U.S. patent application number 10/571788 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for strap attachment device.
This patent application is currently assigned to RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL S.A.. Invention is credited to Francis Cretin.
Application Number | 20070028428 10/571788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34318812 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cretin; Francis |
February 8, 2007 |
Strap attachment device
Abstract
A securement device for a bracelet includes a first attachment
(2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a bracelet pin
(8). At least one of the attachments (2, 3) includes an axle (22,
32) substantially parallel to the pin (8), this axle (22, 32) being
adapted to be disposed slidably in a transverse bore (10) of a body
(1) that receives bracelets. Moreover, the device includes a
locking element (4) disposed in a hole (12) in the body (1)
intersecting the transverse bore (10) so as to coact with at least
one axle (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3) in a way to permit the
locking and unlocking of at least one of these attachments (2, 3)
in their recess.
Inventors: |
Cretin; Francis;
(Bois-D'Amont, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL
S.A.
VILLARS-SUR-GLANE
CH
CH-1752
|
Family ID: |
34318812 |
Appl. No.: |
10/571788 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
September 14, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB04/02972 |
371 Date: |
March 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/265WS |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/4782 20150115;
G04B 37/1486 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/265.0WS |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/14 20060101
A44C005/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 22, 2003 |
CH |
1619/03 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. Device for securing a bracelet comprising a first attachment
(2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a pin (8) of a
bracelet, characterized by the fact that at least one of the
attachments (2, 3) comprises an axle (22, 32) substantially
parallel to the pin (8); by the fact that this axle (22, 32) is
disposed slidably in a transverse bore (10) of a body (1); and by
the fact that the device comprises a locking element (4) disposed
in a hole (12) of the body (1) intersecting said transverse bore
(10) so as to coact with at least one axle (22, 32) of at least one
of the attachments (2, 3) in a manner to permit locking or
unlocking of at least one of these attachments (2, 3) in the
transverse bores (10).
18. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
the attachments are made in the form of lugs, said attachments
comprising a portion (21, 31) provided with a smooth hole (26, 36)
so as to receive one end of the pins (8) of a bracelet.
19. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
said axle (22) of a sliding attachment (2) comprises a groove (25)
whilst said marking element (4) comprises a projection (42), this
groove and this projection (25, 42) coacting to lock and unlock
axially the attachment (2) in its transverse bore (10).
20. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
said locking element (4) comprises an oblong opening (41) into
which extend the axes (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3).
21. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
said locking element (4) comprises a chamfer (43) adapted to coact
with a corresponding chamber (27) on the axle (22) of a sliding
attachment (2) so as to permit snapping together the two pieces by
pressure on said attachment (2) in the direction of the axis of
said transverse bore (10).
22. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
said locking element (4) is in the form of a pushbutton, a return
spring (7) ensuring the force necessary for holding this pushbutton
(4) in its locked position.
23. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that
the body (1) is constituted by the case of a watch housing.
24. Device for securing a bracelet comprising a first attachment
(2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a pin (8) of a
bracelet, characterized by the fact that at least one of the
attachments (2, 3) comprises an axle (22, 32) substantially
parallel to the pin (8); by the fact that this axle (22, 32) is
disposed pivotally in a transverse bore (10) of a body (1); and by
the fact that the device comprises at least one holding element (5)
disposed in at least one blind bore (11) of the body (1)
intersecting said transverse bore (10) and coacting with at least
one axle (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3) so as to permit the
holding and at the same time the pivoting of these attachments (2,
3) in the transverse bores (10).
25. Device according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that
the two attachments (2, 3) of the device each comprise an axle (22,
32) adapted to be disposed pivotably in said transverse bore (10)
of the body (1) and each coacting with one of said holding elements
(5).
26. Device according to claim 25, characterized by the fact that
the axles (22, 32) of the two attachments (2, 3) couple in said
transverse bore (10) by terminating in a flap (24, 34) so as to
synchronize the pivoting of the two attachments (2, 3).
27. Device according to one claim 24, characterized by the fact
said axles (22, 32) each comprise a notch (23, 32) having a profile
of more than 180.degree., this profile determining the maximum
angle of pivoting of the attachments (2, 3).
28. Device according to claim 24, characterized by the fact said
holding elements (5) are constituted by cylindrical pins held in
said blind bores (11) by a back (6) adapted to be fixed to the body
(1).
29. Device according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that
the notch (23) of a first sliding attachment (2) is wider than that
(33) of a second non-sliding attachment (3) so as to permit the
longitudinal movement of this first attachment (2).
30. Device according claim 28, characterized by the fact that said
blind bores (11) and said hole (12) intersect said transverse bore
(10) orthogonally.
