CH713211A1 - Replaceable bracelet strand for wristwatch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interchangeable wristband strand, for a wristwatch, comprising a body (16) provided with a housing (26) for a rod movable between extracted and retracted positions and carrying an actuating member arranged to pass the rod of its position extracted in its retracted position in response to an action of a user, and a return member (30) arranged to exert a force on the rod and position it in its extracted position. The actuating member comprises a slide (42) arranged on the body (16) to slide in the longitudinal direction of the strand and carrying an inclined actuating surface (50), arranged in abutment against a bearing surface (52). of the rod, such that when the slide (42) is moved from its rest position to its unlocking position, the actuating surface (50) acts on the rod to move it from its extracted position to its retracted position.

Description

Description TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of timepiece bracelets.

More specifically, the invention relates to a bracelet strand for a wristwatch and a bracelet comprising at least one strand of this type and a wristwatch comprising such a bracelet.

In particular, the invention relates to an interchangeable bracelet strand, for a wristwatch, having a first end intended to be secured to a wristwatch box and carrying a body provided with at least a first housing for at least a first rod arranged in the first housing being movable in translation between extracted and retracted positions, a portion of the first rod being arranged projecting from the body in the extracted position to cooperate with an adapted hole in the box, the body carrying an actuator arranged to move the first rod from its extracted position to its retracted position in response to an action of a user, and an elastic return member arranged to exert a force on the first rod tending to position it in its extracted position.

State of the art [0004] Generally the change of bracelet is a delicate operation that requires removing a used bracelet to replace it with a new bracelet.

However, a person with a timepiece type wristwatch can be brought to frequently change the bracelet, for various reasons, including aesthetic. In this case, the bracelet removed is not necessarily intended for scrapping and must remain in good condition to be subsequently re-attached to the box of the timepiece.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fastening device for a watch strap, which allows to attach a bracelet to a watch case and remove it, these two operations can be performed easily by the the user himself, without the need for a specialist or specific tools, and without risk of damaging the removed bracelet, the fixed bracelet or the watch case.

[0007] Mechanisms allowing in particular to change a bracelet without having to resort to the use of a tool and meeting the characteristics mentioned above are already known.

An example of a fastening device of this type is disclosed in the patent application EP0089166 A1. However, this device has a protruding element, designed to act on the rod and move in its retracted position, which can cause discomfort for the person wearing the bracelet, or even hurt.

The patent application published under the number WO 93/10 486 A1 shows another example of a mechanism for fixing a bracelet strand to a watch case, more discreet and without risk to the wearer of the corresponding watch. However, on the one hand, this mechanism is poorly adapted or not at all adapted to an implementation in connection with a rigid bracelet, in particular of metal or ceramic type, and, on the other hand, the actuation of this mechanism induces a deformation of the dressing of the strand may cause premature aging of the latter.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0010] A main object of the present invention is to propose an interchangeable bracelet strand of construction alternative to those just mentioned, which is particularly simple to handle, without risk of injury to the wearer of the corresponding wristwatch and which is not likely to present premature wear after repeated handling.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a strap strand having the above characteristics, characterized in that the actuating member comprises a slide arranged on the body so as to slide with reference to the latter in the longitudinal direction of the strand, between a rest position and an unlocking position, and in that the drawer carries an actuating surface inclined with reference to the longitudinal direction of the strand and arranged in abutment against a surface of pressing the first rod, such that when the drawer is moved from its rest position to its unlocked position, the actuating surface acts on the first rod to move it from its extracted position to its retracted position.

Thanks to these features, the drawer can be discreetly integrated into the thickness of the corresponding bracelet, in any discretion, and without risk of hurting the wearer of the corresponding timepiece. In addition, the mode of actuation of the drawer on the first rod is such that the dressing of a flexible bracelet does not risk any damage during the handling of bracelet change.

Note that the construction according to the present invention is suitable both for the production of flexible bracelet strands, the type having a dressing including textile, leather, elastomer or other flexible material adapted to the realization strands of rigid bracelets, especially of the type with metal links or ceramic.

In addition, this construction is also suitable for the production of bracelet strands whose first end is curved, when it is intended to be positioned opposite a watch case whose portion of the middle part between horns is not flat, that is to say including a round box, cushion or barrel.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the first rod comprises a first substantially cylindrical portion and engaged in the first housing of the body, and a second portion arranged inside the body and on which the bearing surface is formed. .

In addition, in this case, the second portion of the first rod may advantageously have transverse dimensions greater than the diameter of the first housing so that it defines a stop for the first rod cooperating with the body in the position extracted from the first stem.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating surface may be made in the form of a wall of a recess in the drawer, in particular in its face arranged facing the body.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracelet strand is further characterized in that the body comprises a second housing for a second rod, arranged in the second housing being movable in translation between positions. extracted and retracted and associated with a second elastic return member, arranged to exert a force on the second rod tending to position it in its extracted position, the second rod being arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first rod with reference to a plane (P) perpendicular to the middle of the bracelet strand in its longitudinal direction, and in that the drawer carries an additional actuating surface inclined with reference to the longitudinal direction of the strand and arranged in abutment against a bearing surface of the second rod, such that when the drawer is moved from its rest position to its unlocking position, the additional actuating surface acts on the second rod to move it from its extracted position to its retracted position.

In this case, the additional actuating surface may advantageously be a wall of a recess in the drawer, in particular in its face arranged facing the body. The recess can be indifferently the same as that of the first actuating surface or, alternatively, an additional recess without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, it can also provide that the body carries at least two guide pins substantially aligned with each other and oriented in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand and each engaged in a corresponding elongate lateral recess of the drawer for guiding the latter according to its translational movement between its rest and unlocking positions.

It may also be provided that the strand comprises an additional elastic member arranged between the body and the drawer in such a way that it exerts a force on the drawer tending to position it in its rest position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the bracelet strand is further characterized in that it comprises a flexible covering, preferably textile, leather or elastomer, arranged to partially cover the body, an indwelling core being integral with the body and being glued or sewn to the flexible covering, and in that it further comprises a cover secured to the drawer and having a handling surface for facilitating an action of a user intended to move in translation in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand, the cover being arranged and sized so that it partially covers the flexible covering, and covers the portion of the body not covered by the dressing flexible.

In general, the bracelet strand according to the present invention may also be characterized in that the face of the body intended to be positioned opposite the watch case is curved in such a way that it is capable of marry the shape of the box when the latter is round, cushion or barrel, and in that the first rod or the first and second rods are curved, as well as the first housing or the first and second housing of the body.

The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least one strand according to the characteristics just described.

Preferably, the bracelet comprises two strands each of which meets the above characteristics.

The invention also relates to a wristwatch provided with such a bracelet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples. in which: FIG. 1 is a partial and simplified bottom view of a wristwatch having a bracelet strand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; fig. 2a shows a simplified view in partial transparency of part of the elements illustrated in FIG. 1, in a first configuration, and FIG. 2b shows a simplified view in partial transparency of part of the elements illustrated in FIG. 1, in a second configuration.

Embodiment (s) of the Invention [0028] FIG. 1 is a simplified bottom view of a wristwatch 1 comprising a bracelet strand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The box 2 of the wristwatch 1 is round here, but it could be of any other form without departing from the scope of the invention, even if the latter is particularly well suited for implementation in connection with round watch cases, cushion, barrel or any other form other than square or rectangular.

The bracelet here consists of two strands of bracelet 4 of which only one has been shown. The strand 4 is assembled to the box 2 by a first of its ends 6 and is intended to carry a conventional pin buckle (not shown) at its other end 8.

The box 2 comprises two pairs of conventional horns 10 (only one of which is visible in Fig. 1) arranged to cooperate with the strands 4 of the bracelet, as will become more clearly apparent from the description which follows. For this purpose, the first end 6 of the strand 4 is arranged between two horns 10 of the same pair, while each horn 10 has at least one hole (not visible) near its free end, in a known manner.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures for illustrative and not limiting, the strand 4 is here of flexible type, that is to say it comprises a flexible cover 14 made of textile, leather or elastomer, for example rubber. Alternatively, it is possible to implement the present invention in connection with a rigid bracelet, that is to say of metal or ceramic type in particular, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The first end 6 of the bracelet strand comprises a particular mechanism, concealed under a cover 12, to ensure the assembly of the strand 4 to the box 2 and whose operation will now be described in more detail with reference in figs. 2a and 2b.

Figs. 2a and 2b show part of the components visible in FIG. 1, in two respective configurations, a locked configuration and an unlocking configuration.

According to this preferred embodiment, the mechanism here comprises an insert defining a body 16 intended to be integrated into the flexible covering 14 but giving the strand 4 the rigidity and tensile strength necessary for it to be able to fill correctly its function.

The body 16 has a transverse opening 18 in which is engaged a tear-proof core 20 to be sewn or glued to the flexible covering 14. This tear-proof core 20, preferably made of a textile having a high tensile strength or still more preferably in glass fibers, makes it possible to ensure the necessary cohesion between the flexible covering 14 and the body 16 of the strand 4.

It will be noted that the body 16 here also comprises two sets of three holes 22 on its lateral portions, intended to make the body 16 integral with a seam when the flexible covering 14 has one on its edges.

