EP1594381B1 - Uhrarmband - Google Patents

Uhrarmband Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1594381B1
EP1594381B1 EP04700640.8A EP04700640A EP1594381B1 EP 1594381 B1 EP1594381 B1 EP 1594381B1 EP 04700640 A EP04700640 A EP 04700640A EP 1594381 B1 EP1594381 B1 EP 1594381B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strap
metal
assembly
shows
figures
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04700640.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1594381A4 (de
EP1594381A2 (de
Inventor
Stephanie Kraus
Chris Heatherly
Randal Ouye
Julie Nishioka
John c/o AlchemyLabs HOLLAND
Jeffrey Sand
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Disney Enterprises Inc
Original Assignee
Disney Enterprises Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Disney Enterprises Inc filed Critical Disney Enterprises Inc
Priority to EP10185960.1A priority Critical patent/EP2319347B1/de
Publication of EP1594381A2 publication Critical patent/EP1594381A2/de
Publication of EP1594381A4 publication Critical patent/EP1594381A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1594381B1 publication Critical patent/EP1594381B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/2071—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like with the two ends of the strap or chain overlapping each other and fastened by an action perpendicularly to the main plane of these two ends
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44D—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES OR SLIDE FASTENERS, AND TO JEWELLERY, BRACELETS OR OTHER PERSONAL ADORNMENTS
    • A44D2203/00—Fastening by use of magnets

