US3160938A - Clasp for articles of jewelry and the like - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 15, 1964 A. L. MlNUTOLl v CLASP FOR ARTICLES OF JEWELRY AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 12, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR;

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Dec. 15, 1964 A. MINUTOLI 3,160,933

CLAS; FOR ARTICLES OF JEWELRY AND THE LIKE Filed ept- 2, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Anthony L.

'between the lugs on different watchcases.

, and bracelets of vary n W United States Patent CLASP FOR ARTICLES (9F JEWELRY AND THE LIKE Minutoli, Pawtucket, R.I., assignor to Kestenman Bros; Mfg. (10-, Providence, KL, a corporation ef Rh d is and Filed Sept. 12 19.65, Ser, No. 308,458

The pr s n inven on r a to qve mean for attaching straps, bands or bracelets to the spaced lugs on Wristwatches, and more particularlyto means for adjusting a pair of extension elements on each end-member of the bracelet to accurately proportion them to .conform to varying spacing between the lugs on ditierent watchcases. i

Wristwatches are conventionally provided with lugs projecting from the opposite sides of the watchcase and adapted to attach a spring-pin, socalled, to connect the band or bracelet thereto. Wristwatches vary in size and shape and in accordance with the ornamentation applied thereto so that this results in variation in the distance I Wristwatch bracelets are made in several difterent widths, particularly for mens watches: they may be relatively narrow or greater in width; for example 4 or /4 across their width. Their width may even vary by lesser units so that some means must be provided for adjusting the find-members of the bracelet to conform to the distance between the lugs on different watches selected by individual purchasers. Otherwise, the jeweler or retailer would be obliged to carry a large stock of watch bands in order to render their end-members adaptable for connection to the variously spaced lugs on different watches. To obviate this situation, in recent years many different types of extension means have been providedfor adjusting the end-members of the bracelet to conform to the distance between the lugs on a particular wristwatch. Most of these devices embody slidable extension elements telescopically enclosed in the ends o f theend-member of the bracelet and operated by a spring for sliding them outwardly from the lateral terminals of the end-members. When a spring is used for slidably extending the extension elements an accurate fit usually may be secured, but unless the spring is extremely strong it is possible to move the end-member itself laterally one way or the other relative to the Watch when the bracelet is subjected to a lateral force as by being struck against another object or from other causes.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide an end attachment for watch bands and bracelets adapted to make use of the conventional spring-pin furnished by manufacturers of Wristwatches of difierent types and dimensions.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved construction of the end-members of a bracelet with extension elements adjustable independently of the spring-pin attaching means .so that the latter may be operated by its own spring at maximum strength to avoid the chance of accidental disconnection of the bracelet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an end-member construction having means for positively locking the pair of extension elements in adjusted relationship so that the bracelet will remain securely fastened to the watchcase without chance .of its sliding laterally one way or the other to cause its release.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved attaching means for wristwatch bands and bracelets readily adjustable for closely fitting it to the space between the lugs on watchcases of different type and size, and convenient means for locking the extension elements in exr" ice Another" object of the invention is to provide a device of the type indicated of simple construction and ornamental appearance without revealing the mechanical elem it o h ad s ng d lp kinsm an Another object of the invention is to provide a device of th on pe fie des ned o ble into h o namentation of the bracelet without unsightly projections, while capable of being manufactured from sheet-metal stock of precious mater-ids and without undue bulkiness or weight. I: I i i I Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction of the present adjustable attaching means as illustrated by the accompanying drawings wherein the device is shown in; greatly enlarged scale. In the drawings:

for adjusting the end-members of the bracelet in accordance with the prevailing distance between the spaced lugs on a wristwatch and also including a perspective view of one type of spring-pin commonly used as an attaching element; i i

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of theattaching means including a portion of the flexible bracelet and illustrating the adjustable extension elements in their extreme outwardly extended relationship;

FIG. 3 is a View si 'lar to l- 1G. 2, part-sectional on lme 3-3 of FIG. 5, with the adjustable extension elements slightly withdrawn into intermediate relationship;

HG. 4 'is a part-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing the extension elements in extreme retracted position,

as compared to the relationship illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, to adapt the attaching means for use with Wristwatches having'a shorter distance between the lugs on the watchcase;

