EP0661938A1 - Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet - Google Patents

Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet

Info

Publication number
EP0661938A1
EP0661938A1 EP94916972A EP94916972A EP0661938A1 EP 0661938 A1 EP0661938 A1 EP 0661938A1 EP 94916972 A EP94916972 A EP 94916972A EP 94916972 A EP94916972 A EP 94916972A EP 0661938 A1 EP0661938 A1 EP 0661938A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clasp
arm
branch
recess
closed position
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP94916972A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0661938B1 (en
Inventor
Luigi Ferrario
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.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Gay Freres SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gay Freres SA filed Critical Gay Freres SA
Publication of EP0661938A1 publication Critical patent/EP0661938A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0661938B1 publication Critical patent/EP0661938B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
    • Y10T24/2143—Strap-attached folding lever
    • Y10T24/2155—Jewelry-watch straps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
    • Y10T24/4782—Watch strap

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet, in particular for a watch strap, and more particularly such a clasp comprising at least one branch, at least one arm articulated by a first of its ends on a first end of said branch, said branch having a lateral face disposed opposite a lateral face of said arm in the closed position of the clasp, and blocking means for blocking the clasp in said closed position.
  • a clasp meeting the generic definition above is described in document EP-A-0 509 938.
  • the clasp comprises two arms which are articulated on strands of the bracelet by one of their ends and on the ends of two parallel branches of a central element in the form of stretcher, by their other end.
  • the central element has two notches of shape and dimensions corresponding to those of the arms so that the arms are fully included in the notches in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the locking of the clasp in the closed position is ensured by a notch system.
  • the end of the arm which is attached to the strand has a beak, one of the parts of which has a groove which cooperates with a cylindrical member or bridge connecting the branches after it has been engaged elastically on the latter.
  • This notching system has the disadvantage of being subjected to rapid wear which results in the closure is no longer effectively ensured after a certain number of openings and closings.
  • This rapid wear also leads to considerable variations in the opening and closing forces, which is unsatisfactory for the user, these forces being moreover dependent on the nature of the materials used for the realization of the clasp.
  • this clasp is relatively difficult to produce with precision because it requires numerous mechanical operations, in particular of resumption machining after stamping the branches and arms, and of adjusting the spout with the bridge before mounting the clasp, in order to obtain an acceptable opening force and closing force.
  • the main object of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art by providing a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet comprising a reliable system for blocking the clasp in its closed position and which, while imparting an aesthetic appearance improved to the clasp as a whole, can be achieved in a simple and economical way.
  • the subject of the invention is a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet comprising at least one branch and at least one arm articulated by a first of its ends on a first end of said branch, said branch having a lateral face arranged opposite a lateral face of said arm in the closed position of the clasp, and blocking means for blocking the clasp in said closed position, characterized in that the blocking means comprise at least one elastically deformable element which extends, in the closed position of the clasp, in a housing formed on the one hand by a longitudinal recess formed in said lateral face of said branch and on the other hand by a longitudinal recess formed in said lateral face of said arm.
  • a clasp which is simple and economical in structure and which has a constant closing force and opening force at the same time. over time, the latter can easily be controlled by adjusting the dimensions and / or the stiffness of the elastically deformable element whatever the nature of the material or materials used to make the other pieces of the clasp.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, a first embodiment of a clasp of the folding clasp type according to the invention and designated by the general reference numeral 1.
  • the clasp 1 essentially comprises a base 2 and an arm 4. These elements are articulated one on the other by one of their ends and connected by their other end to first and second strands 6, 8 of a bracelet.
  • the strands 6 and 8 partially shown in broken lines in the figure are attached to an object to wear, in particular a watch (not shown).
  • the base 2 has the shape of a thin elongated blade, slightly curved lengthwise in order to adapt to the curvature of the wrist.
  • the base 2 comprises two parallel branches 10 and 12 connected together at each of their ends by connecting means 14 and 16 and delimiting between them a substantially rectangular longitudinal free space 18.
  • the connecting means 14 are formed by a tube, the end portions of which are fixed, for example, by welding to the upper surfaces 20 and 22 of one end of the arms 10 and 12.
  • the tube 14 is intended to receive a pin (not shown) around which the bracelet strand 8 is wound and thus forms means for fixing the bracelet strand 8.
  • the connecting means 16 located at the end of the branches 10 and 12 on which the arm 4 is articulated comprise a hinge.
  • Figure 2 shows a way of making the hinge 16.
  • a tube 24 provided with notches 26 is driven into an opening provided for this purpose in the other ends of the arms 10 and 12 and the arm 4 pivots around the tube 24.
  • Pins 28 each provided with a groove 30 are introduced into the tube 24 and are held there in place by means of the notches 26 which penetrate into the grooves 30.
  • An assembly is thus easily assembled and dismantled.
  • the arm 4, for its part, is formed by an elongated blade which has the same thickness and has the same longitudinal curvature as those of the base 2. Of generally rectangular shape, its dimensions allow it to take place in the free space 18 of the base 2.
  • the arm 4 is crossed by a hole through which the notched tube 24 passes allowing the arm 4 to pivot around the tube 24.
  • the other end of the arm 4 is provided with fixing means 32 for the second bracelet strand 16, also formed by a tube capable of receiving a pin (not shown) around which the bracelet strand 6 is wound.
  • the tube 32 is fixed for example by welding to an end part of the upper surface 34 of the arm 4.
  • the tube 14 and the tube 32 are in particular suitable for fixing bracelet strands of the metal link type, but it goes without saying that these fixing means can be easily modified by a person of loom for receiving bracelet strands made for example of leather or the like.
  • the arm 4 has a length slightly greater than the length of the branches 10, 12 and comprises in its upper surface 34 a transverse groove 36 arranged to, in the closed position of the clasp, come into correspondence with the tube 14 and receive it.
  • the arm 4 is included in the thickness of the arms 10 and 12 with the exception of the tube 32 which emerges from the thickness of the clasp at the same level. as the tube 14.
  • the arm 4 must pivot in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 1 to bring the clasp into its open position. It is of course possible to provide, according to a variant, an arm 4 shorter than the arms 10 and 12 so that it is not stopped by the tube 14 and that it can pivot in an opposite direction to bring the clasp in its open position. In this case, the attachment of bracelet strands to the base and the arm will be modified accordingly.
  • the clasp 1 further comprises blocking means for blocking the clasp, that is to say the arm 4 relative to the arms 10 and 12, in its closed position.