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a watch strap (see CH-A-529 529 referring to a bracelet or a necklace).
  • fastening means which are easy and simple to use. This is particularly true when the fastenable articles are clothing items, such as shoes, belts, phone holders and time pieces.
  • watches have been typically provided with various buckle-type fastening means in order to fasten portions of the band together and thus secure the timepiece to a wearer's wrist, for example. While this method is sufficient to secure timepieces to a wrist, the intricacies involved in using a buckle/clasp-type of fastening mechanism may prove to be too difficult/complex to operate without encountering difficulty and frustration, especially for young children or persons with limited manual dexterity.
  • the present disclosure relates to a watch strap according to claim 1.
  • the strap has a snapping mechanism that allows the strap to be secured on a portion of the human body, such as the wrist or the ankle.
  • the snapping mechanism utilizes cooperation of two assemblies on the strap, a magnet assembly and a metal assembly.
  • the magnet assembly is located proximate to or at one end of the strap.
  • the metal assembly is located proximate to or at the other end of the strap.
  • the magnet assembly is secured to the metal assembly.
  • the magnet assembly becomes secured to the metal assembly through a snap action, where contact between the magnet assembly and the metal assembly is achieved at least in part by means of a magnetic engagement between the magnet assembly and the metal assembly.
  • the watch band including the snapping mechanism of the invention, can easily be put on and taken off. This is particularly advantageous when the watch band is used by children and people with limited manual dexterity.
  • a snapping arrangement is initially disclosed.
  • the arrangement comprises a strap and two cooperating assemblies on the strap, a magnet assembly and a metal assembly.
  • the magnet assembly is located proximate to or at one end of the strap.
  • the metal assembly is located proximate to or at the other end of the strap.
  • the magnet assembly is secured to the metal assembly.
  • the magnet assembly becomes secured to the metal assembly through a snap action, where contact between the magnet assembly and the metal assembly is achieved at least in part by means of a magnetic engagement between the magnet assembly and the metal assembly.
  • Figures 1-3 show an embodiment not according to the invention of a magnet assembly (1) on a strap (2), comprising an upper portion (3) and a lower portion (4).
  • the upper portion (3) is usually button-shaped and does not need to be magnetic.
  • the lower portion (4) is magnetic and can be cylindrical in shape.
  • the lower portion (4) can be connected with the upper portion (3) in a variety of ways.
  • the upper portion (3) can have an element protruding from its bottom surface and engaging with a recess in the upper surface of the lower portion (4). To this effect, a hole will be formed in the strap (2), near a tip (5) of the strap. Therefore, the upper portion (3) and the lower magnetic portion (4) pop into place and engage one another, thus forming the magnetic assembly.
  • Figures 4-5 show in more detail an upper surface (6) and a lower surface (7) of the strap.
  • the upper portion (3) of the magnet assembly can be glued together with the upper surface (6) of the strap
  • the lower magnetic portion (4) of the magnet assembly can be glued together with the lower surface (7) of the strap.
  • Figure 5 also shows a rib (8), which could be added to the magnetic assembly to increase stability of the assembly on the strap.
  • a further kind of connection between the upper portion (3) and the lower magnetic portion (4) is a "press fit" connection, where the upper portion (3), the portion of the strap (2) close to the tip (5), and the lower magnetic portion (4) are kept into place by means of pressure forces.
  • Figures 6-7 show a second embodiment of the magnet assembly on the strap (2), comprising a cap (9), enclosing both the upper portion (3) and the lower magnetic portion (4).
  • the cap (9) forms a space (not shown), between the upper portion (3) and the lower magnetic portion (4), for an end portion of the strap (2) to be inserted before the components of the magnet assembly are snapped into place. Also in this case, a hole will be formed in the strap (2).
  • cap (9) under the upper portion (3) and above the strap (2) on the non-magnetic side of the magnet assembly provides a pleasant aesthetic, mushroom-like aspect. Additionally, stability of the end portion of the strap is improved.
  • the cap itself could also provide a tip of the strap, thus not requiring the strap to be placed in the middle of the cap. Connection between the cap/tip and the strap (2) can be achieved by mechanical means, such as screws (10,11) as schematically shown in Figure 7 .
  • the cap (9) can be provided instead of (and not in addition to) the upper portion (3).
  • the aesthetic effect due to the presence of the upper portion can be obtained by suitable reshaping of the cap element (9).
