CH712319A1 - Device for setting the length of a clasp for a bracelet or belt. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for setting the length of a clasp for a bracelet or belt comprises two sliding parts relative to each other. The two sliding parts (1, 2; 8) have opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of the two sliding parts (1, 2; 8) being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly to one end of a strap, the other opposite end of the other of the two sliding parts (1, 2; 8) being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the other end of a strap or to a watch clasp, the two sliding parts (1, 2; 8) sliding from a first rest position (PR1) to a second rest position (PR2) against the action of the return means (5). The device is arranged so that when a sliding force is applied to one of the sliding parts (1, 2; 8) tending to move its opposite end towards the outside, they move from the first rest position. (PR1) at the second rest position (PR2) against the action of the return means (5), and then when a second application is applied to one of the sliding parts (1, 2; tending to move its end (1, 2; 8) outwards, they move from the second rest position (PR2) to the first rest position (PR1) under the action of the return means (5).

Description

Description: [0001] The present invention relates to a device for setting the length of a clasp for a bracelet or belt.

Many adjustment devices of this type have already been disclosed, most of the time being integrated directly into bracelet clasps. However, they have the disadvantage of not being able to be easily adjusted to adapt the length of the wrist strap of the wearer, especially when the clasp is closed.

[0003] CH 702 142 discloses a folding clasp bracelet clasp, comprising two segments. One of these segments is made in two parts, the first part has the shape of a stirrup can be connected to one end of a bracelet and the second part, shaped plate capable of sliding in the The stirrup, like a drawer, is hingedly connected to the other segment which can be connected to the other end of the bracelet. Locking means are provided for immobilizing the wafer in the stirrup in at least two positions in order to make it possible to modify the length of the bracelet.

[0004] EP 2 427 078 discloses a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet, comprising a frame carrying a regulating member, a bracelet fixing member, a jaw movable between inactive and active positions, in particular under the effect of a predefined action of a user on a controller. The jaw is arranged to lock the adjusting member in the active position, and leave it free in the inactive position, to define a plurality of adjustment positions, two adjacent positions defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet. The device comprises an automatic conversion mechanism arranged to convert the predefined action of the user on the control member into a sliding step of the adjustment member, and allow adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet.

[0005] EP 2,526,804 discloses a clasp for a bracelet comprising a loop intended to be secured to a first free end of a bracelet and defining a passage for a second free end of the bracelet. The clasp comprises a locking member intended to cooperate with a second strand of the bracelet to ensure its locking in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The loop comprises a first transverse amount defining at least one wall of a housing for receiving the first free end of the bracelet and comprising at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with the latter to make it integral with the first transverse amount.

The object of the present invention is to provide another device for adjusting the length of the bracelet or a belt while allowing to keep the clasp locked, the device offering increased comfort for the wearer and a simplicity of 'use.

According to the invention, a device for setting the length of a clasp for a bracelet or belt comprises two sliding parts relative to each other. The two sliding parts have opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of the two sliding parts being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, by means of articulation at one end of a strap, the other opposite end of the other of the two sliding parts being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the other end of a strap or a clasp. The two sliding parts slide from a first rest position to a second rest position against the action of the return means. The device is arranged so that when one applies on a sliding parts a force tending to move its opposite end outwards, they move from the first rest position to the second rest position against the action of the return means, and then when a second time is applied to one of the sliding parts a force tending to move its end towards the outside, they move from the second rest position to the first position rest under the action of the return means.

The characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of several embodiments given solely by way of example, in no way limiting with reference to the schematic figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a device for setting the length of a bracelet clasp according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device connected on one side to a bracelet strand and on the other side to a folding clasp blade;

Fig. 3 is a partial transparency view of the device;

Fig. 4 is a top view of a slidably mounted piece in the device of FIGS. 1 to 3, said coin com bearing a groove in which is arranged a raised guide piece;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the relief guide piece arranged in the device;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 along the AA axis;

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the sliding mounted piece integrated in the device of FIGS. 1-3;

Fig. 8 shows a top view of an upper cover of the device;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 8 along the BB axis;

