Band of articulated links and watch provided with such a band

The watchband includes, for example, three rows of metallic links. The links of the first central row (1, 1', etc.) are shifted with respect to the links of the two other rows (2, 2', etc.). Each link of the central row (1') can pivot with respect to the preceding link (1) and with respect to the following link (1") about pins (3) connected to the links of lateral rows. Stop elements, for example other pins (4, 4') likewise connected to the links of lateral rows, allow limitation of the pivot angle of the central links about the first pins (3). The links can be removed to adjust the length of the band. Advantages: ergonomics, avoidance of the risk of pinching skin or hair, aesthetics, reduction of the wear and tear of the surface of the links, control of the curvature of the band and of the interstices between successive links.

This invention relates to a band or bracelet, in particular a watchband. 
More precisely, this invention relates to a watchband having articulated 
links. This invention likewise concerns a watch equipped with such a band. 
Among the different types of watchbands known, the bands made up of several 
rows of articulated metallic links are particularly sturdy and their 
aesthetic quality is well suited to sport watches, for example. 
One object of the invention is to improve the ergonomics and the comfort of 
this type of band. 
One aspect of the invention is that the band includes stop elements 
limiting the pivot angle of the links. Thus any pinching of skin or hair 
between the links is avoided even when the angle of curvature of the band 
has to be very small. 
Although the patent CH-A5-661 184 describes a band including stop elements 
to limit the pivot angle of the links, the solution described is limited 
to bands provided with a single row of links. Moreover, this band is 
complicated to manufacture. 
The band described in the patent CH 482 421 likewise has only a single row 
of links. The opening of the band is limited by the stops, which are made 
up of lines of contact on the upper face of the band. 
The patent CH-C-669316 describes a bracelet with three rows of links in 
which the angle of pivoting of the articulated links is only limited by 
portions of the upper, respectively lower, faces of the links. 
A further advantageous aspect of the invention is that the stop elements 
prevent any direct contact between links. Avoided in this way is. the wear 
and tear caused by friction on the lines or surfaces of contact between 
inks. This feature is particularly advantageous for bands covered with a 
precious metal plating, which tends to be damaged if the links enter into 
direct contact. 
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the successive 
links of at least one row are separated by interstices. These interstices 
remain, regardless of the curvature given to the band. The width of these 
interstices can be perfectly controlled by means of the stop elements. 
These interstices suffice to avoid any pinching of the skin or hair and to 
improve the aeration of the skin and the evacuation of perspiration 
between the links. This feature, moreover, makes it possible to produce 
more aesthetic bands. In a preferred variant, the successive links on the 
inside of each row are separated by interstices. 
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the curvature 
of the band can be perfectly controlled by means of stop elements. It is 
thus possible to obtain, for example, a regular curvature between 
successive links, and thus an especially aesthetic band. 
The stop elements are visible preferably only very slightly, or not at all, 
from the exterior of the band, and stop against a portion of links 
distinct from the main faces, for example, against the inside of an 
aperture through the links. In this way the contact and the wear and tear 
between links takes place solely at those places which are barely visible 
or not visible at all. 
According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, at least certain 
links can be easily removed or added in order to adjust the length of the 
band with respect to the wrist of the wearer. The links can be removed 
preferably without removing the corresponding stop element. 
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the band is of 
simple and inexpensive construction, having a limited number of separate 
parts and allowing easy assembly.

The band segment shown in FIG. 1, by way of example, has three rows of 
metallic links. The central row ("first row") is made up of successive 
links 1, 1', etc. Each of the other two lateral rows is constituted by 
symmetrical links 2, 2', 2", etc. In this example, all the links are of 
approximately the same length and the same thickness. The links of the 
central row, however, are shifted by about one half length of a link with 
respect to the links of the other two rows. The links could, however, have 
variable lengths and thicknesses, and the shifting between rows could be 
different. 
In the example shown, the links have an approximately flat or convex upper 
face. The lower face, close to the skin, is approximately parallel to the 
upper face. The two side faces are approximately flat and parallel. The 
forward face is only roughly flat and is provided with a recess 16. In the 
same way, the rearward face is provided with a stop element 15. Different 
and extremely varied possible shapes of links can, of course, be dictated 
by aesthetic considerations. The different faces of the links, in 
particular the upper face, might be shapely rather than flat. The 
different links could also have a very rounded pea-shaped form, for 
example. 
Each link of the first row, for example the link 1', can pivot with respect 
to the preceding link 1, about a first pin or pivot 3. The pin 3 is fitted 
in apertures 21 provided in two adjacent links 2 of the second row. If the 
links 1' or 2' have to be removable, in order to adjust the length of the 
band, the aperture 21 passes through the links 2' in such a way that the 
pin 3 can be withdrawn and the links removed. If, on the contrary, the 
links 1&lt;sic. 1'&gt;and 2' do not need to be removable, apertures 21 are 
preferably selected, which do not pass completely through the links 2' and 
thus allow the two ends of the pins 3 to be concealed. 
