The attachment part that connects the wrist strap to the watch case

Abstract

To propose a replacement mounting member for a watch case, which can detachably connect a band. [Solution] The present invention relates to an attachment member (10) intended to be secured between a pair of protrusions (72) on a watch case (70). The attachment member (10) includes two pairs of protrusions that connect the watch case (70) to an attachment end (52) of a wrist strap (50). The attachment member (10) includes a coupling element (12) that is adapted to couple the attachment member (12) and the attachment end (52) by engaging in a direction perpendicular or oblique to the plane defined by the two pairs of protrusions (72) on the watch case. The attachment member (10) further includes a latch (30) that fastens and unlocks the coupling of the coupling element (12) to the attachment end (52). The present invention also relates to a wrist strap that includes an attachment end (52) that is adapted to be interconnected to an attachment member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment member that is fixed between a pair of protrusions on a watch case and connects a wrist strap to the watch case. The present invention also relates to a wrist strap with an attachment end that is adapted to be connected to the attachment member, and a wristwatch that includes two attachment members fixed to a pair of left and right protrusions on the watch case and two wrist straps on a band connected to the attachment members. [Background technology]

[0002] To avoid the use of specific tools, numerous mechanisms have already been proposed that allow the band to be easily assembled and disassembled to the watch case, allowing the watch wearer, for example, to freely change the style or color of the band without having to perform complicated operations or risk damaging or scratching the watch case due to the improper use of tools.

[0003] Such mechanisms often have the disadvantage that they require modifications to the watch case to cooperate with the attachment end of each strap on the band. Other mechanisms incorporate a push-in feature at the attachment end to allow the strap to be secured to or detached from the watch case. Interchanging or adapting bands to different watch cases within a collection necessarily incurs significant expense.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 (CH564922) discloses a mechanism comprising a female element connected to a protrusion on a watch case, a casing containing the latch, and an opening for receiving a male element on a wrist strap. The male element has two protrusions that fit into two circular holes in the wall of the casing. The latch has guide means to align the protrusions with the circular holes when the male element is inserted into the casing.

[0005] This mechanism has several disadvantages. The circular hole is not directly visible to the user, and the incorporation of the aforementioned guide means makes the mechanism complicated. Furthermore, this mechanism does not allow the user to be sure that the engagement has been correctly performed after inserting the male element into the opening in the casing of the female element. Finally, locking the male element into the female element requires a two-step operation, since first the male element must be inserted in a direction along the plane defined by the general plane of the watch case, and then the male element must be lowered in a direction perpendicular to the general plane of the watch case in order to engage the protrusion with the hole in the female element.

[0006] Other examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in the publications CH712656B1, EP2353428B1, EP3213654A1 and CH698584B1, among others. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent No. 564922 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Invention No. 712656 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 2353428 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3213654 [Patent Document 5] Swiss Patent Invention No. 698584 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is achieved in particular by proposing an interchangeable mounting element intended to be fixed to a watch case and allowing a band to be detachably connected to said mounting element. The interchangeable nature of this mounting element has the advantage that it can be attached to multiple watch cases without the need to modify the case. This makes it possible to modernize or refurbish an existing watch by replacing the old band with a new or more modern band.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to make the watch case less complicated in terms of the means necessary to achieve the connection with the band.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to propose an attachment member that is easy to handle when connecting the wrist strap to the attachment member.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to propose a wrist strap with a simplified attachment part, which allows for replacement of the band at lower cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] These objects are achieved in particular by an attachment element intended to be fixed between a pair of protrusions on a watch case, the attachment element being fixed to a watch case having two pairs of protrusions in order to connect the watch case to an attachment end of a wrist strap. For this purpose, the attachment element comprises a coupling element adapted to assemble the attachment element and the attachment end by engaging with each other in a direction perpendicular or oblique to the plane defined by the two sets of protrusions on the watch case. The attachment member further comprises a latch movably mounted in a recess of the attachment member, the latch being movable between a fastening position and an unfastening position in which the assembly of the coupling element and the attachment end can be fastened and unfastened. The coupling element is adapted to be located on the side of the attachment member that is visible (to the user) when the attachment element and the attachment end are not assembled and when this assembly is carried out by direct engagement of the coupling element and the attachment end.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the mounting member is fixed between its pair of protrusions and the mounting end is not connected to the mounting member, the visible side of the mounting member is visible on the bezel side of the watch case.

