KR100325914B1 - Watchband with hinged chain links - Google Patents

Abstract

The watch band has three rows of metal links, for example. The links of the first central row 1, 1 ′, etc. are displaced with respect to the two other rows 2, 2 ′, etc. Each link in the central row 1 'is pivotable with respect to the leading link 1 and with respect to the trailing link 1' with respect to the pin 3 connected to the links in the lateral row.

The stop member, for example the other pins 4, 4 ′, is also connected to the links in the lateral row and the pivot angle of the central link with respect to the first pin 3 is possible. The link may be removed to adjust the length of the band.

Advantages: Ergonomic, eliminates the risk of skin or hair cuts, aesthetics, prevents wear and tear on the surface of the link, curvature of the band and control of the gap between successive links.

Description

Watch band {WATCHBAND WITH HINGED CHAIN LINKS}

Among the various types of watch bands known, the bands formed of multiple rows of articulated metal links are particularly sturdy, and their aesthetic quality goes very well with, for example, sports watches.

One object of the present invention is to improve the ergonomic design and comfort of this type of band.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved through a member characterized in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

One aspect of the present invention includes a stop member in which the band restricts the pivot angle of the link. Thus, even when the angle of curvature of the band is very small, no skin or hairs are inserted between the links.

Although the patent of CH-A5-661 184 discloses a band with a stop member that limits the swing angle of the link, the disclosed solution is limited to bands with a single row of links. The band is also complicated to manufacture.

The band disclosed in the patent of CH 482 421 likewise has only a single row of links. The opening of the band is limited by the stop member formed in linear contact on the band top surface.

In the patent of CH-C-669316, a bracelet with three rows of links has been disclosed, wherein the pivot angle of the articulated link is limited only by the upper and lower surface regions of the link, respectively. In another advantageous aspect of the invention According to this, the stop member prevents any direct contact between the links. In this way, wear and tear caused by friction on contact lines or contact surfaces between links are avoided. This feature is very advantageous for bands that are susceptible to damage, especially when plated with precious metals, when the links come into direct contact.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, at least one row of continuous links is separated by a gap. This gap is maintained irrespective of the curvature given to the band. The width of this gap is completely controlled by the stop member. Such gaps are sufficient to prevent skin or hair from interfering and improve skin air breathing and sweat release between the links. Such a property also enables a better aesthetic band. In an advantageous variant, the continuous links inside each row are separated by a gap.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the curvature of the band can be completely controlled using the stop member. Thus, for example, a normal curvature can be obtained between successive links, thereby enabling a special aesthetic band.

The stop member is suitably stopped at the outside of the band, at least partly or not at all, against the portion of the link which is distinct from the main surface, for example against the inside of the hole passing through the link. In this way contact between the links and wear and tear occur only in bare or invisible places.

According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, at least some links can be easily removed or added to adjust the length of the band of the wearer's wrist. Advantageously, the link can be removed without removing the corresponding stop member.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the band is a simple and inexpensive structure with a limited number of independent parts and easy to assemble.

Other advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples and corresponding drawings in more detail.

The present invention relates to a band or bracelet, and more particularly to a watch band (watch band) described in the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the present invention relates to a watch band with an articulated link.

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a band having stop members in the form of tongues connected to links in a first row;

Figure 2 is a side view of the first embodiment showing the links in the first row superimposed at two extreme positions.

3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment with a pin shaped stop member connected to the links in the second row and stopping against the sides of the larger holes formed through the links in the first row;

4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment with a pin shaped stop member connected to a link in a second row and stopping against a recess side of the link front face in the first row;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a third embodiment showing a first row of links superimposed at two extreme positions; FIG.

The band segment shown in FIG. 1 has, as an example, three rows of metal links. The central row ('first row') is formed of continuous links 1, 1 ′, and the like. The other two lateral rows each consist of symmetrical links (2, 2 ', 2', etc.). In this embodiment, the lengths and thicknesses of all links are approximately the same. However, the links in the center row are displaced by half the link length when compared to the other two rows. However, the length and thickness of the links can vary and the amount of displacement between rows can also vary.

