Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a bracelet and in particular to a metallic bracelet that can bend easily.

Background

Traditional metallic bracelets, such as watch bracelets, have a limited degree of flexibility, which can make them relatively uncomfortable to wear. It is an object of the disclosure to address the above mentioned limitation.

Summary of the disclosure

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a bracelet comprising a plurality of rigid members and flexible members arranged such that two consecutive rigid members are interconnected via a flexible member; wherein each rigid member comprises a first portion attachable to a second portion, the first and second portions forming a clamp for holding the flexible member.

Optionally, each flexible member comprises a central region provided between two connector regions and wherein the first and second portions of the rigid member form a pair of cavities for receiving a first connector region of a flexible member and a second connector region of another flexible member, respectively.

Optionally, each portion comprises a first recess extending along a first side, and a second recess extending along a second side of the rigid member. Optionally, the first recess forms an interference fit with the first connector region, and the second recess forms an interference fit with the second connector region.

Optionally, each one of the first recess and the second recess have a dovetail shape.

Optionally, the flexible members are linked together to form an elongated flexible member.

Optionally, each flexible member comprises a first section attachable to a first rigid member and a second section attachable to a second rigid member.

Optionally, each section comprises a first region attachable to a rigid member and a second region adapted to form a spacer between two rigid members.

Optionally, the first portion of the rigid member comprises a projecting element adapted to receive the first region.

Optionally, the first region comprises an aperture, and the projecting element and the aperture form an interference fit.

Optionally, the projecting element forms a wall, and the aperture forms a slot.

Optionally, the slot has rounded ends. For instance the rounded ends may have a radius of half the width of the slot.

Optionally, the wall extends between a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end have a curved profile. Optionally, the elongated flexible member is integrally formed.

Optionally, the elongated flexible member is made of an elastomer material, or a rubber material, or a fabric material. For instance the elastomer material may be a Fluro elastomer. The rubber material may be hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

Optionally, the flexible members are made at least in part of rubber or silicon.

Optionally, the first portion and the second portion are attachable with a pair of screws.

Optionally, the bracelet is bendable both clockwise and anticlockwise.

Optionally the bracelet comprises a connector adapted to attach the bracelet to a watch case body.

Optionally the rigid members are metallic members. For instance the metallic members may be made of a metal or an alloy. For example the metallic members may be made of stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, or silver.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a watch comprising a watch case body coupled to a bracelet according to the first aspect.

The watch according to the second aspect of the disclosure may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the bracelet according to the first aspect of the disclosure. Detailed Description

The disclosure is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1A is a profile view of a watch provided with a bracelet according to the disclosure; figure IB is a side view of the watch according to figure 1A; figure 2A is a profile view of a portion of the bracelet of figure 1; figure 2B is a side view of the bracelet portion of figure 2A; figure 3A is a transparent side view of the bracelet portion of figure 2; figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the bracelet of figure 3A; figure 4A is a top see-through view of the bracelet of figure 2; figure 4B is another transparent side view of the bracelet portion of figure 2; figure 4C is another profile view of the bracelet of figure 2; figure 5A is a profile view of an elongated flexible member; figure 5B is a top view of the elongated flexible member of figure 5A; figure 5C is a side view of the elongated flexible member of figure 5A; figure 6A is a profile view of a series of metallic members bottom portions; figure 6B is a top view of the series of metallic members bottom portions of figure 6A; figure 7A is a profile view of a bracelet portion that includes the series of metallic members bottom portions of figure 6 and the elongated flexible member of figure 5; figure 7B is a profile view of the bracelet portion of figure 7A including the metallic members top portions; figure 8A is a profile cross sectional view of the bracelet portion of figure 7; figure 8B is a side cross sectional view of the bracelet portion of figure

7; figure 9 is an exemplary implementation of an elongated flexible member; figure 10 is an exemplary implementation of a set of metallic members.

Figures 1A and IB illustrate a watch 100 that includes a watch case body 110, a bracelet 120 and a watch connector 130. The bracelet 120 is provided with a plurality of metallic members 122 and flexible members 124 arranged alternatively. Two consecutive metallic members 122 are interconnected via a flexible member 124. Each metallic member 122 is made of a first portion, also referred to as bottom portion 122a coupled to a second portion, also referred to as top portion 122b. The watch connector 130 has two flexible connectors to connect to each side of the bracelet. For instance the watch connector may be adapted to fit a G1226 case. The bracelet 120 may include a stock butterfly clasp for instalment (not shown).

