Abstract: An elongated band, suitable for use as a watch strap, belt, head band or luggage strap, is fabricated from a plurality of individual overlapping, and optionally interlocking, segments of leather, or leather-like material that are bonded together to form an upper or outer layer, which is in turn bonded to a conventional backing material, such as a band substrate. The assembled and finished band can be tooled to provide distinctive surface configurations of striking ornamental appearance; alternative configurations of the overlapping segments resemble metal expansion bands for wrist watches.

Abstract: An improved extender device for adjusting the length of a watch or bracelet band is provided. The extender element of the invention comprises a body having a width no greater than the distance measured between the sidewalls of the main watch link and shell, a coupling member formed at one end of the body and having a width substantially equal to the width of the shell, and at least one guide element formed at the other end of the body for accommodating a spring-loaded pushpin. The pin is received between the corresponding sidewall openings of the shell as the shell overlies and otherwise receives the body of the extender element.

Abstract: An interchangeable attachment assembly for a wristwatch having a removable and interchangeable watchband and watchcasing. The interchangeable attachment assembly includes a watchcasing having a housing with first and second attachment modules that include first and second pairs of attachment pin assemblies located on opposite sides of the housing. The interchangeable attachment assembly further includes a watchband having first and second ends with first and second attachment members, respectively, for removably attaching the watchband to the first and second pairs of attachment pin assemblies, respectively, of the watch casing. An alternate embodiment discloses the attachment assembly for removably connecting a bracelet to a jewelry attachment, such as a setting for a gem stone.

Abstract: An integrally formed watch band with a circular-shaped flexible harness having two strap portions extending from opposite ends therefrom. The harness has an a top opening through which a timepiece, when inserted, is made visible. The bottom of the harness has two oppositely extending flexible tab portions which support the timepiece in place within the harness. The harness is circular and flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of timepiece configurations. In one embodiment, molded cutouts line the inner wall of the harness and are arranged in locations that correspond with control buttons of a specific timepiece configuration.

Abstract: A wrist-carried radiotelephone (10) comprises a housing (12), radiotelephone circuitry (90) and a bracelet (16). The radiotelephone circuitry (90) is disposed in the housing (12). The bracelet (16) is connected to the housing (12) and secures the housing (12) to a user's wrist. The bracelet (16) further comprises a plurality of links (18, 20, 22, 24). Each link (18, 20, 22, 24) of the plurality of links (18, 20, 22, 24) has a battery (26, 28, 30, 32) disposed therein. Adjacent links (18, 20, 22, 24) of the plurality of links (18, 20, 22, 24) are mechanically coupled together using a hinge (72, 74). Adjacent batteries (26, 28, 30, 32), disposed in respective adjacent links (18, 20, 22, 24) of the plurality of links (18, 20, 22, 24), are electrically coupled together using electrical conductors (50, 52, 58, 60). The batteries (26, 28, 30, 32) disposed in the links (18, 20, 22, 24) provide power to the radiotelephone circuitry (90).

Abstract: A plastic top shell for use on a metallic top link of an expansible watch band, the top link having a hollow box-like configuration with open ends and with top and bottom walls joined by side walls. The plastic top shell comprises a molded body having a top surface and a bottom surface with end tabs protruding downwardly therefrom. The bottom surface has coplanar end portions adjacent to the ends tabs, with the top and bottom surfaces defining a thickness therebetween which is greater than the thickness of the end tabs. The body is configured and dimensioned to overlie the top wall of the top link, with the end tabs being bendable around the open ends of the top link to thereby firmly seat the coplanar end portions of the molded body's surface against the top link wall.

Abstract: A connector for joining an end of a watchband to a watch case, the end of the watchband having a terminal link and the watch case having first lugs separated by first sockets with first apertures extending through the first lugs. The connector includes metal bottom and top components. The bottom component has a rear end configured to underlie the terminal link of the watchband, and a front end with mutually spaced projections, at least two of which define hollow guides. The top component has a rear end configured to overlie the rear end of the bottom component, and a front end with mutually spaced flanges aligned with and bent around the projections on the bottom component to form second lugs separated by second sockets. The top component is joined to the bottom component with the terminal link of the watchband captured therebetween. The first and second lugs are adapted to be received respectively in the second and first sockets.

