CN113727623A

CN113727623A - Fastener for chain belt

Info

Publication number: CN113727623A
Application number: CN202080022078.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚历山德罗·卡米利
Original assignee: Daniel Roth et Gerald Genta Haute Horlogerie SA
Current assignee: Bulgari Horlogerie SA; Daniel Roth et Gerald Genta Haute Horlogerie SA
Priority date: 2019-03-21
Filing date: 2020-03-17
Publication date: 2021-11-30
Also published as: WO2020187907A1; CH715988A1; CH715988B1; EP3941300B1; EP3941300A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastener (1) for a bracelet or bracelet strand, comprising a central blade (2) and two mobile blades (12), each mobile blade (12) being hinged at one longitudinal end of the central blade (2), characterized in that each movable blade (12) has two side arms (13) for being received outside the side surfaces of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration, the two side arms (13) comprise a first free end connected to the longitudinal end of the central blade (2) by a first pin (10), and a second end portion able to receive a second pin (30) to connect with a hinge strap (40) of a bracelet or bracelet strand, the central blade (2) comprising in its central upper surface a hollow portion (4) for receiving such a second pin (30) arranged at the second end portion of the side arm (13) in the closed configuration of the fastener (1).

Description

Fastener for chain belt

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fastener for a bracelet of an ornamental article or timepiece. The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising such a fastener and to an ornament or a timepiece comprising such a fastener.

Background

There are various solutions for attaching the two hinges (strand) of the bracelet to the wrist of the wearer. The first solution is simple in that the end of each hinge is provided with engagement means, for example in the form of a simple buckle and tongue at one end which engages with a hole at the other end. A disadvantage of this solution is that upon opening the engaging means, the two hinges of the bracelet immediately separate, thus risking the fall of the bracelet.

In order to overcome this drawback, another solution consists in providing an intermediate element of the buckle type, which is arranged between the two bracelet strands, which remains fixed at all times to the ends of the two strands. Such fasteners assume two configurations: a closed configuration for wearing the bracelet, wherein the bracelet and fastener extend around the circumference of the wrist by having an overall length that allows the bracelet to be held in place; and an open or deployed configuration that can increase the length of the fastener, and thus the length of the bracelet, by separating the two ends of the two hinges, without detaching the two hinges of the bracelet from the fastener, to allow the passage of a hand and removal of the bracelet. In this open configuration of the fastener, the two hinges of the bracelet do not separate, thus minimizing the risk of the bracelet falling, which is advantageous for example for watches.

In the case of a solution with fasteners, the first objective is to pursue an optimal comfort when wearing the fastener band and a successful aesthetic effect of the fastener band containing the fasteners. For this reason, it is advantageous that the fastener preferably matches the contour of the wrist, even a small wrist, when the fastener is in the closed configuration. At the same time, a second objective is to achieve a large open surface area of the link belt in the unfolded configuration of the fastener for easier hand passage. One difficulty in making the fastener is therefore to establish a compromise between fitting the wrist of the watch wearer closely and comfortably, achieving aesthetic results and providing a large opening sufficient for the wearer's hand to pass through.

Disclosure of Invention

A general object of the present invention is to provide a fastener for a link belt which is capable of achieving an optimal aesthetic effect and maximum reliability and user-friendliness in terms of its opening and closing functions.

To this end, the invention relates to a fastener for a bracelet comprising a central blade and two movable blades, each hinged at a longitudinal end of the central blade, wherein each movable blade has two side arms for fitting outside the side surfaces of the central blade in a closed configuration, the two side arms comprising a first free end connected with the longitudinal end of the central blade by a first pin, and a second end capable of receiving a second connecting pin for hinged connection with the bracelet, the central blade comprising in its central upper surface a recess for receiving such second pin arranged at the second ends of the side arms in the closed configuration of the fastener.

Each movable blade may comprise a U-shape having a cross-bar connecting the two arms at their second ends, the cross-bar comprising a transverse opening capable of receiving a second connecting pin to connect with the chainbelt.

The lower surface of the central vane may be planar or have an inverted convexity relative to its upper surface.

The fastener for the bracelet may comprise at least one fixing device arranged in the central blade for fixing each movable blade, to hold the movable blade in position in the closed configuration of the fastener.

The securing means may be a ball/spring assembly or a resilient blade.

The central leaf may comprise at least one lateral opening on either side of its recessed portion to receive a fixing means comprising two ball/spring assemblies in each of said lateral openings.

