CH712232A2 - Retractable pin system for attaching a bracelet to a watch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) for fixing a variable element, such as a bracelet, to a fixed object, such as a watch case, comprises at least two retractable pins (4, 4 '), two rotary levers (6, 6') independent of each other, the movement of the levers (6, 6 ') moving the pins (4, 4') in an extended position for securing the variable element to the fixed object, or in a position retracted allowing the separation of the variable element of the fixed element. The rotation of the levers (6, 6 ') is caused by the movement of a slider (10) and the system further comprises a locking mechanism (12, 12') for holding the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position pins (6, 6 ').

Description

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates in particular, but non-exclusively, the field of watches and parts of watches.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a fastening system for removably attaching a bracelet to a watch. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the field of watches and can be applied in other areas, for example for fixing a strap to a bag etc.

Conventionally, the watchbands are attached thereto by means of bars which comprise a tubular body containing a spring and two pins placed at each end of said tubular body, said pins being pushed outwards by the spring. For the actual fixing of the bracelet, each pin fits into a hole formed in the horns of the watch case.

When the user wants to change the bracelet (either because the current bracelet is worn / damaged or if it has several different and he wants to adapt to its behavior for example), the removal of the two pins of the bar is not easy and preferably requires a particular tool.

In addition, when mounting a bracelet, the pins of the bar which are pushed by the spring have a tendency to scratch the inner face of horns as they have not entered the corresponding hole of the horn, an effect that is not desired at all with high price or collectible watches.

In summary, if the current means have the advantage of simplicity, they have many disadvantages to use.

In the state of the art, several devices have been developed as a replacement of the bar. For example, publication EP 1 772 072 by Hirsch Armbänder GmbH shows a first system of pins actuated by pivoting means which are engaged with each other. Pivoting movement of Pun causes pivoting of the other and by this pivoting means the pins are driven in the retracted position or in the extended position for attachment of the bracelet to the watch case. This system is nevertheless rigid and the two pins are driven together in a dependent manner. Accordingly, if one of the pins is not in front of the corresponding hole of the horn, the known system is blocked and does not allow the attachment of one of the pins independently of the other. Moreover if one of the pins is in front of its hole but not the other, the coordinated movement of the pins will scratch the inside of the horn on the side where the pin "seeks" its hole, an effect that one just wants to avoid. Thus, the solution proposed by this publication is not appropriate.

[0008] Publication FR 2 445 120 of Timex Corporation describes another removable fastening system for wristwatches. This solution comprises two pivoting elements on which are directly mounted pins for fitting into the holes of the horns of the watch case. Because of the mounting of the pins on pivoting elements, any traction on the bracelet will tend to move the elements in their disengaged or disengaged position which will release the bracelet, an effect that is obviously not desired. Consequently, it is necessary to provide in addition a lock which will block the pivoting elements in the deployed position, this lock being complex to implement since it must provide for its voluntary unlocking (when desired).

The publication FR 2 988 271 of the company Interstrap SAS describes another locking system of an interchangeable removable part (for example a bracelet) to a fixed part (for example a watch case) using pins whose displacement is controlled by elastically deformable connecting arms and guided, converging symmetrically to a central body which is actuated by an external control member. This solution is complicated because it includes many small parts and includes a large weak point in the use of the deformable connecting arms.

In view of the above, there is a need to provide solutions that overcome the defects of known solutions and are simple and easy to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to improve the known solutions of the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening system of a removable and interchangeable element (for example a watch strap) to a fixed element (for example a watch case).

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution that is simple, effective and easy to implement and allows easy exchange of a bracelet on a watch.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a fastening system of a variable element, such as a bracelet, to a fixed object, such as a watch case. The system comprises for example at least two retractable pins, two movable levers independent of each other, the movement of the levers displacing, for example linearly, the pins in an extended position for securing the variable element to the fixed object, or in a retracted position for separating the variable element from the fixed element. The movement of the levers is preferably caused by the movement of a slider. In a variant, the levers have a rotational movement, in another variant a translational movement or a combination of the two movements, to move the pins. The displacement of pins can be linear or other (curve for example).

The system further comprises a locking mechanism for holding the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position of the pins.

In one embodiment, each lever may comprise a head connected to a pin and controlling the movement of said pin, and a foot actuated by the slider to control the rotation of the lever. Other equivalent means (cams, gears etc.) can be used if the levers have a translational movement or rotation-translation combined.