Abstract: A pair of band holding members are attached by joint pins to band attachment portions of a watch case formed at positions of 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock of a dial in the watch case. The band holding members extend obliquely and outwardly from a back surface of the watch case in a direction opposite to a front surface thereof. A watch band insertion slot is formed in each of the holding members to extend from a first position which is positioned at or away from the back surface of the watch case to a second deposition which is positioned further away from the back surface of the watch case than the first positions and to open at the first and second positions. A watch band consisting of one band piece is passed through the watch band insertion slots of the band holding members so that the watch band projects its both end portions from the openings of the second positions of the insertion slots of the band holding members toward outsides of the holding members and extends along the back surface of the watch case.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for joining two sections of an expansible watchband. The watchband sections have adjacent ends defined by endmost top and bottom links interconnected by pairs of mutually spaced staples. The connector comprises a unitary element having first and second sets of locking ears projecting laterally in opposite directions from opposite sides thereof. The connector has an initial laterally contracted configuration which accommodates its insertion between the endmost top and bottom links of the adjacent ends of the watchband sections, with the first and second sets of locking ears having passed between and beyond the respective pairs of staples interconnecting the endmost top and bottom links. The thus inserted connector is permanently deformable into a laterally expanded configuration which causes its locking ears to mechanically interengage with the staples to thereby effect a connection between the watchband sections.

Abstract: The middle of the watch (1) is provided with two lateral protuberances (2, 3) each having a groove (4, 5) intended to receive the pin (6) of a piece of bracelet (7). On the middle (1) is mounted a ring (8) by means similar to that of a rotary rim. The rotary rim (8) is also provided with two lateral protuberances (9, 10) whose shape is complementary to that of the protuberances (2, 3) of the middle (1) in order to lock, and unlock the extremities of the bracelet.

Abstract: The watch band assembly includes a pair of buckle devices and a strap assembly. The buckle devices are fabricated to be a one piece structure which are adapted to be removably secured to opposite ends of a conventional watch. Extending outwardly from the buckle devices are studs that are adapted to receive and maintain the strap assembly. The strap assembly is comprised of at least one elongated tubular member having opposite ends. These ends are adapted to be releasably secured to the buckle devices.

Abstract: A "C" shaped adjustable watch band having a pair of opposite orientated hooks on opposite arms of the band is provided. The arms of the band may be flexed toward each other and allowed to overlap. Hooks are positioned to allow the simultaneous engagement of apertures provided on the respective overlapping arms. Because the bands attempt to spring back to their original unflexed condition, the hooks are retained within the apertures and the band is securely held together.

Abstract: A wrist-carried instrument has a case with a "6 o'clock" end and a "12 o'clock" end, a band with a first attachment end and a second attachment end, and a first pivoting lug member and a second pivoting lug member. The first and the second pivoting lug members encircle a predetermined portion of the case at the "6 o'clock" end and the "12 o'clock" end, respectively. The first pivoting lug member includes a first pair of arms for pivotably attaching the first pivoting lug member to the case and a second pair of arms for connecting the first attachment end of the band therebetween. The second pivoting lug member includes a first pair of arms for pivotably attaching the second pivoting lug member to the case and a second pair of arms for connecting the second attachment end of the band therebetween. In this manner, the first and the second pivoting lug members are free to pivot about the case to permit the wrist-carried instrument to conform to the contours of a wrist about which it is worn.

Abstract: A slit pipe which is compressible in a radial direction thereof is attached to a watch case between a pair of leg portions. A groove is formed in a link of a watch band so as to be engaged with the slit pipe. The groove has an opening formed on the underside of the link, an introducing portion communicating with the opening, a groove portion formed at an innermost end of the groove. The opening has a width smaller than an outer diameter of the pipe, and larger than an outer diameter of the pipe when compressed. The groove portion has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. Thus, the pipe may be inserted in the groove portion from the opening passing through the introducing portion.

