EP0737427B1 - Adjustable link for articulated bracelet - Google Patents

Adjustable link for articulated bracelet Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0737427B1
EP0737427B1 EP96105409A EP96105409A EP0737427B1 EP 0737427 B1 EP0737427 B1 EP 0737427B1 EP 96105409 A EP96105409 A EP 96105409A EP 96105409 A EP96105409 A EP 96105409A EP 0737427 B1 EP0737427 B1 EP 0737427B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bracelet
base
link
push
cap
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
EP96105409A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0737427A1 (en
Inventor
Cuche Cyril
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.)
Swatch Group Management Services AG
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Swatch Group Management Services AG
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Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Management Services AG filed Critical Swatch Group Management Services AG
Publication of EP0737427A1 publication Critical patent/EP0737427A1/en
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Publication of EP0737427B1 publication Critical patent/EP0737427B1/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
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/04—Link constructions extensible
    • A44C5/08—Link constructions extensible having separate links
    • 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
    • A44C5/246—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices having size adjusting means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an adjustable link intended to be incorporated into a bracelet composed of plurality of links.
  • Bracelets made of leather may have a sufficient number of holes to facilitate this adjustment. We will indeed choose the suitable hole that will receive the buckle of the buckle for a good adjustment of the bracelet. On the other hand, if we are dealing with a bracelet composed of articulated links, this choice is no longer possible and we will have to settle for the adjustment of length made once and for all with the purchase of the bracelet. And again, during this purchase, are we limited to one adjustment which is no finer than that of the length of a link. To remedy this drawback and in the case where the link bracelet has a style clasp portfolio for example, we have already proposed a solution to this problem, solution exposed for example in the document EP-A-0 350 785.
  • the clasp has a first element with a hook and a second element under which is arranged a trigger integral with a pusher.
  • the second element is provided with an opening which leaves appear two identical holes arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.
  • the hook can be locked either by the first or the second hole depending on whether you want a tight or freer winding of the bracelet around the wrist.
  • the hook beak is placed under the trigger.
  • press the pusher For open the clasp, press the pusher. This device allows an elongation or a narrowing of the length of the bracelet shorter than the length of a link.
  • the invention proposes an adjustable link independent of the clasp.
  • This link includes means which are implemented so that its length can be adjusted manually at least two different lengths to allow adaptation of the length of the bracelet to variations in the diameter of the wrist that wears it, said adjustable link with two attachment means for link to the other links or elements that are part of the bracelet.
  • Such a link includes the features of claim 1.
  • the link of the invention can thus be placed anywhere in or near the link bracelet clasp, or close to a watch case if the bracelet includes a watch. It is of interest to be short, therefore not very visible and little bulky. Its appeal is also that it can be offered as an accessory, sold separately by the jeweler detailing and easily integrated when you want in the bracelet.
  • FIG. 1 shows the link 1 in the open or deployed position, while the Figure 2 shows the same link 1 in the closed position or retracted.
  • This adjustable link is intended to be incorporated into a bracelet comprising a plurality of links. It is provided with means which will be described in detail below, to change its length in the direction longitudinal of the bracelet as a result of manual action, to arrange it in at least two lengths, one open and the other closed. It is thus possible to adapt the length of the bracelet on the wrist that wears it.
  • the figure 1 also shows that the adjustable link 1 is provided with means 4 and 5 to link it to other links or others elements, for example clasp or watch case, making part of the bracelet.
