US20070028428A1

US20070028428A1 - Strap attachment device

Info

Publication number: US20070028428A1
Application number: US10/571,788
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis Cretin
Original assignee: Richemont International SA
Current assignee: Richemont International SA
Priority date: 2003-09-22
Filing date: 2004-09-14
Publication date: 2007-02-08
Also published as: EP1664940B1; DE602004007398T2; WO2005029204A1; JP2007506087A; ATE366430T1; DE602004007398D1; EP1664940A1

Abstract

A securement device for a bracelet includes a first attachment (2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a bracelet pin (8). At least one of the attachments (2, 3) includes an axle (22, 32) substantially parallel to the pin (8), this axle (22, 32) being adapted to be disposed slidably in a transverse bore (10) of a body (1) that receives bracelets. Moreover, the device includes a locking element (4) disposed in a hole (12) in the body (1) intersecting the transverse bore (10) so as to coact with at least one axle (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3) in a way to permit the locking and unlocking of at least one of these attachments (2, 3) in their recess.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for securing a bracelet comprising a first attachment and a second attachment adapted to receive a bracelet pin.
The invention relates particularly to mechanisms for attaching a bracelet on a watchcase, but it is general useful for any application requiring the securement of a bracelet, such as for various jewelry.
In this context, it is known that users more and more desire having the possibility of changing the bracelet, for example of a watch, so as to adapt to the outfits or to change its appearance. To this end, it is desirable that the replacement of the bracelet be as easy as possible and require no tools nor specific bracelets uniquely usable with a specific securement device. Moreover, the securement device and the manner in which the bracelet is fixed on the latter must not be uncomfortable to the user when wearing the bracelet or the watch.
There are known at present a number of devices tending to provide a solution for these problems. Despite this, the known devices are not satisfactory in all cases, particularly by requiring either particular tools to remove an interchangeable bracelet and insert another in its place, or specific bracelets being designed for a certain type of unique securement. Moreover, the securement devices are not normally particularly adapted to be worn with optimum comfort. At the same time, a number of the existing devices are complicated, unaesthetic or of a fairly high price.
The object of the present invention is to provide a securement device for a bracelet which overcomes the mentioned drawbacks of the present systems and permits in particular rapid and easy changing of a bracelet and improving at the same time the comfort of the user.
The present invention thus has for its object a securement device comprising the characteristics set forth in claim 1 and claim 8.
The device according to the present invention is particularly distinguished by the fact that at least one of the attachments comprises an axle substantially parallel to the pin and by the fact that this axle is adapted to be disposed slidably in a transverse bore of a body normally constituted by the watchcase. Moreover, the device comprises a locking element for example a pushbutton disposed in a hole in the body intersecting said transverse bore so as to coact with at least one axle of the attachment so as to permit the locking and unlocking of at least one of these attachments in its recess.
In another embodiment, the device also comprises at least one attachment having an axle substantially parallel to the pin, but this axle is adapted to be disposed pivotally in said transverse bore of the body. In this case, the device comprises at least one holding element called a “lug abutment” and constituted for example by a cylindrical pin. Each holding element is disposed in a blind bore in the body intersecting said transverse bore so as to coact with the axle of the corresponding attachment so as to permit the holding axially in service position and at the same time the pivoting, of at least one of these attachments in its recess.
The combination of these two embodiments of the device is possible and this combination constitutes the preferred embodiment.
By these measures, there is obtained the advantage of permitting transverse rectilinear movement of a portion of the securement device, particularly the case lug mounted slidably parallel to the axis of the pin, freeing in this manner the bracelet and thus permitting rapid and easy changing and without a tool, by the user, by simple pressure on the pushbutton and with no other disassembly of a part of the device. Moreover, an articulation of the lugs or attachments on a pivotal axle can be provided, permitting oscillation of the lug about its axis thereby permitting the ends of the bracelets better to match the form of the wrist of the user. It is to be noted that the securement device does not require any measure or specificity on the part of the bracelet with which it coacts, and the latter can be held by a simple conventional pin at each end. The bracelet can be of leather, metal or any other suitable material. In the case of a wristwatch, the latter also remains completely sealed because the mechanism does not take place in the sealing characteristics of the case. The appearance of the assembly is not altered, the case and the lugs remaining for example securable together. The simplicity of the system, the cost and ease of machining are supplemental advantages of the device according to the invention.
