EP2322997B1 - Portable object with an interchangeable bracelet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a portable object comprising a housing and a bracelet. The case comprises a case from which extend two pairs of horns. The horns of each pair are connected by a guide element defining a space in connection with the middle part.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

It is known in the prior art watches that are attached to the wrist of the user by a bracelet. This bracelet that can be leather, rubber or metal is connected to the horns pairs of the watch via metal pins attached to said horns.

These bracelets have the disadvantage of not being able to be changed by the user in person. Indeed, if the user wants to change his bracelet for a question of wear or aesthetics, he is usually obliged to go to a professional to perform this replacement operation. This intervention thus requires time and generates a certain cost.

It is also known from the prior art as shown in FIG. figure 7 , portable objects with interchangeable straps. One of these systems 100 uses a spring-loaded pivot mechanism. For this, an inclined cap 101 is mounted between the horns. This cover 101 houses an axis 102 mounted between the horns. A locking piece 103 is pivotally mounted about said axis 102. This locking piece 103 comprises a body 104 extending along the axis 102. A first blade 105 extends from the body 104 in a direction substantially identical to that inclined hood 101. This first blade 105 comprises at its end a The body 104 also includes a second blade 107 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first blade 105 so as to move away from the cap 101. The body 104 also includes a protrusion 108 extending in an opposite direction. to that of the first blade 105 so that a spring 109 can be mounted between the cover 101 and this projection 108. As a result, a press on the second blade 107 allows to pivot the body 104 and, therefore, to rotate the first blade 105 and causes a contraction of the spring 109 as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

At rest, this first blade 105 extends in a direction substantially identical to that of the inclined cover 101. The bracelet 110 is of a width equal to the width between the horns. Each end 111 of the bracelet comprises a slot 112 made to mate with the inclined cover 101. When coupling the bracelet with the inclined cover 101, the locking piece 103 is placed in the working position to facilitate coupling, and with the spring 109 contracted. Once the bracelet coupled to the inclined cover 101, the locking piece 103 is placed in the rest position so that the hook 106 of the first blade 105 cooperates with the locking member 113 of the bracelet so that the latter does not disconnect.

A disadvantage of this object is that it is complex. Indeed, it requires significant changes since the housing and the bracelet are heavily modified compared to a base watch and therefore additional costs are generated.

Another disadvantage is that in case of breakage of one of the parts of the fastening system, such as one of the blades or the spring, the replacement is complex, long and expensive. Indeed, it is then necessary to go to a professional so that it replaces the damaged parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable object that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a portable object comprising a system of fastening the bracelet to the casing of said portable object simple, fast use and manufacturing to easily replace the bracelet and inexpensive.

For this purpose, the invention relates to the portable object cited above which is characterized in that it comprises fixing means. These fixing means comprise a locking piece inserted into each end of the bracelet and at least one groove on the middle part. The fixing means are arranged to allow each end of the bracelet to fit into the space, defined by the middle part and the horns of each pair connected by the guide element, so that the locking piece cooperates resiliently with said groove to simply attach said bracelet to the housing.

Advantageous embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 11.

A first advantage of these embodiments is to allow a quick and simple change of the bracelet. Indeed, the fixing means comprise a locking piece comprising a support in which an elastic element is fixed. The support is inserted into the strand at its end. The elastic element comprises a main plate from which extend two parallel branches folded so as to form, with the main plate, an angle greater than zero. Each branch includes a hook cooperating with the throat of the middle part. A pressure exerted on the branches results in a rapprochement of the branches towards the main plate until the opposite faces of the branches and the main plate are in contact. This allows insertion and easy attachment of the bracelet strand to the case because only pressure on the branches of the elastic member is necessary to insert said bracelet strand in the space defined by the middle and the horns connected by the element guidance. Unlocking is operated by exerting pressure on the branches thus allowing not to lock This elastic element thus requires only a simple manipulation by the user to lock or unlock the strap attachment to the housing.