  • the branches 10 and 12 each comprise a lateral face 36, in which a longitudinal recess 40, 42 is formed.
  • the arm 4 comprises two opposite lateral faces 44, 46, each also being provided with a longitudinal recess 48, 50
  • Each recess 40 and 42 of the branches 10 and 12 is arranged to, in the closed position of the clasp, be opposite one of the recesses 48, 50 of the arm and thus form two parallel longitudinal housings 52, 54 (cf. fig. 3) in each of which an elastically deformable element extends 56, 58.
  • Each elastically deformable element 56, 58 extends partially in each of the recesses forming its housing 52, 54 so that these elements 56, 58 block the arm 4 on the branches 10, 12.
  • the elements elastically deformable 56 and 58 each comprise a helical spring and the housings 52 and 54 have a substantially circular section.
  • the clasp further comprises means for holding each elastically deformable element 56, 58 in one of the recesses forming its housing, in this case in the recesses 48 and 50 formed in the arm 4, so that it is retained in said recess when the clasp is in the open position.
  • the recesses 48, 50 open respectively in the lateral faces 36 and 38 of the arm 4 by openings delimited by two edges 60, 62 and 64, 66 separated by a distance less than the diameter of the springs 56 and 58.
  • the longitudinal axis L of each of the springs 56, 58 is therefore contained in the recess 48, 50 which receives it.
  • the recesses 48 and 50 extend, in section, over an arc of a circle greater than 180 ° and preferably over an arc of approximately 240 °.
  • the recesses 40, 42 formed in the lateral faces of the branches 10, 12 they extend in section on an arc less than 90 ° and preferably equal to about 60 °.
  • the recesses 40, 42, 48 and 50 may have different sections and for example, the section of the recesses 48, 50 which retain the elastically deformable element 56, 58 may be dovetail or T , and the section of the complementary recesses 40, 42 may be in u or any other shape having a concavity making it possible to form a housing capable of receiving the elastically deformable elements 56, 58.
  • the diameter of the springs 56, 58 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the housings 52, 54 so that there is a certain clearance between the springs 56, 58 and the housings 52, 54 and a fortiori, between the springs 56, 58 and the hollows 48, 50 in which they are kept.
  • the springs 56, 58 can thus be deformed without difficulty during the opening and closing of the clasp 1 as will be described below.
  • the lateral faces 36 and 38 of the branches 10 and 12 respectively comprise snap-fitting ramps 68, 70 formed in the lower parts of these faces. These ramps 68 and 70 extend respectively from the lower edges of the faces 36, 38 to the lower edges of the recesses 40, 42.
  • the clasp 1 further comprises stop means 72, 74 of the springs 56, 58 in the longitudinal direction in the recesses 48, 50. These stop means 72, 74 are formed by at least two contiguous turns at the end of the springs 56, 58 and whose diameter, when these springs are not mounted in the recesses 48, 50, is substantially greater than that of the housings 52, 54.
  • the springs 56, 58 can be easily introduced into the corresponding recess 48, 50 by their end having a diameter substantially smaller than that of the housing, the last turns 72, 74 forming the stop means in the recesses 48, 50 being then forced into these recesses 48, 50 to ensure a stop in the longitudinal direction of the springs 56, 58 in the latter.
  • the turns 72, 74 forming the stop means can respectively cooperate with annular grooves (not shown) formed in the recesses 48, 50.
  • the operating principle of the clasp which has just been described is as follows: during the closing, the arm, when it is pushed in the direction of the arrow F1, causes the friction of the latching ramps 68, 70 of the branches 10, 12 on the parts of the springs 56, 58 which project out of the recesses 48, 50, which has the effect of elastically deforming the turns of the springs 56, 58 so that they momentarily fade, until that these protruding parts of the springs 56, 58 gradually penetrate into the complementary recesses 40, 42 formed in the branches 10, 12 and thus ensure a blocking of the arm 4 between the two branches 10, 12.
  • the arm When opening, the arm is pushed in the direction of arrow F and simultaneously requests all of the turns of the springs 56, 58 to deform them and release the arm. It follows from the structure of the blocking means that the force to be deployed for opening the clasp is greater than that which is necessary for its closure, which gives the clasp greater comfort of use for the wearer and great security. in the closed position.
  • the welded tube 14 has been replaced by connecting means 14 of the type referenced at 16 in FIG. 2 and in which a tube 15 acts as a spacer to maintain a suitable distance between branches 10 and 12 of the clasp.
  • branches 10 and 12 are each extended beyond the connecting means 14 by branch parts 10 'and 12'.
  • Each branch part 10 'and 12' comprises a hole 11 'and 13', the latter being arranged opposite one another and being intended to receive a pin (not shown) for fixing a strand of bracelet.
  • the springs 56 and 58 are respectively stopped longitudinally in the recesses 48 and 50 by a first of their ends, by the ends of a pin Gl driven into a hole made in the branch 4, the two ends of the pin extending respectively into the recesses 48 and 50.
  • the springs 56 and 58 are respectively held against the ends of the pin Gl by means of an element E fixed on the branch 4.
  • the element E comprises a U-shaped part whose branches b, b 'extend respectively in the recesses 48 and 50 and bear against the second end of the springs 56 and 58.
  • the attachment of the element E on the branch 4 is carried out via a pin G2 driven into opposite holes, formed respectively in the branch 4 and in the two branches b, b '.
  • the element E comprises a second part, called a fixing part, extending above the plane of the branch 4 and comprising a fixing eyelet intended to receive a pin (not shown) for fixing a bracelet strand.
  • the opening of the clasp takes place in an upward movement and in the direction of the arrow F2 in the drawing.
  • the clasp 1 comprises a base 72 formed of two parallel branches 74, 76 and two arms 78 and 80 articulated by one of their ends at the ends of the branches 74, 76.
  • the other ends of the arms 78 and 80 respectively comprise means 14, 32 for fixing a strand of bracelet 6, 8 shown partially in broken lines in the figure.
  • the clasp also comprises a stiffening member 82 connecting the branches 74 and 76 in their central region, which delimits with the branches 74, 76 two free spaces 84, 86 of generally rectangular shape in which the arms 78, 80 can be respectively included in the closed position of the clasp, the ends of the arms connected to the strands of the bracelet then being substantially juxtaposed.
  • This clasp can therefore be considered to be formed by two clasps 1 as shown on the Figures 1 to 3 joined to each other by one of their ends and using the same locking means as those which have been described in connection with these figures.
  • the clasps of the invention have the advantage of a very easy manufacture because, for the branches as for the arm or the arms, these elements can be obtained from cut, bent and assembled profiles. There is therefore no stamping operation with the material losses and the cost of the tooling that this entails.
  • the clasp of the invention also has a simple line giving it great elegance.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that many variants obvious to those skilled in the art can be carried out without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims attached.
  • the elastically deformable element is not produced in the form of a helical spring but in the form of a cylinder made of an elastomeric material or else of a tube made of an elastically deformable material, that the elastically deformable elements do not are not held in the arm or arms but in the branches or that the clasp comprises only a branch and an arm articulated one on the other by their ends.

