EP0723750B1 - Watchbands and method for their manufacture - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a watch strap according to the preamble of claim 1 and a A method of manufacturing a corresponding watch strap according to claim 7.

The generic watch strap is known from EP-A-0 283 883. This can the flexible core consists of a combination of several materials, preferably of soft Silicone and a longitudinally extending flexible reinforcement in the form of a Thin steel band enclosed on all sides in the silicone. Every single one of the decorative elements This watch strap consists of a lower and a separate one upper element, which are made of elastic material to lock together can, if they are spaced in opposite directions between two each other adjacent spacer organs on the flexible core element in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the bracelet be pushed open. That means a considerable manufacturing effort for the two parts to be locked together and also a not inconsiderable one Assembly effort; and yet it cannot be reliably excluded in the long run that the Both (upper and lower) elements of a decorative element are not unwanted when worn separate again and then get lost.

From GB-A-2 137 475 or DE-A-12 02 046 are bracelets with one-piece decorative elements known, but no flexible cores or spacers for their decorative elements exhibit. The flexible core known from EP-A-0 549 979, on the other hand, consists of individual chain links. A bracelet according to FR-A-2 199 955 in turn has two pieces Decorative elements on, and also a channel-free core element and separate spacers.

A fancy article, for example can act a watch strap is from EP 0 198 279 B1 known. This known tape has one of one thermoplastic existing core as well Decorative elements on the core over part of its length surround. Each of the decorative elements consists of a second thermoplastic and is solid with the core connected. The fixed connection between the core and decorative element by adhesion of the two plastics be realized, but it is also possible that the core is integrally formed with projections which in Snap recesses into the decorative elements are trained. In this known band-like Imagination articles are the decorative elements at the core arranged captively, the mechanical strength or the permanent punch behavior of the band-like fantasy article However, is solely from the material selection for the thermoplastic core.

A bracelet made of a flexible fabric is in the DE 86 02996 U1 discloses. In this known bracelet is the flexible fabric on the arm facing Inside with a non-flexible, comparatively hard Underlaid fabrics, the edges of which are flanged in this way are that they are the edges of the flexible sheet enclose or enclose.

EP 0 570 638 A1 is a stretchable link bracelet known for a wristwatch. It is suggested there each link on the outside with a decorative element To provide plastic material.

FR 2 199 955 describes a watch strap with a flexible core and with arranged on the flexible core Decorative elements that - similar to those mentioned at the beginning Decorative elements according to EP 0 283 883 B1 - two parts are trained, i.e. an upper and a lower element have, each assembled into a unit become. The assembly or manufacturing effort of the last mentioned watch band therefore corresponds to that of the initially mentioned watch straps according to EP 0 283 883 B1.

EP 0 167 891 B1 is a watch strap with a Variety of articulated elements known, which form the links of the bracelet. The said links interlock directly and are by means of two flexible, inextensible bands held together. These two bands extend through openings that in each of the links on either side of the longitudinal axis of the watch strap are arranged. With this well-known watch bracelet so it is necessary to pass two bands through the through both openings in the links. Furthermore the individual links lie directly and immediately here to each other so that the links wear out especially after a long life of the watch strap is unavoidable.

A watch strap is known from DE 85 34 115 U1, the similar to the last mentioned watch strap according to EP 0 167 891 B1 bracelet links with side Has passage holes for two bands. Between two adjacent bracelet links of a link type bracelet links of a second link type are arranged, so that the bracelet links with the second link type alternate the former bracelet links. The former Bracelet links are preferably leaflet-shaped formed and the second arranged between them Bracelet links are cylindrical or spherical. Threading the two side straps through both the leaflet-shaped as well as by the roller or spherical limbs, however, means considerable Manufacturing effort.

The invention has for its object a watch strap and to provide a process for its manufacture, wherein it is comparatively easy to manufacture is an inexpensive watch strap with a decorative Realize exterior.

This task is illustrated with the characteristics of Claim 1 or according to the method with the features of Claim 7 solved. Preferred training or further education of the watch strap according to the invention are in the Claims 2 to 6 marked.

