EP0921742A1

EP0921742A1 - Watchband with hinged chain links and watch equipped with same

Info

Publication number: EP0921742A1
Application number: EP96926994A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stéphane LINDER; Silvano Carraro
Original assignee: TAG Heuer SA
Current assignee: TAG Heuer SA
Priority date: 1996-08-29
Filing date: 1996-08-29
Publication date: 1999-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-29
Also published as: TW397672B; US6079196A; EP0921742B1; JP2000516825A; WO1998008408A1; ES2158335T3; CA2264653A1; DK0921742T3; AU6698396A; JP3639311B2; DE69613595D1; DE69613595T2; HK1018188A1

Abstract

The watchband comprises for instance three rows of metal chain links. The chain links of the first central row (1, 1' etc.) are offset with respect to the chain links of the other two rows (2, 2' etc.). Each chain link of the central row (1') can pivot with respect to the preceding chain link (1) and with respect to the following chain link (1'') about pins (3) linked to the chain links of the lateral rows. Stop elements, for instance other pins (4, 4') also linked to the chain links of the lateral rows, restrict the pivoting angle of the central chain links about the first pins (3). The chain links are removable for adjusting the length of the watchband. The advantages are ergonomic and aesthetic. The invention avoids the skin being pinched or hairs being pulled. It also reduces the wear of the chain links and allows good control of the curve of the watchband, and of the interstices between successive chain links.

Description

Bracelet with articulated links and watch fitted with such a bracelet.

The present invention relates to a strap, in particular a watch strap according to the preamble of claim 1 More specifically, the present invention relates to a watch strap with articulated links. The present invention also relates to a watch provided with such a bracelet.

Among the different types of known watch strap, the straps made up of several rows of articulated metal links are particularly solid and their aesthetics are well suited to sports watches for example.

An object of the invention is to improve the ergonomics and the comfort of this type of bracelet

According to one aspect of the invention, this object is achieved thanks to the elements of the characterizing part of claim 1 Preferential embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims

According to another aspect of the invention, the bracelet comprises abutment members limiting the pivoting angle of the links. This prevents any pinching of skin or hair between the links when the angle of curvature of the bracelet becomes very small.

Patent CH-A5-66V184 describes a bracelet comprising stop members to limit the pivoting angle of the links. The solution described is however limited to bracelets provided with a single row of links. In addition, this bracelet is complicated. to manufacture

The bracelet described in patent CH-482421 also has only one row of links. The opening of the bracelet is limited by stops formed by contact lines on the upper face of the bracelet

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the stop members prevent any direct contact between links. This is avoided wear caused by friction on lines or contact surfaces between links. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for bracelets covered with a precious metal plating tending to be damaged if the links come into direct contact.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the successive links of at least one row are separated by interstices. These gaps remain regardless of the curvature given to the bracelet. The width of these interstices can be perfectly controlled thanks to the stop members. This interstice is sufficient to prevent pinching of skin or hair and improves the ventilation of the skin and the evacuation of perspiration between the links of the bracelet. This characteristic also makes it possible to obtain more aesthetic bracelets. In a preferred variant, the successive links inside each row are separated by interstices

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the curvature of the bracelet can be perfectly controlled thanks to the abutment members, it is thus possible to obtain a curvature between successive links, for example regular and therefore a particularly aesthetic bracelet

The abutment members are preferably little or not visible from the outside of the bracelet, and abut against a portion of the links distinct from the main faces, for example against the inside of an opening through the links. In this way, contact and wear between links takes place only in places that are barely visible or invisible

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, at least certain links can be easily removed or added in order to adjust the length of the bracelet according to the wrist of the user. The links can preferably be removed without disassembly of the member. corresponding stop

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the bracelet is of simple and economical construction, has a limited number of separate parts and allows easy assembly. Other advantages and particular features of the invention will be better understood on reading the examples described in more detail below and the corresponding figures which illustrate:

FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first variant of a bracelet comprising stop members in the form of tongues secured to the links of the first row,

FIG. 2, a side view of the bracelet according to the first variant, illustrating in superposition two extreme positions of the links of the first row,

Figure 3, a perspective view of a second variant of bracelet comprising stop members in the form of pins secured to the links of the second row and abutting against the interior of a larger opening formed through the links of the first row,

FIG. 4, a perspective view of a third preferred variant of the bracelet comprising stop members in the form of pins secured to the links of the second row and abutting against the interior of a recess in the front wall of the links from the first row,

Figure 5, a side view of bracelet according to the third variant illustrating in superposition two extreme positions of the links of the first row.