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)

Abstract

A clasp of the unfolding buckle type comprises a branch and an arm hinged at one of its ends to a first end of the branch. The branch has a lateral side face arranged opposite a lateral side face of the arm in a closed position of the clasp, and the clasp includes an elastically deformable element for jamming the clasp in the closed position. The elastically deformable element in the closed position of the clasp extends into a housing formed by a longitudinal hollow provided in the lateral side face of the branch and by a longitudinal hollow provided in the lateral side face of the arm.

Description

FERMOIR DU TYPE A BOUCLE DEPLOYANTE POUR BRACELET FASTENING LOOP-TYPE CLASP FOR BRACELET
L'invention concerne un fermoir du type à boucle déployante pour bracelet, notamment pour un bracelet de montre, et plus particulièrement un tel fermoir comportant au moins une branche, au moins un bras articulé par une première de ses extrémités sur une première extrémité de ladite branche, ladite branche ayant une face latérale disposée en regard d'une face latérale dudit bras dans la position fermée du fermoir, et des moyens de blocage pour bloquer le fermoir dans ladite position fermée. Un fermoir répondant à la définition générique ci- dessus est décrit dans le document EP-A- 0 509 938 . Dans ce document, le fermoir comprend deux bras qui sont articulés sur des brins du bracelet par une de leurs extrémités et sur des extrémités de deux branches parallèles d'un élément central en forme de brancard, par leur autre extrémité. L'élément central présente deux échancrures de forme et de dimensions correspondant à celles des bras de façon que les bras soient entièrement inclus dans les échancrures en position fermée du bracelet. Le blocage du fermoir en position fermée est assuré par un système à cran. Pour assurer ce crantage, l'extrémité du bras qui est attachée au brin présente un bec dont une des parties présente une gorge qui coopère avec un organe cylindrique ou pont reliant les branches après qu'il ait été engagé elastiquement sur ce dernier.The invention relates to a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet, in particular for a watch strap, and more particularly such a clasp comprising at least one branch, at least one arm articulated by a first of its ends on a first end of said branch, said branch having a lateral face disposed opposite a lateral face of said arm in the closed position of the clasp, and blocking means for blocking the clasp in said closed position. A clasp meeting the generic definition above is described in document EP-A-0 509 938. In this document, the clasp comprises two arms which are articulated on strands of the bracelet by one of their ends and on the ends of two parallel branches of a central element in the form of stretcher, by their other end. The central element has two notches of shape and dimensions corresponding to those of the arms so that the arms are fully included in the notches in the closed position of the bracelet. The locking of the clasp in the closed position is ensured by a notch system. To ensure this notching, the end of the arm which is attached to the strand has a beak, one of the parts of which has a groove which cooperates with a cylindrical member or bridge connecting the branches after it has been engaged elastically on the latter.
Ce système de crantage présente l'inconvénient d'être soumis à une usure rapide ce qui a pour résultat que la fermeture n'est plus assurée efficacement après un certain nombres d'ouvertures et de fermetures. Cette usure rapide conduit également à des variations considérables des forces d'ouverture et de fermeture, ce qui est insatisfaisant pour l'utilisateur, ces forces étant par ailleurs dépendantes de la nature des matériaux utilisés pour la réalisation du fermoir.This notching system has the disadvantage of being subjected to rapid wear which results in the closure is no longer effectively ensured after a certain number of openings and closings. This rapid wear also leads to considerable variations in the opening and closing forces, which is unsatisfactory for the user, these forces being moreover dependent on the nature of the materials used for the realization of the clasp.
A cela s'ajoute le jeu inhérent existant entre la gorge et l'organe cylindrique qui donne au système de crantage une impression de qualité médiocreAdded to this is the inherent play between the groove and the cylindrical member which gives the notching system an impression of poor quality.
Par ailleurs, ce fermoir est relativement difficile à réaliser avec précision car il demande de nombreuses opérations mécaniques notamment d'usinage de reprise après étampage des branches et des bras, et d'ajustage du bec avec le pont avant montage du fermoir, afin d'obtenir une force d'ouverture et une force de fermeture acceptables.Furthermore, this clasp is relatively difficult to produce with precision because it requires numerous mechanical operations, in particular of resumption machining after stamping the branches and arms, and of adjusting the spout with the bridge before mounting the clasp, in order to obtain an acceptable opening force and closing force.
L'invention a donc pour but principal de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur susmentionné en fournissant un fermoir du type à boucle déployante pour bracelet comprenant un système fiable de blocage du fermoir dans sa position fermée et qui, tout en conférant un aspect esthétique amélioré au fermoir dans son ensemble, peut être réalisé de façon simple et économique.The main object of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art by providing a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet comprising a reliable system for blocking the clasp in its closed position and which, while imparting an aesthetic appearance improved to the clasp as a whole, can be achieved in a simple and economical way.
A cet effet l'invention a pour objet un fermoir du type à boucle déployante pour bracelet comprenant au moins une branche et au moins un bras articulé par une première de ses extrémités sur une première extrémité de ladite branche, ladite branche ayant une face latérale disposée en regard d'une face latérale dudit bras dans la position fermée du fermoir, et des moyens de blocage pour bloquer le fermoir dans ladite position fermée, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de blocage comprennent au moins un élément elastiquement deformable qui s'étend, en position fermée du fermoir, dans un logement formé d'une part par une creusure longitudinale ménagée dans ladite face latérale de ladite branche et d'autre part par une creusure longitudinale ménagée dans ladite face latérale dudit bras.To this end, the subject of the invention is a clasp of the folding clasp type for a bracelet comprising at least one branch and at least one arm articulated by a first of its ends on a first end of said branch, said branch having a lateral face arranged opposite a lateral face of said arm in the closed position of the clasp, and blocking means for blocking the clasp in said closed position, characterized in that the blocking means comprise at least one elastically deformable element which extends, in the closed position of the clasp, in a housing formed on the one hand by a longitudinal recess formed in said lateral face of said branch and on the other hand by a longitudinal recess formed in said lateral face of said arm.
Grâce à ces caractéristiques, on obtient un fermoir de structure simple et économique et qui présente une force de fermeture et une force d'ouverture constantes au cours du temps, ces dernières pouvant facilement être maîtrisées en ajustant les dimensions et/ou la raideur de l'élément elastiquement deformable quelle que soit la nature du ou des matériaux utilisés pour réaliser les autres pièces du fermoir.Thanks to these characteristics, a clasp is obtained which is simple and economical in structure and which has a constant closing force and opening force at the same time. over time, the latter can easily be controlled by adjusting the dimensions and / or the stiffness of the elastically deformable element whatever the nature of the material or materials used to make the other pieces of the clasp.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit de modes de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif, cette description étant faite en liaison avec le dessin dans lequel: la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation d'un fermoir de l'invention, le fermoir étant représenté en position ouverte; - la figure 2 est une vue de dessus du fermoir de la figure 1, le fermoir étant représenté en position fermée; la figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2; - la figure 4 est une vue de côté et partiellement arrachée d'une variante du mode de réalisation du fermoir de l'invention de la figure 1, le fermoir étant représenté en position ouverte; la figure 5 est une vue de dessus et partiellement coupée du fermoir de la figure 4, le fermoir étant représenté en position fermée, et la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation du fermoir de l'invention, le fermoir étant représenté en position ouverte. La figure 1 montre, en perspective, un premier mode de réalisation d'un fermoir du type à boucle déployante selon 1 ' invention et désigné par la référence numérique générale 1.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given purely by way of non-limiting illustration, this description being made in conjunction with the drawing in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clasp of the invention, the clasp being shown in the open position; - Figure 2 is a top view of the clasp of Figure 1, the clasp being shown in the closed position; Figure 3 is a section along line III-III of Figure 2; - Figure 4 is a side view and partially broken away of a variant of the embodiment of the clasp of the invention of Figure 1, the clasp being shown in the open position; Figure 5 is a top view and partially cut away of the clasp of Figure 4, the clasp being shown in the closed position, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the clasp of the invention, clasp being shown in the open position. FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, a first embodiment of a clasp of the folding clasp type according to the invention and designated by the general reference numeral 1.
