EP2740382B1 - Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet of the type comprising first and second free ends, the clasp comprising first and second strap fastening members intended to be secured respectively to the first and second free ends of the bracelet, the fasteners being movable relative to each other between at least one open position and a closed position, to carry, in which they are closer to each other than in the open position, to close the bracelet and to define a useful length. The clasp comprises at least one locking member arranged to hold the fasteners of the bracelet in their closed position and at least one control member of the locking member arranged to unlock the clasp in response to a user action and move from the closed position to the open position. In addition, the clasp according to the invention comprises a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet comprising
an adjusting member, carrying the first fastening member of the bracelet, and
at least one lock capable of presenting a closed default state, in which the adjustment member is fixed, and an open state, in which the adjustment member is free to slide in the direction of the length of the strap, with reference at the second fastening member of the bracelet, to modify the useful length of the bracelet.

The present invention also relates to a wristwatch provided with such a clasp.

State of the art

The problem of the need to provide a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet is well known.

On the one hand, in the case of bracelets composed of links, it is possible that the wrist of the wearer has a circumference whose value is located between two configurations of the bracelet differing from each other in a single link. This is also the case when a leather strap rubber or the like has perforations that do not allow a sufficiently fine adjustment. Also, it is useful to provide a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet allowing a finer adjustment of the length of the bracelet that the removal or addition of a link.

On the other hand, it is also known that the value of the wrist circumference varies according to the seasons, a maximum value being generally reached in summer and a minimum value being reached in winter. It is also preferable to provide a fine adjustment device of the useful length of the bracelet allowing the wearer of the bracelet to adjust this length to improve the comfort of the bracelet to wear.

For example, the patent application EP 09131060 A1 discloses a folding clasp type clasp having a cover having a series of pairs of holes for housing the ends of a strap of a strap. Two pairs of adjacent holes are spaced a distance defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet, to meet the problems mentioned above.

However, the adjustment of the length of the corresponding bracelet is difficult, in particular because it can not be performed without the use of a sharp tool. Not only does this require some dexterity but, in addition, it may lead to damage to the hood in case of clumsiness of the person performing the adjustment.

To avoid such a situation, alternative devices have already been disclosed, as for example in the patent. EP 0350785 B1 which describes a clasp similar to the previous but alternatively comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the wristband that can be handled without tools. Indeed, the clasp described in this patent is of the folding clasp type having two blades articulated between it by means of a rod passing through both, each blade carrying at its free end a fastener member to a bracelet. A first blade carries a hook for engaging in a hole in the second blade to cooperate with a trigger for locking the hook and thus the clasp in a closed state. The second blade comprises two parts slidable relative to each other within a certain predefined range, defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet. A first of its two parts carries the hinge connecting it to the first blade while the second part carries the locking trigger. The hole in which the hook engages to lock the clasp has a length, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to the sliding range between the two parts of the second blade. The trigger has a central portion defining two locations for the hook, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to two different useful lengths of the bracelet. A control member including a pusher can actuate the trigger to release the hook and open the clasp.

Thus, the clasp described in this patent requires to be opened to adjust its length.

It may be noted that a disadvantage that results is the loss of adjustment of the length of the bracelet each opening of the clasp. Therefore, the wearer of the bracelet must ensure each closure of its clasp that the hook is inserted on the side of the central portion of the trigger corresponding to the desired length for the bracelet.

Adjustment devices comprising a specific locking member have also been proposed, alternatively, to avoid this type of inconvenience.

The patent application EP 1378185 A1 provides an example. However, these devices generally have complex constructions and little discrete since they may comprise at least one control member associated with locking the clasp and at least one additional control member associated with the locking of the adjustment device.

The document CH 668 353 discloses a clasp according to the preamble of claim 1 of the patent.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of known clasps of the prior art, by proposing a bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet of simple structure, preferably proposing a stable adjustment, including when the clasp is open, and easy handling.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a bracelet clasp as defined by claim 1 of the patent.

Thanks to these characteristics, the adjustment device according to the invention has a discrete structure, since it is actuated by the control member already provided to unlock the clasp, although it is distinct from the locking member of the clasp. , which further allows to adjust the length of the bracelet even when the clasp is in its closed state.

In general, it can advantageously be provided that the unlocking of the clasp is associated with a displacement of the control member by a first amplitude d1, the unlocking of the adjustment member by the lock being associated with a displacement of the control member of a second amplitude d2, d1 being less than d2.