Another advantage is to have a very practical fastening system. Indeed, the system comprises a support inserted at each end of the bracelet. In said support, an elastic member for locking the bracelet to the housing is inserted. Thus, in the case where this support and this elastic element form a single piece, the costs are lowered because the number of molds is lower. In the case where these two parts are distinct, the replacement of the elastic element, if it had deteriorated, is possible. It would then be sufficient for the user to replace only this elastic element and not to replace the entire bracelet.

On the other hand, the fact of having two separate parts makes it possible to produce these parts in different materials. This therefore makes it possible to achieve the elastic element in a material with mechanical characteristics different from that of the support. Therefore, one can have a support made of a hard but light material and an elastic element in a material having less wear and therefore a longer life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1 représente de manière schématique un premier mode de réalisation de l'objet portable selon la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente de manière schématique une vue de dessus du premier mode de réalisation de l'objet portable selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 3 et 4 représentent de manière schématique l'élément élastique selon la présente invention ;
• la figure 5 représente de manière schématique une variante de l'élément élastique selon la présente invention;
• la figure 6 représente de manière schématique un second mode de réalisation de l'objet portable selon la présente invention; et
• la figure 7 représente de manière schématique un objet portable à système de fixation de bracelet selon l'art antérieur.

The objects, advantages and characteristics of the portable object will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the portable object according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the first embodiment of the portable object according to the present invention;
• the Figures 3 and 4 schematically represent the elastic element according to the present invention;
• the figure 5 schematically shows a variant of the elastic element according to the present invention;
• the figure 6 schematically shows a second embodiment of the portable object according to the present invention; and
• the figure 7 schematically shows a portable object with bracelet attachment system according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, all parts of the portable object that are well known to those skilled in the art will only be explained in a simplified manner.

The figures 1 and 2 represent views of a first embodiment of the portable object 1 according to the present invention. This portable object 1 here takes the form of a timepiece. It will also be understood that the portable object 1 may be, for example, in the form of a portable cardio-frequency meter or a pedometer.

This portable object 1 comprises a housing 2. This housing 2 consists of a middle 4 closed by a bottom 6 and an ice 8. The housing 2 also includes a bezel 10 mounted on the middle 4 and carrying the ice 8, the bezel 10 can be rotatable or not.

The middle 4 comprises horns 12 for attaching a bracelet 14 to said portable object 1 so that the latter can be attached to the wrist of the user. These horns 12 are connected to each other by a guide member 50 to make them integral so as to define a space or opening in connection with the middle part. This guide element 50 may be, for example, in the form of a bar or a plate. The bracelet 14 is in the form of two bracelet strands 16 interconnected by a fastening system such as a folding clasp. Each strand of bracelet 16 is fixed to the housing 2 by fastening means 18.

Now, the present invention proposes a system for simply and quickly fixing said bracelet 14 to the housing 2.

The bracelet 14 is composed of bracelet strands 16 made, for example, in a flexible material such as rubber or silicone. The fastening means 18 comprise a locking piece 20 fixed to the bracelet strand 16. This locking piece 20 cooperates with a groove 22 located on the middle part 4 of the case 2.

The locking piece 20 comprises a support 24. This support comprises a base 26 which extends a head 28. The section of the base 26 is, at the junction between said base 26 and the head 28, different and preferentially larger that the section of the head 28. This support 24 is inserted into the strand 16 at its end 30. To this end, the end 30 of the bracelet strand 16 is arranged to present a recess 32 in which the support 24 is inserted. This recess 32 is made so that the base 26 of the support 24 is almost entirely or entirely enveloped by the bracelet strand 16. It may be provided for this purpose a base 26 whose profile is substantially triangular, the section at the junction between the base 26 and the head 28 being greater than the section at the end of the base 26. This arrangement allows a better placement of the support 24 without changing its maintenance in the bracelet strand 16. In addition, it allows to to refine the profile of the bracelet strand 16.

The recess 32 is also arranged so that the head 28 of the support 24 is only partially wrapped so that, when the strand of bracelet 16 is attached to the housing 2, the face 34 of the head 28 opposite the middle 4 does not it is not enveloped by said bracelet strand 16. This face 34 then comprises a housing 36 where an elastic member 38 is housed. The head 28 of the support 24 has a shape identical or substantially identical to that of the space defined by the horns 12 and the guide element 50 connecting them so that the head 28 can easily fit into said space.

