EP0383039B1 - Folding fastener for a bracelet - Google Patents

Folding fastener for a bracelet Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0383039B1
EP0383039B1 EP19900101032 EP90101032A EP0383039B1 EP 0383039 B1 EP0383039 B1 EP 0383039B1 EP 19900101032 EP19900101032 EP 19900101032 EP 90101032 A EP90101032 A EP 90101032A EP 0383039 B1 EP0383039 B1 EP 0383039B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
base
fastener
catch
clasp
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19900101032
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0383039A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marie Girardin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PETITJEAN SA
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PETITJEAN SA
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Publication date
Application filed by PETITJEAN SA filed Critical PETITJEAN SA
Publication of EP0383039A1 publication Critical patent/EP0383039A1/en
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Publication of EP0383039B1 publication Critical patent/EP0383039B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
    • A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a folding clasp for a bracelet, in particular a watch. It relates more particularly to a clasp of this type comprising a base and two arms articulated around the ends of the base, the free ends of the arms being connected to the ends of the bracelet, these members being moreover arranged so that the arms can be fitted in the base when the clasp is folded back on itself in order to reduce its thickness.
  • the base of this clasp is formed of two longitudinal members, the centers of which are connected by a cross member, and the ends by axes. Around each axis pivots an arm so that each arm is housed between the side members and in the extension of the other arm in the folded position of the clasp. Maintaining the clasp in this position is obtained by forcibly engaging a lug, arranged on a side face of an arm adjacent to a side member of the base, in a groove formed in the side face of the member facing this arm .
  • the deployment of the clasp is obtained in a similar manner by forcibly releasing the lug from the throat by means of a traction exerted on the arm of the clasp, or on the end of the bracelet which is connected to it.
  • This embodiment has the drawback, on the one hand, of requiring inconvenient handling to open the clasp and, on the other hand, of having no safety device to prevent its accidental opening which may result, for example, from '' a movement of the wrist causing a tension of the bracelet, or an involuntary catching of the bracelet with an obstacle.
  • An advantage of the invention is to allow the clasp to be opened by means of a simple pressure on pushers provided for this purpose.
  • the blocking device can be a lock preventing accidental opening of the clasp, this opening can only be obtained by voluntary action on the two pushers.
  • FIG. 1 A folding clasp for a bracelet according to the invention is partially shown in FIG. 1.
  • the reference 1 designates in this figure a base serving as support for the other elements of the clasp.
  • This base is constituted by a thin metal plate 2 having a rectangular outline and comprising in its middle a longitudinal slot 3 extending over most of the length of the plate.
  • the slot 3 delimits in the base 1 two parallel longitudinal members referenced respectively 4 and 4 ′.
  • the two side members are integral with one another at the two ends of the base 1, these ends, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1, corresponding to the short sides of the plate 2.
  • the base 1 thus defined has a longitudinal plane of symmetry passing through the middle of the slot 3, and a transverse plane of symmetry, perpendicular to the previous one, passing through the center of the plate 2. Only the longitudinal plane is represented by its trace pp ′ In fig. 2 and 3.
  • the side members 4 and 4 ′ being made of metal, have a certain elasticity which makes it possible to deform them in a reversible manner, in particular to move their center, which is in the plane of transverse symmetry, perpendicular to the plane of longitudinal symmetry.
  • the base 1 is also slightly curved in the longitudinal direction, which does not modify the previously defined symmetries.
  • a pusher 5 consisting of a thin plate, one end of which forms a head 6, leaves the clasp on the side opposite the spar 4 ′.
  • a similar pusher 5 ′ comprising a head 6 ′, is fixed in the same way to the spar 4 ′ in the extension of the pusher 5.
  • the application of a force F on the head 6 and a force F ′ on the head 6 ′, the force F ′ being equal to F but in the opposite direction will have the effect, thanks to the slot 3, of bringing the centers of the two longitudinal members 4 and 4 ′ closer together.