Abstract: A clasp assembly for selectively connecting and disconnecting a pair of bands which define a watch bracelet is described. The clasp assembly includes a male coupling defined by a housing and a depending insert, and a female coupling having an inside wall which defines an opening that is sized to selectively receive the insert of the male coupling. The clasp assembly also includes a pair of tab members which overlie the insert for selectively engaging the female coupling member along the inside wall thereof. The clasp assembly further includes a spring which is operatively connected between the two tab members to enable the user to selectively lock and unlock the insert from the female coupling.

Abstract: A self-aligning device for attaching a watchband comprises a watch case having a cusp that includes means for positively aligning the end of a retractable spring-bar prior to retracting the end for engagement with the hole in the watch case cusp. The self-aligning device includes a semi-cylindrical depression in the lower surface of the watch cusp that engages the extended spring-bar for alignment with the engagement hole in the cusp, and may also include a second semi-cylindrical depression in the lateral face of the watch cusp to guide the retracted spring-bar from the alignment depression to the engagement hole in the watch case cusp.

Abstract: A wrist watch (1) and wrist watch strap combination (2, 3) includes a manually operable securing mechanism for securing the wrist watch to the wrist watch strap to allow easy removal and replacement of the strap. The mechanism may comprise links (4) on the wrist watch and on the strap which may be interlinked with one another.

Abstract: A pair of band connecting lugs are formed on opposite sides of the watch case. Each lug has a groove formed on the underside of the lug in the lateral direction with respect to the band, an opening of the groove having a smaller width than a width of the groove. A band has a pair of cylindrical portions forming a recess there-between. A connecting pin comprising a solid pin and a hollow pin slidably mounted on the solid pin is engaged with the cylindrical potions of the band. The solid pin has a small diameter portion which is able to pass the opening of the groove. Each of the solid pin and the hollow pin has a large diameter portion which is engageable with the groove and is unable to pass the opening.

Abstract: An adaptor attachable to the watch casing of a watch is structured with attachment means for being secured to the watchband securement means of the watch casing, and is further structured with watchband retaining structure which allows attachment of a watchband by means different than is provided on the watch casing. Thus, the watch casing may be converted for use with watchbands which are not configured to be attachable to that particular watch casing. Likewise, conventional watches employing pin means for attachment of the watchband may be converted to attach uniquely designed watchbands configured for attachment only to correspondingly unique watch casings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for protecting an instrument, such as a wrist-mounted time keeping instrument, from damage or loss. Lengths of flexible material are used for shielding the attaching band of the instrument from the surrounding environment. The flexible material is formed into a band to encircle the user's limb using a hook and loop fastener. A channel is formed on the underside of the flexible material to hold the attaching band in place and to seal out containments found in the surrounding environment. The apparatus is used without removing or modifying the existing attaching band of the instrument. A cover hides the instrument and also seals the instrument from the surrounding environment. The cover is a stretchable cover which has an open position allowing easy access to the instrument and a closed position which seals the instrument from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A watch case has a bezel and an annular middle, a pair of watch band connecting lugs provided on opposite sides of the bezel and, a pair of ornamental lugs provided on opposite sides of the middle section. The distance between the ornamental lugs is larger than that of the watch band. An end link of the watch band is connected to the connecting lugs, and the bezel and the annular middle section are engaged with each other so as to cover end portions of the end link by the ornamental lugs.

Abstract: An end connector has a plastic outer shell pivotally coupled to a plastic watch case by means of a metallic cross pin. The outer shell has a recess in its bottom surface which is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one and preferably two of the end most top links of a respective end of the band. A metallic insert is interposed between the outer shell and the thus received top links. The insert is mechanically inter engaged with both the cross pin and the thus received top links, thereby establishing a secure coupling of the band of the watchcase.

Abstract: To permit visual monitoring of the owner of a data carrier in the form of a wrist-watch, a photo of the owner is incorporated in the clasp attached to the strap of the data carrier.

Abstract: A wristwatch radiotelephone having a plurality of substantially rigid members connected end to end in a series. The members are shaped and positioned to allow the members to be arranged in an arcuate array when the apparatus is to be worn on the wrist as a wristwatch, or in a more elongated, substantially straight array when the apparatus is to be used as a hand-held radiotelephone.

