EP0927526B1 - Bracelet fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

Bracelet clasp comprising first and second elements (1, 2), respectively mechanically connected to the strands (5, 6) of a bracelet. A third element (3) mechanically connects the first and second elements (1, 2) in an articulated manner. A cap (4) is rigidly and removably attached to the first element (1). This cap has two blanks. The first element (1) is pierced with two transverse holes (15, 16) in which are engaged two pins or screws (35, 36). One of the two transverse holes (35) is covered by the blanks of the cap. The length of the bracelet is adjusted by connecting the first element and the third element to each other either by means of the first pin or screw (35) or by the second pin or screw (36) . <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a clasp of bracelet. It relates more particularly to a clasp of the type comprising a first element and a second element intended to be respectively connected to a first and a second strand of a bracelet and a third element which mechanically connects the first and second elements, this clasp comprising means to adjust the length of the bracelet so as to adjust it on the arm of a wearer and which include a pin engaged in at least one hole among a plurality of holes transverse, practiced in the first element.

A clasp of this type is described and represented in document DE-U- 9 401 541. It also includes three elements. The first element is connected to one of the strands a bracelet. The second element is mechanically connected hinged to the second strand of the bracelet and the third element connects the first and second elements articulated to allow opening and clasp closure.

The first element is in the form of a cap with an upper side which covers the others clasp elements and two extending blanks longitudinally on the sides of the clasp and pierced with a plurality of transverse holes. This headdress is probably achieved by stamping a sheet stainless steel. The extreme hole allows the assembly of the headdress with the first strand of the bracelet. Others transverse holes are intended to receive another pin also engaged in a transverse hole that has the third element, the choice of hole defining the length of the bracelet.

This solution allows the assembly of two strands of bracelets and adjusting the length of this bracelet the dimensions of a wearer's arm. However, we note that in such a configuration, the pins engaged in the transverse holes of the first element exert on their walls a traction causing wear and can lead to ovalization of these holes, or even disengagement of the pin. This defect reduces considerably the lifespan of clasps of this type. This is due in particular to the fact that first blanks of the first element are not very thick in order to be able be stamped and secondly the efforts that a bracelet and in particular its clasp must undergo are important.

To improve the above clasp, the walls of the blanks of the first element are more thick. The result would either be that the last link has a structure very different from the others, which significantly increase its cost, that the walls blanks of the cap extend strongly beyond the width of the links. In the latter case, the clasp is enlarged, which is unsightly and increases the risk hanging. In addition, the cap can no longer be made by stamping.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

In the solution described above, the blanks of the cap are drilled each with a row of holes. The aesthetic aspect of the clasp is affected.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the aesthetics of the clasp.

These goals are achieved thanks to the characteristics of claim 1.

In this configuration, the cap is no longer subject to the constraints on the bracelet. Is the otherwise the first item that is subject to these constraints. In addition, the first element can be made in a massive structure with holes guaranteeing optimal engagement of the pin, the length of these holes being at least equal to their diameter.

• Les figures 1 et 2 montrent, dans des vues en coupe, un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention dans deux configurations présentant des structures ajustées respectivement à deux longueurs du bracelet, le fermoir étant fermé;
• La figure 3 représente en coupe et en position ouverte le fermoir selon la configuration de la figure 1;
• La figure 4 est une vue en plan de dessus partiellement arrachée du fermoir selon la configuration représentée à la figure 1;
• Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent un deuxième mode de réalisation, vu en coupe, les deux configurations présentant respectivement des structures ajustées à deux longueurs de bracelet, le fermoir étant fermé;
• La figure 7 montre en coupe et en position ouverte le fermoir de la configuration représentée à la figure 5;
• La figure 8 est une vue en plan de dessus partiellement arrachée du fermoir selon la configuration représentée à la figure 5; et
• La figure 9 représente une variante du fermoir des figures 5 à 8.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing, given by way of nonlimiting example and in which:

• Figures 1 and 2 show, in sectional views, a first embodiment of the invention in two configurations having structures respectively adjusted to two lengths of the bracelet, the clasp being closed;
• Figure 3 shows in section and in the open position the clasp according to the configuration of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a top plan view partially broken away from the clasp according to the configuration shown in Figure 1;
• Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment, seen in section, the two configurations respectively having structures adjusted to two lengths of bracelet, the clasp being closed;
• Figure 7 shows in section and in the open position the clasp of the configuration shown in Figure 5;
• Figure 8 is a top plan view partially cut away from the clasp according to the configuration shown in Figure 5; and
• FIG. 9 represents a variant of the clasp of FIGS. 5 to 8.

