claim 1, in which the smartwatch is secured to the single watchband by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially parallel to one another.

6. A single watchband as in claim 1, in which the smartwatch is secured to the single watchband by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially perpendicular to one another.

7. A single watchband as in claim 1, in which the smartwatch includes a marking on it which can be observed visually and/or via touch, to aid a user in positioning it “upright” in the securing element, where “upright” means that it is oriented so the user can observe it directly and easily.

8. A method of enhancing the application of smartwatches while preserving the use of conventional watches comprising the steps of: a) providing first and second separate systems, each said system comprising: a single watchband comprising a system of elements for securing at least two watches to a user's wrist, directly or indirectly, at least one of said at least two watches being a smartwatch, said smartwatch being removably secured to said single watchband in a way which allows quick and easy affixing and removal thereof; wherein two watches are present and are secured such that said two watches are oriented with respect to one another exclusively and non-adjustably as a selection from the group consisting of: substantially parallel; and substantially perpendicular; b) affixing said smartwatch to the first of said systems; and c) removing said smartwatch from said first of said systems and affixing it to the second system; said smartwatch accessing the internet at least once during the system configurations in both steps b) and c); with the result being that all smartwatch operation records are recorded in said smartwatch.

9. A method as in claim 8, which further comprises, between steps b) and c), a user wearing said first system on his or her wrist for at least a minute.

10. A method as in claim 9, which further comprises the step of removing said smartwatch from said second system, and securing a blank in its place.

11. A method as in claim 10, in which said blank comprises a volume therein for containing objects.

12. A method as in claim 8, in which the smartwatch is secured to the single watchband by placement into a cavity therein.

13. A method as in claim 8, in which the smartwatch is secured to the single watchband by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially parallel to one another.

14. A method as in claim 8, in which the smartwatch is secured to the single watchband by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially perpendicular to one another.

15. A method as in claim 8, in which the smartwatch includes a marking on it which can be observed visually and/or via touch, to aid a user in positioning it “upright” in the securing element, where “upright” means that it is oriented so the user can observe it directly and easily.

16. A method of enhancing the application of smartwatches while preserving the use of conventional watches comprising the steps of: a) providing first and second separate systems, each said system comprising: a single watchband comprising a system of elements for securing at least two watches to a user's wrist, directly or indirectly, at least one of said at least two watches being a smartwatch, said smartwatch being removably secured to said single watchband in a way which allows quick and easy affixing and removal thereof; b) affixing said smartwatch to the first of said systems; and c) removing said smartwatch from said first of said systems and affixing it to the second system; said smartwatch accessing the internet at least once during the system configurations of both steps b) and c); with the result being that all smartwatch operation records are recorded in said smartwatch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 demonstrates a prior art single watchband that secures both a conventional watch and a smartwatch.

(2) FIG. 2A shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein, parallel to a conventional watch.

(3) FIG. 2A′ shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein perpendicular to a conventional watch.

(4) FIG. 2B shows a non-limiting bottom view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch present in a cavity therein.

(5) FIG. 2C shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a present invention watchband with a blank present in a cavity therein.

(6) FIG. 2D shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch secured by clasps.

(7) FIG. 2E shows a side view of a watchband buckle in an open position.

(8) FIG. 2F shows a side view of a watchband buckle in a closed position.

(9) FIG. 3A shows a present invention with a smartwatch inserted from the inside of a buckle.

(10) FIG. 3B shows a present invention with a smartwatch inserted from the outside of a buckle.

(11) FIG. 3C shows a present invention with a blank inserted instead of a smartwatch.

(12) FIG. 3D shows a present invention with the buckle open, including indication of a smartwatch being entered from both from the outside and inside of a buckle.

(13) FIG. 3E shows a present invention partial buckle.

(14) FIG. 3F shows a smartwatch constructed for front insertion.

(15) FIG. 3G shows a blank constructed for front insertion.

(16) FIG. 3H shows a cut-away view of one side of a latching mechanism.

(17) FIG. 3I shows a smartwatch constructed for back insertion.

(18) FIG. 3J shows a blank constructed for back insertion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) Turning now to the Drawings, FIG. 1 shows a prior art combination of a conventional (CW) and a smartwatch (SW) secured to one another by a single watchband (WB), which enables a user to wear both on his or her wrist. While providing utility, it is noted that the shown system might be considered to be a bit bulky and not streamlined. That is, aesthetically, it could be enhanced.

(20) FIG. 2A is shows a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband (WB) with a smartwatch (SW) present in a cavity (CA) therein. Note also the indication of a possible cavity (CA′) on a side of the Watchband (WB). In one embodiment of the invention a Smartwatch is present in said cavity (CA′) in addition to, or instead of being present in cavity (CA). (This is further shown in FIG. 2a′). Further, where one Cavity (CA) or (CA′) is present, the other can be, but need not be present. Note, (CA′) as shown in FIG. 2A is appropriate forswearing on a right arm wrist. For a left wrist the cavity (CA) would preferably be on the right side of FIG. 2A. Note that, depending on the location of the Cavities (CA) and (CA′) the smartwatch (SW) is secured to the single watchband (WB) by placement into a cavity which is positioned so that said at least two watches are substantially parallel (CA) to one another, or substantially perpendicular (CA′) to one another. Positions in between parallel and perpendicular are also within the scope of the present invention, but are not preferred. FIG. 2A′ is included to show a non-limiting side view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband with a smartwatch (SW) present in a cavity (CA′) therein, which cavity *CA;) is substantially perpendicular to a conventional watch (CW). (Note FIG. 2A′ shows the situation for both right and left arms).