According to the invention there is the advantage of a comparatively inexpensive to manufacture the Watch straps, with the decorative elements from one Ceramic material, made of metal such as titanium or the like. can exist. The first, i.e. overhead soft-elastic core element preferably consists of Silicone and the second, underlying and comparatively firm, especially not if possible stretchable but flexible core element preferably made of polyurethane. Other combinations of materials with these properties are possible. The fact that the watch strap according to the invention only one channel for the second, comparatively solid, flexible core element is provided Manufacturing effort compared to the known Watch straps of the type described above with two side straps to hold the bracelet links together halved in an advantageous manner. Another particular advantage of the watch strap according to the invention is that the individual Decorative elements by the integral on the second core element trained distance organs defined from each other are spaced so that damage or Wear on the decorative elements reliably prevented become. Another advantage is that in the watch strap according to the invention, the individual Decorative elements are integrally formed, d. H. on Assembly of two parts into one corresponding decorative element is not required. An captive arrangement of the decorative elements on Watch strap arises when the one-piece Decorative elements each with a self-contained Sleeve cross-sectional profile are formed.

Further details, features and advantages emerge derive from the following description one in the Drawing more or less shown schematically Embodiment of the watch strap according to the invention

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung wesentlicher Teile einer Armbanduhr mit Uhren-Armbändern bzw. wesentlicher Teile derselben;

Figur 2

einen Längsschnitt durch ein erstes dehnbares, weiches Kernelement eines Uhren-Armbands gemäss Figur 1;

Figur 3

einen Längsschnitt durch ein zweites, vergleichsweise festes, flexibles Kernelement eines Armbandes gemäss Figur 1;

Figur 4

in einer Seitenansicht ein Befestigungsglied für eine Armband-Schliesse;

Figur 5

einen Schnitt entlang der Schnittlinie V-V in Figur 1, d.h. einen Schnitt durch das erste und das zweite Kernelement im Bereich eines federnden Uhren-Befestigungstiftes;

Figur 6

einen Schnitt entlang der Schnittlinie VI-VI in Figur 1, d.h. im Bereich eines Distanzorganes des ersten Kernelements;

Figur 7

einen Schnitt entlang der Schnittlinie VII-VII in Figur 1, d.h. im Bereich eines zwischen zwei voneinander beabstandeten Distanzorganen spielfrei angeordneten Dekorelements;

Figur 8

eine der Figur 7 ähnliche Schnittdarstellung, die sich von der Schnittdarstellung gemäss Figur 7 insbesondere dadurch unterscheidet, dass das erste Kernelement nicht mit einem umgekehrt U-förmigen Querschnittsprofil sondern mit einem schlauchförmigen Querschnitt ausgebildet ist;

Figur 9

eine den Figuren 7 bzw. 8 entsprechende Schnittdarstellung zur Verdeutlichung einer weiteren Ausbildung, die sich von der in Figur 8 angedeuteten Ausführungsform insbesondere dadurch unterscheidet, dass die Dekorelemente nicht als ringförmig in sich geschlossene Hülsenkörper sondern als ein ein- bzw. unterseitig offene einstückige, klammerartige Hülsenkörper ausgebildet sind;

Figur 10

eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausbildung eines Dekorelements in Gestalt eines ringförmig in sich geschlossenen Hülsenkörpers in einem stark vergrösserten Massstab;

Figur 11

einen Schnitt entlang der Schnittlinie XI-XI in Figur 10,
und

Figur 12

einen Querschnitt des Dekorelements entlang der Schnittlinie XII-XII in Figur 10.

Show it - :

Figure 1

a schematic representation of essential parts of a wristwatch with watch straps or essential parts thereof;

Figure 2

a longitudinal section through a first stretchable, soft core element of a watch strap according to Figure 1;

Figure 3

a longitudinal section through a second, comparatively firm, flexible core element of a bracelet according to Figure 1;

Figure 4

in a side view a fastener for a bracelet clasp;

Figure 5

a section along the section line VV in Figure 1, ie a section through the first and the second core element in the region of a resilient watch fastening pin;

Figure 6

a section along the section line VI-VI in Figure 1, ie in the region of a spacer of the first core element;

Figure 7

2 shows a section along the section line VII-VII in FIG. 1, ie in the region of a decorative element arranged without play between two spaced-apart spacing elements;