The clasp shown in Figures 1 to 4 describes a first embodiment of the invention. He understands three elements, referenced 1 to 3, mounted hinged together relative to the others, a cap 4 and two strands of bracelet 5 and 6.

The first element 1 comprises a body 7 and three longitudinal fingers 8, 9 and 10, defining between them notches 11 and 12 (fig. 4). Fingers 8 and 10 have a recess on their outer sides, defining notches 13 and 14. The fingers 8, 9 and 10 are pierced two transverse holes 15 and 16, mutually parallel. On the side opposite the fingers, the body 7 has a 7 'shoulder.

The second element 2 is formed by an arm 17 comprising two heads 18 and 19 occupying both ends of this arm 17. The head 18 has a bulge with a transverse hole, while the head 19 carries a welded tube 21 pierced with a hole 22 and extending transversely.

The third element is formed by an arm 23 comprising two heads 24 and 25 occupying both ends of the arm 23. The head 24 has a bulge drilled with a hole 26. It comprises in known manner two transverse parts placed on either side of the head 18. head 25 is configured to be inserted in notches 11 and 12. It has a pierced bulge a transverse hole 28 and has a slot longitudinal and median 27.

The cap 4 has a first part 29 with a U-shaped cross section with the middle area covers the first element and whose blanks 29 'and 29 " extend on either side of the first element 1. The cover 4 further extends to head 19 of the second element 2. It further comprises an added part 30, a part 30 'of which protrudes longitudinally. The upper part of part 30 is welded to the face lower of the cap 4. The projection 30 'is engaged under the shoulder 7 'of the body 7. The blanks 29' and 29 "(fig. 4) each have a single transverse hole 31. In order improve the rigidity of the assembly constituted by the first element 1 and the cap 4, an elastic film can be interposed between the shoulder 7 'and the projection 30' or the underside of part 29 of the cap. Moreover, the contact surfaces between the shoulder and the projection can advantageously be slightly inclined.

The strands 6 and 7 of the bracelet are formed of links 32 aligned longitudinally and whose ends are of complementary shapes and pierced with transverse holes 33 and 34.

The different parts of this clasp are assembled to each other by means of pins or screws. More specifically, the first element 1 is connected to the third element 3 by means of a screw 35 engaged in the holes 16 and 28 of the first and third elements 1 and 3. In the configuration of Figures 1, 3 and 4, the extreme link 32 'of the strand 5 is assembled in an articulated manner to the first element 1 by a pin 36 engaged in the holes 15 and 33 'of the first element 1 respectively of the link 32'. This pin 36 also enters the holes 31 of the cap 4. The pin 36 can advantageously be threaded at its end 36 '(fig. 4) and screwed into a internal thread of the internal wall of the hole 33.

It will be noted that the walls of the holes 15 and 16 of the first element 1, and holes 28 and 33 of the second element 2 respectively of link 32 all have a length greater than their diameter. Such a structure guarantees a solid and reliable mechanical connection to clasp, without requesting the walls of hole 31 in each of the two blanks 29 'and 29' '.

In the configuration shown in Figure 2, both the third element 3 that the link 32 'are connected mechanically and articulated to the first element 1 by pin 36, engaged in holes 15, 28 and 33 ' of the first element 1, of the third element 3 respectively of the link 32 '. In one as in the other of the configurations mentioned, the third element 3 is mechanically connected in an articulated manner to the second element 2 by means of a pin 37 engaged at remains in the holes of the head 18 of the element 2 respectively of the head 24 of the element 3. The second element 2 is connected to the 32 "end link of strand 6 by a pin 38 engaged in the tube 21 of the element 2 and in the holes 33 "of the ends of this link 32" next to the clasp.

