Modular element for adjustable watch strap

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved modular element suitable for enabling tool-free adjustment of the length of a Strap, comprising a Central portion with at most one through channel configured to receive a respective single movable pin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved modular element for an adjustable strap for watches. In particular, the modular element is preferably of the 3-link type with a simplified construction suitable for enabling tool-free adjustment of the strap length.PRIOR ART

[0002] Watch straps composed of a plurality of modular elements are known, which allow the length of the strap to be autonomously adjusted without the need to perform complicated operations and without the help of specialized watchmakers.

[0003] WO2025046440A1, for example, in the name of the Applicant, describes two, three or five-link solutions that allow manual adjustment of the strap length without tools.

[0004] However, the Applicant has noticed that the production of the specific three-link version is laborious and slow because, in each central link, it is always necessary to create two channels to make the modular element openable / closable.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The Applicant has thus realized a simplified modular element that allows tool-free adjustment of the strap length and reduces the necessary operations and related processing time, while also enabling simplified assembly.

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose an improved modular element in which the central link has, at most, only one through channel and is configured to receive a respective single pin which is axially movable.

[0007] Said objects and advantages are achieved by a modular element for adjustable strap for watches according to Claim 1.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is achieved by an adjustable strap according to Claim 10.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a modular element for adjustable strap for watches, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the modular element of the present invention,

[0011] FIG. 2-5 each represent a sectional view of the modular element of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c are front views of the adjustment operation of a strap according to the invention;

[0013] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the modular element according to a further embodiment.EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] With particular reference to these figures, the modular element for an adjustable strap 1 for watches is globally indicated with M.

[0015] The strap 1 comprises a plurality of central modular elements, hereinafter also called links, arranged consecutively one after another along a longitudinal direction X-X in order to form an ornamental chain to be connected to the watch case. Generally, these links are also commonly referred to as “links”, and the number of link rows defines the aesthetic of the strap. For example, a 3-links strap consists of three side-by-side links usually comprising two thinner lateral links and one wider central link.

[0016] Sometimes, to simplify construction, it is possible to make 3-links straps in which the central portion and one of the lateral elements are made in one piece. To maintain a 3-links aesthetic nonetheless, grooves are created between the lateral element and the central portion so that the strap visually appears to be made of three separate links, even if in reality it only has two. In the following description and the subsequent claims, for the sake of simplicity, the term “link” will refer to the links arranged centrally, while the terms lateral / movable elements / portions will refer to the links arranged laterally.

[0017] As will be appreciated in the following description, thanks to a specific design, it is possible to remove one or more links from the ornamental chain by disengaging specific lateral elements / portions by moving them apart and rotating them to allow removal of a respective central link.

[0018] In this context, as shown in the figures, the strap 1 may comprise a predefined number of links chosen depending on the wrist diameter of the user. In particular, in the figures, a modular element M is identified comprising a first link M1 connectable to a second link M2 arranged consecutively, a fixed element F, and a movable element R movable between different positions to keep the first link M1 engaged with the second link M2 or to allow disengagement of the second link M2 from the first link M1.

[0019] The links M1, M2 and the movable element R preferably have a concave-convex profile. However, it is not excluded that the links M1, M2 and the movable element R may have a different profile, for example, a straight profile on both upper and lower surfaces.

[0020] In the modular element M, and therefore in each link, two opposed sides L1, L2 are identified (in FIG. 2, side 1 is the left side) from which various apertures, holes, channels are formed, as described in detail hereinafter. To avoid overloading the description, only the features of the first link M1 will be listed, specifying that the remaining links of the strap 1 have a substantially similar if not identical structure.

[0021] As illustrated, the modular element M comprises a first link M1 configured to be connected to at least one second link M2 arranged consecutively along a longitudinal direction X-X.

[0022] The first link M1 has a central portion F, a first lateral portion F1 arranged at the first side L1 of the modular element M and a second lateral portion F2 arranged at the second side L2 of the modular element M.

[0023] Similarly, the second link M2 also has a central portion F′, a first lateral portion F1′ arranged at the first side L1 of the modular element M and a second lateral portion F2′ arranged at a second side L2 of the modular element M.

[0024] Conveniently, the movable element R is arranged at the second side L2 opposite the first side L1 and is movable between different positions to keep the first link M1 engaged with the second link M2 or to allow disengagement of the second link M2 from the first link M1.

