Device for cutting a strap of a watch and kit comprising the device

Abstract

The device (1) for cutting a strap (2) of a watch (3) comprises a base (4) having: a contact portion (5) adapted to receive at least one portion of the strap (2) of the watch (3), a cutting portion (6) adapted to receive a blade so that a blade, when moved towards and / or in contact with the cutting portion (6), crosses the strap (2) cutting the strap (2) into at least two separate parts.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CUTTING A STRAP OF A WATCH AND KIT COMPRISING THE DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for cutting a strap of a watch. The device is particularly suitable for shortening the length of the strap. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising such device.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] The use of straps for watches is known in the prior art the length of which can be adjusted and modified. In particular, the straps of known type allow a user to choose the length of the strap according to their own size of wrist. Adjusting the length of the strap allows the watch to be securely fastened to the wrist while maintaining a high level of comfort for the user.

[0006] In detail, there are several types of straps with adjustable length, such as e.g. straps with hook-and-loop closure, modular straps and straps with removable portions.

[0007] The Italian patent document 102019000006887, incorporated herein by reference, describes a wristwatch comprising a strap provided with one end adapted to be coupled with the watch case. The end of the known strap particularly comprises a plurality of portions that allow defining a coupling by shape with the watch case. The plurality of portions also allows the length of the strap to be adjusted by removing some of these portions depending on the size of a user’s wrist. The removal of the portions, and therefore the shortening of the strap, is done by cutting using scissors or a cutter.

[0008] According to the known method, the user measures the size of their own wrist and determines how many portions of the strap need to be removed. Then the user cuts the excess portions while grasping and holding the strap steady with their free hand.

[0009] A drawback of the prior art is that requiring the user to hold the strap steady with one hand while using scissors or a cutter with the other hand can make the procedure for adjusting the length of the strap difficult and unsafe. In fact, it is possible that the scissors or the cutter may slip when in contact with the strap during cutting and strike the hand holding the strap in place.In addition, the Applicant has found that the known adjustment procedure often causes imperfections in the cut and on the strap. It is likely that the strap will move during the removal of the excess portions and that the cut may therefore be inaccurate.

[0010] Description of the Invention

[0011] The Applicant has discovered that securely retaining the strap in place while shortening it makes it easier to cut the strap and achieve a more precise, flawless cut.

[0012] A further object of this description is to provide a device for cutting straps and a kit that allow increasing the user’s safety.

[0013] A further object of this description is to provide a device for cutting straps that is versatile and easy for a user to use.

[0014] One or more of the aforementioned objects are achieved by the device for cutting straps according to claim 1 and by the kit according to claim 10.

[0015] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of a device for cutting a strap of a watch and a kit comprising the device, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a user engaged in shortening the length of a strap according to the prior art,

[0018] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a device in accordance with this description,

[0019] Figure 4 shows a side view of the device of Figure 2,

[0020] Figure 5 shows a top view of the device in accordance with this description, Figure 6 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 2,

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device in a condition of use in accordance with this description,

[0022] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device in accordance with this description,

[0023] Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of the detail in Figure 8,Figures 10 and 11 show longitudinal sections of the device under respective conditions of use in accordance with this description,

[0024] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a kit in accordance with this description. Embodiments of the Invention

[0025] In accordance with this description and the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a device for cutting a strap 2 of a watch 3. The device 1 is particularly adapted to cut straps of the type described in patent document 102019000006887, incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In particular, the strap 2 is provided with at least one end 13 and one adjustment portion 13a at such end 13. The adjustment portion 13a is adapted to be at least partly cut, shortened, or otherwise removed from the strap 2, in order to adjust the length of the strap 2.

[0027] In detail, the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2 may have protrusions 14 that extend transversely with respect to the length of the strap. More specifically, the protrusions 14 are arranged in succession with each other along the length of the strap 2. The adjustment portion 13a allows the length of the strap 2 to be adapted to the wrist of a user by removing the protrusions 14. The protrusions 14 of the strap may have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

[0028] According to one aspect, the strap 2 is at least partly made of polymeric material and may be elastically deformable. The strap 2 is made in such a way as to allow easy removal of the protrusions using scissors or a cutter.

