Watch Mounting Device

Abstract

A watch bracelet construction includes an enlarged watch mounting link adapted to receive a conventional watch casing and completely engulf same, thereby to give the appearance of a watch having the size, shape and styling of the mounting link. The link is formed with a loop member and means for detachably mounting a watch casing within the loop substantially in the same plane therewith. The lower surface of the loop member is curved upwardly to at least partially laterally expose the winding and setting mechanism on the watch at the underside of the mounting link. Means are provided externally of the loop member for securing the watch mounting link to the remaining connecting links of the bracelet. The construction herein described provides a convenient means for substantially restyling and existing watch and coordinating same with the remaining bracelet links and other jewelry.

Description

The present invention relates to watch bracelets and more particularly to an ornamental watch bracelet having an enlarged watch mounting link.

Watch bracelets conventionally are manufactured in a variety of styles and configurations. They range from the relatively inexpensive, primarily functional watch bands to highly stylized and in some cases very expensive ornamental bracelets. Most watch bracelets are manufactured with a standard connecting link size and fitting readily adapted for connection to standard size watch casings. For example, in the past, women's watch casings were relatively small (as compared to men's watches) and were typically provided with very narrow single loop extensions on either side for operative connection to a thin bracelet. Moreover, while various bracelet styles were available in each case the bracelet size, color and styling had to be carefully coordinated with the size, color and styling of the watch casing.

Recently, watch designs, and particularly designs for women's watches, have undergone a styling revolution. Most striking among the various styling changes in women's watch casings is the drastic increase in size and the wide variety of shapes now available. No longer as in the past is there a standard size or shape for women's watches. While in the past ornamentation was primarily limited to the use of gems, the primary emphasis in today's watch styling is on color, size and shape. Consequently, the problem of bracelet coordination both as regards styling and connecting link construction is today considerably greater. Moreover, because of the wide variety of styles now available, coordination with clothing and other jewelry has become a significant problem. This is true not only for the inexpensive "sporty" watch class but also more recently for very expensive, extensively jeweled watches. Even in the face of this styling revolution, however, many women continue to vear (and indeed buy) the conventional small size, relatively conservatively designed watch casing. This must be attributed, at least in part, to the fact that old styled expensive watches are expensive jewelry items which simply cannot be disposed of without a considerable monetary loss. In addition, there persists feeling among many women that the recent "flashy" watch styles are not suitable for certain formal occasions. As a result of all the above, many women today are forced to spend considerable money on a variety of watches of different stylings in order to have a complete watch wardrobe.

Finally, in an effort to keep up with the styling revolution in watch casings, watch bracelet manufacturers have recently concentrated on the design of stylish "wide" bracelets designed for the newer large watch casings while the styling of the "thinner" conventional bracelets has been relatively dormant. As a result, women who desire to modernize their old style watches with new bracelets have very few new styles to choose from.

It is a primary object of the present invention to design a watch bracelet of a type having a large watch mounting link adapted to provide a substantial restyling of an existing watch casing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to design a watch bracelet including means mounJing the watch casing adapted to substantially change its apparent size and/or shape and/or styling in coordination with the bracelet size and/or shape and/or styling.

It is still another object of the present invention to design a watch bracelet of the type described which may conveniently be attached to and detached from an existing watch casing thereby to provide, in effect, one or more selectable styling modifications of a single watch.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a watch mounting link which may be conveniently securtd to a conventional small watch casing and which completely engulfs said casing to provide the appearance of a substantially larger watch face, yet which provides substantially no interference with the winding and setting mechanism.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a highly styled watch bracelet having a large watch mounting link designed to engulf the watch casing and forming the apparent outline of a large watch casing, that watch mounting link having a styling coordinated with the remaining bracelet links, whereby substantially any small watch may be worn with bracelets having a wide variety of styles.

To these ends, we have designed a watch bracelet construction including a self-contained watch mounting link designed to completely engulf a watch casing, thereby to give the appearance of a watch having the size, shape and stylinG of the mounting link. That link comprises a member forming a closed loop and having means internally of said loop for detachably mounting a watch casing within that loop substantially in thP same plane therewith. Consequently, the face of the watch is at substantially the same level as the upper surface of the mounting link whereby t1e mounting link appears as a lateral extension of the watch casing defining an apparent shape and size thereof which is quite different from its actual shape and size. Means are provided externally of the loop member for securing the watch mounting link to the remaining connecting links of the bracelet.

