Claims:

1. A mechanism (100) for detaching a strap from a timepiece (200), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a sliding unit (4) movably positioned in a slot (3) defined in a casing (1) of the timepiece (200), the sliding unit (4) comprising:
a body (13);
a head portion (9) extending from a first surface (4a) of the body (13);
a knob (10) removably connectable to the head portion (9) wherein, the knob (10) is operable to move the sliding unit (4) between a first position (A) and a second position (B) in the slot (3);
a pin (8) removably connectable to the casing (1), the pin (8) is structured to accommodate the strap (12), wherein, the pin (8) comprises a stud (7) receivable in a provision (6) defined in a second surface (4b) opposite to the first surface (4a) of the body (13),
wherein, operation of the sliding unit (4) through the knob (10) between a first position (A) and second position (B) moves the stud (7) to secure and release the strap (12) with the casing (1) of the timepiece (200).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion (9) is slidably accommodated within the slot (3) defined in the casing (1).

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stud (7) protruding from the pin (8) is housed in the provision (6) defined in the body (13), fixedly connecting the pin (8) and the body (13).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin (8) houses a spring-loaded member (11), and the spring-loaded member (11) is accommodated in an aperture defined to the casing (1).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stud (7) is connected to the pin (8) through the spring-loaded member (11) and operating the sliding unit (4) retracts the spring-loaded member (11) within the pin (8) thereby disengaging the pin (8) from the casing (1).

6. A timepiece (200) comprising:
a casing (1);
a movement, disposed in a casing (1), wherein the movement is configured to drive at least one set of hands, for indicating multiple parameters;
a strap (12) connectable to the casing (1); and
a mechanism (100) for detaching a strap (12) from the timepiece (200), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a sliding unit (4) movably positioned in a slot (3) defined in a casing (1) of the timepiece (200), the sliding unit (4) comprising:
a body (13);
a head portion (9) extending from a first surface (4a) of the body (13);
a knob (10) removably connectable to the head portion (9) wherein, the knob (10) is operable to move the sliding unit (4) between a first position (A) and a second position (B) in the slot (3);
a pin (8) removably connectable to the casing (1), the pin (8) is structured to accommodate the strap (12), wherein, the pin (8) comprises a stud (7) receivable in a provision (6) defined in a second surface (4b) opposite to the first surface (4a) of the body (13),
wherein, operation of the sliding unit (4) through the knob (10) between a first position (A) and second position (B) moves the stud (7) to secure and release the strap (12) with the casing (1) of the timepiece (200).

7. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the head portion (9) is slidably accommodated within the slot (3) defined in the casing (1).

8. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stud (7) protruding from the pin (8) is housed in the provision (6) defined in the body (13), fixedly connecting the pin (8) and the body (13).

9. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pin (8) houses a spring-loaded member (11), and the spring-loaded member (11) is accommodated in an aperture defined to the casing (1).

10. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stud (7) is connected to the pin (8) through the spring-loaded member (11) and operating the sliding unit (4) retracts the spring-loaded member (11) within the pin (8) thereby disengaging the pin (8) from the casing (1).

11. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the casing (1) comprises a pair of lugs (5) and a connecting beam (2) extending between the pair of lugs (5) and the slot (3) is defined in the connecting beam (2).

12. The timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the pair of lugs (5) is defined with an aperture to receive the spring-loaded member (11) of the pin (8).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of horology. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a timepiece and a mechanism for detaching a strap from the timepiece. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses the mechanism with a sliding unit for detaching a pin accommodating the strap from the timepiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, watch manufacturers commercialize watches inclusive of the timepiece and a strap. As standard, wristwatches typically include a case and the strap, usually matched to enhance aesthetics. The case may include mechanisms of the watch and other intricate details for functioning of the watch. Further, the strap may be designed to extend away from the case so that it can wrap around the wrist of a user to secure the wristwatch. However, the strap is generally a separate part that is removably attached to the case. These straps are typically secured to a pair of lugs that are positioned along ends of the case by means of a pin.
Manufacturers often provide mechanisms which enable the user to detach the strap and replace the same with a different straps of varying patterns or colors based on liking of the user or in general for maintenance. In order to detach the strap from the case, pin connecting the strap to the casing needs to be removed. In some instances, the strap removal can be accomplished with a special tool. However, in many cases, the user may need to visit a store or have the assistance of a technician in order to remove the strap. The straps of wristwatches may only be removed and secured to the case by means of a special tools and skilled technicians.