The bracelet segment shown by way of example in FIG. 1 has three rows of metal links. The central row ("first row") is constituted by the successive links 1, l ', etc. Each of the other two lateral rows is formed by symmetrical links 2, 2 ', 2 ", etc. In this example, all the links have substantially the same length and the same thickness. The links of the central row are however offset by about half a link length compared to the links in the other two rows, but the links could have varying lengths and thicknesses, and the offset between rows could be different. In the example shown, the links have a substantially planar or convex upper face. The lower face, close to the skin, is substantially parallel to the upper face. The two side faces are approximately flat and parallel. The front face is only roughly flat and is provided with a recess 16. In the same way, the rear face is provided with a stop member 15. Aesthetic considerations can naturally impose different and extremely varied link shapes. The various faces of the links, particularly the upper face, can be curved rather than flat. The different links could also have a very rounded shape in the shape of a bean grain for example.

Each link in the first row, for example the link l ', can pivot relative to the previous link 1 around a first pin or pivot 3. The pin 3 is adjusted in openings 21 formed in two adjacent links 2 of the second row If the links l 'or 2' must be removable, in order to adjust the length of the bracelet, the opening 21 crosses the links 2 'so that the pin 3 can be removed and the links removed If at on the contrary, the links 1 and 2 'do not need to be removable, preferably openings 21 will be chosen which do not completely pass through the links 2' and thus make it possible to conceal the two ends of the pins 3

In the same way each link l ′ of the central row can pivot relative to the following link 1 "around a second pin 3 ′ fitted into openings 21 formed in two adjacent links 2" of the second row II is not necessary that the second pin 3 'be removable the links can be removed in groups of three by removing only the first pin 3

If no stop member was provided, the pivoting of the link 1 ', 2' around the pin 3 would only be limited by direct contact with another link 1 or 2. In the event of pivoting of the link in the opposite direction of the watch hands (local increase in the radius of curvature of the bracelet), contact would be made near the convex upper face of the l 'or 2' link, which in the long run could damage the surface treatment of the Au link. otherwise, in in the case of pivoting of the link clockwise (local decrease in the radius of curvature of the bracelet), contact would be made near the underside of the link 1 'or 2', which could pinch the skin or user hair

In the first variant of the invention, each link in the first row 1, 1 ', etc. is provided with a stop member in the form of a tongue 15 which is inserted into the corresponding recess 16 of the preceding pivoting link. It is of course also possible to reverse the arrangement of the tongue 15 and of the recess 16. The shape of the tongues 15 is provided so that the links fit together without difficulty. These stop members 15 make it possible to limit the pivot angle of the links 1 'of the first row around the pins 3 and 3'.

FIG. 2 provides a better understanding of the action of the stop members 15. It illustrates in superposition two extreme positions adopted by the links of the first row. It can be seen that, in the upper position shown, when the radius of curvature of the bracelet at this location is maximum, the contact between the link 1 and the next link 1 'is essentially between the lower part of the stop member 15 and the lower part of the corresponding recess 16 Similarly, in the lower position shown, when the radius of curvature of the bracelet at this location is minimal, the contact between the link 1 and the next link 1 'is essentially between the upper part of the stop member 15 and the upper part of the corresponding recess 16. The main faces of two successive links never come into contact, and there is always a gap 17 between the lower faces of the links. The only contact surface between two successive links 1, l is relegated far from the faces, in the recess 16, where the risk of pinching is minimal and where wear is less detrimental to the aesthetics of the bracelet

Those skilled in the art will understand that the stop members 15 also limit the pivot angle of the links of the other lateral rows 2, 2 ′, etc. Various forms of tongues 15 and corresponding recesses 16 can be imagined. The recess 16 could be less closed than in FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to relegate the contact surface even further from the main faces.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second variant bracelet according to the invention. Elements identical or similar to those of the first variant described above bear the same numbering and their description will not be repeated HERE