Abstract: A strap attachment for a wristwatch has first and second ends adapted to encircle the wrist of a wearer having a first strap end with a wide strap section and a connecting narrow strap section, and a number of adjustment holes along the wide strap section, and a second strap end terminating in an integral buckle frame with a rectangular frame opening and having a short inclined tang for cooperating with a selected adjustment hole, the strap section with the buckle end having a transverse slot spaced from the buckle frame for receiving the narrow strap section. The buckle frame includes a hard high strength plastic insert overmolded by soft flexible plastic strap material. In a modification, the strap attachment to the watch case comprises an integral central strap section in which an overmolded soft plastic material partially encases a rigid plastic watch case, the latter then being assembled with the movement and sealed from the front side.

Abstract: A wristwatch radiotelephone mechanism has three substantially rigid members connected to one another in a series by connection mechanisms connected between adjacent members in the series. The connection mechanisms allow the members to be arranged either in a C-shaped array when the apparatus is to be worn on the wrist as a wristwatch, or in a more elongated array when the apparatus is to be used as a hand-held radiotelephone.

Abstract: A watch band the effective length of which is elongated so that the watch can be worn on a ski glove is disclosed. An end of the band is folded back at a spring loaded pin attached to a case of a watch at one side thereof and connected to the pin. A middle portion of the band is folded back at a connecting link having a slit. The other end of the band is secured to an adjusting link and fixed to a middle portion of the band by a grasping portion provided on the adjusting link.

Abstract: An elongate wrist band segment has a top row of links overlying a bottom row of links. U-shaped staples connect the links of the top row to the links of the bottom, and springs housed in the links coact with the staples to resiliently accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction of the band segment. An elongate non-expansible element is received between the top and bottom rows of links and serves to resist longitudinal expansion of the band segment.

Abstract: A wrist-watch accessory comprising a hollow open-ended cylinder and a pair of flat spaced-apart, generally parallel legs protruding from one side of the cylinder in superposed relation. The loop of the wrist band of the watch has an opening in which the cylinder is inserted to surround the push pin retaining the wrist band to the wrist-watch. The outer and inner legs are in contact with the outer and inner faces of the wrist band. A decoration can be applied on the outer leg. Either one of the two legs can bear an identification or medical alert label.

Abstract: The middle of the watch (1) is provided with two lateral protuberances (2, 3) each having a groove (4, 5) intended to receive the pin (6) of a piece of bracelet (7). On the middle (1) is mounted a ring (8) by means similar to that of a rotary rim. The rotary rim (8) is also provided with two lateral protuberances (9, 10) whose shape is complementary to that of the protuberances (2, 3) of the middle (1) in order to lock, and unlock the extremities of the bracelet.

Abstract: A wristlet e.g. for watches in which, to avoid soiling, an outer layer of a fluorinated polymer material is adhered to a band of a non-fluorinated thermoplastic material which forms the body of the wristlet.

Abstract: The case (1) of the watch carries, along its periphery (5), hooking members in the form of rings (6a, 6a', 6b, 6b', 6c, 6c'), these rings being disposed radially relative to the center (7) of the dial (2) and hence of the watch. A chain (8) is fixed by loops (9, 10) at its ends to two (6c, 6c') of these rings and passes through the other rings (6a, 6a', 6b, 6b'), passing several of times around the wearer's wrist. After the loops (9, 10) have been detached from their respective rings, the chain (8) can be passed in a different manner around the case, so that the watch can be hung around the neck. In order to make this change, the chain is equipped with a flat link (13) which can pass through radial slots provided in the periphery of the rings.

Abstract: In fitting of a band to a wristwatch case; in order to minimize the gap at the area of fitting of these members, or pretend that a middle that constitutes the watch case is formed integral with the band and also to prevent excessive pivoting of the band relative to the watch case when the user wears the wristwatch, a recess for receiving the end portion of the band is formed in a part of the middle which is contiguous with each fitting portion where the band is fitted to the middle, thereby limiting the pivoting of the first link of the band by the inner wall of the recess. In addition, a projection is provided in the center of each of the fitting portions formed on the watch case to limit the pivoting of the second link of the band by the distal end of the projection.