In one embodiment, an elastic means is placed between the pins to maintain them in the deployed position. Preferably, this elastic means is a spring. Other equivalent elastic means are of course conceivable.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least two locks each having a hook for cooperating with a tooth on each lever or on each pin to maintain the system in the retracted position of the pins.

In one embodiment, the locks are preferably connected by an elastic means, such as a spring.

In one embodiment, the slider allows to unlock the locking mechanism and release the levers, for example by sliding said slider.

In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is unlocked by an insert which is moved (for example in sliding) when the system is inserted between the horns of the watch case. This embodiment allows automatic unlocking of the pins when the system is inserted between the horns of a watch case, more precisely when the insert rests against the case of the watch.

The movement of the cursor and the insert can be a sliding, a translation or a rotation or a combination of these movements.

In one embodiment, the system is mounted on a watch strap. In other embodiments, it is mounted on other similar objects (strap / bag strap for example) for which it is desired to allow easy and quick exchange of one party with respect to the other.

As part of the application to the watch, the system according to the invention allows a rapid exchange of bracelet for example to mount a leather strap, or fabric or metal depending on the activity of the wearer. the watch: for example, he may decide to use a leather strap for an "elegant" effect with a formal dress, a metal bracelet or fabric for more sporting activities, while keeping the same watch (that is, to say the case).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by the description of embodiments thereof and the figures, in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in an expanded state, for example when the bracelet is attached to the watch;

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in a retracted state, for example when the bracelet is attached to the watch;

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention showing the operation of the system to go from the state of FIG. 2 in the state of FIG. 1;

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates a system according to the invention attached to a watch case as an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, there is illustrated the fastening system 1 according to the invention in an expanded state of the pins (for example when the bracelet is mounted on a watch). More specifically, the system according to the invention comprises a frame 2 (for example a base plate) attached to the bracelet (not shown in this figure). This frame 2 comprises two channels 3, 3 'which each guide a pin 4, 4' which are used for attachment to the case of the watch 30 (as the pins of known systems and described above, see Fig. 6) . A spring 5 is provided between the pins 4, 4 ", said spring 5 pushing the pins in their extended position illustrated in Fig. 1. The frame 2 supports a first and a second return lever 6, 6 'whose rotation allows the deployment or removal of the pins 4, 4 'as explained below: Each lever 6, 6' comprises at one end a lever head 7, 7 'which is connected to each pin 4, 4 ", for example by a chamber 8,8 ', which makes it possible for the levers 6, 6' and their heads 7, 7 'to move the pins from an extended position (as in Fig. 1) to a retracted position by compressing the spring 5 (as in Fig. 2).

Each lever 6, 6 'also comprises a foot 9, 9' which is in contact with a slider 10 in the form of "T" whose linear displacement (for example in sliding) in a slot makes it possible to carry out the rotation of levers 6, 6 'about axes of rotation 11, 11' of the levers 6, 6 '. As can be understood from fig. 1 and 2, the movement of the cursor 10 downwards will cause the feet 9, 9 'of the levers 6, 6' downwards, which will have the effect of rotating said levers 6, 6 'on their axes 11 , 11 ». This rotation results in the rotation of the heads 7, 7 'which will drive the pins 4, 4' and bring them closer to each other against the force of the spring 5. FIG. 2 thus illustrates the retracted position of the pins 4, 4 '.

Due to the restoring force of the spring 5, if the slider is released, the system will return to the position of FIG. 1. It is therefore preferable (but not mandatory) to provide locking means of the system in the position of FIG. 2.

These locking means comprise two locks 12,12 'mounted on pins 13,13' and interconnected by a spring 14 said latches 12, 12 'now the levers in the position of FIG. 2 when they are crooked to said levers 6, 6 '.

The activation of the locking means is understood by considering FIGS. 2 to 4 and the different positions taken by the slider 10 in these figs. 2-4. In fig. 2, as indicated above, the system 1 is in the retracted position and the levers 6, 6 'are locked in the illustrated position by means of the spring 14 which pushes the locking end 15, 15' of the locks 12, 12 in their position of hooking levers 6, 6 'on the locking tooth 16, 16' of said levers 6, 6 '.

To open the latches 12, 12 'and release the levers 6, 6', it is necessary to move the cursor 10 upwards in the figures, as shown successively in FIGS. 3 and 4 to reach a contact between the upper part of the "T" of the slider 10 and the extensions 17, 17 'of the latches 12, 12', contact illustrated by circles containing a cross 18, 18 'in FIG. 4. The continued vertical movement in the figures of the slider 10 will have the effect of rotating the latches 12, 12 'around their axes 13, 13' and disengage the latch hooks 15, 15 '/ teeth 16, 16' and release the levers 6, 6 'and thus join the configuration of FIG. 1 or the pins 4, 4 'are deployed.