The elastic element 38, shown in Figures 3 and 4 , comprises a main plate 40 of substantially parallelepiped shape so that the main plate 40 can be housed in the housing 36 of the head 28 of the support 24. From this main plate 40, at least two branches 42 extend so parallel or substantially parallel. These branches 42 have substantially the same length as that of the main plate 40. The two branches 42 are folded towards the main plate 40 so that an angle greater than zero is formed between the legs 42 and the main plate 40 or that a space remains between the branches 42 and the main plate 40. An inner profile 44 is thus delimited by the opposite faces of the branches 42 and the main plate 40 of the elastic element 38. An inner profile 46 is delimited by the opposite faces of the branches 42 and the main plate 40 of the elastic element 38. This arrangement allows the elastic member 38 to have elasticity. Indeed, this elasticity is observed in the case where, after having applied a force on the branches 42 in the direction of the main plate 40, it is found that the branches 42 return to their initial positions as soon as said force is no longer applied. The elastic element 38 further comprises two hooks 48 each extending on the outer profile 46 of one of the branches 42. Each hook 48 preferably has a shape substantially identical to a rectangle trapezium.

Of course, it will be understood that the hooks 48 are not necessarily located at the ends of the branches 42 and that the branches 42 may have a length greater than that of the main plate 40.

The elastic element 38 is inserted into the housing 36 of the support 24 so that the hooks 48 are oriented towards the outside of the support 24 and project relative to the profile of the head 28 of the support 24. The insertion of the elastic element 38 can be achieved by driving or gluing or any other means to obtain the same result. We can also provide that said elastic member 38 can be easily out of the housing 36 to be replaced.

When fixing the bracelet 14 to the housing 2, the head 28 of the support 24 comprising the elastic element 38 is inserted into the space defined by the horns 12 and the guide element 50 connecting them. As the head 28 of the support 24 has a shape substantially identical to that of the space defined by the horns 12, the guidance is perfectly. During this insertion, as the hooks 48 protrude from the profile of the head 28 of the support 24, a support on the branches 42 is exerted by the housing 2. The consequence is a rapprochement of the branches 42 towards the main plate 40 until the facing faces of the branches 42 and the main plate 40 come into contact. The hooks 48 then no longer protrude from the profile of the head 28 of the support 24. The insertion is facilitated since no obstacle then comes to slow or disrupt.

To stop the insertion of the head 28 and thus the support 24, the base 26 is used as a stop. Indeed, as said above, the latter has, at its junction with the head 28, a larger section than that of the head 28. This section is then arranged to provide a surface that can come into contact with the horns 12 and / or the guide element 50. In practice, it is arranged that a contact is made between the horns 12 and / or the guide element 50 and the surface of the base 26 covered with the rubber of the bracelet 14, to define the stopping of the insertion of said bracelet strand 16 in the space defined by the horns 12, the middle part 4 and the guide element 50.

When the insertion is in a state where the base 26 serves as a stop, it is cleverly provided that the groove 22 located on the middle part 4 is positioned so that the force exerted on the branches 42 is no longer and the hooks branches 42 can be housed in said groove 22. The consequence is a return of the branches 42 to their initial positions. This trick, combined with the fact that the head 28 is of identical shape or substantially identical to the space defined between the horns 12, allows the attachment and maintenance of said bracelet 14 to the housing 2.

Indeed, the head 28 of identical shape or substantially identical to the space defined by the middle 4 and the horns 12 connected by the guide member 50, not only allows perfect guidance of said head 28 in said space, but also horizontal and lateral support. The vertical retention is achieved by the hooks 48 and the base 26 respectively preventing a movement from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

To detach the bracelet 14 from the housing 2, a very simple maneuver must be performed. This maneuver consists of acting on the elastic element 38.

