Watch Strap Patents (Class 24/265WS)
  • Patent number: 5158219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Bratec Baumgartner & Brancaleoni
    Inventors: Alain Baumgartner, Romolo Brancaleoni
  • Patent number: 5090094
    Abstract: A connector for connecting an end of a watchband to a watchcase, the watchcase having a pair of a spaced lugs defining a gap bridged by a spring bar extending therebetween. The connector has a base member fixed at a rear end to the end of the watch band and forward end pivotally connected to the spring bar. A shell overlies the base number. A forward end of the shell extends beyond the forward end of the base member to fill the gap between the lugs on the watchcase. Lugs depend from a flange at the rear end of the shell to straddle the base member. The lugs have first tabs which connect the shell to the base member for pivotal movement about the axis of the spring bar, and second tabs which coact with the watchcase to resist pivotal movement of the shell about the same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 5042115
    Abstract: This fastener comprises two elements (3, 4) connected to the band (1), the first element (3) including a pin (9) adapted to be fitted into retaining bearing surfaces (12) defined by hooks (13) on the second element (4), and a clasp (11) associated with the pin (9) and capable of being swung over and locked onto the second element (4). The second element (4) is provided with a safety hook (16) pivotally mounted on a transverse pin (10) of the second element and capable of being clipped onto the pin (9) of the first element (3) before the clasp (11) is swung over onto the second element (4). The fastener may be easily adjusted with one hand and does not require the provision of adjustment orifices on the band and hides the free end portion of the band, this end portion of the band being indeed interposed between the surface of the object surrounded by the band and the end portion (1a) of the band carrying the first element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Hermes
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Dumas, Andre Leboube
  • Patent number: 5005268
    Abstract: A novel closure or buckle for a band as might be used as a watchband, a bracelet, a necklace, or like article is disclosed. The closure requires no springs, biasing devices, nor snugly fitting members to remain closed. The closure employs a keyhole-type slot to receive a linking member and features a slide element engaged by the linking member within the keyhole slot, which slide element follows the inserted linking member as it slides into the narrow end of the slot thereby blocking the larger end of the slot to provide a smooth appearance to the closure in its latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Gyorgy Hartmann
  • Patent number: 4987655
    Abstract: An end connector for connecting an end of an expansible watch band to a conventional spring bar or the like carried on a watch case. The end connector includes a planar base member having one end inserted into the end of the band in mechanical engagement with staples interconnecting the top and bottom links, and having its opposite end protruding beyond the end of the band and coupled to the spring bar. A cover overlies the protruding portion of the base member and the spring bar and is secured to the base member at a position interposed between the endmost top link and the watch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 4961250
    Abstract: A buckle for a band includes a frame formed of first and second spaced side bars and first and second end bars joined to opposite ends of the first and second side bars. An intermediate bar extends between and is joined to the first and second side bars and is disposed intermediate the first and second end bars. A tongue is connected to the intermediate bar for releasably engaging one of a plurality of apertures formed in the band. In one embodiment, the intermediate bar and the tongue are rigidly joined together and the intermediate bar is pivotally connected to the first and second side bars. In this embodiment, an auxiliary end bar is rigidly joined to one end of the side bars and spaced from the second end bar. In another embodiment, the intermediate bar is rigidly connected to the first and second side bars and the tongue is pivotally connected to the intermediate bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Anthony M. Calavenna
  • Patent number: 4949433
    Abstract: An end connector for connecting the ends of an expansible watch band to a watch case. The end connector is inserted between the endmost top and bottom links or the band and is engageable with the staples providing an interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 4941236
    Abstract: A strap for holding a wristwatch has a pair of separable flexible strap ends adapted to curve around the wrist and to overlap one another to provide an overlapped section. At least one strap end of thermoplastic material has particles of permanently magnetizable material embedded in the thermoplastic material and magnetized to provide rows of alternating magnetic poles. The strap ends have surfaces contacting one another throughout the overlapped section and mutually nesting uniformly spaced interlocking teeth, whereby the magnetized particles provide a holding force resisting separation of the strap ends, while the nested teeth prevent sliding disengagement movement between strap ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Sherman, Victor Shiff
  • Patent number: 4862562
    Abstract: A device for fastening a strap to a buckle, in particular a leather strap to a self-extending buckle of a wristwatch comprises spindle around which a band making up the strap is coiled, and a support holding a first part of the band in place coiled around the spindle. In addition, the device includes two posiitoning devices of one piece with the support, located one on each side of the band and whose ends, separated one from the other by a distance smaller than the width of the band, are located at a sufficient distance from the spindle toward the strap so that the edges of the second part of the band coiled around the spindle and located on the side opposite to the first part bearing on the support, may, by twisting the band along lines parallel to its length, be inserted underneath the positioning devices in order to determine the useful length of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Cartier International B.V.
