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EP0355677B1 - Metal constructed bracelet and watch provided with the same - Google Patents

Metal constructed bracelet and watch provided with the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0355677B1
EP0355677B1 EP89115064A EP89115064A EP0355677B1 EP 0355677 B1 EP0355677 B1 EP 0355677B1 EP 89115064 A EP89115064 A EP 89115064A EP 89115064 A EP89115064 A EP 89115064A EP 0355677 B1 EP0355677 B1 EP 0355677B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bracelet
hinge
knuckle
watch
link
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89115064A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0355677A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Grosjean
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Publication of EP0355677A1 publication Critical patent/EP0355677A1/en
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Publication of EP0355677B1 publication Critical patent/EP0355677B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet

Definitions

  • the present invention follows from the observation of a problem which had not been perceived until now, and which relates to watches of the non-removable type.
  • watches of the non-removable type have met with growing success.
  • the most well-known of these watches include a box body made of plastic material which forms the periphery and the bottom of the box and the inner surface of which is shaped so as to support all the functional elements of the watch.
  • This box body is covered by a dial through which the cannons of the indicator cogs cross and by a glass which is permanently welded to the box body and holds the dial in place.
  • the strap of these watches was made of flexible plastic and the connection between the case body and the two strands of the strap was preferably carried out by a hinge comprising a rod and two knuckles each provided with at least three eyelets.
  • the rod passes through the eyelets of the two knuckles and is driven into those of the knuckle of the bracelet.
  • the document CH 647917 describes this mode of connection.
  • the box body is made of ABS material while the strap is made of an elastomer or PVC.
  • the materials known under the names ASA or SAN can also be used.
  • the bracelets produced according to these criteria have a much shorter lifespan than that of the watch modules, and the present invention aims to provide a solution to what therefore appears to be a problem, while preserving the advantages of the non-removable type watch.
  • the first object of the invention is a metal construction bracelet comprising at least one end intended to be hingedly connected to a watch case, characterized in that said end comprises a plastic knuckle having at least one eyelet intended to receive a hinge rod, said knuckle being trapped in a hollow metal link.
  • a second object of the invention is a watch comprising a plastic box body and such a bracelet comprising two strands, and each strand of the bracelet is connected to the box body by a hinge, characterized in that the hinge comprises a first knuckle which is in one piece with the case body and of the same material as him, and a second knuckle, in plastic material, and in that the bracelet is made of metal, the second knuckle of the hinge being rigidly fixed to a extreme metal part of the bracelet, said second knuckle being trapped in a hollow metal link.
  • the watch shown in the drawing comprises a box body 1 made of a plastic part such as one of the designated materials by ABS, ASA, or SAN for example. It further comprises a bracelet 2, one strand of which is visible in the drawing.
  • the box body 1 forms in one piece the bottom and the middle of the box and its inner surface is shaped so as to constitute the watch cage, that is to say to directly support all the functional components: oscillator, engine, cog, integrated circuit, etc.
  • a dial 3 covers the components. It is held in place by a glass 4 made of plastic, for example Plexiglas (registered trademark) which is permanently and tightly fixed, for example by welding, in an annular recess 5.
  • the upper surface of the box body is covered with 'a metal cap 6. This cap is held rigidly in place by the glass 4, thanks to a heel 4' extending radially towards the periphery.
  • the box body 1 has a knuckle-shaped configuration, that is to say that it is provided with four ribs 7 projecting on its lower side, covered by a web 8 for connection.
  • the ribs 7 form eyelets. They are pierced with coaxial and circular holes 9, intended to receive an articulation rod 10.
  • a watch of this type can have a service life of several years, for example 5 years or even more.
  • the bottom of the housing is generally provided with an opening provided with a removable hatch, which allows the periodic exchange of the battery.
  • the bracelet 2 connected to the described watch is a metallic type bracelet.
  • the strap of the watch described can be of any type, the one shown in the drawing preferably being a bracelet with rigid links connected by elastic elements.
  • These links are themselves formed from two segments of thin sheet metal cut and bent or stamped so as to form cages in which elastic blades which connect the links to each other are engaged.