[0029] In one embodiment, the adjustment portion 13a extends along the entire length of the strap and the protrusions 14 are arranged along the entire length of the strap 2.

[0030] The device 1 comprises a base 4 having a contact portion 5 and a cutting portion 6. The contact portion 5 is adapted to receive at least one portion of the strap 2 of the watch 3. The contact portion 5 is particularly configured to receive the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2. In other words, when in use, the base 4 of the device 1 receives the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2 where the contact portion 5 is located. The contact portion 5 is conformed by shape coupling with the strap 2, particularly with the adjustment portion 13 a.

[0031] The cutting portion 6 is adapted to receive a blade so that when the blade ismoved towards and / or in contact with the cutting portion 6, it crosses the strap 2, by cutting such strap 2 into at least two separate parts. In detail, the cutting portion 6 is in the proximity of the contact portion 5. The cutting portion 6 and the contact portion 5 are arranged in such a way that a blade moved close to the cutting portion 5 cuts the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2 into two separate parts, thus shortening the length of the strap 2.

[0032] According to one aspect, the contact portion 5 comprises one or more seats 7 suitable for shape coupling with the portion of the strap 2 of the watch 3, in particular with the adjustment portion 13 a. The one or more seats 7 are configured by shape coupling with the protrusions 14 of the strap 2. In detail, each seat 7 is conformed by shape coupling with a respective protrusion 14 of the strap 2.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cutting portion 6 comprises a slot 8 adapted to receive at least part of the blade. In detail, the slot 8 is configured to receive the blade edge when in use. In use, when the strap is in contact with the contact portion 5 and the blade is moved towards the cutting portion 6, the blade passes through the strap 2 through its thickness and ends its movement with the edge inside the slot 8.

[0034] In addition, the slot 8 may be configured to block the movement of the blade when it is received by the slot 8. For example, the slot 8 may be configured to block the movement of the blade along one or more directions.

[0035] According to one aspect, the slot 8 and the one or more seats 7 are coupled with each other so as to allow the blade to completely pass through the strap 2 and divide the portion of the strap 2 into two separate parts. Dividing the portion of the strap into two separate parts allows the strap to be shortened. In other words, one of the two separate parts of strap portion is locked together with the body of the strap, while the other part is waste material.

[0036] In one embodiment, the device 1 extends along a longitudinal direction X-X. Specifically, the base 4 extends along the longitudinal direction X-X.

[0037] The contact portion 5 of the base 4 is configured to receive the portion of the strap 2 so that the strap 2 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X, i.e., so that the length of the strap 2 is parallel to the longitudinaldirection X-X. In other words, in use, when the portion of the strap 2 is in contact with the contact portion 5, such portion of the strap 2 lies and extends substantially along the longitudinal direction X-X.

[0038] According to one aspect, the one or more seats 7 comprise at least two seats 7. The at least two seats 7 are arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction X-X. In detail, the slot 8 is arranged in the proximity of the one or more seats 7. More specifically, the slot 8 is placed between the two seats 7 along the longitudinal direction X-X so that the blade, when moved within the slot 8, cuts the portion of strap into two separate parts. In particular, the slot 8 is arranged between the two seats so that the blade, by cutting the strap, divides the protrusion coupled with one of the two seats 7 from the protrusion coupled with the other of the two seats.

[0039] According to one aspect, the slot 8 and each seat 7 extend along a transverse direction Y-Y to the longitudinal direction X-X. In detail, the slot 8 is parallel to one or more seats 7. In particular, the transverse direction Y-Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X. The slot 8 may be configured to block the movement of the blade along the longitudinal direction X-X and / or along the transverse direction Y-Y. The contact portion 5 is configured to receive the strap 2 in a such a way that the transverse direction Y-Y is transverse, preferably perpendicular to the length of the strap. In other words, the contact portion 5 is configured to receive the portion of strap so that a lateral extension of the strap is substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y-Y. Advantageously, arranging the portion of strap perpendicularly to the transverse direction Y-Y along which the slot 8 and each seat 7 develop allows a cut to be made perpendicularly to the length of the strap in an efficient, easy, and accurate manner.