Abstract: A watch and strap combination in which the strap is essentially constituted by an elongate rectangular strip of paper material of weight between 150 and 350 g/m.sup.2, carrying printed matter under an optional PVC lamination. Means for fastening together the strap ends may include a double-sided adhesive patch or a touch-and-close fastener.

Abstract: A structure comprising a watch case; a pair of lugs each extending from one of the sides of the watch case and being provided with a threaded hole; a band; a pair of cone point screws; a connector secured to the underside of an end portion of the band, the connector being bent into a U-shape to define a base wall and a pair of side walls, the side walls being provided with a pair of attachment openings, the band being closely attached to the watch case by placing the end portion of the band on the top surfaces of the lugs and tightening the cone point screws respectively into the threaded holes of the side lugs so that the cone points engage with the pair of attachment openings provided in the connector; and a bend preventing member comprising a bending wall extending from the base wall of the connector.

Abstract: A watch case has attachment lugs on opposite ends thereof, a flexible resilient watch band with attachment ends, first means pivotably connecting one attachment end of the watch band to the lugs on the six o'clock end of the watch case, and second means pivotably connecting the other attachment end of the watch band to the lugs on the twelve o'clock end of the watch case and having abutment means limiting pivoting on the twelve o'clock lugs so as to require more resilient flexing of the watch band on the twelve o'clock end than on the six o'clock end as the band curves toward the wearer's wrist, whereby tendency of the more flexed end to unflex displaces the watch case in a preferred direction on the wrist.

Abstract: An end connector for connecting the ends of an expansible watch band to conventional spring bars or the like carried on a watch case. The end connector is inserted between the endmost top and bottom links of the band and is engageable with the staples providing an interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: An article of jewelry or wrist watches with at least one gem stone or a watch, the gem stone (3) or parts of the watch are associated with a holding element (2) and are interchangeably joined thereto together with a support (1). Thus, as a function of the individual taste of the wearer, it is possible to fabricate jewelry parts or decorative watches with different shapes and colors.

Abstract: An end connector for connecting an end of a watch band to a watch case. The watch case has spaced lugs adapted to accommodate a conventional spring bar or the like removably engaged therebetween. The watch band is of the expansible type with a row of top links overlying a row of bottom links, and with spring loaded elements for interconnecting the top and bottom links in a manner permitting longitudinal expansion and contraction of the band. The end connector comprises a generally flat shank having a hook portion at one end and a tab portion at an opposite end. The shank is configured and dimensioned for insertion into the end of the watch band between the rows of top and bottom links. The tab portion is bent out of the plane of the thus inserted shank into an interlocked position protruding between two adjacent bottom links, and the hook portion is engaged with the spring bar.

Abstract: A novelty watch construction which may be selectively used as a wrist watch, a bracelet, a jewelry ornament, or placed upon a horizontal surface to be used as a desk clock or the like. The novel construction employs a casing element adapted to either house the watch movement directly, or engage an existing watch case. The housing is provided with a threaded or contoured socket. In lieu of a watch strap, there is provided an elongated member having a flexible metal core capable of retaining an imparted shape, the casing being enclosed in a flexible cover of synthetic or natural rubber-like material. One end of the flexible member is provided with means engaging the socket in the housing.

Abstract: To avoid having to pierce them, which would be detrimental to their mechanical resistance to pull, the end portions (5, 6) of the wristlet are retained in slots (3, 4) provided in the watch-case middle (1) by pins (7, 8) partly accommodated in grooves (9, 10) formed in one surface of the slots (3, 4).

Abstract: A structure comprising a watch case; a pair of lugs each extending from the watch case and having an upper surface in a lower position than the upper surface of the watch case; a band; and a connector secured to the underside of the end portion of the band, the band being closely attached to the watch case by placing the end of the band on the upper surfaces of the lugs and tightening cone point screws into threaded holes provided near distal ends of the sides of the lugs so that the cone points of the screws hold firmly a pair of attachment openings provided in said connector against the watch case.

Abstract: The fancy artefact described has a band (1) made of a first thermoplastic plastic material and a clasp (4) which is solid with the band and which is made of a second thermoplastic plastic material which may have a melting temperature greater than that of the first plastic material. One such artefact may be a wristlet having a pair of bands, the clasp being provided on the free end of one band and being fastenable to the free end of the other band.

Abstract: A metal watch case and metal bracelet assembly in which the tail ends of the bracelet components are attachable to the complementary ends of the case in a manner simulating a "soldered look," yet these components may readily be detached to replace the bracelet. The case has a frame-like form defined by a pair of opposing side legs and a pair of opposing end legs, each end leg having a slot indented therein at its rear. The rear of the case is depressed along its inner periphery to form a socket for accommodating the watch movement so that its dial is exposed at the front of the case. Attached to the tail of each bracelet component is a connector having a hook projecting therefrom that is received in the slot of the related end leg. Snap fitting into the socket behind the movement is a cover plate having a marginal flange that overlies the slots of the end legs of the case to entrap the hooks of the bracelet components, whereby to detach these components from the case one has only to unsnap the cover plate.

Abstract: The wristlet (3,4) and the watch case element (2) are solid with each and at least an end of the wristlet is made of a first thermoplastic material. A portion of the watch case element surrounds the end of the wristlet and is made of a second thermoplastic material having a melting temperature greater than the first plastic material.

Abstract: The bracelet of the invention comprises a plurality of elements articulated one after another. One of these elements supports a timepiece and the others form the links of the bracelet.The elements are fitted into one another end-to-end and held together by means of two non-extensible flexible ties passing via channels formed in each of the elements and situated on either side of the longitudinal axis of the bracelet. The bracelet further includes at each extremity thereof a terminal piece provided with means for fixing the flexible ties.The elements may be formed from a synthetic material reinforced with carbon fibres and the ties from a synthetic material impregnated with graphite.

Abstract: The fancy artefact described has a band (3,4) comprising a core portion (5) made of a first thermoplastic plastic material and decorative portions (6) surrounding the core portion (5) over part of its length. The decorative portions (6) are solid with the core portion (5) and are made of a second thermoplastic plastic material which may have a melting temperature equal to or greater than the melting temperature of the first plastic material. One such artefact may be a wristlet having a pair of bands (3,4) secured to the opposite ends of a watch case (1).

Abstract: A child's wristwatch construction comprises a strap element which is detachably securable on a wrist of a wearer, an enlarged three-dimensional ornament element which is attached to the strap element, and a timepiece element which is attached to either the ornament element or the strap element. The ornament element is preferably made in a plush toy construction and embodied as the head of a three-dimensional character, and it is secured to the strap element so that it is hingeable between an open position wherein it is hinged outwardly and away from the strap element and a closed position wherein the timepiece element is concealed.

Abstract: The recording device is embodied as a stop watch 10 comprising a watch body 11 having a two-piece strap to secure the stop watch 10 to one hand 20 of its user. On one side, the watch body 11 has a display face 13 and an elongate button 16 for controlling the functioning of the watch 10 and the display on the display face 13. A central region 26 of the watch body 11 is flexible enabling the watch body 11 to be bent in a U or J shape around the hand 20 between forefinger 28 and thumb 27, the two pieces 21, 22 of the strap holding the watch body 11 securely on the hand 20 and wrist 24. With the watch body 11 in the latter described disposition on the hand 20, the button 16 can be actuated by the finger tips 31. Thus, the stop watch 10 can be easily operated one-handed making it particularly suitable for use by athletes.

Abstract: A metal watch case and metal bracelet assembly in which the tail ends of the bracelet components are attachable to the complementary ends of the case in a manner simulating a "soldered look," yet these components may readily be detached to replace the bracelet. The case which is adapted to accommodate the watch movement has straight ends each provided with a longitudinal keyway defined by parallel ridges, one of which has a midpoint gap therein occupied by a projecting tab. Each bracelet component terminates in a split tail pin which is slidable into the keyway at the complementary end of the case and is locked therein by the tab which when bent down extends into the mid space between the half pieces of the pin.