Le fermoir 1 comprend essentiellement une base 2 et un bras 4. Ces éléments sont articulés l'un sur l'autre par l'une de leurs extrémités et reliés par leur autre extrémité à des premier et deuxième brins 6, 8 d'un bracelet. Les brins 6 et 8 partiellement représentés en traits interrompus à la figure sont attachés à un objet a porter, notamment une montre (non représentée) . La base 2 a la forme d'une lame mince allongée, légèrement incurvée dans le sens de la longueur afin de s'adapter à la courbure du poignet. La base 2 comprend deux branches parallèles 10 et 12 reliées ensemble à chacune de leurs extrémités par des moyens de liaison 14 et 16 et délimitant entre elles un espace libre 18 longitudinal sensiblement rectangulaire. Dans l'exemple représenté, les moyens de liaison 14 sont formés par un tube dont les parties extrêmes sont fixées par exemple par soudage sur les surfaces supérieures 20 et 22 d'une extrémité des branches 10 et 12. Le tube 14 est destiné à recevoir une goupille (non représentée) autour de laquelle est enroulé le brin de bracelet 8 et forme ainsi des moyens de fixation du brin de bracelet 8.The clasp 1 essentially comprises a base 2 and an arm 4. These elements are articulated one on the other by one of their ends and connected by their other end to first and second strands 6, 8 of a bracelet. The strands 6 and 8 partially shown in broken lines in the figure are attached to an object to wear, in particular a watch (not shown). The base 2 has the shape of a thin elongated blade, slightly curved lengthwise in order to adapt to the curvature of the wrist. The base 2 comprises two parallel branches 10 and 12 connected together at each of their ends by connecting means 14 and 16 and delimiting between them a substantially rectangular longitudinal free space 18. In the example shown, the connecting means 14 are formed by a tube, the end portions of which are fixed, for example, by welding to the upper surfaces 20 and 22 of one end of the arms 10 and 12. The tube 14 is intended to receive a pin (not shown) around which the bracelet strand 8 is wound and thus forms means for fixing the bracelet strand 8.
Les moyens de liaison 16 situés à l'extrémité des branches 10 et 12 sur laquelle est articulé le bras 4 comprennent une charnière. La figure 2 indique une façon de réaliser la charnière 16. Un tube 24 muni d'encoches 26 est chassé dans une ouverture prévue à cet effet dans les autres extrémités des branches 10 et 12 et le bras 4 pivote autour du tube 24. Des goupilles 28 pourvues chacune d'une rainure 30 sont introduites dans le tube 24 et y sont maintenues en place par le truchement des encoches 26 qui pénètrent dans les rainures 30. On réalise ainsi un assemblage facilement montable et démontable. Le bras 4, de son côté, est formé d'une lame allongée qui a la même épaisseur et présente la même courbure longitudinale que celles de la base 2. De forme générale rectangulaire, ses dimensions lui permettent de prendre place dans l'espace libre 18 de la base 2. A une extrémité, le bras 4 est traversé par un trou par lequel passe le tube encoche 24 permettant au bras 4 de pivoter autour du tube 24. L'autre extrémité du bras 4 est munie de moyens de fixation 32 du deuxième brin de bracelet 16, formés également par un tube susceptible de recevoir une goupille (non représentée) autour de laquelle est enroulé le brin de bracelet 6. Le tube 32 est fixé par exemple par soudage sur une partie extrême de la surface supérieure 34 du bras 4.The connecting means 16 located at the end of the branches 10 and 12 on which the arm 4 is articulated comprise a hinge. Figure 2 shows a way of making the hinge 16. A tube 24 provided with notches 26 is driven into an opening provided for this purpose in the other ends of the arms 10 and 12 and the arm 4 pivots around the tube 24. Pins 28 each provided with a groove 30 are introduced into the tube 24 and are held there in place by means of the notches 26 which penetrate into the grooves 30. An assembly is thus easily assembled and dismantled. The arm 4, for its part, is formed by an elongated blade which has the same thickness and has the same longitudinal curvature as those of the base 2. Of generally rectangular shape, its dimensions allow it to take place in the free space 18 of the base 2. At one end, the arm 4 is crossed by a hole through which the notched tube 24 passes allowing the arm 4 to pivot around the tube 24. The other end of the arm 4 is provided with fixing means 32 for the second bracelet strand 16, also formed by a tube capable of receiving a pin (not shown) around which the bracelet strand 6 is wound. The tube 32 is fixed for example by welding to an end part of the upper surface 34 of the arm 4.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté, le tube 14 et le tube 32 sont notamment adaptés à la fixation de brins de bracelet du type à maillons métalliques, mais il va de soi que ces moyens de fixation peuvent être facilement modifiés par l'homme de métier pour recevoir des brins de bracelet réalisés par exemple en cuir ou analogue. Dans l'exemple décrit, le bras 4 présente une longueur légèrement supérieure à la longueur des branches 10, 12 et comprend dans sa surface supérieure 34 une rainure transversale 36 ménagée pour, dans la position fermée du fermoir, venir en correspondance avec le tube 14 et recevoir ce dernier. Ainsi, quand le fermoir est en position fermée, ce qui apparait aux figures 2 et 3 le bras 4 est inclus dans l'épaisseur des branches 10 et 12 à l'exception du tube 32 qui émerge de l'épaisseur du fermoir au même niveau que le tube 14. On notera que dans le mode de réalisation décrit, le bras 4 doit pivoter dans le sens de la flèche F de la figure 1 pour amener le fermoir dans sa position ouverte. Il est bien entendu possible de prévoir, selon une variante, un bras 4 plus court que les branches 10 et 12 de sorte qu'il ne soit pas arrêté par le tube 14 et qu'il puisse pivoter dans un sens opposé pour amener le fermoir dans sa position ouverte. Dans ce cas, la fixation de brins de bracelet sur la base et le bras sera modifiée en conséquence.In the embodiment shown, the tube 14 and the tube 32 are in particular suitable for fixing bracelet strands of the metal link type, but it goes without saying that these fixing means can be easily modified by a person of loom for receiving bracelet strands made for example of leather or the like. In the example described, the arm 4 has a length slightly greater than the length of the branches 10, 12 and comprises in its upper surface 34 a transverse groove 36 arranged to, in the closed position of the clasp, come into correspondence with the tube 14 and receive it. Thus, when the clasp is in the closed position, which appears in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arm 4 is included in the thickness of the arms 10 and 12 with the exception of the tube 32 which emerges from the thickness of the clasp at the same level. as the tube 14. It will be noted that in the embodiment described, the arm 4 must pivot in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 1 to bring the clasp into its open position. It is of course possible to provide, according to a variant, an arm 4 shorter than the arms 10 and 12 so that it is not stopped by the tube 14 and that it can pivot in an opposite direction to bring the clasp in its open position. In this case, the attachment of bracelet strands to the base and the arm will be modified accordingly.
Le fermoir 1 comprend en outre des moyens de blocage pour bloquer le fermoir, c'est-à-dire le bras 4 par rapport aux branches 10 et 12, dans sa position fermée. A cet effet, les branches 10 et 12 comprennent chacune une face latérale 36, dans laquelle est ménagée une creusure longitudinale 40, 42. Le bras 4 comprend deux faces latérales opposées 44, 46, chacune étant également munie d'une creusure longitudinale 48, 50. Chaque creusure 40 et 42 des branches 10 et 12 est ménagée pour, en position fermée du fermoir, être en regard d'une des creusures 48, 50 du bras et former ainsi deux logements longitudinaux parallèles 52, 54 (cf fig. 3) dans chacun desquels s'étend un élément elastiquement deformable 56, 58.The clasp 1 further comprises blocking means for blocking the clasp, that is to say the arm 4 relative to the arms 10 and 12, in its closed position. AT for this purpose, the branches 10 and 12 each comprise a lateral face 36, in which a longitudinal recess 40, 42 is formed. The arm 4 comprises two opposite lateral faces 44, 46, each also being provided with a longitudinal recess 48, 50 Each recess 40 and 42 of the branches 10 and 12 is arranged to, in the closed position of the clasp, be opposite one of the recesses 48, 50 of the arm and thus form two parallel longitudinal housings 52, 54 (cf. fig. 3) in each of which an elastically deformable element extends 56, 58.