  • Figures 8-12 show an embodiment according to the invention of the magnet assembly on the strap (2), where cap (9) also acts as upper portion.
  • the lower magnetic portion of the magnet assembly is provided by an arc- or bean-shaped element (13).
  • the shape of the element (13) is better shown in perspective in the enlargement of Figure 10.
  • Figures 11 and 12 are partial cross sections better showing some of the details of the third embodiment.
  • the cap (9) comprises a recessed area (14) on its top.
  • a retention pin (15) preferably a metal retention pin, is provided to connect the strap (2) with the cap (9). In this way the whole assembly, including lower magnetic portion (13), is kept in place by means of mechanical forces.
  • an upper portion as shown in the previous Figures 1-4 , can be provided in place of the recessed area (14). It should be noted that the connection between the upper portion and the lower magnetic portion (12) can be obtained in a variety of ways, easily determinable by the person skilled in the art upon reading of the present disclosure.
  • the arcshaped portion could be press-fit into the cap portion, or partially recessed into the cap portion.
  • the metal assembly is located on an end of the strap (2) opposite the end which the magnet assembly is located. In this way, when the strap (2) is closed, in a circular fashion, one assembly will mate with the other.
  • Figures 13-16 show anembodiment not according to the invention of a metal assembly on the strap (2).
  • the metal assembly comprises a plurality of rivets (16), each having a top or mating surface (17) and a bottom or engaging surface (18), as shown in the exploded view of Figure 15 .
  • Each rivet (16) engages into a corresponding metal element (19) by means of its engaging surface (18), as also shown in the exploded view of Figure 15 .
  • the metal elements (19) are located on the lower surface (7) of the strap (2), proximal to the skin of the user.
  • the rivets (16) are located on the upper surface (6) of the strap (2), distal to the skin of the user, during use.
  • the substantially circular shape of the mating surfaces (17) corresponds to the substantially circular shape of the bottom surface of the lower magnetic portion (4) of the magnet assembly, shown in some of the previous Figures.
  • stability of the closure of the strap (2) is maximized when there is geometric correspondence between the bottom surface of the lower magnetic portion (4) of the magnet assembly and the mating surface (17).
  • geometric correspondence between the mating surfaces is just a preferred embodiment, and not a necessary feature of the present disclosure.
  • Pressed rivet technology preferably used to realize the assembly of Figures 13-16 , is known to the person skilled in the art and does not need to be described in detail.
  • an overmolding process could be used, i.e. the strap (2) is first molded and then the rivets (16) and metal elements (19) are molded into the strap (2), on opposite surfaces (6, 7) thereof.
  • Figures 17-20 show different shapes of the rivets and metal elements.
  • the shape of the mating surfaces of Figure 17 is suitable for use with the lower magnetic portion (13) shown in Figure 10 .
  • Spacing between the rivets (16) determines the number of rivets and consequently, the number of different sizes of the strap (2).
  • the shape of the rivets (16) is such that the mating portion (17) is circular, spacing between the rivets (16) cannot be less than the diameter of the rivets (16), thus reducing the available design choices.
  • spacing between the rivets (16) in these embodiments is usually about 10 mm (about .4").
  • an arc- or bean- shape allows a better stability of the metal elements (19) when pressed into the strap.
  • arc/bean-shaped metal elements have less tendency to pivot than circularly-shaped metal elements.
  • the presence of arc/bean shaped metal elements instead of circular elements allows for tighter spacing between the rivets (16), thus permitting a higher number of different sizes to be provided on the strap (2).
  • the metal assembly structure can be reinforced by means of a rib or spine structure (20) placed in the strap (2) and mechanically connecting the various elements of the metal assembly, as shown, for example, in Figure 19 .
  • a reinforcing structure provides for a better stability of the assembly and helps avoid undesired pivoting movement of the rivets and metal elements during use of the strap (2).
  • the rib structure could be additional to, or independent from, the plurality of rivets (16) and metal elements (19), to be placed, for example, between the rivets (16) and the metal elements (19), and comprising a plurality of holes in correspondence with the junction between each metal element and its corresponding rivet.
  • Figures 21-22 show a partial cross sectional view and a partial perspective view, respectively, of a second embodiment (21) of the rib structure, where the rib structure (21) is integral with the plurality of metal elements. Therefore, according to this second embodiment as shown in detail in Figure 22 .