The fastener for the link belt may include a recessed area and a stop disposed in a surface of the at least one side arm for cooperating with the securing device in a closed configuration of the fastener.

The geometry of the side arms of the movable blade may be adapted to the geometry of the central blade such that they do not protrude in a vertical direction from the upper surface nor from the lower surface of the central blade in the closed configuration of the fastener. The vertical direction is understood to be perpendicular to the lower and upper surfaces.

The invention also relates to a link belt, wherein it comprises two link belt hinges connected by a fastener as described above.

The first link of each link belt may include a recessed region into which at least a portion of the fastener fits in the closed configuration of the fastener.

The invention also relates to a piece of jewellery or a timepiece, wherein it comprises a bracelet as described above.

Drawings

Further advantages and characteristics appear more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows an exploded perspective view from above of a fastener for a link belt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view from above of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view from below of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration.

Fig. 4 shows a view from above of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a side view in longitudinal section of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view from above of the central blade of the fastener according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a central blade of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view from above of the moving blade of the fastener according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a fastening device for fastening a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastening device for fastening a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a fastener strip equipped with fasteners and with the fasteners in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a view from below of a link belt equipped with fasteners and with the fasteners in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective side view of a fastener-equipped fastener strip during a closing phase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a fastener strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastener strip being equipped with a fastener and the fastener being in a closed configuration.

Detailed Description

For simplicity of description, by convention, the term "longitudinal direction" will be used to refer to a direction along the length of the fastener or hinge strip of the link strip, and the term "transverse direction" will be used to refer to a perpendicular direction (along its width) in the plane of the fastener or hinge strip of the link strip. The vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the first two directions and is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the fastener strip or fastener. In addition, the term "link" is used to denote the basic component parts of a strand. "fastener tape" means the entire fastener tape, with or without fasteners, or one or more strands of the fastener tape. The adjectives "upper" and "lower" are used to refer to surfaces or elements located on the opposite side of the wrist and on the side of the wrist, respectively, in view of the fact that the fastener and the stringers are located around the wrist, or are located by expansion such that they are configured to surround the wrist. The adjective "lateral" will be used to refer to surfaces or elements located toward the ends of the fastener and the fastener strips as viewed in the transverse direction. The lateral ends of the fastener will advantageously be formed by longitudinal vertical sides.

Fig. 1 to 5 show a fastener 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Such a fastener comprises three blades, one central blade 2 surrounded by two movable blades 12, the two movable blades 12 being arranged symmetrically via a connecting piece which can move in rotation around a first pin 10, the first pin 10 being arranged at each longitudinal end of the central blade 2. Each moving blade 12 comprises a second pin 30 arranged at its longitudinal end opposite to the longitudinal end connected to the central blade 2, by means of which second pin 30 the moving blade can be connected with a bracelet hinge, as described below with reference to figures 12 to 15.

Fig. 2 to 4 show the fastener in a closed configuration in which each movable blade 12 is bent onto the central blade 2. In this closed configuration, the ends of each movable blade 12, which are intended to receive the fixing means of the bracelet strands, are close to, in contact with or almost in contact with each other in the central portion of the central blade 2. The securing device 20 holds this closed configuration of the fastener in place in a stable manner, as will be explained below.

Figures 7 and 8 show more in detail the central blade 2 of the fastener 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. This central blade 2 is narrow in the transverse direction, since it is intended to be laterally covered by the arms of the movable blade 12, as described below. The width in the transverse direction constitutes substantially half the total width of the fastener. In a central portion of the upper surface 5 of the central blade 2 a recess 4 is provided, which recess 4 is intended to receive a crossbar 14 of a moving blade 12, as can be seen in particular in fig. 5. Except for this recessed portion 4, the upper surface has a circular convex shape that substantially follows the shape of the wrist. In contrast, the lower surface 3 of the central blade 2 intended to be in direct contact with the wrist has a substantially planar central portion, or even surprisingly a slightly inverted (inverted) convexity with respect to the wrist. Such a shape may maximize the height (i.e., thickness) of the center blade 2 at the center portion thereof, which is measured in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the formation of a large recess 4 sufficient to receive the crossbar 14. Thus, the convexity of the two surfaces (upper 5 and lower 3) is adapted to increase the height of the central blade at its centre. This increase is also adapted to the material chosen for the central blade, since this material also achieves a shape with sufficient mechanical strength. Around this central recess 4, in the area of the central blade 2 which is high enough to advantageously receive a fixing means 20 for fixing the movable blade, a transverse through-hole 6 is arranged, as will be explained in detail below. More precisely, two lateral openings 6 are arranged on either side of the recess 4. Finally, at each longitudinal end of the central blade 2 a transverse opening 9 is arranged, which transverse opening 9 is designed to receive a first pin 10 for pivoting of the movable blade 12.