Chaque élément elastiquement deformable 56, 58 s'étend partiellement dans chacune des creusures formant son logement 52, 54 si bien que ces éléments 56, 58 réalisent un blocage du bras 4 sur les branches 10, 12. Dans l'exemple représenté, les éléments elastiquement déformables 56 et 58 comprennent chacun un ressort hélicoïdal et les logements 52 et 54 présentent une section sensiblement circulaire.Each elastically deformable element 56, 58 extends partially in each of the recesses forming its housing 52, 54 so that these elements 56, 58 block the arm 4 on the branches 10, 12. In the example shown, the elements elastically deformable 56 and 58 each comprise a helical spring and the housings 52 and 54 have a substantially circular section.
Le fermoir comprend en outre des moyens de maintien de chaque élément elastiquement deformable 56, 58 dans une des creusures formant son logement, en l'occurrence dans les creusures 48 et 50 ménagées dans le bras 4, pour qu'il soit retenu dans ladite creusure quand le fermoir est en position ouverte. Dans l'exemple décrit et comme cela apparait clairement à la figure 3, les creusures 48, 50 débouchent respectivement dans les faces latérales 36 et 38 du bras 4 par des ouvertures délimitées par deux bords 60, 62 et 64, 66 séparés d'une distance inférieure au diamètre des ressorts 56 et 58. L'axe longitudinal L de chacun des ressorts 56, 58 est donc contenu dans la creusure 48, 50 qui le reçoit. Ainsi, les creusures 48 et 50 s'étendent, en section, sur un arc de cercle supérieur à 180° et de préférence sur un arc d'environ 240°. Quant aux creusures 40, 42 ménagées dans les faces latérales des branches 10, 12, elles s'étendent en section sur un arc de cercle inférieur à 90° et de préférence égal à environ 60°.The clasp further comprises means for holding each elastically deformable element 56, 58 in one of the recesses forming its housing, in this case in the recesses 48 and 50 formed in the arm 4, so that it is retained in said recess when the clasp is in the open position. In the example described and as it appears clearly in FIG. 3, the recesses 48, 50 open respectively in the lateral faces 36 and 38 of the arm 4 by openings delimited by two edges 60, 62 and 64, 66 separated by a distance less than the diameter of the springs 56 and 58. The longitudinal axis L of each of the springs 56, 58 is therefore contained in the recess 48, 50 which receives it. Thus, the recesses 48 and 50 extend, in section, over an arc of a circle greater than 180 ° and preferably over an arc of approximately 240 °. As for the recesses 40, 42 formed in the lateral faces of the branches 10, 12, they extend in section on an arc less than 90 ° and preferably equal to about 60 °.
Il est bien entendu que les creusures 40, 42, 48 et 50 peuvent présenter des sections différentes et par exemple, la section des creusures 48, 50 qui retiennent l'élément elastiquement deformable 56, 58 peut être en queue d'aronde ou en T, et la section des creusures 40, 42 complémentaires peuvent être en u ou de tout autre forme présentant une concavité permettant de former un logement susceptible de recevoir les éléments elastiquement déformables 56, 58.It is understood that the recesses 40, 42, 48 and 50 may have different sections and for example, the section of the recesses 48, 50 which retain the elastically deformable element 56, 58 may be dovetail or T , and the section of the complementary recesses 40, 42 may be in u or any other shape having a concavity making it possible to form a housing capable of receiving the elastically deformable elements 56, 58.
Le diamètre des ressorts 56, 58 est légèrement inférieur au diamètre des logements 52, 54 si bien qu'il existe un certain jeu entre les ressorts 56, 58 et les logements 52, 54 et a fortiori, entre les ressorts 56, 58 et les creusures 48, 50 dans lesquelles ils sont maintenus. Les ressorts 56, 58 peuvent ainsi se déformer sans difficulté lors de l'ouverture et de la fermeture du fermoir 1 comme cela sera décrit ci-après. On remarquera que les faces latérales 36 et 38 des branches 10 et 12 comprennent respectivement des rampes d' encliquetage 68, 70 ménagées dans les parties inférieures de ces faces. Ces rampes 68 et 70 s'étendent respectivement des bords inférieurs des faces 36, 38 jusqu'aux bords inférieurs des creusures 40, 42. Ces rampes 68, 70 permettent aux éléments elastiquement déformables de se déformer progressivement lors de la fermeture du fermoir comme cela apparaîtra plus clairement dans la suite de la description. Le fermoir 1 comprend en outre des moyens d'arrêt 72, 74 des ressorts 56, 58 en direction longitudinale dans les creusures 48, 50. Ces moyens d'arrêt 72, 74 sont formés par au moins deux spires jointives d'extrémité des ressorts 56, 58 et dont le diamètre, lorsque ces ressorts ne sont pas montés dans les creusures 48, 50, est sensiblement supérieur à celui des logements 52, 54. Ainsi, les ressorts 56, 58 peuvent être introduits aisément dans la creusure 48, 50 correspondante par leur extrémité ayant un diamètre sensiblement inférieur à celui du logement, les dernières spires 72, 74 formant les moyens d'arrêt dans les creusures 48, 50 étant ensuite forcées dans ces creusures 48, 50 pour assurer un arrêt dans le sens longitudinal des ressorts 56, 58 dans ces dernières. Selon une variante, les spires 72, 74 formant les moyens d'arrêt peuvent respectivement coopérer avec des gorges annulaires (non représentées) ménagées dans les creusures 48, 50.The diameter of the springs 56, 58 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the housings 52, 54 so that there is a certain clearance between the springs 56, 58 and the housings 52, 54 and a fortiori, between the springs 56, 58 and the hollows 48, 50 in which they are kept. The springs 56, 58 can thus be deformed without difficulty during the opening and closing of the clasp 1 as will be described below. It will be noted that the lateral faces 36 and 38 of the branches 10 and 12 respectively comprise snap-fitting ramps 68, 70 formed in the lower parts of these faces. These ramps 68 and 70 extend respectively from the lower edges of the faces 36, 38 to the lower edges of the recesses 40, 42. These ramps 68, 70 allow the elastically deformable elements to gradually deform when the clasp is closed like this will appear more clearly in the following description. The clasp 1 further comprises stop means 72, 74 of the springs 56, 58 in the longitudinal direction in the recesses 48, 50. These stop means 72, 74 are formed by at least two contiguous turns at the end of the springs 56, 58 and whose diameter, when these springs are not mounted in the recesses 48, 50, is substantially greater than that of the housings 52, 54. Thus, the springs 56, 58 can be easily introduced into the corresponding recess 48, 50 by their end having a diameter substantially smaller than that of the housing, the last turns 72, 74 forming the stop means in the recesses 48, 50 being then forced into these recesses 48, 50 to ensure a stop in the longitudinal direction of the springs 56, 58 in the latter. According to a variant, the turns 72, 74 forming the stop means can respectively cooperate with annular grooves (not shown) formed in the recesses 48, 50.
Le principe de fonctionnement du fermoir qui vient d'être décrit est le suivant: au cours de la fermeture, le bras , lorsqu'il est poussé dans le sens de la flèche Fl, provoque le frottement des rampes d' encliquetage 68, 70 des branches 10, 12 sur les parties des ressorts 56, 58 qui font saillie hors des creusures 48, 50, ce qui a pour effet de déformer elastiquement les spires des ressorts 56, 58 de sorte qu'elles s'effacent momentanément, jusqu'à ce que ces parties en saillie des ressorts 56, 58 pénètrent progressivement dans les creusures 40, 42 complémentaires ménagées dans les branches 10, 12 et assurent ainsi un blocage du bras 4 entre les deux branches 10, 12. Lors de l'ouverture, le bras est poussé dans le sens de la flèche F et sollicite simultanément la totalité des spires des ressorts 56, 58 pour les déformer et libérer le bras . Il résulte de la structure des moyens de blocage que la force à déployer pour l'ouverture du fermoir est plus grande que celle qui est nécessaire à sa fermeture, ce qui confère au fermoir un plus grand confort d'utilisation au porteur et une grande sécurité en position fermée.The operating principle of the clasp which has just been described is as follows: during the closing, the arm, when it is pushed in the direction of the arrow F1, causes the friction of the latching ramps 68, 70 of the branches 10, 12 on the parts of the springs 56, 58 which project out of the recesses 48, 50, which has the effect of elastically deforming the turns of the springs 56, 58 so that they momentarily fade, until that these protruding parts of the springs 56, 58 gradually penetrate into the complementary recesses 40, 42 formed in the branches 10, 12 and thus ensure a blocking of the arm 4 between the two branches 10, 12. When opening, the arm is pushed in the direction of arrow F and simultaneously requests all of the turns of the springs 56, 58 to deform them and release the arm. It follows from the structure of the blocking means that the force to be deployed for opening the clasp is greater than that which is necessary for its closure, which gives the clasp greater comfort of use for the wearer and great security. in the closed position.