  • link 1 has three parts essential which appear well in figure 3, where one of these parts is torn to facilitate explanations which will follow.
  • the adjustable link 1 first comprises a cap 6 to which is fixed a first attachment means 4 which allows to link it to another fixed link of the bracelet.
  • This means 4 shown in full in Figures 1 and 2 and partially in Figure 3, is a small hinge attached to the cap and pierced with a hole 40 intended to receive a bar 41 to link it to a fixed link 2 (see figure 5).
  • the adjustable link 1 then has a base 7 to which is fixed a second attachment means 5 which allows to link it to another fixed link of the bracelet.
  • This means 5 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is a bar crossing both base 7 and a hinge 50 making part of a fixed link 3 (see Figure 5).
  • the base 7 is likely slide in the cover 6.
  • the adjustable link 1 finally comprises a mechanism 8 with pushers 9 and 10, mechanism shown for itself in Figure 4.
  • the pushbuttons 9 and 10 of mechanism 8 can be actuated manually and allow you to choose one of the two lengths that at least the adjustable link can offer 1.
  • the cap 6 has the shape of a U composed of short branches 11 and 12.
  • the interior of each of these branches has a rail respectively referenced 13 and 14.
  • the face joining the two branches is shaped rectangular whose dimensions can be compared to those of the other links making up the bracelet.
  • the base 7 has the shape of a rectangular section tube.
  • the outer faces 15, 16 of the short sides of this tube each have a groove 17, 18 sized to slide on a rail 13, 14 of the cover 6.
  • One of the large sides of the tube has a closed face 19, while the other of the long sides is fitted with racks 21 and 22 facing each other, these racks being directed in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.
  • Each of the racks 21 and 22 is equipped with at least two teeth referenced respectively 23 ', 24' and 23, 24.
  • the mechanism 8 to pushers has a profile 25, also U-shaped, capable of move freely inside the base tube 7.
  • the inner faces of the branches of the U of the profile have grooves 26 serving as a guide for two pushers 9 and 10, each provided with a rail 27 sliding in the groove 26.
  • the pushers 9 and 10 are arranged one opposite the other in extension and are separated by a spring of reminder 28.
  • Each of pushers 9 and 10 also has a notch 29 and 29 'capable of cooperating with one of the teeth 23 or 24 and 23 'or 24' of one of the racks 22 and 21.
  • Each of the pushers 9 and 10 also has a head referenced respectively 30 and 30 ', head on which manual pressure is exerted.
  • Head 30 emerges from a from the short side 16 of the base 7 through an opening 31 whose length is greater than that of the head and on the other hand of the branch 12 of the cap 6 by a opening 32 whose dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions presented by the head section.
  • the head 30 'emerges on the one hand from the small side 15 of base 7 through an opening 31 'whose length is greater than that of the head and other part of branch 11 of cap 6 through an opening 32 ' whose dimensions are substantially equal to dimensions presented by the head section.
  • FIG. 1 shows that one has placed a cover 36 on the base 7.
  • the head 30, 30 'of each of the pushers 9, 10 is in the form of stick with rectangular section.
  • the vertical part 33, 33 'from the butt, the one that moves in the opening 31, 31 ′ practiced in the small side 16, 15 of the base 7, has a width significantly smaller than the horizontal part 34, 34 'of said stock, this part horizontal being adapted to the opening 32, 32 'of the branch 12, 11 of the cap 6. It will be understood that this way of making the head of the pusher makes it possible to reduce significantly the length of the openings 31, 31 ' practiced in base 7 and, consequently, reduce the length of the link itself.
  • Figure 5 also shows that to improve the finger grip on the horizontal part 34, 34 'of the head, we increased its length to the right of the figure, which required to provide grooves 60, 60 ' in profile 25. These grooves avoid widening the profiled and, therefore, the link itself.
  • link adjustable also shows that it is easy to assemble and also to disassemble it, because it does not have any screws which would require the use of a tool.
  • the mechanism to pusher 8 has an obvious and immediate assembly. A Once this assembly has been completed, it is pushed into the base 7 by compressing the pushers until the heads 30, 30 'emerge from the openings 31, 31'. Then we slide the cap 6 on the base by performing the same operation of pressure on the heads 30, 30 'until they emerge from the openings 32, 32 '.

