Patent Publication Number: US-8973399-B2

Title: Latch mechanism for a timepiece

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/212,120, filed Sep. 17, 2008, now U.S Pat. No. 8,225,625 entitled “Charm for Chain, Chain and Chain Element Provided With Such a Charm,” which claims the benefit of Belgian Application 2008/0230, published Apr. 16, 2008; and this patent application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/491,105, entitled “Latch Mechanism for a Timepiece,” filed May 27, 2011, which applications are incorporated in their entirety here by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention concerns a charm for latch mechanism on a chain for a jewelry article 
     BACKGROUND 
     In particular, the invention is intended for a chain in the form of a bracelet, a necklace or the like. 
     Chains for jewelry articles can be made of all sorts of materials such as for example metal, plastic, leather, wood, yarn or any other suitable material whatsoever. 
     Charms in the form of all sorts of figures and shapes with which a bracelet is given an exclusive and distinctive look and as a result of which the bracelet distinguishes itself from an ordinary bracelet without any charms, thus making the bracelet more unique to the user, are already known. The known charms are made of stainless steel, silver, gold, or the like, and may or may not make use of precious stones, fancy glass, or wooden beads, and the like having rather small dimensions, usually having a diameter smaller than 25 mm, preferably between 5 and 20 mm. The above-mentioned charms enable the user to continuously change his/her look by selecting charms and by providing them to a bracelet, a necklace, or the like. If the user wishes to do so, several charms according to different themes, in different materials, with different ornaments, and the like can be provided to a single chain. An example of such a chain with charms has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507, whereby the chain is provided with means to restrict the movement of the provided charms, such that the charms do not gather around a single point of the chain, but remain nicely distributed over the chain. These means can be made in all sorts of shapes and they are not only practical, but they can also confer additional character to the chain. 
     Charms which are fixed to the bracelet, and which are hence selected by the manufacturer and not by the user, are known as well. When manufacturing such bracelets, a new charm or a new set of charms must be made for every new type of bracelet, which leads to relatively high production costs. 
     Further, it is known that people wearing a bracelet around one wrist, may wear a watch around the other wrist, which is disadvantageous in that the watch cannot be matched with the bracelet. Another disadvantage is that the watch-strap cannot be easily replaced, such that it is not practical and moreover time-consuming to select a different watch-strap every day as a function of, for example, the clothes one is wearing or the activities one will carry out. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention aims to remedy one or several of the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or other disadvantages by providing a charm for a chain and/or ribbon and/or belt in the form of a necklace, a bracelet or the like, whereby the above-mentioned charm is provided with a time-rendering device. 
     In a practical embodiment of the invention, the charm is provided with a fixing element having an assembly opening, whereby the above-mentioned fixing element can be provided around the above-mentioned chain in a detachable or permanent manner by means of the above-mentioned assembly opening. 
     Naturally, charms which are provided with a time-rendering device can be assembled in many different ways. For example, the fixing element may or may not have threads. In some embodiments, the fixing element may be a one-piece ring or a two-piece latch mechanism. In some embodiments, there may be a permanent connection. 
     The different assembly possibilities provide the user with an endless range of possible charms to choose from, provided with or without a time-rendering device, which are complementary to and can be added to other charms, as described above, and which are all attached to one and the same bracelet. The user can express him/herself via these charms and change the look, the color, and the expression of the bracelet in a simple manner by means of the charms, either with or without a time-rendering device. 
     In some embodiments, an advantage is that the charm is provided with a time-rendering device, and consequently functions as a watch, such that there is no need to wear a separate watch, which is cost-saving. An additional advantage is that such a charm, which may be provided with a time-rendering device, is easy to manufacture by producers of jewels and watches. 
     According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the charm is provided with a fixing element with an assembly opening, and the above-mentioned fixing element is provided around the above-mentioned chain in a detachable manner by means of the above-mentioned assembly opening 
     An advantage is that a charm which is provided with a time-rendering device, just like any other charm, can be easily replaced according to the user&#39;s taste, activities and the like. 
     An additional advantage is that every new type of charm which is provided with a time-rendering device can be fixed around an existing bracelet by means of the assembly opening, as a result of which the bracelets can be manufactured in larger series, leading to savings in the production costs. 
     In some embodiments, the charm may further comprise an insert insertable into the assembly opening to facilitate quick and easy attachment of the charm to the bracelet. 
     In some embodiments, the chain may be formed of two chain elements which can be connected by means of a lock, whereby at least one of the above-mentioned chain elements is provided with a charm provided with a time-rendering device, whereby the charm can be connected to at least one other chain element in a permanent or detachable manner by means of connecting means provided to that end, whereby the above-mentioned connecting means are formed of an outside thread in the above-mentioned chain element and an opening with internal screw thread provided on the above-mentioned charm. 