Thus, it is possible to unlock the clasp without unlocking the adjustment member, which ensures the maintenance of the desired setting when opening the clasp, unlike the clasp of the prior art described above.

Furthermore, the adjustment member preferably comprises a frame carrying the first fastening member of the bracelet and at least one finger arranged to cooperate with the lock, the latter comprising a plate, adjacent to the frame and in which is formed a slot, following the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The slot has at least two notches capable of cooperating with the finger in the closed state of the lock, to define two different respective useful lengths of the bracelet, whereas the finger is capable of sliding in the slot in the open state of the lock for move from one notch to another and change the useful length of the bracelet.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises upper and lower walls between which is arranged the wafer, the finger having the form of a screw making integral with the upper and lower walls.

It can further be provided that the upper wall is formed by a cover comprising an upper surface carrying side walls having
two holes for housing the ends of a bar of a bracelet strand, and
at least one bearing surface against which the lower wall is held by means of the screw.

It can also be provided that the control member comprises a pusher capable of being moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, in response to an action by the user, and that the lock is integral with the pusher.

In general, it can be provided that the clasp comprises an additional control member, the control members being similar and symmetrical with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and that the adjustment device comprises
an additional lock associated with the additional control member, the locks being similar and symmetrical with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, and
an extra finger associated with the additional lock.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clasp is of the folding clasp type comprising at least two blades hinged together, of which a first blade comprises two uprights, symmetrical with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, inserted in a recess complementary to the second blade for placing the clasp in its closed position, by momentarily bringing the uprights against elastic return means, the outer lateral edge of each of the uprights cooperating with the corresponding inner edge of the recess to define a locking member of the clasp. It can then be advantageously provided that each of the amounts of the first blade carries one of the pushers and one of the locks. Each blade can be made in one piece with the corresponding pusher and latch.

In general, it can also be provided that the adjusting device comprises at least one elastic member exerting a force on the locks or tending to maintain or in its closed state or.

In this case, the adjusting device preferably comprises an intermediate member, fixed position with reference to the latch and having a bearing surface for one end of the elastic member.

The adjusting device may also comprise a ball pawl associated with at least two complementary recesses and arranged to index at least two configurations corresponding to two different useful lengths of the bracelet. The ball pawl can then be carried by the intermediate member. In this case, the recesses can be formed in the upper wall of the adjustment device.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente une vue générale en perspective simplifiée d'un fermoir de bracelet selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, alors qu'il est fermé;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective partiellement éclatée du fermoir de la figure 1, alors qu'il est ouvert;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un détail de construction du fermoir de la figure 1 dans une première configuration;
• la figure 4 représente une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3, dans une seconde configuration du fermoir;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective éclatée d'un fermoir de bracelet selon une variante de réalisation préférée de la présente invention, alors qu'il est fermé;
• la figure 6 représente une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un détail de construction du fermoir de la figure 5, et
• la figure 7 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale du fermoir de la figure 5.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wristlet clasp according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while it is closed;
• the figure 2 represents a partially exploded perspective view of the clasp of the figure 1 while he is open;
• the figure 3 represents a simplified sectional view of a construction detail of the clasp of the figure 1 in a first configuration;
• the figure 4 represents a view similar to that of the figure 3 in a second configuration of the clasp;
• the figure 5 represents an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while it is closed;
• the figure 6 represents a simplified sectional view of a construction detail of the clasp of the figure 5 , and
• the figure 7 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp of the figure 5 .

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The clasp illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the clasp 1 is of the folding clasp type and is intended to close a wristwatch timepiece.

As is more particularly apparent from the figure 1 , the clasp 1 comprises a first blade 2 hinged to a second blade 4 by means of a rod 6, here composed of an axis riveted to the blade 4, in a nonlimiting illustrative manner. Each of the blades has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and slightly curved to better fit the shape of the wrist of a wearer.

The first blade 2 comprises two uprights 8 arranged in contact with each other at their end located on the side of the rod 6 and, each having a cutout such that they are not in contact with each other over most of their length.

Each of the uprights 8 carries an extension 10, close to its end remote from the rod 6, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, to form a pusher defining a control member for unlocking the clasp, such as that will emerge from the detailed description of the figure 2 .

Moreover, the free end of the first blade 2 carries a device 12 for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet intended to be associated with the clasp 1.