[0014] In one embodiment, the latch comprises a hook or bolt adapted to prevent separation of the attachment end and the coupling element when the latch is in the fastened position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the movement of the latch is limited by a stop that prevents the latch from disengaging from the recess.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fastened position of the latch is reached and maintained by the action of a resilient member on the latch.

[0017] In one embodiment, the latch comprises a gripper portion movable in at least one direction between a fastened position and an unfastened position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the grip portion is positioned so that the mounting member is fixed between a pair of protrusions and is accessible (reachable by the user) from the invisible side of the mounting member when the watch case is viewed from the bezel side.

[0019] In one embodiment, the coupling element is formed by at least one female element adapted to receive at least one complementary male element on the attachment end.

[0020] In one embodiment, the coupling element is formed by at least two elements positioned on either side of a latch recess on at least one of the female and male elements.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mounting member further comprises a support surface intended to come into contact with the watch case, the support surface being adapted to substantially prevent rotation of the mounting member when the mounting member is secured between the protrusions of the watch case.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support surface of the mounting member is shaped to complement a portion of the watch case.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wrist strap having attachment ends adapted to be interconnected and connected to the attachment members of any of these embodiments.

[0024] In one embodiment, the attachment end comprises at least one male element adapted to mate with a coupling element of the attachment member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the attachment end comprises a rim or locking window adapted to cooperate with a latch on the attachment member to fasten the attachment end and coupling element assembly.

[0026] In one embodiment, the rim or locking window is located between at least two elements complementary to at least one of the male and female elements forming the coupling element of the mounting member.

[0027] In an embodiment, when the attachment end is assembled to the attachment member, the attachment end is hidden beneath a portion of the wrist strap that overlies the attachment member.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a watch case with two pairs of protrusions, an attachment member according to any of these embodiments attached between each pair of protrusions, and a band with a wrist strap according to any of these embodiments fixed to each attachment member.

[0029] The description, illustrated in the accompanying figures, sets forth example embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a portion of a watch case with an attachment member and an attachment end of a wrist strap prior to connection of the attachment member and the attachment end, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an attachment end of a wrist strap adapted to releasably connect with an attachment member. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the mounting end of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a mounting member according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a view similar to FIG. 4 with the latch in its operative position on the mounting member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the mounting member of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from the rear of a portion of the watch case when connected to the attachment end of the wrist strap via the attachment member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment end of the wrist strap, the attachment member, and a part of the watch case in a state where the attachment end of the wrist strap is fastened to the attachment member. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 shows a view similar to FIG. 8, with the bolt of the latch now disengaged from the fixed window in the attachment end of the wrist strap, allowing the wrist strap to be removed from the watch case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] 1 to 3, the watch generally comprises a watch case 70 having two pairs of projections 72 and a mounting member 10 intended to be attached between each pair of projections 72, in particular one secured thereto by, for example, a screw 74. The watch also comprises a band, at least one of which, a wrist strap 50, has a mounting end 52 intended to be fastened (locked) to the mounting member 10 in order to secure the wrist strap 50 to the watch case. The mounting member thus constitutes an interchangeable intermediate member and serves as a connection between the watch case and the mounting end 52 of the wrist strap.

[0032] To this end, the mounting member 10 includes a coupling element 12 located on the visible surface of the mounting member. When the coupling element 12 and the mounting end 52 are not yet assembled, the coupling element 12 can be assembled with the mounting end 52 by engaging them in a single specific direction. This differs from the aforementioned prior art, which requires the mounting end to be manipulated in two successive movements perpendicular to each other. This specific direction is perpendicular or oblique to a plane defined by two pairs of protrusions, such as the ends of the protrusions. Such a plane corresponds to the general plane of the watch case. The mounting member 10 further includes a latch 30 for fastening and unclamping the assembled coupling element 12 to the mounting end 52.