A ce propos, pour ouvrir le fermoir, il sera avantageux de munir l'extrémité du brin 8 d'un onglet (non représenté) . En outre, on remarquera que les forces de fermeture et d'ouverture dépendent essentiellement des caractéristiques des ressorts, de sorte qu'elles peuvent être aisément ajustées. Pour ce faire, il suffit d'agir sur les paramètres caractéristiques de chaque ressort, à savoir le diamètre du fil et le nombre de spires du ressort.In this regard, to open the clasp, it will be advantageous to provide the end of the strand 8 with a tab (not shown). In addition, it will be noted that the closing and opening forces depend essentially on the characteristics of the springs, so that they can be easily adjusted. To do this, it suffices to act on the characteristic parameters of each spring, namely the diameter of the wire and the number of turns of the spring.
En se référant aux figures 4 et 5, on voit une variante de réalisation du fermoir qui est représenté aux figures 1 à 3 dans laquelle les mêmes éléments sont désignés par les mêmes références numériques.Referring to Figures 4 and 5, we see an alternative embodiment of the clasp which is shown in Figures 1 to 3 in which the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.
A la différence du premier mode de réalisation, le tube soudé 14 a été remplacé par des moyens de liaison 14 du type de ceux référencés en 16 à la figure 2 et dans lesquelles un tube 15 fait office d' entretoise pour maintenir une distance convenable entre les branches 10 et 12 du fermoir.Unlike the first embodiment, the welded tube 14 has been replaced by connecting means 14 of the type referenced at 16 in FIG. 2 and in which a tube 15 acts as a spacer to maintain a suitable distance between branches 10 and 12 of the clasp.
Par ailleurs, les branches 10 et 12 sont chacune prolongées au-delà des moyens de liaison 14 par des parties de branche 10' et 12'. Chaque partie de branche 10 ' et 12 ' comprend un trou 11 ' et 13 ' , ces derniers étant disposés en regard l'un de l'autre et étant destinés à recevoir une goupille (non représentée) pour la fixation d'un brin de bracelet. Dans cette variante de réalisation, les ressorts 56 et 58 sont respectivement arrêtés longitudinalement dans les creusures 48 et 50 par une première de leurs extrémités, par les extrémités d'une goupille Gl chassée dans un trou ménagé dans la branche 4, les deux extrémités de la goupille s 'étendant respectivement dans les creusures 48 et 50.Furthermore, the branches 10 and 12 are each extended beyond the connecting means 14 by branch parts 10 'and 12'. Each branch part 10 'and 12' comprises a hole 11 'and 13', the latter being arranged opposite one another and being intended to receive a pin (not shown) for fixing a strand of bracelet. In this alternative embodiment, the springs 56 and 58 are respectively stopped longitudinally in the recesses 48 and 50 by a first of their ends, by the ends of a pin Gl driven into a hole made in the branch 4, the two ends of the pin extending respectively into the recesses 48 and 50.
Par ailleurs, les ressorts 56 et 58 sont respectivement maintenus contre les extrémités de la goupille Gl par l'intermédiaire d'un élément E fixé sur la branche 4. Plus précisément, l'élément E comprend une partie en forme de U dont les branches b, b' s'étendent respectivement dans les creusures 48 et 50 et s'appuient contre la deuxième extrémité des ressorts 56 et 58. La fixation de l'élément E sur la branche 4 est réalisée via une goupille G2 chassée dans des trous en regard, ménagés respectivement dans la branche 4 et dans les deux branches b, b'. Comme cela ressort particulièrement de la figure 4, l'élément E comprend une deuxième partie, dite de fixation, s'étendant au-dessus du plan de la branche 4 et comprenant un oeillet de fixation destiné à recevoir une goupille (non représentée) pour la fixation d'un brin de bracelet.Furthermore, the springs 56 and 58 are respectively held against the ends of the pin Gl by means of an element E fixed on the branch 4. More specifically, the element E comprises a U-shaped part whose branches b, b 'extend respectively in the recesses 48 and 50 and bear against the second end of the springs 56 and 58. The attachment of the element E on the branch 4 is carried out via a pin G2 driven into opposite holes, formed respectively in the branch 4 and in the two branches b, b '. As is particularly apparent from FIG. 4, the element E comprises a second part, called a fixing part, extending above the plane of the branch 4 and comprising a fixing eyelet intended to receive a pin (not shown) for fixing a bracelet strand.
On notera également que selon cette variante de réalisation l'ouverture du fermoir s'effectue selon un déplacement vers le haut et dans le sens de la flèche F2 au dessin.It will also be noted that, according to this alternative embodiment, the opening of the clasp takes place in an upward movement and in the direction of the arrow F2 in the drawing.
En se référant maintenant à la figure 6, on voit un deuxième mode de réalisation dans lequel les mêmes éléments que ceux représentés aux figures 1 à 5 sont désignés par les mêmes références numériques. Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le fermoir l' comprend une base 72 formée de deux branches parallèles 74, 76 et deux bras 78 et 80 articulés par l'une de leurs extrémités aux extrémités des branches 74, 76. Les autres extrémités des bras 78 et 80 comprennent respectivement des moyens de fixation 14, 32 d'un brin de bracelet 6, 8 représenté partiellement en traits interrompu à la figure.Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a second embodiment in which the same elements as those shown in Figures 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals. In this second embodiment, the clasp 1 'comprises a base 72 formed of two parallel branches 74, 76 and two arms 78 and 80 articulated by one of their ends at the ends of the branches 74, 76. The other ends of the arms 78 and 80 respectively comprise means 14, 32 for fixing a strand of bracelet 6, 8 shown partially in broken lines in the figure.
Le fermoir l' comprend en outre un organe de rigidification 82 reliant les branches 74 et 76 dans leur zone médiane, ce qui délimite avec les branches 74, 76 deux espaces libres 84, 86 de forme générale rectangulaire dans lesquels les bras 78, 80 peuvent être respectivement inclus en position fermée du fermoir, les extrémités des bras reliées aux brins du bracelet étant alors sensiblement juxtaposées. Ce fermoir l' peut donc être considéré comme étant formé de deux fermoirs 1 tels que représentés sur les figures 1 à 3 réunis l'un à l'autre par une de leurs extrémités et utilisant les mêmes moyens de blocage que ceux qui ont été décrits en liaison avec ces figures.The clasp also comprises a stiffening member 82 connecting the branches 74 and 76 in their central region, which delimits with the branches 74, 76 two free spaces 84, 86 of generally rectangular shape in which the arms 78, 80 can be respectively included in the closed position of the clasp, the ends of the arms connected to the strands of the bracelet then being substantially juxtaposed. This clasp can therefore be considered to be formed by two clasps 1 as shown on the Figures 1 to 3 joined to each other by one of their ends and using the same locking means as those which have been described in connection with these figures.
Les fermoirs de l'invention présentent l'avantage d'une fabrication très aisée car, pour les branches comme pour le bras ou les bras, ces éléments peuvent être obtenus à partir de profilés découpés, cintrés et assemblés. Il n'y a donc pas d'opérations d'étampage avec les pertes de matière et le coût de l'outillage que cela entraîne. Le fermoir de l'invention présente en outre une ligne simple lui conférant une grande élégance.The clasps of the invention have the advantage of a very easy manufacture because, for the branches as for the arm or the arms, these elements can be obtained from cut, bent and assembled profiles. There is therefore no stamping operation with the material losses and the cost of the tooling that this entails. The clasp of the invention also has a simple line giving it great elegance.