  • the links 11 and 12 of the bracelet 2 are rigid elements and connected in an extensible manner without it being necessary to describe them in more detail.
  • the link 12 has a handle 12a on its side adjacent to the link 14. The function of this handle will be specified below.
  • the link comprises two sheet metal elements 15 and 16 and a knuckle 17. These elements 15 and 16 and the knuckle 17 are presented in FIG. 4 in their state before assembly. The two elements 15 and 16 are previously cut and partially folded and stamped so that they can be assembled to one another by a folding operation.
  • the upper element 15 has three bosses 15a, 15b and 15c on its upper face, a flap 15d on the edge intended to be adjacent to the link 12, two lateral tabs 15e, only one being visible in the drawing and three knuckle legs 15f.
  • the two lateral edges each have a recess 16c in which the tongues 15e are engaged.
  • the lower element 16 has a flat surface of generally rectangular shape.
  • the longitudinal sides have a tongue 16a, the other a folded rim 16b, both extending perpendicular to the flat surface.
  • the tongue 16a is intended to be adjacent to the link 12.
  • the knuckle 17 is made of plastic, advantageously of an elastic material chosen from those generally used for the manufacture of plastic bracelets. It comprises three coaxial eyelets 17a of width greater than that of the legs 15f. These eyelets are each pierced with a hole 17b, the holes 17b being coaxial and of diameter slightly smaller than that of the rod 10.
  • the underside of the knuckle 17 is provided with a rectilinear groove 17e, perpendicular to the lateral edges of the bracelet.
  • the upper face of the knuckle has two bosses 17c and 17d, substantially of the same shape as the bosses 15b and 15c of the element 15.
  • the assembly of the link 14 and its attachment to the rest of the bracelet is done by means of a fitting not shown in the drawing.
  • the element 16 is first laid flat, so that the tongue 16a and the flange 16b are turned upwards.
  • the bracelet is then put in place, the handle 12a hooking into the tongue 16a.
  • the knuckle 17 is placed on the element 16, straddling the rim 16b, the latter being engaged in the groove 17th.
  • the element 15 covers the knuckle 17 and the element 16, so that the flap 15d is aligned with the tongue 16a, that the two tongues 15e are engaged in the recesses 16c and that the bosses 15c and 15b are respectively aligned on the bosses 17c and 17d of the knuckle 17.
  • the fitting is then actuated to fold the two tongues 15e and the three tabs 15f. More specifically, the tongues 15e are folded under the underside of the element 16 while the tabs 15f conform to the shape of the eyelets 17
  • the mounting of the bracelet thus produced on the box is done by fitting the eyelets 17a in the spaces between the eyelets 7 of the box, so that the holes 9 are coaxial with the holes 17b, and engagement of the rod 10 in the holes 9 and 17b.
  • This rod 10 is fixed by elastic clamping of the material of the knuckle 17.
  • the watch is largely protected by metal parts, which improves the aesthetics in the long term. Furthermore, the connection of the metal bracelet and the box remains simple, economical and without the risk of seeing the metal bracelet prematurely using the horns or the eyelets of the plastic box. In addition, thanks to the lugs 15f, the part of the plastic strap which is mechanically weakest is substantially reinforced.
  • the hinge has several eyelets both on the bracelet and on the box.
  • the material of the box is sufficiently rigid, it is also conceivable to use a conventional structure with horns and bars. Even in this case, it is possible to use a bracelet according to the invention. In this way, the essential function of the knuckle is to prevent the bracelet from using the horns of the case when the material of the latter is softer than that of the metal of the bracelet.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)

Description

La présente invention découle de la constatation d'un problème qui n'avait pas été perçu jusqu'à maintenant, et qui est relatif aux montres de type indémontable. On sait que, depuis quelques années, des montres de type indémontable ont rencontré un succès grandissant. Les plus connues de ces montres comportent un corps de boîte en matière plastique qui forme le pourtour et le fond de la boîte et dont la surface intérieure est conformée de manière à supporter tous les éléments fonctionnels de la montre. Ce corps de boîte est recouvert par un cadran que traversent les canons des rouages indicateurs et par un verre qui est soudé définitivement au corps de boîte et tient le cadran en place.The present invention follows from the observation of a problem which had not been perceived until now, and which relates to watches of the non-removable type. We know that, in recent years, watches of the non-removable type have met with growing success. The most well-known of these watches include a box body made of plastic material which forms the periphery and the bottom of the box and the inner surface of which is shaped so as to support all the functional elements of the watch. This box body is covered by a dial through which the cannons of the indicator cogs cross and by a glass which is permanently welded to the box body and holds the dial in place.