Other advantages will become clear from the characteristics set forth in the dependent claims and the following description of the invention in greater detail with reference to the drawings.
The accompanying drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show exploded views of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2 a to 2 d are bottom and side views, partially in cross-section, of the device once mounted.
FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show perspective, top plan, side and cross-sectional views of the first case lug adapted to be slidably mounted.
FIGS. 4 a to 4 d show perspective, top plan, side and cross-sectional views of the second case lug.
FIGS. 5 a to 5 d are perspective, top plan, side and cross-sectional views of the pusher.
FIG. 6 shows schematically a watchcase, the recess for the lugs being machined in this piece, and the back of the case being adapted to hold the abutments of the lugs.
FIGS. 7 a to 7 h show the operation of the securement device according to the present invention, in lateral and transverse cross-sections.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example an embodiment of the invention.
As mentioned above, the present invention relates particularly to mechanisms for attaching a bracelet on a watchcase, but it is in general useful for any application requirement the securement of a bracelet, as for example for various jewelry, which have a body comparable to the watch body, in particular so as to receive precious stones. This application being obvious to those skilled in the art, only the case of a securement device according to the present invention applied to a wristwatch will be described in what follows.
With reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the different portions of the device according to the present invention are clearly identifiable, FIGS. 2 a and 2 b showing these parts once assembled. A watchcase 1, this case 1 being adapted to receive the movement and other portions of the watch which are not important in the scope of the present invention and which accordingly will not be described here, comprises formations or elements serving principally to receive the securement device.
First of all, the case 1 comprises, in the portions of its circumference located diametrically opposed and adapted to receive watchstraps, transverse bores 10 a and 10 b extending substantially parallel to the pins 8 of the bracelets, either to an axis 3 h-9 h of the watch face in a plane parallel to the watch face, or to the back of the watch. These bores 10 preferably traverse said portions of the circumference of the case 1, but there could be a blind bore 10 on each side of the case which therefore has but a single opening, as will be more apparent in the description which follows.
In these portions of the circumference of the case 1 on opposite sides of the movement, the case 1 also comprises blind bores 11 a to 11 d, four in number in the preferred embodiment, and the positions of these bores form substantially a rectangle. These blind bores are perpendicular to the back of the case and in effect the corresponding transverse bores 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 a to 2 d.
Moreover, the case 1 comprises holes 12 a and 12 b also extending orthogonally to the plane of the back of the watch. Preferably, these holes 12 are located substantially in the middle of said portions of the circumference of the case 1 on opposite sides of the movement, as the case may be between the blind bores 11 a and 11 b respectively 11 c and 11 d, and also have their opening on the back side of the case 1. The shape of the cross-section of these holes 12 is, like that of the transverse bores 10 a, 10 b and the blind bores 11 a to 11 d, preferably round or circular, but could for example also be rectangular or have another shape.
In each of the transverse bores 10 a and 10 b will be disposed a first case lug 2 and a second case lug 3, of which at least one is mounted in a manner to be able to undergo longitudinal movement substantially parallel to the axis of the pins 8 of the bracelet, in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings. These lugs 2 and 3 are preferably mounted so as to be, in addition to the longitudinal movement of at least one of them, also angularly movable. The mechanism is identical on the two sides of the case 1 mentioned above, the lug “at 5:00” of the watch being the same as at “11:00”, and the same is true for “1:00” and “7:00”.
So as to be disposed in transverse bores 10 a and 10 b, the first lug 2 and the second lug 3, which are shown schematically in FIGS. 3 a to 3 e and 4 a to 4 d, each comprise a male cylindrical axle 22 and 32 which can be of different lengths. In the preferred case of a single lug movable longitudinally, which is shown in the accompanying drawings, the movable lug 2 is similar to the lug 3 but has a groove 25 in which can engage a pushbutton 4 which will lock the movable lug 2 under the action of a return spring 7. In the case in which the two lugs are slidably mounted, the lug 3 also comprises a groove 35 (not shown in the drawings). The sliding lug 2, which is shown in detail in FIGS. 3 a to 3 e, is thus movable in a direction to be able to undergo a longitudinal movement substantially parallel to the axis of the pins 8 of the bracelet and is lockable and unlockable with the help of the pushbutton 4 which will be described in greater detail hereafter in this description. It is evident that, in the case of longitudinal movement of the first lug 2 alone, the second lug 3 could be made of one piece with the case 1, the transverse bores 10 comprising in this case, as indicated above, only one opening. In the case of longitudinal movement only, the shape of the cross-section of these bores 10 is less important and can for example be rectangular or round, the only condition being to match the shape and dimensions of the axles 22 and, as the case may be, 32, of the lugs 2 and 3. As will become clearer hereafter, a round cross-section of these transverse bores 10 is advantageous if the lugs are mounted so as to be angularly displaceable. In addition to the axles 22 and 32 adapted for the securement of the lugs 2 and 3 to the case 1, the lugs each have an arcuate portion 21, 31 forming, outside the case 1, the lug in its conventional sense. On the internal side, these arcuate portions 21 and 31 comprise a smooth hole 26 and 36 adapted to receive the ends of the pins 8 which pass through each of the lengths of the bracelet.