Il est bien entendu que l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits et que de nombreuses variantes évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être réalisées sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention définie par les revendications annexées. On peut par exemple prévoir des moyens de blocage ne présentant qu'un seul logement coopérant avec un unique élément elastiquement deformable. On peut également prévoir que l'élément elastiquement deformable soit non pas réalisé sous la forme une ressort hélicoïdal mais sous la forme d'un cylindre en un matériau élastomère ou encore d'un tube en un matériau elastiquement deformable, que les éléments elastiquement déformables ne soient pas maintenus dans le ou les bras mais dans les branches ou encore que le fermoir ne comprenne qu'une branche et un bras articulés l'un sur l'autre par leurs extrémités. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that many variants obvious to those skilled in the art can be carried out without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims attached. One can for example provide locking means having only one housing cooperating with a single elastically deformable element. It can also be provided that the elastically deformable element is not produced in the form of a helical spring but in the form of a cylinder made of an elastomeric material or else of a tube made of an elastically deformable material, that the elastically deformable elements do not are not held in the arm or arms but in the branches or that the clasp comprises only a branch and an arm articulated one on the other by their ends.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Fermoir du type a boucle déployante pour bracelet comprenant au moins une branche (10,12) et au moins un bras (4) articulé par une première de ses extrémités sur une première extrémité de ladite branche(4) , ladite branche (10,12) ayant une face latérale (36,38) disposée en regard d'une face latérale (44,46) dudit bras (4) dans la position fermée du fermoir, et des moyens de blocage pour bloquer le fermoir dans ladite position fermée, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de blocage comprennent au moins un élément elastiquement deformable (56,58) qui s'étend, en position fermée du fermoir, dans un logement (52,54) formé d'une part par une creusure (40,42) longitudinale ménagée dans ladite face latérale (36,38) de ladite branche (10,12) et d'autre part par une creusure longitudinale (48,50) ménagée dans ladite face latérale (44,46) dudit bras (4) .1. Clasp of the folding clasp type for bracelet comprising at least one branch (10,12) and at least one arm (4) articulated by a first of its ends on a first end of said branch (4), said branch (10 , 12) having a lateral face (36,38) disposed opposite a lateral face (44,46) of said arm (4) in the closed position of the clasp, and locking means for locking the clasp in said closed position , characterized in that the locking means comprise at least one elastically deformable element (56,58) which extends, in the closed position of the clasp, in a housing (52,54) formed on the one hand by a recess (40 , 42) longitudinal formed in said lateral face (36,38) of said branch (10,12) and on the other hand by a longitudinal recess (48,50) formed in said lateral face (44,46) of said arm (4 ).
2. Fermoir selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que ledit élément elastiquement deformable (56,58) est retenu dans une première (48,50) desdites creusures, ménagée dans une première (44,46) desdites faces latérales, par des moyens de maintien (60,62,64,66) .2. Clasp according to claim 1 characterized in that said elastically deformable element (56,58) is retained in a first (48,50) of said recesses, formed in a first (44,46) of said lateral faces, by means of maintenance (60,62,64,66).
3. Fermoir selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément elastiquement deformable (56,58) comprend un ressort hélicoïdal. 3. Clasp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said elastically deformable element (56,58) comprises a helical spring.
4. Fermoir selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que l'axe longitudinal (L) dudit ressort (56,58) est contenu dans ladite première creusure (48,50) et en ce que ladite première creusure (54,50) s'ouvre dans ladite première face latérale par une ouverture délimitée par deux bords (60,62,64,66) séparés d'une distance inférieure au diamètre du ressort (56,58); lesdits moyens de maintien étant constitués par lesdits bords (60,62,64,66) . 4. Clasp according to claim 3, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (L) of said spring (56,58) is contained in said first recess (48.50) and in that said first recess (54.50) s 'opens in said first lateral face by an opening delimited by two edges (60,62,64,66) separated by a distance less than the diameter of the spring (56,58); said holding means being constituted by said edges (60,62,64,66).
5. Fermoir selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le logement (52,54) formé par les creusures (40,48,42,50) présente une section circulaire.5. Clasp according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (52,54) formed by the recesses (40,48,42,50) has a circular section.
6. Fermoir selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le diamètre du ressort (56,58) est sensiblement égal au diamètre du logement (52,54).6. Clasp according to claim 5, characterized in that the diameter of the spring (56,58) is substantially equal to the diameter of the housing (52,54).
7. Fermoir selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des moyens d'arrêt (72,74) du ressort (56,58) en direction longitudinale dans ladite creusure (48,50) .7. Clasp according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it further comprises stop means (72,74) of the spring (56,58) in the longitudinal direction in said recess (48,50).
8. Fermoir selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit ressort (56,58) comprend au moins deux spires (72,74) d'extrémité jointives dont le diamètre est sensiblement supérieur au diamètre dudit logement (52,54) avant le montage dudit ressort dans ladite première creusure (48, 50) .8. Clasp according to claim 8, characterized in that said spring (56,58) comprises at least two turns (72,74) of contiguous end whose diameter is substantially greater than the diameter of said housing (52,54) before the mounting said spring in said first recess (48, 50).
9. Fermoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une deuxième9. Clasp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second
(12) branche sensiblement parallèle à la première branche (10) , en ce que lesdites première et deuxième branches(12) branch substantially parallel to the first branch (10), in that said first and second branches
(10,12) sont reliées ensemble par une de leurs extrémités par des moyens de liaison, et séparées l'une de l'autre par un espace libre (18) pouvant recevoir au moins partiellement ledit bras (4) dans la position fermée du fermoir et en ce que ladite deuxième (12) branche présente une face latérale (38) disposée en regard d'une deuxième face latérale (46) dudit bras (4) .(10,12) are connected together by one of their ends by connecting means, and separated from each other by a free space (18) which can at least partially receive said arm (4) in the closed position of the clasp and in that said second (12) branch has a side face (38) disposed opposite a second side face (46) of said arm (4).
10. Fermoir selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ladite première creusure (48,50) est ménagée dans ladite face latérale (44,46) dudit bras (4)10. Clasp according to claim 9, characterized in that said first recess (48.50) is formed in said lateral face (44,46) of said arm (4)
11. Fermoir selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un deuxième élément (58) elastiquement deformable s'étendant, en position fermée du fermoir, dans un deuxième logement (54) formé d'une part par une creusure (42) ménagée dans ladite face latérale (38) de la deuxième branche (12) et d'autre part par une creusure (50) ménagée dans ladite deuxième face latérale (46) dudit bras (4) .11. Clasp according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a second element (58) elastically deformable extending, in the closed position of the clasp, in a second housing (54) formed on the one hand by a recess (42) formed in said lateral face (38) of the second branch (12) and on the other hand by a recess (50) formed in said second lateral face (46) of said arm (4).
12. Fermoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la deuxième extrémité de ladite branche (10,12) ou desdites branches (10,12) et la deuxième extrémité dudit bras (4) comprennent des moyens de fixation (14,32) d'un brin de bracelet (6,8).12. Clasp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end of said branch (10,12) or of said branches (10,12) and the second end of said arm (4) comprise fixing means ( 14.32) of a bracelet strand (6.8).
13. Fermoir selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un deuxième bras articulé par une première extrémité sur la deuxième extrémité desdites branches (74,76), et en ce que les deuxièmes extrémités desdits premier et deuxième bras (78,80) sont sensiblement juxtaposées en position fermée du fermoir.13. Clasp according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a second arm articulated by a first end on the second end of said branches (74,76), and in that the second ends of said first and second arm (78,80) are substantially juxtaposed in the closed position of the clasp.
14. Fermoir selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que les deuxièmes extrémités desdits bras (78,80) comprennent des moyens de fixation (14,32) d'un brin de bracelet (6,8) .14. Clasp according to claim 13, characterized in that the second ends of said arms (78,80) comprise fixing means (14,32) of a bracelet strand (6,8).
15. Fermoir selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que comprend un organe de rigidification transversal (82) reliant les première et deuxième branches (74,76). 15. Clasp according to claim 14, characterized in that comprises a transverse stiffening member (82) connecting the first and second branches (74,76).
EP94916972A 1993-06-03 1994-05-18 Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet Expired - Lifetime EP0661938B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9306755 1993-06-03
FR9306755A FR2705873B1 (en) 1993-06-03 1993-06-03 Folding clasp type bracelet.
PCT/EP1994/001610 WO1994028754A1 (en) 1993-06-03 1994-05-18 Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0661938A1 true EP0661938A1 (en) 1995-07-12
EP0661938B1 EP0661938B1 (en) 1999-01-07