The adjusting device 12 comprises a cover 14 having an upper wall 16 carrying side walls 18. The side walls 18 are provided with two holes for accommodating one end of a bar 20 for attaching a bracelet strand in a conventional manner.

The figure 2 represents an exploded perspective view of the clasp 1, while it is open.

It appears from figure 2 that the second blade 4 comprises two arms 22 connected by a transverse amount 24 in their central region. The arms 22 extend by bent portions 26 carrying a fastening plate 28 of a bracelet strand, offset from the general direction of the arms 22 to define a passage for the bracelet strand.

The fixing plate 28 has a plurality of holes 30, regularly spaced from each other and, allowing the establishment of a screw-head 32 with round head, intended to be engaged in a hole of the bracelet to ensure the fixation of the latter at the clasp, a screw (not visible being screwed into the screw-foot 32). Each bent portion 26 further has a small tab 34 intended to improve the maintenance of the bracelet strand once it is placed on the clasp 1. The transverse amount 24 carries a nail 36, or an optional screw, intended to be engaged in another hole of the bracelet to further improve its maintenance on the clasp. The screw 32 may be placed in a hole 30 or another to define a gap, between it and the nail 36, corresponding to an integer number of pitches formed in the strand of bracelet.

The space between the arms 22 of the second blade 4 defines a recess for housing the first blade 2 in the closed state of the clasp 1, in a known manner.

Conventional locking means are provided to maintain the closed state of the clasp. The outer edges of the uprights 8 comprise extra thicknesses 38, near the pushers 10, intended to cooperate with the inner edges of the second blade 4, at the recess, by friction. In particular, each inner edge of the second blade has a recess 40 in which the extra thickness corresponding to the first blade 2 is engaged when the clasp is closed. The cut made in each of the uprights 8 releases a space allowing them to approach against elastic return means when locking the clasp or when the pushers 10 are actuated to clear the extra thicknesses 38 of the recesses 40 to open the clasp.

The request for EP 09131060 A1 mentioned above describes in detail a clasp of this type and the skilled person can refer to it when needed.

Each pusher 10 is extended by a latch 42 of the device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet.

Each latch 42 comprises a plate 44 having a slot 46 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and having two notches 48 at its ends.

The locks are shaped so as to define between them a recess 50 in the shape of a T, intended to cooperate with an intermediate member 52, to ensure the maintenance of the latter with reference to the locks 42.

A first function of the intermediate member 52 is to present bearing surfaces for a first end of the springs 54 whose second end bears against the corresponding plate 44, these springs being arranged to hold the latches 42 in their closed state as will be apparent later in the detailed description of the Figures 3 and 4 .

A second function of the intermediate member is to act as a spacer to improve the structural stability of the adjustment device.

Indeed, it appears from figure 2 that the frame of the adjusting device comprises a lower wall 56 made integral with the upper wall 16 of the cover 14 by means of two screws 58. Also, the upper wall 16 and the intermediate member 52 have respective bearing surfaces against which is arranged the lower wall 56, thus improving the stability of the corresponding assembly.

The screws 58 are arranged through the slots 46 as well as through adapted slots 60 formed in the intermediate member 52.

The locks 42 are thus arranged between the lower 56 and upper 16 walls by being captive because of the cooperation of the slots 46 with the screws 58.

The operation of the adjusting device according to the present invention will now be explained in connection with the Figures 3 and 4 which show similar simplified sectional views of the adjusting device, in a mean plane, in respective first and second configurations.

More specifically, the figure 3 corresponds to the long configuration of the clasp, that is to say in which the useful length of the bracelet is the largest while the figure 4 corresponds to its short configuration, ie in which the useful length of the bracelet is the shortest.

In each of these figures, the upper half illustrates a first latch 42 in its closed state, while the lower half illustrates the second latch 42 in its open state.

When the pushers 10 are free, the form at rest of the uprights 8, assisted by the action of the springs 54, holds each latch 42 in a remote position corresponding to the closed state.

In this configuration, each of the screws 58 is located in one of the notches 48 and the frame can not move in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet with reference to the locks 42.

When the pushers 10 are actuated, the locks 42 move toward each other to move to their open state (lower halves of the Figures 3 and 4 ).