In this second variant, the abutment members limiting the pivoting angle of the pivoting links 1, 1 ', etc. are constituted by pins 4, 4 ′ secured to the links of the other lateral rows 2, 2 ′, etc. These pins pass through holes 13 through the links 1, 1 ', etc of the first row. The diameter of the holes 13 is greater than the diameter of the active portion of the corresponding pins 4, 4 'The central links 1, 1', etc. can pivot around the pins 3 and 3 ', the pivot angle being however limited by the limited travel of the pins 4 4 'in the openings 13

It is naturally possible to reverse this arrangement and to use stop pins integral with the central links 1, 1 ′ etc. and cooperating with larger holes in the side links 2, 2 ′, etc.

Compared to the first variant of the invention described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, this second variant has the advantage of machining the links clearly facilitates the pivoting angle of the links 1, 1 ′, etc can be easily controlled by adapting the diameter and / or the location of the openings 13 and / or the pins 4, 4 'This solution allows for example to vary the maximum pivot angles along the bracelet, some links can be assembled almost rigidly with openings 13 of small diameter, while other links can be assembled loosely with openings 13 of large diameter, giving greater clearance to the pins 4, 4 'In addition, it is possible to subsequently varying the maximum or minimum radius of curvature of a bracelet by replacing links with others provided with openings 13 of different diameter rent, or by using pins 4, 4 'of different diameter, or by using links provided with openings 20, 13 placed differently. The curvature and shape of the bracelet can therefore be adapted to the user's wrist without changing the number of links

The different links can only be made removable if the hinge pins 3 'as well as the stop pins 4' can be removed. When these two pins are removed, the assembly between the links 2 ', 1' and 2 'and the respective previous links 2, 1, 2 is undone. Pins 3 and 4 should only be removed if it is necessary to dismantle the links 2 ', V, 2' individually, which is generally not necessary It is therefore necessary to provide at least two through holes 20, 21 through the side links 2, 2 ', etc., which is relatively unsightly and complicates the assembly and disassembly of the bracelet

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a third variant of an advantageous bracelet on this point The elements identical or similar to those of the variants described above have the same numbering and their description will not be repeated here

In this third variant, as in the second variant, the abutment members limiting the pivoting angle of the links 1, 1 ′, etc. are constituted by pins 4, 4 ′ secured to the links of the other rows 2, 2 ′, etc. However, these pins here pass through recesses 10 machined in the front wall before the links 1, 1 ', etc. The height of the recesses 10 is greater than the diameter of the active portion of the corresponding pins 4, 4' in the recess. The recesses 10 can for example have a rectangular profile and can be easily obtained for example by milling. The links 1, 1 ′, etc. of the first row can pivot around the pins 3 and 3 ′, the pivot angle being however limited by the limited travel of pins 4, 4 'in the recesses 10

FIG. 5 makes it possible to better understand the action of the stop members 4, 4 ′ in the recesses 10. It illustrates in superposition two extreme positions adopted by the links of the first row It can be seen that, in the upper position shown, when the radius of curvature of the bracelet at this location is maximum, the articulation between the link 1 and the next link 1 'is limited only by the contact between the lower part of the pin 4' and the lower part of the corresponding recess 10. Similarly, in the lower position shown, when the radius of curvature of the bracelet at this location is minimal, the articulation between the link 1 and the next link 1 'is limited only by the contact between the part upper part of the pin 4 'and the upper part of the corresponding recess 10. The different faces of different links never come into contact. The only stop zone limiting the articulation of the links is relegated to the bottom of the recess 10, where the risk of pinching is less and where wear is the least detrimental to the aesthetics of the bracelet.

Compared to the second variant, this solution makes it possible to remove or add links without removing the pins 4, 4 '.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention applies without difficulty to bracelets comprising any number of rows N greater than or equal to two, and that the number of three rows chosen above is only so preferential example. In addition, a person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the invention without difficulty by placing the stop members 4, 4 ′ or 1 5 on a row of links other than the central row, or possibly on several rows of links. For example, in the case of having stops acting on the links 1, 1 ′, etc. of the central row, it is possible to prefer stops acting on the links of another row, for example on the side links 2, 2 ′, etc.