Fig. 9 shows a moving blade 12 of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a moving vane has a U-shape comprising two side arms 13 intended to be fitted outside the side surfaces of the central vane 2 in the closed configuration, as shown in figures 2 to 4. The two side arms 13 comprise a first free end connected, provided with an opening 19, which opening 19 is intended to receive a first pivot connection pin 10 for pivoting connection with one end of the central blade 2. Furthermore, the moving blade 12 comprises a crossbar 14 forming the base of the U, which connects the two side arms 13 at the second ends of these side arms 13. The cross bar 14 includes a transverse through hole 18, the transverse through hole 18 for receiving a second connecting pin 30 to hingedly connect with the link belt. Finally, each arm 13 comprises on its inner surface a recessed area 15, this recessed area 15 being intended to cooperate with a fixing means which will be described below.

In the closed configuration of the fastener, the two crossbars 14 of the two movable blades 12 are fitted respectively in the recesses 4 of the central blade 2, and the lateral arms 13 of each movable blade are positioned around the central blade, almost in contact, on the left and right sides of the central blade. Thus, the movable blade and the central blade are located substantially on the same horizontal plane. As shown in the section of fig. 5 through the middle longitudinal section AA shown in fig. 4, the shape of the recesses 4 is adapted to the transverse bars 14 such that these bars are placed completely in these recesses, in particular not protruding or protruding only slightly from the upper surface 5 of the central blade 2. The recess 4 comprises a convex rounded bottom with a higher surface in the central part, thereby forming two recesses essentially delimited by walls which are in the shape of a part of a circle and have a radius of curvature adapted to the cylindrical crossbar 14. In addition, the side arms 13 have a height and shape corresponding to the central blade 2, such that these side arms 13 do not protrude from the central blade 2 in the vertical direction in the closed configuration of the fastener. This arrangement minimizes the volume of the fastener in the closed configuration to minimize its effect on the overall fastener strip, as described below.

In addition, the fastener 1 is equipped with several fixing means 20, shown in fig. 10 and 11, the function of which is to participate in holding the movable blade 12 in position in the closed configuration of the fastener, so as to prevent unintentional accidental opening of the fastener. Each fixing means 20 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 comprising a ball 22 at each open end, the ball 22 being loaded by a helical spring 23 in a pre-loaded configuration. At rest, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, each helical spring 23 exerts a force on the associated ball 22, which is directed towards the outside of the fixing means 20. Thus, each ball 22 is held against the inner side wall of the fixture while both ends of the fixture protrude from the fixture. The fixing device 20 is configured to be positioned in the transverse opening 6 of the central blade 2 such that each of the two balls 22 protrudes outside the lateral wall of the left and right side of the central blade, respectively.

During the operation of closing the clasp, the arms 13 of the movable blades 12 rest on the projecting balls 22, causing them to be temporarily retracted into the fixing means 20, against the force exerted by the associated springs 23. As the arms 13 continue to move to their final closed position, the balls 22 are positioned alongside the recessed areas 15 arranged in the inner surface of these arms 13, which allows the balls 22 to resume their protruding rest position under the action of their associated springs. The ball 22 thus fits in the recessed area 15 of the arm 13 of the moving blade 12. Each recessed area 15 comprises a horizontal or even chamfered surface delimiting it, which is positioned in the lower part in the closed configuration of the catch, as shown in fig. 6, which forms a stop 16 by resting on a ball 22, preventing the upward open movement of the movable blade 12 and thus ensuring the function of remaining in position. This arrangement, and in particular the force exerted by the spring 23, is designed to prevent accidental opening of the fastener 1, while allowing it to be opened by the deliberate effort of the user.

Fig. 12 shows a fastener joined to two chain belts 40 by means of the second pins 30 of two movable blades 12 as described above. The fastener is in its deployed configuration, with its total length corresponding to the sum of the length of the central blade 2 and the length of the two movable blades 12, which greatly increases the total length of the bracelet for the passage of hands.

FIG. 13 shows the same fastener strip in an open position in a view from below. This shows that the first link 42 of each chain belt close to the moving blade has a recessed area 45 on its lower surface, the geometry of which allows to at least partially fit half of the fastener in the closed configuration, so as to hide it and minimize its aesthetic impact in the closed configuration of the fastener.

