Clasp to join straps containing an antenna for a portable information device

• US 5,152,693 A
• Filed: 02/26/1992
• Issued: 10/06/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Matsui, Shigeru, Imai, Taeko
• Primary Examiner(s): DESMOND, EUGENE
• Application Number:
  US07/842,730
• Time in Patent Office: 223 Days
• Field of Search: 439/37, 24/68 J, 24/69 J, 24/70 J, 24/71 J, 455/347, 455/344
• US Class Current: 439/37
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/04 using radio waves radio-controlled time-pieces G04R
• CPC Class Codes: G04R 60/04 Antennas attached to or integrated in watch bracelets
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/228 combined with other devices having a different main function, e.g. watches
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/273 Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/03 characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/62 Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/48 utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member H01R4/52 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2166 Jewelry

Abstract

A clasp for a pair of wristbands on a digital watch having a pager with a radio frequency receiver such that the wristbands comprise an antenna that has its circuit completed and closed into a loop antenna when a user snaps the wristbands together with the clasp. The clasp has a catch shaft welded or soldered to a clasp body such that electrical contact between the antenna in the wristbands is thereby improved.

Claims

1. A clasp device for electrically connecting antennae/straps use on portable information transfer devices having a case and combination antenna and user support straps extending outward from opposite sides of the case, each antenna/strap having a soft pliable material formed over a thin conductive material used as a portion of a loop antenna to be completed by the clasp, the clasp comprising:

a clasp base electrically connected and mechanically fastened to a first antenna/strap, comprising;

a clasp body having two or more protrusions configured to interlock with a plurality of wells formed on one surface of the first antenna/strap and make electrical contact with the conductive material inside the first antenna/strap;

a keeper plate positioned to press against the first strap from a side opposite the protrusions and retain the first antenna/strap in position against the protrusions;

an antenna/strap anchor claw rotatably mounted on an anchor claw shaft secured to the clasp body, being freely rotated between at least one open position away from the keeper plate and a closed position in pressure contact with the keeper plate so as to press the keeper plate against the first antenna/strap; and

a catch shaft immovably secured to the clasp body, spaced apart from and parallel to the anchor claw shaft so as to not interfere with rotation of the anchor claw;

a hook unit that interlocks with and fastens in disengageable fashion to the clasp base and electrically connects and mechanically fastens to the second antenna/strap, comprising;

an integrated hook body having a first hook extending out and removably hooking around the catch shaft, said body being secured to an end of the second antenna/strap and maintaining electrical contact therewith,

a cover hinge shaft mounted on the hook body adjacent a base of the first hook; and

a closing cover rotatably attached to the cover hinge shaft such that it rotates freely about the hinge shaft and is positioned over the first hook, said cover having a second hook extending downward from one surface that removably interlocks with a closing cover anchor shaft disposed on the clasp body, and makes the first hook non-removable when the hook unit interlocks with the clasp body.

2. The clasp of claim 1 wherein said integrated hook body comprises a metallic plate having two fastening ears extending from opposite edges which are bent over outer edges of said second antenna/strap and secured thereto using electrically conductive fasteners extending into contact with the conductive material within, and a hook tongue extending toward the catch shaft over the cover hinge and under the cover.

3. The clasp of claim 2 wherein said electrically conductive fasteners comprise a pair of metallic screws positioned in threaded apertures that extend through the fastening ears, whereby secure attachment to the second antenna/strap is obtained with a removable body.

4. The clasp of claim 1 wherein said second hook on the closing cover interlocks with the cover anchor shaft so as to make the hook body non-movable about the catch shaft.

5. The clasp of claim 1 wherein said closing cover anchor shaft comprises the anchor claw shaft.

6. The clasp of claim 4 wherein said anchor claw has a surface positioned adjacent said catch shaft when in a closed position which inhibits removal of the first hook and a slot in that surface for insertion of the hook during engagement with the catch shaft.