[0025] As illustrated, in the first link M1 it is comprised at least:

[0026] a first aperture A1 made transversely from the first lateral portion F1 toward the second lateral portion F2, i.e., from the first side L1 toward the second Side L2 and arranged at the upper portion of the first link M1,

[0027] a second aperture A2 made transversely from the second lateral portion F2 toward the first lateral portion F1, i.e., from the second side L2 toward the first side L1 and arranged at the upper portion of the first link M1,

[0028] a third aperture A3 (also referred to as through channel) made transversely across the entire width of the link from the first lateral portion F1 toward the second lateral portion F2 and arranged below the apertures A1 and A2,

[0029] a fourth aperture A4 made transversely from the first lateral portion F1 toward the second lateral portion F2, i.e., from the first side L1 toward the second side L2 and arranged below the third aperture A3,

[0030] optionally, a fifth aperture A5 made transversely from the second lateral portion F2 toward the first lateral portion F1, i.e., from the second side L2 toward the first side L1 and arranged between the first aperture A1 and the third aperture A3.

[0031] As illustrated, in the second link M2 it is comprised at least:

[0032] a first aperture A1′ made transversely from the first lateral portion F1′ toward the second lateral portion F2′, i.e., from the first side L1 toward the second side L2 and arranged at the upper portion,

[0033] a second aperture A2′ made transversely from the second lateral portion F2′ toward the first lateral portion F1′, i.e., from the second side L2 toward the first side L1 and arranged at the upper portion,

[0034] a third aperture A3′ (through channel) made transversely across the entire width of the link from the first lateral portion F1′ toward the second lateral portion F2′ and arranged below the apertures A1′ and A2′,

[0035] a fourth aperture A4′ made transversely from the first lateral portion F1′ toward the second lateral portion F2′, i.e., from the first side L1 toward the second side L2 and arranged below the third aperture A3′,

[0036] a fifth aperture A5′ made transversely from the second lateral portion F2′ toward the first lateral portion F1′, i.e., from the second side L2 toward the first side L1 and arranged between the first aperture A1′ and the third aperture A3′.

[0037] In detail, the first aperture A1′ of the second link M2 is configured to receive, by shape coupling, at least partially, a first pin P1 that extends from the fixed element F toward the first link M1. Preferably, the first aperture A1 is blind. With reference to the second aperture A2, it is also configured to receive, by shape coupling, at least partially, a second pin P2 that extends from the movable element R toward the second link M2. Preferably, the second aperture A2 is blind.

[0038] Preferably, the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 are coaxially oriented along the same orthogonal direction Y-Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X. However, it is not excluded that the second pin P2 is offset with respect to the first pin P1. Consequently, also the apertures A1, A1′ and A2, A2′ of the links M1, M2 may be offset.

[0039] Conveniently, the through channel A3 is configured to receive, by shape coupling, a third pin P3 that extends from the movable element R toward the Fixed element F passing through the first link M1. Preferably, the central portion M1 has, at most, a single through channel A3. Preferably, the through channel A3 is configured to receive, at most, only the third pin P3. This is extremely advantageous in production terms, as it allows reducing the number of operations required on the central portion M1, simplifying the assembly process and limiting the dimensional tolerances to be respected, thus reducing production costs and increasing assembly reliability.

[0040] Preferably, the first aperture A1 and the second aperture A2 have substantially the same length. Preferably, the third aperture A3 has a greater length than the first aperture A1 or the second aperture A2 and extends across the entire width of the first link M1.

[0041] Conveniently, the first aperture A1, A1′ and the second aperture A2, A2′ are distinct apertures made in the links M1, M2 and are coaxially oriented along Y-Y.

[0042] Advantageously, the modular element M of the present invention is of the 3-links type.

[0043] As previously stated, the modular element M comprises a plurality of pins P1, P2, P4 and P5 and a single movable pin P3. In the following description and in the claims, the term “movable pin” refers to a pin that can slide and rotate inside the corresponding aperture that houses it.

[0044] In detail, the first pin P1 has ends P1′, P1″ configured to be inserted respectively into:

[0045] a third cavity H3 formed in the Fixed element F, and

[0046] the first aperture A1′ of the second link M2.