    Inventor: Alain D. Perrin
  • Patent number: 4858283
    Abstract: A strap structure comprises a backle body (52) consisting of a synthetic resin material and having a two leg portions (52e, 52f), a mounting hole (52a) and mounting pin (52b). The mounting hole is provided at the end portion of one of the leg portions. The mounting pin is provided on the other one of the leg portions and has a small-diameter portion (52c) and a large-diameter portion (52d). The large-diameter portion is press fitted into the mounting hole which is formed that its diameter is larger than the small-diameter portion and is smaller than the large-diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4856687
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hichihiro Iwamura, Eiichi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 4837901
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 4838042
    Abstract: A metal plate particularly of precious metal, for personalizing a bracelet, such as a metal watchband, formed by side-by-side rows of tubular links, comprising a plate member having two opposite edges from which two pairs of teeth extend inwardly and at least one tab perpendicular to the opposite edges. The teeth and the tab engage between adjacent links. Fastening means are provided for securing the plate member to the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Carmelo Cintolo
  • Patent number: 4821532
    Abstract: A bracelet includes a core of non-extensible flexible material and a plurality of covering elements surrounding the core, each covering element comprising an upper and a lower part assembled to one another. Regular gaps are arranged between the covering elements in which the flexible core is visible. The upper and lower parts are formed of elastic material, in particular steel, and snap fastened to one another. They conform in a manner so as to be assembled or separated without there resulting therefrom any permanent deformation thereof. The bracelet may be fastened to a watch and a clasp and may easily be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Montres Rado, S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Jaques, Francis Chatelain
  • Patent number: 4805271
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Ripley
  • Patent number: 4793030
    Abstract: A watch strap comprising at least one layer of flexible material in the form of an elongated strip having an end portion adapted to be secured about a bar of a wristwatch, and a reversely bent member of spring metal secured to the inner side of said flexible material. The spring metal member has a bend adapted to encircle a watch bar and two legs which outwardly convex when the strap is in a position secured to a watch bar and is in use. At least one of the legs is convex in two orthogonal directions in that secured position and has a spring snap action, when the legs are pulled apart from each other, whereby the outwardly convex curvature in two orthogonal directions reverses to an outwardly concave curvature in two orthogonal directions to increase the distance between said legs to permit insertion or removal of a watch bar. A second strip of flexible material is secured to the underside of the first strip and to the underside of the outer of the two legs and terminates short of the bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Hermann Hirsch Leder- und Kunststoffwarenfabrik
    Inventor: Hermann Hirsch
  • Patent number: 4757926
    Abstract: A decorative sleeve for wrist watchbands is disclosed. The sleeve includes first and second elongated tubular elements, first ends of each of which are interconnected by a short segment of planar elastic material. The sleeve is positioned upon a watch such that substantial portions of each of two watchband segments or straps are enclosed within the tubular elements, with the elastic segment being disposed beneath the rear surface of the watch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Stephen Leo
  • Patent number: 4681462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Benjamin Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4675955
    Abstract: A buckle including a frame member attached to an end of a band, and a clasping member rotatably attached to an end of another band is disclosed. An engaging projection having a hook portion and beveled portion is provided on the underside of the clasping member and a lock device is provided in the frame member. The lock device includes a slidable first operating member having a beveled edge and a slidable second operating member having a releasing member. The hook portion engages with the beveled edge and the releasing member engages with the beveled portion to push up the clasping member at the disengagement of the hook portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4670947
    Abstract: A bracelet or wrist watch clasp which is completely hidden when closed. Studs having enlarged heads project from a central body which engages the wrist. Side legs are hinged to each end of a central body to swing to a closed position on the body. Each let has an annular radially elastic element retained in the thickness of its wall and positioned to receive and latch on a stud as the legs are swung to the closed position. Ends of the bracelet or watch band are connected to the free ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Interdica S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Lauper
  • Patent number: 4639144
    Abstract: A novelty wrist watch includes an enlarged digital display, a printed circuit board carrying timing and display driving circuitry and a power supply, all of which are carried in a two part molded plastic case. An upper case section carries and frames the digital display and a lower case section carries the board and power supply. Extending parallel to and spaced from the ends of the lower case section is a strap retainer which is joined to the side edges of the lower case. The lower case together with the strap retainers are unitarily formed of one piece. A one piece wrist watch strap is threaded through the space between each retainer and its respective case end and beneath the bottom of the lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Big Time, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacky Chau