While the basic concept and structural features of the present invention may be advantageously applied to watches of a variety of shapes and sizes, it is here specifically illustrated in connection with a conventional small, relatively thick oval-shaped woman's watch having oppositely extending narrow lugs for connection to a watch bracelet. By contrast to many of today's highly styled, large unusually shaped women's watches, this type of watch while still quite popular is rather conservative and limited in its adaptability for use with bracelets of different styles and shapes.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention here specifically described, the watch mounting link is rather large, the loop member defining an aperture within which the watch casing is received. Extending into that aperture from opposite sides of the loop are a pair of U-shaped mounting brackets adapted to receive the oppositely extending eyelets on the watch casing for mounting same. The enlarged mounting link is somewhat thinner than the watch casing but is convexly curved whereby the face of the watch is substantially level with the adjacent upper surface of the mounting link. As a result, the watch appears much larger and thinner than it actually is. In addition, the curvature of the mounting link provides access at the lower surface of the link to the winding and setting mechanism of the watch, while the link itself defines the apparent outline of the watch face free from unsightly winding and setting mechansims.

It will be appreciated that the styling and ornamentation (if any) of the watch mounting link is preferably carefully coordinated with that of the remainder of the bracelet, whertby the watch may be worn with almost any style bracelet.

To the accomplishment of the above and to such other objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a watch bracelet and watch mounting link therefor, as defined in the appended claims and ae described herewith in connecti4n with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of a watch bracelet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the watch bracelet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the watch bracelet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 isa cross sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the watch mounting link of the bracelet of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a watch bracelet constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. As there illustrated, the bracelet comprises an enlarged watch mounting link generally designated 10 and a plurality of bracelet connecting links generally designated 12 operatively connected together end to end to form a complete bracelet. An important feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the watch mounting link 12 is preferably carefully coordinated with the connecting links 12 as regards style, shape, texture, color and ornamental gems (if any) so as to provide the appearance of an attractive piece of coordinated jewelry. While only one particular configuration of links 10 and 12 are here specifically shown and described, it will be appreciated that this embodiment is merely illustrative of one of the many varieties of link styling which may be utilized.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting links 12 are generally circular in outline and comprise a pair of semi-circular arms 14 and a narrow cross arm 16. Cross arm 16 is gracefully tapered at its center and flares arcuately outwardly in opposite directions at either end in coterminous relationship with the internal arcuate surfaces of arms 14, thereby to define with said arms 14 a pair of gracefully distorted oval apertures 18. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, arcuate arms 14 are flared or beveled inwardly at their central portions 17 (toward cross arm 16) from top to bottom to provide an appearance of depth. As best shown in FIG. 4, arms 14 are formed at their outer bottom surfaces with a recess or slot 20 having a pair of spaced side walls 22, those side walls having registering bores 24 for receiving a conventional detachable connecting pin 26. The connecing pin 26 on the abutting arms 14 of adjacent links are operatively connected by connecting plates 28 extending therebetween and formed at either end with upturned loops 30 defining sleeves receiving pins 26 between side walls 22.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the watch mounting link 10 is larger than the bracelet connecting links 12 but is fashioned with similar styling. More particularly, that link comprises an oval shaped member 32 having an enlarged generally oval shaped aperture 34. As best shown in FIG. 6, the upper surfaces of opposite sides of member 32 are gently beveled or flared inwardly and downwardly at 36, those bevels 36 tapering at either end of the link in the direction of its long dimension, thereby to provide an appearance of depth similar to the bevels 17 on bracelet links 12. In addition, member 32 is slightly beveled outwardly at 38, a rounded ridge 40 being defined at the intersection of the inner and outer beveled ourfaces 36 and 38. Those surfaces may be formed with any desired surface texture of color, preferably carefully coordinated with the texture and color of the remaining bmatelet links 12.

As best shown in FIG. 2, aperture 34 is of a size and shape suitable to accommodate a conventional small woman's oval watch generally designated 42. Watch 42 typically comprises a watch crystal 44 and a winding and setting knob 46 and is typically provided with a pair of oppositely extending narrow lugs 48 having apetures 49 adapted to receive a connecting pin 50 for operative connection to a watch bracelet. Watch 42 is mounted within aperture 34 on a pair of U-shaped brackets 52 formed integral on member 32 and extending inwardly from opposite sides of bevel 36.