The body 16 is partially hollow, in its central region, and can be obtained, for example, by folding a metal sheet or by machining a metal block, or even by 3D printing.

In front view, as illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b, the body 16 has a general shape of rectangle, its face 24 intended to be positioned opposite the box 2 being curved to limit the empty space between the box 2 and the bracelet, mainly for aesthetic reasons.

The fastening mechanism of the strand 4 to the box 2 advantageously has a symmetry with respect to a plane P passing through the middle of the bracelet, along its longitudinal direction. Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to arrange the components of this mechanism differently according to their own needs without departing from the scope of the invention.

The body 16 comprises first and second housing 26 in each of which is arranged a rod 28 for attachment to the box 2. These housings 26 have a generally cylindrical curved shape with the same radius of curvature as the wall 24. An organ resilient return 30 is interposed between each rod 28 and a bearing surface 32 formed in the body 16, so that it pushes the corresponding rod 28 towards the outside of the body 16.

The elastic return members 30 here have the form of torsion springs threaded on cylindrical feet formed directly in the body 16, by way of non-limiting illustration. The skilled person may implement any other type of spring adapted to his own needs without departing from the scope of the invention.

Therefore, each rod 28 is movable, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strand 4, between an extracted position and a retracted position.

The extracted position is illustrated in FIG. 2a. In this configuration, each rod 28 can be engaged in the hole of the corresponding horn 10 to ensure the locking of the bracelet strand on the box 2.

The retracted position is illustrated in FIG. 2b. In this configuration, the rods 28 are retracted into the body 16 and the strap strand 4 can be positioned between the horns 10 of the box 2 or be extracted therefrom.

More specifically, the housings 26 are open in the hollow central region of the body 16. The rods 28 each have a first substantially curved cylindrical portion 34 with the same radius of curvature as the housing 26 and a second portion 36 disposed in the central region of the body 16. The second portion 36 has a generally prismatic shape of transverse dimensions greater than the diameter of the housing 26 so that it defines a stop for the rod 28 by cooperating with the body 16 in the extracted position of the rod 28. Furthermore, a slot 38 is formed in each of the second portions to allow the insertion of an end of the corresponding elastic return member 30 and ensure a better stability of the contact between the elastic member 30 and the rod 28.

An actuating member 40 (referenced in FIG 1) is associated with the two rods 28, to allow a user to act on them and move them simultaneously from their extracted position to their retracted position, case of need.

The actuating member 40 comprises a slide 42 mounted in longitudinal translation on the body 16, between a rest position and an unlocking position, by means of two lateral guiding pins 44 integral with the body 16, whose free ends are engaged in elongated recesses 46 formed in the drawer 42.

The drawer 42 comprises first and second additional recesses 48 (symmetrical here) each of which is associated with one of the rods 28.

Each recess 48 has a wall inclined with reference to the longitudinal direction of the strand 4 defining an actuating surface 50, or cam, disposed against a bearing surface 52 of the corresponding rod 28.

It appears from a comparative view of Figs. 2a and 2b that, when the drawer 42 is moved away from the box 2, each of its actuating surfaces 50 acts on the corresponding rod 28 to move it from its extracted position to its retracted or retracted position, by opposing the action of the corresponding resilient return member 30.

Note that, preferably, an additional elastic return member 54 has been illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b. This is interposed between the body 16 and the slide 42, being disposed in a housing adapted thereto, so that it can act on the slide 42 to tend to position it in its rest position.

Thus, when starting from the unlocked configuration illustrated in FIG. 2b, the drawer 42 is released by the user, it is pushed towards the box 2 by its additional elastic return member 54 while, at the same time, each rod 28 is pushed towards its extracted position by its own resilient return member 30.

From the point of view of the construction of this mechanism, the first portions 34 of the rods 28 are inserted into the housing 26 from the inside of the body 16 and the other components housed in the central region of the body 16 are put in place . The drawer 42 can then be made integral with the body 16 (with its degree of freedom in translation) by being placed in the service position and then by inserting the lateral guide pins 44 into the corresponding holes of the body 16 and then into the elongated recesses 46 of the drawer 42. The flexible covering 14 can then be affixed by implementing any suitable method, the central region of the body 16 being at least partially left free to allow the movement of the drawer 42. Finally, the cover 12 can be made integral. of the slide 42, the assembly thus constituting the actuating member 40, by clipping, gluing, screwing or any other suitable method, to conceal the mechanism.

Note that the cover 12 is here provided with grooves (reference numeral 56 in Fig. 1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strand 4 to facilitate handling by a user to move the drawer 42 to move away of the box 2 and thus release the strand 4. Of course, other means facilitating the handling of the cover 12 may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention such as a knurling or even just a rough surface finish.