31. Wristwatch, characterized by the fact that it comprises a
bracelet securement device according to claim 24.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for securing a
bracelet comprising a first attachment and a second attachment
adapted to receive a bracelet pin.
[0002] The invention relates particularly to mechanisms for
attaching a bracelet on a watchcase, but it is general useful for
any application requiring the securement of a bracelet, such as for
various jewelry.
[0003] In this context, it is known that users more and more desire
having the possibility of changing the bracelet, for example of a
watch, so as to adapt to the outfits or to change its appearance.
To this end, it is desirable that the replacement of the bracelet
be as easy as possible and require no tools nor specific bracelets
uniquely usable with a specific securement device. Moreover, the
securement device and the manner in which the bracelet is fixed on
the latter must not be uncomfortable to the user when wearing the
bracelet or the watch.
[0004] There are known at present a number of devices tending to
provide a solution for these problems. Despite this, the known
devices are not satisfactory in all cases, particularly by
requiring either particular tools to remove an interchangeable
bracelet and insert another in its place, or specific bracelets
being designed for a certain type of unique securement. Moreover,
the securement devices are not normally particularly adapted to be
worn with optimum comfort. At the same time, a number of the
existing devices are complicated, unaesthetic or of a fairly high
price.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a
securement device for a bracelet which overcomes the mentioned
drawbacks of the present systems and permits in particular rapid
and easy changing of a bracelet and improving at the same time the
comfort of the user.
[0006] The present invention thus has for its object a securement
device comprising the characteristics set forth in claim 1 and
claim 8.
[0007] The device according to the present invention is
particularly distinguished by the fact that at least one of the
attachments comprises an axle substantially parallel to the pin and
by the fact that this axle is adapted to be disposed slidably in a
transverse bore of a body normally constituted by the watchcase.
Moreover, the device comprises a locking element for example a
pushbutton disposed in a hole in the body intersecting said
transverse bore so as to coact with at least one axle of the
attachment so as to permit the locking and unlocking of at least
one of these attachments in its recess.
[0008] In another embodiment, the device also comprises at least
one attachment having an axle substantially parallel to the pin,
but this axle is adapted to be disposed pivotally in said
transverse bore of the body. In this case, the device comprises at
least one holding element called a "lug abutment" and constituted
for example by a cylindrical pin. Each holding element is disposed
in a blind bore in the body intersecting said transverse bore so as
to coact with the axle of the corresponding attachment so as to
permit the holding axially in service position and at the same time
the pivoting, of at least one of these attachments in its
recess.
[0009] The combination of these two embodiments of the device is
possible and this combination constitutes the preferred
embodiment.
[0010] By these measures, there is obtained the advantage of
permitting transverse rectilinear movement of a portion of the
securement device, particularly the case lug mounted slidably
parallel to the axis of the pin, freeing in this manner the
bracelet and thus permitting rapid and easy changing and without a
tool, by the user, by simple pressure on the pushbutton and with no
other disassembly of a part of the device. Moreover, an
articulation of the lugs or attachments on a pivotal axle can be
provided, permitting oscillation of the lug about its axis thereby
permitting the ends of the bracelets better to match the form of
the wrist of the user. It is to be noted that the securement device
does not require any measure or specificity on the part of the
bracelet with which it coacts, and the latter can be held by a
simple conventional pin at each end. The bracelet can be of
leather, metal or any other suitable material. In the case of a
wristwatch, the latter also remains completely sealed because the
mechanism does not take place in the sealing characteristics of the
case. The appearance of the assembly is not altered, the case and
the lugs remaining for example securable together. The simplicity
of the system, the cost and ease of machining are supplemental
advantages of the device according to the invention.
[0011] Other advantages will become clear from the characteristics
set forth in the dependent claims and the following description of
the invention in greater detail with reference to the drawings.
[0012] The accompanying drawings represent, by way of example, an
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 1a and 1b show exploded views of one embodiment of the
device according to the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 2a to 2d are bottom and side views, partially in
cross-section, of the device once mounted.
[0015] FIGS. 3a to 3e show perspective, top plan, side and
cross-sectional views of the first case lug adapted to be slidably
mounted.
[0016] FIGS. 4a to 4d show perspective, top plan, side and
cross-sectional views of the second case lug.
[0017] FIGS. 5a to 5d are perspective, top plan, side and
cross-sectional views of the pusher.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows schematically a watchcase, the recess for the
lugs being machined in this piece, and the back of the case being
adapted to hold the abutments of the lugs.
[0019] FIGS. 7a to 7h show the operation of the securement device
according to the present invention, in lateral and transverse
cross-sections.