The notches 48 are offset during this operation, the screws 58 being thereby in the axis of the slots 46 and thus able to slide along the slots to position opposite a notch 48 or the other, depending on the needs. Thus, when a user actuates the pushers 10 to place the latches 42 in their open state, he can then manipulate the cover 14 to move it in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet to change the useful length of the latter. When the screws 58 are again facing one of the notches 48, the uprights 8 resume their shape at rest, in the absence of a user action on the pushers 10, by elasticity and simultaneous action of the springs 54. This action involves the return of the latches 42 in their closed state and thus the locking of the adjustment member, the latter comprising the cover 16 associated with the bottom wall 56 as well as the screws 58.

Comparing the Figures 3 and 4 , we see that in the configuration of the figure 3 , assuming that a bracelet is assembled to the clasp 1, the length of the superimposed portions of the strands of the bracelet is less than this length in the configuration of the figure 4 , which means that the configuration of the figure 3 corresponds to a useful length of the bracelet greater than that of the figure 4 .

It also appears from a comparison of the lower and upper halves of the figure 3 that a first amplitude d1 of deformation of the uprights 8 makes it possible to unlock the clasp 1 while a second amplitude of deformation d2 of the uprights 8, greater than the first amplitude d1, is necessary to release the screws 58 and allow them to slide in Slots 56. Thus, it is possible, preferably, to provide by construction that the clasp 1 can be opened without the adjustment made at the level of the adjusting device according to the present invention is changed.

Moreover, this particular feature also makes it possible to adjust the length of the clasp when the clasp is open while at the same time keeping this adjustment advantageously.

The Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the clasp which has just been described. To simplify the present disclosure, elements identical to those of the embodiment which has been described bear the same numerical references and only the characteristics which differ will be described in detail.

The figure 5 represents a clasp 100 in its closed configuration, in an exploded perspective view, the latter having a general structure identical to that of the clasp 1.

The clasp 100 is distinguished from the clasp 1 mainly by the structure of its adjustment device 112 of the useful length of the bracelet.

The adjusting device 112 comprises two latches 142 secured to the uprights 108 of the first blade 102 of the clasp 100, the pushers 110 being also provided both for opening the clasp and for passing the latches 142 from their closed state to their open state .

An intermediate member 152 is arranged between the lower walls 156 and upper 116 of the adjusting device, being retained in the longitudinal direction of the strap by a protrusion 162 formed on each of the latches 142.

In addition to the functions already described in relation to the intermediate member 52, the intermediate member 152 carries a ball pawl 164 for indexing the various possible adjustment configurations.

It also appears from the figure 5 that the upper wall 116 is provided with recesses 166 intended to cooperate with the ball of the pawl 164.

The arrangement of the adjusting device 112 is more clearly visible on the figure 6 which represents a cross-sectional view along a medium plane.

The intermediate member 152 comprises a small tab 168 defining two bearing surfaces for the first spring ends 154 acting on the latches 142 so as to maintain them in their closed state.

The figure 7 represents the clasp 100 in a longitudinal sectional view and better illustrates how the ball catch 164 cooperates with the upper wall 116 of the cover 114 to index the different possible adjustment positions for the clasp 100.

The clasp 100 is shown in its long configuration on the figure 7 . It follows from the foregoing explanations that if the hood 114 is moved to the left of the figure, the bracelet (not shown) is shortened.

It will be apparent from the present disclosure that the clasp according to the present invention comprises a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet of simple structure and handling, while maintaining a discrete aesthetic and a small footprint.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, for example the forms specifically illustrated and described for the blades or their mode of cooperation to ensure the locking of the clasp. Indeed, for example, it is possible to implement alternatively a locking device of the hook and trigger type, as described in the patent EP 0350785 B1 mentioned above in connection with an adjustable clasp meeting the features of the present invention.

The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a clasp, especially for a timepiece, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be noted for example that the adaptation of the present teaching for the construction of a folding clasp of a different structure to that illustrated and described will not pose any particular difficulty to the skilled person.

Furthermore, the clasp according to the present invention is not limited to the implementation of two positions of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet. Indeed, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the present teaching to implement a clasp having a greater number of possible setting positions.

