US2668343A - Connector for wrist watches or ornamentation - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 9, 1954 K. A. RIETH 2,668,343 CONNECTOR FOR WRIST WATCHES OR ORNAMENTATION Filed Sept. 15, 1950 @QQ Q M M Patented Feb. 9, 1954 A '3 CONNECTOR FOR WRIST WATCHES OR ORNAMENTATI-ON Kurt A. Rieth, Cranston, R. I., assignor to Speidel Corporation, Providence, R. I., a corporation of Rhode Island Application September 15, 1950, Serial No. 185,042

6 Claims.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a connector which may be quickly and conveniently attached to and detached from a wrist watch, to provide a connector which can be made in any of a number of different shapes so as to harmonize with the wrist watch or ornamentation and the bracelet or band to which it is attached; and to provide a connector which is of simple but durable construction, reliable in operation, and capable of being economically manufactured.

Further objects will be apparent from a consideration of the following disclosure and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my new bracelet or band with the sections in outstretched position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the bracelet as it appears when being worn or displaced;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section through one of the articulate sections shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section through one of the end connectors and associated unit or link;

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the parts shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical section adjacent to the free end portion of the connector link showing the coupling pin in looking position;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 but showing the coupling pin in released or unlocking position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged isometric of one of the articulated units or links; and

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a pair of interconnected elements constituting the bottom walls of a pair of links.

The embodiment herein shown for the purpose of illustration comprises two articulate sections l and 2 each having an end connector 3 for attaching the section to a wrist watch or ornamentation 4, and a terminal link 5 through which extends a retractor strand or chain 6 for yieldingly urging the two sections toward each other so that they will tend to embrace the wrist of the wearer more snugly. Each of the sections l and 2 comprises a series of interconnected links or units In (Figs. 3, 4 and 8) of geometrically similar shape and of progressively decreasing size from the end connector '3 to the terminal link 5.

Each of the units It) comprises a generally semi-cylindrical shell or tubular element having adjacent to its opposite end portions diametrically disposed apertures II and I? (Fig. 8) The outer ends of the units are each formed with an integral extension it having an upwardly extending arcuate lip I5, and the inner ends of the units are each formed with an inwardly directed arcuate lip 16 defining a mouth.

. for receiving the extension l4 and lip [5 of the adjacent unit when the links are assembled so that the apertures l2 of one unit are aligned by the apertures H of the adjacent unit, as shown more clearly in Fig. 3.

The bottom walls of the units In comprise dished elements l8 (Figs. 3, 4 and 9) which snugly fit between the longitudinal edges of the units and these units are formed with integral parts rolled to provide a central sleeve 20 at one end and a pair of spaced sleeves 21 at the other end, the construction and arrangement of parts being such that when the elements I8 are assembled within the shells or units ID, the sleeves 20 of each unit is aligned with the apertures l2- and the sleeve 2| is aligned with the apertures l l; and when the units are assembled, the sleeves 20 of one unit fit in the openings between the sleeves 2| of the adjacent unit so that a pintle 22 may be passed through the apertures and sleeves so as pivotally to interconnect the. units, as shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

The surface contour of the units Ill and the shape of the depending lips I6 are such that the latter is at all times in contiguous relation to the former, regardless of the angular position of the units relative to each other, as indicated in Fig. 2, thus eliminating dirt-collecting openings, recesses, etc., and presenting a more attractive appearance. The inner end of each terminal link 5 is formed similar to the inner end of each unit It], being provided with an integral extension I4 having an outstanding lip l-5 (Fig. 3), but its outer end converges somewhat to forma small opening through which the retractor. chain 6 passes. Similarly the bottom wall of each terminal link 5 is formed at its inner end with spaced sleeves to interfit with sleeve 20 of the adjacent unit [0, but the outer end of the bottom wall is rolled, as indicated at 23 in Fig. 3, to provide a smooth continuous surface. In order to insure a smooth operation of the chain or strand 6 in moving back and forth within the sections, I provide a chain slide 24 which consists of a tapered strip of stainless steel or other suitable material (Figs. 3, 4 and 6) extending from the innermost sleeve 2| to the rolled edge 23, the inner end being formed with a sleeve.

thus anchoring the Each of the connector links comprises a shell or housing 30 having a surface configuration simulating that of two interconnected units, thus preserving the characterizing motif of the section. Each connector link has a bifurcated or spaced inner end 31 to receive the coupling loop or a ist-wat her mn ncc an an outer end conforming generally -w-ith-that of a unit 10, being formed with a depending lip 15 embracing the curved surface of the inner unit If), as shown more clearly in l fig l. -T, Q tom wall 32, of each connector snugly fits-fietween the longitudinal edges of the shell 38 and is held in position by inwardlybent tabs 35: (fig. integral with the shell3li. --Theouter end of the bottom wall terminates in contiguous relation to the sleeves 2| aud ts andtheopposite end of the bottom wall is formed with an extension 33 (Figs. 3 to 5) which curves inwardly to merge with the bifurcated end 3! of the sleeve.