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  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à un maillon réglable destiné à être incorporé à un bracelet composé d'une pluralité de maillons.The invention relates to an adjustable link intended to be incorporated into a bracelet composed of plurality of links.

Il est connu que le poignet humain varie de diamètre en fonction de la température ambiante. Pendant la saison chaude son diamètre augmente, alors que pendant la saison froide ce diamètre diminue. Il s'agit donc pour un bracelet entourant ce poignet de pouvoir être ajusté en fonction de ces différences de diamètre si l'on veut éviter, selon les circonstances évoquées ci-dessus, que ce bracelet pende ou étrangle le poignet.It is known that the human wrist varies in diameter depending on the ambient temperature. During the season hot its diameter increases, while during the season cold this diameter decreases. It is therefore for a bracelet surrounding this wrist to be able to be adjusted in function of these differences in diameter if you want avoid, according to the circumstances mentioned above, that this bracelet hangs or strangles the wrist.

Les bracelets exécutés en cuir peuvent présenter un nombre suffisant de trous pour faciliter cet ajustement. On choisira en effet le trou convenable que recevra l'ardillon de la boucle pour un bon ajustement du bracelet. Par contre, si l'on a affaire à un bracelet composé de maillons articulés, ce choix n'est plus possible et l'on devra se contenter de l'ajustement de longueur fait une fois pour toute à l'achat du bracelet. Et encore, lors de cet achat, est-on limité à un ajustement qui n'est pas plus fin que celui de la longueur d'un maillon. Pour remédier à cet inconvénient et dans le cas où le bracelet à maillon comporte un fermoir du style portefeuille par exemple, on a déjà proposé une solution à ce problème, solution exposée par exemple dans le document EP-A-0 350 785.Bracelets made of leather may have a sufficient number of holes to facilitate this adjustment. We will indeed choose the suitable hole that will receive the buckle of the buckle for a good adjustment of the bracelet. On the other hand, if we are dealing with a bracelet composed of articulated links, this choice is no longer possible and we will have to settle for the adjustment of length made once and for all with the purchase of the bracelet. And again, during this purchase, are we limited to one adjustment which is no finer than that of the length of a link. To remedy this drawback and in the case where the link bracelet has a style clasp portfolio for example, we have already proposed a solution to this problem, solution exposed for example in the document EP-A-0 350 785.

Dans ce document, le fermoir comporte un premier élément portant un crochet et un second élément sous lequel est disposée une gâchette solidaire d'un poussoir. Le second élément est pourvu d'une ouverture qui laisse apparaítre deux trous identiques disposés côte à côte dans la direction longitudinale du bracelet. Le crochet peut être verrouillé au choix par le premier ou le second trou selon que l'on désire un enroulement serré ou plus libre du bracelet autour du poignet. En position de fermeture, le bec du crochet vient se placer sous la gâchette. Pour ouvrir le fermoir, on presse sur le poussoir. Ce dispositif permet un allongement ou un rétrécissement de la longueur du bracelet plus court que la longueur d'un maillon.In this document, the clasp has a first element with a hook and a second element under which is arranged a trigger integral with a pusher. The second element is provided with an opening which leaves appear two identical holes arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The hook can be locked either by the first or the second hole depending on whether you want a tight or freer winding of the bracelet around the wrist. In the closed position, the hook beak is placed under the trigger. For open the clasp, press the pusher. This device allows an elongation or a narrowing of the length of the bracelet shorter than the length of a link.

D'autres fermoirs sont équipés de systèmes produisant le même effet. Par exemple, les documents CH-A-669 501, DE-A-2 852 482 et FR-A-2 058 819 mettent tous à profit un système pourvu de crémaillères et de cliquets baladeurs.Other clasps are fitted with systems producing the same effect. For example, documents CH-A-669 501, DE-A-2 852 482 and FR-A-2 058 819 all use a system fitted with racks and sliding pawls.

Dans EP-A-0 345 014, des poussoirs sont insérés entre une plaque creuse et une fiche, avant la fermeture du maillon par une deuxième plaque. Le document CH-A-272 897 dévoile le préambule de la revendication 1. La coiffe y coopère avec des rails positionnés sur la base, grâce à des rainures ménagées dans les poussoirs.In EP-A-0 345 014, pushers are inserted between a hollow plate and a plug, before the link is closed with a second plate. Document CH-A-272 897 discloses the preamble of claim 1. The cap cooperates therewith positioned rails on the base, thanks to grooves made in the pushers.

Ainsi tous les systèmes de réglage fin proposés et connus du déposant sont liés à un fermoir d'exécution parfois compliquée. Pour remédier à ces inconvénients, l'invention propose un maillon réglable indépendant du fermoir. Ce maillon comprend des moyens qui sont mis en oeuvre pour que sa longueur puisse être réglée manuellement selon au moins deux longueurs différentes pour permettre l'adaptation de la longueur du bracelet aux variations de diamètre du poignet qui le porte, ledit maillon réglable comportant deux moyens d'attache pour le lier aux autres maillons ou éléments faisant partie du bracelet.Thus all the fine adjustment systems offered and known to the depositor are linked to an execution clasp sometimes complicated. To overcome these drawbacks, the invention proposes an adjustable link independent of the clasp. This link includes means which are implemented so that its length can be adjusted manually at least two different lengths to allow adaptation of the length of the bracelet to variations in the diameter of the wrist that wears it, said adjustable link with two attachment means for link to the other links or elements that are part of the bracelet.

Un tel maillon comporte les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.Such a link includes the features of claim 1.

Le maillon de l'invention peut ainsi être placé n'importe où dans le bracelet à maillons ou à proximité du fermoir, ou encore à proximité d'un boítier de montre si le bracelet comporte une montre. Il présente l'intérêt d'être de courte longueur, donc peu voyant et peu encombrant. Son attrait consiste aussi en ce qu'il peut être proposé en accessoire, vendu à part par le bijoutier détaillant et facilement intégrable quand on le voudra dans le bracelet.The link of the invention can thus be placed anywhere in or near the link bracelet clasp, or close to a watch case if the bracelet includes a watch. It is of interest to be short, therefore not very visible and little bulky. Its appeal is also that it can be offered as an accessory, sold separately by the jeweler detailing and easily integrated when you want in the bracelet.