Claims (14)

1. Bracelet clasp (1, 100) of the type comprising first and second free ends, wherein the clasp comprises
   first and second fastening members (20, 32) of the bracelet intended to be made respectively integral to the first and second free ends of the bracelet, wherein said fastening members (20, 32) are movable in relation to one another between at least one open position and a closed wearing position, in which they are closer to one another than in the open position, to close the bracelet and determine a usable length for it,
   at least one locking member (38, 40) arranged to hold said fastening members (20, 32) of the bracelet in their closed position,
   at least one control member (10) for said locking member (20, 32) arranged to unlock the clasp (1, 100) in response to an action of a user and to move from said closed position to said open position,
   a device (12, 112) for adjusting the usable length of the bracelet comprising
   an adjusting member (16, 56, 58), which bears said first fastening member (20) of the bracelet and
   at least one lock (42, 142) capable of having a default closed state, in which said adjusting member (14, 16, 56, 58) is fixed, and an open state, in which said adjusting member (14, 16, 56, 58) is free to slide in the direction of the length of the bracelet with respect to said second fastening member (32) of the bracelet to modify the usable length of the bracelet,
   wherein said adjusting device (12, 112) is separate from said locking member (38, 40), and that said lock (42, 142) is arranged to move from its closed state to its open state by the user acting on said control member (10) of the locking member (38, 40) such that said adjusting member (14, 16, 56, 58) is capable of being shifted independently of the open or closed state of the clasp, said clasp being characterised in that said adjusting member comprises a support structure (14) that bears said first fastening member (20) of the bracelet and at least one finger (58) arranged to cooperate with said lock (42, 142), wherein the latter comprises a disc (44), which is adjacent to said support structure and in which a slot (46) is provided in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, wherein said slot (46) has at least two notches (48) capable of cooperating with said finger (58) in the closed state of said lock (42, 142) to define two different respective usable lengths of the bracelet, whereas said finger (58) is capable of sliding into said slot (46) in the open state of said lock (42, 142) to pass from one notch (48) to the other and modify the usable length of the bracelet.
2. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said support structure comprises upper (16) and lower (56) walls, between which said disc (44) is arranged, and said finger (58) is in the form of a screw fixing said upper and lower walls (16, 56) to one another.
3. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 2, characterised in that said upper wall (16) is formed by a cover (14) comprising an upper surface bearing side walls (18) having two holes intended to accommodate the ends of a fastening bar (20) of a bracelet strand, and
   at least one support surface, against which said lower wall (56) is held by means of said screw (58).
4. Clasp (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said control member comprises a push-piece (10) capable of being displaced in a substantially perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet in response to an action of the user, and that said lock (42, 142) is integral to said push-piece (10).
5. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 4, characterised in that it has an additional control member (10), wherein said control members (10) are similar and symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, and that said adjusting device (12, 112) comprises
   an additional lock (42, 142) associated with said additional control member (10), wherein said locks (42, 142) are similar and symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, and
   an additional finger (58) associated with said additional lock (42, 142).
6. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 6, wherein it is a deployment clasp-type clasp comprising at least two blades (2, 4) articulated to one another, of which a first blade (2) comprises two bars (8) that are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and are inserted into a substantially complementary recess of the second blade (4) to place the clasp in its closed position by briefly bringing said bars (8) closer against elastic restoring means (54), wherein the outer side edge of each of said bars (8) cooperates with the corresponding inside edge of said recess to define a locking member (38, 40) of the clasp, characterised in that
   each of said bars (8) bears one of said push-pieces (10) and one of said locks (42, 142).
7. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 6, characterised in that each of said bars (8) is made in one piece with said push-piece (10) and said corresponding lock (42, 142).
8. Clasp (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said adjusting device (12, 112) comprises at least one elastic member (54, 154) that exerts a force on said lock or locks (42, 142) to endeavour to hold it or them in its or their closed state.
9. Clasp (1, 100) according to claim 8, characterised in that said adjusting device (12, 112) comprises an intermediate member (52, 152) that is in a fixed position with respect to said lock (42, 142) and has a support surface for an end of said elastic member (54, 154).
10. Clasp (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said adjusting device (112) also comprises a stud catch (164) associated with at least two substantially complementary openings (166) arranged to index at least two configurations of the adjusting device (112) corresponding to two different usable lengths of the bracelet.
11. Clasp (100) according to claims 9 and 10, characterised in that said stud catch (164) is carried by said intermediate member (152).
12. Clasp (100) according to claims 2 and 11, characterised in that said openings (166) are arranged in said upper wall (116) of said adjusting device (112).
13. Clasp (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that its unlocking is associated with a displacement of said control member (10) of a first amplitude d1, and the unlocking of said adjusting member (14, 16, 56, 58) by said lock (42) is associated with a displacement of said control member (10) of a second amplitude d2, wherein d1 is less than d2.
14. Wristwatch comprising a band fitted with a clasp (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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