GB2260093A - Tool for sizing and repairing a band - Google Patents

Abstract

A tool for sizing and repairing a band (133, Fig. 21, not shown) comprising bit means (87a) for inhibiting movement of said band (133) and having a first end and a second end, said first end having a tip portion (95a) for engagement with a said band (133, Fig. 21) and a base (12, Fig. 1, not shown) including receiving means (58, Fig. 1, not shown) for detachably securing said second end of said bit means (87a) to said base (12, Fig. 1, not shown). Also disclosed is a method for repairing and sizing a band (133, Fig. 21, not shown) by acting on screws to insert or remove the screw from the band. <IMAGE>

Description

TOOL FOR SIZING AND REPAIRING A BAND This invention relates to a tool for sizing and repairing a band such as, but not limited to, a watch band.

Watchbands have become increasingly more diversified and complicated in both technology and construction. The technological advancements resulting in smaller parts have made insertion of pins and screwing of screws and removal of same in repairing and sizing of watchbands far more difficult. Retailers frequently refuse to buy products which include bands too awkward and/or complicated to repair and size.

In repairing and sizing a watchband, it is generally necessary to have a second individual present for holding the band in a stationary position when repairing and/or sizing the band (e.g., inserting or removing a pin and/or screwing or unscrewing a screw). Time which can be devoted to other activities such as selling of merchandise must be spent on time consuming repair and sizing of such watchbands. Similar problems are encountered in sizing and repairing chain links, bracelets, necklaces and the like having similar small parts.

Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to quickly and easily facilitate the sizing and repairing of a band with minimal effort and manipulation. What is required is to provide a far simpler method for insertion of pins and screwing of screws and removal of same while maintaining the band in a stationary position.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for sizing and repairing a band, comprising bit means for inhibiting movement of said band and having a first end and a second end, said first end having a tip portion for engagement with a said band and a base including receiving means for detachably securing said second end of said bit means to said base.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of repairing and sizing a band having a first screw and a second screw which couple said band to a case, comprising the steps of inserting a proximal end of a bit into a base for securing said bit within said base, engaging a distal end of said bit with said first screw to inhibit movement of said first screw and rotating said second screw for one of detaching from and attaching to said band.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a multiple band sizing and repairing device; Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along lines 2-2 of figure 1; Figure 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first presser bit; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second presser bit; Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of figure 6; Figure 8A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines 8A-8A of figure 6; Figures 8B and 8C are fragmentary elevational views of threaded bolts to be used with the presser bit of figure 6;; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third presser bit; Figure 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth presser bit; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth presser bit; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth presser bit; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a seventh presser bit; Figure 16 is a perspective view of an eighth presser bit; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a ninth presser bit; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a tenth presser bit; Figure 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a presser mechanism; Figure 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a band holder in operation; Figure 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the presser mechanism in operation;; Figure 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the multiple band sizing and repairing device when removing a screw from a two screw band; Figure 23 is a fragmentary perspective view of the multiple band sizing and repairing device when removing a clip spring from a band; Figure 24 is a fragmentary cross-section view taken along lines 24-24 of figure 23; Figure 25 is a fragmentary cross-section view taken along lines 25-25 of figure 23; Figure 26 is a fragmentary cross-section view taken along lines 26-26 of figure 25; As shown in figures 1-4, a multiple band sizing and repairing device 10, which can be used to repair a variety of different watchbands, chain links, bracelets, necklaces and the like, includes a base 12 and a presser mechanism 24.

Base 12 has a substantially rectangular block shape and includes a top portion 14, a bottom portion 16, a pair of side walls 18 and 20 and a back wall 22. The front wall of base 12 (not shown) is integrally connected to a pair of shoulders 26, 27 of a presser mechanism 24.

Shoulders 26, 27 include a pair of planar tops 28, 29 and gradually sloping inclines 30, 31 rising from top portion 14 of base 12 to planar tops 28, 29 respectively. The front portion of shoulders 26, 27 is defined by a wall 34. A gap 32 between shoulders 26, 27 serves as a work area for presser mechanism 24 and is defined by a gradually declining slanted wall 36 stopping at a vertical wall 38. Vertical wall 38 projects downwardly towards and meets a gradually rising sloped bottom 40. Slanted wall 36 and sloped bottom 40 are angled in opposite directions. Sloped bottom 40 leads to a horizontal bottom 42. Front wall 34, is substantially U-shaped, has a pair of legs 34a and 34b, is separated by gap 32, and rises upwardly to meet shoulders 26 and 27, respectively.