L'invention va être exposée maintenant dans la description qui va suivre en s'aidant du dessin qu'illustre un mode d'exécution pris en exemple, dessin dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du maillon de l'invention présenté en position déployée,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du maillon de l'invention présenté en position rétractée,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective et avec déchirures du maillon de l'invention en position déployée,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du seul mécanisme à poussoirs faisant partie du maillon montré en figure 3, et
  • la figure 5 est une vue en plan du maillon de l'invention avec déchirures, ce maillon étant intégré entre deux autres maillons faisant partie du bracelet.
The invention will now be explained in the description which follows, with the aid of the drawing illustrated by an exemplary embodiment, a drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the link of the invention presented in the deployed position,
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the link of the invention presented in the retracted position,
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view with tears of the link of the invention in the deployed position,
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the only push mechanism forming part of the link shown in FIG. 3, and
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the link of the invention with tears, this link being integrated between two other links forming part of the bracelet.

Des vues en perspective du maillon selon l'invention sont montrées aux figures 1 et 2. La figure 1 présente le maillon 1 en position ouverte ou déployée, tandis que la figure 2 présente ce même maillon 1 en position fermée ou rétractée. Ce maillon réglable est destiné à être incorporé à un bracelet comportant une pluralité de maillons. Il est pourvu de moyens qui seront décrits en détail ci-dessous, pour modifier sa longueur dans le sens longitudinal du bracelet par suite d'une action manuelle, pour le disposer selon au moins deux longueurs, l'une ouverte et l'autre fermée. Il est ainsi possible d'adapter la longueur du bracelet au poignet qui le porte. La figure 1 montre encore que le maillon réglable 1 est pourvu de moyens 4 et 5 pour le lier aux autres maillons ou autres éléments, par exemple fermoir ou boíte de montre, faisant partie du bracelet.Perspective views of the link according to the invention are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the link 1 in the open or deployed position, while the Figure 2 shows the same link 1 in the closed position or retracted. This adjustable link is intended to be incorporated into a bracelet comprising a plurality of links. It is provided with means which will be described in detail below, to change its length in the direction longitudinal of the bracelet as a result of manual action, to arrange it in at least two lengths, one open and the other closed. It is thus possible to adapt the length of the bracelet on the wrist that wears it. The figure 1 also shows that the adjustable link 1 is provided with means 4 and 5 to link it to other links or others elements, for example clasp or watch case, making part of the bracelet.

Plus spécifiquement, et selon le mode d'exécution qui sera décrit, à titre d'exemple, dans la suite de cette description, le maillon 1 comporte trois parties essentielles qui apparaissent bien en figure 3, où une de ces parties est déchirée pour faciliter les explications qui vont suivre.More specifically, and according to the mode of execution which will be described, by way of example, in the remainder of this description, link 1 has three parts essential which appear well in figure 3, where one of these parts is torn to facilitate explanations which will follow.

Le maillon réglable 1 comporte d'abord une coiffe 6 à laquelle est fixé un premier moyen d'attache 4 qui permet de le lier à un autre maillon fixe du bracelet. Ce moyen 4 représenté en entier sur les figures 1 et 2 et partiellement sur la figure 3, est un petit gond fixé à la coiffe et percé d'un trou 40 destiné à recevoir une barrette 41 pour le lier à un maillon fixe 2 (voir figure 5). Le maillon réglable 1 comporte ensuite une base 7 à laquelle est fixé un second moyen d'attache 5 qui permet de le lier à un autre maillon fixe du bracelet. Ce moyen 5 représenté sur les figures 1 et 3, est une barrette traversant à la fois la base 7 et un gond 50 faisant partie d'un maillon fixe 3 (voir figure 5). Comme on le voit bien sur les figures 1 à 3, la base 7 est susceptible de coulisser dans la coiffe 6. Le maillon réglable 1 comporte enfin un mécanisme 8 à poussoirs 9 et 10, mécanisme représenté pour lui seul en figure 4. Les poussoirs 9 et 10 du mécanisme 8 sont actionnables manuellement et permettent de choisir l'une des deux longueurs que peut offrir au moins le maillon réglable 1.The adjustable link 1 first comprises a cap 6 to which is fixed a first attachment means 4 which allows to link it to another fixed link of the bracelet. This means 4 shown in full in Figures 1 and 2 and partially in Figure 3, is a small hinge attached to the cap and pierced with a hole 40 intended to receive a bar 41 to link it to a fixed link 2 (see figure 5). The adjustable link 1 then has a base 7 to which is fixed a second attachment means 5 which allows to link it to another fixed link of the bracelet. This means 5 shown in Figures 1 and 3, is a bar crossing both base 7 and a hinge 50 making part of a fixed link 3 (see Figure 5). As we sees well in Figures 1 to 3, the base 7 is likely slide in the cover 6. The adjustable link 1 finally comprises a mechanism 8 with pushers 9 and 10, mechanism shown for itself in Figure 4. The pushbuttons 9 and 10 of mechanism 8 can be actuated manually and allow you to choose one of the two lengths that at least the adjustable link can offer 1.

