Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Buckles – Harness
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-29
2001-12-04
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Buckles
Harness
C024S523000, C024S2650WS
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324729
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a sliding element for a strap, in particular a strap for a wrist watch, which extends along the front of the strap, and at least in sections along the back of the strap.
A corresponding sliding element can be inferred, for example, from DE-GM 1 944 541. In this case the sliding element is embodied as an inscription carrier and has projecting strip-shaped tongues, which must be bent in accordance with the width of the strap and then extend along the underside of the strap.
Such a sliding element is not designed for being exchanged, or respectively to be fastened to different straps of widths which differ from each other, since in this case the tongues would break off.
An ornamental element for strip-shaped designed straps is known from DE 93 11 618 U1, which consists of a U-shaped base element, which can be locked by means of a pivotably movable leg. Individual matching to straps of different widths is not possible.
The present invention is based on the object of further developing a strap of the previously described type in such a way that it can be used independently of the width of the strap, but without having to forego an exactly fitting seating.
In accordance with the invention, this object is essentially attained in that the sliding element comprises a base element, which extends along the front of the strap, is essentially flat and has holding elements extending therefrom, which are displaceable in relation thereto, which respectively extend around a longitudinal edge of the strap and rest against it, regardless of the width of the respective strap, wherein the holding elements are spring-loaded either in respect to the base element or to each other.
The invention is particularly distinguished by a sliding element for a strap, in particular a strap for a wrist watch, which extends along the front of the strap, and at least in sections along the back of the strap, comprising a base element, which extends along the front of the strap, is essentially flat and has guides extending therefrom for holding elements, which are displaceable in relation to the base element and the strap, and which respectively extend around a longitudinal edge of the strap, as well as spring elements extending in the sliding direction, which are supported on sections of the base element as well as of the holding elements.
An automatic adaptation of the distance of the holding elements as a function of the width of a strap is possible because of the relative displaceability between the base element and the holding elements and the springs, in particular helical springs, cooperating with them, so that an exactly fitting seating is provided. Here, the sliding element can be arbitrarily exchanged and fastened to straps of different widths without its ability to function being interfered with or the exact fit being lost.
It is preferably provided that the holding element has a U-shape, whose transverse leg extends along the front of the strap, whose one first lateral leg extends parallel with and on the underside of the base element, and whose further second lateral leg extends on the underside of the strap, wherein a detent for a spring element, which extends along the respective outer edge of the first transverse leg, extends from the respective outer edge of the first transverse leg into the guide.
Preferably the guide comprises a transverse edge of the base element beveled in an L-shape, which in particular is beveled all around and whose edge receives a depression for receiving an insert.
Here, the beveled edge preferably extends in a plane, in the underside of which the depression of the base element lies.
In a further development of the invention it is provided that in cross section the guide is circularly embodied and is a receptacle for the spring elements, preferably in the shape of helical springs. It is in particular provided that, with the spring elements relaxed to a large degree, the detents of the first lateral legs rest against each other, while the outer edges of the lateral legs preferably extend at a distance from each other.
The respective helical springs are supported on the one side against a beveled edge section of the base element and on the other side at the detent extending from the holding element, wherein in particular a spring element extends from the respective corner area of the base element. In this way equal forces act on the holding elements, which are U-shaped in cross section, but have lateral legs of different length, which make a tilt-free displacement possible.
In accordance with the invention, a sliding element is proposed, which consists of elements which can be displaced in respect to each other, because of which an individual adaptation to straps of different widths is possible. In the process, an automatic adaptation to the strap width takes place in that the holding elements are provided with a prestress toward each other by means of compression springs, wherein the compression springs in the form of the helical springs themselves run in guides formed by sections of the base element.
As a result there is a closed unit constituting the sliding element without the loosening of screws or the like being required for providing a width adaptation.
In place of a helical spring embodied as a compression springs, it is of course possible to employ a tension element, such as an extension spring, by means of which the holding elements are also moved toward each other.
Therefore the invention is also distinguished in that the holding elements are connected with each other by means of a tension element, such as an extension spring, wherein the tension element is covered by the base element itself.
In further development of the invention it is provided that the holding element, which outside of the base element has an approximately U-shape, has an outer leg which, on the side of the base element, extends parallel with the base element, whose respective longitudinal edge is respectively received in a guided manner by a beveled edge section of the base element.
In other words, the holding elements are arranged displaceably in edge areas of the base element, wherein the length of the longitudinal edges of the base element which receives the holding elements should be selected to be such, that tilting is impossible.
In order to prevent the uncontrolled removal of a holding element out of the guide constituted by the base element, a further development of the invention provides that the longitudinal edge of the holding element on the side of the base element has on its end a section rolled off in the direction of the base element, such as a lug, which is used as a detent for the base element, namely its edge section, U-shaped in cross section, which receives the holding element.
In order to provide a closed surface of the base element, which can be used as a support for ornamental elements, engravings or the like, it is furthermore provided that the edge section receiving the longitudinal edges of the outer legs on the base side makes a transition via respectively one step into the section, which extends flat along the strap which, as has been mentioned, provides the function of a support.
In order to make the sliding element light in structure, without having to accept losses regarding stability, it is furthermore provided that the outer legs on the side of the base element, starting at their lateral edges, respectively have a rectangular-shaped cutout, which is covered by the base element, i.e. cannot be seen from the direction of the top of the sliding element.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1398483 (1921-11-01), Curtis
patent: 3049774 (1962-08-01), Rhodes et al.
patent: 4170808 (1979-10-01), Knowles
patent: 1956106 (1971-05-01), None
patent: 826561 (1938-04-01), None
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