[0033] With this assembly, obtained by fitting outward in the direction of extension of the wrist strap, the fastening mechanism advantageously relaxes when a pulling force is applied to the wrist strap, particularly when the wrist strap is substantially parallel to the general plane defined by the watch case, thereby advantageously allowing the size of the latch or fastening mechanism to be reduced since it does not have to withstand the pulling force.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element of the mounting member is defined by at least one female element 12 adapted to receive at least one male element 56 that forms part of the mounting end 52 of the mounting member and is complementary in shape to the female element. Preferably, the coupling element 12 is formed by at least two elements located on either side of the latch 30. These elements are selected from one or both of the female element 12 and the male element 56. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises two female elements 12 in the form of two holes (e.g., oval) that pass through the mounting member 10. Alternatively, these two holes 12 may be two blind holes.

[0035] In Figure 2, the attachment end 52 of the wrist strap 50 is hidden under one end portion 58 of the wrist strap, which covers and obscures the attachment member 10 when the watch is worn. The end of this portion 58 contacts or is near the watch case 70 when the wrist strap 50 is locked to the watch case 70, as shown in Figure 8.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment end 52 also comprises at least one, preferably two, male elements 56, e.g., oval, arranged to be introduced into the two holes 12 of the attachment member. As mentioned above, the male element 56 and the female element 12 are intended to be matable and, for this purpose, are preferably of complementary shape. Furthermore, the male element 56 is arranged on a first support surface 60 intended to bear against the upper surface 26 of the attachment member 10 when the attachment end 52 is locked to the attachment member 10 (FIG. 6).

[0037] The mounting end 52 further comprises a second support surface 53, preferably adjacent to and substantially perpendicular to the first support surface 60. The second support surface 53 is intended to serve as a support for a third support surface 19, located on the first longitudinal side 16a of the mounting member 10 shown in Figures 4 and 5. To lock the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the mounting end 52 against movement, the latter comprises a rim, locking gap or locking window 54 intended to cooperate with a latch 30 incorporated in the mounting member 10. This window 54 is typically located on this second support surface 53. In a preferred embodiment, the locking window 54 is set back from the two male elements 56 and is preferably centered between them. It should be noted that more generally, the rim or locking window 54 is located between at least two elements complementary to one or both of the male and female elements 56 and 12 forming the coupling element.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second bearing surfaces of the attachment end 52 provide increased retention and / or rigidity to the assembly formed by the wrist strap and attachment member.

[0039] 4-5, the mounting member 10 includes a recess 14 located in the lower surface 24 opposite the upper surface 26. The recess 14 is preferably centered between the two holes 12 and is adapted to receive the latch 30 therein. The latch includes a movably mounted latch body 32 and a bolt 34, particularly a slidingly mounted bolt 34, which is arranged to be located in a fixed window 54 in the mounting end 52 of the wrist strap when the latch 30 is in the locked configuration. A hook may be used instead of the bolt 34 to prevent separation of the mounting end 52 and the coupling element 12 when the latch is in the fastened position. In this case, the rim or the fixed window may be adapted to be gripped by the hook.

[0040] Latch 30 further includes a resilient member 36 that biases the latch into the fastened position. The resilient member is preferably in the form of two compression springs 36. One end of each of springs 36 abuts against side 15 of recess 14 and the other end abuts latch body 32 to force bolt 34 into locking window 54. In an alternative embodiment, a single spring of larger size may be used.

[0041] In alternative embodiments not shown, the latch is mounted to swing about an axis parallel to the lower and upper surfaces 24, 26 of the mounting member 10, or about an axis perpendicular to these surfaces. In these two cases, a bolt or hook is positioned on the latch body to tilt or rotate the latch to engage a fixed window or fixed rim.

[0042] In another embodiment not shown, the mounting portion 12 has only one male element, and a locking window or locking rim is located on this male element opposite the bolt or hook of the latch that fastens the mounting end 52 of the wrist strap to the mounting member.

[0043] 5 and 8, the latch 30 also includes a trigger or grip 38 that allows the latch 30 to move in at least one direction between the fastened and released positions. The resilient member 36 automatically returns the latch from the released to the fastened position, although a configuration can be provided to prevent the latch from being in at least one of these positions. Thus, to be able to move from one position to the other, a user must first unlock the latch by initiating a movement applied to the latch's grip 38. When it is necessary to move from the released to the fastened position, the resilient member 36 serves to automatically complete the movement of the latch. In the opposite case, the user must complete the movement of the latch against the restoring force exerted by the resilient member 36.