The slider 10 by its movement allows on the one hand to bring the pins 6, 6 'in their retracted position (of Fig 1 in Fig 2) and also to unlock the system to allow the pins to leave their retracted position and return to their extended position (from Fig. 4 to Fig. 1).

The system according to the invention is simple to implement, is controlled only with a cursor, allows independent activation of each pin (does not require the simultaneous deployment of both) and is very stable once the pins are in the deployed position.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, an automatic unlocking of the system is provided when inserted between the horns 31, 31 'of the watch case 30 (see Fig. 6). In this embodiment, elements identical or corresponding to those of the previous modes are referenced with the same numbers. This automatic unlocking comprises for example an insert 21 whose function replaces that of the slider for unlocking as illustrated in FIG. 4. This insert 21 moves (for example sliding linearly) when it comes into contact with the watch case 30 and is close to its attachment position. It is therefore automatically moved by the positioning of the bracelet and the contact of said insert 21 against the watch 30, the locks 12, 12 'are then opened by the support of the insert 21 against the ends 22,22' of the locks 12,12 'and the pins 4,4' can then move into the deployed position which allows their introduction into the corresponding holes 32,32 'horns 31,31' and the attachment of the bracelet on the watch 30.

In the representation of FIG. 5, the spring 5 has been omitted, but it is obvious that it is present in this mode, or replaced by equivalent means to spread the pins.

FIG. 6 illustrates the system of the invention mounted on the horns 31, 31 'of a watch 30. It can be used on the two fasteners of the bracelet to the watch (only one is shown in Fig. 6).

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments which are given by way of non-limiting examples. Variations are possible in the context of the protection claimed in different embodiments, or by using equivalent means for example.

By way of example, it can be provided that the latches 12, 12 'act on the pins 4, 4' and not on the levers 6, 6 '. In such a case, teeth equivalent to the teeth 16, 16 'are appropriately placed on the pins. Alternatively, in a combined solution, a lock acts on one pin and the other on a lever.

In another embodiment, it is the pins 4, 4 'and not the slider 10 which allow to unlock the locking mechanism and release the levers 6, 6'.

In another embodiment, the translational movement of the pins 4, 4 'is not perpendicular to the translation of the slider 10, in particular in a configuration where the bracelet is curved handle with a curved bar. In such a case, the pins will have an angle of translation relative to that of the slider or rotation but the principles of the present invention as set forth in the present application remain applicable to this embodiment.

Claims (10)

It may also be useful to provide means for locking or locking the slider 10 or the insert 21 to prevent unwanted movement and uncoupling the system. These locking / locking means may comprise a pin, clamping means (screws or other) or any other means blocking the movement of the pin or the insert. claims 1. System (1) for fixing a variable element, such as a bracelet, to a fixed object, such as a watch case, said system comprising at least two retractable pins (4, 4 '), two movable levers (6, 6 ') independent of each other, the movement of said levers (6, 6) moving said pins (4, 4') in an extended position for securing the variable element to the fixed object, or in a retracted position for detaching the variable element from the fixed element, the movement of said levers (6, 6 ') being caused by the movement of a slider (10), the system further comprising a locking mechanism ( 12, 12 ') for holding the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position of the pins (6, 6'). 2. System according to claim 1, wherein each lever (6, 6 ') comprises a head (7, 7') connected to a pin (4, 4 ') and controlling the displacement of said pin, and a foot (9 , 9 ') actuated by the slider (10) to control the movement of the lever (6, 6'). 3. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic means (5) is placed between the pins (4, 4 ') to maintain them in the deployed position. 4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic means is a spring (5). 5. System according to one of the preceding claims, said locking mechanism comprising at least two locks (12, 12 ') each having a hook (15, 15') for cooperating with a tooth (16, 16 ') on each lever (6, 6 ') or on each pin (4, 4'). 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latches (12, 12 ') are connected by an elastic means (14). 7. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cursor allows to unlock the locking mechanism and release the levers (6, 6 '). 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism is unlocked by an insert (21) which is moved when the system is inserted between the horns (31, 31 ') of the watch case (30). ). 9. Watchband comprising a system according to one of the preceding claims. 10. Watch (30) combined with a bracelet according to the preceding claim.