In the same way, each link 1' of the central row can pivot with respect to 
the following link 1" about a second pin 3' fitted in apertures 21 
provided in two adjacent links 2" of the second row. It is not necessary 
that the second pin 3' be removable: the links can be withdrawn by groups 
of three by removing only the first pin 3. 
If no stop element has been provided, the pivoting of links 1', 2' about 
the pin 3 will be limited only by direct contact with another link 1 or 2. 
In the case of pivoting counterclockwise (increase of the local radius of 
curvature of the band), contact would be made close to the upper convex 
face of the link 1' or 2', which could damage, in the long run, the finish 
of the surface of the link. On the other hand, in the case of clockwise 
pivoting (decrease of the local radius of curvature of the band), contact 
would be made close to the lower face of the link 1' or 2', which risks 
pinching the skin or the hair of the wearer. 
In the first variant of the invention, each link of the first row 1, 1', 
etc. is provided with a stop element in the form of tongue 15 which will 
be inserted in the corresponding recess 16 of the previously pivoting 
link. It is of course also possible to reverse the placement of tongue 15 
and recess 16. The shape of tongues 15 is foreseen in such a way that the 
links fit together without difficulty. These stop elements 15 allow 
limitation of the pivot angle of the links 1' of the first row about the 
pins 3 and 3'. 
FIG. 2 facilitates better understanding of the action of the stop elements 
15. It shows, superimposed, two extreme positions taken by the links of 
the first row. It is seen that in the upper position shown, when the 
radius of curvature of the band at this place is maximal, the contact 
between the link 1 and the following link 1' is made essentially between 
the lower part of the stop element 15 and the lower part of the 
corresponding recess 16. Similarly, in the lower position shown, when the 
radius of curvature of the band at this place is minimal, the contact 
between the link 1 and the following link 1' is made essentially between 
the upper part of the stop element 15 and the upper part of the 
corresponding recess 16. The main faces of the two successive links never 
enter into contact, and an interstice 17 always remains between the lower 
faces of the links. The only contact surface between the two successive 
links 1, 1' is confined to an area far from the faces, in the recess 16, 
where the risk of pinching is minimal and the wear and tear is less 
detrimental to the aesthetic quality of the band. 
One skilled in the art will understand that the stop elements 15 likewise 
limit the pivot angle of the links of the other lateral rows 2, 2', etc. 
Diverse shapes are conceivable for tongues 15 and corresponding recesses 
16. Recess 16 could be less closed than in FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to 
confine the surface of contact to an area even farther away from the main 
faces. 
FIG. 3 shows a view in perspective of a second variant of the band 
according to the invention. The elements which are the same or similar to 
those of the first variant, described above, bear the same numbering and 
they do not have to be described again here. 
In this second variant, the stop elements limiting the pivot angle of the 
pivoting links 1, 1', shows are made up of pins 4, 4' connected to links 
of other lateral rows 2, 2', etc. These pins traverse holes 13 through the 
pins 1, 1', shows of the first row. The diameter of holes 13 is greater 
than the diameter of the active portion of the corresponding pins 4, 4'. 
The central links 1, 1', shows can pivot about pins 3 and 3', the pivot 
angle being limited however by the limited clearance of the pins 4, 4' in 
the apertures 13. 
It is of course possible to reverse this placement and to use stop pins 
connected to the central links 1, 1' etc., and cooperating with larger 
holes in the lateral links 2, 2', etc. 
Compared to the first variant of the invention, described above in relation 
to FIGS. 1 and 2, this second variant has the advantage of a much easier 
machining of the links. The pivot angle of the links 1, 1', shows can be 
easily controlled by adapting the diameter and/or placement of the 
apertures 13 and/or pins 4, 4'. This solution allows, for example, the 
maximal pivot angles to be varied along the band: certain links can be 
fitted together almost rigidly with the apertures of small diameter 13, 
whereas other links can be fitted together more slackly with the apertures 
of large diameter 13, giving a bigger clearance to pins 4, 4'. Moreover, 
it is possible to vary, after cutting, the maximal or minimal radius of 
curvature of the band by replacing links with others provided with 
apertures 13 of different diameter, or by using pins 4, 4' of different 
diameter, or by using links provided with differently placed apertures 20, 
13. The curvature and the shape of the band can thus be adapted to the 
wrist of the wearer without changing the number of links. 
