JPH05111407A - Bracelet member for wrist watch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a bracelet which has a high flexibility to make flexural deformation in all directions and also a twist deformation about any axis. CONSTITUTION: Mutually coupled rigid blocks are arranged in mosaic in one plane, and a bracelet member is composed of three adjoining blocks 2a, 2b, 2c situated around one triangular block in contacting with its edge members and three sets 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, 3e, 3f and also 3g, 3h, 3i each consisting of three blocks identical to the first block 1 in contacting with the apices. The blocks are coupled together by coupling members 4a, 4b, 4c whereby two adjoining blocks adjacent at one edge member are set together rotatably.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to bracelets, especially for wrist watches. More specifically, the present invention relates to a band that includes rigid blocks that are arranged in the same plane and that are connected to each other.

[0002]

Bands of this kind are well known. In the conventional embodiment, the connection between the blocks is performed by, for example, assembling these blocks in a chain so that they are all connected on the transverse axis, and allowing all of these blocks to rotate relative to each other. It is arranged to ensure that a great flexibility is obtained mainly along the length of the band.
On the contrary, this kind of block arrangement has high rigidity in the transverse direction and torsion, which prevents this band from fitting perfectly in the shape of the wrist, which may cause discomfort to the wearer. Giving it is a major drawback.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a wristwatch bracelet which is excellent in wearing feeling by correcting the drawback that gives the wearer an unpleasant feeling.

[0004]

In order to achieve this object, a wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention comprises rigid blocks arranged mutually in the same plane, and the entire block can be bent. A block including a connecting member arranged for holding, in particular, the blocks are arranged in a mosaic pattern, each block is connected to an adjacent block via the connecting member, and the connecting member is connected to the block. It is characterized in that it includes a mechanism capable of mutually rotating with three degrees of freedom.

[0005]

[Function] 1 of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention
One advantage is that the bracelet exhibits as much flexibility in transverse and torsional deformation as it does in the longitudinal direction.

Another advantage of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the invention is that it allows a very diverse decorative pattern to be created, while the blocks are in a mosaic arrangement giving the bracelet a unique appearance.

[0007]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the invention are given by way of non-limiting illustration and from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of a wristwatch bracelet of this kind. It will be clear. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar blocks.

In the embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a rigid block made of metal, for example. In this embodiment, 1 is a block in the shape of an equilateral triangle, one side of which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. Surrounding this block are three blocks 2a, 2 which are in contact with the sides and are the same as the block 1.
b, 2c are arranged, and three sets of the same three blocks as the previous block are arranged in contact with the vertices thereof, that is, nine blocks 3a to 3i are arranged. Therefore, the block 1 is entirely surrounded by 12 blocks. These blocks eventually contact the block 1 at one side or one vertex, and are called adjacent blocks of the block 1. Of course, there can be arranged 12 other adjacent blocks around one block adjacent to block 1, for example block 2a, among which the blocks 1, 3a and 3i already described can be seen. It is thus possible by step-by-step procedure to form a mosaic over the entire block, completely covering the area of a plane of any size, especially the area required for one bracelet.

In order for the mosaic of discrete blocks described above to be put into practical use as a bracelet, these blocks must be joined together to form a series of items. This is achieved, for example, by connecting each block to an adjacent block adjacent to one side by using a connecting member. Block 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting member 4 shown schematically in this figure
a, 4b and 4c are coupled to adjacent blocks 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively. In this way, all the rigid blocks can be integrated with each other by sequentially performing the procedure.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the connecting member is assembled such that the blocks sandwiching it are free to bend in either direction, that is to say they can rotate in three degrees of freedom. There must be. The permissible range of rotation depends on the direction and can be as much as 20 degrees around a side and even a few degrees in the plane of the bracelet, but to allow this movement, two adjacent two must be unconstrained. There must be play between the opposite sides of the block. Therefore, such a structure exhibits great flexibility in bending deformation in all directions and torsional deformation in any axial direction.