[0047] Preferably, the end P1″ (distal with respect to the link M2) of the first pin P1 is fixedly connected in the third cavity H3 of the fixed element F and removably / freely connected to the second link M2. Essentially, the first pin P1 laterally protrudes from the fixed element F to be inserted freely into the first aperture A1′. As will be seen later, this means that the first pin P1 can be removed from the first aperture A1′ to allow the second link M2 to disengage from the first link M1.

[0048] The modular element M also comprises a second pin P2 that extends from the movable element R toward the second link M2.

[0049] The second pin P2 has ends P2′, P2″ configured to be inserted respectively into:

[0050] the second aperture A2′ of the second link M2,

[0051] a second cavity O2 formed in the movable element R.

[0052] Conveniently, the end P2″ (distal with respect to the link M2) of the second pin P2 is fixedly connected in the second cavity O2 of the movable element R and removably / freely connected to the second link M2. Essentially, the second pin P2 laterally protrudes from the movable element R to be freely inserted into the second aperture A2′. As will be seen later, this means that the second pin P2 can be removed from the second aperture A2′ when the movable element R is moved away from the links M1, M2.

[0053] The modular element M also comprises a third movable pin P3 that extends from the movable element R toward the fixed element F through the first link M1. The third pin P3 is freely movable within the through channel A3 of the first link M1 to move axially (along Y-Y) and / or rotate about its own axis. The third pin P3 has ends P3′, P3″ configured to be inserted respectively into:

[0054] the through channel A3 of the first link M1,

[0055] a first cavity O1 formed in the movable element R.

[0056] Conveniently, the end P3′ (distal with respect to the link M1) of the first pin P3 is fixedly connected in the first cavity O1 of the movable element R, while the other end P3″ is freely slidable and rotatable within the through channel A3 of the first link M1. In particular, the third pin P3 is designed to laterally protrude from the movable element R to be inserted into the through channel A3. Essentially, the third pin P3 protrudes from the lateral element R toward the first link M1.

[0057] Advantageously, the third pin P3 is axially movable along Y-Y between a plurality of positions comprising a maximum extension position of the third pin P3 within the through channel A3 and a minimum extension position of the third pin P3 within the same channel A3, to allow the movable element R to move closer to or away from the links M1, M2 and rotate. In practice, the movable element R is movable between a first position close to the links M1, M2 when the third pin P3 is in the maximum extension position, and a second position away from the links M1, M2 when the third pin P3 is in the minimum extension position, in order to:

[0058] disengage the second pin P2 from the second link M2,

[0059] rotate the movable element R,

[0060] extract the second link M2 from the first pin P1, and

[0061] remove the second link M2 from the strap 1.

[0062] The modular element M comprises a fourth pin P4 that extends from the fixed element F toward the first link M1 to be partially fixedly inserted into the fourth aperture A4 formed in the first link M1 and partially into a second cavity H2 formed in the fixed element F and locked therein.

[0063] The modular element M may comprise a fifth pin P5 that extends from the fixed element F toward the first link M1 to be partially fixedly inserted into the fifth aperture A5 formed in the first link M1 and partially into a first cavity H1 formed in the fixed element F and locked therein.

[0064] Conveniently, the fourth pin P4 and the fifth pin P5 may be entirely similar to each other. The modular element M may include both the fourth pin P4 and the fifth pin P5 or only one of the two. In other words, the fifth pin P5 may be in addition to or in alternative to the fourth pin P4 and vice versa. The fourth and fifth pins P4, P5 allow the fixed element F to remain, in use, always adhered to the first link M1 and the second link M2.

[0065] According to one aspect, the cavities H1, H2 and H3 of the fixed element F may have internal threads to receive, respectively, the pins P5, P4 and P1. Also the cavities O1, O2 of the movable element R may have internal threads to receive, respectively, the pins P3 and P2. To this purpose, the ends of said pins P1-P5 have corresponding threads that allow the pins P1-P5 to be screwed into their respective cavities. According to a variant, the pins P1-P5 are inserted into the cavities H1-H3, O1-O2 by interference fit.

[0066] As illustrated, the modular element M comprises elastic means S arranged between the third pin P3 and the through channel A3. Preferably, the elastic means S comprise a spring arranged around the third pin P3 and fitted onto it to be also inserted into the through channel A3 of the first link M1.

