EP0943257B1 - Bracelet with articulated links - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bracelet with articulated links, comprising at least three longitudinal rows side-by-side links, the links of which are offset longitudinally from one row to another, the links of the two lateral rows being located opposite the from each other, each pair of side links forming, with a link in the center row, a modular assembly, these assemblies comprising members for articulation between them around transverse axes crossing the parts respective adjacent modular sets which interpenetrate mutually

Bracelets made up of a plurality of articulated links to each other around axes transverse to the bracelet have been known for a very long time, especially for bracelets of watches. Generally, the joints between these links are made by pins driven into the side links, to allow them to pivot by compared to the central links.

In order to make it possible to put these bracelets on the good length, that is to say that which allows its adaptation on the wearer's wrist, the links that are located nearby from one end of the bracelet are assembled by screws instead of driven pins, to allow removal the excess links. These screws are visible from the outside and they most often appear on the side of the bracelet, which detracts from its appearance.

Another disadvantage of these bracelets is the difficulty there is in case of repair. If a link must be replaced because it has been damaged, it is not possible to easily separate the links held by the pins driven out and this work can only be done with suitable tools and know-how, which is not out of reach of the repairer, so the bracelet should be returned to the manufacturer, resulting in delays which can be long, depending on the country in which we are find.

It has already been proposed to form such bracelets with from fully removable elements. Therefore EP-0 118 774 and CH-664 475 relate to two bracelets with articulated links fully assembled by fixing screws screwed laterally to hold together the links and the pivoting members between these links. Such bracelets solve part of the problem since they allow to completely disassemble the bracelet and replace any link. However, the screws are visible all along the strap, at the detriment to its appearance.

EP-0089 421, WO 93/0871 and WO 94/12069 relate removable articulated bracelets, assembled by articulation elements freely engaged on ankles pivot, these articulation elements being locked by organs screwed on the side of the bracelet facing the carrier arm, so that the screws are not not visible when the bracelet is worn. This is there probably an improvement in terms of aesthetics, which could not however meet the most criteria demanding which are those of high-end articles. Indeed, in a shop window or during the purchase, the customer first sees the bracelet not worn, so he can notice the screws of fixation whatever the face of the bracelet on which they appear. Seeing screws immediately confers to such a bracelet the character of an object whose functional side has taken precedence over aesthetic side, this which is obviously not rewarding for an article high in range of this type, whose flawless appearance is the guarantee of his good bill.

Patent CH-558,153 relates to an articulated bracelet comprising links integral with a hinge rod transverse which projects at one end of the link and which does not extend over its entire width. This rod is introduced in a housing opening on the underside of the adjacent link and held in place by a spring lock. In this case, the screws are replaced by a spring. In the case of a gold bracelet, such a spring could hardly be in the same metal as the bracelet. Also, even if it’s not a screw, this fixing member must have an opening for allow disassembly and therefore retains a functional character and not decorative or simply an aspect whose aesthetics integrates with the rest of the bracelet.

Another type of solution has been proposed to solve this problem. These are articulated bracelets in which the articulation mechanism is housed in formed links by sorts of sleeves covering each of the segments forming the bracelet. Such solutions have been described in CH-653 871 as well as in EP-0 549 979. With this type of bracelet, the visible link necessarily extends across the width of the bracelet. This solution therefore does not apply to bracelets formed of rows side by side with offset links to obtain special decorative effects, especially with links of several materials of different colors and / or with different surface finishes.

Another solution has been proposed in CH-688 430, which consists of forming links comprising three parts of different widths, offset longitudinally one compared to others. A narrow central part is followed by a part of intermediate width extending from on either side of the median axis of the bracelet and finally by a part whose width corresponds to that of the bracelet. Each central part and each intermediate width part is pierced transversely to the bracelet. Each part wide of the link has a corresponding width clearance at the intermediate width, and each intermediate part has a corresponding width clearance at the narrowest central part. Therefore, two links can overlap and be held together by a bar slid into the openings transverse coaxial of the intermediate parts and of the central part of the adjacent link. This bar passes freely through these openings, but is retained axially as soon as the next link is placed. Indeed, the bar abuts against the edges of the release of corresponding width of this next link and is therefore axially blocked.

Such a bracelet is completely removable. If he can at first glance appear to be formed of several rows of offset links, these three rows are actually made up by a single link. Therefore, the combinations of colors by rows of links of different materials are not possible with this solution.