Finally, note that the clasp is kept closed at by means of a notched engagement between the arms 17 and 23 of the second and third elements 2 and 3, schematically shown and referenced 39 in Figures 1, 2 and 3. On Figure 4, we can see that the hole 16 is blind in finger 8. However, in a variant, it is possible to provide this through hole on both sides of element 1 into which a pin is inserted free. For the other pins, we use the solutions of usual fixing, by driving, screwing or type spring, well known to those skilled in the art.

As explained above, the clasp has a structure that allows you to adjust the length of the bracelet, to adapt it to the dimensions of the arm of the carrier. In a first step, the length setting is done roughly, by removing or adding one or more links 32 to one and / or the other of the strands 5 or 6. A finer adjustment is made by connecting the third element 3 to the first element 1 by the screw 35 or the pin 36. The distance between this pin and the screw being substantially equal to half the length of a link, it is thus possible to obtain an adjustment twice as precise as it can be with only links.

It is understood that in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, it is possible increase the length of fingers 8, 9 and 10, and make more cross holes, more or less closer together, so as to further refine adjusting the length of the bracelet. Besides, it obviously the number of these fingers can be reduced or on the contrary increased without departing from the framework of the invention. In addition, various variants for the arrangement of said fingers of element 1 and of the parts of element 3 and link 32 'are possible, in particular the removal of finger 9 and the 25 head in one part.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 behaves like that described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 three elements referenced from 1 to 3. The first element 1 is connected to one of the strands 5 of a bracelet, while the second element 2 is connected to the other strand 6. The third element 3 connects the first and second elements articulated. This embodiment differs from the one previously described by the fact that the clasp has symmetry.

As the structure of the second element 2 is the same as that of the first element 1, the same parts bear the same reference, supplemented by the letter "a" for parts associated with the second element 2. The elements similar to the first embodiment will not all described again here.

Caps 4 and 4a each have a first part 29 and 29a with a cross section in the form of U whose median zone respectively covers the first and the second element 1 and 2 and whose blanks 29 ′, 29 ", 29'a and 29a "extend respectively on both sides of the first and second element 1 and 2 (figure 8). The caps 4 and 4a each further comprise a part 30, 30a, provided with a part 30 ', 30a' projecting longitudinally. Parts 30 and 30a are welded respectively on the underside of caps 4 and 4a and respectively form a transverse side wall of these two headdresses. The projections 30 'and 30a' are respectively engaged under the shoulders 7 'and 7a' of bodies 7 and 7a. The blanks 29 ', 29 "on the one hand, 29a' and 29a" on the other hand, respectively have holes transverse 31 and 31a (Figure 8).

The structure of the bracelet is identical to that shown in Figures 1 to 4. The latter is also formed of links 32 aligned longitudinally and whose ends are of complementary shapes and pierced with transverse holes 33 and 34.

The third element 3, which connects the first and second elements 1 and 2, includes three articulated parts bearing the references 40, 40a and 41. Exhibits 40 and 40a are the same. They understand in their part central one arm bearing the reference 42 and 42a as well as each end of the arm, a head 43 and 44, 43a and 44a respectively. Heads 43 and 44, 43a and 44a are each drilled with a hole respectively referenced 45, 46, 45a and 46a. Exhibit 41 has the same structure, with one arm 47 and two heads 48 and 49 also with holes.

Comparable to the clasp according to the first embodiment, the parts are assembled together to the others two by two and in an articulated way, by means pins or screws. Thus parts 40 and 40a are respectively connected to elements 1 and 2 by means of screws 52 and 52a or pins 36 and 36a engaged in the holes 45 and 45a of parts 40 and 40a and in one or the other of holes 15 and 16, respectively 15a and 16a of elements 1 and 2. Parts 40 and 40a are respectively connected to the part 41 by means of pins 53 and 53a engaged in the holes 46 and 46a of the parts 40 and 40a and in the holes drilled in the heads 48 and 49 of the part 41.

The clasp also includes means for notch locking achieved by mutual engagement of a part of the arms 42 and 42a with a part of the arm 47, schematically represented and referenced in 39 and 39a.

As can be seen by comparing the configurations of Figures 5 and 6, the side faces transverse caps 4 and 4a or not define a space between them, depending on whether the third element is engaged in pins 36, 36a or screws 52, 52a. he is possible to fill this space by adding a insert 54, removably attached by means including a screw 55 on part 41 of the third item 3.