HG. 5 is a rearward side elevation of the improved adjustable attaching meansj 7 FIG. 6 is a similar view, part-sectional on line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, part-sectional on line7'7 ofFiGZ;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional View through the tubular extension elements on line '$8 of FIG. 2, looking in the direction indicated bythe arrow; v i

FIG. 9 is an end view of the complete attaching means showing a portion of the bracelet and also illustrating the spring-pin enclosed in the tubular part of the endmember; a

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view of the end-memher on line iii-16 of FIG; 5,. showing the detent or I locking means as released to permit adjustment of the extension elements of the device;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, showing the detent-rneans in looking engagement for positively holding the extension elements in adjusted relationship;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the adjustable extension elements, showing its laterally projecting arm formed with detent-notches for locking the extension ing means on the lugs.

.so-called (FIG. '1),

minals of the end-member ontthe bracelet and the lugsv on the watchcase, while some are constructed with means on the extension elements for engagement with cooperat- This latter form of construction is not entirely satisfactory, however, since a 'single spring functions to adjust the twoextension elementsand-also serves to hold the attaching means in engagement with the lugs. Consequently, such a form of construction is not reliable for securely fastening the bracelet to the lugs on a Watchcase because any lateral movement of the bracelet itself is liable to release one of the attaching means from engagementwith the lug and cause the bracelet to become disconnected. In otherinstances, wherein use is made of the conventional spring-pin forattaching the end-members of the bracelet to the lugson the watchcase, and a separate spring is'employed for projecting the extension elements beyond the ends of the end-member there is still the danger that the end-members will become disconnected from the watchcase by lateral movement of the bracelet should'it be struck or otherwise forced out r furnished by the watch manufacturer,

slidable members'may be formed with depressions or of mid-position between the lugs. Attempts have-heretofore been made to lock the extension-elements in their extended relationship so as to prevent lateral movement at the end of the band or bracelet, but in such case a rela tively complicated structure is necessary and the locking means is not adapted for easy and convenient manipula tion. On the contrary, in one prior form of construction two detents or locking elements are required comprising extremely small finger-operated pawlsrockable into different position to engage spaced slots in; the main part of I the end-member for holding the extension elements extended. These small pawls have a tiny pointed end engaging in a depression in thetubular part of the endmember for pivotally mounting them to rock for engaging an opposite notch in the flat plate-like portion of the endmember. The prong or tooth on each rockable pawl projects downwardly through the notch in the bottom of the end-member and some distance thereb'eyond in order to render it accessible for engagement by the operators fingernail. This form of construction is not only unsightly but the projecting prong or tooth is liable to scratch or I:

Moreover,

injure the wrist of the wearer of the bracelet; the whole construction is unreliable because very little pressure is required to free the pawl from engagement with the adjusting notch. Such a form of construction is not only unsightly, but unreliable for providing a secure connection between the ends of a bracelet and the lugs on a watchcase.

The present improved end-member may be constructed in various designs and of ditferent dimensions to correspond to the bracelet to which it is connected. As shown in FIG. 1, the bracelet B is'ofsimple structure comprising a series of relatively flat links b slidably connected by inner telescopic links (not shown) and having springs cooperating therewithffor contractingit longitudinally while adapting it to be extended in length to slide overthe hand. The end-member 2 may be constructed with a rearward extension 3 corresponding in shape and dimension to the links I) to which it is connected. Projecting forwardly from the extension 3 in a tubular portion 5, shown herein as of substantially square cross-section, FIGS. l0,1l. In other cases the tubular portion 5 of the end-member 2 may be of cylindrical or different shape to conform to the shape of the bracelet links b when they are crowned on the top or of otherdesign. The end-member 2 is herein shown with its tubular portion 5 terminating in beveled ends having slightly arcuate edges at top and bottom.

end-member 2 are extension elements 6,. 6 of slightly smaller rectangular-cross section to adapt them to slide watchcase W, indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2.

Watch manufacturers usually furnish a spring-pin S, with each watch for use in attaching Mounted within the-ends of thetubular portion 5 of the I 'of the tubular portion 5 of 7 smaller dimension to adapt them to closely fit there-.

the ends of a strap, band'or bracelet tothe watchcase One conventional type of spring-pin is constructed with z tubular shell or barrel s of slightly less length than the width ofthe space between thelugs L on the watchcase and having telescopically slidable members at its end: formed with pintles p for engaging in the aperturesin the lugs L on the watchcase. A spring (not shown) 'contained within the barrel s of the spring-pin S acts to project the pintle members outwardly and hold the pintles p engaged in the apertures in the lugs L as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2. The spring-pin S is dimensioned to adapt it to slide freely through the hollow extension elements 6, 6 and be held by the end-member 2 to serve as the conjnecting means for attaching each end of the bracelet to the watchcase in the manner as usually provided. As an alternativeconstruction of the spring-pin S, sometimes its telescopically apertures for receiving pintles projecting inwardly from the lugs on the watchcase; In either case the cylindrical barrel of the spring-pin is contained within the tubular portion 5 of the end-member 2 with the slidable attaching members adapted to project through the extension elements 6, 6. r

The present invention is more particularly concerned with the adjustable extension elements 6, 6 which are employed for filling any gap existing between the lateral ends of the end-member 2 and the opposed inner faces of the lugs L on the watchcase. For example, the bracelet B 'shownin FIG. 2 is of considerably less width than the still closer spaced.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the extension elements 7 6, 6' may be constructed of sheet-metal folded into tubularshape of rectangular cross-section similar to the shape the end-member 2, but of within. At the joint where the folded portions of the metal abut, astrip of lesser, width is bent outwardly to form an arm 7 for cooperation with the detent-means which locks the extension element in extended relationship beyond the ends of the tubular portion 5 of the end-member 2. For this purpose the arm 7 projecting perpendicularly from the side. of each extension element 6 is curved upwardly and around in a semicircular portion '10 which is slotted to provide notches 26, 27 for engagement by the .detent-means to lock the elements 6, 6 in adjusted position. 7 1

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11, it is to be observed that the rearward side of the tubular portion 5 of the end-member Zhas a longitudinally extending slot 12 through which the stem of the arm 7 projects to adapt the element to slide back and forth in the tube 5. It will further be seen that beyond the slot 12 the metal of the tubular portion 5 is extended rearwardly in a fiat plate 17 against which each arm 7 bears to adapt it to slide therealong. This plate-portion 17 of the endmember 2 constitutes the means for connecting it to the end-link b of. the bracelet B in the same manner as the several links are connected together (FIG. 2); For this purpose the individual links and the plate 17 are provided with pairs of slots lsfor'receiving prongs on adjacent link elements for hingedly connecting all of the: links. In other instances the bracelet linkage may be of a different form of construction such, for example as the well-knownlazy-to'ngs typewherein the link-units are pivoted together at their centers to allow them to swing open or to be closed by use of suitable springs.

As shown in FIG. 13, one end of the semicircular portion of each arm 7 is closed at 11 (FIGS. 3, 4) to provide a seat for engagement with the end of a helical spring 15. When the extension elements 6, 6 are assembled in reverse relationship within the tubular portion 5 of the end-member 2 with the spring 15 extending into their interiors it acts to slide the elements 6, 6 for projecting them outwardly beyond the ends of the tubular portion 5 to an extent sufficient to accurately fill any gaps existing between the ends of the tubular portion 5 and the opposed innner faces of the lugs L, L (FIG. 2). For locking the extension elements 6, 6 in their ex-. tended relationship, manually operable detent-means are provided as next described. A so-called cover-member 20, shown in perspective view in FIG. 14, is constructed from sheet-metal with a substantially flat plate portion curled over along one edge to provide a hinge-loop 21 for receiving a hinge-pin 22 (FIGS. 9,10 and .11) extending across substantially the full width of the endmember 2 with its ends held in the side walls 23 of its depending portion. As shown most'clearly in FIG. 10, the cover-member is provided with two lugs or teeth 25, 25 each adapted to engage in one or the other of the pair of slots or notches 26, 27 in the upper convex surface 10 of the arm 7 on each extension element 6. That is to say, one tooth 25 will engage in one or the other of the notches 26, 27 in the arm 7 onone extension element 6, while the other tooth 25 engages the corresponding notch in the arm 7 of the other extension element. While as herein shown, the pair of notches 26, 27 provide for only two different adjustments of the extension elements 6, 6, it is to be understood that each tooth 25 may engage the endof the arm 7 for a third adjustment to provide for maximum projection of said elements as indicated in FIG. 2. The edge of the covermember 20 is sheared to provide a narrow tab 30 (FIGS. 10, 11) bent upwardly to provide for insertion of the fingernail thereunder to swing the cover away from the arm 7 and release the detent-means. This permits adjustment of the two extension elements 6, 6 as required for various spacings of the lugs L on dilferent watchcases. At either side of the central tab 30 on the cover 20 the longer portions of its edge are bent in the opposite direction to provide lips 31 adapted to frictionally engage against the rearward face of the tubular part 5 of the endmember 2 to retain the cover closed as shown in FIG. 11.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the present invention provides an improved attaching device of especially neat and ornamental appearance in conformity with the artistic design of the wristwatch and the bracelet connected thereto. Moreover, the adjustable extension elements and the novel and improved means for locking them in extended relationship present smooth exterior surfaces without unsightly projections liable to scratch and injure the wrist of the wearer. By making use of the conventional spring-pin supplied by watch manufacturers and by providing a separate independent spring for adjusting the extension elements, a much stronger and more secure connection is made between the bracelet and the watch to prevent unwarranted or accidental release thereof due to bi-lateral displacement of the bracelet by forces applied thereto when the Wristwatch is worn. In other words, the secure connection of the bracelet to the watchcase elimi nates the danger of its release by lateral forces applied thereto during flexing the hand and wrist or from striking the bracelet against an object. Stated more specifically, the connection of the bracelet to the watch by the conventional spring-pin and providing a separate spring for adjusting the end-elements permits both springs to operate with maximum force for ensuring a more secure connection.

A further feature of the improvement consists in the provision of detent-means for positively locking the extension elements in extended relationship so that there is no chance of their sliding toward each other to release them from engagement with the lugs on the watchcase. The present improved detent-means is especially 7 easy and convenient to operate, the cover-member being readily manipulated for engaging it with the detentnotches, and to disengage it therefrom by merely insert ing the fingernail under the tab 30 to swing the cover on its pivot. Thus, there are several advantages realized by the present improvement: a more secure connection of the bracelet to the Wristwatch without chance of its accidental release therefrom; a more efiicient method of adjusting the end-member to fit watches having differently spaced lugs on their case; more conveniently operated means for locking the end-elements in adjusted relationship; and finally, a more attractive and ornamental appearance of the device and the elimination of any unsightly projections on its surface.

While the invention is herein shown and described as embodied in a preferred form of construction, it is to be understood that modifications may be made in the shape and arrangement of the parts of the device without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claim. Therefore, 2' limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

Means for attaching the ends of a bracelet to a wristwatch comprising an end-member having a hollow portion shaped to the contour of the links of the bracelet and a tubular portion overlying the forward side of said hollow portion for containing a conventional springpin, a pair of extension elements telescopically slidable within the ends of said tubular portion of the end-member and of the same shape to adapt said spring-pin to project therethrough, said spring-pin having a formation at its endsfor engaging means on the lugs on the watchcase, an arm on each extension element extending perpendicularly from itsside through a slot in the tubular portion of said end-member and enclosed in the hollow portion of the end-member, each arm formed with a semi-circular portion of and provided with spaced nOtc hes on its periphery, a spring extending between the arms on said extension elements with its opposite ends in'abutting engagement with the end walls of their semi-circular portions for ends beyond the lateral terminals of the end-member, a cover hinged to the hollow'portion of said end-member to adapt it to be swung to close the opening in the bottom thereof, teeth on the inside of said cover engageable with said spaced notches in the arms on the extension element-s, and means on said cover for frictionally engaging the tubular portion of said end-member to maintain the cover closed with its teeth engaged with the spaced notches in said arms to lock said extension elements in adjusted relationship.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS V 2,652,612 9/53 Valcourt 24265.2, 2,713,445 7/55 Speck 24-2652 X 2,850,783 9/58 Megar 24-265 2,953,833 9/60 Boots- -Q 24-265.2 2,986,794 6/61 Boots 24-2652 FOREIGN PATENTS 776,360 10/34 France. I 1,005,813 1/52 France.

DONLEY I. STOCKING, Primary Examiner.

without having a wall closing \one end thereoutwardly to project their.

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