Presser mechanism 24 also includes a pair of pressers 44, 45 which act as a vice for multiple band sizing and repairing device 10. Pressers 44 and 45 include a pair of side sections 46, 47 of shoulders 26, 27, respectively. Side sections 46 and 47 include a pair of threaded presser receiver openings 48, 49 which extend therethrough, respectively. A pair of receiving threaded bolts 51, 52 of pressers 44 and 45 can be screwed through threaded presser receiver openings 48 and 49, respectively. The distal ends of bolts 51 and 52 have a pair of adjustment knobs 54, 55 which can be rotated to control reciprocating lateral movement of threaded bolts 51, 52 within presser receiving openings 48, 49.

Threaded bolts 51, 52 have hollow proximal ends which serve as a pair of bit/pin receptors 57, 58, respectively. Bit/pin receptors 57, 58 are operable for receiving a plurality of different type of presser bits 87 (described in detail below) for sizing and repairing bands and the like.

Protruding from top portion 14 of base 12 are four rectangular blocks 60, 61, 62 and 63 of varying size. Rectangular blocks 60, 61, 62 and 63 are separated by varying distances to form band holders 65, 66 and 67 of varying widths. Each band holder 65, 66 and 67 is operable for receiving and maintaining a band on its side (edge) between a pair of these rectangular blocks for sizing and repairing the band. The rectangular blocks serve as a vice to hold the band in place and inhibit movement in other than the direction of insertion within the band holder during sizing and repairing of the band.

Top portion 14 can include any number of rectangular blocks. The width of each band holder can be varied as desired.

The quantity and size of the rectangular blocks and band holders depend on the size and shape of the bands to be rapaired. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, adjustable rectangular blocks can be provided on top portion 14 to accommodate a wide range of band widths.

Rectangular blocks 62, 63 include a pair of bit receptors 71, 72, respectively, for receiving a bit 69. Bit 69 has a male member at its bottom end and a tip at its top end. As shown in FIG. 4, bit receptors 71 and 72 include a pair of bit receptor locks 73 and 74, respectively. Bit 69 is inserted into either bit receptor 71 or bit receptor 72 depending on the type of band repair or sizing required as explained below. Bit 69 is inserted into bit receptor 71 or 72 until the male member locking engages bit receptor lock 73 or 74 so as to securely hold bit 69 within rectangular block 62 or 63, respectively.

Side portion 18 of base 12 includes a substantially cylindrical opening 83 and serves as a tool holder operable for receiving a tool 75 (e.g. a screwdriver). Tool 75 includes at one end a bit receptor 81, at intermediate portions a gripping portion 76 and a locking ring 77 and at the other end a rotatable top 79.

Tool 75 is provided with a variety of bits, further discussed below, for insertion into bit receptor 81. For storage purposes, tool 75 is inserted into opening 83 when not in use as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Gripping portion 76 is centrally positioned along the major axis of tool 75 for greater control of tool 75 when operating on small items such as screws, pins and the like typically used in bands and other types of jewelry. A ruler 85, normally used for sizing, is provided on top portion 14 of base 12 near the edge bordering side portion 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on bottom portion 16 of base 12, a plurality of holders 89 are provided. Bits 69 and presser bits 87 are inserted into holders 89 when not in use as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Preferably, ten holders 89 are provided on bottom portion 16. It is to be understood, however, that the number of holders 89 is not limited to ten (10) and can be of greater or lesser number as desired.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5-14 which disclose six different embodiments of presser bit 87. Different presser bits 87 are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 and 14. Presser bit 87 is generally formed with a body and a shank. Each shank typically includes a tip portion at the free (distal) end thereof. The bottom portion of the body is inserted into either bit/pin receptor 57 or 58 of threaded bolt 51 or 52, respectively. Operation of presser bit 87 in combination with threaded bolt 51 or 52 will be explained in greater detail below.