  • the integral rib structure (21) comprises a spine portion (22) comprising a plurality of holes (23) and a plurality of mating metal portions, each having a first side (24A) and a second side (24B), placed in correspondence with a hole (23) and having a shape matingly corresponding to the shape of a lower magnetic portion (4) of the magnet assembly (1).
  • the metal-element/rivet combination is replaced by a plurality of staple elements.
  • Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view and shows one of the staple elements (25) inserted into corresponding openings or slots (26) of the strap (2).
  • the strap (2) is provided with two slots (26) for each of the staple elements (25) to be placed.
  • FIGS 24A-24C show the various shapes of each staple element (25) during a manufacturing process.
  • each staple element initially exhibits a first stamped and tumbled condition (A), Figure 24A , with arcuated, for example substantially semi-circular, shape, having an outer periphery (27), an inner periphery (28), and two lateral ends (29, 30).
  • the staple undergoes a first bending operation, Figure 24B , and is bent along its lateral ends (29, 30) to provide a bent condition (B) comprising an upper, unbent, mating portion (31), a first bent portion (32) and a second bent portion (33).
  • one or more staples are inserted into the strap (2), as shown in Figure 25 .
  • Each staple is placed or loaded into position by inserting its first and second bent portions (32, 33) into slots (26) provided in the strap (2) and shown in Figures 25 and 26 .
  • the mating portions (31) of each loaded staple in its condition (B) have reached their position in the strap (2).
  • the first and second bent portions (32, 33) are bent or folded again, this time around the strap (2), to reach a completely folded condition (C), as shown in Figure 24C , which shows a staple alone for clarity reasons.
  • Figure 26 shows this last step in more detail, showing the bent portions (32, 33) both in their (B) condition (32B, 33B) and their (C) condition (32C, 33C).
  • the preferred embodiment also provides for a particular structure of the area surrounding the slots (26) for each staple (25).
  • the region comprising the two slots (26) is recessed and comprises a step-like structure with two raised or stepped portions (34, 35) and one lower flat portion (36), on which the staple (25) is to be placed.
  • Each slot (26) is placed in correspondence to the region between a stepped portion (34, 35) and the flat portion (36). In this way, a more stable mechanical structure is obtained, and the overall shape also has a more pleasant aesthetic aspect.
  • such strap could be of any material or shape.
  • a preferred embodiment shown in crosssection of the strap is shown in Figure 27 and provides for a smooth convex upper surface (37) of the strap and a smooth concave lower surface (38) of the strap.
  • the strap of the disclosure may include a portion having a shape that matches the shape of the interior surface of a watchcase. Such portion is preferably substantially centrally located in the strap. In particular the portion can have a substantially circular or oval shape and may be used with a hinging assembly later disclosed in the present disclosure.
  • the strap described heretofore is the band of a watch.
  • FIGS 28-32C show various watches embodying exemplary snapping arrangements described according to the present disclosure, and will not be described herein in detail, as theses embodiments are understandable to the person skilled in the art, in light of the present disclosure.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Uhrarmband (2) mit
    einem länglichen Element mit einem ersten Ende und einem zweiten Ende, wobei die ersten und zweiten Enden dazu ausgestaltet sind, um das Handgelenk eines Trägers herum miteinander verbunden zu werden, wobei das erste Ende eine Mehrzahl von Metallelementen (19), die von dem ersten Ende entlang des Armbands (2) angeordnet sind, wobei jedes Metallelement axial auf Abstand zu jedem benachbarten Metallelement (19) liegt, und der zweite Endbereich einen unteren magnetischen Bereich (13) hat, wodurch der untere magnetische Bereich (13) sich magnetisch an die obere Oberfläche eines der Metallelemente (19) koppeln kann, um die ersten und zweiten Enden des Armbands (2) miteinander zu verbinden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der untere Magnetbereich (13) bogenförmig oder bohnenförmig ist und ein dazu passender Bereich jedes Metallelements bogenförmig oder bohnenförmig ist.
  2. Uhrarmband (2) nach Anspruch 1 wobei jedes Metallelement (19) eine Klammer (25) ist.
  3. Uhrarmband (2) nach Anspruch 2, wobei jede Klammer (25) in entsprechende Öffnungen oder Schlitze (26) des Armbands (2) eingesetzt ist.
  4. Uhrarmband (2) nach Anspruch 3, wobei für jede Klammer (25) eine Region vertieft ist, die die zwei Öffnungen oder Schlitze (26) aufweist.
  5. Uhrarmband nach einem der Ansprüche, wobei der untere Magnetbereich (13) von einer unteren Oberfläche des zweiten Endes des Armbandes vorsteht.
EP04700640.8A 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Uhrarmband Expired - Lifetime EP1594381B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10185960.1A EP2319347B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Schnapp- und Gelenkanordnungen für Uhren