  • Patent number: 4605312
    Abstract: A watchband/watchcase connection includes a bridge component which is permanently connected to the watchband, a lug component which is rigid with the watchcase, and a connecting component which connects the bridge component and the lug component, and this the watchband to the watchcase, in an assembled condition. The lug component has a channel which extends transversely as considered in the assembled condition, and the bridge component has two spaced bridge portions which are spaced from the watchband to receive the lug component between the bridge component and the watchband, and from one another in the longitudinal direction of the watchband to bound a gap that is aligned with the channel in the assembled condition. The connecting component has a first portion which is substantially snugly received in the channel, and two second portions which engage the two bridge portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Duchess Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Quentin Sellier
  • Patent number: 4597138
    Abstract: A connecting member (1, 16, 20) consisting of at least two pivotably joined parts is suggested for the attachment of straps (2) to watches (3). In this arrangement, the mutually pivotable parts (6, 7; 17, 7; 21, 22) exhibit surfaces (14, 15) in contact with each other under spring pressure and having locking tabs and locking recesses, so that the parts (6, 7; 17, 7; 21, 22) of the connecting member (1, 16, 20) are releasably locked together at least after a pivoting by 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Hermann Hirsch
  • Patent number: 4593440
    Abstract: A clasp includes first and second clasp members which are coupled and uncoupled by complementary pairs of latch members, one of which pairs of latch members is mounted for pivotal movement in response to engagement with the other pair of latch members upon coupling of the clasp members and in response to the selective rotation of an operator for disengagement of the complementary latch members upon uncoupling of the clasp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: True-Lok Inc.
    Inventor: Anton Tsamas
  • Patent number: 4564308
    Abstract: The invention provides a spring rod for a strap. A stationary member with a projection is inserted and fixed at one end of a cylinder with a longitudinal slit. A slider is slidably inserted in the cylinder with a spring interposed between the slider and the stationary member. The slider has a projection which has a tongue protruding through the slit of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Tooru Mashida
    Inventors: Iwao Ikegami, Tooru Mashida
  • Patent number: 4546522
    Abstract: A hinge (7) is used to join two parts (5, 6) of a band or bracelet, the hinge enabling the parts to be attached and detached when the parts are positioned at a predetermined angle relative to each other. The first part (6) comprises an assembly formed of a pin (10) and a first cradle (11) which partially surrounds the pin, with which it is coaxial, wherein a space (12) is provided between the pin and the first cradle. The second part comprises a second cradle (14) which is designed to slide into the space (12) and to be articulated around the pin to keep the two parts attached together within a given angular range. The invention may be employed on a folding clasp of a band for a wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventor: Claude-Andre Gygax
  • Patent number: 4545094
    Abstract: An extensible clasp is described for use with a continuous flexible wristlet, as for a watch. The clasp comprises first and second elongated portions that are connected by a hinge pin. The first portion is slightly curved to conform to the shape of a wrist and is formed of two parts that can slide along each other, with one part carrying the hinge pin at one end and being formed with a single hole near its other end, and the other part being formed with several aligned holes arranged selectively to register with the single hole. The second portion is also curved, but slightly more so, and carries a beak element which, upon the two portions being folded over each other to close the clasp, is pushed through a registering pair of holes to lock the clasp in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventor: Fernando Fontana
  • Patent number: 4545095
    Abstract: An extensible clasp is described for use with a watch strap of flat flexible material having at one end a portion formed with a loop fitted with a buckle and at the other end a portion providing apertures for the tongue of the buckle. The clasp comprises first and second elongated portions that are connected by a hinge pin. The outer end of the first elongated portion is pivotally mounted on one of two pins of a link element, the other pin being fitted in said loop after removal of the buckle. The second elongated portion consists of a flattened sleeve into which the apertured end portion of the strap is inserted and secured by a screw. The strap thus becomes continuous and is unlikely to slip off when being fitted round a wrist. To close the clasp, the two elongated portions are folded against each other and a hole near the outer end of the first elongated portion is pressed into locking engagement with a beak element on the second elongated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventor: Fernando Fontana
  • Patent number: 4542561
    Abstract: This wristlet clasp with unfolding buckle has a central portion made of two curved plates of which the relative position is adjustable and which can be secured by means of screws, the arms hingedly connected to the ends of this central portion being provided with side webs adapted to be secured by snap action to the widest element of the central portion of the clasp. The ends of the two arms to which the wristlet sections are attached and the gap possibly left between these ends in the closed clasp position are concealed by a cover plate adapted to be decorated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Jean Lassale S.A.