Figures 2A and 2B show a profile view and a side view of a portion of the bracelet of figure 1, respectively. The metallic members 122 and flexible members 124 form a link chain. The members are detachable and removable, hence allowing to adjust the length of the bracelet. The metallic members may be made of a metal of metal alloy material. For instance the metallic members may be made at least in part of silver.

One metallic member 122 is shown in exploded view. The bottom portion 122a is an elongated plate having an inner side facing the top portion 122b, and an outer side facing outwardly. The inner side is provided with a first recess 128a extending along a longitudinal axis of the plate and a second recess 128b, mirror image of the first recess, also extending along the longitudinal axis of the plate but on the opposite side. The first and second recesses are separated by a central wall 129 in the middle of the plate, and open on the other side. Each recess is shaped to hold or hook in place a portion of the flexible member. In this example the first and second recesses 128a, 128b have a dovetail shape, however it will be appreciated that other shapes could be envisaged. A first opening 121a is provided at the first end of the plate and a second opening 121b is provided at the opposite end of the plate.

The bottom portion 122a and the top portion 122b are identical and attachable such that the inner face of the bottom portion is placed against the inner face of the top portion. On assembly, a pair of screws 126 is fitted within the openings to hold the top and bottom portions in place. A screw top 127 may be inserted in the openings of the top portion to receive the screw 126. It will be appreciated that other fastening means may be used to attach the top and bottom portions together.

Figure 3A is a transparent side view of the bracelet portion of figure 2 showing internal parts assembled including the thread present within the opening of the bottom portion and the thread present within the opening of the top portion.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the bracelet of figure 3A along the axis A-A. The view shows six bottom portions 122a interconnected via five flexible members 124. Each flexible member 124 comprises a central region 124a provided between two connector regions 124b and 124c. The flexible member 124 may be an integral member formed in one piece of flexible material. For instance the flexible material may include rubber or silicon.

The shape of the connector regions (124b, 124c) and the shape of the recesses (128a, 128b) may be designed to match so that when a connector region is inserted into a corresponding recess, the connector region and the recess cooperate to form an interference fit. In figure 3B, the shape of the connector region 124b complements the dovetail shape of the recess 128b. Similarly, the shape of the connector region 124c complements the dovetail shape of the recess 128a. Upon assembly, the bottom and top portions 122a, 122b form a pair of open cavities for receiving a first connector region of a flexible member on one side and a second connector region of another flexible member on another side of the metallic member 122, respectively. The thickness of the flexible member 124 may be designed to match the size of the cavity formed by two opposite recesses. For instance the thickness of the flexible member 124 may be about twice the depth of the recess.

The complementary dovetail shape of the flexible member connector region (124b, 124c) permits to hold securely the flexible member 124 between the bottom and top portions of the metallic member 122, hence preventing any slippage between moving parts. It also permits to distribute forces through the flexible member 124 more evenly when the bracelet is bent.

Figure 4A is a top see-through view of the bracelet of figure 2 showing the bracelet assembly in which the flexible members 124 are arranged successively between two metallic members 122. A watch connector 130 is provided at one end of the bracelet. It will be appreciated that another watch connector (not shown) is also provided at the other end of the bracelet.

Figure 4B shows another transparent side view of the bracelet portion of figure 2. This view shows the watch connector 130 that includes a metallic case 130a and a flexible connector 130b. The flexible connector 130b has a first part that includes a connector region similar to 124c for connection to a metallic member, and a second part attachable to the metallic case 130a. Figure 4C is another profile view of the bracelet of figure 2, showing the watch connector 130. Spring-bar fittings (not shown) may be provided to allow assembly with the intended watch case.

The various components of the bracelet 120 can be assembled easily by fitting a flexible member 124 between two bottom metallic member portions 122a. The connector regions (124b, 124c) of the flexible member are slotted within the recesses on two opposite sides. Then the top portions 122b of the metallic members 122 are attached on top of the bottom portions 122a using the screws to clamp the flexible members 124. The length of the bracelet is easily adjusted by adding or removing one of more sets of flexible member/metallic member.

In another embodiment, the bracelet includes a plurality of metallic members, or other rigid (non-flexible) members, interconnected via an elongated flexible member.

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate an elongated flexible member in profile view, top view and side view, respectively. The elongated flexible member 500 is made of a plurality of flexible members. In this example the elongated flexible member 500 has four flexible members 510, 520, 530 and 540. It will be appreciated that the length of the elongated flexible member may be adjusted by increasing the number of flexible members forming it.

