Abstract
An adjustable watch clasp and a method of using thereof are disclosed. The adjustable watch clasp may have a first clasp section and a second clasp section. The first clasp section may be part of a suspension system that actively adjusts the spacing between the first clasp section and an adjacent watch band link to provide needed spacing when a user is wearing a watch band with the adjustable watch clasp. The active adjustment may be needed for when the user wearing the watch band jerks or accelerates his or her wrist and the first clasp section and the adjacent link need to expand away from each other to create spacing for the tightness of the watch band to not bother the user. The second clasp section may have a micro-adjuster mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the tightness of the watch band having the second clasp section.
Claims
1. A watch clasp, comprising: a first clasp section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side; a first link having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side of the first link being attached to the second side of the first clasp section; a second clasp section proximate to the first side of the first clasp section; a tuning suspension system between the first clasp section and the first link, the tuning suspension system having: a suspension frame attached on the bottom surface of the first link, the suspension frame having a center cavity and a hole in a first side of the suspension frame, the hole opening up to the center cavity; a suspension shaft attached under the first clasp section and facing the bottom surface of the first clasp section, the suspension shaft being inside the suspension frame and slidable through the hole of the suspension frame; and a spring coupled around the suspension shaft and inside the center cavity of the suspension frame.
2. The watch clasp of claim 1, wherein the spring is a compression spring.
3. The watch clasp of claim 1, wherein the second clasp section has a micro-adjuster.
4. The watch clasp of claim 3, wherein the micro-adjuster is spring biased to extend away a clasp end of the second clasp section when a button is pressed on the second clasp section.
5. The watch clasp of claim 1, wherein the suspension shaft is a first suspension shaft and the spring is a first spring and a second suspension shaft having a second spring coupled thereon is inside the center cavity of the suspension frame, the second suspension shaft slidable through a second hole on the first side of the suspension frame.
6. The watch clasp of claim 5, wherein the first suspension shaft and the second suspension shaft are attached to each other by a connecting bridge.
7. The watch clasp of claim 1, wherein the tuning suspension system further comprises a limiter that is configured to limit a displacement of the spring.
8. The watch clasp of claim 6, wherein a threaded shaft having an adjustment knob is between the first suspension shaft and the second suspension shaft inside the center cavity of the suspension frame.
9. A method of using a micro-adjuster on a clasp of a watch band to adjust a size of the watch band to a wrist size of a user, comprising: pressing a button on the clasp of the watch that disengages an adjustment lock attached to the button from one or more adjustment teeth on an adjustment frame inside the clasp of the watch band, the adjustment frame being spring biased to fully extend out of the clasp of the watch band when the button on the clasp is pressed; and pushing the fully extended adjustment frame inward inside the clasp for adjusting the size of the watch band to the wrist size of the user, wherein such pushing slides the adjustment lock over the one or more adjustment teeth, the one or more adjustment teeth acting as a ratchet that prevent the adjustment frame that is spring biased from extending out of the clasp unless the button on the clasp is pressed.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the adjustment frame is spring biased by a compression spring.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the compression spring is a first compression spring on a first side of the adjustment frame and a second compression spring is located on a second side of the adjustment frame.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the button is pressed downwards that causes the adjustment lock to also move downward to disengage from the one or more adjustment teeth.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the clasp of the watch also has a tuning suspension system for active adjustment of the size of the watch band.
14. A watch clasp, comprising: a first clasp section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side; a first link having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side of the first link being attached to the second side of the first clasp section; a second clasp section proximate to the first side of the first clasp section; a tuning suspension system between the first clasp section and the first link, the tuning suspension system having: a suspension frame attached on the bottom surface of the first clasp section, the suspension frame having a center cavity and a hole in a first side of the suspension frame, the hole opening up to the center cavity; a suspension shaft attached under the first link and facing the bottom surface of the first link, the suspension shaft being inside the suspension frame and slidable through the hole of the suspension frame; and a spring coupled around the suspension shaft and inside the center cavity of the suspension frame.
15. The watch clasp of claim 14, wherein the spring is a compression spring.
16. The watch clasp of claim 14, wherein the second clasp section has a micro-adjuster.
17. The watch clasp of claim 16, wherein the micro-adjuster is spring biased to extend away a clasp end of the second clasp section when a button is pressed on the second clasp section.
18. The watch clasp of claim 14, wherein the suspension shaft is a first suspension shaft and the spring is a first spring and a second suspension shaft having a second spring coupled thereon is inside the center cavity of the suspension frame, the second suspension shaft slidable through a second hole on the first side of the suspension frame.
19. The watch clasp of claim 18, wherein the first suspension shaft and the second suspension shaft are attached to each other by a connecting bridge.
20. The watch clasp of claim 14, wherein the tuning suspension system further comprises a limiter that is configured to limit a displacement of the first and second springs.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0024] FIG. 1A shows a wristwatch being worn around a wrist of a user using the watch band having the adjustable clasp;
[0025] FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the watch band having the adjustable clasp;
[0026] FIG. 2A shows an isolated view of the adjustable clasp;
[0027] FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp;
[0028] FIG. 2C shows an exploded view of the micro-adjuster of the adjustable clasp;
[0029] FIG. 3A shows the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp extended;
[0030] FIG. 3B shows the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp fully extended;
[0031] FIG. 4 shows the micro-adjuster of the adjustable clasp extended;
[0032] FIG. 5A shows a bottom view of the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp of FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp of FIG. 3A;
[0034] FIG. 5C shows a bottom view of the active adjustment section of the adjustable clasp of FIG. 3B;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the interior structures of the micro-adjuster of the adjustable clasp;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the micro-adjuster of the adjustable clasp of FIG. 6;
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the underside of the micro-adjust frame;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a side view of the micro-adjust frame shown in FIG. 8;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates the lateral connecting shaft assembly for the second clasp section; and
[0040] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the active adjustment section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Referring now to the figures, a watch band 10 with adjustable clasp sections 19, 20 is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 1A, a watch band 10 may be used to wear a wristwatch 11 on a wrist 13 of a user. When the watch band 10 is made from a rigid material, such as a metal alloy, the tightness of the watch band 10 around the wrist 13 of the user may not be readily adjusted. The tightness of the watch band 10 may need to be adjusted throughout the day and in some circumstance instantaneously. For example, when the user wears the watch over clothing, the user would need to make the band length longer. Also, when the user twists their wrist, then the band would need to be longer to make it more comfortable on the user's wrist. Such change in length to the watch band may be needed so that the user is not irritated by the tightness or looseness of the watch band 10 around his or her wrist 13.
[0042] The watch band 10 shown in FIG. 1B may have two mechanisms integrated with the clasp sections 19, 20 to adjust the tightness of the watch band 10 around the wrist 13 of the user with convenience and without having to disassemble parts of the watch band 10. The first clasp section 19 may be part of an active adjustment section 12 that actively enlarges the space 26 (see FIG. 3A) between the first clasp section 19 and the adjacent first link 18a as the user moves his or her wrist (e.g., twists, jerks or accelerates) or even as the wrist size changes, for example by change in temperature. The active adjustment may be done with a tuning suspension system 30 (see FIG. 5A) that is under and between the first clasp section 19 and the adjacent first link 18a. As a result, the watch band 10 may have a snug fit with the wrist 13 of the user, where the snug fit adjusts based on changes in motion of the wrist 13 and even the change in size of the wrist 13. The second clasp section 20 of the watch band 10 shown in FIG. 1B may be part of a micro-adjuster 14. It sets the initial length of the band 10. The micro-adjuster 14 may allow the user to select and adjust the initial length of the band 10 and thus the overall tightness of the watch band 10 by changing the positioning of the clasp end extender 20a relative to the second clasp section 20 (see FIG. 4) to create a micro-adjust space 27. The micro-adjust space 27 may be changed based on the desired initial tightness needed by the user on his or her wrist 13. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the micro-adjuster 14 may be spring loaded to bias the clasp end extender 20a outwards when the adjustment button 22 (see FIG. 1B) is pressed downwards.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1B, the general description of the different structures of the watch band 10 will be described. The watch band 10 may have a plurality of links 18, which wrap around the wrist 13 of the user, and a folding bridge 16 and clasp sections 19, 20 that secure the watch band 10 to the wrist 13 of the user. As described elsewhere herein, the clasp sections 19, 20 may have one or more adjustment mechanisms to adjust the tightness of the watch band 10 around the wrist 13 of the user.
[0044] The watch band 10 may have a plurality of links 18 attached in-line with each other to make a row of links 18. A first link 18a may be coupled to a first side of the first clasp section 19. The first link 18a may be coupled to the second link 18b in the row of links 18. The connecting link which is located underneath links 18a and 18b are not shown for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 1B, and by way of example and not limitation, the end of the row of links 18 that is opposite to the first clasp section 19 may have an end link 24 that attaches to the side of the wristwatch 11. The end link 24 may be optional. Although not shown in FIG. 1B, one or more links 18 may also be attached to the second clasp section 20 and specifically to the clasp end extender 20a. As such, the links 18 may set to be loose or tight around the wrist 13 of the user by making adjustments with the micro-adjuster 14 to set the micro-adjust space 27 (see FIG. 3) at the right gap.
[0045] The watch band 10 may have a first clasp section 19 separated from a second clasp section 20. The first clasp section 19 may have one longitudinal side coupled to the adjacent first link 18a and an opposite longitudinal side coupled to a first folding section 16b (see FIG. 1B) of the folding bridge 16. The second clasp section 20 may have a first side attached to a second folding section 16c (see FIG. 1B) of the folding bridge 16 and an opposite side having the clasp end extender 20a. As described elsewhere herein, the clasp end extender 20a may expand outward relative to the second clasp section 20 when the adjustment button 22 is pressed. The clasp end extender 20a may be set to a particular distance by letting go of the adjustment button 22. The first and second folding sections 16b-c may fold and interlock on a base section 16a (see FIG. 1B) of the folding bridge 16 to secure the watch band 10 having the wristwatch 11 (see FIG. 1A) on the wrist 13 of the user.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the active adjustment section 12 and the micro-adjuster 14 are shown in isolation and separated from the rest of the structures of the watch band 10. Specifically, FIG. 2A shown the active adjustment section 12 and the micro-adjuster 14 in retracted positions. In the retracted orientation of the active adjustment section 12, there may be minimum to no active space 26 (see FIG. 3A) between the first clasp section 19 and the adjacent first link 18 a. In the retracted orientation of the micro-adjuster 14, there may be minimum to no micro-adjust space 27 (see FIG. 3) between the second clasp section 20 and the clasp end extender 20a.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5A, the bottom view of the active adjustment section 12 of FIG. 2A having the tuning suspension system 30 is shown. The tuning suspension system 30 may link the first clasp section 19 to the adjacent first link 18a and allow such structures to separate from each other (see FIGS. 3A-B and 5B-C) while also being biased towards each other. The biasing of the first clasp section 19 toward the adjacent first link 18a, and vice versa, may be achieved by using one or more suspension springs 34. As such, the positioning of the first clasp section 19 may actively change relative to the adjacent first link 18a as the wrist 13 of the user moves and rotates, which such change in positioning of the structures may make wearing the watch band 10 more comfortable for the user. The active change in the positioning of the first clasp section 19 relative to the adjacent first link 18a may also be useful as the wrist size of the user changes, for example by change in temperature. Since the suspension springs 34 are at their equilibrium position in the fully retracted position of the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a, the user may not feel a spring force on his or her wrist 13. It can be set this way to enlarging the band via the micro-adjuster 14. This may add to the comfort of wearing the watch band 10 having the active adjustment section 12 since in the retracted position the user experiences minimum to no spring force and only experiences a tightness when the user twists his or her wrist or when needed.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 2B, a suspension frame 32 may be attached to the underside 15b of the first link 18 a with a pin that is inserted into holes. When the active adjustment section 12 expands and retracts, the suspension frame 32 moves with the first link 18a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the suspension frame 32 attached under the first link 18a may have its body slidably extend under the first clasp section 19. In particular, referring to FIG. 11, the suspension frame 32 may have tongues 124 on lateral sides of the suspension frame 32. The tongues 124 are slidable within grooves 126 of the first clasp section 19.
[0049] The suspension frame 32 may slidably receive the suspension shafts 36 of a mating suspension frame 132 via through holes 32a. The suspension frame 32 may have a center cavity to hold such suspension shafts 36, suspension springs 34, and limiter structures for operating the tuning suspension system 30. As shown in FIG. 2B, a first longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32 that is closest to the first clasp section 19 may have a pair of side coupling holes 32a for the slideable insertion of the suspension shafts 36 inside the center cavity of the suspension frame 32. The side coupling holes 32a may also allow such suspension shafts 36 to slide inwards and outwards as the suspension system 30 is moved by the wrist 13 of the user.
[0050] The mating suspension frame 132 may be attached to the underside 15a of the first clasp section 19. In particular, side shafts 44a may be inserted into receiving holes 128 of the first clasp section 19. Also, mounting supports 44 may be disposed within lateral grooves 126 (see FIG. 11) at the underside 15a (see FIG. 2B) of the first clasp section 19. The suspension shafts 36 of the mating suspension frame 132 may be slidable relative to the suspension frame 32 and provide directional support when the suspension springs 34 are compressed inside the center cavity to prevent such springs from wobbling sideways.
[0051] The ends of the two suspension shafts 36 may be attached to a connecting bridge 42. The connecting bridge 42 may extend longitudinally in the center cavity of the suspension frame 32 to connect the two suspension shafts 36. The connecting bridge 42 may have a center hole for a tuning shaft 38 that is attached inside the center cavity of the suspension frame 32. As such, the connecting bridge 42 may slide along the length of the tuning shaft 38 when the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a change position relative to each other and the suspension springs 34 are compressed and decompressed.
[0052] Each suspension shaft 36 may have a suspension spring 34 coupled thereon. The suspension springs 34 may be inside and extend along the center cavity of the suspension frame 32. The suspension springs 34 may have one end contacting the connecting bridge and a second end contacting the longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32. By way of example and not limitation, the suspension springs 34 may be compression springs. As shown in FIG. 5A, the compression springs 34 may be in their maximum positions but still at least slightly compressed when the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a are retracted and next to each other with minimum or no active space therebetween.
[0053] The suspension system 30 may have a limiter mechanism that limits how much the suspension springs 36 are displaced from their maximum positions. The limiter mechanism may include the tuning shaft 38 that is threaded and disposed in the middle of the center cavity of the suspension frame 32 and fixedly attached to the bridge 42. An adjustment knob 40 may be coupled to the threaded tuning shaft 38. The adjustment knob 40 may be in the form of a threaded nut coupled to the threaded tuning shaft 38. The adjustment knob 40 may be rotated to move along the length of the tuning shaft 38. The adjustment knob 40 may have external knurls or vertically indentation lines for a person to use a small tool (e.g., flat head screw driver) to rotate the adjustment knob 40 and displace the adjustment knob up and down the tuning shaft 38. The adjustment knob 40 acts as a barrier that limits how much the suspension springs 34 can compress. In other words, the adjustment knob 40 may block the connecting bridge 42 from moving further down the length of the tuning shaft 38, which prevents from the suspension springs 34 from being further displaced.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the mating suspension frame 132 (i.e., suspension shafts 36 and connecting bridge 42) move with the first clasp section 19 and away from the first link 18a as the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a are separated from each other. Such separation of the structure may cause the suspension springs 34 to compress as the connecting bridge 42 moves along the length of the tuning shaft 38 towards the longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32 having the coupling side holes 32a (see FIG. 2B) and the alignment protrusions 46, while the suspension frame 32 moves with the first link 18a. The connecting bridge 42 may compress the suspension springs 34 when pulled towards the aforementioned longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32 by the separation of the first clasp section 19 from the first link 18a. The separation of the first clasp section 19 from the first link 18a may be caused by the rotation and movement of the wrist 13 of the user or the changing of the size of the wrist, described elsewhere herein. Since the suspension springs 34 are at an equilibrium position when the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a are retracted next to each other (see FIG. 2A) with no spacing therebetween, the user may not feel the force of the suspension springs 34 on his or her wrist 13 until the suspension system 30 actively adjusts and creates the active space 26 when such space is necessary to keep the watch band 10 around the wrist 13 in a snug and comfortable fit.
[0055] The maximum amount of active space 26 and the amount the suspension springs 34 may be displaced (e.g., compressed) may be limited using the tuning shaft 38 and the adjustment knob 40. The adjustment knob 40 may act as a barrier that contacts the connecting bridge 42 (having the sliding suspension shafts 36 attached thereto) to prevent the suspension shafts 36 from sliding and moving any farther away from the suspension frame 32 (see FIG. 5B) when the first clasp section 19 is separating from the first link 18a. As shown in FIG. 5C, the adjustment knob 40 may be rotated and moved adjacent to the alignment protrusions 46 and the longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32 having the side coupling holes 32a (see FIG. 2B). Such positioning of the adjustment knob 40 may allow the suspension springs 34 to compress at a maximum displacement, allowed by the suspension system 30 (see FIG. 5C), and have the majority of the suspension shaft 36 slide out of the suspension frame 32. Such maximum displacement of the suspension springs 34 (e.g., compression) may correspond to the maximum active space 26a shown in FIG. 3B. The maximum active space 26a may be defined by the spacing between the side edges of the first clasp section 19 and the first link 18a that face each other. By way of example and not limitation, the maximum active space 26a may be between two and four millimeters. In other examples, the maximum active space 26a may be greater than four millimeters. Such values may also correspond by how much the suspension springs 34 may compress (e.g., compress from equilibrium position by two to four millimeters).
[0056] Alternatively, the adjustment knob 40 may be rotated next to the second longitudinal side of the suspension frame 32 opposite to the longitudinal side having the side coupling holes 32a. In such position, the adjustment knob 40 may contact the connecting bridge when the suspension springs 34 are at their equilibrium position (e.g., decompressed). As such, the active adjustment section 12 may be disabled in case a user does not want the watch band 10 to adjust in real-time. The adjustment knob 40 may also be anywhere between the length of the tuning shaft 38 by rotating and moving such component along the length of such shaft.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, the structural components of the micro-adjuster 14 will be discussed. As shown in FIG. 4, the clasp end extender 20a may expand outwards from the second clasp section 20 to create a micro-adjust space 27 to loosen the watch band 10 wrapped around the wrist 13 of the user. It sets the initial length of the band. One or more links can be added and subtracted from the band. However, once the links are set, it is cumbersome to add and remove links but the user may need to adjust the length of the band 10. The micro-adjust 14 allows the user to adjust the length of the band on an as needed basis. Throughout the day or from day to day, the person may need to enlarge the band or shorten the band. For example, as temperature changes the wrist may be slightly enlarged. The adjustment section may actively account for such changes. However, it might be too tight initially. To loosen the band, the user may extend the band 10 with the micro adjuster to set the initial minimum length of the band. The amount of expansion of the clasp end extender 20a and the micro-adjust space 27 may be adjustable to meet the need of the user. The clasp end extender 20a may be spring biased toward the fully extended position shown in FIG. 4. From this position, the user can squeeze the clasp end extender 20a and the second clasp section 20 together. A rachet system will automatically click and be set once the user stops squeezing. The band will be set to its initial length. After the watch is worn, the user may twist their wrist or the temperature may change, thus causing the wrist to expand slightly. The micro adjuster 14 does not expand. However, the adjustment section 12 actively expands if needed to provide comfort to the wearer.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the micro-adjust frame 28, having the clasp end extender 20a at its distal end, may be coupled to a plurality of side springs 56. When the user presses the adjustment button 22 on top of the second clasp section 20, the adjustment locks 70 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the inner button body 62 disengages with the adjustment teeth 54 (see FIGS. 2C, 6, 7 and 8) on the micro-adjust frame 28. As a result, the side springs 56 (see FIGS. 2C, 6 and 7) decompress and push the clasp end extender 20a all the way forward, relative to the second clasp section 20, until the side springs 56 fully extend towards the adjustment limiters 68. At the fully extended orientation of the micro-adjuster, the micro-adjust frame 28 may move forward such that the adjustment lock 70 is now under the rear adjustment teeth 54a that is farthest from the clasp end extender 20a.
[0059] The adjustment button 22 and the inner button body 62 having the adjustment protrusion locks 70 may all be coupled to the second clasp section 20. The adjustment button 22 and the inner button body 62 may be depressed and thus move the protrusion locks 70 up and down. However, the adjustment button and the inner button body 62 does not move along the longitudinal axis of the band relative to the second clasp section. In the default position of the adjustment button 22, the protrusion locks 70 of the inner button body 62 may be interlocked with the adjustment teeth 54 of the micro-adjust frame 28 so as to prevent the horizontal movement of such structure relative to the second clasp section 20. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the underside of the micro-adjust frame 28 may have a plurality of adjustment teeth 54 assembled in rows lengthwise of the frame. There may exist two rows of adjustment teeth 54 separated by a cavity slot. The cavity slot may have the inner button body 62. The micro-adjust frame 28 extends and slides pass the inner button body 62 when the adjustment locks 70 disengage the adjustment teeth 54. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 2C, the bottom of the inner button body 62 may have one or more protrusions acting as adjustment locks 70 that engage the adjustment teeth 54. When the adjustment button 22 is pressed down, the inner button body 62 and the adjustment locks 70 may move downward in direction of arrow 110 and away from the adjustment teeth 54. This allows the micro-adjust frame 28 to slide outward from the inside of the second clasp section 20, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner button body 62 may have cavities for one or more pressing springs 60 that bias the button body upwards for the adjustment locks 70 to interlock with the adjustment teeth 54 when the button is not pressed and is in the default position. As such, the default orientation of the adjustment locks 70 may be to interlock with the adjustment teeth 54 since the pressing springs 60 bias the inner button body 62 upwards towards the micro-adjust frame 28.
[0060] When the adjustment button 22 on the second clasp section 20 is pressed downwards in direction of arrow 112, the adjustment locks 70 disengage the adjustment teeth 54 and one or more side springs 56 (see FIG. 6) may push the micro-adjust frame 28 and the clasp end extender 20a outward (see FIG. 4) relative to the second clasp section 20. By way of example and not limitation, each side spring 56 may be a compression spring that is coupled around a spring shaft 64 (see FIG. 2C). The side springs 56 may have a front end attached to a coupling link 58a that is attached to the micro-adjust frame 28. The coupling link 58a may be attached near the rear end of the micro-adjust frame 28 at the attachment portion 114 (see FIG. 2C) that is opposite to the clasp end extender 20a. As such, the side springs 56 may be fully compressed when the clasp end extender 20a is retracted and the micro-adjust frame 28 is all the way inside the second clasp section 20. The two spring shafts 64 on the sides of the micro-adjust frame 28 may also have their rear ends that are farthest away from the clasp end extender 20a connected and attached together at distal end portions of a lateral connecting shaft 66, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0061] In the fully compressed orientation of the micro-adjuster 14, the adjustment lock 70 (see FIG. 7) may engage the adjustment teeth 54 near the front end of the micro-adjust frame 28, as shown in FIG. 8, and closest to the clasp end extender 20a. When the inner button body 62 is pressed down, the adjustment locks 70 disengage the aforementioned front adjustment teeth 54 and the compressed side springs 56 expand along the side spring shafts 64 and spring forward the micro-adjust frame 28 that the side springs 56 are coupled thereto by the coupling links 58a. The micro-adjust frame 28 may spring all the way forward from the initial retracted position when the adjustment button 22 is pressed such that the adjustment locks 70 fall under the rear adjustment teeth 54 farthest away from the clasp end extender 20a. In the fully extended position of the micro-adjuster 14, the side springs 56 may not further expand. For example, the compression springs may also be prevented from further expansion in the fully extended position of the micro-adjuster 14 by having adjustment limiter blocks 68 in front the spring shafts 64 that the side springs 56 expand thereon. By way of example and not limitation, the adjustment limiters 68 may be part of the under-plate covering 116 below the second clasp section 20 (see FIG. 2C).
[0062] A user may manually adjust and retract the clasp end extender 20a and the micro-adjust frame 28 from the fully extended position (see FIG. 4) to reduce the micro-adjust space 27 for the watch band 10 to fit snug around the wrist 13 of the user. A user may press the micro-adjust frame inwards into the second clasp section 20 from the fully extended position. As the micro-adjust frame 28 is pushed inward, the adjustment teeth 54 on the underside of such structure may act as ratchets that move inwards in increments and interlock with the adjustment locks 70 at each increment, which the adjustment lock 70 may be part of the inner button body 62 that may be coupled to the second clasp section 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the adjustment lock 70 may initially be positioned at the rear most adjustment teeth 54. It 54 is shown in phantom lines on the right side of FIG. 9. When the user pushes second clasp section 20 and clasp end extender 20a together, the adjustment lock 70 slides down surface 118. This surface 118 may have a small angle (i.e., less than 45 degrees) from the horizontal plane so that the adjustment lock 70 can slide down when the user pushes the second clasp section 20 and the clasp end extender 20a together. When the adjustment lock 70 passes an apex 120 of the adjustment teeth 54, the springs 60 push the adjustment lock 70 back into full engagement with the adjustment teeth 54. The user can continue to push the second clasp section 20 and the clasp end extender 20a together until a length of the band is the desired length. The ratchet mechanism of the rows of adjustment teeth 54 may ensure that the side springs 56 do not decompress and re-extend the micro-adjust frame 28 out of the second clasp section 20 from the desired position. The opposing surface 120 is at an angle greater than the angle at which surface 118 is at. For example, the opposing surface 120 may be at an angle greater than 45 degrees to a horizontal plane. Consequently, the micro-adjust frame 28 may transition inside the second clasp section 20 by incrementally moving each teeth of the rows of adjustment teeth 54 pass the adjustment locks 70 that lock the positioning of the micro-adjust frame 28 and clasp end extender 20a relative to the second clasp section 20.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 2C, an exploded view of the micro-adjuster 14 is shown. The clasp end extender 20a may be attached to the front of the micro-adjust frame 28 by a coupling shaft 17a under the clasp end extender 20a that is inserted in a coupling conduit 17b in the front portion of the micro-adjust frame 28. The adjustment limiters 68 may be the side-parts of a plate 116 that is attached under the second clasp section 20 to create a cavity for the micro-adjuster. The adjustment button 22 may be coupled to the inner button body 62 by one or more pressing springs 60. As shown in FIG. 10, the lateral connecting shaft 66 may be attached to the second clasp section 20 by inserting opposed round end portions 122 of the second clasp section 20 into receiving holes 124 formed in the second clasp section 20. All of the aforementioned parts making up the button system of the micro-adjuster 14 may be horizontally fixed relative to the second clasp section 20. As such, the inner button body 62 having the adjustment locks 70 may not move horizontally relative to the second clasp section 20 when the micro-adjust frame 28 and the clasp end extender 20a move outward from the second clasp section 20.
[0064] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