Jusqu'à maintenant le bracelet de ces montres était en matière plastique souple et la liaison entre le corps de boîte et les deux brins du bracelet était réalisée de préférence par une charnière comportant une tige et deux charnons munis chacun d'au moins trois oeillets. Dans cette construction la tige traverse les oeillets des deux charnons et est chassée dans ceux du charnon du bracelet. Le document CH 647917 décrit ce mode de liaison. Dans un exemple, le corps de boîte est en matériau ABS tandis que le bracelet est en un élastomère ou en PVC. Pour le corps de boîte les matériaux connus sous les dénominations ASA ou SAN peuvent aussi être utilisés. Ces choix répondent parfaitement aux critères consistant à rechercher simultanément la fiabilité et le faible coût de production, critères qui, comme on le sait, conditionnent la construction des montres de type indémontable.Until now the strap of these watches was made of flexible plastic and the connection between the case body and the two strands of the strap was preferably carried out by a hinge comprising a rod and two knuckles each provided with at least three eyelets. In this construction, the rod passes through the eyelets of the two knuckles and is driven into those of the knuckle of the bracelet. The document CH 647917 describes this mode of connection. In one example, the box body is made of ABS material while the strap is made of an elastomer or PVC. For the box body, the materials known under the names ASA or SAN can also be used. These choices perfectly meet the criteria of simultaneously seeking reliability and low production cost, criteria which, as we know, condition the construction of watches of non-removable type.

Cependant on a constaté que les bracelets réalisés selon ces critères ont une durée de vie beaucoup plus courte que celle des modules de montres, et la présente invention vise à proposer une solution à ce qui apparaît dès lors comme un problème, en préservant les avantages de la montre de type indémontable.However, it has been found that the bracelets produced according to these criteria have a much shorter lifespan than that of the watch modules, and the present invention aims to provide a solution to what therefore appears to be a problem, while preserving the advantages of the non-removable type watch.

La recherche de cette solution pouvait impliquer le recours à des bracelets métalliques de type connu, mais ceux-ci nécessitent l'emploi de barrettes à ressort dont les pivots sont normalement accrochés aux cornes du corps de boîte. Or les corps de boîtes pourvus de cornes sont difficilement compatibles avec des réalisations en matière plastique. Par ailleurs, ces bracelets métalliques pourraient, en frottant sur les cornes, très rapidement les user, ce qui irait à l'encontre du but recherché, qui consiste à augmenter la durée normale d'utilisation d'une montre en matière plastique.The search for this solution could involve the use of metal bracelets of known type, but these require the use of spring bars whose pivots are normally attached to the horns of the box body. However, the bodies of boxes provided with horns are hardly compatible with plastic constructions. Furthermore, these metal bracelets could, by rubbing on the horns, very quickly wear them out, which would go against the desired objective, which consists in increasing the normal duration of use of a plastic watch.

L'invention a pour premier objet un bracelet de construction métallique comportant au moins une extrémité destinée à être reliée de manière articulée à une boîte de montre, caractérisé en ce que ladite extrémité comporte un charnon en matière plastique présentant au moins un oeillet destiné à recevoir une tige d'articulation, ledit charnon étant emprisonné dans un maillon métallique creux.The first object of the invention is a metal construction bracelet comprising at least one end intended to be hingedly connected to a watch case, characterized in that said end comprises a plastic knuckle having at least one eyelet intended to receive a hinge rod, said knuckle being trapped in a hollow metal link.