  • the clasp further comprises a substantially rectangular arm 10 pivoting about an axis aa ′ passing through one of the ends of the base 1, and another arm, not shown, identical to the previous one and pivoting around an axis of the other end of the base.
  • the arm 10 is formed of two branches similar 11 and 11 ′ which are arranged on either side of the base 1, these branches also having the same thickness and the same longitudinal curvature as this base, but a length equal to half of it. Finally between the free ends of the two branches 11, 11 ′, these branches having the same width as that of the longitudinal members 4, 4 ′, is arranged, facing the base 1 but on the side opposite to the pushers 5, 5 ′, a bar 12 intended to fix an end of a bracelet not shown.
  • the pivoting of the arm 10 around the axis aa ′ makes it possible either to place it in the extension of the base 1, or to fold it down on this base so that the arm and the base, coming to fit one in the other, they are on the same level and thus have a minimum thickness.
  • the other arm by pivoting around the other end of the base 1, can occupy the same positions.
  • the first position of the arms corresponds to the case where the clasp is deployed, this position making it possible to place the bracelet around a wrist.
  • the second position, that shown in FIG. 1, corresponds to that where, being folded back on itself, the clasp tightens the bracelet around the wrist, the free ends of the arms then coming opposite one another since each arm has a length equal to half of that of the base.
  • a locking device 15 is arranged between the beam 4 ′ and the branch 11 ′, as well as at the end of the other arm, not shown.
  • the device 15 which is shown in Figure 2a in a sectional view along the transverse plane of symmetry when no force is exerted on the pushers 5 and 5 ', comprises a lug 16 on the branch 11, and a groove 17 on the spar 4.
  • the lug 16 has, in this embodiment, the shape of a short corner disposed at the end of the branch 11 and delimited by two planes 18 and 19 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clasp.
  • the groove 17 has, for its part, a shape complementary to that of the lug, this groove possibly advantageously extending over the entire length of the spar 4.
  • the operation of the locking devices 15 and 15 ′ is as follows. No force being applied to the pushers 5, 5 ′ and the clasp being deployed, to close it simply fold the arm 10 on the base 1 by forcing the pins into the grooves, which is possible thanks to the transverse elasticity of the side members 4, 4 ′.
  • the angle between the planes 18 and 19 of the blocking device 15, and the corresponding angle of the device 15 ′, are also chosen in such a way that the force perpendicular to the base 1 necessary to disengage the lugs from the grooves is greater than that, in the same direction, resulting from the pull of the bracelet on the arm 10 under normal conditions of use. This which has just been said for the arm 10 is of course also valid for the other arm.
  • the clasp being folded, its opening requires simultaneous pressure on the heads 6 and 6 ′ of the pushers in order to produce the forces F and F ′.
  • These forces by bringing the pushers 5 and 5 ′ from one another, have the effect of bending the side members 4 and 4 ′ laterally, which makes it possible to disengage the lugs from the corresponding grooves of the locking devices 15 and 15 ′ , as shown in fig. 2b.
  • the arm 10 is then released and the simple pull of the bracelet is sufficient to rotate it around the axis aa ′. It is obvious that the pushers 5 and 5 ′ also act, and in the same way, on the locking devices of the other arm, since the two arms are identical.
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b Another embodiment of the lug 16 and of the groove 17 is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, this variant allowing the blocking device 15 to behave like a lock which can resist any traction on the arm 10 tending to move it away from the base 1.
  • the lug 16 and the groove 17 respectively comprise a planar stop face 20 and a planar stop face 21, each being oriented perpendicular to the planes of symmetry longitudinal and cross of the clasp. These faces are also arranged so as to come into contact with one another in the folded position of the clasp (fig.
  • the arm 10 could be arranged in the center, the branches 11 and 11 ′ then being joined, and the side members 4 and 4 ′ placed externally on either side of the arm. In other words, this would correspond to placing the arm 10 in the slot 3, the latter being widened and extended up to the axis aa ′.
  • the pusher 5 should then be connected to the spar 4 ′ and the pusher 5 ′ to the spar 4 so that they can act correctly on the locking devices 15 and 15 ′, each device being disposed, as before, between the opposite side faces respectively of a spar and the arm.
  • the other arm would have a structure identical to that of the arm 10 thus modified.