On va décrire maintenant dans le détail chacune des parties composant le maillon réglable ainsi que son mode de fonctionnement. On se référera pour cela aux figures 1 à 4 déjà mentionnées et également à la figure 5 qui est une vue en plan du maillon réglable 1 présenté avec des déchirures, ce maillon étant intégré entre deux autres maillons 2 et 3 faisant partie du bracelet.We will now describe in detail each of the parts of the adjustable link and its mode Operating. For this, refer to Figures 1 to 4 already mentioned and also in Figure 5 which is a plan view of the adjustable link 1 presented with tears, this link being integrated between two others links 2 and 3 forming part of the bracelet.

La coiffe 6 présente la forme d'un U composé de courtes branches 11 et 12. L'intérieur de chacune de ces branches comporte un rail respectivement référencé 13 et 14. La face réunissant les deux branches est de forme rectangulaire dont les dimensions peuvent s'apparenter à celles des autres maillons composant le bracelet. La base 7 présente la forme d'un tube de section rectangulaire. Les faces extérieures 15, 16 des petits côtés de ce tube portent chacune une rainure 17, 18 dimensionnée pour glisser sur un rail 13, 14 de la coiffe 6. Un des grands côtés du tube présente une face fermée 19, alors que l'autre des grands côtés est muni de crémaillères 21 et 22 se faisant face, ces crémaillères étant dirigées dans le sens longitudinal du bracelet. Chacune des crémaillères 21 et 22 est équipée d'au moins deux dents référencées respectivement par 23', 24' et 23, 24. Le mécanisme 8 à poussoirs, bien représenté à la figure 4, comporte un profilé 25, lui aussi en forme de U, susceptible de se déplacer librement à l'intérieur du tube de la base 7. Les faces intérieures des branches du U du profilé comportent des rainures 26 servant de guide à deux poussoirs 9 et 10, chacun muni d'un rail 27 coulissant dans la rainure 26. Les poussoirs 9 et 10 sont disposés l'un en face de l'autre en prolongement et sont séparés par un ressort de rappel 28. Chacun des poussoirs 9 et 10 comporte aussi un cran 29 et 29' susceptible de coopérer avec une des dents 23 ou 24 et 23' ou 24' d'une des crémaillères 22 et 21. Chacun des poussoirs 9 et 10 comporte encore une tête référencée respectivement 30 et 30', tête sur laquelle s'exerce la pression manuelle. La tête 30 émerge d'une part du petit côté 16 de la base 7 par une ouverture 31 dont la longueur est plus grande que celle de la tête et d'autre part de la branche 12 de la coiffe 6 par une ouverture 32 dont les dimensions sont sensiblement égales aux dimensions présentées par la section de la tête. De façon analogue, la tête 30' émerge d'une part du petit côté 15 de la base 7 par une ouverture 31' dont la longueur est plus grande que celle de la tête et d'autre part de la branche 11 de la coiffe 6 par une ouverture 32' dont les dimensions sont sensiblement égales aux dimensions présentées par la section de la tête.The cap 6 has the shape of a U composed of short branches 11 and 12. The interior of each of these branches has a rail respectively referenced 13 and 14. The face joining the two branches is shaped rectangular whose dimensions can be compared to those of the other links making up the bracelet. The base 7 has the shape of a rectangular section tube. The outer faces 15, 16 of the short sides of this tube each have a groove 17, 18 sized to slide on a rail 13, 14 of the cover 6. One of the large sides of the tube has a closed face 19, while the other of the long sides is fitted with racks 21 and 22 facing each other, these racks being directed in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. Each of the racks 21 and 22 is equipped with at least two teeth referenced respectively 23 ', 24' and 23, 24. The mechanism 8 to pushers, well shown in Figure 4, has a profile 25, also U-shaped, capable of move freely inside the base tube 7. The inner faces of the branches of the U of the profile have grooves 26 serving as a guide for two pushers 9 and 10, each provided with a rail 27 sliding in the groove 26. The pushers 9 and 10 are arranged one opposite the other in extension and are separated by a spring of reminder 28. Each of pushers 9 and 10 also has a notch 29 and 29 'capable of cooperating with one of the teeth 23 or 24 and 23 'or 24' of one of the racks 22 and 21. Each of the pushers 9 and 10 also has a head referenced respectively 30 and 30 ', head on which manual pressure is exerted. Head 30 emerges from a from the short side 16 of the base 7 through an opening 31 whose length is greater than that of the head and on the other hand of the branch 12 of the cap 6 by a opening 32 whose dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions presented by the head section. Of analogously, the head 30 'emerges on the one hand from the small side 15 of base 7 through an opening 31 'whose length is greater than that of the head and other part of branch 11 of cap 6 through an opening 32 ' whose dimensions are substantially equal to dimensions presented by the head section.