Note that like the two elements 1 and 2 here allow adjustment of the length of the bracelet closed, you can adjust with precision 1/3 and 2/3 of the length of a link. In Figure 5, the length is increased by a third of the link relative to the configuration of Figure 6, while this increase is two-thirds of the link in Figure 9.

Figure 9 is an alternative embodiment where the cap 4a has a visor 56 covering at least partially the cap 4 both in one and in the other of the adjustment positions. This solution allows to avoid the use of an added piece, while keeping the advantage of fine adjustment of the length of the bracelet. In another variant, not shown, one could use different caps depending on the position of bracelet length adjustment.

The clasps as described above allow significantly reduce the defects that clasps according to the state of the art. More precisely, the hole made in the blanks of the cap does not participate more to the chain that constitute the clasp, the strands of bracelet and watch. So when the watch is hooked, the force applies only on walls holes made in solid parts. Wear in is thus considerably reduced.

In addition, the cap is rigidly attached to the element. adjustment, longitudinally on one side by engagement one projection under one shoulder, the other by a pin and transversely by the blanks of the cap. In this way, the opening and closing of the clasp can be carried out safely. Note that during this operation, the pin that secures the first element to the cap is only little requested.

The blanks of the cap improve the aesthetics of the bracelet hiding the additional holes intended for ensure the length of the bracelet.

Finally, it is clear that the invention is not limited not to link bracelets, but can also apply to other types of bracelet and in particular to bracelets having strands at least partially in leather or flexible materials.

Claims (8)

1. Wristlet clasp including a first and a second element (1 and 2) intended to be connected respectively to a first strand (5) and to a second strand (6) of a wristlet, a third element (3) which mechanically connects the first and second elements in a hinged manner, and means for adjusting the length of said wristlet so as to fit it to a wearer's arm and which include at least one pin or removable screw (35; 52) engaged in a transverse hole (16) of a plurality of transverse holes (15, 16) which are parallel to each other and made in said first element, said pin or screw also being engaged in a transverse hole (28, 45) made in said third element, the adjustment of said wristlet length being realised thanks to a variation of this third element position relatively to said first element whereas said first strand is fixed to a first end of said first element, this clasp being characterized in that it further includes a cap (4) removably fixed to said first element and which includes two lateral portions (29', 29'') covering at least one transverse hole of said plurality of holes.
2. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that said first element (1) includes two pins or screws (35, 36; 52) respectively engaged in two of said transverse holes (15, 16) of said first element and one of which connects the first element to said first strand (5) of the wristlet, and in that said third element (3) is connected to the first element by one or other of the two pins or screws.
3. Clasp according to claim 2, characterized in that said cap (4) includes a transverse hole (31) aligned on one of said two transverse holes and in which one of the two pins or screws (36) is engaged, which thus assures the fixing of said cap to said first element (1).
4. Clasp according to claim 3, characterized in that said transverse hole (31) of said cap (4) is made in the two lateral portions (29', 29'') of said cap, said two lateral portions covering the whole of said plurality of transverse holes made in said first element (1) with the exception of the transverse hole (15) provided for said pin (36) which assures the fixing of the cap to the first element, this last transverse hole being located at said first end of this first element.
5. Clasp according to claim 4, characterized in that said first element (1) includes, on the side of its second end opposite to said first end, a shoulder (7') oriented transversally, and in that said cap includes a part (30) comprising a projecting portion (30'), engaged under said shoulder for assuring the rigid assembly of the cap to said first element together with said pin which assures the fixing of the cap to the first element and with said lateral parts of said cap.
6. Clasp according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first element (1) has a solid structure and has at least one notch or a recess (11, 12) for the introduction of a portion (25; 43) of said third element (3).
7. Clasp according to claim 6, characterized in that the length of each hole included in the first element is at least equal to its diameter.
8. Clasp according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second element (2) also includes means for adjusting the length of said wristlet which include a removable pin (52a), engaged in a transverse hole (16a) of a plurality of transverse holes made in said second element and in a second transverse hole (45a) of the third element (3), and in that said clasp further includes a second cap (4a) removably fixed to said second element and comprising two lateral portions (29a', 29a'') one of which covers at least one of said transverse holes of said second element.

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