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43875503P 2003-01-07 2003-01-07
US438755P 2003-01-07
US51666103P 2003-10-31 2003-10-31
US516661P 2003-10-31
PCT/US2004/000336 WO2004063821A2 (en) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Snapping and hinging arrangements, watches and associated methods

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10185960.1A Division EP2319347B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Schnapp- und Gelenkanordnungen für Uhren
EP10185960.1A Division-Into EP2319347B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Schnapp- und Gelenkanordnungen für Uhren

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1594381A2 EP1594381A2 (de) 2005-11-16
EP1594381A4 EP1594381A4 (de) 2006-05-31
EP1594381B1 true EP1594381B1 (de) 2017-09-27

Family

ID=32718004

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04700640.8A Expired - Lifetime EP1594381B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Uhrarmband
EP10185960.1A Expired - Lifetime EP2319347B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Schnapp- und Gelenkanordnungen für Uhren

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10185960.1A Expired - Lifetime EP2319347B1 (de) 2003-01-07 2004-01-07 Schnapp- und Gelenkanordnungen für Uhren

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1594381B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2006519036A (de)
WO (1) WO2004063821A2 (de)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120314546A1 (en) * 2010-02-17 2012-12-13 Brewer Donald R Timepiece with twist restricted flexible display
CN102841535B (zh) * 2011-06-23 2014-04-30 广州三星通信技术研究有限公司 提供时间信息的电子装置以及时间提供方法
EP2679113B1 (de) * 2012-06-27 2014-12-17 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Magnetverschluss
KR101538773B1 (ko) * 2015-01-21 2015-07-24 백미옥 위치추적과 습도감지가 가능하고 조임수단이 구비된 스마트신발

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH529529A (fr) * 1971-10-21 1972-10-31 Sandoz Charles Fermoir pour bracelet ou collier
EP0958750A1 (de) * 1998-05-22 1999-11-24 SAMA S.p.A. Magnetverschluss für Bekleidungsstücke, Lederwaren o.d.g

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190926723A (en) * 1909-11-17 1910-10-20 Sigmund Pulzer An Improved Watch Holder for use in connection with Bracelets, Wrist Straps or the like.
US2094322A (en) * 1936-03-23 1937-09-28 Illinois Watch Case Co Vanity case
US2512992A (en) * 1947-07-16 1950-06-27 Schlumberger Inc Combined watchcase and band therefor
US2654929A (en) * 1950-05-19 1953-10-13 Hans J Feibelman Separable connector for bracelets and the like
US2637887A (en) * 1950-07-21 1953-05-12 Goodman Magnetic jewelry clasp
GB1020334A (en) * 1963-04-24 1966-02-16 Kangol Helmets Ltd Improvements in or relating to buckles
US3774710A (en) 1970-07-17 1973-11-27 Saab Scania Ab Sound-proofing installation system for vehicle power units
US4458395A (en) * 1981-05-18 1984-07-10 Yoshihiro Aoki Magnet clasp
GB2112549A (en) * 1981-12-24 1983-07-20 Textron Inc Electronic watch assembly
AU551205B2 (en) * 1982-03-29 1986-04-17 Bandai K.K. Toy robot having timepiece in torso
DE3503389A1 (de) * 1985-02-01 1986-10-23 Bruno 7075 Mutlangen Hinderberger Verschluss fuer bekleidung
US4941236A (en) 1989-07-06 1990-07-17 Timex Corporation Magnetic clasp for wristwatch strap
CH687117A5 (de) * 1994-03-07 1996-09-30 Hans Dr H C Locher Vorrichtung fuer einen Bandverschluss fuer Armbaender.
JP3548503B2 (ja) * 1999-09-03 2004-07-28 有限会社ターモ 磁気止め具
JP2002191410A (ja) * 2000-12-26 2002-07-09 Yamato Shoji Nire:Kk 止め具

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH529529A (fr) * 1971-10-21 1972-10-31 Sandoz Charles Fermoir pour bracelet ou collier
EP0958750A1 (de) * 1998-05-22 1999-11-24 SAMA S.p.A. Magnetverschluss für Bekleidungsstücke, Lederwaren o.d.g

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2006519036A (ja) 2006-08-24
EP2319347A2 (de) 2011-05-11
EP2319347A3 (de) 2014-07-09
WO2004063821A3 (en) 2005-01-13
EP2319347B1 (de) 2019-11-27
WO2004063821A2 (en) 2004-07-29
EP1594381A4 (de) 2006-05-31
EP1594381A2 (de) 2005-11-16

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