In the embodiment shown, the top surface of the link is approximately flat or convex. The lower side toward the skin is approximately parallel with the upper side. Both sides are approximately flat and parallel. The front face is approximately flat and has a recess 16. Similarly, the rear face has a stop member 15. Naturally, different and extremely deformable forms of link are, of course, possible from an aesthetic point of view. Other link surfaces, especially top surfaces, will look better than flat ones. Other links may also be, for example, very round peas.

Each first row of links, for example link 1 ', is pivoted with respect to the preceding link 1 with respect to the first pin or pivot 3. The pin 3 is coupled to a hole 21 formed in two adjacent links 2 in the second row. If the link 1 'or 2' needs to be removable in order to adjust the length of the band, a hole 21 is passed through the link 2 'to remove the pin 3 and remove the link. On the contrary, if it is not necessary to remove the links 1 'and 2', a hole 21 in which the link 2 'cannot penetrate completely is selected, and the two ends of the pin 3 are concealed.

In the same way, each link 1 ′ of the central row is followed by a link 1 ′ with respect to a second fin 3 ′ which is joined to a hole 21 formed in two adjacent links 2 ′ of the second row. It is possible to turn about. The second pins 3 'need not be removable and the links are removed three by one only by removing the first pin 3.

In the absence of a stop member, pivoting the links 1 ', 2' with respect to the pin 3 is only limited by direct contact with the other links 1 or 2. In the case of turning counterclockwise (increasing the local radius of curvature of the band), the contact is formed close to the upper convex surface of the link 1 'or 2', and in the long term, the surface gloss of the link Can damage it. On the other hand, when turning clockwise (which reduces the local radius of curvature of the band), a contact is formed in close proximity to the lower surface of the link 1 'or 2', which risks the wearer's skin or hair getting caught. There is this.

In a first embodiment of the invention, each of the links 1, 1 ′, etc. of the first row is tongue-shaped stop member 15 inserted into the corresponding recess 16 of the previous pivot link. It is provided. Naturally, the positions of the stop member 15 and the recess 16 may be reversed. As can be expected, the stop member 15 is shaped so that the links can be easily coupled to each other. The stop member 15 may limit the pivot angle of the links 1 ′ in the first row with respect to the pins 3 and 3 ′.

2 is a view for explaining the operation of the stop member 15 in more detail. The figure shows the two extreme positions superimposed by the links in the first row. In the upper position shown, when the radius of curvature of the band at that position is maximized, the contact between the link 1 and the subsequent link 1 ′ substantially corresponds to the bottom of the stop member 15. Between the bottom of the recess 16. Similarly, in the lower position shown, when the radius of curvature of the band at that position is minimized, the contact between the link 1 and the subsequent link 1 ′ is substantially the top of the stop member 15. And the top of the corresponding recess 16. The major surface of two successive links never touches, and the gap 17 is always present between the bottom surfaces of the links. The only contact surface between two successive links 1, 1 ′ is in the recess 16 with the surface, where the risk of interruption is minimal and wear and tear are less damaging to the aesthetic quality of the band. It is confined to a distant area.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the stop member 15 similarly limits the turning angle of the links 2, 2 ', etc. in other lateral rows.

The stop member 15 and the corresponding recess 16 can take a variety of forms. The recess 16 may be closer than in FIGS. 1 and 2 to limit the contact surface to contact a region farther from the major surface.

3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the band according to the invention. The same or nearly similar members as those of the first embodiment described above have been given the same reference numerals and will not be mentioned again.

In the second embodiment, the stop member limiting the turning angle of the shown turning link 1, 1 ′ is formed with pins 4, 4 ′ which are connected to the links 2, 2 ′, etc. in the other lateral row. . The stop pin penetrates the hole 13 through the pins 1, 1 ′ representing the first row. The diameter of the hole 13 is larger than the diameter of the active area of the corresponding stop pins 4, 4 ′. The illustrated central link 1, 1 ′ is pivotable about pins 3 and 3 ′, but its pivot angle is limited by the limited tolerance of the stop pins 4, 4 ′ of the hole 13.