Figure 8

7 shows a sectional view similar to FIG. 7, which differs from the sectional view according to FIG. 7 in particular in that the first core element is not designed with an inverted U-shaped cross-sectional profile but with a tubular cross-section;

Figure 9

7 shows a sectional representation corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 8 to illustrate a further embodiment, which differs from the embodiment indicated in FIG. 8 in particular in that the decorative elements are not in the form of a sleeve body which is closed in a ring shape but rather as a one-piece, clamp-like one that is open on one or the underside Sleeve bodies are formed;

Figure 10

a plan view of an embodiment of a decorative element in the form of an annularly closed sleeve body on a greatly enlarged scale;

Figure 11

10 shows a section along the section line XI-XI in FIG. 10,
and

Figure 12

10 shows a cross section of the decorative element along the section line XII-XII in FIG. 10.

FIG. 1 shows a wristwatch 10 with a watch case 12 and bracelets 14 on an enlarged scale, wherein of the bracelet 14 drawn on the right side only the individual spaced apart decorative elements 16 are shown while that is on the left cut bracelet 14 except the Decorative elements 16 also the first stretchy, soft Core element 18 with the integrally molded spacers 20 and a channel 22 for a second, comparatively represents firm, flexible core element 24.

Figure 2 shows the first, stretchable, soft cut longitudinally Core element 18 with the spaced apart, with the first core element integrally formed spacers 20. The first core member 18 has a watch fastening end portion 26 and with one removed second end portion 28 formed. The watch fastening end section 26 has an angled tab 30 with a hole 32. The clear cross section of the hole 32 of the tab 30 on the watch attachment end portion 26 of the the first core element 18 has a cross section Approach 34 of the watch attachment end portion 36 of the second, comparatively firm, flexible core element 24 (see Figure 3) adjusted. The last mentioned watch attachment end section 36 of the second core element 24 formed with a transverse through hole 38, that for receiving and fixing a resilient watch mounting pin 40 (see FIG. 1) is provided.

The second, comparatively firm and flexible core element 24 is at its from the watch attachment end portion 36 removed second end portion 42 by a number transverse channels 44 spaced apart from one another, such as can be seen from Figure 3. The last one at the end Transverse channel 44 serves to receive a resilient closing fastening pin 46 (see FIG. 1), on one Clasp fastener 48 is set as in Figure 4 is drawn in a side view. At the in The clasp, not shown, can be act, for example, a so-called folding clasp.

Figure 5 shows on a further enlarged scale Fastening bars 50 of the watch case 12 (see also figure 1) and between the two fastening webs 50 extending resilient watch mounting pin 40, the through the transversely on the watch mounting portion 36 running through hole 38 in the second, comparatively firm, flexible core element 24 and by appropriate Locations 52 of the first, stretchable, soft core element 18 extends through. The section according to FIG. 5 runs by a spacer 20 of the first core element 18, wherein from Figure 5 not only the reverse U-shaped cross section of the first core element, but also also the convexly curved outer surface 54 of the corresponding integral spacer 20 of the first Core element 18.

Figure 6 illustrates the first, similar to Figure 5, stretchy, soft core member 18 with its inverted U-shaped Cross section, the section according to FIG. 6 also by one of the spacers 20 of the first Core element 18 runs. Through the first core element 18 inverted U-shaped cross section becomes a channel 22 in which the second, comparatively firm, flexible core element 24 is arranged. With the Reference number 54 is also the convex bulge in FIG. 6 Outer surface of the corresponding spacer 20 designated. The individual distance members 20 are according to the cross-sectional dimensions of the decorative elements 16 not only on the top but also on the two sides facing away from each other via the U-shaped first Core element 18 over.

Figure 7 shows a section through the one inverted U-shaped Cross-sectioned first, stretchy, soft Core element 18, by a decorative element 16 and by second, comparatively firm, flexible core element 24, the is arranged in the channel 22 through the first Core element 18 and the spaced apart Decorative elements 16 is determined. The individual decor elements 16 are with a convexly curved outer surface 56 formed, the shape of the outer surface 54 of the Spacers 20 of the first core element 18 is adapted.

