EP0006664B1 - Bracelet made of rigid links directly jointed with each other - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the present invention is a bracelet formed of rigid links directly articulated to each other and in which each articulation is formed by an articulation head limited by a surface in the shape of an arc of a cylinder, forming part of a link and by a housing. formed in the adjacent link, the articulation head being engaged in this housing on an arc of more than 180 °.

Bracelets of this kind are already known, executed in particular in the form of watch straps. The links may consist of sections cut from a profile obtained for example by drawing. They are assembled by engagement of the articulation heads in the housings by a transverse relative displacement. The sections are then blocked with respect to one another, for example by crimping. This technique makes it possible to produce bracelets of varying appearance by relatively simple means, the assembly work being reduced to a minimum. Patent CH-A 573 731 describes, for example, a bracelet of this kind in which the articulation heads project from the thickness of the link and engage in housings formed in the edge of the adjacent link. A defect of bracelets of this kind is that when two adjacent mail-Ions form an angle with respect to each other, a slit appears between them, which disturbs the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet and, on the other hand , promotes the introduction of dust or grime between the links.

Also known from patent CH-A 593 032 are watch straps formed from articulated elements and in which the articulations comprise inverted scrolls engaged in one another. These scrolls have the shape of hooking lips of constant thickness having a curved appearance. In this construction, however, where there is no provision for an actual articulation head, the locking of the articulations requires the presence of added parts put in place during assembly. This is how each element consists of a link proper which forms the visible part of the element and a connecting element. Each connecting element has on its edges the inverted volutes, mentioned above, and, in its central part, a groove used for securing the link itself. The latter constitutes the visible part of the bracelet element and, at the same time, ensures the locking of the joints, while allowing a slight pivoting movement.

The present invention aims, on the contrary, to produce bracelets, each element of which is formed in one piece.

Among the different forms that can be given to bracelets formed of articulated links, the so-called "godron" form has a particular reputation. However, for a godron type bracelet to really have the required appearance, it is necessary that the different links appear as perfect cylinders arranged tangentially to each other. The hinged link bracelets known up to now generally do not make perfect gadroon type bracelets. Indeed, the attachment of the articulation heads to the links always becomes visible when the bracelet is in the curved position.

Another shortcoming of hinged link bracelets known up to now is that the angle that two adjacent links can take with respect to each other is relatively limited, which does not allow links having a certain width to be produced. and therefore reduce the number of links constituting a bracelet. Indeed, the more the number of links is reduced, the more the angle between two adjacent links increases. For a full bracelet of twenty links, the average angle will be 18 °, while for a bracelet of ten links, it will be 36 °.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these defects, by creating a bracelet of the kind mentioned which can be produced in the form of a gadroon or a bracelet with a small number of links.

For this purpose, the bracelet according to the invention is characterized in that the said housings are each limited by a cylinder arc lip which has an external face tangentially connecting to an external face homologous with another link.

• la fig. 1 est une vue en perspective d'un maillon d'une première forme d'exécution,
• la fig. 2 une vue en coupe à plus petite échelle d'une partie d'un bracelet formé de maillons selon la fig. 1,
• la fig. 3 est une vue de profil de deux maillons assemblés appartenant à une seconde forme d'exécution de l'objet de l'invention,
• les fig. 4, 5, 6 et 7 sont des vues analogues à celle de la fig. 3, mais correspondant à trois autres formes possibles d'exécution du bracelet décrites à titre d'exemple d'application des possibilités offertes par l'objet de l'invention, et
• les fig. 8 à 10 sont des vues schématiques montrant le profil des éléments de deux autres formes d'exécution.

Various embodiments of the bracelet according to the invention will be described below, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawing, of which:

• fig. 1 is a perspective view of a link of a first embodiment,
• fig. 2 a sectional view on a smaller scale of a part of a bracelet formed of links according to FIG. 1,
• fig. 3 is a side view of two assembled links belonging to a second embodiment of the subject of the invention,
• fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are views similar to that of FIG. 3, but corresponding to three other possible embodiments of the bracelet described by way of example of application of the possibilities offered by the object of the invention, and
• fig. 8 to 10 are schematic views showing the profile of the elements of two other embodiments.