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Description

La présente invention concerne un fermoir dépliant pour bracelet, notamment de montre. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un fermoir de ce type comportant une base et deux bras articulés autour des extrémités de la base, les extrémités libres des bras étant reliées aux extrémités du bracelet, ces organes étant par ailleurs agencés pour que les bras puissent s'emboîter dans la base lorsque le fermoir est replié sur lui-même afin de diminuer son épaisseur.The present invention relates to a folding clasp for a bracelet, in particular a watch. It relates more particularly to a clasp of this type comprising a base and two arms articulated around the ends of the base, the free ends of the arms being connected to the ends of the bracelet, these members being moreover arranged so that the arms can be fitted in the base when the clasp is folded back on itself in order to reduce its thickness.

Une réalisation d'un tel fermoir est par exemple décrite en détail dans le document EP-A-0115 740 qui représente le base du préambule de le revendication indépendante 1. La base de ce fermoir est formée de deux longerons dont les milieux sont reliés par une traverse, et les extrémités par des axes. Autour de chaque axe pivote un bras de manière que chaque bras vienne se loger entre les longerons et dans le prolongement de l'autre bras en position repliée du fermoir. Le maintien du fermoir dans cette position est obtenu en engageant à force un ergot, disposé sur une face latérale d'un bras adjacente à un longeron de la base, dans une gorge pratiquée dans la face latérale du longeron se trouvant en regard de ce bras. Le déploiement du fermoir est obtenu de façon similaire en dégageant à force l'ergot de la gorge au moyen d'une traction exercée sur le bras du fermoir, ou sur l'extrémité du bracelet qui lui est reliée. Cette forme d'exécution présente cependant l'inconvénient, d'une part, de nécessiter une manipulation peu commode pour ouvrir le fermoir et, d'autre part, de ne comporter aucune sécurité pour empêcher son ouverture accidentelle pouvant résulter, par exemple, d'un mouvement du poignet provoquant une tension du bracelet, ou d'un accrochage involontaire du bracelet avec un obstacle.An embodiment of such a clasp is for example described in detail in the document EP-A-0115 740 which represents the base of the preamble of independent claim 1. The base of this clasp is formed of two longitudinal members, the centers of which are connected by a cross member, and the ends by axes. Around each axis pivots an arm so that each arm is housed between the side members and in the extension of the other arm in the folded position of the clasp. Maintaining the clasp in this position is obtained by forcibly engaging a lug, arranged on a side face of an arm adjacent to a side member of the base, in a groove formed in the side face of the member facing this arm . The deployment of the clasp is obtained in a similar manner by forcibly releasing the lug from the throat by means of a traction exerted on the arm of the clasp, or on the end of the bracelet which is connected to it. This embodiment, however, has the drawback, on the one hand, of requiring inconvenient handling to open the clasp and, on the other hand, of having no safety device to prevent its accidental opening which may result, for example, from '' a movement of the wrist causing a tension of the bracelet, or an involuntary catching of the bracelet with an obstacle.

La présente invention se propose de pallier ces inconvenients. Pour atteindre cet objectif, le fermoir dépliant selon l'invention comprenant :

  • une base en forme de plaque mince allongée comportant en son milieu une fente longitudinale délimitant dans la plaque deux longerons parallèles;
  • un premier et un deuxième bras, chaque bras, dont la longueur est sensiblement égale à la moitié de celle de la base, étant monté pivotant autour d'un axe disposé à une extrémité de la base de manière à venir dans le plan de la plaque et en regard de l'autre bras lorsque le fermoir est replié;
  • des moyens pour fixer une extrémité du bracelet à l'extrémité libre d'un des bras; et
  • un dispositif de blocage comportant un premier organe d'arrêt disposé sur la face latérale d'un longeron se trouvant en regard d'un bras, et un deuxième organe d'arrêt disposé sur le bras en regard du premier organe, ces organes, ayant des formes complémentaires l'un de l'autre, pouvant être engagés à force l'un dans l'autre pour maintenir le fermoir replié sur lui-même,
est principalement remarquable en ce que :
  • les milieux desdits longerons sont libres de se déplacer, par flexion élastique de chaque longeron, dans le plan de la plaque formant ladite base, et en ce que
  • un premier et un deuxième poussoirs sont fixés respectivement au milieu de chaque longeron de manière que les extrémités des poussoirs dépassent de part et d'autre du fermoir, et que des forces opposées exercées respectivement et simultanément sur ces extrémités, tendant à les rapprocher l'une de l'autre, aient pour effet d'éloigner le milieu d'un longeron du bras se trouvant en regard afin de libérer les organes d'arrêt et permettre le déploiement du fermoir.
The present invention proposes to overcome these drawbacks. To achieve this objective, the folding clasp according to the invention comprising:
  • a base in the form of an elongated thin plate having in its middle a longitudinal slot delimiting in the plate two parallel longitudinal members;
  • a first and a second arm, each arm, the length of which is substantially equal to half that of the base, being pivotally mounted about an axis disposed at one end of the base so as to come into the plane of the plate and opposite the other arm when the clasp is folded;
  • means for attaching one end of the bracelet to the free end one of the arms; and
  • a blocking device comprising a first stop member disposed on the lateral face of a beam located opposite an arm, and a second stop member disposed on the arm opposite the first member, these members having shapes complementary to each other, which can be force-fitted into each other to keep the clasp folded back on itself,
is mainly remarkable in that:
  • the midpoints of said beams are free to move, by elastic bending of each beam, in the plane of the plate forming said base, and in that
  • first and second pushers are fixed respectively in the middle of each spar so that the ends of the pushers protrude on either side of the clasp, and that opposite forces exerted respectively and simultaneously on these ends, tending to bring them together one of the other, have the effect of moving the middle of a side member of the arm lying opposite to release the stop members and allow the deployment of the clasp.