[0067] The elastic means S are configured to oppose or assist the movement of the third pin P3 within the third aperture A3 along the direction Y-Y during the movement of the movable element R away from the links M1, M2. In particular, the elastic means S are configured to be compressed along the direction Y-Y and to oppose the movement of the third pin P3 from the maximum extension position (close position of the movable element R) to the minimum extension position (away position of the movable element R). Conversely, the elastic means S are configured to assist the movement of the third pin P3 from the minimum extension position to the maximum extension position within the third aperture A3 to keep the movable element R adhered to the links M1, M2.

[0068] In the normal use configuration, the spring S is configured to keep the movable element R adhered to the links M1, M2 when the third pin P3 is in the maximum extension position.

[0069] The elastic means S are adapted to return the third pin P3 from the minimum extension position toward the maximum extension position. In other words, the elastic means S are configured to oppose the movement of the third pin P3. For example, the elastic means S oppose the movement of the third pin P3 when the movable element R is moved away from the first link M1. In fact, the elastic means S are configured to keep the movable element R normally adhered to the second side L2 of the links M1, M2.

[0070] In particular, the end P3″ of the third pin P3 is configured to compress the elastic means S at least when the third pin P3 is in the minimum extension position within the through channel A3. To this purpose, the end P3″ of the third pin P3 has a radially enlarged circular shape with respect to the shaft diameter of the pin P3 (like a glans) to oppose the spring S during movement. Preferably, in the maximum extension position, the end P3″ of the third pin P3 is flush with the first Side L1 of the first link M1.

[0071] Conveniently, the through channel A3 is formed by drilling the first link M1 across its entire width from the first side L1 to the second side L2. In this way, during assembly, the third pin P3 can be inserted from the first side L1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, to oppose the movement of the spring S, the channel A3 has an internal shoulder G configured to oppose the axial movement of the spring S during the movement of the movable element R away from the links M1, M2.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the modular element M is made of metallic material. However, it is not excluded that the modular element M may be made of polymeric material.

[0073] The present description also relates to an adjustable strap 1 for watches comprising a plurality of modular elements M according to any of the embodiments described herein. The strap 1 may comprise a plurality of links as described above combined with another plurality of links.

[0074] As illustrated in the examples of FIG. 6a-6c, the strap 1 comprises a plurality of links M1, M2, M3, etc., arranged consecutively one after the other. The strap 1 also comprises, at the first side L1, a plurality of fixed elements F, F′, F″, and so on, while at the second side L2, it comprises a plurality of movable elements R, R′, R″, and so on.

[0075] When worn by a user, the strap 1 has:

[0076] the third pin P3, the spring S, the third aperture A3, the first cavity O1 coaxially aligned,

[0077] the second cavity H2, the fourth pin P4, the fourth aperture A4 coaxially aligned,

[0078] the third cavity H3, the first pin P1, the first aperture A1′, the second aperture A2′ (of the second link M2), the second pin P2, the second cavity O2 coaxially aligned, and

[0079] optionally, the first cavity H1, the fifth pin P5, the third aperture A3 coaxially aligned.

[0080] According to a further embodiment illustrated in the example of FIG. 7, the fixed element F may have at most two cavities H1, H4 to receive, respectively, the first pin P1 and the third movable pin P3. In this embodiment, the third movable pin P3 may therefore be arranged and freely movable both within the through channel A3 of the first link M1 and within the cavity H4 of the fixed element F. In essence, the third pin P3 is movable between a plurality of positions comprising a maximum extension position of the third pin P3 within the cavity H4 and a minimum extension position of the third pin P3 within the same cavity H4. In this way, advantageously, at most three pins P1, P2 and P3 (thus without requiring the fourth pin P4 and / or the fifth pin P5) are sufficient to allow the coupling / uncoupling of one link M1 to an adjacent link M2 by moving the movable element R away from the first link M1.

[0081] The operation of the strap 1 of the invention may be as follows.

[0082] When a user needs to enlarge the circumference of the strap 1 around the wrist, they grasp the movable element R and move it away from the links M1, M2 along the direction Y-Y to allow the second pin P2 to be extracted from the second aperture A2′ of the second link M2. At this point, the movable element R can be rotated around the axis of the third pin P3, for example by 45° (FIG. 6a). The second pin P2 is then free to be removed from the second aperture A2′ of the second link M2 to uncouple the first link M1 from the strap 1 (FIG. 6b). The first aperture of the second link M2 is then free to receive a new modular element M′ (FIG. 6c).