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the device integrated in a clasp comprising a folding clasp;

Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of a device for setting the length of a bracelet clasp according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view in a reverse plane of a cross shown in FIG. 11;

Fig. 13 is a top view in transparency of the lengthening device according to a second embodiment in a position where the comfortable setting is not activated; and

Fig. 14 shows the device of FIG. 13 in which the slidably mounted parts, in the form of hoods, are stretched to their maximum in opposite directions.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a device for setting the length of a bracelet clasp comprises a lower cover 2 and an upper cover 1 of rectangular shape. The lower cover 2 and the upper cover 1 are fixed one on the other by screws 6, so as to create a housing 15 in which a movable part 8 slides between the lower cover 2 and the top cover. 1 through an opening 55 arranged between the lower cover 2 and the upper cover 1. The movable part 8 can slide from a first rest position to a second rest position against the action of two compression springs 5 arranged from and other of the movable part 8. These two positions will respectively be designated PR1 and PR2, see Figs. 4 and 7.

A flexible blade 3 is pivoted about a ratchet pivot 4, arranged in a groove 9 so that the ratchet pivot 4 moves in the groove 9 by driving with it the flexible blade 3.

The device comprises a polarizer in the form of a guide piece 7 in relief arranged so that when the movable part 8 is pulled from the first rest position, it is directed to be able to move only to the second position of rest and when the moving part is pulled from the second rest position, it is directed to be able to move only to the first rest position.

The movable part 8 comprises, at its end disposed in the housing 15, opposite the opening 55, two lugs 20 extending perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable part 8 on each side of the movable part 8. The lugs 20 occupy part of the thickness of the movable part 8. The lower cover 2 comprises two stops 21 arranged so that the springs 5 are each arranged between a lug 20 of the movable part 8 and an abutment 21 of the lower cover 2.

The housing 15 is defined between two parallel walls 56, 57 of two opposite parts of the lower cover 2, so that the lugs 20 of the movable member 8 slide on these side portions 56, 57.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper cover 1 is connected by hinge means to one end of a strand 30 of a bracelet. The device is part of a clasp type clasp comprising at least two blades articulated relative to each other, a blade 11 being connected directly to the moving part 8. In this example, and preferably, the piece mobile 8 protrudes with the upper and lower covers 1, 2. In the case where the movable part 8 does not protrude, an element of the clasp enters the opening 55.

In a variant not shown, the two strands of the bracelet can be connected directly or indirectly to the upper cover 1 and the moving part 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the springs 5 are each arranged between a lug 20 of the movable part 8 and a stop 21 of the lower cover 2 to act on the moving part 8 so that when the moving part 8 is pulled a first time, it is moves from the first rest position to the second rest position against the action of the springs 5, and then when the moving part 8 is pulled a second time, it moves from the second rest position to the first rest position under the action of the springs 5. The upper cover 1 comprises a flange 58 constituting a stop for the moving part 8 pushed outwards by the springs 5. The moving part 8 allows, by its displacement to adjust the length of a bracelet. The ratchet pivot 4 acts as a spring ratchet 4 and allows the flexible blade 3 to move in the groove arranged in the movable part 8. This spring pawl 4 also has the particularity of working axially, and so to marry the height variations that brings the relief guide piece 7 in order to provide a non-return.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the path traveled by the ratchet pivot 4 can be decomposed into four points. The PR1 point is the first rest position and, in this example, corresponds to a short position of the bracelet. The groove 9 which constitutes the path of the ratchet pivot 4 is asymmetrical. Therefore, when pulling on the bracelet, the ratchet pin 4 is housed in position B, then will be pushed to position PR2 by the action of the compression springs 5 when the traction on the bracelet will be released. During a second pull on the bracelet, the ratchet pivot 4 is positioned at the point D in particular through the asymmetrical pattern of the groove 9 and the relief guide piece. Under the action of the compression springs 5, the device returns to the initial position PR1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the raised guide piece 7 comprises a flat base, an inclined plane 7A whose slope P is less than 20 °, ie 9 ° in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, allowing the movable part 8 pulled from the first rest position to be able to move only towards the second rest position, and an edge 7B arranged so that when the moving part 8 is pulled from the second position of rest, it can only move to the first resting position. In this example, the maximum thickness d1 of the raised guide piece 7 is less than 0.4 mm.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the groove 9 of the moving part 8 is made from two rectilinear hollow strips B1, B2 which are interspersed, in the example shown at an acute angle, so as to form a rounded intersection which defines the first position of rest PR1, the free ends of the two hollow strips B1, B2 being connected by a third hollow band B3 of arcuate shape defining the second rest position PR2. The rounded intersection defining the first rest position PR1 has an outer contour in the form of an arc whose radius is less than 1 mm, typically 0.5 mm. The first rest position PR1 is eccentric with respect to a virtual axis disposed equidistant and perpendicular to the lugs 20 of the movable part 8, and also eccentric with respect to the second rest position PR2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper cover 1 has a curved shape V so that the flexible blade moving with the ratchet pivot 4 moves freely under the upper cover 1.

