Wristwatch band with longitudinal, transverse and torsional flexibility

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a wristband, and in particular, to a wristband for a watch, wherein the watchband can flex and pivot about a longitudinal axis extending the length of the watchband and a transverse axis extending across the width of the watchband. The watchband has a plurality of segments spaced along its length, and each segment has a first and second adjacent section extending across the width of the watchband. Each segment can pivot about the transverse axis, and each section can pivot about the longitudinal axis. The watchband can stretch in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

1 . A band for a wristwatch, comprising:
 a first segment extending at least partially across a width of the band, the first segment comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is adjacent to the second section, the first and second sections spaced across the width of the band;   a second segment extending at least partially across the width of the band, the second segment configured approximately adjacent to the first segment along a length of the band, wherein the second segment is pivotably connected to the first segment, wherein the first and second segments can pivot relative to the other of the first and second segments about a transverse axis extending through the width of the band; and   a first flexible element extending at least partially across the width of the band, the first and second segments connected to the flexible element, wherein the first and second sections pivot relative to the other of the first and second sections about a longitudinal axis extending through the length of the band.   
     
     
         2 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible element is configured to flex along the transverse axis. 
     
     
         3 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the second segment is pivotably connected to the first segment with the flexible element. 
     
     
         4 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sections are substantially the same size and/or shape. 
     
     
         5 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first segment can wrap around the flexible element. 
     
     
         6 . The band of  claim 1 , further comprising a channel extending through the first segment, wherein the flexible element extends into the channel. 
     
     
         7 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible element comprises a longitudinal section, the longitudinal section extending at least partially along the length of the band, the first and second segments connected to the longitudinal section. 
     
     
         8 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second segments are connected to a first side of the flexible element, further comprising a third segment connected to an opposing side of the flexible element, the third segment configured to pivot in the opposite direction as the first and second segments. 
     
     
         9 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first segment comprises a bottom surface, further comprising a pin extending away from the bottom surface, wherein the pin engages with an opening on a surface of the flexible element. 
     
     
         10 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the band is reversible relative to the wristwatch. 
     
     
         11 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first section comprises a sidewall and a top section, the sidewall extending away from the top section at an angle. 
     
     
         12 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible element is configured to flex along the longitudinal and/or the transverse axis. 
     
     
         13 . The band of  claim 2 , wherein the watchband is configured to be wrapped about a central axis to form a channel, the channel comprising a first and second opening at its opposed ends, wherein the cross-sectional shape and/or area, and/or width of the first opening is substantially different from the cross-sectional shape and/or area, and/or width of the second opening. 
     
     
         14 . The band of  claim 13 , wherein the channel comprises a frustro-conical shape. 
     
     
         15 . The band of  claim 12 , further comprising a third opening extending across a middle section of the channel, wherein the channel comprises a first channel section and a second channel section, wherein the cross-sectional shape and/or area and/or width of the third opening is substantially different from the cross-sectional shape and/or area, and/or width of at least the first or second opening. 
     
     
         16 . A band for a wristwatch, comprising:
 a first segment extending at least partially across a width of the band, the first segment comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is configured to be approximately adjacent to the second section, the first and second sections spaced across the width of the band;   a second segment extending at least partially across the width of the band, the second segment comprising a third section configured approximately adjacent to the first segment and spaced along a length of the band, wherein the first and second segments can pivot relative to the other of the first and second segments about a transverse axis extending through the width of the band;   a first flexible element extending at least partially across the width of the band, the first and second sections connected to the flexible element, wherein the flexible element can flex along the transverse axis.