The different links can only be made removable if the articulation pins 3' 
as well as the stop pins 4' can be withdrawn. When these two pins are 
withdrawn, the assembly between the links 2', 1' and 2' and the respective 
preceding links 2, 1, 2 becomes loose. The pins 3 and 4 have to be 
withdrawn only if it is necessary to remove the links 2', 1', 2' 
individually, which is not generally necessary. It is thus necessary to 
provide at least two through holes 20, 21 through the lateral links 2, 2', 
etc., which is not very aesthetic and which complicates the assembly and 
disassembly of the band. 
FIG. 4 shows a view in perspective of a third advantageous variant of the 
band with respect to the above point. The elements which are the same or 
similar to those of the variants described above bear the same numbering, 
and it is not necessary to describe them again here. 
In this third variant, as in the second variant, the stop elements limiting 
the pivot angle of the links 1, 1', shows are made up of pins 4, 4' 
connected to As the links of the other rows 2, 2', etc. However, these 
pins pass here through recesses 10 machined in the forward face in front 
of links 1, 1', etc. The height of recesses 10 is larger than the diameter 
of the diameter of the active portion of corresponding pins 4. 4' in the 
recess. The recesses 10 can have, for example, a rectangular profile and 
can be easily made, for example, by milling. The links 1, 1', shows of the 
first row can pivot about pins 3 and 3', the pivot angle being limited, 
however, by the limited clearance of the pins 4, 4' in the recesses 10. 
FIG. 5 facilitates better understanding of the action of the stop elements 
4, 4' in the recesses 10. It shows, superimposed, two extreme positions 
adopted by the links of the first row. It can be seen that, in the upper 
position shown, when the local radius of the curvature of the band is 
maximal, the articulation between the link 1 and the following link 1' is 
limited solely by the contact between the lower part of the pin 4' and the 
lower part of the corresponding recess 10. Similarly, in the lower 
position shown, when the local radius of curvature of the band is minimal, 
the articulation between the link 1 and the following link 1' is limited 
solely by the contact between the upper part of the pin 4' and the upper 
part of the corresponding recess 10. The different faces of the different 
links never enter into contact. The only stop zone limiting the 
articulation of the links is confined to the bottom of the recess 10, 
where the risk of pinching is less and the wear and tear is the least 
detrimental to the aesthetic quality of the band. 
Compared to the second variant, this solution allows links to be withdrawn 
or added without removing the pins 4, 4'. 
One skilled in the art will understand that the invention easily applies to 
bands having any number of rows N greater or equal to two, and that the 
number of three rows selected above is only by way of preferred example. 
Moreover, one skilled in the art will know how to adapt the invention, 
without any difficulty, by placing the stop elements 4, 4' or 15 on a row 
of links other than the central row, or possibly on a plurality of rows of 
links. For example, instead of providing stops acting upon the links 1, 
1', shows of the central row, stops acting upon the links of another row 
could be preferred, for example, on the lateral links 2, 2', etc. 
In all the above examples, the pivoting of the links is limited in both 
directions, as well as in the case of increase or reduction of the radius 
of curvature of the band. By adapting slightly the shape or the placement 
of the stop elements 4, 4' or 15 or of the corresponding apertures 10, 13, 
16 it is possible, however, to limit the pivoting of the links in one 
direction only. For example, if the band has to be able to be laid flat, 
the possibility of increasing the radius of curvature of the band will 
possibly be dispensed with. In the same way, by playing with the placement 
of the stop elements and the corresponding apertures, it is possible to 
eliminate the possibility of limiting the reduction of the radius of the 
curvature of the band. 
In the variants shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, two distinct stop elements 4 and 4' 
are provided to limit the pivoting of a link with respect to the preceding 
link and with respect to the following link of the same row. Depending 
upon the shape and the spacing of the links, a single stop 4 or 4', 
limiting the pivoting with respect to the preceding link only or with 
respect to the following link only, can prove sufficient. 
In these variants, the stop pins 4, 4' pass completely through the central 
links. It is nevertheless possible to use stops connected to peripheral 
links 2, 2', etc., which would not pass completely through the holes 13 or 
the recesses 10 through the central links 1, 1', etc. For example, it is 
possible to replace each pin 4, 4' with two pin portions. In that case the 
first pin portion is connected to a lateral link 2, 2', etc., and the 
second pin portion is connected to the corresponding link of the other 
lateral row. The holes or recesses 10, 13, then do not have to be through 
holes or through recesses. 
It is clear that the links of the band do not necessarily have to be of the 
shape shown in the figures. In particular, the links close to the horns of 
the watch or clasp may have to be specially adapted. Moreover it is 
possible to provide stop elements only on certain links of the band, even 
on a single link. It is to be understood that it is also possible to 
produce bands having several types of links according to the examples 
described above.