The device described is very easy to integrate into a bracelet. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a clasp with a folding clasp having a central blade 12 articulated at a first end to a blade 11 which is itself articulated with the movable part 8 projecting from the lower and upper cover 1,2. A first strand 30 of a bracelet forming part of a wristwatch is articulated with the lower and upper cover 1,2. The other end of the central blade 12 is hinged to another blade 14 itself articulated to a tip 13 arranged to be connected to a second strand 31 of the bracelet of the wristwatch. In this example, the clasp is open at its maximum. By closing the clasp, the blades 11 and 14 fold over the central blade 12 and the wearer sees his bracelet 30, 31 directly adjusted to the right length. Once the clasp is closed, the wearer can then pull a first time on the bracelet strand 30 so that the bracelet extends a few millimeters, for example 4 or 5 millimeters, by moving the movable part 8 between the upper cover 1 and lower 2, so as to loosen the bracelet around the wrist. By pulling a second time on the bracelet strand 30, the bracelet returns to its original length and thus shortens by a few millimeters by the movement of the movable part 8 between the upper cover 1 and lower 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, the top 1 and lower 2 covers can slide between them in a longitudinal translational movement. Typically one of the hoods is connected clasp and the other to the bracelet. Their relative movement is constrained by slides that force them to translate longitudinally, the amplitude of their movement being limited by stops.

The springs 5, arranged in grooves disposed on the hoods 1, 2, work in compression and tend to push the hoods 1,2 in opposite directions.

The bistable behavior is obtained by the cooperation between the cross 100 and the pawl 104. Lacroix 100 can rotate about its vertical axis relative to the upper cover 1 thanks to the bearing that forms the cylindrical clearance in the lower face of the upper cover 1. At rest, the spring pawl 104 is held in a transverse position by a spring. The angular position of the cross 100 comprises four positions stable at 90 °, by the interaction with the ball pawl 102, whose ball, pushed by a spring, is housed in the grooves 101 in V. In vertical section, the cross 100 is composed of three parts. A first upper part is a groove bearing which guides the cross 100 in rotation and whose grooves 101 interact with the ball catch 102. A second part, representing the middle part of the cross 100, comprises blades 103 which interact with the ratchet. spring 104. The third lower part of the cross 100 forms abutments which, depending on the angular position of the cross 100, pass between structures 106 on the bottom of the lower cover 2 or rest on the structures 106 of the bottom of the lower cover 2. As illustrated in particular in FIG. 12, this third lower part of the cross 100 has a rotation symmetry of only 180 °, while the upper and middle parts have a rotation symmetry of 90 °.

In this second embodiment, a longitudinal tension compresses the springs 5 and causes a rotation of the cross 100 of 90 ° which abuts against the spring pawl. The movement is limited by stops.

By releasing tension, the springs 5 increase the cover of the covers 1.2 to the extended position defined by the abutment of the lower part of the cross 100 on the bottom structures of the lower cover 2. When of this return movement, the spring pawl 104 retracts by compression of its spring. In this way the cross 100, whose position is retained by the ball pawl 102, does not turn during this return movement.