[0044] Preferably, the gripping portion 38 is positioned so that it is accessible (reachable by the user) from the hidden side of the mounting member 10, or visible from the dial side, when the mounting member 10 is fastened between the pair of protrusions 72 and the watch is worn.

[0045] Preferably, the movement of the latch 30 is limited by a stop 40 that prevents the latch from disengaging from its recess 14. To achieve this, the latch body 32 may be provided at its base with a blind groove 33 whose axis coincides with the axis of movement of the latch. This groove 33 is designed to receive a pin 40 that passes through a hole 14a (FIG. 6) in the bottom surface of the recess 14. As the latch moves under the action of the resilient member 36, this pin abuts against the blind end of the groove 33, thereby limiting its movement.

[0046] To enable the mounting member 10 to be fixed between a pair of protrusions 72 on the watch case, the mounting member typically has two holes 22 (or holes) on both sides 20 thereof. Screws 74 are threaded into the protrusions 72 through the tapped holes. The holes 22 receive the ends of the screws to fix the mounting member to the protrusions 72 on the watch case 70. Alternatively, each protrusion has only one blind hole, while the two holes 22 on the mounting member 10 are threaded to receive the screws 74. These therefore become fixing points for fixing the mounting member 10 to the protrusions 72 on the watch case.

[0047] Advantageously, as clearly shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the mounting element 10 further comprises, on a second longitudinal side 16b opposite the first longitudinal side 16a, a support surface 18 intended to come into contact with the watch case. Apart from its aesthetic function, this support surface is intended to substantially prevent rotation of the mounting element when it is secured between the projections 72. For this purpose, the support surface 18 preferably has a shape complementary to the part of the watch case with which it may come into contact. In the aforementioned figures, this shape is curved to match a complementary curved part of the watch case. It should be noted that the contour of this support surface 18 and the advantageous engagement of the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the mounting end 52 make it possible to completely prevent rotation of the band around the projection. As a result, the side of the mounting end 52 always follows the contour of the projection of the watch case, ensuring an excellent appearance.

[0048] 8 and 9, when the latch 30 is in the fastened configuration, the bolt 34 is positioned above the lower edge 55 of the fixed window 54, preventing or limiting relative movement between the attachment end 52 of the wrist strap 50 and the attachment member 10, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the watch case. It should be noted that in this position, the pin 40 abuts against the edge of the groove 33 of the latch body 30.

[0049] When a force is applied to the latch gripping portion 38 in the direction of the watch case, the latch body 32 is pressed against the side 15 of the recess. This movement disengages the bolt 34 from the lower edge 55 of the fixing window 54, allowing relative movement between the attachment end 52 and the attachment member 10. This relative movement, in this case perpendicular to the plane of the watch case, allows the wrist strap to be removed from the attachment member.

[0050] From Figures 8 and 9 it becomes clear that the fixed window 54 can be replaced by a simple rim to prevent relative movement between the mounting end and the mounting member when the latch bolt 34 is engaged at the level of this rim.

[0051] The above-mentioned attachment members do not make the (watch) case or the band more complicated. In fact, the most complex elements are advantageously constructed and housed in the attachment member 10. In case of damage or defects, only this attachment member can be replaced, without the need to replace, for example, the watch case. Furthermore, since the band lacks the complexity of the attachment parts, especially the attachment parts of the individual wrist straps, the latter can be replaced more frequently and at less cost, especially if it is, for example, a leather wrist strap. Having a more economical band means that it is easy to offer a collection of bands that are easily interchangeable and whose colors can, for example, be coordinated with the wearer's outfit.