=:llil'ith the construction ..-and arrangementof parts above described the; connector =3, terminal link '5 and. intervening units. iii. .ofeach section maybe swung from a stretched out" position, as shown in Fig. 1,.to a -:curled up. positiornsuch as illustrated inFig- 2, the swinging-movement of each unit relative to the adjacent unit, being limited by the engagement of the. outwardly-extending lip with the depending lip Hi which notonly' prcvides-a stop; but. also a. closure element' contiguous to and -giving the appearance of: merging with the surface of the adjacent unit regardless of their angular position.

The walls of the bifurcated end portion 34 are. termed: with aligned apertures at (Figs. 6? and- 'Z) to receive -a coupling pin 42', aperture Aim. (Fig. 6 on one ofthe. outer walls beingsmaller than the other aperture so as to prevent the. coupling 42 from being pushed therethrough. The end. portion of the coupling pin 2 adjacent to-thesmall'er aperturesdo is formed with. a circumrerential -gmove defining a locking: shoul-- den M and -aconical-likesurface or cam element'- 45;-as shcwnin F igs. .6 and: 7: The very: tip of thepin -at the end adjacent to the shouldered portion is formed with a circular-recess ll-a (Fig; 4) t receivethe pointed endof a pin or the like, by -means ofwhichthe coupling pih--t2--may be slid axially tounlocking position: (Fig; '7)

:Secured to the bottom wall extension -33 bya rivet 46 is: latch spring 48', one end of" --whicl'-ifoianed=by-a --carn-likenose- (Figs 67 and its outer end (tim hooked leaking finger 49.. I

design of the parts issuchthatwhen-the coupling pin-is in operative or-;locking -pesition (Fig. '6), theoam-likenose 41 or the latch spring 48 en gages; the shoulder l land camsurface 55 and the finger si atthe oppcsite-errdofthe spring 4 8 is; flexed: outwardly by the plain: end ot the coupling pin fl. =Hence,-the coupling pin '42 may be-slid fro m operative or loc k-ing position- (Fig-.-6),--wherein it passes through-thensual opening-in-the; coupling-member era-wrist watch or ornamentation; to the left by inserting a" pin or-the like pointed instrumentthrough the ap er-- turesyflla-into recess-47a, thereby f orcing the groovedend-tcdisengage the cam nose d'l; $ucl'z' axial movement is limited by the engagementi'of the-locking ling-en Q9 with 'the shoulderd ii as shown in-Fig. 7; which prevents complete-re moval of the pi-n 42. When in released or 'un locking? position (Figzv'ly the coupl-ing member of: the wrist. watch. orornamentation may bemoveditmand from .a position'hetweenitheebifun- 1 cated ends of the connector link, andiconplingatliee 75 4 parts is merely a matter of moving the pin 42 to the right (Fig. 7) until the grooved end engages the marginal portions about the aperture illa, in which position the cam nose 42 snaps into locking position.

Although the connector 3, terminal linl; 4 and intervening units in may be pivotally connected so that friction or other means holds them in one position or another, the retractor strand 6 is preferably employed yieldingly to urge the terrninal together. The retractor strand 6 may ;,of any suitable flexible material such as a cord, chain orthe like, one or both ends of whii areconnected to a retractor mechanism 50 '(Figsr3 audit) operative to draw the strand or chain 6 inwardly, thus swinging the links or units {0 to curled positionso that they embrace the wrist of the wearer with comfortable snugness.

The retractor 50 comprises a housing consisting of the interfitting plates 5!, 52 and 53 (Fig. 1) which provide the outer and intermediate walls defining two chambers, the outer walls 5i and 53 being formed with integral lateraltabs-by means of which the parts are held in position. The three plates are formed with aligned open i-rrgs to receive a suitable shaft 58 and secured to one part of the shaft 58 is one end of the re tractor 6' (Fig. 3), the other end of which be similarly secured to-a retractor 5|)- or other wise anchored irrthe cthers'ect'i onof the brace: let. The inner end of a spiral watch spring issanchoredto-another part of the s l'iaft"6 ii and the other end of the spring is secured to oneof' thelateral flanges cr-tabs of the plate 5 I ,-.the' arrangement being such that the chain 8 is wound up-about the shaft by the action of the spring The entire assemblage 50' has a tight fit within the shellkfiil; as shown in Figs'iigand, with retractor chain- 6- passing through the units of one sectiontoand through those of the other section. i

It will benotedthat with the construction and arrangement of parts herein shown-andides crih'ed a bracelet or band having end connectors" 31 may be readily attached to and detached fro m a wrist watch or thelike ornamentation danger-cffthe couplingfpin-becomi dislodged; -Mereover, the constructions-h a e n j of parts ar S s i toreltmi t ornamental shell tobe made in various shapes so esto harmonize with the design of the wh li li and band? While I have shown and described ojne. de's i undrstood th'at'thi-s disclosure is, for the pose of illustration and thatvarious' changesand modifications may' be' a without same from the spiiit and scgpe'gfithe'invcntion asset: forth} inthe appended claims.