     The present invention also concerns a chain element provided with a charm whereby the charm is provided with a time-rendering device and the chain element is provided with connecting means made in the shape of a threaded connection. 
     An advantage is that, as the chain has already been provided with a charm with a time-rendering device, the bracelet or the necklace is functional and thus costs can be saved. 
     An advantage is that the design of the chain allows for mass production of the chain elements, resulting in reduced production costs. 
     Another advantage is that the charm with the time-rendering device can be easily produced in different variants and that the user can provide one or several of said charms to the chain as desired, depending on his/her preferences, activities or the like. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a chain in perspective with a charm according to the invention, which is provided with a time-rendering device; 
         FIG. 2  represents a view according to arrow F 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  represents a section according to line III-III in  FIG. 1  and shows the charm in greater detail, whereby the charm is provided with a time-rendering device and is provided with an assembly opening with internal screw thread; 
         FIG. 4  represents the section of  FIG. 3  in an alternative embodiment whereby the charm, which is provided with a time-rendering device, is provided with an assembly opening comprising a hinged part; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a chain with a charm according to the invention, whereby the chain comprises two elements, one chain element of which is connected to a charm in a detachable manner, whereby the charm is provided with a time-rendering device and with an assembly opening with internal screw thread; 
         FIG. 6  represents the section of  FIG. 3  in an alternative embodiment whereby the charm is provided with a time-rendering device and is provided with an assembly opening comprising a hole without internal screw thread; 
         FIG. 7  represents another embodiment of the present invention without a time-rendering device for clarity with the fixing element in the open configuration; 
         FIG. 8  represents the embodiment in  FIG. 7  in the closed configuration; 
         FIG. 9  represents an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.8 ; 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  show a cross-section of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  transitioning from a closed configuration to an open configuration; 
         FIG. 11A  shows another cross-sectional side view of another variation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  with the jewel and chain removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 11B  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is the embodiment in  FIG. 11B  with a chain inserted; 
         FIG. 11D  is a cross-section through line  11 D- 11 D shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side view of another embodiment of the O-ring; 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-section through line  12 B- 12 B shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  represents a jewelry article  1  according to the present invention whereby the jewelry article  1  comprises a charm  2  and a chain  3 . In this application, the chain  3  is the part of the jewelry article  1  that is donned on the user or wearer, and the charm  2  is the part of the jewelry article  1  that is attached to or carried by the chain  3  and provides additional or enhanced aesthetic value to the jewelry article  1 . As such, the term chain includes any chain, band, cord, strap, tie, and the like. The charm  3  comprises a fixing element  7  to attach to the chain and a jewel  100  for aesthetic value. A jewel may be any article of monetary or sentimental value, such as metals, gems, stones, timepieces, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the charm  2  is provided on a chain  3 , and the chain  3  is made in the shape of a bracelet by way of example. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, although the chain  3  is made as a continuous strap, it can also be made as a series of several links or in the shape of a belt or a ribbon or the like. Although the embodiments in the figures always represent the chain  3  in the shape of a bracelet, it is not excluded to make the chain  3  in the shape of an anklet, a necklace, or the like. 
     The chain  3  may be provided with conventional locks  4  which make it possible to open and close the chain  3  so that the chain  3  can be easily put around the arm, the neck, or the like. For example, the locks  4  may be clasps, hooks, magnets, and the like. In some embodiments, the chain  3  may not have a lock as the chain  3  may be capable of fitting over the wearer&#39;s hand, head, foot, etc. For example, the chain  3  may be elastic so as to stretch over a particular body part (hand, head, foot, etc.) and then recoil back into its natural position so that it cannot slip of the body part. 
     In some embodiments, the chain  3  comprises two chain elements  9 ,  10 , which can be connected to one another by means of a known lock or via the charm  2 . 
     The chain  3  can be fixed to the charm  2 , either permanently or in a detachable manner, by means of different assembly openings which will be discussed hereafter. 
     According to a characteristic of the invention, the charm  2  is provided with a jewel  100  shown as a timepiece or time-rendering device, which is in this case made with a circular base  5  in the conventional manner, with a dial on top over which has been provided a display window  6 , but the time-rendering device  100  may have any other shape whatsoever of course, such as for example a rectangular shape, a heart shape or the like, and the dial may also be replaced by a digital display window. 
     According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the dimensions of the above-mentioned display window  6  are 25 mm or smaller, preferably even smaller than 20 mm. 