De la description qui précède, on a compris qu'en exerçant une pression sur chacune des têtes 30 et 30', on dégage les crans 29 et 29' d'une des dents de la crémaillère 22 et 21. Dès lors, la base 7 peut se déplacer librement par rapport à la coiffe 6 jusqu'à ce que le cran de chacun des poussoirs tombe dans une autre dent de chacune des crémaillères. On observera que pour allonger le maillon, il faut opérer une pression sur les têtes des poussoirs, alors que pour le raccourcir il suffit de pousser la base dans la coiffe, par exemple en effectuant une opération d'étranglement du bracelet avec la main. On comprendra que ceci est dû à la forme en dents de scie donnée aux dents de la crémaillère, ces dents étant dirigées dans le sens qu'il faut pour obtenir l'effet cité. Ainsi, quand une traction est exercée sur le bracelet, ce qui se présente constamment, ce bracelet ne pourra pas augmenter de diamètre à moins que délibérément on exerce une pression sur les poussoirs. Dans le cas du raccourcissement, l'effort de compression exercé sur le maillon fait monter le cran du poussoir le long du plan incliné de la dent pour l'amener finalement à tomber dans le creux de la dent suivante, sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'agir sur les têtes de poussoir. Quoiqu'il en soit, on remarquera que le mécanisme à poussoirs 8 suit le mouvement de la coiffe 6, alors qu'il glisse dans la base 7 quand un changement de longueur est effectué.From the foregoing description, it has been understood that exerting pressure on each of the heads 30 and 30 ', we releases the notches 29 and 29 'from one of the teeth of the rack 22 and 21. Therefore, the base 7 can move freely relative to the cap 6 until the notch of each of the pushers falls into another tooth of each of the racks. We will observe that to lengthen the link, you have to put pressure on the heads of the pushers, while to shorten it just push the base into the cap, for example by performing a bracelet throttling operation with the hand. We will understand that this is due to the sawtooth shape given to the teeth of the rack, these teeth being directed in the direction it takes to achieve the effect cited. So when traction is exerted on the bracelet, what comes up constantly, this bracelet does will not increase in diameter unless deliberately pressure is exerted on the pushers. In the case of shortening, the compressive force exerted on the link raises the pusher notch along the plane tilted tooth to ultimately cause it to fall into the hollow of the next tooth, without it being necessary to act on the pusher heads. Anyway, we note that the push-button mechanism 8 follows the movement of the cap 6, as it slides into the base 7 when a length change is made.

On fera observer que le mode d'exécution montré dans les figures fait état de crémaillères possédant chacune trois dents, ce qui permet de disposer le maillon réglable dans trois positions différentes pour étendre encore le domaine de réglage. Pour cela, et par rapport à la description ci-dessus, une dent supplémentaire 35 et 35' a été ajoutée à chacune des crémaillères 22 et 21. A titre d'information, on signalera qu'un pas de 3 mm a été choisi entre chaque dent.Note that the mode of execution shown in the figures show racks each having three teeth, which allows to have the adjustable link in three different positions to further extend the setting range. For that, and compared to the description above, an additional tooth 35 and 35 'has has been added to each of racks 22 and 21. As information, it should be noted that a pitch of 3 mm has been chosen between each tooth.

Pour cacher les crémaillères 21 et 22, ainsi que le mécanisme à poussoirs 8, la figure 1 montre qu'on a placé un cache 36 sur la base 7.To hide the racks 21 and 22, as well as the push-button mechanism 8, FIG. 1 shows that one has placed a cover 36 on the base 7.