Un avantage de l'invention est de permettre l'ouverture du fermoir au moyen d'une simple pression sur des poussoirs prévus à cet effet.An advantage of the invention is to allow the clasp to be opened by means of a simple pressure on pushers provided for this purpose.

Un autre avantage résulte du fait que le dispositif de blocage peut être un verrou empêchant l'ouverture accidentelle du fermoir, cette ouverture ne pouvant être obtenue que par une action volontaire sur les deux poussoirs.Another advantage results from the fact that the blocking device can be a lock preventing accidental opening of the clasp, this opening can only be obtained by voluntary action on the two pushers.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages du fermoir selon la présente invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, faite en regard du dessin annexé et donnant, à titre explicatif mais nullement limitatif, un exemple de réalisation d'un tel fermoir. Sur ce dessin, où les mêmes références se rapportent à des éléments analogues :

  • la fig. 1 est une vue partielle en perspective d'une réalisation du fermoir selon l'invention;
  • les fig. 2a et 2b sont des vues en coupe du fermoir montrant un mode d'exécution du dispositif de blocage; et
  • les fig. 3a et 3b sont des vues représentant un autre mode d'exécution du dispositif de blocage, ce dispositif se comportant comme un verrou.
Other characteristics and advantages of the clasp according to the present invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing and giving, by way of explanation but in no way limiting, an example of embodiment of such a clasp. In this drawing, where the same references relate to similar elements:
  • fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the clasp according to the invention;
  • fig. 2a and 2b are sectional views of the clasp showing an embodiment of the locking device; and
  • fig. 3a and 3b are views showing another embodiment of the blocking device, this device behaving like a lock.

Un fermoir dépliant pour bracelet selon l'invention est partiellement représenté sur la fig. 1. La référence 1 désigne sur cette figure une base servant de support aux autres éléments du fermoir. Cette base est constituée par une plaque métallique mince 2 présentant un contour rectangulaire et comportant en son milieu une fente longitudinale 3 s'étendant sur la majeure partie de la longueur de la plaque. La fente 3 délimite dans la base 1 deux longerons parallèles référencés respectivement 4 et 4′. Les deux longerons sont solidaires l'un de l'autre aux deux extrémités de la base 1, ces extrémités, dont une seule est représentée sur la fig. 1, correspondant aux petits côtés de la plaque 2.A folding clasp for a bracelet according to the invention is partially shown in FIG. 1. The reference 1 designates in this figure a base serving as support for the other elements of the clasp. This base is constituted by a thin metal plate 2 having a rectangular outline and comprising in its middle a longitudinal slot 3 extending over most of the length of the plate. The slot 3 delimits in the base 1 two parallel longitudinal members referenced respectively 4 and 4 ′. The two side members are integral with one another at the two ends of the base 1, these ends, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1, corresponding to the short sides of the plate 2.

La base 1 ainsi définie présente un plan de symétrie longitudinal passant par le milieu de la fente 3, et un plan de symétrie transversal, perpendiculaire au précédent, passant par le centre de la plaque 2. Seul le plan longitudinal est représenté par sa trace pp′ sur les fig. 2 et 3. Bien entendu les longerons 4 et 4′, étant en métal, présentent une certaine élasticité qui permet de les déformer de manière réversible, en particulier de déplacer leur milieu, qui se trouve dans le plan de symétrie transversal, perpendiculairement au plan de symétrie longitudinal. Pour que le fermoir épouse mieux la forme du poignet, la base 1 est en outre légèrement courbée dans le sens longitudinal, ce qui ne modifie pas les symétries précédemment définies.The base 1 thus defined has a longitudinal plane of symmetry passing through the middle of the slot 3, and a transverse plane of symmetry, perpendicular to the previous one, passing through the center of the plate 2. Only the longitudinal plane is represented by its trace pp ′ In fig. 2 and 3. Of course the side members 4 and 4 ′, being made of metal, have a certain elasticity which makes it possible to deform them in a reversible manner, in particular to move their center, which is in the plane of transverse symmetry, perpendicular to the plane of longitudinal symmetry. In order for the clasp to better conform to the shape of the wrist, the base 1 is also slightly curved in the longitudinal direction, which does not modify the previously defined symmetries.