In the case in which only one of the lugs 2 and 3 on each side of the case 1 is slidable, the arrangement described above is sufficient and permits, with the help of a pushbutton 4, to unlock and lock at least one movable lug on each side of the case so as easily to exchange and 1without recourse to a tool, the watch bracelet.
It is desirable and favorable that the system described above be combined with an angular movement of the lugs 2 and 3. In a modification, it is even envisageable that the lugs of the securement device be only pivotal. The case of a combined movement, sliding and pivoting, nevertheless remains the preferred solution.
So as to provide this angular displacement of the lugs 2 and 3, and this in a manner to permit the combination of this angular movement with the sliding described above, each lug 2 and 3 comprises notch 23 and 33, as is shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 e and 4 a to 4 d. These notches comprise a profile of more than 180, ° for example 200 ° as shown in cross-section in FIG. 3 d or 4 d, the two lines of inclination of the profile of the notch having preferably the same length. Thus, each lug 2, 3 is held in place by the coaction between the notch and a cylindrical pin 5 serving as an abutment, these pins being disposed in the blind bores 11 a-d of the case 1 and held in position by the back 6, as is shown in FIGS. 2 d and 6. Each lug abutment 5 has two functions: located in a notch of the lug, it prevents it from leaving its recess and thus guarantees holding the lug in the transverse bore, particularly in the case of only pivotal movement requiring no pushbutton 4 and corresponding groove 25, 35 to hold it. Nevertheless, the lug abutment 5 permits pivoting of the lug 2, 3 to the maximum angle predetermined by its profile, for example 200°−180°=20° in the case mentioned above or another angle which can be selected as needed. This abutment 5 thus limits the angular movement of the lugs 2, 3. As to the shape of the lug abutments 5, a cylindrical pin, as shown in FIG. 2 d in its recess in the case 1, could be replaced by any other piece suitable to be inserted in the blind bores 11 and disposed in the radial peripheral portion of the transverse bores 10 so as to hold the lugs 2, 3 with the help of the notches 24, 34 provided in the axles 22, 32. These pieces and these blind bores 11 are not necessarily cylindrical. So as to permit pivoting of the lugs, the axles 22, 32 of the lugs 2, 3 and in particular the transverse bores 10 a, 10 b should have a circular section, the external diameter of the axles 22, 32 corresponding substantially to the internal diameter of these bores 10. Another shape for their cross-section, as mentioned above, could be envisaged only in the case of a lug which is solely slidable and hence not pivotal.
The male axles 22, 32 of the lugs 2 and 3 terminate in the case of pivotal lugs preferably in a flap 24/34, which his to say a half round. The flaps 24 and 34 of each lug 2 and 3 face each other such that the two lugs will be aligned on the one hand relative to each other at any time during pivoting of the two axles 22, 32 of the lugs 2, 3, as is shown in the partial cross-section of FIGS. 2 a or 2 b. Thus, the oscillation of the two lugs 2, 3 is synchronized. It is to be noted that the notch 23 of one sliding lug 2 must be provided with a greater width relative to that of a pivoting lug 3 so as to permit the translation of the lug 2 along its axis after unlocking by pressure on the pushbutton 4.
The two pushbuttons 4 are disposed vertically in the case 1 in the holes 12 a and 12 b provided for this purpose, as indicated above and shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b as well as 2 a and 2 b. They each have a radial oblong opening 41 in which the lugs 2 and 3 couple, as shown in FIGS. 5 a to 5 d. On the unlockable side of a lug 2, the pusher 4 comprises a throat in the oblong opening 41 forming a projection 42 occupying a portion of the perimeter of this opening, for example a quarter section of this perimeter opposite the bearing surface of the pushbutton 4. The width of this projection 42 corresponds to that of the groove 25 which is formed over almost the entire periphery of the sliding lug 2 so as not to provide an obstacle to possible pivoting of the lug. The coaction between the projection 42 and the groove 25 thus permits providing a blocking-unblocking mechanism by longitudinal translation, which is for example also visible in the cross-section of FIG. 2 c. Also on the side of the sliding and unlockable lug 2, the opening 41 in the pusher 4 has a chamfer 43 which permits, by coaction with a corresponding chamfer 27 on the axle 22 of the lug 2, the snapping in of the lug 2 by a simple pressure on the latter during securement of a new bracelet. Thus, the pusher retracts, against the action of a spring 7 provided for this purpose, from its unlocked forward position to a locked position. Finally, the pushbutton 4 comprises, at its end directed toward the opening of the hole 12, a portion 44 serving as a bearing surface against the back 6, this latter being provided with a corresponding opening so as to have access to the pusher 4, said spring 7 applying as a result (see FIG. 2 c) the pusher with the help of the portion 44 against the back, this rest position of the pushbutton 4 being the locked position of the corresponding sliding lug 2.