Thus, the construction and mode of operation of the fastening mechanism of the bracelet strand according to the present invention allow a user to make himself a bracelet change on his wristwatch, without having to resort to a specialist or even to particular tools.

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,

Claims (12)

such as the shape of the various components of the fastening mechanism, including its body, rods or the actuator. The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a bracelet strand that only partially meets the characteristics just described, but without going out of the scope of the present invention. For example, the strand 4 may also be made to be secured to another strand by means of a clasp type folding clasp without departing from the scope of the invention. It is even conceivable to make a bracelet that has only one strand, elastic, each end of which includes a mechanism for attachment to a box according to the present invention. claims 1. Strand (4) of interchangeable bracelet for wristwatch (1), having a first end (6) intended to be secured to a box (2) wristwatch (1) and carrying a body (16). ) provided with at least a first housing (26) for at least a first rod (28) arranged in said first housing (26) being movable in translation between retracted and retracted positions, a portion (34) of said first rod being arranged projecting from said body (16) in said extracted position to cooperate with an adapted hole in the box (2), said body (16) carrying an actuating member (40) arranged to pass said first rod (28). ) from its extracted position to its retracted position in response to an action of a user, and an elastic return member (30) arranged to exert a force on said first rod (28) tending to position it in its extracted position characterized in that said body actuation (40) comprises a slide (42) arranged on said body (16) so as to be able to slide with reference to the latter in the longitudinal direction of the strand (4), between a rest position and an unlocking position, and said slide (42) carries an actuating surface (50) inclined with reference to said longitudinal direction of the strand (4) and arranged in abutment against a bearing surface (52) of said first rod (28), such that when said drawer (42) is moved from its rest position to its unlocking position, said actuating surface (50) acts on said first rod (28) to move it from its retracted position to its retracted position . 2. strand (4) bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that said first rod (28) comprises a first portion (34) substantially cylindrical and engaged in said first housing (26) of said body (16), and a second portion (36) arranged inside said body (16) and on which said bearing surface (52) is formed. 3. Strand (4) bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that said second portion (36) of said first rod (28) has transverse dimensions greater than the diameter of said first housing (26) in such a way that it defines an abutment for said first rod (28) cooperating with said body (16) in said extracted position of said first rod (28). 4. Strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuating surface (50) is a wall of a recess (48) formed in said drawer (42), in particular in its face arranged opposite said body (16). 5. Strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (16) comprises a second housing (26) for a second rod (28), arranged in said second housing (26) being movable in translation between extracted and retracted positions and associated with a second elastic return member (30), arranged to exert a force on said second rod (28) tending to position it in its extracted position, said second rod (28) being arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to said first rod (28) in reference to a plane (P) perpendicular to the middle of the strand (4) of the bracelet in its longitudinal direction, and in that said slide (42) carries a surface of additional actuation (50) inclined with reference to said longitudinal direction of the strand (4) and arranged in abutment against a bearing surface (52) of said second rod (28), such that when said r (42) is moved from its home position to its unlocked position, said additional actuation surface (50) acts on said second rod (28) to move it from its retracted position to its retracted position. 6. strand (4) bracelet according to claim 5, characterized in that said additional actuating surface (50) is a wall of a recess (48) formed in said drawer (42), in particular in its arranged face facing said body (16). 7. strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (16) carries at least two guide pins (44) substantially aligned with each other and oriented in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular to said longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand (4) and each of which is engaged in an elongated lateral recess (46) corresponding to said slide (42) for guiding the latter according to its translational movement between its rest and unlocking positions. 8. Strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional resilient member (54) arranged between said body (16) and said drawer (42) in such a way that it exerts a force on said slide (42) tending to position it in its rest position. 9. Strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flexible covering (14), preferably textile, leather or elastomer, arranged to partially cover said body (16). ), an indwelling core (20) being integral with said body (16) and being bonded or sewn to said flexible covering (14), and in that it further comprises a cover (12) integral with said drawer (42) and having a manipulator surface (56) for facilitating an action by a user to move it in translation along said longitudinal direction of the strand (4) of a bracelet, said hood (12) being arranged and dimensioned in such a way that it overlaps partially said flexible covering (14), and that it covers the portion of said body (16) not covered by said flexible covering (14). 10. Strand (4) bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the face (24) of said body (16) intended to be positioned opposite the watch case (2) is curved in such a way that it is capable of conforming to the shape of the box (2) when the latter is round, in a cushion or barrel, and in that said first rod (28) or said first and second rods (28) are curved, of same as said first housing (26) or said first and second housing (26) of said body (16). 11. Bracelet for wristwatch (1) comprising at least one strand (4) according to one of the preceding claims. 12. Wristwatch (1) comprising a bracelet according to claim 11.