Finally, in EP 0 310 536 A is proposed a bracelet comprising two rows of lateral links, each integral of a half axis which ends in a head adjacent to a throat. Two intermediate links are arranged between these side links and a central link. The links intermediaries have two parallel passages with axes transverse, one of which is intended to receive a half-axis leaving the head and the adjacent throat protruding. The central fixing link has a longitudinal recess whose section is of complementary shape to that of the two heads of the two half-axes. Obviously longitudinal opens at one end and has two side slits whose width corresponds to the diameter of the adjacent grooves at the heads of the semi-axes.

To mount the bracelet, engage the two half-axes in the respective passages of two intermediate links, then we introduce the two heads of the semi-axes in the longitudinal recess from its open end. We slide longitudinally each pair of links lateral and intermediate until the other passages intermediate links coincide with the passage of the central link. We then introduce a pivot rod through the two passages, so that all the links making up the bracelet are articulated around two axes. In addition, this bracelet must necessarily include five rows of links which are all hinged together compared to the others, since these are the intermediate links that lock the heads in the longitudinal housing of the central link.

The object of the present invention is to remedy, less in part, to the disadvantages of the above-mentioned solutions.

To this end, the subject of this invention is a bracelet with articulated links of the type defined above, corresponding to claim 1.

The lateral interlocking of the links of the different rows allows to make a link bracelet formed of sets fully removable modules, the links nested in the same module being perfectly secured the each other. The sockets being formed on faces internal side links are invisible. It is likewise for the locking means which, being associated to the organs for articulating the modular assemblies and being connected to the interlocking means, can also be located at the inside of the bracelet and therefore be hidden, since they are connected to the interlocking means which are themselves inside the bracelet. They are therefore hidden once two adjacent modular elements are articulated, one with the other. Therefore, the locking means are concealed as the links are assembled at the following each other.

Therefore, the lengthening or shortening of the bracelet is easily achievable at any place on the planet by a dealer and without leaving visible traces. Indeed, all the links are removable without the means allowing their assembly do not appear from the outside of the bracelet.

The interlocking surfaces are machined surfaces, so that the sockets can be obtained with a very high precision. Each link can be brought to a desired finish state, either its final state or a state intermediate, offering great manufacturing flexibility. In case of damage, it is possible to disassemble the bracelet to the damaged link to repair or replace it. It is therefore no longer necessary to return the bracelet in the factory to perform this operation as is the case non-removable bracelets. After sales service is therefore simplified and improved since the repair can be do at the dealer.

La figure 1 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un segment de bracelet, dont trois maillons formant un élément modulaire, selon la première forme d'exécution, sont illustrés en position déboítée;

la figure 2 est une vue semblable à la figure 1 d'une variante de cette première forme d'exécution;

la figure 3 est une vue semblable à la figure 1 illustrant une autre variante de cette première forme d'exécution;

la figure 4 est une vue semblable à la figure 1 d'une seconde forme d'exécution avec parties coupées, illustrant les éléments en position emboítée;

la figure 5 est une vue semblable à la figure précédente, illustrant les éléments en position de verrouillage.

Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description which follows in which two forms of execution and different variants of the present invention will be described and illustrated, schematically and by way of example, using the attached drawing. .

Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a bracelet segment, three links forming a modular element, according to the first embodiment, are illustrated in the disengaged position;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a variant of this first embodiment;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating another variant of this first embodiment;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment with cut parts, illustrating the elements in the fitted position;

Figure 5 is a view similar to the previous figure, illustrating the elements in the locked position.

Figure 1 shows a bracelet segment 1, as well as three links, a central link 2 and two side links 3 and 4. Each side link 3, 4 has a rod pivot 5, respectively 6 and a nesting surface 7, respectively 8. This nesting surface 7, 8 is formed, in this example, by a profiled hollow body, formed by cutting a tubular element, which is expelled or brazed in a housing, not visible, formed on the face internal lateral of each link 3, 4.

The profiled bodies forming the interlocking surfaces 7, 8 each pass through an intermediate element 9, respectively 10. The fixing between the profiled bodies and the elements intermediates 9, 10 is produced by hunting or brazing. Each intermediate element 9, 10 is offset longitudinally with respect to link 3, respectively 4, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet 1. The part of this element intermediate 9, 10 which is offset from the links respective 3, 4, is crossed by an opening 11, respectively 12, whose axis is transverse to the bracelet 1.

The central link 2 has a nesting surface 13 constituted by a passage transverse to the axis of the bracelet 1 and whose cross section is of complementary shape to the surfaces of interlocking 7 and 8 of the side links 3 and 4. This central link 2 also has a transverse passage 14 fitted with a thread. This transverse passage 14 is aligned axially on the openings 11 and 12 passing through the intermediate elements 9 and 10.