By these measures, the device permits longitudinal movement of the lug 2 mounted in a sliding fashion, along the axle of the bracelet to free this latter and thereby to permit a rapid and easy change and without a tool, of the bracelet, by the user, by simple pressure on a pusher 4, without any disassembly of any piece of the securement device. The securement device also permits a pivoting of the lugs 2, 3 permitting the ends of the bracelet better to match the shape of the wrist of the user. The combination of these two movements of the lugs 2 and 3 is of course possible. This is due to the fact that the pusher 4 can be actuated in any angular position of the lugs 2, 3 as well as to the fact that the lugs can pivot in all longitudinal positions of a sliding lug 2. The present invention thus permits providing a securement device of a bracelet which is very modular, particularly sliding, pivoting or, preferably, both.
Moreover, the pins 8 of a watch bracelet, passing within each of the ends of the bracelet, can be constituted by monobloc axles, with or without bearings at their ends. It is useless to assemble pins with springs with this securement device, the longitudinal movement necessary for changing of a bracelet being provided by the sliding of the lugs.
The invention described can also enjoy other technical characteristics such as indexing at two positions of the movable lugs by the bias of a spring or a system of balls in a throat, this permitting visualizing the open and blocked position of the pushbutton 4. In addition to the sensation of “notches” during manipulation, this possibility offers double security. Along the same line, the buttons 4 could be replaced by pull buttons to obtain the same result.
The lug abutments 5 could also be replaced by four specialized screws which would play the same role as pins or by any other device for holding in position.
Finally, further to simplify the system, it is possible, for example in the case of lugs that only slide, and as already mentioned, to provide a housing with a monobloc case 1 comprising already two fixed lugs, the two sliding and blockable lugs completing the assembly to permit rapid changing of the bracelet.
By analogy, it is possible to omit the arrangements relative to the pusher 4 or even the system of locking in the case of a movement that pivots only, of the lugs 2, 3. In this case, it is also possible to provide only a single fixed axis per lug and passing through all the transverse bore 10. The second lug is in this case constituted solely by the arcuate portion which will be screwed or fixed in any other manner on the free end of this axle. Moreover, a single lug abutment and a single corresponding notch on the axle are in this case sufficient to permit holding and pivoting of the two lugs.
So as to describe exactly the operation of the device, in the preferred embodiment, reference is made to FIGS. 7 a to 7 h.
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show, in partial lateral and transverse cross-sections, the situation when the pushbutton 4 is pushed in by the user. The sliding lug 2 is in this case no longer maintained by the shape of the pusher in its groove 25 and is thus unlockable. Then, the user can cause the movable lug 2 to slide outwardly, by holding the pushbutton 4 depressed. The pin 8 of the bracelet will thus be freed, this situation being shown in FIGS. 7 c and 7 d. To insert another bracelet, it suffices again to push the movable lug 2 by being sure to align the pivots of the pin 8 with the smooth holes 26, 36 of the lugs 2, 3, as is shown in FIGS. 7 e and 7 f. To this end, the shape of the movable lug 2 as well as of the pushbutton 4 is, thanks to the chamfers 27 and 43 mentioned above, such that the movable lug 2 can overcome the force of the spring 7 exerted on the pushbutton 4. At the end of its travel, the sliding lug 2 snaps into engagement with the pushbutton 4, this latter being pressed against the back 6 of the casing by the return spring 7. Thus, the assembly is again locked, as shown in FIGS. 7 g and 7 h.
The invention serves particularly to improve the facility and rapidity of changing a bracelet, this change being adapted to be carried out without tools thanks to the longitudinal movement of the securement device and with no piece being removed from the casing.
The possible articulation of the lugs improves the comfort because the bracelet will then better follow the shape of the wrist.
At the same time, the simplicity of the system and the ease of machining contribute to ensure a moderate cost.
Thus, the mounting of standard bracelets, in leather, synthetic or comprised by metallic links, becomes easily possible without at the same time decreasing the aesthetics of the assembly, the case and its lugs remaining for example settable.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. Device for securing a bracelet comprising a first attachment (2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a pin (8) of a bracelet, characterized by the fact that at least one of the attachments (2, 3) comprises an axle (22, 32) substantially parallel to the pin (8); by the fact that this axle (22, 32) is disposed slidably in a transverse bore (10) of a body (1); and by the fact that the device comprises a locking element (4) disposed in a hole (12) of the body (1) intersecting said transverse bore (10) so as to coact with at least one axle (22, 32) of at least one of the attachments (2, 3) in a manner to permit locking or unlocking of at least one of these attachments (2, 3) in the transverse bores (10).