[0052] Various modifications may be made to the wristwatch described above without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the mounting member may comprise one or more male elements instead of holes, while the mounting end may comprise one or more female elements of a complementary shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] Mounting material 10 Coupling element 12 Recess 14 Hole 14a Side 15 First lateral portion 16a Support surface 19 Second lateral portion 16b Fitting part 18 (e.g., curved part) Side 20 hole 22 Bottom surface 24 Top 26 Latch 30 Latch body 32 groove 33 Bolt 34 Elastic member 36 (e.g., compression spring) Gripping part 38 Stop part 40 Wrist strap 50 Mounting end 52 Support surface 53 Fixed window 54 Rim 55 Male element 56 part 58 Support surface 60 Watch Case 70 Protrusion (horn) 72 Screw 74

Claims

1. A mounting member (10) intended to be fixed between a pair of protrusions (72) of a watch case (70) having two pairs of protrusions, The attachment member (10) connects the watch case (70) and the attachment end (52) of the wrist strap (50), the mounting member (10) comprises a coupling element (12) adapted to engage with the mounting end (52) to assemble the coupling element (12) and the mounting end (52) by engaging in a direction perpendicular or oblique to a plane defined by two pairs of protrusions (72) of the watch case, The mounting member (10), further comprising a latch (30) movably mounted within a recess (14) of the mounting member (10), for enabling fastening and unfastening of the coupling element (12) to the mounting end (52) between a fastened position and an unfastened position. The mounting member (10) is characterized in that the coupling element (12) is positioned on the visible side of the mounting member when the coupling element (12) and the mounting end (52) are not assembled, and the assembly is performed directly in a single operation by interconnecting the coupling element (12) and the mounting end (52).

2. The mounting member (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the visible side is visible on the bezel side of the watch case (70) when the mounting member (10) is fixed between a pair of the protrusions (72) and the mounting end (52) is not connected to the mounting member.

3. 3. The mounting member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latch (30) comprises a hook or bolt (34) adapted to prevent separation of the mounting end (52) and the coupling element (12) when the latch (30) is in the fastened position.

4. 4. A mounting element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movement of the latch (30) is limited by a stop (40) that prevents the latch (30) from disengaging from the recess (14).

5. 5. A mounting element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening position of the latch (30) is reached and maintained on the latch (30) by the action of an elastic member (36).

6. 6. The mounting member (10) of claim 1, wherein the latch (30) comprises a gripping portion (38) that allows the latch to move in at least one direction between the fastened position and the unclamped position.

7. The mounting member (10) of claim 6, characterized in that the gripping portion (38) is positioned so that the mounting member (10) is fixed between the pair of protrusions (72) and can be accessed from the invisible side of the mounting member (10) when the watch case (70) is viewed from the bezel side.

8. 8. The mounting member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling element (12) is formed by at least one female element (12) adapted to receive at least one complementary shaped male element (56) of the mounting end (52).

9. 7. The mounting member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element (12) is formed by at least two elements, one or both of a female element (12) and a male element (56), arranged on either side of the recess (14) of the latch (30).

10. A support surface (18) intended to contact the watch case (30), A mounting member (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support surface (18) is configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the mounting member (10) when the mounting member (10) is fixed between the protrusions of the watch case (70), and the mounting member (10) further comprises a support surface (18) that is preferably shaped complementary to a portion of the watch case (70).

11. A wrist strap (50) having an attachment end (52) adapted to be interconnected and connected to an attachment member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. The wrist strap (50) of claim 11, wherein the attachment end (52) comprises at least one male element (56) adapted to mate with the coupling element (12) of the attachment member (10).

13. 13. A wrist strap (50) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the attachment end (52) comprises a rim or locking window (54) adapted to cooperate with the latch (30) of the attachment member (10) to secure the assembly of the attachment end (52) and the coupling element (12) against movement.

14. 14. The wrist strap (50) of claim 13, wherein the rim or the fixing window (54) is located between at least two elements that are complementary to one or both of the male and female elements (56 and 12) that form the coupling element of the mounting member (10).

15. 15. A wrist strap (50) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein when the attachment end (52) is assembled to the attachment member (10), the attachment end (52) is hidden under a portion (58) of the strap that overlies the attachment member (10).

16. A watch case (70) having two pairs of protrusions (72); a mounting member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 mounted between the two protrusions (72) of each pair of protrusions; a band comprising a wrist strap (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 15 fixed to each mounting member (10); A watch equipped with.

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