Un second objet de l'invention est une montre comportant un corps de boîte en matière plastique et un tel bracelet comportant deux brins, et dont chaque brin du bracelet est relié au corps de boîte par une charnière, caractérisé en ce que la charnière comporte un premier charnon qui est d'une pièce avec le corps de boîte et du même matériau que lui, et un second charnon, en matière plastique, et en ce que le bracelet est en métal, le second charnon de la charnière étant fixé rigidement à une partie métallique extrême du bracelet, ledit second charnon étant emprisonné dans un maillon métallique creux.A second object of the invention is a watch comprising a plastic box body and such a bracelet comprising two strands, and each strand of the bracelet is connected to the box body by a hinge, characterized in that the hinge comprises a first knuckle which is in one piece with the case body and of the same material as him, and a second knuckle, in plastic material, and in that the bracelet is made of metal, the second knuckle of the hinge being rigidly fixed to a extreme metal part of the bracelet, said second knuckle being trapped in a hollow metal link.

On va décrire ci-après, à titre d'exemple une forme d'exécution de l'objet de l'invention en se référant au dessin annexé, dont,

  • ― la figure 1 est une vue partielle en plan de dessous d'une montre et d'une extrémité de son bracelet;
  • ― la figure 2 est une coupe schématique selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1;
  • ― la figure 3 est une coupe schématique selon la ligne III-III de la figure 1; et
  • ― la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée montrant l'extrémité du bracelet visible à la figure 1.
An embodiment of the subject of the invention will be described below, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawing, of which,
  • - Figure 1 is a partial plan view from below of a watch and of one end of its bracelet;
  • - Figure 2 is a schematic section along the line II-II of Figure 1;
  • - Figure 3 is a schematic section along the line III-III of Figure 1; and
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the end of the bracelet visible in FIG. 1.

La montre représentée au dessin comporte un corps de boîte 1 en une pièce de matière plastique telle que l'un des matériaux désignés par ABS, ASA, ou SAN par exemple. Elle comporte en outre un bracelet 2 dont un brin est visible au dessin. Le corps de boîte 1 forme en une pièce le fond et la carrure de la boîte et sa surface intérieure est conformée de manière à constituer la cage de la montre, c'est-à-dire à supporter directement tous les composants fonctionnels: oscillateur, moteur, rouage, circuit intégré, etc. Un cadran 3 recouvre les composants. Il est tenu en place par un verre 4 en matière plastique par exemple du Plexiglas (marque déposée) qui est fixé définitivement et de manière étanche, par exemple par soudage, dans une creusure annulaire 5. La surface supérieure du corps de boîte est recouverte d'une coiffe en métal 6. Cette coiffe est tenue rigidement en place par la glace 4, grâce à un talon 4′ s'étendant radialement vers la périphérie.The watch shown in the drawing comprises a box body 1 made of a plastic part such as one of the designated materials by ABS, ASA, or SAN for example. It further comprises a bracelet 2, one strand of which is visible in the drawing. The box body 1 forms in one piece the bottom and the middle of the box and its inner surface is shaped so as to constitute the watch cage, that is to say to directly support all the functional components: oscillator, engine, cog, integrated circuit, etc. A dial 3 covers the components. It is held in place by a glass 4 made of plastic, for example Plexiglas (registered trademark) which is permanently and tightly fixed, for example by welding, in an annular recess 5. The upper surface of the box body is covered with 'a metal cap 6. This cap is held rigidly in place by the glass 4, thanks to a heel 4' extending radially towards the periphery.

Sur 12 heures et 6 heures, le corps de boîte 1 présente une conformation en charnon, c'est-à-dire qu'il est pourvu de quatre nervures 7 saillantes sur son côté inférieur, recouvertes par un voile 8 de liaison. Les nervures 7 forment des oeillets. Elles sont percées de trous 9 coaxiaux et circulaires, destinés à recevoir une tige d'articulation 10.Over 12 hours and 6 hours, the box body 1 has a knuckle-shaped configuration, that is to say that it is provided with four ribs 7 projecting on its lower side, covered by a web 8 for connection. The ribs 7 form eyelets. They are pierced with coaxial and circular holes 9, intended to receive an articulation rod 10.