With advancements in the field of horology, watch manufacturers are providing mechanism which enable the quick release of the strap from the case with reduced effort from the user. However, the existing mechanism are also fairly complex and are often extremely inconvenient for the user to operate with bare hand, and often pose a challenge to use specialized tool.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one more problems stated above, or any other such problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies and processes are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, mechanism for detaching a strap from a timepiece is disclosed. The mechanism includes a sliding unit movably positioned in a slot defined in a casing of the timepiece. The sliding unit includes a body, a head portion extending from a first surface of the body and a knob removably connectable to the head portion. The knob is operable to move the sliding unit between a first position and a second position of the slot. A pin is removably connectable to the casing and the pin is structured to accommodate the strap where, the pin comprises a stud receivable in a provision defined in a second surface opposite to the first surface of the body. Operating the sliding unit through the knob between a first position and a second position moves the stud to secure and release the strap with the casing of the timepiece.

In an embodiment, the head portion extends from the first surface of the body and the provision is defined into the second surface of the body.

In an embodiment, the head portion is slidably accommodated within the slot defined on the casing.

In an embodiment, the head portion and the provision are configured at opposite surfaces to the body of the sliding unit.

In an embodiment, the stud protruding from the pin is housed in the provision defined in the body, fixedly connecting the pin and the body.

In an embodiment, the pin houses a spring-loaded member, and the spring-loaded member is accommodated in an aperture defined to the casing.

In an embodiment, the stud is connected to the pin through the spring-loaded member and operating the sliding unit retracts the spring-loaded member within the pin thereby disengaging the pin from the casing.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a timepiece is disclosed. The timepiece includes a casing, and a movement is disposed in a casing, where the movement is configured to drive at least one set of hands for indicating multiple parameters. A strap connectable to the casing is provided and a mechanism for detaching a strap from the timepiece is provided. The mechanism includes a sliding unit movably positioned in a slot defined in a casing of the timepiece. The sliding unit includes a body, a head portion extending from a first surface of the body and a knob removably connectable to the head portion. The knob is operable to move the sliding unit between a first position and a second position of the slot. A pin is removably connectable to the casing and the pin is structured to accommodate the strap where, the pin comprises a stud receivable in a provision defined in a second surface opposite to the first surface of the body. Operating the sliding unit through the knob between a first position and a second position moves the stud to secure and release the strap with the casing of the timepiece.

In an embodiment, the casing includes a pair of lugs and a connecting beam extending between the pair of lugs and the slot is defined in the connecting beam.

In an embodiment, each of the pair of lugs is defined with an aperture to receive the spring-loaded member of the pin.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a magnified perspective view of a timepiece with a mechanism for detaching a strap, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a magnified top perspective view of the timepiece with the mechanism for detaching the strap, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a sliding unit with a pin that is configured to the timepiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the sliding unit provided in the casing of the timepiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of a mechanism for adjusting position of hands in a timepiece having a plurality of set of hands, without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for detaching a strap from a timepiece. Watch manufacturers often provide mechanisms which enable the user to detach the strap and replace it with a different strap. However, detaching a strap is often a very complex process that requires special tools. In some scenarios, the user has to visit a store or have the assistance of a technician in order to remove the strap. The existing mechanisms for removing the strap are also fairly complex and are often extremely inconvenient for the user to operate.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for detaching a strap from a timepiece. The mechanism includes a sliding unit movably positioned in a slot defined on casing of the timepiece. The sliding unit includes a body, a head portion extending from a first surface of the body and a knob removably connectable to the head portion. The knob is operable to move the sliding unit between a first position and a second position. A pin is removably connectable to the casing and the pin is structured to accommodate the strap where, the pin comprises a stud receivable in a provision defined in a second surface of the body. The head portion is slidably accommodated within the slot defined in the casing. Further, the pin houses a spring-loaded member, and the spring-loaded member is accommodated in an aperture defined to the casing. The stud is connected to the pin through the spring-loaded member and operating the sliding unit retracts the spring-loaded member within the pin thereby disengaging the pin from the casing. Operation of the sliding unit through the knob between a first position and second position moves the stud to secure and release the strap with the casing of the timepiece.