The connecting member may preferably take the form of a rigid shaft or arm, the ends of which serve as tethers connecting the blocks. To ensure the pivoting of the block, the tip of the arm may include an articulation joint that preferably fits within the cavity that is the receiving chamber of the corresponding block, the arm passing through an opening in the side of the block. Two
The pivoting of the arm around an individual block is essential and therefore one of the connections between the arm and one of the blocks can be rigid. Of course, other shapes of the connecting member are possible. For example, by using a thin metal braid or a synthetic material strap for the arm, which has no stretch at all and exhibits excellent flexibility in bending and twisting, the end of the arm is firmly fixed to the block held together by the arm. It can be carried out in this way.

The connecting member is composed of six blocks 2c, 3f, 5
It can also be arranged in another way by combining two a, 5b, 5c and 3g in pairs, these blocks being adjacent at their common point 8 at their vertices. In this variant shown in the same figure in FIG. 1, block 2c is connected to block 5b, block 3f is connected to block 5c, and block 5a is connected to block 3g. All connecting members intersect each other at a common point 8,
They can be integrated with each other in this respect without reducing the flexibility of the bracelet.

Another embodiment of the bracelet according to the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment the blocks are identical squares, with the diagonals of each square oriented parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The blocks are arranged such that all blocks include eight blocks adjacent to each other. For example, the block 10 includes eight blocks 11a to 1a.
It is arranged so as to be surrounded by 1h. In this embodiment, the connecting members are arranged between two opposite sides or two apexes, as shown in FIG.

The above description has been directed to the central portion of the bracelet. At the rim, the bracelet is usually a block, not shown, which is not shown. To keep these partially lacking blocks in place, connect them to the rest of the bracelet with at least one connecting member, and ensure that the play between these blocks and the adjacent blocks is small enough. It is sufficient if the blocks can be held in the bracelet surface, with their side faces facing each other as a support. Of course, it can be seen that the use of two connecting members presents no difficulty in holding the block at the edge of the bracelet.

When viewed from the top of the bracelet, the connecting member is not visible through the gap between adjacent blocks. This gap is so small that the connecting member is virtually invisible. By the way, these connecting members also have a decorative role as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the connecting member 12 is arranged between square blocks 13a, 13b which are separated by a considerable distance. Therefore, the central part of the connecting member can be seen, and the bracelet is aesthetically pleasing.

The triangular or square blocks of the bracelet shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have a regular shape. Therefore, the line defined by the extension of each side of these blocks is between the blocks and draws a linear mesh pattern parallel to the sides of these blocks. Of course, since at least a part of the mesh lines can be formed by slanting lines or the same curved line, it is possible to create a mosaic having a wider variety of appearances by the blocks having irregular shapes.

A preferred embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the bracelet contains two differently shaped blocks, which makes it possible to break the monotony of an overly regular configuration.

The first block 20 of the bracelet of FIG. 4 is a square with a circular cutout 21 at each vertex. They are arranged and oriented in the same way as the blocks of the bracelet shown in FIG. From this arrangement, the four cutouts 21 of the four blocks 20 surrounding the same point will form a circular opening centered at this point in the bracelet. Instead of a square, the first block is diamond-shaped with its vertices hollowed out so that its main diagonal is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, which makes it even more prominent. Since the two types of shapes are completely equal from the viewpoint of the bracelet construction, the following description will be given with respect to the square block example.

A second cylindrical block 22 is arranged inside each circular opening defined by four hollow portions 21 surrounding one point. The axis of symmetry of the cylinder is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the bracelet and there is a play between the first and second blocks. This arrangement of alternating square and cylindrical blocks allows the bracelet to exhibit its unique characteristics.

In the block of the bracelet of FIG. 4, each of the second blocks 22 surrounded by the first block 20 surrounding the first block 20 is connected by a connecting member 23, and the connecting member 23 acts together. Retained. In the present embodiment, the connecting member concentrated around the second block is formed integrally with the second block.