Telle que décrite ci-dessus, une montre de ce type peut avoir une durée d'utilisation de plusieurs années, par exemple 5 ans ou même plus. Le fond du boîtier est en général muni d'une ouverture pourvue d'une trappe amovible, ce qui permet l'échange périodique de la pile.As described above, a watch of this type can have a service life of several years, for example 5 years or even more. The bottom of the housing is generally provided with an opening provided with a removable hatch, which allows the periodic exchange of the battery.

Le bracelet 2 relié à la montre décrite est un bracelet de type métallique. On sait qu'il existe des bracelets métalliques à maillons articulés, des bracelets extensibles formés d'éléments rigides reliés par des ressorts, des bracelets en tissus métalliques, etc. En principe le bracelet de la montre décrite peut être de n'importe quel type, celui qui est représenté au dessin étant de préférence un bracelet à maillons rigides reliés par des éléments élastiques. Ces maillons sont formés eux-mêmes de deux segments de tôle mince découpés et pliés ou emboutis de manière à former des cages dans lesquelles des lames élastiques qui relient les maillons les uns aux autres sont engagées. Ainsi aux figures 2 et 3 les maillons 11 et 12 du bracelet 2 sont des éléments rigides et reliés de manière extensible sans qu'il soit nécessaire de les décrire plus en détail. Il faut toutefois relever que le maillon 12 comporte une anse 12a de son côté adjacent au maillon 14. La fonction de cette anse sera précisée ci-après.The bracelet 2 connected to the described watch is a metallic type bracelet. We know that there are metal bracelets with articulated links, stretch bracelets formed of rigid elements connected by springs, bracelets in metallic fabrics, etc. In principle, the strap of the watch described can be of any type, the one shown in the drawing preferably being a bracelet with rigid links connected by elastic elements. These links are themselves formed from two segments of thin sheet metal cut and bent or stamped so as to form cages in which elastic blades which connect the links to each other are engaged. Thus in FIGS. 2 and 3 the links 11 and 12 of the bracelet 2 are rigid elements and connected in an extensible manner without it being necessary to describe them in more detail. he However, it should be noted that the link 12 has a handle 12a on its side adjacent to the link 14. The function of this handle will be specified below.

Il reste donc à décrire le dernier maillon 14 de chacun des brins du bracelet 2. Le maillon comporte deux éléments de tôle 15 et 16 et un charnon 17. Ces éléments 15 et 16 et le charnon 17 sont présentés à la figure 4 dans leur état avant assemblage. Les deux éléments 15 et 16 sont préalablement découpés et partiellement pliés et emboutis de manière à pouvoir être assemblés l'un à l'autre par une opération de pliage.It therefore remains to describe the last link 14 of each of the strands of the bracelet 2. The link comprises two sheet metal elements 15 and 16 and a knuckle 17. These elements 15 and 16 and the knuckle 17 are presented in FIG. 4 in their state before assembly. The two elements 15 and 16 are previously cut and partially folded and stamped so that they can be assembled to one another by a folding operation.

Plus précisément, l'élément supérieur 15 présente trois bossages 15a, 15b et 15c sur sa face supérieure, un rabat 15d sur la tranche destinée à être adjacente au maillon 12, deux languettes latérales 15e, l'une seulement étant visible au dessin et trois pattes de charnon 15f.More specifically, the upper element 15 has three bosses 15a, 15b and 15c on its upper face, a flap 15d on the edge intended to be adjacent to the link 12, two lateral tabs 15e, only one being visible in the drawing and three knuckle legs 15f.

Les deux bords latéraux comportent chacun un décrochement 16c dans lesquelles les languettes 15e sont engagées.The two lateral edges each have a recess 16c in which the tongues 15e are engaged.

L'élément inférieur 16 présente une surface plane de forme générale rectangulaire. Les côtés longitudinaux comportent une languette 16a, l'autre un rebord plié 16b, s'étendant tous deux perpendiculairement à la surface plane. La languette 16a est destinée à être adjacente au maillon 12.The lower element 16 has a flat surface of generally rectangular shape. The longitudinal sides have a tongue 16a, the other a folded rim 16b, both extending perpendicular to the flat surface. The tongue 16a is intended to be adjacent to the link 12.