In all of the above examples, the pivoting of the links is limited in both directions, both in the case of an increase and a reduction in the radius of curvature of the bracelet. By slightly adapting the shape or arrangement of the stop members 4, 4 'or 15 or the corresponding openings 10, 13, 16, it is however possible to limit the pivoting of the links only in one direction For example, if the bracelet must being able to be laid flat, we will eventually renounce limiting the increase in the radius of curvature of the bracelet. In the same way, by playing on the arrangement of the organs of bu- tee and corresponding openings, it is possible to forgo limiting the reduction in the radius of curvature of the bracelet

In the variants of FIGS. 3 to 5, two separate abutment members 4 and 4 ′ are provided to limit the pivoting of a link with respect to the previous link and with respect to the next link in the same row Depending on the shape and the spacing of the links, a single stop 4 or 4 ′, limiting only the pivoting relative to the preceding link or relative to the following link, may prove to be sufficient.

In these variants, the stop pins 4, 4 ′ pass completely through the central links. It is however possible to use stops integral with the peripheral links 2, 2 ', etc. which would not completely pass through the holes 13 or the recesses 10 through the central links 1, 1 ", etc. For example, it is possible to replace each pin 4, 4 'with two portions of pins. The first portion of pin is in this case secured to a side link 2, 2 ', etc. and the second pin portion is secured to the corresponding link on the other lateral row The holes or recesses 10, 13, then do not need to be through

It is obvious that the links of the bracelet will not necessarily have the shape illustrated in the figures In particular, the links close to the horns of the watch or of the clasp will be specially adapted In addition, it is possible to provide stop members only on certain links of the bracelet, or even on a single link It will be understood that it is also possible to manufacture bracelets comprising several types of links according to the examples described above

Claims

claims

1. Bracelet, in particular watch strap, comprising: a first row of aligned links (1, l ', ...), at least one other row of aligned links (2, 2', ...), said other row being adjacent to said first row, said first row (1, l ', etc.) comprising articulated links (V), said articulated links being able to pivot relative to the preceding links (1) of this row around first pins (3) linked to links (2 ') of said other row, characterized in that it further comprises stop members

(4; 15) for limiting the pivoting angle of the articulated links (1 ') around the first pins (3).

2. Bracelet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said articulated links (1 ') can also pivot relative to the following links (1 ") of this row around second pins (3') linked to other links ( 2 ") of said other row, stop members (4 ', 15) for limiting the pivot angle of the links (1') articulated around the second pins (3 ')

3. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises three rows of links, the distance between the centers of two consecutive links in the same row being substantially constant, said first row (1, 1 \ etc .) being in the middle, the links of said first row (1, 1 ', etc.) being offset with respect to the links of said other rows (2, 2', etc.).

4. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop members (15) cooperate with links (1) of the first row consecutive to the articulated links (V) whose pivoting must be limited.

5. Bracelet according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stop members (4, 4 ') cooperate with links (2 \ 2 ") of a said other row (2, 2', etc. .)

6. Bracelet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop members are constituted by pins (4; 4 ') secured to links (2', 2 ") of a said other row (2, 2 ', etc. .) and offset from the first and second pins (3, 3 ').

7. Bracelet according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the successive links (1, l '2, 2', ...) inside each row are separated by interstices (17) which remain whatever the curvature given to the bracelet.

8. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated links (1 ') comprise at least some substantially planar or convex external faces, and in that the abutment members (4, 4'; 15) abut against a portion of the links (1 ') distinct from said substantially planar or convex external faces.

9. Bracelet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop members (4, 4 ', 15) abut against the inside of corresponding openings (10, 13; 16) formed through the articulated links (1') , said openings (10; 13; 16) being larger than the active portion of the corresponding stop members (4, 4 ', 15)

10. Bracelet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said openings (13) consist of holes (13) passing through the articulated links (1 ').

1 1. Bracelet according to claim 9, characterized in that said openings (16; 10) through the articulated links (1 ') are constituted by recesses (16; 10) in a front face of the articulated links, making it possible to remove the articulated links without dismantling the corresponding stop members (4, 4 '; 15).

12. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several articulated links (1, the, etc.) and several first corresponding abutment members (4; 15), and in that said members stop (4; 5) define different pivot angles for different articulated links

13. Watch provided with a bracelet according to one of the preceding claims.