Au milieu du longeron 4 est fixé, du côté venant en contact du porteur du bracelet, un poussoir 5 constitué par une plaque mince dont une extrémité, formant une tête 6, sort du fermoir du côté opposé au longeron 4′. Un poussoir similaire 5′, comportant une tête 6′, est fixé de la même manière sur le longeron 4′ dans le prolongement du poussoir 5. Dans ces conditions, l'application d'une force F sur la tête 6 et d'une force F′ sur la tête 6′, la force F′ étant égale à F mais de sens opposé, auront pour effet, grâce à la fente 3, de rapprocher les milieux des deux longerons 4 et 4′.In the middle of the spar 4 is fixed, on the side coming into contact with the wearer of the bracelet, a pusher 5 consisting of a thin plate, one end of which forms a head 6, leaves the clasp on the side opposite the spar 4 ′. A similar pusher 5 ′, comprising a head 6 ′, is fixed in the same way to the spar 4 ′ in the extension of the pusher 5. Under these conditions, the application of a force F on the head 6 and a force F ′ on the head 6 ′, the force F ′ being equal to F but in the opposite direction, will have the effect, thanks to the slot 3, of bringing the centers of the two longitudinal members 4 and 4 ′ closer together.

Le fermoir comporte en outre un bras 10 sensiblement rectangulaire pivotant autour d'un axe aa′ passant par une des extrémités de la base 1, et un autre bras, non représenté, identique au prècédent et pivotant autour d'un axe de l'autre extrémité de la base. Le bras 10 est formé de deux branches semblables 11 et 11′ qui sont disposées de part et d'autre de la base 1, ces branches ayant par ailleurs la même épaisseur et la même courbure longitudinale que cette base, mais une longueur égale à la moitié de celle-ci. Enfin entre les extrémités libres des deux branches 11, 11′, ces branches présentant la même largeur que celle des longerons 4, 4′, est disposée, face à la base 1 mais du côté opposé aux poussoirs 5, 5′, une barrette 12 destinée à fixer une extrémité d'un bracelet non représenté.The clasp further comprises a substantially rectangular arm 10 pivoting about an axis aa ′ passing through one of the ends of the base 1, and another arm, not shown, identical to the previous one and pivoting around an axis of the other end of the base. The arm 10 is formed of two branches similar 11 and 11 ′ which are arranged on either side of the base 1, these branches also having the same thickness and the same longitudinal curvature as this base, but a length equal to half of it. Finally between the free ends of the two branches 11, 11 ′, these branches having the same width as that of the longitudinal members 4, 4 ′, is arranged, facing the base 1 but on the side opposite to the pushers 5, 5 ′, a bar 12 intended to fix an end of a bracelet not shown.

Le pivotement du bras 10 autour de l'axe aa′ permet, soit de le placer dans le prolongement de la base 1, soit de le rabattre sur cette base de manière que le bras et la base, en venant s'emboîter l'un dans l'autre, se trouvent au même niveau et présentent ainsi une épaisseur minimale. Bien entendu l'autre bras, en pivotant autour de l'autre extrémité de la base 1, peut occuper les mêmes positions. La première position des bras correspond au cas où le fermoir est déployé, cette position permettant de placer le bracelet autour d'un poignet. La deuxième position, celle représentée sur la fig. 1, correspond à celui où, étant replié sur lui-même, le fermoir serre le bracelet autour du poignet, les extrémités libres des bras venant alors en regard l'une de l'autre puisque chaque bras a une longueur égale à la moitié de celle de la base.The pivoting of the arm 10 around the axis aa ′ makes it possible either to place it in the extension of the base 1, or to fold it down on this base so that the arm and the base, coming to fit one in the other, they are on the same level and thus have a minimum thickness. Of course the other arm, by pivoting around the other end of the base 1, can occupy the same positions. The first position of the arms corresponds to the case where the clasp is deployed, this position making it possible to place the bracelet around a wrist. The second position, that shown in FIG. 1, corresponds to that where, being folded back on itself, the clasp tightens the bracelet around the wrist, the free ends of the arms then coming opposite one another since each arm has a length equal to half of that of the base.