Figure 8 shows in a similar to Figure 7 Sectional view of an embodiment of the first stretchable, soft core member 18, which is different from the reverse U-shaped in Figure 7 Cross section with a tubular cross section through which a channel 22 for the second, comparatively firm, flexible core element 24 is. The reference number 16 in FIG. 8 is the same corresponding decorative element referred to that with a convex curved outer surface 56 is formed.

While in FIGS. 7 and 8 a decorative element 16 is shown cut, the one in itself closed square rectangular sleeve cross-section 9 shows a decorative element 16 with a underside open square rectangular cross section of clips. The first core element 18 is here underside with a correspondingly designed, in Longitudinal elevation 58 formed so that one along the entire watch band 14 flat bottom 60 results. While the in itself closed decorative elements 16 in the form of one piece Sleeve body on the first core element 18 - preferably in stretched and thus reduced cross-section the same - from the watch attachment end portion 26 or second end section 28 onto the first core element 18 be put on like a pearl necklace , it is possible to use the decorative elements 16 according to FIG either in the last described way on the to postpone the first core element 18 in its longitudinal direction or straight from the side onto the first core element put on. According to the arrangement of each Decorative elements 16 on the receiving portions 61 between adjacent spacers 20 (see FIG. 2) Elongation of the first stretchable, soft core element 18 canceled again, whereby the decorative elements 16 between the spacers 20 on the first core element 18 exactly are defined. Then in the Channel 22 of the intermediate structure from the first core element 18 and the decorative elements 16 arranged thereon the second, introduced comparatively firm, flexible core element 24. Thereafter, through the through hole 38 at the watch mounting end portion 36 of the second core element 24 resilient watch mounting pin 40 inserted to the corresponding watch strap 14 on the watch case 12 to be able to determine. Accordingly, after matching Cutting the bracelet 14 to the last end Transverse gutter 44 a resilient closure fastener 48 are introduced, with which a clasp fastening element 48 a clasp on the corresponding one Bracelet 14 is fixed.

FIG. 10 shows a strong view from above enlarged scale a decorative element 16 that not only with a partially cylindrical convex bulge Outside surface 56 but also with a convex curved end face 62 and with a concave retracted end face 64 is formed. Corresponding are the spacers 20 of the first core member 18 with one concave and one convex End face 66 and 68 (see FIG. 2).

The same details are in Figures 1 to 12, respectively with the same reference numerals, so that it superfluous in connection with all these figures all Describe details in detail.

Claims (7)

1. Watch-strap (14) with decorative elements (16), which are carried by a first, stretchable and flexible core element (18) and which are spaced apart by spacers (20) formed in one piece with the soft core element (18), the flexible core element (18) having a channel (22), through which runs a second core element (24), which is also flexible but less stretchable,
   characterized in that
   the decorative elements (16), being one-piece sleeve-like elements of four-cornered rectangular tube-like or bracket-like cross-section, encircle the flexible core element (18), in which the less stretchable core element (24) is located in a U-shaped channel (22).
2. Watch-strap according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the sleeve-like elements take the form of profiles having a closed tube-like cross-section.
3. Watch-strap according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the spacers (20) have convexly curved outer surfaces (54) so as to conform to the shape of the outer surfaces (56) of the decorative elements (16).
4. Watch-strap according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that,
   at the end portion (36) for attaching the watch, the second core element (24) is provided with a transverse through hole (38) to accommodate a spring pin (40) for attachment of the watch.
5. Watch-strap according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that,
   at its second end portion (28) away from the portion (26) for fixing the watch, the second core element (24) includes a number of spaced transverse grooves (44), which are provided to accommodate a spring-closure fastening pin (46).
6. Watch-strap according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   each decorative element (16) has a convexly curved outer surface (56) as well as a convexly curved end face (62) and a concavely retracted end face (64), and in that the spacers (20), integrally formed on the first core element (18), each have an outer surface (54), conforming to the outer surface (56) and the end faces (62, 64) of a decorative element (16), and end faces (66, 68).
7. Method of manufacturing a watch-strap according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   decorative elements in the form of one-piece sleeve-like elements are successively pushed on to a first, momentarily stretched flexible core element, which is thus reduced in cross-section, after which the stretch is released again in order thus to fix the decorative elements between spacers, which are integral with the first core element, and a second, also flexible but less stretchable core element is inserted into a channel passing through the first core element.

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