[0083] At this point, a new modular element M′ can be coupled to the Strap 1 by inserting its second pin Q2 of the new link N into the first aperture A1′ of the second link M2 and, at the end, rotating its movable element T to engage its first pin Q1 into the second aperture A2′ of the second link M2. The first link M1 previously uncoupled from the Strap 1 is finally recoupled to it by inserting the first pin P1 into the first aperture B1 of the new link N (FIG. 6c) and rotating the corresponding movable element R to insert the corresponding second pin P2 of the first link M1 into the second aperture B2 of the new link N.

[0084] If instead a user needs to reduce the circumference of the strap 1 around the wrist, the above operations are similarly carried out by removing a modular element from the ornamental chain. For example, with reference to FIG. 6b, once the movable element R has been rotated and the second pin P2 has been removed from the second aperture A2′ of the second link M2 to uncouple the first link M1 from the second link M2, it will be sufficient to repeat the operation by rotating the movable element R′ of the second link M2 to uncouple it from the third link M3. At this point, the third link M3 can be coupled to the first link M1 to reassemble the strap.

[0085] The present invention also relates to a watch comprising a plurality of modular elements M and / or a Strap in accordance with any of the described embodiments.

[0086] The type of structural combinations of the modular element and of the strap are potentially infinite and, of course, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, may make numerous modifications and variations to the above-described embodiments, all of which are nonetheless within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1) A modular element for an adjustable strap for watches, the modular element comprising:a first link connectable to a second link, arranged consecutively along a longitudinal direction and configured to form an ornamental chain to be connected to a watch case,wherein the first link has a first lateral portion arranged at a first side of the modular element and a second lateral portion arranged at a second Side of the modular element, andwherein the second link has a first lateral portion arranged at the first side of the modular element and a second lateral portion arranged at the second side of the modular element,a fixed element arranged at the first side of the modular element to keep the first link engaged with the second link,a movable element arranged at the second side of the modular element and movable between different positions to allow the disengagement of the second link from the first link,a first pin extending from the fixed element of the first link to be inserted into a blind first aperture formed in the second link at the first lateral portion,a second pin extending from the movable element of the first link to be inserted into a blind second aperture formed in the second link at the second lateral portion, anda third pin extending from the movable element toward the fixed element through a through channel formed in the first link, said through channel being configured to receive said third pin.2) The modular element according to claim 1, wherein the third pin is movable between a plurality of positions including a maximum extension position and a minimum extension position,said plurality of positions also including a position close to the first link and the second link when the third pin is in the maximum extension position, and a position away from the first link and the second link when the third pin is in the minimum extension position, to allow:disengagement of the second pin from the second link (M2), andremoval of the second link from the first pin.3) The modular element according to claim 2, wherein said third pin is freely movable within the through channel of the first link, allowing the movable element to rotate around the axial direction defined by the third pin.4) The modular element according to claim 3, wherein in the maximum extension position the third pin extends substantially along the entire length within the through channel.5) The modular element according to claim 4, wherein in the maximum extension position, the end of the third pin is flush with the first side of the first link.6) The modular element according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pin are distinct pins and coaxially oriented along said orthogonal direction.7) The modular element according to claim 1, wherein the first link comprises elastic means arranged between the third pin and the through channel, and configured to oppose and / or assist movement of the third pin within the through channel along the orthogonal direction.8) The modular element according to claim 1, wherein said central portion has only one through channel.9) The modular element according to claim 1, wherein said fixed element has a first cavity and a second cavity to receive, respectively, said first pin and said third pin,wherein said third pin is arranged and freely movable both within the through channel of the first link and within the second cavity of the fixed element, andwherein said third pin is movable between a plurality of positions comprising a maximum extension position of the third pin within said second cavity and a minimum extension position of the third pin within said same second cavity.10) The adjustable strap for watches, comprising:a plurality of modular elements according to claim 1, each of said plurality of modular elements comprising said first link and said second link arranged consecutively, and said movable element adjacent to said first and second links and movable between different positions to keep the first link engaged with the second link or to allow disengagement of the second link from the first link.

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