    Inventor: Joerg-Manfred Hysek
  • Patent number: 4541151
    Abstract: An articulated watch band provided with a catch mechanism interconnected by hinge joints is disclosed. One catch part is formed with a recess and the other part is formed with an extension snugly fitting the recess. To secure the extension in position within the recess, the extension is provided at its lower side with a stop plate and at its upper side with a movable arresting plate corresponding in shape to the outline of the extension, so that upon angular displacement of the upper plate or upon shifting the same in longitudinal direction of the strap, the plate overlaps the rims of the recess in the receiving catch part and prevents the displacement of the extension in vertical direction relative to its upper surface. Hinge joints of the strap include hinge tubes which are secured to the associated links or catch parts by laser-beam welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Rodi & Wienenberger AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herchenbach, Dieter Nischwitz
  • Patent number: 4539736
    Abstract: A buckle for a watch band comprising a stopper fixture slidably mounted on one end of a band and a linking member fixed to the other end of the band to join to said stopper fixture. The stopper fixture includes a pair of side plates, a bottom plate and a top plate. The top plate is provided with a joint opening in the shape of a wide opening connected to a narrow opening in the direction of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments & Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Yokosuka
  • Patent number: 4536922
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a strap to a decorative article which includes a lateral support provided on the article and having a throughgoing bore, a loop portion provided on the strap, a shaft slidably mounted in the bore and passing through the loop, the shaft having an enlarged head portion on one end thereof, a spring for biasing the head portion away from the lateral support, and removable locking means for engaging the other end of the shaft to prevent withdrawal of the shaft from the bore, the shaft being movable between a first position wherein the locking means is positioned outside the attachment device for removal thereof and a second position wherein the locking device is moved by the spring to within the attachment device and is therefore substantially nonaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: S. T. Dupont
    Inventor: Gerard Brassoud
  • Patent number: 4513896
    Abstract: A belt or strap consists of face material 1 and lining 2, both of which consist particularly of leather and are interconnected by an elastic layer 3. The longitudinal edges 4, 6 of the face material and/or lining are laterally bent and extend over part of the longitudinal edge 5 of the belt or strap. The material of the elastic layer 3 extends from the underside (in case of leather from the flesh side) into the face material and lining and extends as far as to the outermost portions 7 of the longitudinal edges 5 of the belt or strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Hermann Hirsch Leder- und Kunststoffwarenfabrik
    Inventor: Hermann Hirsch
  • Patent number: 4470174
    Abstract: An adjustable fastener comprising a strap having a first portion and a second portion and a plurality of holes in the first portion of the strap and a yoke having a hook portion and a clasp portion and a hole adjustably coupled to the first portion of the strap and engagement means coupled to the second portion of the strap capable of engaging the yoke and disengaging from the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Don E. Rhea
  • Patent number: 4446604
    Abstract: A clasp for a wrist bracelet comprises upper and lower pivotally interconnected plates. Flanges are provided for connecting the upper plate to one end of a wrist bracelet and the free end of the bracelet is selectively received between a pivotally mounted locking plate and the lower plate. The plates are movable between a spaced apart or open position wherein the free end of the bracelet may be slid freely beneath the locking plate, thereby allowing a wearer to obtain a comfortable fit, and a locked position wherein the plates are pressed together and the locking plate is actuated so as to restrain further movement of the free end of the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventor: Lin Sen-Yi
  • Patent number: 4432476
    Abstract: A band attachment assembly comprises a pushpin connected to a watchcase in such manner to define a clearance between the pushpin and the case. A generally Z-shaped holding member is secured to one end of a watchband and inserted through the clearance for engagement with the rear portion of the case. A locking member is inserted into the clearance at a location between the pushpin and the holding member to effectively lock the holding member to the case such that the end face of the band tightly abuts a surface of the case so that the watchcase and watchband have the appearance of an integral one-piece structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments & Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Yokosuka
  • Patent number: 4424611
    Abstract: A buckle for watch bands comprising three folding members. The members are a clasping member connected to an end of one of the watch bands, a middle plate rotatably connected to the clasping member at one end thereof, and a bottom plate rotatably connected to the other end of the middle plate and connected to one end of the other band. The clasping member and the bottom plate are engaged with each other by an engaging means. A lock member is rotatably supported on the clasping member. A primary hook portion is provided on the lock member, and a secondary hook portion is provided on the bottom plate. The primary hook portion is adapted so as to engage with the secondary hook portion by rotating the lock member when the buckle is in folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Mori
  • Patent number: 4414714
    Abstract: Disclosed are expansible clasp and module constructions for connecting the free ends of a watch strap together while at the same time providing adequate expansion along the length of the strap to permit removal of the strap over the hand of the wearer without having to disconnect the free strap ends. The expansible clasp and module constructions employ one or more spring-biased sliding members disposed in a housing elongated along the strap length. In the clasp construction, the outer end of the sliding member effects releasable connection to one free strap end while one end of the housing is permanently attached to the other free strap end. The sliding member slides out of the housing against the spring bias in one direction along the strap length for expansion purposes during removal of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Kostanecki, George Mileos
  • Patent number: 4414719
    Abstract: An interchangeable end piece member for removably connecting a watchband to a wristwatch case so as to accommodate watchbands universally to watchcasings having various spacings and configurations between the lugs for spring bars of different lengths. The end piece member has at least one tongue which slides into a mating longitudinal groove in a retainer clip attached to the watchband. A resilient tab locks the tongue in the groove, with means to release the tongue by deflecting the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Capolupo
  • Patent number: 4392284
    Abstract: A resilient capturing bead of silicone rubber is deposited and cured inside a tubular watch band endpiece and functions to frictionally engage a spring bar connector inserted in the endpiece, retaining the spring bar connector in proper position during assembly of the band and endpiece to a watchhead. The endpiece typically includes an access opening through which the capturing bead material is introduced into the endpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph R. LePage
  • Patent number: 4382318
    Abstract: A buckle is used for connecting the opposite ends of a strap together, one of the ends having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures. The buckle comprises a base member, and a cover member lockingly engageable with the base member to cover the same. The cover member is adapted to be attached to the other end of the strap. A lock tongue is provided on the base member for being selectively inserted into one of the apertures to retain the one end of the strap against movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Yoshimi Mfg., Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimi Takimoto
  • Patent number: 4375713
    Abstract: For use in combination with an expansible linkage bracelet of the type having rows of overlapping resiliently interconnected upper and lower links, a clasp adapted for adjustable and detachable connection to an end portion of the bracelet. The clasp has a casing with a base wall and upturned side walls defining a channel for receiving the bracelet end portion. A lid having a top wall with downturned side walls is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the casing between open and closed positions respectively exposing and enclosing the receiving channel. Engagement members at one end of the clasp are arranged to protrude between selected laterally adjacent pairs of upper and lower bracelet links, thereby retaining the bracelet end portion within the receiving channel when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Bert, Richard E. Ripley, Kurt A. Rieth
  • Patent number: 4359808
    Abstract: A strap for attaching a watch or other jewelry article to the wrist of a wearer, including non-expansible non-metallic strap members interconnected by a metallic coupling device. The coupling device is adapted to accommodate adjustment or variation of the overall length of the strap to suit the requirements of the wearer. At least one of the strap members has a strap adaptor permanently secured thereto, with at least one tab member protruding therefrom. A connector element on the metallic coupling device has an aperture, notch or the like into which the tab member is received before being bendably deformed to overlap and detachably secure the coupling device to the aforesaid strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond C. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 4358875
    Abstract: An improved security buckle for a wrist watch metal bracelet is disclosed which utilizes a first and second frame work, one mounted within the other, which are provided with a limited amount of relative sliding movement. A spur of the first frame work is in engagement with or is disengaged from a first traverse element of the second frame work when the two frame works are respectively in a first and second relative position. An inflexible removable traverse element is attached to the first frame work and to a first portion of the metal bracelet. A locking band attached to a second portion of the metal bracelet passes under the first traverse and is engageable with the spur when the frame works are in the second relative position and further passes through a space defined by the inflexible removable traverse element and a second traverse element on the first frame work when the frame works are in the first relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: Marcel Solomon
  • Patent number: 4345444
    Abstract: At one of the extremities of the bracelet, which is formed of two rows of rectangular side links (1,2) and of a middle row of rectangular wider links (3), is arranged an end piece (6) having the appearance of two side links and of a middle link. This piece (6) is fixed to a clasp (5) by the intermediary of a slide (7). The piece (6) presents a series of lateral holes and the slide a corresponding hole which one can bring, according to choice, face to face with one or the other of the holes of the piece (6) in order to exactly adapt the length of the bracelet to the wrist. A pin driven into the holes which coincide secures (6) and (7) with regard to one another. Thus finds itself made possible the precise adjusting of the length of bracelets with large rectangular links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Gay Freres S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques-Hubert Gay
  • Patent number: 4332061
    Abstract: An adjustable clasp for interconnecting two sections of a bracelet, including in combination a coupling assembly secured to the end of one bracelet section, and a clamp assembly detachably fixable at selected locations along the length of the other bracelet section. The clamp assembly has a bottom wall with opposed side walls extending substantially normal thereto. A resilient pressure plate is supported by the side walls at a location cooperating with the bottom wall to define a space therebetween for receiving the said other bracelet section. A rigid clamping member also is supported by the side walls. The clamping member is adjustable between an open position allowing limited movement of the pressure plate relative to the bottom wall in order to accommodate slidable movement of the said other bracelet section through said space, and a closed position resiliently deflecting the pressure plate to positively grip the said other bracelet section between the pressure plate and the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Rieth, Stephen F. Bert
  • Patent number: 4296532
    Abstract: A clasp construction is provided for releasably connecting the ends of a wrist watch strap together. The clasp comprises a U-shaped frame, a spring plate supported in the frame to define a passage into which one strap end is inserted and clamped by action of the spring plate thereagainst and a clasp cover having the other strap end affixed thereto, the cover being releasably attached to the spring plate by combined hooking and snap-fitting engagement. The strap length need be adjusted only once by clamping the one strap end at a desired position within the frame. Thereafter, the strap can be removed from the wearer's wrist simply by releasing the clasp cover from the spring plate without disturbing the adjusted strap length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Kok-Kit Ho
  • Patent number: 4288892
    Abstract: In a buckle for joining band ends together, one band end is provided with longitudinally arranged indentations in or adjacent each side edge, and a channel-shaped, adjustable coupling member of the buckle has teeth therein arranged to register with band end indentations at various relative positions and to penetrate the indentations when the band end is pressed against the coupling member. Presser members fixed to the sidewalls of the coupling member press the teeth into engagement with the indentations to maintain the coupling member in adjusted position. The other coupling member may be a cover which releasably engages with the adjustable coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Paul Levinger
    Inventor: John H. Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 4285450
    Abstract: An improved connector assembly for securing a watch band to the casing of a wrist watch is provided wherein the connector assembly is a telescoping spring-biased pin assembly comprising an elongated, tubular first member having an elongated slot provided in a side portion thereof; a first post member secured to one end of the tubular first member and positionable within a socket in the watch casing; a spring disposed within the tubular first member; an elongated second member positionable within the enlongated tubular first member and biased outwardly from the tubular first member by the spring, the elongated second member being adapted to be positioned within a second socket in the watch casing which is aligned with the first socket of the watch casing; and a pick engaging surface formed on the second member for engagement with a pick inserted through the elongated slot in the first tubular member so that the second member can be moved to a retracted position within the first tubular member by the pick for s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventor: Mary K. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4280257
    Abstract: An improved clasp is provided for an adjustable watch band having overlapping strands, each comprising transversely abutting links, to releasably connect the strands together on the wrist of the wearer. The clasp includes a decorative cover member attached to the free end of the first strand with the cover member having one or more transversely oriented, preferably C-shaped hooks projecting therefrom to effect releasable engagement around links of the second strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew T. Kostanecki