Indeed, to detach a strap strand 16, the user acts on the elastic member 38 so as to exert a force on the branches 42. This pressure results in a rapprochement of the branches 42 towards the main plate 40 until the faces facing the branches 42 and the main plate 40 are in contact. The hooks 48 then no longer protrude from the profile of the head 28 of the support 24 and are therefore no longer housed in the groove 22. The user can then pull on said strand 16 so as to remove it from the space defined by the horns 12.

To facilitate support on the branches 42, it can be provided that the legs 42 have a length greater than that of the plate 40 so that the contact surface with the finger of the user is greater. Similarly, it is also possible to provide a notch at the middle 4 and / or bottom 6. This notch allows the user to reach more easily the branches 42 and thus facilitate support on the branches 42 .

In a first variant of this first embodiment, it can be provided that the elastic element 38 and the support 24 are not made of the same material. Indeed, as these two elements have different functions, it can be expected to adapt the constituent materials of these elements according to each room. Thus, if the support 24 must be rigid in order to undergo mechanical stresses without deformation, the elastic element must be made of a material easily deforming without having a low elastic limit or lose its effect. One can, for example, provide that the support 24 is made of metal or alloy and that the elastic member 38 is plastic or vice versa. Similarly, it can be provided that the support 24 and the elastic element 38 are both of metal or alloy but different, for example rigid and light for the support 24 and flexible for the elastic element 38. This possibility also allows optimize costs by being able to use different materials at different costs.

In a second variant where the bracelet strands 16 are made of either metal or alloy, it can be provided that the support 24 is also made of metal or alloy. In this case, it is quite conceivable that the latter be directly integrated into the bracelet strand 16. This arrangement allows a cost reduction since only one mold is used, but also a simplification of the process since the step of setting in place of the support 24 in said strand 16 is directly produced during manufacture.

In a third variant represented in figure 5 it can be provided that the elastic element 38 comprises only one branch 42. This single branch 42 whose width is at most equal to that of the main plate 40 comprises at least one hook 48. The advantage of a such variant is to allow to exert support on the branches 42 even more simply because there is only one branch 42 to handle, the latter being wide and therefore easy to handle. In addition, this simplifies the manufacturing mold since the branch 42 preferably has the same width as that of the main plate 40.

According to a second embodiment of the invention shown in figure 6 , the elastic element 38 and the support, forming the piece of 20 'lock, are arranged to be one and the same piece. This arrangement has the advantage of simplifying the manufacturing process but also reducing costs. Indeed, the advantage of this arrangement is that it requires only one step to achieve the locking piece 20 'while to achieve the locking piece 20 according to the first embodiment, three steps are necessary: a step for manufacture the support 24, a step for manufacturing the elastic element 38 and a step for assembling the elastic element 38 to the support 24 thus forming the locking part 20. Therefore, not only the process becomes simpler and more fast but also less expensive because, again, the number of molds is lower and the assembly line simpler. It will be understood that this locking piece 20 'can be made by any possible method such as molding, machining or other. The locking piece 20 'can be made of metal or alloy or plastic but the only condition is that the material constituting the locking piece 20' is rigid.

In a first variant of this second embodiment, it can be provided that the bracelet 14 is made of metal or alloy. Therefore, if it is provided that the locking piece 20 'is made of metal or alloy, it can be provided that the locking piece 20' is made at the same time as said bracelet strands 16 so as to form only one piece. The advantage is a cost reduction since only one mold is used, but also a simplification of the process since the step of placing the locking piece 20 'in said strand 16 is directly carried out during manufacture.

A second variant of this second embodiment, it can be provided that the elastic element 38, forming a single piece with the support 24, comprises only one branch 42. The advantage of such a variant is to allow to exert support on the branches 42 even more simply because there is only one branch 42 to handle, the latter being preferably wide and therefore easy to handle. Of moreover, it simplifies the manufacturing mold since the locking piece 20 'is less complex.

In another variant, it can be provided that the space defined by the middle part and the horns 12 connected by guide element 50 is not traversing so that this space is only open on one side. This arrangement thus makes it possible to hide the locking piece 20, 20 '. This also makes it possible not to disturb the aesthetics of the portable object while having less constraint on the shape of the locking piece 20, 20 '.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention set forth above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. Indeed, it can of course be provided that the elastic element 38 comprises more than 2 branches 42. It is also possible that the branches comprise several hooks 48 cooperating with several grooves 22.