Comme cela apparaít sur les figures 3, 4 et 5, la tête 30, 30' de chacun des poussoirs 9, 10 est en forme de crosse à section rectangulaire. La partie verticale 33, 33' de la crosse, celle qui se déplace dans l'ouverture 31, 31' pratiquée dans le petit côté 16, 15 de la base 7, présente une largeur sensiblement plus petite que la partie horizontale 34, 34' de ladite crosse, cette partie horizontale étant adaptée à l'ouverture 32, 32' de la branche 12, 11 de la coiffe 6. On comprendra que cette façon de réaliser la tête du poussoir permet de réduire de façon importante la longueur des ouvertures 31, 31' pratiquées dans la base 7 et, par voie de conséquence, de réduire la longueur du maillon proprement dit.As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the head 30, 30 'of each of the pushers 9, 10 is in the form of stick with rectangular section. The vertical part 33, 33 'from the butt, the one that moves in the opening 31, 31 ′ practiced in the small side 16, 15 of the base 7, has a width significantly smaller than the horizontal part 34, 34 'of said stock, this part horizontal being adapted to the opening 32, 32 'of the branch 12, 11 of the cap 6. It will be understood that this way of making the head of the pusher makes it possible to reduce significantly the length of the openings 31, 31 ' practiced in base 7 and, consequently, reduce the length of the link itself.

La figure 5 montre également que pour améliorer la prise du doigt sur la partie horizontale 34, 34' de la tête, on a augmenté sa longueur vers la droite de la figure, ce qui a obligé de prévoir des rainures 60, 60' dans le profilé 25. Ces rainures évitent d'élargir le profilé et, partant, le maillon lui-même.Figure 5 also shows that to improve the finger grip on the horizontal part 34, 34 'of the head, we increased its length to the right of the figure, which required to provide grooves 60, 60 ' in profile 25. These grooves avoid widening the profiled and, therefore, the link itself.

La description qui vient d'être faite du maillon réglable montre aussi qu'il est aisé de l'assembler et aussi de le démonter, car il ne comporte aucune vis qui nécessiterait l'usage d'un outil. En effet, le mécanisme à poussoir 8 présente un assemblage évident et immédiat. Une fois cet assemblage réalisé, on le pousse dans la base 7 en comprimant les poussoirs jusqu'à ce que les têtes 30, 30' émergent des ouvertures 31, 31'. On glisse ensuite la coiffe 6 sur la base en effectuant la même opération de pression sur les têtes 30, 30' jusqu'à ce qu'elles émergent des ouvertures 32, 32'.The description which has just been made of the link adjustable also shows that it is easy to assemble and also to disassemble it, because it does not have any screws which would require the use of a tool. Indeed, the mechanism to pusher 8 has an obvious and immediate assembly. A Once this assembly has been completed, it is pushed into the base 7 by compressing the pushers until the heads 30, 30 'emerge from the openings 31, 31'. Then we slide the cap 6 on the base by performing the same operation of pressure on the heads 30, 30 'until they emerge from the openings 32, 32 '.

Claims (6)

  1. Adjustable link (1) intended to be incorporated in a bracelet consisting of a plurality of links (2, 3), comprising a cap (6) to which are fixed first attachment means (4) to the other links or bracelet elements, a base (7) to which are fixed second attachment means (5) to the other links or bracelet elements, the base (7) being capable of sliding into the cap (6), and a mechanism (8) with push-pieces (9, 10) able to be actuated manually, said mechanism enabling to adjust its length in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet to at least two lengths to enable the length of the bracelet to be adapted, said link being characterized in that the cap (6) has the shape of a U each of whose branches (11, 12) is provided with a rail (13, 14) turned towards the inside of the U, that the base (7) is tube-shaped with a rectangular cross-section, the external faces (15, 16) of the small sides each carrying a groove (17, 18) sized so as to slide on one of the rails (13, 14) of the cap (6) and in that the push buttons each comprise a head (30, 30') emerging respectively on both sides of the link on the one hand from one of the small sides (16, 15) of the base (7) via an opening (31, 31') whose length is greater than that of the head, and on the other hand from one of the branches (12, 11) of the cap (6) via an opening (32, 32') whose dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions of the cross-section of the head, onto which manual pressure is applied.
  2. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the faces of the large sides (19) of the base (7) is closed and the other (20) is provided with racks (21, 22) which face each other and are directed in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, each of the racks being provided with at least two teeth (23', 24'; 23, 24).
  3. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the push-piece mechanism (8) comprises a U-shaped profile bar (25) capable of moving in the base (7), the internal faces of the branches of the U comprising grooves (26) which act as guides to two push-pieces (9, 10) provided with rails (27), the two push-pieces being arranged facing each other and separated by a return spring (28), each of the push-pieces (9, 10) further comprising a notch (29, 29') capable of cooperating with one of the teeth (23, 24: 23', 24') of one of the racks (22, 21)).
  4. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the head (30, 30') of each of the push-pieces (9, 10) has the shape of a cross with a rectangular cross-section, its vertical part (33, 33'), which is capable of moving in the opening (31, 31') made in the small side (16, 15) of the base (7), having a width substantially smaller than the width of its horizontal part (34, 34') which is adapted to the opening (32, 32') of the branch (12, 11) of the cap (6).
  5. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the racks (21, 22) is provided with three teeth (23', 24', 35'; 23, 24, 35).
  6. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the face (20) of the base (7) which is provided with racks (21, 22) is covered with a screen (36) to cover the push-piece mechanism (8).
EP96105409A 1995-04-11 1996-04-04 Adjustable link for articulated bracelet Expired - Lifetime EP0737427B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9504334A FR2732866B1 (en) 1995-04-11 1995-04-11 ADJUSTABLE LINK FOR LINK STRAP
FR9504334 1995-04-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0737427A1 EP0737427A1 (en) 1996-10-16
EP0737427B1 true EP0737427B1 (en) 2001-03-28