(21) FIG. 2B shows a non-limiting view of an embodiment of a present invention watchband (WB) with a smartwatch (SW) present in a cavity (CA) (or alternatively (CA′)) therein. Note also the indication of a Frame (F) which can optionally be present around the perimeter of the Cavity shown as (CA), (or (CA′).

(22) When present, Frame (F) serves to secure the Band against degradation in the size and shape of said Cavity.

(23) FIG. 2C shows a non-limiting view of an alternative embodiment of a present invention watchband (WB) with a blank (BL) present in a cavity (CA) (or CA′) therein. When a

(24) Smartwatch (SW) is not present in a Cavity (CA) (CA′) a Blank (BL) can be present for aesthetic and other reasons, such as providing a cavity for containing pills or the like.

(25) FIG. 2D shows a non-limiting bottom view of an alternative, non-preferred, embodiment of a present invention watchband (WB), with a smartwatch (SW) secured by clasps (CLA) which secure to the outside of a Watchband (WB).

(26) To introduce the preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2E is provided to demonstrate a side view of a watchband buckle (B) in an opening position. FIG. 2F demonstrates a side view of a watchband buckle (B) in a closed position. Note that the buckle (B) system comprises three elements (E1) (E2) and (E3), one end of the first element (E1) and one end of the third element (E3) being rotatably affixed to first and second ends of a watchband (WB), and second ends of said first (E1) and third (E3) elements being rotatably affixed to first and second ends of said second element (E2). It is to be understood that other buckle configurations can also be applied within the scope of the present invention.

(27) FIGS. 2A-2F are to be interpreted as disclosing the present invention with a broad brush. FIGS. 3A-3K show preferred embodiments of the present invention which utilize watchband buckles (B), although FIGS. 2A-2C are also to be considered to be preferred regarding placement of cavities (CA) and/or (CA′).

(28) FIG. 3A shows a present invention with a smartwatch (SW) inserted from the inside (II) of a buckle (B).

(29) FIG. 3B shows a present invention with a smartwatch (SW) inserted from the outside (0I) of a buckle (B).

(30) FIG. 3C shows a present invention with a blank (BL) inserted instead of a smartwatch, for use when a smartwatch (SW) is not present.

(31) FIG. 3D shows a present invention showing how the buckle (BL) opens up to allow insertion and removal of a smartwatch

(32) (SW) or blank (BL). Note that element (E1) (E2) and (E3) as shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F are shown for coordination between Figures.

(33) FIG. 3E shows a partial present invention buckle (B) with a smart watch insert retainer press button latches (CL) for insert securing a smartwatch (SW).

(34) FIG. 3F shows a smartwatch constructed for Smart watch outside insertion. In particular, note slight overhang around display top to prevent push-through, and also showing groove around center area for general simplified means to retain insert as designers wish. FIG. 3F also shows a detectable (DA) aspect of a smartwatch (SW) which can aide with insertion into a watchband (WB) cavity when in dim lighting, for instance. The detectable (DA) aspect can be simply a visible marking, or can be a physical attribute embedded in the smartwatch.

(35) FIG. 3G shows a blank (BL) constructed for outside insertion when smart watch insert is not desired to be used.

(36) FIG. 3H shows a cut-away view of an exemplary latching mechanism (B).

(37) FIG. 3I shows a smartwatch SW) or blank (BL) for inside insertion (II), showing groove around center area for general retention thereof Note the retaining overhang to prevent push-out is on bottom of this insert.

(38) FIG. 3J shows a blank (BL) constructed for back inside insertion when smart watch insert is not desired to be used.

(39) It should be appreciated that the Drawings are demonstrative only, and not limiting. As indicated by FIGS. 2A-2F, any approach to removably securing a smartwatch (SW) to a single watchband, (to which is also affixed a conventional watch (CW)), is to be considered within the scope of the present invention. Preferred mechanisms for affixing a smartwatch (SW) allow quick and easy affixing and removal, and therefore easy transfer between different systems of single watchband (WB) and conventional watch (CW) systems. It is also within the scope of the present invention to make both the smartwatch and conventional watch easily removable from a watchband. Where two or more conventional watches comprise substantially the same means for affixation to a watchband, this might provide utility.

(40) The terminology “conventional” has been used herein to identify non-smartwatches. The most common conventional watch is mechanical. The term “conventional” can be interpreted to include hybrid mechanical and electronic watches. Further, a “single” watch band indicates, in the present disclosure, a watch band for wearing on a wrist and arranged to operate with a plurality of distinct conventional watches and smart watches affixed thereto. The single watch band could comprise two separate webs, or chains of links united by a buckle or a clasp, or a continuous loop of elastic material, or any other suitable structure capable of being worn on a wrist, to which conventional and smart watches can be affixed. The defining attribute is that both a conventional and a smartwatch are affixed thereto, with at least the smartwatch being removably so.

(41) Having hereby disclosed the subject matter of the present invention, it should be obvious that many modifications, substitutions and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described, and should be limited only in its breadth and scope only by the Claims.