FIG. 14 shows an intermediate stage of closure of the fastener of the link belt shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. To do this, the two vanes pivot about their respective first pins 10 until the closed configuration shown in fig. 15 is reached. In this closed position, the two crossbars 14 and therefore the second pins 30 are inserted into the recesses of the central blade 2 of the fastener, which brings the upper surfaces of each end of the chain band hinges 40 into near contact, creating the impression of a continuous chain band in the view from above, the fastener not being visible. This impression is enhanced by the fastener then fitting fully or partially into the recessed area 45 of the first link 42 of the link belt hinge. Thus, even in the side view of fig. 15, the fastener 1 is barely visible in the closed configuration. Thus, this construction has the advantage of achieving optimum aesthetics, as the fastener is concealed in the closed configuration and the fastener strips appear continuous.

It should be noted that the width of the links of the link belt is therefore greater than the width of the fastener. The width may be greater than or equal to 30%, or even 50%, or even twice the width of the fastener.

The various blades of the fastener may be made of metal or metal alloy (e.g., titanium) or made of ceramic. As a variant, they may be made of a plastic material, such as PEEK, or of a composite material, such as a carbon-based composite material.

As mentioned above, the invention also relates to an article, which may be a link belt. It therefore also relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, which may include such a bracelet. More generally, it also relates to an ornament or a timepiece comprising such a bracelet.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In particular, the fixing means 20 may be different. The number of balls in the ball/spring assembly may vary. As a variant, the fixing means may be formed by means other than a ball/spring assembly, for example by another means comprising an elastically movable fixing element. The fixing element may be formed by a lateral elastic blade obtained directly through a cut made in the material of the central blade of the fastener.

The shape of the elements of the fastener may vary. In particular, the movable blade always comprises two side arms resting on the sides of the central blade. However, they do not necessarily have a U-shape, and the second connecting pin 30 may replace the cross bar 14.

The invention also relates to a fastener for a link belt, the member comprising a central blade and two movable blades, each hinged at a longitudinal end of the central blade, wherein the central blade comprises at least one transverse opening for receiving a fixing means to hold the movable blades in position in the closed configuration of the fastener. The fixture may include two ball/spring assemblies.

Claims

1. A fastener (1) for a link belt, comprising a central blade (2) and two movable blades (12), each movable blade (12) being hinged at a longitudinal end of the central blade (2), wherein each movable blade (12) has two side arms (13) for fitting outside the side surfaces of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration, the two side arms (13) comprise a first free end connected to the longitudinal end of the central blade (2) by a first pin (10), and a second end portion capable of receiving a second connecting pin (30) to connect with the link belt (40), the central blade (2) comprises in its central upper surface a recess (4) for receiving such a second pin (30) arranged at the second end of the side arm (13) in the closed configuration of the fastener (1).

2. The fastener for a link belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each movable blade (12) comprises a U-shape with a cross bar (14) connecting two arms (13) at their second ends, said cross bar (14) comprising a transverse opening (18) able to receive a second connecting pin (30) for connection with a link belt hinge (40).

3. The fastener for link belt (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower surface (3) of the central blade (2) is planar or has a convexity that is inverted with respect to its upper surface (5).

4. The fastener for link belts (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises at least one fixing means (20) arranged in the central blade (2) for fixing each movable blade (12) to keep the movable blade (12) in position in the closed configuration of the fastener.

5. The fastener for link belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said fixing means (20) is a ball/spring assembly or an elastic blade.

6. The fastener for link belts (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said central blade (2) comprises at least one lateral opening (6) on either side of its recessed portion (4) to receive in each of said lateral openings (6) a fixing means (20) comprising two ball/spring assemblies.

7. The fastener for a link belt (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fastener comprises a recessed area (15) and a stop (16) arranged in a surface of at least one side arm (13) for cooperating with a fixing means (20) in a closed configuration of the fastener.

8. The fastener for link belt (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the geometry of the side arms (13) of the movable blade (12) is adapted to the geometry of the central blade (2) such that they do not protrude in a vertical direction from the upper surface (5) nor from the lower surface (3) of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration of the fastener.

9. A chain strap, wherein the chain strap comprises two chain strap hinges (40) connected by a fastener (1) according to any preceding claim.

10. The link belt of the preceding claim wherein the first link (42) of each link belt (40) comprises a recessed region (45) in which at least a portion of the fastener (1) fits in the closed configuration of the fastener.

11. An ornament or a timepiece, wherein it comprises a bracelet according to any one of claims 9 and 10.