Lorsque le fermoir est replié sur lui-même le bracelet exerce, sur les extrémités des bras auxquelles il est relié, une traction tendant à les soulever et donc de les écarter de la base. Pour éviter que le fermoir ne se déploie sous l'effet de cette traction, à l'extrémité libre du bras 10 est disposé, entre les faces latérales du longeron 4 et de la branche 11 se trouvant en regard l'une de l'autre, un dispositif de blocage 15. Un dispositif analogue 15′ est disposé entre le longeron 4′ et la branche 11′, ainsi qu'à l'extrémité de l'autre bras non représenté.When the clasp is folded back on itself, the bracelet exerts, on the ends of the arms to which it is connected, a pull tending to lift them and therefore to separate them from the base. To prevent the clasp from unfolding under the effect of this traction, at the free end of the arm 10 is arranged, between the lateral faces of the spar 4 and of the branch 11 lying opposite one another, a locking device 15. A similar device 15 ′ is disposed between the beam 4 ′ and the branch 11 ′, as well as at the end of the other arm, not shown.

Le dispositif 15, qui est représenté sur la figure 2a dans une vue en coupe selon le plan de symétrie transversal lorsqu'aucune force n'est exercée sur les poussoirs 5 et 5′, comprend un ergot 16 sur la branche 11, et une gorge 17 sur le longeron 4. L'ergot 16 a, dans cette exécution, la forme d'un coin de faible longueur disposé à l'extrémité de la branche 11 et délimité par deux plans 18 et 19 parallèles à la direction longitudinale du fermoir. La gorge 17 a, de son côté, une forme complémentaire de celle de l'ergot, cette gorge pouvant avantageusement s'étendre sur toute la longueur du longeron 4.The device 15, which is shown in Figure 2a in a sectional view along the transverse plane of symmetry when no force is exerted on the pushers 5 and 5 ', comprises a lug 16 on the branch 11, and a groove 17 on the spar 4. The lug 16 has, in this embodiment, the shape of a short corner disposed at the end of the branch 11 and delimited by two planes 18 and 19 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clasp. The groove 17 has, for its part, a shape complementary to that of the lug, this groove possibly advantageously extending over the entire length of the spar 4.

Le fonctionnement des dispositifs de blocage 15 et 15′ est le suivant. Aucune force n'étant appliquée sur les poussoirs 5, 5′ et le fermoir se trouvant déployé, pour le fermer il suffit de replier le bras 10 sur la base 1 en faisant pénétrer à force les ergots dans les gorges, ce qui est possible grâce à l'élasticité transversale des longerons 4, 4′. L'angle entre les plans 18 et 19 du dispositif de blocage 15, et l'angle correspondant du dispositif 15′, sont par ailleurs choisis de telle manière que la force perpendiculaire à la base 1 nécessaire pour dégager les ergots des gorges soit supérieure à celle, de même sens, résultant de la traction du bracelet sur le bras 10 dans les conditions normales d'utilisation. Ce qui vient d'être dit pour le bras 10 est bien entendu également valable pour l'autre bras.The operation of the locking devices 15 and 15 ′ is as follows. No force being applied to the pushers 5, 5 ′ and the clasp being deployed, to close it simply fold the arm 10 on the base 1 by forcing the pins into the grooves, which is possible thanks to the transverse elasticity of the side members 4, 4 ′. The angle between the planes 18 and 19 of the blocking device 15, and the corresponding angle of the device 15 ′, are also chosen in such a way that the force perpendicular to the base 1 necessary to disengage the lugs from the grooves is greater than that, in the same direction, resulting from the pull of the bracelet on the arm 10 under normal conditions of use. This which has just been said for the arm 10 is of course also valid for the other arm.

Le fermoir étant replié, son ouverture nécessite une pression simultanée sur les têtes 6 et 6′ des poussoirs afin de produire les forces F et F′. Ces forces, en rapprochant les poussoirs 5 et 5′ l'un de l'autre, ont pour effet de fléchir latéralement les longerons 4 et 4′, ce qui permet de dégager les ergots des gorges correspondantes des dispositifs de blocage 15 et 15′, comme cela est représenté sur la fig. 2b. Le bras 10 se trouve alors libéré et la simple traction du bracelet est suffisante pour le faire pivoter autour de l'axe aa′. Il est évident que les poussoirs 5 et 5′ agissent également, et de la même manière, sur les dispositifs de blocage de l'autre bras, puisque les deux bras sont identiques.The clasp being folded, its opening requires simultaneous pressure on the heads 6 and 6 ′ of the pushers in order to produce the forces F and F ′. These forces, by bringing the pushers 5 and 5 ′ from one another, have the effect of bending the side members 4 and 4 ′ laterally, which makes it possible to disengage the lugs from the corresponding grooves of the locking devices 15 and 15 ′ , as shown in fig. 2b. The arm 10 is then released and the simple pull of the bracelet is sufficient to rotate it around the axis aa ′. It is obvious that the pushers 5 and 5 ′ also act, and in the same way, on the locking devices of the other arm, since the two arms are identical.