[0020] The invention will now be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example an
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] As mentioned above, the present invention relates
particularly to mechanisms for attaching a bracelet on a watchcase,
but it is in general useful for any application requirement the
securement of a bracelet, as for example for various jewelry, which
have a body comparable to the watch body, in particular so as to
receive precious stones. This application being obvious to those
skilled in the art, only the case of a securement device according
to the present invention applied to a wristwatch will be described
in what follows.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the different portions of
the device according to the present invention are clearly
identifiable, FIGS. 2a and 2b showing these parts once assembled. A
watchcase 1, this case 1 being adapted to receive the movement and
other portions of the watch which are not important in the scope of
the present invention and which accordingly will not be described
here, comprises formations or elements serving principally to
receive the securement device.
[0023] First of all, the case 1 comprises, in the portions of its
circumference located diametrically opposed and adapted to receive
watchstraps, transverse bores 10a and 10b extending substantially
parallel to the pins 8 of the bracelets, either to an axis 3h-9h of
the watch face in a plane parallel to the watch face, or to the
back of the watch. These bores 10 preferably traverse said portions
of the circumference of the case 1, but there could be a blind bore
10 on each side of the case which therefore has but a single
opening, as will be more apparent in the description which
follows.
[0024] In these portions of the circumference of the case 1 on
opposite sides of the movement, the case 1 also comprises blind
bores 11a to 11d, four in number in the preferred embodiment, and
the positions of these bores form substantially a rectangle. These
blind bores are perpendicular to the back of the case and in effect
the corresponding transverse bores 10, as shown in FIGS. 1a to
2d.
[0025] Moreover, the case 1 comprises holes 12a and 12b also
extending orthogonally to the plane of the back of the watch.
Preferably, these holes 12 are located substantially in the middle
of said portions of the circumference of the case 1 on opposite
sides of the movement, as the case may be between the blind bores
11a and 11b respectively 11c and 11d, and also have their opening
on the back side of the case 1. The shape of the cross-section of
these holes 12 is, like that of the transverse bores 10a, 10b and
the blind bores 11a to 11d, preferably round or circular, but could
for example also be rectangular or have another shape.
[0026] In each of the transverse bores 10a and 10b will be disposed
a first case lug 2 and a second case lug 3, of which at least one
is mounted in a manner to be able to undergo longitudinal movement
substantially parallel to the axis of the pins 8 of the bracelet,
in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings. These lugs 2 and
3 are preferably mounted so as to be, in addition to the
longitudinal movement of at least one of them, also angularly
movable. The mechanism is identical on the two sides of the case 1
mentioned above, the lug "at 5:00" of the watch being the same as
at "11:00", and the same is true for "1:00" and "7:00".
[0027] So as to be disposed in transverse bores 10a and 10b, the
first lug 2 and the second lug 3, which are shown schematically in
FIGS. 3a to 3e and 4a to 4d, each comprise a male cylindrical axle
22 and 32 which can be of different lengths. In the preferred case
of a single lug movable longitudinally, which is shown in the
accompanying drawings, the movable lug 2 is similar to the lug 3
but has a groove 25 in which can engage a pushbutton 4 which will
lock the movable lug 2 under the action of a return spring 7. In
the case in which the two lugs are slidably mounted, the lug 3 also
comprises a groove 35 (not shown in the drawings). The sliding lug
2, which is shown in detail in FIGS. 3a to 3e, is thus movable in a
direction to be able to undergo a longitudinal movement
substantially parallel to the axis of the pins 8 of the bracelet
and is lockable and unlockable with the help of the pushbutton 4
which will be described in greater detail hereafter in this
description. It is evident that, in the case of longitudinal
movement of the first lug 2 alone, the second lug 3 could be made
of one piece with the case 1, the transverse bores 10 comprising in
this case, as indicated above, only one opening. In the case of
longitudinal movement only, the shape of the cross-section of these
bores 10 is less important and can for example be rectangular or
round, the only condition being to match the shape and dimensions
of the axles 22 and, as the case may be, 32, of the lugs 2 and 3.
As will become clearer hereafter, a round cross-section of these
transverse bores 10 is advantageous if the lugs are mounted so as
to be angularly displaceable. In addition to the axles 22 and 32
adapted for the securement of the lugs 2 and 3 to the case 1, the
lugs each have an arcuate portion 21, 31 forming, outside the case
1, the lug in its conventional sense. On the internal side, these
arcuate portions 21 and 31 comprise a smooth hole 26 and 36 adapted
to receive the ends of the pins 8 which pass through each of the
lengths of the bracelet.