Two screws 15 and 16 are intended to pass through the respective openings 11 and 12 for screwing into the passage 14. The openings 11 and 12 are shaped to present each a bearing intended to retain the head of the screws 15, 16 and thereby tighten the intermediate elements 9, 10, respectively against the central link 2, the nesting surfaces 7 and 8 then being nested in the nesting surface 13 passing through the central link 2.

The heads of the screws 15, 16 each have a housing cylindrical 15a, 16a of which only 16a is visible, coaxial with the axis of the respective screw. These cylindrical housings serve to receive the respective pivot pins 5, 6 of the two side links 3, 4, once fitted in the central link 2. These lateral links 3, 4 are then locked in this nesting position by the screws 15 and 16. As soon as these links 2, 3, 4 are locked together they form a modular element 17 which behaves as a single piece, articulated around the axis coaxial pivot pins 5, 6, pivotally mounted in the cylindrical housings 15a, 16a.

All the links of the bracelet are fitted one after the other the others as we have just described, each assembly a modular assembly 17, formed of a central link 2 and of two side links 3, 4 being locked by the screws 15, 16 which also serve as pivoting members between modular elements 17.

It should be noted that it is not essential that each modular assembly 17 is locked by screws 15, 16. It would suffice, in fact, that only the last set modular 17 of the bracelet or the strand, when the bracelet is formed, of several strands, either locked by one or two screws so that all successive modular sets are locked.

Indeed, each pair of side links 3, 4 of a modular assembly 17 encloses the intermediate elements 9, 10 secured to the links 3, 4 of the assembly modular 17 previous and prevents them from dislodging as soon as these intermediate elements 9, 10 are caught between the link central 2 and side links 3, 4 of a modular assembly 17 next. Therefore, if only the last set modular 17 is locked by one or two screws 15, 16, (only one screw can be screwed into a thread in the intermediate element 9, 10 opposite, instead of the thread in the central link 2), all assemblies modular 17 located between the first and the last modular assembly 17 are locked. We could also, for example, only put screws 15, 16 with one set modular in two or three.

For the same reasons, we can see that the screws 15 and 16 cannot be unscrewed, since they are prevented by the two side links 3, 4 of the next modular assembly against which they come stop as soon as they unscrew. This method of assembly, completely removable, is therefore also completely concealed, only the last screw (s) appearing on the lateral face of the end link (s) 3, 4.

It’s obvious that for manufacturing reasons, it is generally advantageous to carry out the various links, or at least some of them using several parts assembled by hunting or by brazing. As mentioned earlier, the side links 3 and 4 can advantageously be produced using four pieces assembled. In this example, the central link 2 is in one piece.

In the variant illustrated in FIG. 2, we have shown a central link 2, in which the thread, formed in the transverse passage 14, is carried by a cylindrical piece independent 18, constituting a floating nut, arranged in this transverse passage 14.

This is a variant intended to facilitate the manufacturing, the central link 2 can then be a simple profile that is cut to the desired width.

As can be seen, in the form of execution and the variant which have just been described in relation to Figures 1 and 2, the central link 2 is of rectangular profile seen in plan and form, after assembly of the element modular 17, with the two intermediate elements 9, 10 arranged on each side, a composite central link also rectangular. The central link 2 proper is preferably raised in relation to the elements intermediate 9, 10, giving an original decorative appearance. This central link 2 could have a profile other than the one illustrated, the adjacent faces of the two elements intermediaries 9, 10 then conforming to the profile of this link central 2 and preferably forming with it a composite link rectangular, whatever the shape of the link 2.

Obviously, these forms are not limiting, but are just there to show the aesthetic possibilities that this form of execution allows. Can also find that, advantageously, all the central links, each formed by a central link 2 and two elements intermediaries 9 and 10, have the same width over the entire bracelet length 1. When it is a bracelet shows in particular the width of each of the strands of the bracelet gradually decreases from attachment to the case going towards the clasp. In this case, this decrease in width can preferably be achieved by reducing the width of side links 3 and 4.

According to yet another variant, illustrated by the FIG. 3 as a variant of the first embodiment, a seal 39 is arranged around the pins pivot 5, 6. This joint is shaped to present a diametral rib 39a intended to engage in the slot of each of the screws 15 and 16 to make it integral of these screws. This joint protects surfaces pivoting of the infiltration of foreign, abrasive elements or corrosive, likely to affect proper functioning pivoting members. It would also be possible consider placing a gasket at the base of the heads of the screws 36, 37 of the second embodiment.

The second embodiment illustrated by the figures 4 and 5 is based on the same principle as the first form of execution, but differs significantly in its realization.