Claims (11)

1. Portable object including a case (2) and a bracelet or strap (14), said case including a middle part (4) from which two pairs of horns (12) extend, the horns of each pair being connected by a guide element (50) defining a space in conjunction with the middle part, said portable object including securing means (18) including a locking part (20) inserted in each end (30) of the bracelet or strap and at least one groove (22) located on the middle part (4), said securing means (18) being arranged to allow each end of the bracelet or strap to penetrate the space defined by the middle part and the horns (12) of each pair connected by said guide element and to cooperate elastically with said groove (22) and with the guide element (50) for the locking thereof, the locking part (20) including a support (24) inserted in each end (30) of the bracelet or strap and a resilient element (38) cooperating with the groove (22) located on the middle part of the portable object to hold the bracelet or strap in said space, characterized in that the support (24) includes a base (26) from which a head (28) extends, said support being inserted in one end (30) of the bracelet or strap such that, when the bracelet or strap (14) is secured to the case (2), the head (28) occupies the space defined by the middle part (4) and the horns (12) of each pair connected by a guide element (50), and in that the surface (34) of the head (28) opposite the middle part during the securing operation, includes a housing (36) in which the resilient element (38) is secured.
2. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that said resilient element (38) includes a main plate (40) from which extends at least one branch (42) folded over to form, with the main plate, an angle of more than zero, and in that said branch includes at least one hook (48) cooperating with said at least one groove (22) of the middle part.
3. Portable object according to claim 2, characterized in that said resilient element (38) includes two branches (42) which extend in the same direction and in parallel from the main plate (40) and are folded over in the same direction, and in that each of the two branches includes at least one hook (48) cooperating with said groove (22) of the middle part.
4. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the section of the base (26) is larger than that of the head (28) at the junction between said base and said head, so as to serve as a stop member.
5. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that said resilient element (38) is secured to the support (24) by being driven therein.
6. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that said resilient element (38) is secured to the support (24) by bonding.
7. Portable object according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the resilient element (38) and the support (24) are made of an identical hard material.
8. Portable object according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the resilient element (38) and the support (24) are made of a different hard material.
9. Portable object including a case (2) and a bracelet or strap (14), said case including a middle part (4) from which two pairs of horns (12) extend, the horns of each pair being connected by a guide element (50) defining a space in conjunction with the middle part, said portable object including securing means (18) including a locking part (20') inserted in each end (30) of the bracelet or strap and at least one groove (22) located on the middle part (4), said securing means (18) being arranged to allow each end of the bracelet or strap to penetrate the space defined by the middle part and the horns (12) of each pair connected by said guide element and to cooperate elastically with said groove (22) and with the guide element (50) for the locking thereof, the locking part (20') including a support (24) inserted in each end (30) of the bracelet or strap and a resilient element (38) cooperating with the groove (22) located on the middle part of the portable object to hold the bracelet or strap in said space, said support (24) and the resilient element (38) forming one and the same part (20'), characterized in that the support (24) includes a base (26) from which a head (28) extends, said support being inserted in one end (30) of the bracelet or strap such that, when the bracelet or strap (14) is secured to the case (2), the head (28) occupies the space defined by the middle part (4) and the horns (12) of each pair connected by a guide element (50), and in that the resilient element (38) extend from the surface of head (28) facing middle part during the securing operation, the section of the base (26) being larger than that of the head (28) at the junction between said base and said head, so as to serve as a stop member.
10. Portable object according to claim 9, characterized in that, from said one and the same part (20'), extends at least one branch (42) folded over to form, with said one and the same part (20'), an angle of more than zero, and in that said branch includes at least one hook (48) cooperating with said at least one groove (22) of the middle part.
11. Portable object according to claim 10, characterized in that, from said one and the same part (20'), two branches (42) extend in the same direction and in parallel and are folded over in the same direction, and in that each of the two branches includes at least one hook (48) cooperating with said groove (22) of the middle part.

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