[0028] In the case in which only one of the lugs 2 and 3 on each
side of the case 1 is slidable, the arrangement described above is
sufficient and permits, with the help of a pushbutton 4, to unlock
and lock at least one movable lug on each side of the case so as
easily to exchange and 1without recourse to a tool, the watch
bracelet.
[0029] It is desirable and favorable that the system described
above be combined with an angular movement of the lugs 2 and 3. In
a modification, it is even envisageable that the lugs of the
securement device be only pivotal. The case of a combined movement,
sliding and pivoting, nevertheless remains the preferred
solution.
[0030] So as to provide this angular displacement of the lugs 2 and
3, and this in a manner to permit the combination of this angular
movement with the sliding described above, each lug 2 and 3
comprises notch 23 and 33, as is shown in FIGS. 3a to 3e and 4a to
4d. These notches comprise a profile of more than 180, .degree. for
example 200 .degree. as shown in cross-section in FIG. 3d or 4d,
the two lines of inclination of the profile of the notch having
preferably the same length. Thus, each lug 2, 3 is held in place by
the coaction between the notch and a cylindrical pin 5 serving as
an abutment, these pins being disposed in the blind bores 11a-d of
the case 1 and held in position by the back 6, as is shown in FIGS.
2d and 6. Each lug abutment 5 has two functions: located in a notch
of the lug, it prevents it from leaving its recess and thus
guarantees holding the lug in the transverse bore, particularly in
the case of only pivotal movement requiring no pushbutton 4 and
corresponding groove 25, 35 to hold it. Nevertheless, the lug
abutment 5 permits pivoting of the lug 2, 3 to the maximum angle
predetermined by its profile, for example
200.degree.-180.degree.=20.degree. in the case mentioned above or
another angle which can be selected as needed. This abutment 5 thus
limits the angular movement of the lugs 2, 3. As to the shape of
the lug abutments 5, a cylindrical pin, as shown in FIG. 2d in its
recess in the case 1, could be replaced by any other piece suitable
to be inserted in the blind bores 11 and disposed in the radial
peripheral portion of the transverse bores 10 so as to hold the
lugs 2, 3 with the help of the notches 24, 34 provided in the axles
22, 32. These pieces and these blind bores 11 are not necessarily
cylindrical. So as to permit pivoting of the lugs, the axles 22, 32
of the lugs 2, 3 and in particular the transverse bores 10a, 10b
should have a circular section, the external diameter of the axles
22, 32 corresponding substantially to the internal diameter of
these bores 10. Another shape for their cross-section, as mentioned
above, could be envisaged only in the case of a lug which is solely
slidable and hence not pivotal.
[0031] The male axles 22, 32 of the lugs 2 and 3 terminate in the
case of pivotal lugs preferably in a flap 24/34, which his to say a
half round. The flaps 24 and 34 of each lug 2 and 3 face each other
such that the two lugs will be aligned on the one hand relative to
each other at any time during pivoting of the two axles 22, 32 of
the lugs 2, 3, as is shown in the partial cross-section of FIGS. 2a
or 2b. Thus, the oscillation of the two lugs 2, 3 is synchronized.
It is to be noted that the notch 23 of one sliding lug 2 must be
provided with a greater width relative to that of a pivoting lug 3
so as to permit the translation of the lug 2 along its axis after
unlocking by pressure on the pushbutton 4.
[0032] The two pushbuttons 4 are disposed vertically in the case 1
in the holes 12a and 12b provided for this purpose, as indicated
above and shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b as well as 2a and 2b. They each
have a radial oblong opening 41 in which the lugs 2 and 3 couple,
as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d. On the unlockable side of a lug 2, the
pusher 4 comprises a throat in the oblong opening 41 forming a
projection 42 occupying a portion of the perimeter of this opening,
for example a quarter section of this perimeter opposite the
bearing surface of the pushbutton 4. The width of this projection
42 corresponds to that of the groove 25 which is formed over almost
the entire periphery of the sliding lug 2 so as not to provide an
obstacle to possible pivoting of the lug. The coaction between the
projection 42 and the groove 25 thus permits providing a
blocking-unblocking mechanism by longitudinal translation, which is
for example also visible in the cross-section of FIG. 2c. Also on
the side of the sliding and unlockable lug 2, the opening 41 in the
pusher 4 has a chamfer 43 which permits, by coaction with a
corresponding chamfer 27 on the axle 22 of the lug 2, the snapping
in of the lug 2 by a simple pressure on the latter during
securement of a new bracelet. Thus, the pusher retracts, against
the action of a spring 7 provided for this purpose, from its
unlocked forward position to a locked position. Finally, the
pushbutton 4 comprises, at its end directed toward the opening of
the hole 12, a portion 44 serving as a bearing surface against the
back 6, this latter being provided with a corresponding opening so
as to have access to the pusher 4, said spring 7 applying as a
result (see FIG. 2c) the pusher with the help of the portion 44
against the back, this rest position of the pushbutton 4 being the
locked position of the corresponding sliding lug 2.