     The charm  2  is preferably provided with a fixing element  7  comprising a ring portion  12  defining an assembly opening  8 . The fixing element  7  is provided around the chain  3  in a detachable manner by means of the above-mentioned assembly opening  8 . 
     A foundation  26  may be connected to the ring portion  12  to provide a means for securing a jewel  100  on to the fixing element  7 . The foundation  26  is generally circular in shape having a first side  80  and a second side  82  opposite the first side  80 . The first side  80  may be configured to receive and retain a jewel  100 , while the second side  82  is connected to the ring portion  12 . In some embodiments, the ring portion  12  may be integrally formed with the foundation  26 . 
     Preferably, the fixing element  7  is provided at the bottom of the charm  2  or underneath the foundation  26 , but it is not excluded for this fixing element  7  to be provided in another place on the charm  2  with the time-rendering device  100 . 
     The above-mentioned assembly opening  8  extends through said fixing element  7 , such that the charm  2 , which is provided with a time-rendering device as the jewel  100 , can be moved from a first chain element  9  to a second chain element  10  by screwing or turning the above-mentioned charm  2  over a stop element  11  having an outside thread, and such that the above-mentioned charm  2  can shift over the chain  3  between two successive stop elements  11  having outside threads. The chain  3  extends through the above-mentioned fixing element  7 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the assembly opening  8  is provided with a diameter A which is practically equal to or larger than the diameter B of the cross section of the chain  3 , such that the above-mentioned charm  2  can shift over the chain  3  in the area between two successive stop elements  11  with outside thread. In some embodiments, the fixing element  7  may have the shape of a closed ring  12 , such that the chain  3  can be pushed through the opening of the above-mentioned ring  12 . In some embodiments, the ring  12  may have internal threads  13 . Although the figures represent a circular opening in the assembly opening  8 , it is not excluded for the opening to be made in another shape. 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 3 , the ring  12  is provided with an internal screw thread  13  with which the above-mentioned charm  2  can be screwed on or past a stop element  11  having outside threads, whereby the above-mentioned stop element  11  is part of the chain  3  According to a special characteristic of the invention, the above-mentioned charm  2  can be attached in a fixed spot by cooperating with the above-mentioned stop element  11 . The method for applying a charm is very simple, as the user can thread a chain  3  with one far end through the assembly opening  8 . 
     The fixing element  7  can be fixed to the chain  3  in such a way that the charm  1  can freely shift over the chain  3  between two stop elements  11  or it can be firmly fixed to a stop element  11  with outside thread. 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 4 , and  7 - 10 , the fixing element  7  of the above-mentioned charm  1  may comprise a latch part  14  which can move between an open position in which the chain  3  can be put in the assembly opening  8  and a closed position in which the chain  3  can be radially set in the above-mentioned assembly opening  8 . The latch part  14  is preferably hinged to a first protruding part  17  of the fixing element  7  so as to close and open the above-mentioned assembly opening  8 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the latch part  14  is made in the shape of an arcuate arm  15 , preferably made of a light deformable material, and it is hinge-mounted to the bottom of the time-rendering device  2 , whereby the arm  15  at least partly confines the assembly opening  8  in the closed position. The arm can also be made out of a rigid material as well, such as metals, plastic, wood, etc. In the closed position, the first protruding part  17  and the latch part  14  define a portion of the ring  12 . 
     The hinge point  16  of the arm  15  is fixed to one far end of a first protruding element  17  situated directly beneath the foundation  26 , whereby this protruding element  17  confines a part of the assembly opening  8 ; however, the arm  15  can also be directly connected to the foundation  26 . 
     Although the figures show an arched arm  15 , it is not excluded to realize the arm  15  in a different shape, such that the assembly opening  8  is not made circular but rectangular, triangular, or any other shape, for example. 
     According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the above-mentioned arm  15  is provided with locking means  18  which can lock the arm  15  in the closed position. These locking means  18  are preferably made as a leaf spring  19  provided on the above-mentioned arm  15  and extending with one part  20  past the free end of said arm  15 . 
     On the above-mentioned part  20  of the leaf spring  19  is provided a lip  21  which can work in conjunction with an edge  22  which in this case has been provided on a second protruding element  23  at the bottom of the foundation  26 . The lip  21  of the leaf spring  19  will preferably mesh behind the above-mentioned edge  22  as the arm  15  moves from the open into the closed position. 