[0040] In addition, the device may comprise a channel 9 for receiving the strap 2, defined at least partly by the base 4 and configured to receive the portion of the strap 2. In detail, the channel 9 mainly extends along the longitudinal direction X-X. The channel 9 has a lateral width along the transverse direction Y-Y.

[0041] The channel 9 is configured to receive the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2 so that such adjustment portion is arranged along the longitudinal direction X-Xwithin the channel 9.

[0042] In detail, the channel 9 has a first opening 9a and an opposite opening 9b spaced apart from the first opening 9a along the longitudinal direction X-X. The channel 9 is adapted to receive the portion of strap 2 entering through the first opening 9a and can be configured to allow the portion of strap 2 to pass through the opposite opening 9b to protrude from the device 1, as shown, e.g., in Figure 11. In other words, in use, the adjustment portion 13a of the strap 2 is inserted within the channel 9 through the first opening 9a.

[0043] According to one aspect, the cutting portion 6 and the contact portion 5 are arranged inside the channel 9. In particular, the cutting portion 6 and the contact portion 5 at least partly define the channel 9. The slot 8 and the one or more seats 7 are located at the channel 9, particularly within the channel 9. In detail, the slot 8 and / or one or more seats 7 may at least partly define the channel 9. In one embodiment, the device 1 comprises a guide 10 associated with the cutting portion 6 and configured to at least partly guide the movement of the blade through the channel 9 as it moves close to and away from the cutting portion 6. In detail, the guide 10 may be configured to contact the blade in its movement from / to the cutting portion 6. The guide 10 is adapted to guide the movement of the blade along one direction of movement B-B. The direction of movement B-B is transverse to the transverse direction Y-Y and transverse to the longitudinal direction X-X. In other words, the direction of movement B-B, the transverse direction Y-Y and the longitudinal direction X-X are orthogonal to each other.

[0044] According to one aspect, the guide 10 defines a further opening of the channel 9 adapted to allow the passage of the blade for its movement towards the cutting portion 6, i.e. towards the slot 8. The further opening mainly extends along the transverse direction Y-Y, as shown e.g. in Figure 3.

[0045] In particular, the guide 10 extends along the transverse direction Y-Y and along the direction of movement B-B. The extension of the guide 10 along the transverse direction Y-Y is substantially equal to the extension of the slot 8 along such transverse direction Y-Y.

[0046] According to one aspect, the slot 8 extends along the direction of movement B-B. In particular, the slot 8 extends along the direction of movement B-B below the seats 7 so as to allow the blade to completely cross the thickness of the portion of strap 2 during cutting when the portion of strap is coupled with one or more seats 7.

[0047] According to one aspect, the device 1 comprises an upper body 11 connected to the base 4 in a removable maimer. The upper body 11 and the base 4 can be connected by snap connection. The guide 10 and the channel 9 are at least partly defined by the upper body 11 and by the base 4. In detail, the channel 9 is bound by the base 4 and by the upper body 11.

[0048] In detail, the upper body 11 is movable with respect to the base 4 along the direction of movement B-B. When the upper body 11 is connected to the base 4, the upper body 11 can be constrained to the base along the longitudinal direction X-X and the transverse direction Y-Y.

[0049] The upper body 11 may have an inverted U-shape to mate with the base 4 and to define the channel 9.

[0050] In one embodiment, the base 4 comprises flaps 16 for the connection to the upper body 11. The flaps 16 of the base 4 are arranged in lateral portions of the base 4. The upper body 11 comprises compartments for coupling with the flaps 16 of the base 4. Each flap 16 is couplable with a compartment of the upper body 11 for removable connection, particularly for snap connection, of such upper body 11 to the base 4.