Of course, it is also possible to reverse the above arrangement and to use a stop pin connected to the central link 1, 1 ′, etc., and to cooperate with the larger hole of the lateral link 2, 2 ′, etc.

Compared with the first embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, this second embodiment has the advantage that the machining of the link is much easier. The pivot angle of the illustrated links 1, 1 ′ can be easily controlled by adopting the diameter or arrangement of the holes 13 or the pins 4, 4 ′. The solution makes it possible, for example, to change the maximum angle of rotation along the band. Some links are very tightly coupled to small diameter holes 13, while others are fairly loosely coupled to large diameter holes 13, allowing the tolerances of the pins 4 and 4 'to be large. In addition, after cutting, a link having a hole 13 of a different diameter may be replaced, a pin 4, 4 'of a different diameter is used, or a link having a hole 20, 13 arranged differently. It is also possible to change the maximum or minimum radius of curvature of the band. Thus, the curvature and shape of the band fits the wearer's wrist without changing the number of links.

The other link is only removable if the articulating pin 3 'and the stop pin 4' can be removed. If the two pins are removed, the assembly between the links 2 ', 1' and 2 'and the corresponding preceding link 2, 1, 2 is loosened. The pins 3 and 4 are removed only if the links 2 ', 1', 2 'need to be removed individually, which is generally not necessary. It is therefore necessary to form at least two holes 20, 21 through the lateral links 2, 2 ', etc., which is not aesthetic and complicates the assembly and disassembly of the band.

4 is a perspective view of a third advantageous embodiment of the band with respect to the points mentioned above. The same reference numerals are attached to the same or similar members as in the above-described embodiment, and they are not mentioned again.

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the pins 4, to which the stop members limiting the turning angle of the illustrated links 1, 1 'are connected to the links 2, 2', etc. in different rows. 4 '). However, the pin here penetrates up to the recessed 10 machined on the front face in front of the link 1, 1 ′, etc. The height of the recess 10 is greater than the diameter of the active area of the corresponding fins 4, 4 ′ in the recess. The recess 10 is, for example, rectangular in shape and formed by milling, for example. The links 1, 1 ′ showing the first row are pivotable about the fins 3 and 3 ′, but the pivot angle is limited by the limited tolerance of the fins 4, 4 ′ in the recess 10. do.

5 shows in more detail the action of the stop members 4, 4 ′ in the recess 10. In the figure two overlapping extreme positions by the links in the first row are shown. In the upper position shown, when the local radius of curvature of the band is maximized, the articulated movement between the link 1 and the subsequent link 1 ′ is the recess 10 corresponding to the bottom of the pin 4 ′. It can be seen that it is only limited by the contact between the bottom of the. Similarly, in the lower position shown, when the local radius of curvature of the band is minimized, the articulated movement between the link 1 and the subsequent link 1 ′ is a recess corresponding to the top of the pin 4 ′. Limited only by contact between the tops of 10. The other surfaces of the other links never touch. The only stop area that limits the articulation of the link is limited to the bottom of the recess 10 where the risk of interruption is minimal and wear and tear are less damaging to the aesthetic quality of the band.

Compared with the second embodiment, the solution can remove or add links without removing the pins 4, 4 '.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can also be applied to bands having two or more N rows, wherein the three rows selected above are from advantageous embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be applied by positioning the stop members 4, 4 'or 15 in a link row other than the central row or in a plurality of link rows without difficulty. For example, instead of forming a stop member acting on the links 1, 1 'showing the central row, a stop member acting on the links of another row, for example lateral links 2, 2', etc. May be preferred.