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the attachments are made in the form of lugs, said attachments comprising a portion (21, 31) provided with a smooth hole (26, 36) so as to receive one end of the pins (8) of a bracelet.

19. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said axle (22) of a sliding attachment (2) comprises a groove (25) whilst said marking element (4) comprises a projection (42), this groove and this projection (25, 42) coacting to lock and unlock axially the attachment (2) in its transverse bore (10).

20. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said locking element (4) comprises an oblong opening (41) into which extend the axes (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3).

21. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said locking element (4) comprises a chamfer (43) adapted to coact with a corresponding chamber (27) on the axle (22) of a sliding attachment (2) so as to permit snapping together the two pieces by pressure on said attachment (2) in the direction of the axis of said transverse bore (10).

22. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said locking element (4) is in the form of a pushbutton, a return spring (7) ensuring the force necessary for holding this pushbutton (4) in its locked position.

23. Device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the body (1) is constituted by the case of a watch housing.

24. Device for securing a bracelet comprising a first attachment (2) and a second attachment (3) adapted to receive a pin (8) of a bracelet, characterized by the fact that at least one of the attachments (2, 3) comprises an axle (22, 32) substantially parallel to the pin (8); by the fact that this axle (22, 32) is disposed pivotally in a transverse bore (10) of a body (1); and by the fact that the device comprises at least one holding element (5) disposed in at least one blind bore (11) of the body (1) intersecting said transverse bore (10) and coacting with at least one axle (22, 32) of the attachments (2, 3) so as to permit the holding and at the same time the pivoting of these attachments (2, 3) in the transverse bores (10).

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that the two attachments (2, 3) of the device each comprise an axle (22, 32) adapted to be disposed pivotably in said transverse bore (10) of the body (1) and each coacting with one of said holding elements (5).

26. Device according to claim 25, characterized by the fact that the axles (22, 32) of the two attachments (2, 3) couple in said transverse bore (10) by terminating in a flap (24, 34) so as to synchronize the pivoting of the two attachments (2, 3).

27. Device according to one claim 24, characterized by the fact said axles (22, 32) each comprise a notch (23, 32) having a profile of more than 180°, this profile determining the maximum angle of pivoting of the attachments (2, 3).

28. Device according to claim 24, characterized by the fact said holding elements (5) are constituted by cylindrical pins held in said blind bores (11) by a back (6) adapted to be fixed to the body (1).

29. Device according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that the notch (23) of a first sliding attachment (2) is wider than that (33) of a second non-sliding attachment (3) so as to permit the longitudinal movement of this first attachment (2).

30. Device according claim 28, characterized by the fact that said blind bores (11) and said hole (12) intersect said transverse bore (10) orthogonally.

31. Wristwatch, characterized by the fact that it comprises a bracelet securement device according to claim 24.