Of course, the bracelet may be arranged between the blocks of the bracelet in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, each first block may be coupled to two adjacent and opposing first blocks, and each second block may be coupled to two adjacent and opposing first blocks as well.

The first block 20 of the bracelet of FIG. 4 consists of two parts, a base 25 and a decorative cover 26 covering the base, these parts being shown in plan view (a) in FIGS. 5 and 6. And a side sectional view (b)
, Respectively.

The base 25 is a plate having a square cross section including a receiving chamber 28 formed by an inner wall 27 on its upper surface, that is, the surface opposite to the surface contacting the wrist. The inner wall 27 is provided with side openings 29 at four apexes of the base. The apex further includes a circular cutout 21a corresponding to the previously described cutout 21 of the block 20. Further, the through hole 30 penetrates the central portion of the base portion in the axial direction. On the other hand, the cover 26 is likewise a plate of square cross-section, the upper surface of which constitutes the part of the block 20 visible from above the bracelet, and the lower surface of which abuts the upper surface of the base 25 and joins these two parts together. When you do, the base is hidden. The lower surface of the cover includes a protrusion 31 having the same height as the inner wall 27. This protrusion 31 is fitted to the inner wall 27 to position the cover 26 on the base 25, and to define four receiving chambers for the connecting members, which will be described later, inside the block 20.
It is adapted to be inserted into the receiving chamber 28. The circular cutouts 21b are provided at the four vertices of the cover so that the cutouts 21a and 21b form the cutouts 21 of the block 20 so as to extend the cutouts of the base. In addition, the cover 26 includes a blind hole 32 in its center that is threaded on the lower surface side.

The second block 22 of the bracelet is shown in FIG.
Shows a plan view in (a) and a side sectional view in (b).
Is shown in. This block has a cylindrical body 35,
It includes a star part 36 having four connecting member arms 37 fitted on the underside of the cylindrical part, the upper surface of which is a second part.
This is the surface seen from above the bracelet of block 22.
Each arm constitutes a connecting member between a block 22 and an adjacent block 20, as indicated at 23 in FIG. 4, so that at its free end a locking member, namely an articulation joint 3
Eight.

A method of combining the first block 20 with the second block 22 in the bracelet of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 8A in a plan view and in FIG. 8B in a side sectional view. At the base portion 25 of the block 20, first, on the upper surface side, the block 22 is arranged so that the joint joint 38 is engaged in the receiving chamber 28, and the corresponding connecting member arm 37 is inserted into the side surface opening 29 of the base portion there. To do. In this state, the cylindrical body portion 35 is located so as to face the hollow portion 21a, and the joint joint 38
Has a larger dimension than the side opening 29 and engages the inner wall 27. Next, the cover 26 is put on the base portion 25, and in order to position the cover on the base portion, the projecting portion 31 is partially brought into contact with the inner wall 27 and is completely pushed into the receiving chamber 28.
1b is arranged to face the cylindrical body portion 35. Furthermore, the projection is provided with a recess which is located opposite the respective side opening 29 and which defines in the block 20 an insertion chamber 39 for receiving the joint joint 38 therein together with the inner wall 27. To provide the bracelet with the required flexibility, a play 40 is provided between the connecting member arm 37 and the inner wall of the opening 29, and between the articulation joint 38 and the inner wall defining the insertion chamber 39. Another clearance 41 is provided, and another clearance 42 is provided between the hollow portion 21 of the block 20 and the cylindrical body 35 of the block 22. These clearances allow the first block 20 and the second block 22, which are always connected to each other, to rotate around each other at a sufficient angle in all directions, so that the connecting member in the first block 20 can be rotated. Guarantee a reliable play. Further, the machine screw 43 is inserted through the through hole 30 and screwed into the screw hole 32, so that the cover 26
Can be securely fixed to the base portion 25.