Family

ID=9447799

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94916972A Expired - Lifetime EP0661938B1 (en) 1993-06-03 1994-05-18 Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US5579559A (en)
EP (1) EP0661938B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3270897B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100333534B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1068194C (en)
AT (1) ATE175322T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69415787T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2129126T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2705873B1 (en)
HK (1) HK1010661A1 (en)
SG (1) SG68576A1 (en)
TW (1) TW266149B (en)
WO (1) WO1994028754A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH690261A5 (en) * 1995-11-15 2000-06-30 Rolex Montres clasp closure.
CH690894A5 (en) * 1996-07-01 2001-02-28 Vacheron & Constantin S A Folding clasp, in particular with button.
CH691160A5 (en) * 1996-08-27 2001-05-15 Rolex Montres Folding clasp.
WO1999005930A1 (en) * 1997-07-28 1999-02-11 Tag-Heuer S.A. Unfolding clasp for wrist band
EP1136013B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2003-09-24 Richemont International S.A. Bracelet fastener
US6792652B2 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-09-21 Luigi Ferrario Unfolding clasp for bracelet
CH696576A5 (en) * 2003-04-03 2007-08-15 Eberhard Et Co Sa Clasp bracelet.
EP2601855A1 (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-06-12 Omega SA Watch strap clasp
US9486042B2 (en) * 2014-06-05 2016-11-08 Google Technology Holdings LLC Wristband with recessed clasp and method of assembling and operating same
EP3011857B1 (en) 2014-10-24 2017-03-15 The Swatch Group Management Services AG Bracelet clasp
EP3069629B1 (en) * 2015-03-18 2019-07-03 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Bracelet clasp
CH713613B1 (en) * 2017-03-23 2021-03-15 Bulgari Horlogerie Sa Folding clasp
EP3420839B1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2022-10-05 Rolex Sa Clasp for wristwatch
CH715988B1 (en) * 2019-03-21 2022-05-31 Bulgari Horlogerie Sa Bracelet clasp.

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1732508A (en) * 1927-04-18 1929-10-22 Farris Cynthia Lee Manicure brush
FR537072A (en) * 1931-04-14 1922-05-15 Etablissements Ed Jaeger Soc D Closing system for bracelets, watch holders, etc. and new products resulting from its application
FR41123E (en) * 1931-12-17 1932-12-01 Michelin & Cie Railroad Track Improvements
US2444360A (en) * 1945-02-16 1948-06-29 Bruner Ritter Inc Expansible connector
US2518551A (en) * 1948-03-30 1950-08-15 Jacoarino Richard Clasp for wrist watch bands
GB739748A (en) * 1953-07-29 1955-11-02 John Alan Goode Improvements in expanding link units for straps, bands or bracelets
CH353567A (en) * 1959-04-15 1961-04-15 Matteis Ludovic De Bracelet
CH633698A5 (en) * 1979-09-26 1982-12-31 Nemi Sa Bracelet with clasp
CH645524A5 (en) * 1982-01-20 1984-10-15 Stelux Mfg Co Ltd Bracelet clasp
JPH0216658Y2 (en) * 1985-06-18 1990-05-09
FR2619292B1 (en) * 1987-08-14 1989-12-29 Boucledor Sa CLASP FOR BRACELET
US4881776A (en) * 1988-11-22 1989-11-21 Casual Living International Inc. Chairs with foldable backs
CH684151A5 (en) * 1990-11-28 1994-07-29 Cornu & Cie S A Bracelet clasp
FR2675351B1 (en) * 1991-04-19 1994-12-30 Maier FOLDING CLASP.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9428754A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR100333534B1 (en) 2002-11-13
JPH08504651A (en) 1996-05-21
WO1994028754A1 (en) 1994-12-22
EP0661938B1 (en) 1999-01-07
CN1068194C (en) 2001-07-11
JP3270897B2 (en) 2002-04-02
CN1110467A (en) 1995-10-18
HK1010661A1 (en) 1999-06-25
SG68576A1 (en) 2002-04-16
FR2705873A1 (en) 1994-12-09
FR2705873B1 (en) 1995-08-11
US5579559A (en) 1996-12-03
TW266149B (en) 1995-12-21
DE69415787T2 (en) 1999-09-02
ATE175322T1 (en) 1999-01-15
KR960700015A (en) 1996-01-19
DE69415787D1 (en) 1999-02-18
ES2129126T3 (en) 1999-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0913106B1 (en) Foldable fastener for a bracelet
EP3412168B1 (en) Clasp for bracelet
EP0661938B1 (en) Unfolding buckle-type clasp for a bracelet
EP1816923A1 (en) Bracelet fastener with gliding buckle
EP1836917B1 (en) Length adjustable wristband
EP3769640A1 (en) Watch strap clasp
EP0914049B1 (en) Clasp with unfolding arms
FR2685614A1 (en) LINK STRAP, ESPECIALLY FOR A WATCH.
EP0833579B1 (en) Watchstrap clasp
EP0855866B1 (en) Clasp with button
EP0780742B1 (en) Movable roller blind for a timepiece
CH692124A5 (en) Folding clasp for a bracelet.
CH667979A5 (en) Adjustable fastener for bracelet - has curved central plate having groove in which arm of one part slides and locks in notches in groove
CH715870A1 (en) Fixing system for bracelets.
EP0383039A1 (en) Folding fastener for a bracelet
EP0927526B1 (en) Bracelet fastener
EP3941300B1 (en) Clasp for a watchstrap or bracelet
EP0867132B1 (en) Automatic closing device for watch bands
WO2023170128A1 (en) Clasp with folding buckle
FR2743641A1 (en) Wristwatch bracelet attachment apparatus
CH719481A2 (en) DEPLOYANT CLASP.
CH690519A5 (en) Wrist watch bracelet fitting includes rotating element enabling bracelet pin to be removed without special tools for spring compression
FR2569957A1 (en) TOGETHER TO BE WRIST
FR3042389A1 (en) QUICK LOCKING SYSTEM OF A REMOVABLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE PART IN RELATION TO A FIXED PART
FR2710503A1 (en) Adjustable clamping device for watch bracelets (straps)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950127

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: GAY FRERES S.A.

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19970227

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MONTRES ROLEX SA

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19990107

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990107

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990107

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990107

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 175322

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19990115

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69415787

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19990218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: FRENCH

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990407

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990407

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: MOINAS SAVOYE & CRONIN

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19990409

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990531

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2129126

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990820

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: S.A. MONTRES ROLEX

Effective date: 19990531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991130

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20030527

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050518

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20040519

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070426

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070427

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070529

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090119

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: AEN

Free format text: LE BREVET A ETE REACTIVE SELON LA DEMANDE DE POURSUITE DE LA PROCEDURE DU 19.02.2009.

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080602

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080518

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 20090223

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20130524

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL