• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strap (100) for a wearable electronic device (200). The strap (100) features two mutually superposed layers (111A, 111C; 121A, 121C) of a strip (111, 121) having microfiber base material.
    公开号:FI20205952A1
    申请号:FI20205952
    申请日:2020-09-30
    公开日:2021-11-15
    发明作者:Jere Lallo；Britta Stockinger；Atte Kuparinen；Jouni Junes；Kimmo Pernu
    申请人:Suunto Oy；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [0001] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses affixing a wearable electronic device to the user's anatomy. In particular the disclosure relates to straps for the purpose of providing a snug fit for an electronic wearable device comprising an optical heart rate sensor in order to improve heart rate measurements.BACKGROUND
    [0002] [0002] The fit of a strap for a wearable electronic device is important not only for — providing a comfortable using experience but also for ensuring reliable operation of the device. Several attempts have been made to improve the fit of a strap by optimizing its stretching properties, as discussed in US 20160255921 AI and US20170065038A1.
    [0003] [0003] There remains, however, a need to further explore the possibilities of perfecting the fit of a strap for a wearable electronic device or at least to provide the public —withauseful alternative.SUMMARY
    [0004] [0004] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some
    [0007] [0007] Certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more features from the following list:
    [0009] [0009] In the following certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater — detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates a top elevation view of a strap in accordance with at least some o embodiments of the present invention connected to an electronic wearable N device shown in dashed lines in a flat configuration; 3 S FIGURE 2A illustrates a top elevation view of the short piece of the strap of FIGURE 1; E 25 FIGURE2B illustrates a side elevation view of the short piece of the strap of FIGURE 1; D FIGURE 2C illustrates a bottom elevation view of the short piece of the strap of FIGURE FIGURE 3A illustrates a top elevation view of the long piece of the strap of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3B illustrates a side elevation view of the long piece of the strap of FIGURE 1;
    [0010] [0010] FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary strap 100 attached to a wearable electronic device 200 shown in dashed line according to an embodiment. The strap and wearable electronic device 200 is presented in a flat configuration with the strap extending straight from the wearable electronic device. The embodiment is described in the form of a wrist band for affixing a smart watch to the wrist of a user. The principles herein described and defined in the appended claims are applicable to other terminal devices, such as heart rate monitors or motion sensors, affixed to different parts of human anatomy, such as the chest, ankle, or upper arm. Furthermore the illustrated examples present a buckle mechanism for attaching the strap pieces 110, 120 to each other but the buckle mechanism — could be replaced with a different closing mechanism, such as a Velcro attachment, a butterfly clasp, etc. The embodiments share the central purposeful concept of the strap 100 or strap pieces 110, 120 being made of a blank strip of microfiber, particularly ultra- microfiber, such as Ultrasuede&.
    [0011] [0011] Let us first turn to the strap 100 which is shown in a planar spread-out — configuration in FIGURE 1 and in a loop configuration in FIGURE 4. The strap 100 is made up by two parts, namely a first part 110 and a second part 120. The wearable N electronic device 200, such as a smart watch, is provided and affixed to between the parts 3 110, 120. The first part 110 acts as the female part of a two-part strap and comprises a S buckle 113 with a tang 114 for engaging a respective opening in the second part 120. In the r 25 — present field, such strap parts are referred to as “short pieces”. As indicated above, the S buckle 113 could be replaced with a different mechanism, such as a simple loop for a D Velcro attachment (not illustrated in the FIGURES), a clasp part (not illustrated in the S FIGURES) or a positively engaging guick coupler (not illustrated in the FIGURES). The N first part 110 has three sections, namely an attachment section 110A at one end for attachment to the wearable electronic device 200, a buckle section 110C at the other end for accommodating the attachment to the second strap part 120, and an intermediate section 110B there between. The first part 110 may also include conventional loops 115 for keeping excess sections of the second strap part 120 in a loop configuration of the strap (FIGURE 4).
    [0012] [0012] The second part 120 acts as the male part of a two-part strap and comprises a atip 123 for entering through the buckle 113 and a sequence of holes 124 for receiving the a tang 114. In the present field, such strap parts are referred to as “long pieces”. As indicated above, the buckle mechanism could be replaced with an alternative, whereby the second part 120 would include a Velcro attachment piece, a magnet, a clasp part, a quick coupler, etc. The second part 120 has three sections, namely an attachment section 120A at one end for attachment to the wearable electronic device 200, a tip section 110C at the other end for accommodating the attachment to the first strap part 110, and an intermediate section 110B there between.
    [0013] [0013] FIGURES 2A, 2B, and 2C show details of the first part 110. FIGURE 2B shows the first part 110A from the side revealing the construction of the strap. The first — strap part 110 is made from a strip 111 of microfiber. To be more precise from a blank of microfiber may be laminated into two layers with elastic glue or heat activated bonding layer and then cut to the final shape or the strip is first cut from a blank of microfiber which is then processed into the shape shown in the FIGURES. In other words, the strip 111 comprises microfiber base material. The strip 111, when processed into a strap 110, — may include further materials, such as glue or stitching yarn, but the base of the strip is formed by a microfiber cloth. The strip 111 is elongated along a longitudinal dimension X, has a width in a first transversal dimension Y and a thickness in another transversal o dimension. The microfiber material is preferably ultra-microfiber, such as Ultrasuede®. O The microfiber material comprises polyester and polyurethane. According to a particular 3 25 embodiment the microfiber comprises 65 to 80 weight-% of polyester ultra-microfiber 2 which is non-woven with 35 to 20 weight-% of non-fibrous polyurethane binder. E [0014] The strip 111 extends along the longitudinal dimension X to form an inner D layer 111A. The strip 111 is oriented such that it exhibits greater elasticity in the S longitudinal dimension X than in the transversal dimension Y. The difference in the elastic N 30 — modulus between the longitudinal dimension X and the transversal dimension Y may be 20 % or more, preferably 50 % or more, 100 % or more, 200 % or more, or by more than one or two order of magnitude. The strip 111 features a parallel outer layer 111C similarly oriented so as to maintain the orientation of the stretching ability along the longitudinal dimension X. The strip 111 transitions between the inner layer 111A and outer layer 111C at a loop section 111B at the attachment section of the first part 110A and at another loop (covered by the buckle in FIGURE 2B) at the buckle section 110C. In other words the strip 111 is wound into two superposed layers 111A, 111C. The layers 111A, 111C are attached to each other by gluing for example with a thermosetting adhesive there between. The attachment may be secure at the vicinity of the loop sections 111B with stitching 118, 117.
    [0015] [0015] The first part houses a spring bar 112 within the strip 111 enclosed by the loop section 111B. The spring bar 112 is used for attachment to the wearable electronic device 200. The spring bar 112 may be operated with a release mechanism 118 for toggling the movable pin of the spring bar 112 between a deployed and retracted state. The release mechanism 118 may be accessible through a respective opening provided to the strip 111. The buckle 113 comprises a comparable bar (not shown in the FIGURES), around which the loop section of the strip 111 is wound. The preferably beveled ends of the strip 111 meet at a seam 119 which is closed by gluing. According to another embodiment, the ends of the strip 111 at the seam 119 is closed by a thermoset adhesive. According to another embodiment, the ends of the strip 111 at the seam 119 is closed by contact glue. According to another embodiment, the ends of the strip 111 at the seam 119 is closed by welding.
    [0016] [0016] FIGURES 3A, 3B, and 3C show details of the second part 120. FIGURE 2B o shows the first part 110A from the side revealing the construction of the strap which is S largely similar to that of the first part 110. The second strap part 120 is made from an 3 25 elongated strip 121 of microfiber. The strip 121 extends along the longitudinal dimension 3 X to form an inner layer 121A such oriented that it exhibits greater elasticity in the E longitudinal dimension X than in the transversal dimension Y. The difference in the elastic N modulus between the longitudinal dimension X and the transversal dimension Y may be 20 3 % or more, 50 % or more, 100 % or more, 200 % or more or by one or two order of ä 30 magnitude or more. The strip 121 features a parallel outer layer 121C similarly oriented so as to maintain the orientation of the stretching ability along the longitudinal dimension X.
    [0017] [0017] The exemplary wearable electronic device 200 takes the form a smart watch. The enclosure of the wearable electronic device 200 includes two attachment points at opposing ends of the enclosure; one for each spring bar 112, 122 of the strap parts 110,
    [0018] [0018] The enclosure of the wearable electronic device 200 preferably also includes an optical heart rate sensor 201, whereby the benefits of the novel strap may be utilized for the purpose of ensuring a reliable fit between the wrist of the user and the sensor optics. — Optical heart rate or pulse measurement is performed with a sensor arrangement with light emitters and light sensors placed at the watch case bottom. The measurement is disturbed by ambient light reaching the sensor or sensors from the sides if the watch does not stay in o good contact with the skin. Also the oscillations or vibrations of the wrist tissue at the O sensors from when the wrist is moving, for example when running, causes signal noise thus 3 25 making the measurement more difficult. The problems with the reliability of the 3 measurement are worsened if the watch is relatively heavy and loosely fit. On the other E hand, an overly tight watch strap would be too uncomfortable. It is therefore desirable to N have a snug fit with a comfortable feel in order to make a desirable product with good > quality.
    [0020] [0020] The strap 100 may be further enhanced by including a reflective yarn pattern, an embedded auxiliary battery, etc. The base material of the strap may be treated with a anti-bacterial supplement for making the strap more suitable for a sporting device application.
    [0021] [0021] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are — extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. S [0022] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an N embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in S 25 connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present & invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” E: in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same g embodiment. S [0023] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional & 30 elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.
    [0024] [0024] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following — description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or — described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
    [0025] [0025] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the — principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
    [0026] [0026] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open o limitations that neither exclude nor reguire the existence of also un-recited features. The N features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise 3 25 explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", ie. a & singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.
    I a aNLOOLOONON
    REFERENCE SIGNS LIST No. Feature No. Feature Q 116 stitching for buckle 200 wearable electronic device
    N - x aLOOLOONON
    CITATION LIST Patent Literature US 20160255921 Al US 20170065038 AlO
    N o
    N o Oo oO
    T [am oN
    LO oLOO
    N oN
    权利要求:
    Claims (16)
    [1] 1. A strap (100) for a wearable electronic device (200), the strap (100) comprising two mutually superposed layers (111A, 111C; 121A, 121C) of a strip (111, 121), characterized in that the strip (111, 121) comprises microfiber base material.
    [2] 2. The strap (100) according to claim 1, wherein the microfiber base material is an ultra-microfiber fabric, such as Ultrasuede®.
    [3] 3. The strap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blank of the strip (111, 112) consists of a single piece ultra-microfiber fabric folded as two mutually superposed layers (111A, 111C; 121A, 121C).
    [4] 4. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (111, 121) comprises: — an inner layer (111A, 121A); — an outer layer (111C, 121C) superposed and attached onto the inner layer (111A, 121A), and — a loop section (111B, 121B) connecting the inner layer (111A, 121A) to the outer layer (111C, 121C) and forming a space for a fixture (112, 122) to the wearable electronic device (200).
    [5] 5. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: — the strip (111, 121) is elongated along a longitudinal dimension (X) and has a S 20 width in a transversal dimension (Y) and wherein N — the strip (111, 121) exhibits greater elasticity in the longitudinal dimension (X) 3 than in the transversal dimension (Y).
    [6] O = 6. The strap (100) according to claim 5, wherein the difference in elasticity between a the longitudinal dimension (X) and the transversal dimension (Y) is: 3 25 — 20 % or more, ä — 50 % or more, — 100 % or more, or — 200 % or more.
    [7] 7. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: — the strap (100) comprises: e a first part (110) having an attachment section (110A) and a buckle section (110C) and e a second part (120) having an attachment section (120A) and a tip section (120C), — the attachment section (110A) of the first part (110) is configured to attach to the wearable electronic device (200) at a first attachment point on the wearable electronic device (200), — the buckle section (110A) of the first part (110) is configured to: e receive the tip section (120C) of the second part (120) there through and to e attach to the second part (120), and wherein — the attachment section (120A) of the second part (120) is configured to attach to the wearable electronic device (200) at a second attachment point on the wearable electronic device (200).
    [8] 8. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein the strap (100) comprises a retractable spring bar (112, 122) as the fixture inserted into the loop section (111B, 121B) of the strip (111, 121).
    [9] 9. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein the inner layer (111A, 121A) and the outer layer (111C, 121C) have been glued to each other.
    O S
    [10] 10. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the 3 strap (100) comprises stitching (117, 118; 127, 128) in the vicinity of the buckle & 25 section (110A) of the first part (110) or the loop section (111B, 121B) of the first E part (110) or second part (120) or in any combination thereof.
    g
    [11] 11. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein: N — thefirst part (110) comprises a buckle (113) and a cooperative tang (114) at the N buckle section (110C) and wherein
    — the second part (120) comprises a corresponding tip (123) which is configured to be inserted through the buckle (113) and a plurality of holes (124) for receiving the tang (114).
    [12] 12. The strap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein: — the first part (110) comprises a loop; — the second part (120) comprises a corresponding tip (123) which is configured to be inserted through the loop, and wherein — the strap (100) comprises a Velcro interface between the first part (110) and the second part (120) for affixing the first part (110) to the second part (120).
    [13] 13. A wearable electronic device (200), characterized by a strap (100) as defined by any one of the preceding claims.
    [14] 14. The wearable electronic device (200) according to claim 13, wherein the wearable electronic device (200) comprises an enclosure with: — a first attachment point provided at one end of the enclosure, which first attachment point is configured to receive the loop section (111B) of the first part (110) of the strap (100) through a fixture, and — a second attachment point provided at another end of the enclosure, which second attachment point is configured to receive the loop section (121B) of the second part (120) of the strap (100) through a fixture.
    [15] 15. The wearable electronic device (200) according to claim 14, wherein the attachment points are both configured to receive a spring bar (112, 122).
    S N
    [16] 16. The wearable electronic device (200) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the
    O O wearable electronic device (200) comprises an optic heart rate sensor (201) housed
    O ™ in the enclosure.
    I a a
    N
    LO
    O
    LO
    O
    N
    O
    N
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    FI129298B|2021-11-15|
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    法律状态:
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    FI20205952A|FI129298B|2020-09-30|2020-09-30|A strap for a wearable electronic device and a wearable electronic device comprising the same|FI20205952A| FI129298B|2020-09-30|2020-09-30|A strap for a wearable electronic device and a wearable electronic device comprising the same|
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