     The method for applying a charm  1  according to the invention to a chain  3  is very simple and as follows. In the position represented in  FIGS. 10A-10C , the arm  15  of the charm  2  is turned clockwise around the hinge point  16 , such that the chain  3  can be provided in the assembly opening  8 . When the chain  3  has been provided in the opening  8 , the arm  15  can be put in the closed position turning the arm  15  counter-clockwise around the hinge point  16 . When the arm  15  is almost in the closed position, the lip  21  of the leaf spring  19  will reach the edge  22  of the above-mentioned charm  2  and, as a result, it will be pushed in the direction of the chain  3  As the arm  15  is rotated further around the hinge point  16 , the lip  21  will mesh behind said edge  22 , after which the arm  15  will be situated in the above-mentioned closed position. 
     In order to remove the charm  2 , the user will exert a force on the far end  32  of the arm  15  according to arrow P in  FIGS. 4 and 10A , as a result of which the lip  21  can no longer mesh behind the edge  22  on the charm  2  and the arm  15  can be turned clockwise around the hinge point  16 , such that the fixing element  7  can be put in the open position and the chain  3  can be simply removed from the assembly opening  8 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of a chain  3  with a charm  2  according to the invention whereby the charm  2  comprises a time-rendering device. The chain  3  comprises two chain elements  24 ,  25 , a first element  24  and a second chain element  25 , respectively, which can be connected to one another by means of a known lock  4 . In the embodiment shown, a charm  2  is provided on one far end  26  of the first chain element  24 , whereby this charm  2  comprises a time-rendering device. In the given example, the charm  2  is fixed to the first chain element  24  in a non-detachable manner, for example by soldering this first chain element  24  to the above-mentioned charm  2 . However, it is not excluded according to the invention to fix the above-mentioned charm  2  in a detachable manner to the chain  3 , for example by means of connectors. 
     The above-mentioned charm  2  is in this case connected in a detachable manner to a far end  27  of the second chain element with connecting means which are preferably made in the shape of a threaded connection, whereby the above-mentioned connecting means are formed of an outside thread  28  on the above-mentioned chain element  25  and an opening  29  with internal screw thread provided on the above-mentioned charm  2 . 
     In the given embodiment, the above-mentioned charm  2  is connected to respective chain elements  24 ,  25  at two diametrically opposed connection points. 
     It is not necessary according to the invention for the chain  3  to comprise only two chain elements  24 ,  25 ; on the contrary, it may also comprise more than two chain elements which are provided for example with a cavity with internal screw thread at one far end and with an outside thread at their other far end, such that chain elements can be coupled to one another by means of these threads. 
     According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the threaded connection, formed of an outside thread, is provided on an element  11  of the above-mentioned chain element  25  and an opening  29  with internal screw thread provided in the above-mentioned charm  2 . The connections between the charm  2  and the second chain element  25  and between the mutual chain elements  24 ,  25  must not necessarily be made as threaded connections; on the contrary, they can also be made as any other form of detachable connecting means. 
     The method for applying and removing a charm  2  to and from a chain  3  according to  FIG. 5  is very simple as one far end  27  of the second chain element  25  can be unscrewed or screwed down in the charm  2 . 
     In some embodiments, the present invention may further comprise a facilitating means for securing the charm  2  at a specific location along the chain  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-12B . For example, the facilitating means for securing the charm  2  along the chain  3  may be achieved by an insert  40 . The insert  40  can be configured to fit inside the fixing element  7 . In such an embodiment, the fixing element  7  may or may not have threads  13 . The insert  40  may be made from a pliable or compressible material such as rubber or silicon to situate itself anywhere along the chain  3  through compressive or resistive forces. Alternatively, the threading  13  and insert  40  can work in conjunction with each other. 
     The insert  40  may be generally circular in shape having an outer surface  70  with an outer diameter D 1  and an inner surface  72  with an inner diameter D 2 . The outer diameter D 1  of the insert  40  may be substantially the same size as the diameter B of the opening  8 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter D 1  of the insert  40  may be slightly larger than the diameter B of the opening  8 . Having the outer diameter D 1  of the insert  40  substantially similar to or slightly larger than the opening  8  of the closed ring  12  allows the insert  40  to remain inside the closed ring  12  via frictional engagement. The insert  40  may be fixed to the inner side of the ring  12 , for example with adhesives, glue, and the like. 