Le fermoir qui vient d'être décrit, malgré qu'il comporte un dispositif de blocage sûr et efficace, n'est cependant pas totalement à l'abri d'une ouverture accidentelle résultant, par exemple, d'une traction violente et involontaire sur le bracelet. Pour remédier à cet inconvénient, une autre forme de réalisation de l'ergot 16 et de la gorge 17 est représentée sur les figures 3a et 3b, cette variante permettant au dispositif de blocage 15 de se comporter comme un verrou pouvant résister à toute traction sur le bras 10 tendant à l'écarter de la base 1. A cet effet l'ergot 16 et la gorge 17 comportent respectivement une face d'arrêt plane 20 et une face d'arrêt plane 21, chacune étant orientée perpendiculairement aux plans de symétrie longitudinal et transversal du fermoir. Ces faces sont en outre disposées de manière à venir en contact l'une de l'autre en position repliée du fermoir (fig. 3a), alors que les poussoirs 5, 5′ sont au repos et que le bras 10 subit une traction l'écartant de la base 1. L'ouverture du fermoir ne peut être obtenue dans ces conditions qu'en agissant sur les poussoirs 5 et 5′ afin de rapprocher le longeron 4 du longeron 4′ (fig. 3b) et libérer l'ergot de la gorge correspondante, ce qui ne nécessite aucun effort supplémentaire puisque le déplacement des poussoirs se fait parallèlement aux faces 20 et 21.The clasp which has just been described, despite having a safe and effective blocking device, is not however completely safe from accidental opening resulting, for example, from violent and involuntary pulling on the bracelet. To remedy this drawback, another embodiment of the lug 16 and of the groove 17 is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, this variant allowing the blocking device 15 to behave like a lock which can resist any traction on the arm 10 tending to move it away from the base 1. To this end, the lug 16 and the groove 17 respectively comprise a planar stop face 20 and a planar stop face 21, each being oriented perpendicular to the planes of symmetry longitudinal and cross of the clasp. These faces are also arranged so as to come into contact with one another in the folded position of the clasp (fig. 3a), while the pushers 5, 5 ′ are at rest and the arm 10 is under traction l moving away from the base 1. The opening of the clasp can only be obtained under these conditions by acting on the pushers 5 and 5 ′ in order to bring the spar 4 closer to the spar 4 ′ (fig. 3b) and release the lug of the corresponding groove, which requires no additional effort since the movement of the pushers is done parallel to the faces 20 and 21.

Dans une autre forme de réalisation du fermoir, le bras 10 pourrait être disposé au centre, les branches 11 et 11′ étant alors réunies, et les longerons 4 et 4′ placés extérieurement de part et d'autre du bras. En d'autres termes, ceci correspondrait à placer le bras 10 dans la fente 3, celle-ci étant élargie et prolongée jusqu'à l'axe aa′. Le poussoir 5 devrait alors être relié au longeron 4′ et le poussoir 5′ au longeron 4 pour qu'ils puissent agir correctement sur les dispositifs de blocage 15 et 15′, chaque dispositif étant disposé, comme précédemment, entre les faces latérales en regard respectivement d'un longeron et du bras. L'autre bras aurait une structure identique à celle du bras 10 ainsi modifié.In another embodiment of the clasp, the arm 10 could be arranged in the center, the branches 11 and 11 ′ then being joined, and the side members 4 and 4 ′ placed externally on either side of the arm. In other words, this would correspond to placing the arm 10 in the slot 3, the latter being widened and extended up to the axis aa ′. The pusher 5 should then be connected to the spar 4 ′ and the pusher 5 ′ to the spar 4 so that they can act correctly on the locking devices 15 and 15 ′, each device being disposed, as before, between the opposite side faces respectively of a spar and the arm. The other arm would have a structure identical to that of the arm 10 thus modified.