In accordance with a first presser bit embodiment, FIG.

5 illustrates a presser bit 87a having a body 91a, a shank .93a and a tip 95a. Tip 95a is a thin cylindrical body used for driving a pin into or out from a band.

In accordance with a second presser bit embodiment, FIG.

6 illustrates a presser bit 87b having a body 91b, a shank 93b and a tip 95b. Tip 95b includes a rounded indented portion 99 as better shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, a locking groove 97b is provided on body 91b for locking engagement with a resilient circular protrusion 57a or a resilient circular protrusion 58a positioned within bit/pin receptor 57 or 58, respectively. More particularly, upon insertion of body 91b into bit/pin receptor 57 or 58, locking groove 97b mates with circular protrusion 57a or 58a whereby presser bit 87b is securely positioned within bit/pin receptor 57 or 58, respectively.

In accordance with a third presser bit embodiment, FIG.

9 illustrates presser bit 87c having a body 91c, a shank 93c and a tip 95c. Tip 95c includes a conical indented portion 101 as better shown in FIG. 10. Body 91c is provided with two locking grooves 97c. Upon insertion of body 91c into bit/pin receptor 57 or 58, the first of locking grooves 97c farthest from shank 93c mates with circular protrusion 57a or 57b to securely position presser bit 87c within bit/pin receptor 57 or 58, respectively.

Presser bit 87c can be further slid into bit/pin receptor 57 or 58 for mating the second of locking grooves 97c closest to shank 93 with circular protrusion 57a or 57b, respectively. Consequently, adjustment can be had in controlling the portion of presser bit 87c extending from and beyond thread bolt 51 or 52 depending on the desired function, respectively. Both presser bit 87b and presser bit 87c serve the same function as presser bit 87a, that is, for driving a pin into a band or the like.

Similarly, in accordance with a fourth presser bit embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates a presser bit 87d having a body 91d, a shank 93d and a tip 95d. A frustrum 103 integrally connects shank 93d to body 91d. The distal end of shank 93d includes a planar top 105d having a tip 95d protruding therefrom. Tip 95d has a thin cylindrical body. Presser bit 87d is used for pressing against and pushing a pin or other like element out from a band.

In accordance with a fifth presser bit embodiment, FIG.

12 illustrates a presser bit 87e having a body 91e and a tip 95e.

Presser bit 87e does not include a shank portion. The distal end of body 91e includes a planar top 105e having a tip 95e protruding therefrom. The cylindrical body of tip 95e is wider (i.e., has a larger diameter) than the cylindrical body of tip 95d. A locking groove 97e, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, similar to locking groove 97b of FIG. 7, for mating with circular protrusion 57a or 58a is provided at the lower portion of body 91e.

In accordance with a sixth presser bit embodiment, FIG.

14 illustrates a presser bit 87f, similar to bit 87e, having a body 91f and a tip portion 95f. At the distal end of body 91f is a planar portion 105f having a tip 95f protruding therefrom. Tip 95f has a cylindrical body which is wider (i.e. a longer diameter) than both tips 95d and 95e. Similar to body 91c of FIG. 9, body 91f is provided with two locking grooves 97f to control the height of presser bit 97f when inserted into either bit/pin receptor 57 or 58.

Any body, shank, tip, locking groove or frustrum shown in figures 5, 6, 9, 11, 12 and 14 can be interchanged with any other similar part in forming a presser bit. As can be readily appreciated, other tips and bodies, shanks and locking mechanisms well known in the art also can be used provided the same can be used in combination with bit/pin receptor 57 or 58 in applying a driving force to push a bit/pin from a band or the like. It is also to be understood that each tool has a variety of functions, but most tools are used for either insertion or removal of a bit/pin from a band.

Four alternative embodiments of bit 69 are shown in FIGS.

15, 16, 17 and 18. Each bit 69 is typically provided with a shank, a tip and a male member and is operable for insertion into bit receptor 71 or 72 of rectangular blocks 62, 63, respectively. Each bit 69 is also operable for insertion into bit receptor 81 of tool 75. Bit 69 is inserted so that the male member thereof lockingly engages bit lock 73 or 74 of bit receptor 71 or 72, respectively.