In an embodiment, straps for wrist watches may be made from several materials including leather, metal, cloth etc. These straps can be formed as a single piece that is connected on both ends to the watch, or they may alternatively be formed in two pieces, that are connected one each on either side of the watch.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a rear perspective view and a top perspective view of a timepiece (200) with a mechanism (100) for detaching a strap (12). The timepiece (200) includes a casing (1), and the casing (1) may accommodate a movement [not shown in figures] of the timepiece. The movement may be configured to drive at least one set of hands that indicate various parameters and the at least one set of hands may indicate multiple parameters including but not limited to time, date, day etc. The casing (1) may be defined with a slot (3) for accommodating a sliding unit (4). The casing (1) may define a central housing for accommodating the movement and the casing (1) may also include at least one set of lugs (5). A connecting beam (2) is defined in-between the set of lugs (5) and extends across the length of the casing (1) on either sides. The at least one set of lugs (5) [hereinafter referred to as lugs (5)] and the connecting beam (2) between the lugs (5) may be an integral part of the casing (1) or may be a unitary component. The connecting beam (2) extending between the lugs (5) may be connected at the top end of the lugs (5). Further, the slot (3) is defined in the connecting beam (2) of the casing (1) may accommodate the sliding unit (4). The mechanism (100) including the sliding unit (4) is explained with greater detail below.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the sliding unit (4) with a pin (8) that is configured in the timepiece (200) and Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the sliding unit (4) in the timepiece (200). The sliding unit (4) includes a body (13), and the body (13) is defined by two regions that are in a stepped configuration. The body (13) of the sliding unit (4) may be defined by a top region and a bottom region. Further, the sliding unit (4) is defined with a first surface (4a) flush with the top region and a second surface (4b) flush with the bottom region. A head portion (9) extends from the first surface (4a) of the body (13) and the head portion (9) may be defined with a cavity. The inner surface of the cavity in the head portion (9) may be threaded and the head portion (9) may be configured to accommodate a knob (10). In an embodiment, the knob (10) may be accommodated in the head portion (9) by any means known in the art including but not limited to snap fit, spline joint etc. The outer surface of the knob (10) may also be threaded to mesh with the threads defined on the inner surface of the cavity in the head portion (9). The head portion (9) of the sliding unit (4) may be accommodated within the slot (3) defined in the casing (1). The dimensions of the head portion (9) may be slightly lesser than the dimensions of the slot (3) and the head portion (9) may be slidably accommodated within the slot (3). The height of the head portion (9) may also be equal or slightly larger than the height of the slot (3) such that the head portion (9) accommodated in the slot (3) lies in flush with the top surface of the connecting beam (2) of the casing (1). Further, once the knob (10) is attached to the head portion (9), the knob (10) may protrude or extend out of the slot (3) for ease in accessibility. The knob (10) may be used to grip and operate the sliding unit (4) to a first position (A) and a second position (B). The slot (3) defined in the casing (1) may be of dimensions which facilitate the sliding of the sliding unit (4) to the first position (A) and the second position (B). Further, the second surface (4b) of the body (13) may be defined with a provision (6) that may extend into the bottom region and the top region of the body (13). The provision (6) is structured to house the sliding unit (4) and may accommodate a stud (7) and a pin (8). The pin (8) and the corresponding configuration is explained with greater detail below.

The pin (8) may be of a shape including but not limited to a cylinder. The pin (8) may be defined with a concentric through hole at a central region (not shown). The through hole may accommodate a spring-loaded member (11). The spring-loaded member (11) may be configured to slide along a central axis (A-A) of the pin (8). The lugs (5) of the casing (1) may be defined with apertures for accommodating the spring-loaded member (11). The lugs (5) of the casing (1) may be defined with the apertures below the connecting beam (2) and the spring-loaded member (11) may be accommodated within the apertures. The pin (8) may also accommodate the strap (12) of the timepiece (200) [seen from Fig. 2]. Further, a stud (7) may extend from the spring-loaded member (11). The pin (8) may be defined with a cut out for accommodating the stud (7). The stud (7) may be fixedly connected to the spring-loaded member (11) and the stud (7) may extend out of the pin (8) through the cut out defined to the pin (8). The strap (12) of the timepiece (200) may be defined with a cutout to accommodate the stud (7). The stud (7) may move along with the spring-loaded member (11) and the movement of the stud (7) may be facilitated by the cut out defined in the pin (8). The stud (7) may be accommodated inside the provision (6) defined to the second surface (4b) of the body (13) in the sliding unit (4). Thus, the stud (7) may be connected to the sliding unit (4) and the movement imparted to the sliding unit (4) is transferred to the spring-loaded member (11) through the stud (7).

When the sliding unit (4) is in the first position (A), the spring-loaded member (11) is housed inside the aperture defined to the lugs (5). Consequently, the strap (12) linked with the pin (8) is also firmly connected to the timepiece (200). Further, when a user operates the knob (10) to move the sliding unit (4) from the first position (A) to the second position (B), the spring-loaded member (11) is retracted into the pin (8) from the aperture of the lugs (5). Consequently, the pin (8) is disengaged from the timepiece (200) and the pin (8) may be completely removed from the timepiece (200) for replacing the strap (12) linked with the pin (8).

In an embodiment, the strap of the timepiece (200) may be detached by the user without any assistance from a technician or use of any special tools.

In an embodiment, the ability of the user to detach the strap (12) from the timepiece (200) is made easier.

In an embodiment, the user may detach the strap (12) without removing the timepiece (200) from the wrist since, the knob (10) and the sliding unit (4) are directly configured towards the user or towards the hands of the timepiece (200).

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.
Referral Numerals:

Referral numerals Description
1 Casing
2 Connecting beam
3 Slot
4 Sliding unit
4a First surface
4b Second surface
5 Lugs
6 Provision
7 Stud
8 Pin
9 Head portion
10 Knob
11 Spring loaded member
12 Strap
13 Body
100 Mechanism for detaching the strap
200 Timepiece