Family

ID=9477995

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96105409A Expired - Lifetime EP0737427B1 (en) 1995-04-11 1996-04-04 Adjustable link for articulated bracelet

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US5623838A (en)
EP (1) EP0737427B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3869039B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1121170C (en)
DE (1) DE69612228T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2732866B1 (en)
HK (1) HK1014143A1 (en)
SG (1) SG40843A1 (en)

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US11583042B2 (en) 2019-09-17 2023-02-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Bracelet with adjustable link for a watch or a piece of jewellery

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DE10229050C1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2003-06-18 Audi Ag Wrist strap fastening device for wristwatch has retaining bars for holding ends of strap which are adjustable in at least three latching positions
CH695656A5 (en) * 2002-12-18 2006-07-31 Werthanor Sa Adjustable link for e.g. wrist-watch strap, has locking units with pushbutton placed near lower side of link, where pushbutton acts along direction perpendicular to plane of strap to control bolt cooperating with notches of one link unit
ES2311934T3 (en) 2005-11-23 2009-02-16 Werthanor S.A. DEVICE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE LENGTH OF A BRACELET, BRACELET PROVIDED WITH SUCH DEVICE, AND EQUIPPED WATCH OF SUCH BRACELET.
DE602005014574D1 (en) * 2005-12-22 2009-07-02 Eberhard & Cie Sa REMOVABLE DEVICE FOR WIRE BRACELET
EP2484244B1 (en) 2011-02-02 2013-08-28 Omega SA Adjustable link
EP2759222B1 (en) 2013-01-24 2015-12-09 Omega SA Adjustable link
EP2888967B1 (en) * 2013-12-26 2018-05-02 The Swatch Group Management Services AG Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet
EP3155921B1 (en) * 2015-10-14 2018-05-02 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Adjustable link for bracelet
IT201700032302A1 (en) * 2017-03-23 2018-09-23 Promotion Spa ADJUSTMENT GROUP
IT201800003618A1 (en) * 2018-03-15 2019-09-15 Promotion Spa DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE LENGTH OF A FLEXIBLE ELEMENT WITH MAINLY LONGITUDINAL DEVELOPMENT AND FLEXIBLE ELEMENT WITH SAID ADJUSTMENT DEVICE
HK1250557A2 (en) * 2018-08-29 2018-12-21 Hon Man Chung A clock chain assembly with multiple physical connections
JP2022513770A (en) * 2018-12-10 2022-02-09 パテック フィリップ ソシエテ アノニム ジュネーブ A bracelet with a device for fine-tuning the length of the bracelet and at least one such device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11583042B2 (en) 2019-09-17 2023-02-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Bracelet with adjustable link for a watch or a piece of jewellery

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK1014143A1 (en) 1999-09-24
JPH08308615A (en) 1996-11-26
FR2732866A1 (en) 1996-10-18
SG40843A1 (en) 1997-06-14
DE69612228T2 (en) 2002-06-13
FR2732866B1 (en) 1997-05-23
DE69612228D1 (en) 2001-05-03
CN1121170C (en) 2003-09-17
EP0737427A1 (en) 1996-10-16
US5623838A (en) 1997-04-29
CN1138441A (en) 1996-12-25
JP3869039B2 (en) 2007-01-17

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