The link of the bracelet shown in fig. 1 will preferably be produced by drawing a metal section, the length of which may be as large as desired, then cutting this section into sections of equal length or of different length. The links can be made of steel, a copper alloy such as brass or nickel silver, silver or gold alloy, etc. They can also be made of plastic, and in this case, they could be produced by molding or by extrusion of a profile and sectioning, as for a production in metal.

We see that the link in fig. 1 has a general shape in S. It comprises an articulation head 1 of cylindrical shape which constitutes one of the ends of the profile. The surface in the shape of a cylinder arc 2 which extends over more than 180 ° and limits the articulation head 1, is extended on one side by a surface portion 3 with an S-profile. This surface portion includes in particular a zone 3a in an arc of a cylinder which is coaxial with the head 1. In other words, this zone 3a is a portion of cylindrical surface whose axis is common to that of the surface 2. Opposite this surface 3, extends a surface 4 which is also S-shaped and is connected to the surface 2. The surfaces 3 and 4 thus delimit in the link of FIG. 1 a connection zone 5 of constant thickness and less than the diameter of the cylindrical head 1. The connection zone 5 is extended by an attachment lip 6 bounded by two coaxial cylindrical surfaces, ie an external surface 7 and an internal surface 8, these two surfaces connecting respectively to surface 3 and to surface 4.

Op will also note that the thickness of the connection zone 5 and of the attachment lip 6 is by construction equal to the difference between the radii of the portions of cylindrical surfaces 2 and 3a.

Fig. 2 shows how a certain number of links of the type of FIG. 1 can be assembled together to form a godron-type bracelet. Each hooking lip 6 of a link is engaged between the articulation head 1 and the connection zone 5 of the adjacent link. The cylindrical arc surface 7 of each hooking lip therefore connects tangentially to the S-shaped surface 3 of the adjacent link. This is what gives the bracelet seen from its external side an appearance imitating that of a series of small cylinders joined to each other.

In fig. 2, three links A, B and C are placed in positions where they are aligned in a rectilinear direction, while two other links D and E form an angle relative to the adjacent link, so that the bracelet envelops a cylinder F, this cylinder being the one with the smallest radius that the bracelet can still wrap. Thus, the relative positions of the links B and C, on the one hand, and C and D, on the other hand, represent the maximum angle by which each joint can rotate. It can be seen that this angle depends on the shape of the surface 4. It is therefore not conditioned by the need to give the surfaces 2, 3 and 7 corresponding dimensions, in order to guarantee the appearance of the bracelet. The angle in question can easily reach more than 35 °.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a bracelet which is not of the godron type, but in which, on the contrary, attempts have been made to reduce the number of links by giving each of them the form of a plate. Between links A and B, there is an articulation angle of the order of 35 °. Each link comprises along one of its edges a head 9 of cylindrical shape limited by a surface in the shape of a cylinder arch 10 extending over more than 180 °. The head 9 is connected to the central zone 11 of the link by a connection zone 12 of thickness less than the diameter of the head 9, while along the other edge of the central zone 11, extends a lip d hooking 13 curved in a cylinder arc and delimiting a housing 14 having the dimensions of the head 9. The cylindrical surface 10 of the head 9 is also extended on one side by an S-shaped surface 15 of which a part 15a is coaxial to the head 9. On the other hand, the catching lip 13 is limited externally by a surface in the arc of a cylinder 16 and internally by a surface 17 parallel to the surface 16. It can be seen, by considering the articulation between the links A and B of fig. 3, that the surfaces 16 and 15a are of the same radius, as are the surfaces 10 and 17. Of course, the lip 13 surrounds the articulation head 9 over more than 180 °, for example the internal surface 17 has a cylinder arc shape at an angle of 225 °.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 again show links of the type shown in FIG. 1. The attachment lips of these links have an outer surface 18 (fig _: 4) or 19 (fig. 5) or 20 (fig. 6) which is not a surface in the shape of a cylinder arch, but which is shaped so as to vary the aesthetics of the bracelet. It is dotted in the case of FIG. 4, which makes it possible to produce bracelets of the type called "godron-godron", while it forms a tabular rib in the case of FIG. 5 and an oval shape in FIG. 6.