The parts which make up the blocks 20, 22 are first of all practically metallic, and in some cases in particular precious metals are used for the appearance of the bracelet, but other materials, such as synthetic materials, are also good at these. Whole parts or 1
It can be used for the department.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further modifications, other than those already described, can be made to the bracelet described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028]

As described above, since the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention has the above-mentioned structure, it is large in the transverse direction and the torsional deformation to the same extent as the longitudinal direction. Flexibility can be exhibited, and a very suitable wearing feeling can be obtained. Further, in the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention, since the blocks are in a mosaic arrangement, it is possible to create an extremely diverse decorative pattern while giving the bracelet a unique appearance. Furthermore, as the constituent material, a synthetic material can be used in addition to the metal including the noble metal, and the cost can be flexibly dealt with.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing a possible embodiment of a wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing another possible embodiment of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing still another possible embodiment of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a preferred embodiment showing a bracelet composed of two kinds of blocks having different appearances of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention.

5 shows one of two parts constituting one of the two blocks of the bracelet shown in FIG. 4 of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a plane It is a figure and (b) is sectional drawing.

FIG. 6 is a view showing two kinds of blocks of the bracelet shown in FIG. 4 of the wristwatch bracelet member according to the present invention.
Another part that composes one block with the parts shown in
(A) is a plan view and (b) is a sectional view.

FIG. 7 shows the other block of the two types of blocks of the bracelet shown in FIG. 4 of the bracelet member for a wristwatch according to the present invention, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a plan view.
Is a sectional view.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the bracelet member for a wristwatch according to the present invention, showing a connecting mechanism of bracelets composed of two types of blocks having different appearances shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 block 2 block 3 block 4 connecting member 5 connecting member 21 hollow part 22 second block 25 base 26 cover 27 inner wall 28 receiving chamber 29 side opening 30 through hole 31 protruding part 32 blind hole (screw hole) 35 body part 37 connecting member Arm 38 Joint joint 39 Insertion chamber 40 Play space 41 Play space 42 Play space 43 Fixing member (small screw)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A mosaic comprising rigid blocks arranged in the same plane with each other and a connecting member arranged to hold the entire block in a bendable manner. And each block 20 is connected to an adjacent block 22 via connecting members 23, 37 and 38, and the connecting members allow the blocks connected thereto to rotate with each other in three degrees of freedom. Mechanism 40,
A wristwatch bracelet member comprising 41, 42. 2. The mechanism for allowing the blocks 20, 22 to rotate relative to each other is constituted by a play between the connecting members 23, 37, 38 and the block 20 connected thereto. The wristwatch bracelet member according to claim 1. 3. The mechanism for allowing the blocks 20, 22 to rotate relative to each other is constituted by the flexibility of a connecting member arranged between the blocks. The wristwatch bracelet member described. 4. The bracelet member for a wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the connecting members are linked to each other and intersect at one point. 5. The block includes a base portion 25 and a cover 2.
6 and a member 43 for fixing the cover to the surface of the base portion, each of which communicates to the outside by a side opening 29.
First block 2 containing an individual receiving chamber 39, which is to be seen by removing the cover from the base
0, 1 main body part 35 and 4 side connecting members 37,
38, and the side surface connecting member connected to the main body portion is constituted by a second block 22 composed of four connecting member arms 37 each having a joint joint 38 at a free end, and each of the first block Whether the block is surrounded by four second blocks or each second block is surrounded by four first blocks, the articulation joint 38 of the connecting member is loose inside the receiving chamber 39. 5. The connecting member arm 37 is arranged so as to penetrate through the side surface opening 29.
The bracelet member for a watch according to any one of 1. 6. The first block 20 is a rhombus with arcuate cutouts 21 at each apex, and the diagonal lines of the rhombus are arranged so as to be parallel to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the bracelet. On the other hand, the main body of the second block 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is formed by the arcuate cut-outs 21 of the first block surrounding it, the axis of symmetry being oriented perpendicular to the plane of the bracelet. The wristwatch bracelet member according to claim 5, wherein the body is gripped in a circular opening formed therein.