A new traction causes as before a new 90 ° rotation of the cross 100, the lower part can slide between the bottom structures 106 of the lower cover 2 during the return movement.

The device for setting the length of a bracelet clasp according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to combine with any type of clasps and in particular clasps with folding clasp for a bracelet allowing adjustment of the length of the bracelet when the clasp is in the closed position or not.

Claims (14)

In addition to being able to be arranged on conventional clasps, the device has the particular advantage of being robust and to prevent that even when the wearer pulls the device fairly strong, the device never come back immediately to the position from which it has just been shot. claims 1. Device for setting the length of a clasp for a bracelet or belt, the device comprising two sliding parts (1, 2, 1, 2, 8) relative to one another, the two sliding parts (1 , 2; 1/2, 8) having opposite ends (40, 41), one of the opposite ends (40) of the two sliding parts (1, 2, 1, 2, 8) being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, at one end of a strap, the other opposite end (41) of the other of the two sliding parts (1, 2; 1/2, 8) being arranged to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the at the other end of a strap or at a clasp, the two sliding parts (1,2; 1/2, 8) sliding from a first rest position (PR1) to a second rest position (PR2) against the action of the return means (5), characterized in that the device is arranged so that when one of the sliding parts (1, 2, 1/2, 8) is applied to a force tending to move its opposite end (40, 41) outwards, they move from the first rest position (PR1) to the second rest position (PR2) against the action of the return means (5), and then when a second application is made to one of the sliding parts (1, 2; 1/2, 8) a force tending to move its end (40, 41) outwards, they move from the second rest position (PR2) to the first rest position (PR1) under the action of the means recall (5). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the two sliding parts (1, 2; 1/2, 8) have flat surfaces facing each other. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein one of the two sliding parts (1, 2) comprises an opening (15) in which the other part (8) is slidably mounted. 4. Device according to claim 1, wherein one of the sliding parts (1,2) is superimposed on the other, the two superposed pieces (1,2) sliding on one another. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a groove (9) is arranged in one of the two sliding parts (1,2; 1/2, 8) by means of two hollow strips which are interposed so as to forming a rounded intersection which defines the first rest position (PR1), the free ends of the two hollow strips being connected by a third arcuate shaped hollow band defining the second rest position. 6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the rounded intersection defining the first rest position (PR1) has an outer contour in the form of an arc whose radius is less than 1 mm. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a raised guide piece (7) is arranged in one of the two sliding parts, comprising a flat base, an inclined plane allowing one of the two sliding parts (1, 2, 1/2, 8) pulled from the first rest position (PR1) to be able to move only towards the second rest position (PR2), and an edge arranged so that when one of the two pieces sliding (1,2; 1/2, 8) is pulled from the second rest position (PR2), it can move only to the first rest position (PR1). 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a rotatable part (100) about a vertical axis relative to the plane of the two sliding parts (1,2; 1 / 2,8), said movable part in rotation (100) having protuberances (105) forming abutments which, depending on the angular position of said rotatable part (100), pass between structures (106) formed on one of the two sliding parts (1, 2; 2, 8) when one end (40, 41) of the two sliding parts (1, 2; 1/2, 8) is pulled outward a first time, or resting on the structures (106) when one end (40, 41) of the two sliding parts (1, 2, 1, 2, 8) is pulled out a second time. 9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the rotatable piece (100) is a cross having, viewed from the side, an upper portion having at least two grooves (101) corresponding to at least two stable positions by the interaction of each groove (101) with a ball pawl (102), the cross (100) having an intermediate portion comprising blades (103) cooperating with a spring pawl (104) arranged between the two superposed pieces (1,2; / 2, 8), said cross (100) further comprising on its lower part the protuberances (105). 10. Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the ball pawl (102) is disposed in a slot (107) arranged in the thickness of one of the two sliding parts (1,2; , 8). 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return means (5) comprise at least one spring. 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which is part of a folding clasp type clasp comprising at least two blades articulated with respect to each other, at least one of said blades being hinged to the device. 13. Bracelet comprising the device according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Wristwatch comprising the bracelet according to claim 13.