I claim:

l. .f-lconnector for wrist watcher Qllljtlllfillfhfi} than having a ccupling-lcop, which con pr member having at one end spaced; hollow liaving-outeryand inner walls and betweeii'w parts said coupling" loop is received, said having aligned' apertiir'esi'in their outer and walls, areleasablecoupling; pin g axially si s withjrisaid apertures and extending oneof said parts to the other. se as to p N through an interposed couplihgd ooppoi'ie" erld portion-of said c'oupling pin having a circumferential grooveshaped to provide" a dream-res ential shoulder'; a resilient-latch member orie ofgsaidipartsi-having a cam-like part' engageakile with saidi shoulder: so as yieldingly'" to oppose" axial movement of said pin when in looking position, said cam-like part being movable out of engagement with said shoulder by pressure applied axially to said pin, and a locking finger in the other of said parts engageable with said shoulder for limiting the axial movement of said pin.

2. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a coupling loop, which com-- prises a member having at one end spaced hollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer and inner walls, a releasable coupling pin axially slidable within said apertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so as to pass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of said coupling pin having a circumferential groove shaped to provide a circumferential shoulder, a resilient latch member in one of said parts having a cam-like part engageable with said shoulder so as yieldingly to oppose axial movement of said pin when in looking position, said'cam-like part being movable out of engagement with said shoulder by pressure applied axially to said pin, means carried by one of said parts and engageable with said pin for opposing axial movement in one direction, and a locking finger in the other of said parts and engageable with said shoulder when said pin is V slid to unlocking position so as to prevent complete removal of said pin.

3. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a coupling loop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced interconnected hollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer and inner walls, a releasable ecupling pin axially slidable within said apertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so as to pass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of said coupling pin having a circumferential groove, and a spring member extending within the interconnecting part with one end projecting into one of said parts so as to engage said circumferential groove and yieldingly oppose axial movement of said coupling pin when in looking position, said pin thereby being slidable into and out of locking position by pressure applied axially thereto and the other end of said spring member projecting into the other of said parts so as to engage said circumferential groove when said pin is slid to unlocking position and prevent complete removal of said pin.

4. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a coupling loop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced hollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer and inner walls, the aperture in one of said outer walls being smaller than the other a releasable coupling pin having adjacent to one end a recessed portion, said pin being axially slidable within said apertures from a locking position wherein said pin extends from one of said parts to the other and passes through an interposed coupling loop with the end adjacent to said recessed portion abutting the marginal portion surrounding the smaller aperture, to unlocking position, wherein said recessed portion is within the other of said parts, and a latch member Within the first mentioned part, said latch member having a cam-like part engageable with said recessed portion so as yieldingly to oppose axial movement of said pin from looking to unlocking position.

5. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a coupling loop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced hollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer and inner walls, a releasable coupling pin axially slidable within said apertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so as to pass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of said coup-ling pin having a recess shaped to provide a shoulder, a resilient latch member in one of said parts having a cam-like part engageable with said shoulder so as yieldingly to oppose axial movement of said pin when in looking position, the aperture in the outer wall of said one of said parts being smaller than the end of said pin thereby to prevent axial movement thereof in one direction, and a locking finger in the other of said parts engageable with said shoulder when said pin is in unlocking position to limit axial movement in the other direction.

6. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a coupling loop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced interconnected hollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer and inner walls, the aperture in one of said outer Walls being smaller than the others, a releasable coupling pin having adjacent to one end a circumferential groove defining a shoulder, said pin being axially slidable within said apertures from a locking position, wherein said pin extends from one of said parts to the other and passes through an interposed coupling loop with the end adjacent to said shoulder in abutting relation to the marginal portion surrounding the smaller aperture, to an unlocking position, wherein said shoulder is within the other of said parts, and a resilient member having its body portion secured between said parts with one end extending into one of said parts to engage said shoulder and yieldingly oppose axial movement of said pin when in locking position, and the other end of said resilient member extending into the other of said parts to engage said shoulder when said pin is in unlocking position and prevent removal of said pin.

KURT A. RIETH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 38,032 Clute Mar. 31, 1863 187,856 Hopkins Feb. 27, 1877 1,340,206 Ballou May 18, 1920 1,700,992 Augenstein Feb. 5, 1929 2,536,007 Milner Dec. 26,1950

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 716,946 France Dec. 30, 1931

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