In the case of fig. 7, the principle of attachment of the links remains the same, but the pivoting angle, in one direction as in the other, is limited by the geometry of the links. In addition, when the links are assembled and the bracelet thus formed is placed in a curved position, a visible space is created between each link which increases on the external part of the bracelet and decreases on the internal part of the bracelet, this in relation to the degree of pivoting of each link. This effect also occurs when the bracelet is curved the other way.

In fig. 3, there is also shown in broken lines another profile which it would be possible to give to the central zones 11 of the links.

It is also not essential that all the links are identical, although such an arrangement facilitates manufacture by making it possible to produce a complete bracelet with a single type of profiles. Thus, the appearance of the bracelets can be varied by providing assemblies of links of different types provided with the attachment lips and the articulation heads described.

In fig. 8, another embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention is seen. This bracelet consists of links directly articulated to each other, but of two different types. The links 101a, 102a, 103a, 104a are of the first type, that is to say with two hooking lips, while the intermediate links 101b, 102b, 103b are links of the second type with two heads d 'joint. The links of the first type each have a central part, hooking lips 105 which are parts of constant thickness, curved in an arc of a circle so as to delimit, with the sides 106 and 107 of the part 103, two shaped housings. cylindrical 108 and 109.

Type b links also include a central part 110 and on either side of this central part, articulation heads 111 and 11 of cylindrical shape, attached to part 1 10 by connection zones 113. The central part 110 comprises an internal bead 114 which is limited on each side by a portion of surface in the shape of an arc of a cylinder, also coaxial with the corresponding articulation head and connected to this head by a delimiting surface which extends in the shape of an S and connects to the cylindrical surface of the head. On the outside, the elements 101b, 102b and 103b are limited by planar surfaces 115, 116 which extend opposite the flanks 107 and 106 of the adjacent links 101a, 102a and which constitute with these flanks. abutment surfaces.

As seen in fig. 8, the distance between the articulation heads 11 and 112, that is to say the space left free between these two articulation heads which extend opposite one another beyond from the top of the bead 114, is equal to twice the thickness of the fastening tabs 104 and 105, so that, when the fastening lips of the links 101 a and 102a are each engaged on one of the heads joint 112 or 111, their outer surfaces are contiguous. Each of the links 101a and 102a can pivot around the axis of the articulation head 112 or 111 while the outer surfaces of the hooking lips remain in contact with each other and tangent to each other. 'other. As seen in the drawing, the links are symmetrical with respect to a median plane. The relative position of the three links located at the right end and designated by 103a, 103b and 104a shows the minimum radius of curvature that the bracelet can take. Only the central surfaces of the hooking lip links 101a, 102a, 103a and 104a are visible from the outside. These are curved surfaces which join tangentially to the outer surfaces of the lips.

The manufacture and assembly of the links shown in fig. 8 can be produced exactly as described with regard to bracelets with identical links of the first embodiments. These elements can also be made, either of plastic, or of a metal such as brass, nickel silver or even steel, or also of a precious metal such as gold, silver or their alloys. Preferably, the manufacturing method applied will be stretching. We can however, after having cut the profile elements into short length segments in order to make the links, resume these elements on. a lathe or a milling machine to machine the elements which will ensure the blocking in the direction of the axis of the articulation heads.

In fig. 9, we again see the central part of a bracelet made up of two different types of links, the links 117a, 117b, 117c and the links 118a, 118b. The links 117a, b and c are links with hooking lips curved in the shape of a cylinder arc, while the links 118 are links with articulation heads. The attachment lips 119 and 120 of the link 117a have the same arrangement and the same shape as the attachment lips 104 and 105 of the link 101 a while the two articulation heads 121 and 122 of the link 118a are arranged and arranged like the articulation heads 112 and 11 of the link 101b. On the other hand, the central part of the link 118a is strongly swollen and has a projection 123 whose sides 124 and 125 are surfaces in the shape of an arc of a cylinder coaxial with the articulation heads 121 and 122 and located at a distance from the lateral face of these heads of articulation which is equal to the thickness of the attachment lips 119 and 120. Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, when the articulation heads 121 and 122 are engaged in the cylindrical arc housings delimited by the attachment lips 120 and 119 of two links 117a and 117b for example, the curved external face of the bulge 123 which appears, at the outside of the bracelet is connected by rounds 125 and 126 tangentially to the central surface of the elements 117a and 117b. In fact, the attachment lips 119 and 120 are engaged with a small clearance in housings delimited by surfaces 125 or 124. Of course, the attachment lips 119 and 120 extend in an arc of circle over a greater angle. at 180 ° so as to mechanically hang the heads 121 and 122 in the manner of a ball joint. The maximum angle between the sides 127 and 128 of the link 118a and 129, 130 of each of the links 1 17a and 1 17b is achieved when the attachment lip 120 or 119 is fully engaged in the notch or housing delimited by the sides 124 and 125 of link 118a. In the other direction, the extreme position is obtained when the sides 127 and 129 are in contact with each other and when the same is true for the sides 128 and 130 of the parts 118a and 117a. This relative position is achieved for the two links 118b and 117c, while one has the other extreme position with the links 117d, 117e and 118c, see fig. 10.

Of course, other variants can also be envisaged with regard to the shape of the different links, the appearance of the visible surfaces, their structure and their shape. In particular, the aesthetic effects obtained by different surface states, as described in relation to FIGS. 4 to 7 can also be obtained with the embodiments described above.

The straps described can be watch straps. In this case, the end links will be arranged to receive a bar for fixing to the horns of the box, or any other means of connection. The bracelet can also be fitted with a clasp.

Finally, remember that in the embodiments described above, a bracelet is formed of links which have connecting surfaces arranged so that the visible surfaces of the links are tangent to each other. No day appears between the links, whatever the relative position of these.

Claims (10)

1. Bracelet having identical rigid links, each formed in one piece, connected to one another by hinges, characterized in that each hinge of two links, exhibiting an outside surface in the shape of an arc of a cylinder extending over more than 180° and by a hooking lip (6; 13) in the shape of an arc of a cylinder, belonging to the other link, partially surrounding the hinge head, and in that a portion of the outside surface of each link is prolonged on the side of its hinge head by an S-shaped joining surface (3; 15), one part of which is coaxial with the hinge head and which extends tangentially to the outside face (7; 16) of the hooking lip of said other link.

2. Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that each link is entirely constituted by a hinge head (1), by a hooking lip of constant thickness (6), and by a joining zone (5) of thickness equal to that of the lip, connecting the latter to the hinge head and exhibiting an S-shape.

3. Bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer surface of each hooking lip is either smooth (7; 16), or knurled (18) or exhibiting a tabular aspect (19) while fitting together tangentially with the S-shaped surface of the adjacent link.

4. Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the links are in the form of small plates (11) and each comprise a hinge head (9) along one of the edges of the link and a hooking lip (13) along the other edge, each link comprising a central zone of greater thickness than that of the lip, situated between the hinge head and the hooking lip.

5. Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the links are formed of segments of sections.

6. Bracelet having rigid links, each formed in one piece, connected to one another by hinges, each one of which hinges includes a hinge head in the shape of an arc of a cylinder of an angle greater than 180° integral with one link and a seating in the shape of an arc of a cylinder made in another link, characterized in that it is made up of links having two hinge heads (101b, 102b, 103b, 117a, 118b, 118c) and of links having two seatings (101 a, 102a, 103a, 117b, 117b, 1 17c), and in that part of the surface in the shape of an arc of a cylinder (108) of each seating constitutes the inside face of a hooking lip (104), itself in the shape of an arc of a cylinder, of constant thickness, the outside surface of which extends tangentially to an outside surface portion of an adjacent link.

7. Bracelet according to claim 6, characterized in that the hinge heads of the links having two hinge heads (101 b) are disposed facing one another, and in that the hooking lips (104) of the adjacent links, each of which lips surrounds one of the heads of a single link, are tangent to one another.

8. Bracelet according to claim 6, characterized in that the links having two hinge heads (118a) comprise between the two heads a projecting central part (223) bounded by two lateral surfaces in the shape of an arc of a cylinder (124, 125), each coaxial with one of the heads.

9. Bracelet according to claim 8, characterized in that the curvatures of the visible surfaces of the links having hooking lips (117a) and of the links having hinge heads (118a) are at least approximately alike.

10. Bracelet according to claim 9, characterized in that the visible parts of the links having hinge heads (118a) are joined to the said cylindrical surface portions (124, 125) coaxial with the hinge heads by roundings (225, 226) tangent to the visible surfaces of the links having hooking lips (117a, 117b).

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