In all the embodiments described above, the rotation of the link is limited in two directions as well as when the radius of curvature of the band increases or decreases. However, it is also possible for the shape or arrangement of the stop member 4, 4 'or 15 or the corresponding apertures 10, 13, 16 to limit the rotation of the link in only one direction. For example, in the case of flattening the band, there is no possibility of increasing the radius of curvature of the band. In the same way, the placement of the stop member and the corresponding hole may be used to rule out the possibility of limiting the reduction in the radius of curvature of the band.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, two separate stop members 4 and 4 ′ are formed to limit the turning of the links with respect to the preceding link and for the trailing links in the same row. Depending on the shape and spacing of the links, it is proved that a single stop member 4 or 4 'is sufficient to limit the turning only for the preceding link or only for the trailing link.

In this embodiment, the stop pins 4, 4 ′ completely pass through the central link. It is not necessary to use a stop member connected to the peripheral link 2, 2 ′, etc., which cannot fully penetrate the recess 10 through the hole 13 or the central link 1, 1 ′, etc. . For example, it is also possible to replace each fin 4, 4 ′ with two fin regions. In this case, the first fin area is connected to the lateral links 2, 2 ′, etc., and the second fin area is connected to the corresponding links in the other lateral rows. If so, the holes or recesses 10, 13 need not be through holes or through recesses.

It is clear that the link of the band does not necessarily need to be as shown in the figure. More specifically, a link close to the horn of the watch or clasp may be specially formed. It is also possible to form the stop member only on a particular link of the band, even on a single link. It is also apparent that it is also possible to manufacture a band with several forms of links according to the embodiments described above.

Claims (13)

The links of the first column arranged (1, 1 ', ...) and At least one aligned additional row of links (2, 2 ', ...) adjacent said first column, The first row has a bracelet or band, in particular having an articulated link 1 'which is pivotable with respect to the preceding link 1 of the row with respect to a first pin 3 connected to the link 2' of the further row. In the watch band, The pivot angle of the articulated link 1 'with respect to the first pin 3 is limited by a first stop member 4; 15 which is distinct from the upper or lower surface area of the articulated link 1'. Watch band with an articulated link, characterized in that. 2. The articulated link (1 ') is further pivoted with respect to a subsequent link (1') of the row with respect to a second pin (3 ') connected to the additional link (2') of the other row, The watch band with articulated link, characterized in that the second stop member (4 '; 15) can limit the angle of rotation of the articulated link (1') with respect to the second pin (3 '). 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising three link columns having approximately equal distances between the centers of two consecutive links of the same row, wherein the first column (1, 1 ', etc.) comprises links of the other rows ( 2, 2 ', etc.). The articulated link according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stop member (15) cooperates with a link (1) in a first row that is continuous to the articulated link (1 ') whose pivot should be limited. One watch band. 3. Watch band with articulated link according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stop member (4, 4 ') cooperates with the other row of links (2, 2'). 3. The stop member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop member is a pin (4, 4 ') connected to the links (2', 2 ') in the other row, with respect to the first and second pins (3, 3'). A watch band with articulated link, characterized in that it is displaced. 6. A continuous link (1, 1 ', ..., 2, 2', ...) on the inside of each row is separated by a gap (17) which is independent of the curvature given to the band or bracelet. A watch band with an articulated link. 3. The articulated link (1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulated link (1') has an outer surface that is at least somewhat flat or convex, and the stop members (4, 4 '; 15) are formed with the substantially flat or convex outer surface. A watch band with an articulated link, characterized in that it stops in the region of the distinct link 1 '. The stop member (4, 4 '; 15) stops inside the corresponding hole (10; 13; 16) formed through the articulated link (1'), and the hole (10; 13; 16) is a watch band with an articulated link characterized in that it is larger than the active area of the corresponding stop member (4, 4 '; 15). 10. Watch band according to claim 9, characterized in that the hole (13) is a hole (13) through the articulated link (1 '). 10. The hole (16; 10) through the articulated link (1 ') is a recess (16; 10) in the front face of the articulated link (10) and a corresponding stop member (4, 4'). A watch band with an articulated link, characterized in that it is possible to remove the articulated link without dismantling it. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of articulated links (1, 1 ', etc.) and a plurality of corresponding first stop members (4, 15), the stop members (4, 15) A watch band with an articulated link, characterized by defining a different angle of rotation relative to another articulated link. delete