As best shown n FIG. 8, the opposing arms 54 of each bracket 52 are provided with a plurality of small circular aligned mounting recesses 56 adapted to detachably mount connecting pins 50. In the specifically illustrated, three such recesses are provided on each arm, spaced lengthwise therealong to provide for the mounting of watches having lugs 48 of various sizes. Pins 50 are of a well known compressible type and are received through the apertures 49 in lugs 48, those lugs being received within U-shaped mounting brackets 52. Accordingly, the watch 42 may be conveniently detachably mounted on mounting link 10 by inserting pins 50 through apertures 42 in lugs 48, positioning those lugs between arms 54, inserting one end of pins 50 within the appropriate recess 56 on one arm 54 and with a suitable tool compressing the pin 50 for insertion of the other end thereof into the aligned recess 56 on the opposite arm 54, all in well known manner.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, when so mounted within member 32, watch 42 is centered within aperture 34 with its face 44 substantially oplanar with the upper ridge 40 of the mounting link 10, thereby to provide the appearance of a unitary enlarged oval watch casing. The undersurface of member 32 is substantially bowed upwardly at 58 so that in the mounted position the watch casing 42 and winding and setting knob 46 project dow2wardly beyond that lower surface thereby to provide convenient access to the knob 46 for setting and winding the watch without removing it from its mounted position. In addition, the concave curvature of the mounting link 10 provides a "thin" look, the original thickness of the watch casing being surprisingly concealed when disposed on the wearer's wrist in the mounted position. As a result the appearance, styling, size and contour is quite radically altered and the watch takes on the appearance of the link 10 to a surprising extent. Moreover, since the link 10 engulfs the entire watch, the winding knob is substantially concealed from obvious view within the link aperture 34, thereby enhancing the pure jewelry look of the bracelet.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the mounting link 10 is provided at its underside at either end with recesses 60 including aligned bores 24 identical to the bores 24 in links 12 for connecting the link 10 to links 12 in a manner identical to that described above.

In the embodiment here specifically illustrated, the mounted watch casing 42 is substantially spaced from the internal walls 36 of the mounting link, the particular link here illustrated being designed to accommodate watch casings of various sizes and shapes. It will be appreciated, however, that the aperture 34 of link 10 may be designed with dimensions closely approximating those of the casing to be mounted therein so as to provide a snug fit with little or no clearance between the casing and the link. Additionally, it will be apparent that the outer perimeter of the mounting link 10 may be designed with various sizes and contours quite independently of the shape and size of the mounJing aperture 32, thereby contributing to the great vPrsatility of this mounting structure.

It will be appreciated from all of the foregoing that the present invention represents a major advance in the construction and styling of watch bracelets and mounting structures. The watch mounting link described herein povides a convenient and inexpensive means of restyling an existing watch casing and/or coordinating that watch casing with a plurality of different watch bracelets having a substantially limitless variety of shapes, contours, colors and ornamentation.

The unique construction concept herein described is particularly effective for converting a relatively small, thick, plain watch into a watch having the large face, "thin," stylish look which is today so popular. The invention, however, is not so limited and a variety of other styling possibilities will be apparent.

In addition to the change in apparent shape, styling, and thickness as described above, the present construction is effective to enclose the winding and setting mechanism of the typical watch casing to provide a substantially streamlined graceful outer contour yet also provide access to that mechanism at the underside of the mounting link.

Finally, the mounting mechanism is sufficiently simple to allow rapid attachment and detachment of the watch casing by unskilled personnel. As a result, merely for the cost of the bracelet, the wearer is provided, in effect, with a completely new watch. Consequently, for women particularly, an extensive wardrobe of coordinated watch jewelry of various sizes, shapes, colors, and degrees of ornamentation is provided at an extraordinary low cost.

While only a single embodiment of the present invention has herein been specifically described, it will be appreciated that many variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A watch mounting link for a watch bracelet comprising a body having an upper and a lower surface, said body comprising a member in the form of a loop and having an outer periphery of a given size and shape, means on said body for detachably mounting a watch casing within said loop with a major portion of said watch casing below the upper surface of said body, thereby to provide the appearance of a unified watch structure having an outer periphery of said given size and shape, and means on said body for linkingly connecting it to a watch bracelet, whereby, when mounted in said watch mounting link, said watch casing takes on substantially the appearance of said mounting link, and in combination therewith, a watch casing, said aperture being substantially larger than said watch casing, said watch casing being mounted within said loop substantially spaced from said loop member along a substantial portion of its periphery.