     The insert  40  can be used with other embodiments of the present invention, such as the embodiment comprising the latch part  14 . In such an embodiment, the latch part  14  can be opened, the insert  40  placed inside, and the latch part  14  thereafter closed to compress the insert  40  against the chain  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . The outer surface  70  of the insert  40  can be configured to substantially correspond with the opening created by the latch  14  and the protruding element  17  so as to provide a tight fit between the insert  40 , the latch part  14 , and protruding element  17  when the latch  14  is in the closed configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the outer diameter D 1  of the insert  40  maybe slightly larger than the opening created by the latch  14  and the protruding element  17 . This allows the insert  40  to be compressed upon closure of the latch  14 . The compression of the outer surface of the insert  40  causes the inner diameter of the inner surface of the insert  40  to compress against the chain  3 , thereby, allowing the charm  12  to remain secured at the present location along the chain  3   
     In some embodiments, the chain  3  may comprise grooves  42  encircling the chain  3  in a transverse orientation relative to the length of the chain  3 . In some embodiments, the chain  3  may comprise threads  44  spiraling along the length of the chain  3 . These grooves  42  or threads  44  may be along the entire length of the chain  3 , or along portions of the chain  3 . In some embodiments the grooves  42  or threads  44  may be intermittently spaced apart along the chain  3  The grooves  42  or threads  44  may facilitate securement of the insert  40  to the chain  3  by allowing the inner surface of the insert  40  to mold into the grooves due to the pliable nature of the insert  40 . This allows the chain to maintain its aesthetic appearance rather than utilizing a purely functional device that appears at odds with the aesthetic beauty of the chain  3 . 
     In some embodiments, the insert  40  may also comprise reciprocal grooves or threads  74  on its inner surface  72  that allow the insert  40  to mate with the chain  3  In embodiments in which the insert  40  comprises reciprocal grooves or threads, the insert  40  may be made from other material including hard materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the insert  40  may be made from multiple pieces. For example, the insert  40  maybe a two-piece insert, wherein two separate pieces  40 ,  41  having a generally semicircular configuration are positioned next to each other and inside the fixing element  7  to form a full, circular hole. In some embodiments, the insert  40  may be a one-piece O-ring as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12B . The O-ring embodiment may be combined with a one-piece fixing element  7  as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11D . 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface of the fixing element  7  may comprise a circular groove  64  into which the insert  40  can be seated to help maintain its position. The groove  64  generally runs along the path of the inner surface of the ring  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the insert  40  may comprise an auxiliary through-hole  50 . Preferably, insert  40  comprises two auxiliary through-holes  50 ,  52  diametrically opposed to each other. In the two-piece embodiment, each piece  40 ,  41  may have a through-hole  50 ,  52  such that when the two pieces are assembled, the two through-holes  50 ,  52  are diametrically opposed to each other. The through-holes  50 ,  52  may improve the compressibility of the insert  40  by providing space into which the compressed insert can move. 
     In some embodiments, the fixing element  7  may comprise a secondary locking means in addition to the locking means  19 . The secondary locking means may comprise a hook member  54 , and a protruding member  56 . The hook member  54  may be hingedly or rotatably attached to the latch part  14  opposite the hinge  16 . The second protruding element  23  may comprise an orifice  58  through which the protruding member  56  can be inserted and fixed. The protruding member  56  has a first end  60  insertable into the orifice  58  and a second end  62  opposite the first end  60  configured to receive the hook member  54 . In some embodiments, the diameter of the protruding member  56  at the second end  62  may be greater than the diameter of the protruding member  56  at the first end  60 . For example, the second end  62  may terminate in a bulbous configuration so as to prevent the hook member  54  from inadvertently sliding off the protruding member  56  when locked in place. In some embodiments, the secondary locking means may be the primary locking mechanism without the need for locking means  19 . Many other locking mechanisms can be utilized. 
     In some embodiments, the foundation  26  may be configured to receive a variety of different jewels  100  including timepieces, gems, stones, metals, trinkets, and the like. For example, the foundation  26  may comprise a retention mechanism  66 , which may be a cylindrical wall  84 , a flanged lip  86 , a cylindrical wall  84  with a flanged lip  86 , a lip or wall with threading, a lip or wall with holes or recesses, or any other type of protruding wall or lip or any combination thereof onto which the time-rendering device  2 , or charm-like device can be removably connected to the retention mechanism by snapping, screwing, or latching, and the like. The bottoms of the jewels may also be configured accordingly or fitted with a receiving mechanism to receive and reversibly lock onto the retention mechanism  66 . Alternatively, the jewel  100  may comprise the retention mechanism  66  and the foundation  26  may comprise the receiving mechanism. These features allow the jewel to removably attach to the foundation  26 , for example, by screwing on, clipping on, latching on, squeezing on, or otherwise fastening on to the foundation  26 . Therefore, users having multiple jewels can swap out one for another without removing the chain  3  from her person. 
     The present invention is by no means restricted to the embodiments described as an example and represented in the drawings; on the contrary, a charm  2 , a chain  3 , and a chain element according to the invention can be made in all sorts of variants while still remaining within the scope of the invention.