[0033] By these measures, the device permits longitudinal movement
of the lug 2 mounted in a sliding fashion, along the axle of the
bracelet to free this latter and thereby to permit a rapid and easy
change and without a tool, of the bracelet, by the user, by simple
pressure on a pusher 4, without any disassembly of any piece of the
securement device. The securement device also permits a pivoting of
the lugs 2, 3 permitting the ends of the bracelet better to match
the shape of the wrist of the user. The combination of these two
movements of the lugs 2 and 3 is of course possible. This is due to
the fact that the pusher 4 can be actuated in any angular position
of the lugs 2, 3 as well as to the fact that the lugs can pivot in
all longitudinal positions of a sliding lug 2. The present
invention thus permits providing a securement device of a bracelet
which is very modular, particularly sliding, pivoting or,
preferably, both.
[0034] Moreover, the pins 8 of a watch bracelet, passing within
each of the ends of the bracelet, can be constituted by monobloc
axles, with or without bearings at their ends. It is useless to
assemble pins with springs with this securement device, the
longitudinal movement necessary for changing of a bracelet being
provided by the sliding of the lugs.
[0035] The invention described can also enjoy other technical
characteristics such as indexing at two positions of the movable
lugs by the bias of a spring or a system of balls in a throat, this
permitting visualizing the open and blocked position of the
pushbutton 4. In addition to the sensation of "notches" during
manipulation, this possibility offers double security. Along the
same line, the buttons 4 could be replaced by pull buttons to
obtain the same result.
[0036] The lug abutments 5 could also be replaced by four
specialized screws which would play the same role as pins or by any
other device for holding in position.
[0037] Finally, further to simplify the system, it is possible, for
example in the case of lugs that only slide, and as already
mentioned, to provide a housing with a monobloc case 1 comprising
already two fixed lugs, the two sliding and blockable lugs
completing the assembly to permit rapid changing of the
bracelet.
[0038] By analogy, it is possible to omit the arrangements relative
to the pusher 4 or even the system of locking in the case of a
movement that pivots only, of the lugs 2, 3. In this case, it is
also possible to provide only a single fixed axis per lug and
passing through all the transverse bore 10. The second lug is in
this case constituted solely by the arcuate portion which will be
screwed or fixed in any other manner on the free end of this axle.
Moreover, a single lug abutment and a single corresponding notch on
the axle are in this case sufficient to permit holding and pivoting
of the two lugs.
[0039] So as to describe exactly the operation of the device, in
the preferred embodiment, reference is made to FIGS. 7a to 7h.
[0040] FIGS. 7a and 7b show, in partial lateral and transverse
cross-sections, the situation when the pushbutton 4 is pushed in by
the user. The sliding lug 2 is in this case no longer maintained by
the shape of the pusher in its groove 25 and is thus unlockable.
Then, the user can cause the movable lug 2 to slide outwardly, by
holding the pushbutton 4 depressed. The pin 8 of the bracelet will
thus be freed, this situation being shown in FIGS. 7c and 7d. To
insert another bracelet, it suffices again to push the movable lug
2 by being sure to align the pivots of the pin 8 with the smooth
holes 26, 36 of the lugs 2, 3, as is shown in FIGS. 7e and 7f. To
this end, the shape of the movable lug 2 as well as of the
pushbutton 4 is, thanks to the chamfers 27 and 43 mentioned above,
such that the movable lug 2 can overcome the force of the spring 7
exerted on the pushbutton 4. At the end of its travel, the sliding
lug 2 snaps into engagement with the pushbutton 4, this latter
being pressed against the back 6 of the casing by the return spring
7. Thus, the assembly is again locked, as shown in FIGS. 7g and
7h.
[0041] The invention serves particularly to improve the facility
and rapidity of changing a bracelet, this change being adapted to
be carried out without tools thanks to the longitudinal movement of
the securement device and with no piece being removed from the
casing.
[0042] The possible articulation of the lugs improves the comfort
because the bracelet will then better follow the shape of the
wrist.
[0043] At the same time, the simplicity of the system and the ease
of machining contribute to ensure a moderate cost.
[0044] Thus, the mounting of standard bracelets, in leather,
synthetic or comprised by metallic links, becomes easily possible
without at the same time decreasing the aesthetics of the assembly,
the case and its lugs remaining for example settable.
* * * * *