We find in this second embodiment a bracelet 21, of which only one segment is represented, formed a row of central links 22 and two rows of side links 23, 24. The last central link 22 and the last two lateral links 23, 24 are shown in the disassembled state.

A rod 25 crosses a transverse passage formed at one end of the central link 22. This rod 25 extends to the outside of the opposite side faces of this link. Of them annular grooves 25a, 25b, of which only the second of the two is visible, are formed between the two respective ends of this rod and the respective opposite side faces of the central link 22, thus releasing two heads 25c, 25d at both ends of the rod 25.

The opposite side faces of the central link 22 include each a recess, of which only one, 26, is visible. These recesses 26 form slides, each of which is intended to receive and guide one of the intermediate elements 27, 28 fixed to the internal lateral face of the link respective lateral 23, 24. These intermediate elements 27, 28 are offset longitudinally with respect to the links side 23, 24. As in the previous embodiment, the part of each intermediate element 27, 28 which extends beyond the respective lateral links 23, 24 is crossed through an opening 29, respectively 30.

A second passage 35, provided with an internal thread, crosses the central link 22, near its end transverse opposite to that crossed by the rod 25.

The internal lateral faces of the lateral links 23, 24, each have two housings 31, 32, respectively 33, 34. The housings 31, 33 each have an opening 31a, 33a giving access to these respective housings. These openings 31a, 33a each have a circular part whose diameter is slightly greater than that of the heads 25c, 25d to allow their introduction into the housing respective 31, 33. These openings 31a, 33a are followed of a narrower part, the width of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the annular grooves 25a, 25b of the rod 25. The narrower parts of these openings 31a, 33a form flanges 31b, 33b, intended to retain the heads 25c, 25d in the respective housings 31, 33. The second housings 32 and 34, are of cylindrical section circular.

When the heads 25c, 25d of these rods are introduced in housings 31 and 33 through the circular part openings 31a and 33a, the intermediate elements 27, 28 engage in the slides formed by the clearances 26 of the central link 22. However, as can be see in Figure 4, these intermediate elements 27, 28 are at a distance from the end of these clearances 26, so that the openings 29, 30 are offset relative to the opening 35.

The housings 31, 33 are designed and dimensioned for allow the central link 22 to move longitudinally with respect to the lateral links 23, 24, of a distance corresponding to that which separates the ends of the intermediate elements 27, 28, of the adjacent ends respective clearances 26 of central links 22, in which they are slidably engaged. Through therefore, to lock the three links 22, 23, 24 assembled, just slide the central link 22, from the position illustrated in FIG. 4, to that illustrated by figure 5.

This displacement makes it possible to align the openings 29, 30 on the axis of passage 35 located at one end of the central link 22. Simultaneously, this displacement engages the annular grooves 25a in the narrowed parts of the openings 31a, 33a, thus preventing the heads 25c, 25d of the rod 25 to emerge from the housing 31, 33. The whole is then locked in this position, by screwing two screws 36, 37 at the two ends of the threaded passage 35, through the openings 29, 30, thus preventing any longitudinal movement of the central link 22. The heads of these two screws 36, 37 consist of cylinders which project laterally from the central link 22 and are intended for engage in the housings 32, 34 of the side links opposite 23, 24, during the assembly of the links 22, 23, 24 to form one of the modular assemblies 38 of the bracelet 21. This bracelet can be lengthened by adding sets modular 38 successive such as the one just described, until the desired length is obtained.

This second embodiment has more specifically, although not exclusively, has been studied with a view to bracelets small dimensions, especially watch straps of ladies. So instead of pivoting modular sets by penetrating the pegs pivot 5, 6 of Figure 1 in the cylindrical housings 15a, 16a of the heads of the screws 15 and 16, we penetrate the cylindrical heads of the screws 36, 37 in the housings 32, 34, which allows for smaller screws diameter than in the first embodiment.

Of course, in the second embodiment, the passage 35 could be unthreaded and receive a simple rod crossing it and projecting laterally from both sides of the link 22 to be housed in the housings 32, 34 side links 23, 24, in place of the two screws 36, 37. This rod would lock the links assemblies of modular assembly 38, as do the screws 36, 37. Only the last modular assembly must be locked by one or two screws, since a simple sliding rod through passage 35 and openings 29, 30 would not then no longer held laterally by the lateral links 23, 24 of the following modular assembly.

Certain functional parts of the bracelet according to the invention could be made of different materials from the other parties. This is particularly the case for members used for pivoting the modular assemblies 17 or 38 between them. This is how we could achieve these parts or coat their surfaces with ceramic material for example. One of these pivoting surfaces could also be coated with a self-lubricating material. Of such measures could lead to further reduction of games needed between these surfaces and to improve accuracy of assembly and articulation between the different bracelet elements.