[0051] In one embodiment, the upper body 11 comprises a first body Ila and a second body 1 lb, as shown, e.g., in Figure 6. Each of these first and second bodies 1 la, 11b are configured to be connected to the base 4 in a removable manner. In particular, the first and the second bodies Ila, 11b can be connected to the base spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction X-X to define the guide 10. In detail, the guide 10 is at least partly defined by the first and by the second bodies Ila, 11b. The guide 10 is placed between the first body Ila and the second body 11b along the longitudinal direction X-X. The channel 9 is defined by the first body 1 la, by the second body 1 lb and by the base 4.

[0052] According to one aspect, the first body Ila and the second body 11b have respective compartments for connection to the flaps 16 of the base 4. In detail,both the first body and the second body have an inverted U-shape.

[0053] In one embodiment, the opening 9a of the channel is defined by the base 4 and by the second body 1 lb and the opposite opening 6b of the channel is defined by the base 4 and by the first body Ila.

[0054] According to one aspect, each of the one or more seats 7 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape by shape coupling with a respective substantially semi-cylindrical protrusion of the portion of the strap 2. For example, in Figure 11, it can be seen that each seat 7 has a shape complementary to the protrusions 14 of the strap 2.

[0055] In one embodiment, the device 1 comprises a retaining element 12 couplable with the base 4 in a detachable maimer to be at least partly arranged within the channel 9. The retaining element 12 is connected to the base 4 to define a portion of the channel 9 having a reduced height less than the height of a contiguous portion of the channel 9. The retaining element 12 is configured to couple with the base 4 and the upper body 11, particularly with the base 4 and the second body 11b. The retaining element 12 is configured to define the portion of the channel 9 with reduced height in the proximity of the opening 9a. In particular, the retaining element 12 is configured to at least partly retain the portion of the strap 2 at one or more seats arranged within the portion of the channel 9 having reduced height.

[0056] In detail, the retaining element 12 has an inlet 12a and comprises an elongated portion 12b extending along the longitudinal direction X-X. The elongated portion 12b is configured to couple with the base 4 and the upper body 11 to define the portion of channel having reduced height and, in use, to retain the portion of strap in contact with the contact portion 5. The inlet 12a is configured to receive the portion of strap 2 and allow the access to the opening 9a of the channel 9.

[0057] In detail, the retaining element 12 extends along the longitudinal direction X-X at least between a first opening 9a of the channel 9 and the guide 10. More specifically, the elongated portion 12b extends from the inlet 12a to the guide 10 along the longitudinal direction X-X.

[0058] In use, after positioning the strap within the channel and coupling the strap withthe base, the user places the retaining element within the channel to retain the strap in position against the seats within the channel. The user then cuts the strap safely by making the blade slide along the guide and towards the slot 8. Advantageously, retaining the strap within the channel by means of the retaining element 12 allows the strap to be cut without the strap moving during cutting.

[0059] This description also relates to a method for cutting a strap of a watch.

[0060] The method comprises the phases of:

[0061] - providing a blade and a strap 2 in accordance with this description,

[0062] - providing a cutting device 1 in accordance with this description,

[0063] - coupling the strap 2 with the device 1, particularly coupling the strap with the contact portion 5 of the base 4,

[0064] - cutting the portion of the strap into two separate parts.

[0065] According to one aspect, coupling the strap with the device comprises the subphase of coupling one or more protrusions 14 with respective seats 7 of the base.

[0066] In detail, the method comprises the phase of inserting the portion of strap 2, particularly the adjustment portion 13 a, within the channel 9. In particular, inserting the portion within the channel 9 comprises at least partly moving such portion through the opening 9a, optionally along the longitudinal direction X-X. Inserting the portion within the channel 9 may comprise the sub-phase of moving at least part of such portion of strap through the opposite opening 9b, optionally along the longitudinal direction X-X.

[0067] According to one aspect, cutting the portion of strap comprises moving the blade towards the cutting portion 6 of the base 4. In particular, moving the blade towards the cutting portion 6 comprises moving the blade towards the slot 8 and optionally moving the blade within the slot 8. In addition, moving the blade towards the cutting portion comprises moving the blade along the guide 10 and / or moving the blade along the direction of movement B-B.

[0068] In one embodiment, coupling one or more protrusions 14 with respective seats 7 of the base 4 comprises the sub-phase of positioning the adjustment portion of the strap so that the slot 8 is positioned between two protrusions 14 along thelongitudinal direction X-X.