Le charnon 17 est en matière plastique, avantageusement en un matériau élastique choisi parmi ceux généralement utilisé pour la fabrication de bracelets plastiques. Il comporte trois oeillets coaxiaux 17a de largeur supérieure à celle des pattes 15f. Ces oeillets sont chacun percé d'un trou 17b, les trous 17b étant coaxiaux et de diamètre légèrement inférieur à celui de la tige 10. La face inférieure du charnon 17 est munie d'une gorge rectiligne 17e, perpendiculaire aux bords latéraux du bracelet. Enfin, la face supérieure du charnon comporte deux bossages 17c et 17d, sensiblement de même forme que les bossages 15b et 15c de l'élément 15.The knuckle 17 is made of plastic, advantageously of an elastic material chosen from those generally used for the manufacture of plastic bracelets. It comprises three coaxial eyelets 17a of width greater than that of the legs 15f. These eyelets are each pierced with a hole 17b, the holes 17b being coaxial and of diameter slightly smaller than that of the rod 10. The underside of the knuckle 17 is provided with a rectilinear groove 17e, perpendicular to the lateral edges of the bracelet. Finally, the upper face of the knuckle has two bosses 17c and 17d, substantially of the same shape as the bosses 15b and 15c of the element 15.

L'assemblage du maillon 14 et sa fixation au reste du bracelet se fait au moyen d'un posage non représenté au dessin. L'élément 16 est tout d'abord posé à plat, de manière que la languette 16a et le rebord 16b soient tournés vers le haut. Le bracelet est ensuite mis en place, l'anse 12a s'accrochant dans la languette 16a. Le charnon 17 est posé sur l'élément 16, à cheval sur le rebord 16b, ce dernier étant engagé dans la gorge 17e. Enfin, l'élément 15 recouvre le charnon 17 et l'élément 16, de manière que que le rabat 15d soit aligné avec la languette 16a, que les deux languettes 15e soient engagées dans les décrochements 16c et que les bossages 15c et 15b soient respectivement alignés sur les bossages 17c et 17d du charnon 17. Le posage est alors actionné pour plier les deux languettes 15e et les trois pattes 15f. Plus précisément les languettes 15e sont repliées sous la face inférieure de l'élément 16 alors que les pattes 15f épousent la forme des oeillets 17a.The assembly of the link 14 and its attachment to the rest of the bracelet is done by means of a fitting not shown in the drawing. The element 16 is first laid flat, so that the tongue 16a and the flange 16b are turned upwards. The bracelet is then put in place, the handle 12a hooking into the tongue 16a. The knuckle 17 is placed on the element 16, straddling the rim 16b, the latter being engaged in the groove 17th. Finally, the element 15 covers the knuckle 17 and the element 16, so that the flap 15d is aligned with the tongue 16a, that the two tongues 15e are engaged in the recesses 16c and that the bosses 15c and 15b are respectively aligned on the bosses 17c and 17d of the knuckle 17. The fitting is then actuated to fold the two tongues 15e and the three tabs 15f. More specifically, the tongues 15e are folded under the underside of the element 16 while the tabs 15f conform to the shape of the eyelets 17a.

Le montage du bracelet ainsi réalisé sur la boîte se fait par emboîtement des oeillets 17a dans les espaces compris entre les oeillets 7 de la boîte, de manière que les trous 9 soient coaxiaux aux trous 17b, et engagement de la tige 10 dans les trous 9 et 17b. Cette tige 10 est fixée par serrage élastique de la matière du charnon 17.The mounting of the bracelet thus produced on the box is done by fitting the eyelets 17a in the spaces between the eyelets 7 of the box, so that the holes 9 are coaxial with the holes 17b, and engagement of the rod 10 in the holes 9 and 17b. This rod 10 is fixed by elastic clamping of the material of the knuckle 17.