Claims (8)

1. Bracelet with pivoting links, comprising at least three longitudinal rows of links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) side by side, the links of the two lateral rows being aligned transversely in pairs and being staggered longitudinally with respect to those of the central row and members (5, 6, 15a, 16a; 32, 34, 36, 37) allowing pivoting about transverse axes, associated with locking members (15, 16; 36, 37) and passing through the respective portions of the said links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) side by side, which bracelet is characterized in that the two opposite lateral faces of the said central link (2; 22) on the one hand, and the internal lateral faces of the said lateral links (3, 4; 23, 24) on the other, are integral with means (7, 8, 13; 25-28, 31, 33) for the lateral engagement of these links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) into each other in a defined position so that each pair of lateral links forms, with one link of the central row (2; 22), a rigid modular assembly (17; 38), and in that parts (9, 10; 27, 28) connect the said locking members (15, 16; 36, 37) to the said engagement means (7, 8, 13; 25-28, 31, 33) to keep the links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) of each modular assembly (17; 38) engaged in each other.
2. Bracelet according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said members (15, 16; 36, 37) for locking the three links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) engaged in each other comprise three respective openings (11, 12, 14; 29, 30, 35), one (14; 35) formed at the transverse end of the central link (2; 22) projecting longitudinally from the two lateral links (3, 4; 23, 24), and the other two (11, 12; 29, 30) through the respective ends of two intermediate parts (9, 10; 27, 28) forming longitudinal extensions of the lateral links, the transverse dimension when the extensions of these intermediate parts (9, 10; 27, 28) are in the engaged position corresponding to the space separating two lateral links (3, 4; 23, 24) of the adjacent modular assembly (17; 38), the locking members (15, 16; 36, 37) being designed to join together axially the said openings (11, 12, 14; 29, 30, 35), and the pivot members (5, 6, 15a, 16a; 32, 34, 36, 37) integral both with these locking members (15, 16; 36, 37) and with the internal lateral face of the said lateral links (3, 4; 23, 24) having cylindrical surfaces that are complementary to and co-axial with the said pivot axis so as to fit into each other.
3. Bracelet according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said opening (14; 35) formed in the central link (2; 22) contains a screw thread, while the outsides of the two openings (11, 12, 29, 30) formed through the intermediate parts (9, 10; 27, 28) that extend the two lateral links (3, 4; 23, 24) longitudinally are shaped to take the respective heads of two screws (15, 16; 36, 37), each of which is in engagement with the said thread on each side of the said central link (2; 22), these two screws (15, 16; 36, 37) forming the said means of locking the three links (2, 3, 4; 22, 23, 24) of the modular part (17; 38).
4. Bracelet according to Claim 3, characterized in that a cylindrical housing (15a, 16a) is formed in the head of each locking screw (15, 16) to take a rod (5, 6) integral with the internal face of a lateral link (3, 4) .
5. Bracelet according to Claim 3, characterized in that the head of the locking screw (36, 37) has a cylindrical part projecting from the said central link (22), while the lateral link (23, 24) comprises a complementary cylindrical housing (32, 34), so as to engage on this cylindrical part.
6. Bracelet according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the said intermediate parts (27, 28) forming extensions each integral with one of the two lateral links (23, 24) and enclosing the central link (22) form sliding feet engaged in two slots (26) in each lateral face of the central link (22), capable of defining two longitudinal relative limit positions between this central link (22) and each of the lateral links (23, 24) and in that a rod (25) ending in a head (25c, 25d) at each end projects from one of the adjacent lateral faces of each of the pairs of adjacent lateral faces between the central link (22) and the two lateral links (23, 24), while the other of each of these pairs of adjacent faces has an opening (31a, 33a) to allow the said head (25c, 25d) to move to one of the two longitudinal relative limit positions between the central link (22) and the adjacent lateral link (23, 24) and give access to a housing (31, 33) designed to allow this head (25c, 25d) to be displaced along a length corresponding to the amplitude of relative displacement between the said sliding foot (27, 28) and the said slot (26), a lip (31b, 33b) being formed around part of the opening of this housing (31, 33) on the lateral face of the link (23, 24) in order axially to retain the said head (25c, 25d) in the other of the relative limit positions between the central link (22) and the adjacent lateral link (23, 24), this position corresponding to that in which the said three openings (29, 30, 32) are axially aligned.
7. Bracelet according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the said intermediate part (9, 10) is formed by a link integral with each lateral link (3, 4).
8. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sealing means (39) are provided to protect the pivot surfaces (5, 6, 15a, 16a) between the said modular assemblies (17, 38).

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