Each flexible member has a first section attachable to a first metallic member and a second section attachable to second metallic member. For instance the flexible member 540 has a first section 540a attachable to a first metallic member and a second section 540b attachable to another metallic member. Each section includes a first region, also referred to as attachable region, attachable to a metallic member and a second region, also referred to as buffer region, forming a buffer or spacer between two metallic members. For instance section 540a has a first region 541a and a second region 542a. Similarly, section 540b has a first region 541b and a second region 542b.

The first region 541a is shaped to complement the first and second portions of the metallic member. The first region 541a includes an aperture having a profile that matches or complement the shape of a projecting element of the metallic member. This permits the projecting element to fit into the aperture. In this example the aperture is a slot, also referred to as interference slot, having a profile that complements the shape of a wall element.

The second region 542a, also referred to as buffer region, is shaped to provide a buffer between two metallic members. In this example the second region 542a extends along the first region and has a length that is greater than the length of the first region. The top and bottom surfaces of the buffer region 542a may be curved inwardly as shown in figure 5C. In use this feature facilitates the return of the elongated flexible member to its initial state and increases product lifetime. The side surfaces of the buffer region may also be curved inwardly.

The elongated flexible member 500 may be integrally formed. For example the elongated flexible member may be made of a single complete piece. Various method of fabrication could be envisaged including moulding and 3D printing among others. The elongated flexible member may be made of an elastomer material, or a rubber material, or a fabric material. For instance the elastomer material may be a Fluro elastomer. The rubber material may be hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

Figures 6A and 6B show a series of metallic members in which only the bottom portions are represented in the profile view and top view, respectively.

The series 600 includes eight bottom portions labelled 610-680. Each bottom portion has a base extending between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge have a thickness that forms a step and a recess with respect to the base. The base is also provided with a projection or projecting element, projecting upwards from the base. The projecting element is configured to cooperate with the aperture of the first region of the flexible member, for example to form an interference fit. For example the bottom portion 610 has a base 611 that extends between edges 612 and 613. A projecting element 614 projects from the base 611. In this example the projecting element is a wall element provided along the longitudinal axis of the bottom member 610.

Figure 7A shows a profile view of a bracelet portion 700 that includes the series of metallic members bottom portions of figure 6 and the elongated flexible member of figure 5. The elongated flexible member 500 is fitted onto the metallic members so that each attachable region is inserted into a corresponding bottom member.

Figure 7B shows a profile view of the bracelet portion of figure 7A including the metallic members top portions. The metallic members and the elongated flexible member form a link chain. The bottom and top portions of the metallic members are identical and attachable such that the inner face of the bottom portion is placed against the inner face of the top portion. On assembly, a pair of screws is fitted within openings provided at the first and second edges of each portion to hold the top and bottom portions in place. It will be appreciated that other fastening means may be used to attach the top and bottom portions together.

Additional adjusting members may be used to adjust the length of the bracelet. In this example four adjusting members labelled 710-740 are provided to adjust the length of the bracelet portion 700. In this example the adjusting members have a shape similar or identical to the metallic members (top and bottom assembly). The adjusting members may also be made of the same material as the metallic members.

Figure 8A shows a profile cross sectional view of the bracelet portion of figure 7. Figure 8B shows a side cross sectional view of the bracelet portion of figure 7. Figure 8B shows a metallic member having bottom portion 610 and top portion 610’ clamping the region 511a of the flexible member 510. Upon assembly, the bottom and top portions 610, 610’ form a pair of open cavities for receiving the attachable region 511a of the flexible member 510. The thickness of the attachable region 511a may be designed to match the size of the cavity formed by the two opposite recesses. For instance the thickness of the attachable region 511a may be about twice the depth of the recess.

The wall elements 614 and 614’ permit to hold securely the attachable region 511a between the bottom and top portions of the metallic member 610, hence preventing any slippage between moving parts.

When the elongated flexible member is at rest, that is not under strain such as being stretched or compressed, the clearance between metallic members is equal to the thickness of the buffer region.

A watch may be provided with two bracelet portions as shown in figure 7. In this scenario a watch connector would be used to connect each bracelet portion to the watch case body. For instance the watch connector may be adapted to fit a G1226 case. The bracelet may include a stock butterfly clasp for instalment.

Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an elongated flexible member. In this example, the elongated flexible member is designed with specific characteristics and sizes discussed with reference to points 1 to 7 shown in figure 9.

At point 1, it is shown that the width (w) of the elongated flexible member steps down from about 20mm (at the watch case end) to 17.35mm (at the bracelet clasp end). The width at the clasp end is chosen between 85% - 90% of the maximum width. Reducing the width at the clasp end further down, could lead to structural weakness such as shearing and tearing, among others.

At point 2, it is shown that the length of the interference slot is 60% (9mm) of the overall width (15mm) of the attachable region of the flexible member. The width of the interference slot length is 25% (1mm) of overall length (L) (5mm) of the attachable region of the flexible member. Reducing these ratios would compromise structural integrity.

At point 3, it is shown that the elongated flexible member may be made of an elastomer material or a rubber material or fabric material. For instance the elastomer material may be a Fluro elastomer, or another high performance elastomer. The rubber material may be hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. Alternatively, the elongated flexible member may be made of fabric or a material with similar flexibility and structural integrity. The material selected for the elongated flexible member should not reach plastic deformation through general, everyday use.

At point 4, it is shown that the top and bottom surfaces of the buffer region of the flexible member are curved inwardly to improve the return of the flexible member through use. Similarly, the side face of the buffer region may also be curved inwardly. These curved surfaces are introduced to increase the lifetime of the elongated flexible member.

At point 5, it is shown that the maximum thickness of the buffer region is set to 2.5 mm +/- 0.5mm. For instance 2.0mm, or 2.5mm, or 3.0mm.

At point 6, it is shown that the minimum thickness of the buffer region is set to 2.0mm +/- 0.5mm. For instance 1.5mm or 2.0mm or 2.5mm. The minimum thickness may be 85% - 90% of the maximum thickness, allowing to preserve thickness ratio and elastic behaviour of the material. At point 7, it is shown that the end of the interference slot is rounded to prevent tearing of the flexible member during use. The radius is half the width of the slot. For instance if the slot has a width of 1.0mm, the radius is then 0.5mm. Similarly if the slot has a width of is 1.5mm, the radius is then 0.75mm, etc.

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a set of metallic members. In this example, the metallic members are designed with specific characteristics and sizes discussed with reference to points 8 to 13 shown in figure 10.

At point 8, it is shown that the shape of the metallic members is symmetrical along the X axis and the Y axis when considered as single parts, that is bottom part and top parts separately. When the bottom and top parts are assembled, the metallic member assembly is symmetrical along the X axis and the Z axis.

At point 9, it is shown that the metallic members may be made of various metals or alloys such as stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, silver or similar.

At point 10, it is shown that when assembled, the clearance between metallic members matches that of the buffer region of the flexible members while in the elastic region.

At point 11, it is shown that the wall element has a length that matches the length of the interference slot. The hight of the wall element may be between 55 and 60% of the thickness of the bottom portion.

At point 12, it is shown that the side profiles of the metallic members are curved to improve comfort and increase lifetime of the product. In this example the radius of curve added to parts is 12.8mm +/- 0.5mm. For instance 12.3mm or 12.8mm or 13.3mm. At point 13, it is shown that the top profiles of the metallic members are curved to improve comfort and increase lifetime of the product. In this example the radius of curve added to parts is 6.5mm +/- 0.5mm. For instance 6.0mm or 6.5mm or 7.0mm.

Unlike traditional metallic bracelet which have a limited flexibility, the bracelet of the disclosure can bend easily and to a greater extent. The bracelet is free to articulate and can bend both clockwise and anti-clockwise. The degree of flexibility can be adjusted by varying the material and the size of the flexible members. This improves overall comfort for the user as the bracelet is less restrictive. The bracelet of the disclosure may be used for different applications. For instance the bracelet may be used as a watch band as described above or as a single bracelet. It will also be appreciated that the bracelet may be adapted to be worn on different parts of the body. For instance the bracelet may be worn around the wrist, but it may also be worn around the ankle as an ankle bracelet.

A skilled person will appreciate that variations of the disclosed arrangements are possible without departing from the disclosure. For instance, it will be appreciated that in the various embodiments of the disclosures the metallic members may be replaced by rigid members made of a different type of material that is rigid but not necessarily metallic. Accordingly, the above description of the specific embodiments is made by way of example only and not for the purposes of limitation. It will be clear to the skilled person that minor modifications may be made without significant changes to the operation described.