Dans le cas où la boîte 1 est munie d'une coiffe 6, on constate que la montre est largement protégée par des pièces en métal, ce qui améliore l'esthétique à long terme. Par ailleurs, la liaison du bracelet métallique et de la boîte reste simple, économique et sans risque de voir le bracelet métallique user prématurément les cornes ou les oeillets de la boîte en plastique. En outre, grâce aux pattes 15f, la partie du bracelet en matière plastique qui est mécaniquement la plus faible est sensiblement renforcée.In the case where the box 1 is provided with a cap 6, it can be seen that the watch is largely protected by metal parts, which improves the aesthetics in the long term. Furthermore, the connection of the metal bracelet and the box remains simple, economical and without the risk of seeing the metal bracelet prematurely using the horns or the eyelets of the plastic box. In addition, thanks to the lugs 15f, the part of the plastic strap which is mechanically weakest is substantially reinforced.

Dans la montre décrite, la charnière comporte plusieurs oeillets tant au bracelet qu'à la boîte. Dans le cas où le matériau de la boîte est suffisamment rigide, il est égalemement envisageable d'utiliser une structure classique avec cornes et barrettes. Même dans ce cas, il est possible d'utiliser un bracelet selon l'invention. De la sorte, la fonction essentielle du charnon est d'éviter que le bracelet n'use les cornes de la boîte lorsque la matière de celle-ci est plus tendre que celle du métal du bracelet.In the watch described, the hinge has several eyelets both on the bracelet and on the box. In the case where the material of the box is sufficiently rigid, it is also conceivable to use a conventional structure with horns and bars. Even in this case, it is possible to use a bracelet according to the invention. In this way, the essential function of the knuckle is to prevent the bracelet from using the horns of the case when the material of the latter is softer than that of the metal of the bracelet.

Pour réaliser les extrémités du bracelet, il pourrait également être possible de fabriquer les charnons par moulage sur le bracelet assemblé, ce dernier étant alors introduit dans le moule avant que la matière plastique ne soit injectée.To make the ends of the bracelet, it could also be possible to manufacture the knuckles by molding on the assembled bracelet, the latter then being introduced into the mold before the plastic material is injected.

Dans une solution simplifiée, il serait également possible de supprimer l'élément 16 et d'assurer la fixation de l'élément 15 en rabattant les languettes et les pattes directement sur le charnon 17. Dans ce cas, la fonction de la languette 16a devrait être remplie par une autre languette solidaire de l'élément 15. De plus, le charnon 17 pourrait se prolonger jusqu'au voisinage de cette languette pour assurer le blocage de l'anse 12a.In a simplified solution, it would also be possible to remove the element 16 and ensure the fixing of the element 15 by folding the tongues and the legs directly on the knuckle 17. In this case, the function of the tongue 16a should be filled by another tongue integral with the element 15. In addition, the knuckle 17 could extend to the vicinity of this tongue to ensure the locking of the handle 12a.

Claims (9)

1. Bracelet of metallic construction (2) including an end (14) intended to be hingedly coupled to a watch case (1), characterized in that said end includes a hinge knuckle of plastic material (17) presenting at least one eyelet (17a) adapted to accomodate a hinge pin (10), said hinge knuckle being confined within a hollow metallic link.
2. Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow metallic link is made up of two metallic plate segments (15, 16) bent or swaged onto one another, such link being hinged and/or coupled in an extensible manner to the rest of the bracelet.
3. Bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that the hinge knuckle of the bracelet exhibits a transversal groove (17e) in which is retained a folded flange (16b) of one of said plate segments (16).
4. Bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that it is formed of a set of links of similar appearance to one another, hinged to one another or coupled in an extensible manner to one another and in that said hollow metallic link is of appearance similar to the other links.
5. Bracelet according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that one of the segments (15) making up the hollow metallic link includes at least one tab (15f) and in that each eyelet is at least partially covered by a tab.
6. Bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hinge knuckle is provided with at least two coaxial eyelets.
7. Watch including a case body of plastic material and a bracelet according to claim 1, which includes two strands, and each of which (2) is coupled to the case body by a hinge, characterized in that the hinge includes a first hinge knuckle integral with the case body and formed of the same material and a second hinge knuckle (17), of plastic material, and in that the bracelet is of metal, the second hinge knuckle being rigidly fixed to a metallic end part (12) of the bracelet, said second hinge being confined within a hollow metallic link.
8. Watch according to claim 7, characterized in that the second hinge knuckle (17) is of elastic plastic material and in that a hinge pin (10) is rigidly fixed by clamping to said second hinge knuckle.
9. Watch according to claim 7, characterized in that the case body is overlaid with a metallic cap.
EP89115064A 1988-08-24 1989-08-16 Metal constructed bracelet and watch provided with the same Expired - Lifetime EP0355677B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH3143/88 1988-08-24
CH3143/88A CH673073B5 (en) 1988-08-24 1988-08-24
SG160594A SG160594G (en) 1988-08-24 1994-11-05 Metal constructed bracelt and watch provided with the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0355677A1 EP0355677A1 (en) 1990-02-28
EP0355677B1 true EP0355677B1 (en) 1991-11-13

Family

ID=25692297

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89115064A Expired - Lifetime EP0355677B1 (en) 1988-08-24 1989-08-16 Metal constructed bracelet and watch provided with the same

Country Status (18)

Country Link
US (1) US4958334A (en)
EP (1) EP0355677B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2593713B2 (en)
KR (1) KR960010994B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1023665C (en)
AR (1) AR244521A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE69514T1 (en)
AU (1) AU617632B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8904162A (en)
CA (1) CA1323766C (en)
CH (1) CH673073B5 (en)
DE (1) DE68900434D1 (en)
DK (1) DK167372B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2028424T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3003759T3 (en)
HK (1) HK25295A (en)
MX (1) MX172563B (en)
SG (1) SG160594G (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2601034Y2 (en) * 1991-11-29 1999-11-02 シチズン時計株式会社 Watch case band fixing structure
DE59308826D1 (en) * 1992-03-26 1998-09-03 Createc Patent Holding WRISTWATCH
US5272683A (en) * 1992-05-20 1993-12-21 Textron Inc. End connector assembly for watch band
US5657515A (en) * 1996-07-16 1997-08-19 Textron, Inc. End connector
WO1998010675A1 (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-03-19 Textron, Inc. Lens top shell
US5724708A (en) * 1996-12-03 1998-03-10 Textron, Inc. End connector assembly for watchband
JP2006314347A (en) * 2005-05-10 2006-11-24 Seiko Instruments Inc Band for watch, and wrist-watch
DE602007003946D1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2010-02-04 Tissot Sa Clock with polygonal bezel
USD558614S1 (en) * 2007-03-29 2008-01-01 Florian Strasser Watch case
CH708815B1 (en) * 2013-11-06 2017-12-29 The Swatch Group Man Services Ag Cladding element for a middle part of a wristwatch.
JP6284042B2 (en) * 2015-12-10 2018-02-28 カシオ計算機株式会社 Band and watch
EP3474084A1 (en) 2017-10-20 2019-04-24 Montres Breguet S.A. Fixing device for a bracelet
US12133580B2 (en) 2022-01-27 2024-11-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Wearing member and wearable device including the same

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US3897612A (en) * 1974-07-25 1975-08-05 Textron Inc End attachment for watch bands and self-contained component for use in making the same
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US4837901A (en) * 1988-04-25 1989-06-13 Textron, Inc. End connector for expansible watch band

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR900002736A (en) 1990-03-23
ES2028424T3 (en) 1992-07-01
DK415989D0 (en) 1989-08-23
CH673073B5 (en) 1990-08-15
US4958334A (en) 1990-09-18
SG160594G (en) 1995-03-17
MX172563B (en) 1994-01-03
CN1040687A (en) 1990-03-21
JPH02107204A (en) 1990-04-19
DE68900434D1 (en) 1991-12-19
KR960010994B1 (en) 1996-08-16
ATE69514T1 (en) 1991-11-15
CH673073GA3 (en) 1990-02-15
AR244521A1 (en) 1993-11-30
AU4015989A (en) 1990-03-01
BR8904162A (en) 1990-04-10
EP0355677A1 (en) 1990-02-28
JP2593713B2 (en) 1997-03-26
HK25295A (en) 1995-03-03
AU617632B2 (en) 1991-11-28
GR3003759T3 (en) 1993-03-16
CN1023665C (en) 1994-02-02
DK167372B1 (en) 1993-10-25
DK415989A (en) 1990-02-25
CA1323766C (en) 1993-11-02

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