Il est bien entendu que le fermoir qui vient d'être décrit pourrait subir encore d'autres modifications et se présenter sous différentes variantes évidentes à l'homme du métier, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.It is understood that the clasp which has just been described could undergo still other modifications and be presented in different variants obvious to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

  1. A folding fastener for a bracelet, particularly of a watch, capable of being unfolded or folded back on itself, comprising:
    - a base (1) in the form of an elongate thin plate comprising in its middle a longitudinal slot (3) delimiting in the plate two parallel members (4, 4');
    - a first (10) and a second arm, each arm, the length of which is substantially equal to half that of the base (1), being mounted pivoting about an axis (aa') disposed at one end of the base so as to come into the plane of the plate and opposite the other arm when the fastener is folded back;
    - means (12) for attaching one end of the said bracelet to the free end of one of the said arms (10); and
    - a blocking device (15, 15') comprising a first check component (17) disposed on the lateral face of a member (4) situated opposite a arm (10), and a second check component (16) disposed on the said arm (10) opposite the said first component (17), the said components, having shapes complementary to one another, being capable of being forcibly engaged in one another in order to maintain the fastener folded back on itself,
    characterised in that:
    - the middles of the said members (4, 4') are free to move, by resilient deformation of each member, in the plane of the plate forming the said base (1); and in that
    - a first (5) and a second (5') push button are attached respectively to the middle of each member (4, 4') so that their ends project on either side of the fastener, and so that two opposed forces (F, F') exerted respectively and simultaneously on the said ends, tending to bring them closer to one another, have the effect of distancing the middle of one member (4, 4') from the arm (10) situated opposite in order to free the said check components (16, 17) and to permit the unfolding of the fastener.
  2. The fastener according to Claim 1, characterised in that each arm (10) is formed of two parallel branches (11, 11') disposed externally on either side of the base (1), and in that each push button (5, 5') is connected to the closest member (4, 4') so that the said force (F, F') exerted on the push buttons brings the middles of the members closer to one another.
  3. The fastener according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one of the components of the said blocking device is a catch (16), and in that the other component is a groove (17) in which the catch can be forcibly engaged.
  4. The fastener according to Claim 3 characterised in that the said catch (16) and the said groove (17) comprise, in order for the blocking device to constitute a lock, means (20, 21) for preventing the catch from leaving the groove under the effect of a force applied to the arm and tending to disengage the said arm from the base.
  5. The fastener according to Claim 4, characterised in that the said means are constituted by a first (20) and a second (21) face, provided respectively on the catch (16) and in the groove (17) perpendicularly to the said plane of longitudinal symmetry, these faces being disposed so as to come into contact with one another when the catch is engaged in the groove and when the arm (10) undergoes the said force tending to disengage it from the base (1).
EP19900101032 1989-02-16 1990-01-18 Folding fastener for a bracelet Expired - Lifetime EP0383039B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH535/89A CH678002A5 (en) 1989-02-16 1989-02-16
CH535/89 1989-09-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0383039A1 EP0383039A1 (en) 1990-08-22
EP0383039B1 true EP0383039B1 (en) 1994-09-14

Family

ID=4189249

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900101032 Expired - Lifetime EP0383039B1 (en) 1989-02-16 1990-01-18 Folding fastener for a bracelet

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EP (1) EP0383039B1 (en)
CH (1) CH678002A5 (en)
DE (1) DE69012364T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2723824A1 (en) * 1994-08-31 1996-03-01 Alain Bonnet Fastener for bracelet with arms articulated on base
AU8204298A (en) 1997-07-28 1999-02-22 Tag Heuer Sa Unfolding clasp for wrist band
EP0913106B1 (en) * 1997-10-30 2003-01-15 Dexel S.A. Foldable fastener for a bracelet
EP0914781A1 (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-05-12 Dexel S.A. Folding fastener for a bracelet
FR2782250B1 (en) * 1998-08-14 2000-11-10 Boucledor Sa CLASP PORTFOLIO TYPE FOR BRACELET
ATE366527T1 (en) * 2001-10-19 2007-08-15 Promotion Spa CLOSURE
WO2018234474A1 (en) 2017-06-21 2018-12-27 Dexel S.A. Band clasp comprising a device for adjusting band length
EP3417734B1 (en) 2017-06-21 2021-04-28 Dexel S.A. Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet
EP3417735A1 (en) 2017-06-21 2018-12-26 Dexel S.A. Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR15738E (en) * 1912-09-09 Edmond Jaeger Kind of closure for bracelets, watch holders or others
US1835578A (en) * 1931-04-11 1931-12-08 Bliss Brothers Co Bracelet clasp
EP0115740B1 (en) * 1983-02-02 1986-03-26 CORNU & CIE SA Foldable fastener for a bracelet
JPH0216658Y2 (en) * 1985-06-18 1990-05-09
CH665101A5 (en) * 1986-03-20 1988-04-29 G Et F Chatelain S A Ultra-flat folding fastener for bracelet - is operated by buttons in recessed piece hinged to short part with engaging opening in long part

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH678002A5 (en) 1991-07-31
DE69012364T2 (en) 1995-02-16
EP0383039A1 (en) 1990-08-22
DE69012364D1 (en) 1994-10-20

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