In tool 75, bit 69 is inserted into bit receptor 81. Locking ring 77 is then rotated to lock bit 69 in a desired position within tool 75.

In accordance with a first embodiment of bit 69, FIG. 15 illustrates a bit 69a having a shank 109a with a male member 113a at one end thereof. At the other end of shank 109a is a frustrum 117a. Frustrum 117a integrally connects and is positioned between a thin shank 115a having a planar top 114 and shank 109a. Shank 115a is used to drive/push a pin out from a band.

In accordance with a second embodiment of bit 69, FIG.

16 shows a bit 69b having a shank 109b, a male member 113b and a tip glib. Tip 111b is constructed as a flat head screwdriver typically used for removing or inserting screws from a band.

In accordance with the third embodiment of bit 69, FIG.

17 illustrates a bit 69c having a shank 109c, a male member 113c and a tip lllc. The top portion of shank 109c has a frustrum 117c with the truncated end coupled to tip llle through a thin shank 115c. Tip lllc is a flat head screwdriver tip which is both thinner and shorter than tip lllb. Bit 69c is typically used for inserting and removing tiny screws from a band.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of bit 69, FIG.

18 illustrates a bit 69d having a shank 109d, a male member 113d and a tip slid. Tip llld, which is exaggerated and extends in a downwardly direction of shank 109d, has a triangular groove 119 cut out from tip slid. Bit 69d is typically used for removing a cog from a bolt or to separate two objects connected to one another as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, tip lild and triangular groove 119 are inserted between a washer 123 which is coupled to a pin 121 and a watch body/case 125. Upon insertion of tip llld, a prying action is used such that triangular groove 119 rests against pin 121 in pushing a washer 123 away from watch body/case 125.

Similar to presser bit 69, bit 87 may be constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the desired function.

Accordingly, bit 87 is not limited to the designs disclosed herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19 which discloses the method in which multiple band sizing and repairing device 10 is used to reinsert a pin 127 into the band. It is extremely difficult to manipulate pin 127, which is relatively small, into a relatively tiny hole on the side of the band using conventional tools. Such manipulations, however, can be easily and simply undertaken in reinserting pin 127 by utilizing presser mechanism 24. A driving element 129 is inserted into bit/pin receptor 58.

Driving element 129 has a relatively circular planar top portion and a thin shank (similar to body 91b of FIG. 6 or body 91c of FIG.

9) to lock into bit/pin receptor 57 or 58.

Pin 127 is then partially inserted into an opening for joining, for example, two links of the band together. The band having pin 127 partially inserted within and partially protruding therefrom is now positioned within gap 32 so that the side of the band from which the pin does not protrude is placed against threaded bolt 51 and the side of the band from which pin 127 partially protrudes is placed against driving element 129.

Adjustment knob 54 is rotated so that driving element 129 moves toward and pushes against pin 127 to drive pin 127 into and completely through the opening joining the links of the band together. Once fully inserted, adjustment knob 54 is rotated in an opposite direction to move driving element 129 away from the band.

The watch band can now be removed from gap 32.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20 which illustrates a method for removing or attaching one of a plurality of links 133a from a band 133 in sizing or repairing the latter. Attaching or removing a link 133a requires insertion or removal of a screw or pin 135 from band 133. Band 133, connected to watch body/case 131, may be inserted into any one of band holders 65, 66 and 67 depending on the size and shape of the band. In this embodiment, band 133 is inserted into band holder 67 positioned between rectangular blocks 62 and 63. Band 133 slidingly fits within band holder 67 so that lateral movement is inhibited when band 133 is repaired or sized. Tool 75 with one of bits 69a, 69b, 69c and 69d inserted into bit receptor 81 is used to either insert or remove a screw 135 or to push down a spring loaded pin to lock the latter or to remove the latter from within link 133a of the band 133.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method for removal of a pin 135 from band 133 (or from watch body/case 131). In order to remove pin 135 from band 133, band 133 is placed within gap 32 so that one end rests against threaded bolt 51, and more particularly against the flat front surface of bit/pin receptor 57. The other side of band 133 is placed against threaded bolt 52, which has any one of presser bits 87a-87f inserted into bit/pin receptor 58. The size and shape of pin 135 determines which bit 87a-87f is inserted.