2. A watch mounting link for a watch bracelet adapted to receive a watch casing having conventional bracelet-attaching mounting lugs at opposite ends thereof, said mounting link comprising a body having an upper and a lower surface, said body comprising a member in the form of a substantially closed loop and having an outer periphery of a given size and shape, means on said body for detachably receiving said watch mounting lugs and thereby mounting a watch casing within said loop with a major portion of said watch casing below the upper surface of said body, thereby to provide the appearance of a unified watch structure having an outer periphery of said given size and shape, and means on opposite ends of said body for linkingly connecting it at said opposite ends to a watch bracelet, whereby, when mounted in said watch mounting link, said watch casing takes on substantially the appearance of said mounting link.

3. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 2, a watch casing having a winding and/or setting mechanism extending laterally from said watch casing, said lower surface of said body being contoured to provide access to said winding and/or setting mechanism.

4. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 2, a watch casing having a winding and/or setting mechanism and wherein said watch casing is mounted within said loop member with its winding and/or setting mechanism extending at least in part below said lower surface of said body.

5. A watch mounting link for a watch bracelet comprising a body having an upper and a lower surface, said body comprising a member in the form of a loop and having an outer periphery of a given size and shape, means on said body for detachably mounting a watch casing within said loop with a major portion of said watch casing below the upper surface of said body, thereby to provide the appearance of a unified watch structure having an outer periphery of said given size and shape, and means on said body for linkingly connecting it to a watch bracelet, whereby, when mounted in said watch mounting link, said watch casing takes on substantially the appearance of said mounting link, a watch casing having a winding and/or setting mechanism extending laterally from said watch casing, said lower surface of said body being contoured to provide access to said winding and/or setting mechanism, wherein said lower surface of said body is curved upwardly to laterally expose at least part of said winding and/or setting mechanism at the underside of said body.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said aperture is substantially larger than said watch casing said watch casing being substantially spaced from said loop member along a substantial portion of its periphery.

7. The combination of claim 5, wherein said loop member defines an aperture, said detachable mounting means comprises a pair of mounting brackets formed integral on said body and extending into said aperture from opposite sides of said loop member, and effective to mount said watch casing substantially centrally in said aperture.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said aperture is substantially larger than said watch casing, said watch casing being substantially spaced from said loop member alonG a substantial portion of its periphery.

9. A watch mounting link for a watch bracelet comprising a body having an upper and a lower surface, said body comprising a member in the form of a loop and having an outer periphery of a given size and shape, means on said body for detachably mounting a watch casing within said loop with a major portion of said watch casing below the upper surface of said body, thereby to provide the appearance of a unified watch structure having an outer periphery of said given size and shape, and means on said body for linkingly connecting it to a watch bracelet, whereby, when mounted in said watch mounting link, said watch casing takes on substantially the appearance of said mounting link, wherein said loop member defines an aperture, and said detachable mounting means comprises a pair of mounting brackets formed integral with said body and extending into said aperture from opposite sides of said loop member, and effective to mount said watch casing substantially centrally in said aperture.

10. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 9, a watch casing, said aperture being substantially larger than said watch casing, said watch casing being mounted within said loop substantially spaced from said loop member along a substantial portion of its periphery.

11. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 9, a watch casing having a winding and/or setting mechanism extending laterally from said watch casing, said lower surface of said body being contoured to provide access to said winding and/or setting mechanism.

12. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 9, a watch casing having a winding and/or setting mechanism and wherein said watch casing is mounted within said loop member with its winding and/or setting mechanism extending at least in part below said lower surface of said body.

13. The watch mounting link of claim 9, wherein said mounting brackets each comprise a substantially U-shaped member having two spaced arms extending into said aperture and at least one pair of aligned recesses in said spaced arms respectively for receiving a connecting pin therebetween.

14. The watch mounting link of claim 13, wherein each mounting bracket is provided with a plurality of aligned recesses, thereby to accommodate watch casings with mounting structures of different dimensions.

15. In combination with the watch mounting link of claim 14, a watch casing, said aperture being substantially larger than said watch casing, said watch casing being mounted within said loop substantially spaced from said loop member along a substantial portion of its periphery.