[0069] According to one aspect, the method comprises the phase of retaining the portion of strap within the channel 9. In particular, retaining the portion of strap within the channel comprises coupling the retaining element with the base 4 so as to define a channel portion having reduced height.

[0070] This description also relates to a kit 15 comprising a device 1 for cutting a strap 2 according to this description and a strap 2.

[0071] In detail, the kit comprises a strap 2 provided with one end 13 associable with the contact portion 5 of the base 4 to allow the length of the strap 2 to be adjusted.

[0072] Alternatively or in addition to the strap 2, the kit may comprise a wristwatch 3 with a respective strap 2 provided with one end 13 associable with the contact portion 5 of the base 4 to allow the length of the strap 2 to be adjusted. The watch 3 may be of the type described in patent document 102019000006887. In one embodiment, the kit 15 also comprises a cutter comprising a blade adapted to cut the strap 2. In particular, the cutter may be of a known type.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Device (1) for cutting a strap (2) of a watch (3), comprising a base (4) having:a contact portion (5) adapted to receive at least one portion of the strap (2) of the watch (3),a cutting portion (6) adapted to receive a blade so that a blade, when moved towards and / or in contact with the cutting portion (6), crosses the strap (2) cutting said strap (2) into at least two separate parts.2) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein:the contact portion (5) comprises one or more seats (7) adapted for shape coupling with the portion of the strap (2) of the watch (3), andthe cutting portion (6) comprises a slot (8) adapted to receive at least part of the blade, the slot (8) being arranged in the proximity of the one or more seats (7).3) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the one or more seats (7) comprise at least two seats (7) arranged spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction (X-X), and whereinthe slot (8) is placed between the two seats (7) along the longitudinal direction (X-X) so that the blade, when moved within the slot (8), cuts the portion of the strap into two parts, optionally wherein each of the one or more seats (7) runs along the transverse direction (Y-Y) and the slot (8) extends along a transverse direction (Y-Y) to the longitudinal direction (X-X).4) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising:a channel (9) for receiving the strap (2) defined at least partly by the base (4) and configured to receive the portion of the strap (2), the channel (9) extending along the longitudinal direction (X-X), the one or more seats (7) and the slot (8) being arranged in the channel (9), anda guide (10) associated with the cutting portion (6) and configured to guide at least partly the movement of the blade through the channel (9) as it moves close to and away from the cutting portion (6), the guide (10) extending along the transverse direction (Y-Y).5) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising:an upper body (11) connected to the base (4) in a removable maimer, the guide (10) and the channel (9) being defined at least partly by the upper body (11) and by the base (4), preferably the upper body (11) and the base (4) being connectable by snap connection.6) Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper body (11) comprises a first body (Ila) and a second body (11b) configured to be connected to the base (4) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (X-X), the guide (10) being defined at least partly by the first and by the second bodies (11b) and being placed between the first body (Ila) and the second body (1 la, 1 lb), the channel (9) being defined by the first body (Ila), by the second body (11b) and by the base (4).7) Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more seats (7) has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape for shape coupling with a respective substantially semi-cylindrical protrusion of the portion of the strap (2).8) Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7 when dependent on claim 4, comprising a retaining element (12) couplable with the base (4) in a detachable manner to be arranged within the channel (9) and to define one portion of the channel (9) having a reduced height (A) less than a height of a contiguous portion of the channel (9), the retaining element (12) being configured to at least partly secure the portion of the strap (2) at one or more seats arranged within the portion of the channel (9) having reduced height (A).9) Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining element (12) extends along the longitudinal direction (X-X) at least between a first opening (9a) of the channel (9) and the guide (10).10) Kit (15) comprising:a device (1) for cutting a strap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, a strap (2) provided with one end (13) associable with the contact portion (5) of the base (4) to allow adjustment of a length of the strap (2), and / ora wristwatch (3) with a respective strap (2) provided with one end (13)associable with the contact portion (5) of the base (4) to allow the adjustment of a length of the strap (2).

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