Regardless of which bit is used, the method of removal is the same.

Once band 133 is placed between and engaged by presser 44 and presser 45, adjustment knob 54 of presser 45 is rotated to drive the tip portion of the selected bit through band 133 to push pin 135 into bit/pin receptor 57. Once pin 135 has been pushed into bit/pin receptor 57, adjustment knob 54 can be rotated in the opposite direction to remove bit 87 from band 135. Band 133 can now be repaired or sized as desired. Pin 135 thereafter can be reinserted by the method disclosed in FIG. 19.

If a pair of screws 136, 137 coupled to each other are used to connect band 133 to watch body 131, the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 22 is utilized. In order to attach or detach a watch band 135 from a band having two screws. A selected one of bits 69a-69b is inserted into bit receptor 72 (71) and detachably locked into bit lock 74 (73). One of tips llla-llld corresponding to the selected one of bits 69a-69d then engages screw 136 to prevent rotation of screw 136 while screw 137 is being rotated by tool 75.

Tool 75 also has one of bits 69a-69d lockingly inserted into bit receptor 81. To remove screw 137 from body 131, tool 75 is rotated in first direction (e.g. counter clockwise). To reattach screw 137 to body 131, tool 75 is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g. clockwise). In removing or attaching screw 137 to body 131, an operator uses his other hand to maintain engagement of the selected one of bits 69a-69d with screw 136. By providing bit receptor 71 or 72 on base 12, a band having two screws coupled to each other can be removed with far greater ease as compared to the conventional two screwdriver approach.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23 and 24 which disclose operation of device 10 in removing a clip spring 141 from a band 137. Band 137 is formed by connecting a plurality of links 139 having a pipe-like shaped configuration. Links 139 are connected by inserting clip springs 141 into the hollow portions of links 139. Band 137 is laid on a flat surface 14a of top portion 14 and generally extends onto and beyond incline 31 and planar top 29.

Band 137 is then pushed flush against rectangular blocks 60, 61, 62 and 63. One of the links 139 is aligned with one of the band holders 65, 66 and 67 so that spring clip 141 may be slid into the designated band holder during removal. A selected one of bits 69a69d is lockingly inserted into tool 75. The selected bit locked into tool 75 is then pushed downwardly into an opening 140 of link 135 and forced towards the band holder which is aligned with link 139. Clip spring 141 is driven into band holder 67 between rectangular blocks 62 and 63. In this manner, spring 141 is removed so that necessary repair or sizing can be accommodated.

To reassemble band 137, link 139 is realigned in front of any one of the band holders and the above procedure is reversed. After clip spring 141 has been reinserted, the selected bit locked within tool 75 must be pushed downwardly to lock clip spring 141 within link 139.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, cross-sectional views of tool 75 are provided. The selected one of male members 113a113d is inserted into bit receptor 81 of tool 75 to lock the selected bit in position. Locking ring 77 is then twisted to secure the selected one of male members 113a-113d within bit receptor 81.

Device 10 is designed for repairing and sizing a large array of different band constructions quickly and easily. As can now be readily appreciated, device 10 avoids awkward manipulation of bands for insertion and removal of tiny pins and screws associated therewith.

Since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the constructions set forth without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Reference is hereby directed to copending application 9126952.2 from which this application has been divided and to copending application number (Agents reference P/2210701) which application has also been divided from the aforesaid application.

Claims (5)

1. A tool for sizing and repairing a band, comprising bit means for inhibiting movement of said band and having a first end and a second end, said first end having a tip portion for engagement with a said band and a base including receiving means for detachably securing said second end of said bit means to said base.

2. A method of repairing and sizing a band having a first screw and a second screw which couple said band to a case, comprising the steps of inserting a proximal end of a bit into a base for securing said bit within said base, engaging a distal end of said bit with said first screw to inhibit movement of said first screw, and rotating said second screw for one of detaching from and attaching to said band.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, further including the step of placing said band between walls rising from said base for holding said band along its edge.

4. A tool as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.