EP0999765B1 - Unfolding clasp for wrist band - Google Patents
Unfolding clasp for wrist band Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0999765B1 EP0999765B1 EP98931879A EP98931879A EP0999765B1 EP 0999765 B1 EP0999765 B1 EP 0999765B1 EP 98931879 A EP98931879 A EP 98931879A EP 98931879 A EP98931879 A EP 98931879A EP 0999765 B1 EP0999765 B1 EP 0999765B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bracelet
- clasp
- plates
- unfolding
- blades
- 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
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
- A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
- A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
- A44B11/001—Ornamental buckles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/37—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor
- Y10T24/3768—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor having loop or sleeve shaped directing means
- Y10T24/3779—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor having loop or sleeve shaped directing means with permanently deformed mounting structure
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
- Y10T24/4782—Watch strap
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a folding clasp for bracelet, in particular a folding clasp for a watch strap.
- Watch straps are either open type or closed type.
- open type bracelet means a bracelet whose two strands can to be disunited. The ring that forms the watch and the bracelet can therefore be opened to put on the bracelet.
- closed type bracelet is meant a bracelet of which the two strands remain united. Closed type bracelets have generally a folding clasp allowing to increase the diameter of the ring formed by the bracelet and the watch in order to pass the hand.
- the present invention relates precisely to a folding clasp for a bracelet, in particular for closed type bracelet.
- folding clasps all of which however generally comprise at least two articulated blades mutually as well as a clasp.
- the blades In the closed position, the blades are generally folded over or next to each other, and retained in this position by an appropriate device.
- the clasp By operating the clasp, the user has the possibility of releasing this device to unfold the blades articulated so as to increase the opening of the bracelet.
- the documents of patent FR2'571'228, FR2'577'120, CH684151, CH678002 and CH635237 by example describe different types of folding clasps for bracelets.
- Folding clasps generally allow a variation of the circumference of the bracelet about three to six centimeters.
- the length of the folding clasp in the closed position is therefore necessarily quite large. Therefore, the blades forming the loop are generally curved to approximately match the curvature of the wrist of the watch wearer.
- the curvature adopted is necessarily a compromise corresponding to a current wrist size, and therefore not suitable for very thin wrists or on the contrary wrists larger than average. For this reason, many people find the folding clasp bracelets uncomfortable, and prefer open type bracelets which are less practical.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a loop folding clasp improved compared to folding clasps the prior art, in particular a more comfortable folding clasp.
- a loop deployant for bracelet comprising at least two blades articulated between them so as to be able to adjust the opening of the bracelet, in which said blades are made of a flexible material that can match the shape of the wrist wearer's wrist.
- the folding clasp of the invention is made of a flexible material, for example a synthetic material, composite or elastic metal.
- the deformability of the blades of the folding clasp also facilitates the passage of the hand through the bracelet when the loop is deployed.
- the extension of the loop necessary to put on the bracelet can thus be reduced, which makes it possible to use more buckles small and therefore further increase comfort.
- the blades of the folding clasp are deformable in the direction perpendicular to their own plane, so that the curvature of the closed loop can match the shape of the wrist. It is however, it is preferable that the blades cannot deform in a other direction, to guarantee a certain rigidity to the whole and to avoid the buckle blades protrude from the bracelet in the closed position and do not become apparent when they deform laterally.
- the blades of the loop are therefore made of a material anisotropic, that is to say the deformation of the blades caused by a force applied perpendicular to the plane (x, z) containing the said blades is greater than the deformation of the blades caused by an identical force applied in any other direction.
- the blades can also be made up of isotropic elements, assembled in such a way that the whole of the loop has anisotropic properties.
- the blades of the bracelet are made of a composite material.
- the folding clasp described by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 6 generally comprises a loop 1 proper, formed of two side blades 10 connected by a hinge 12 to a central blade 11, thus as a clasp 2.
- the end of the central blade 11 is hingedly connected to a portion of the bracelet 4 while the end of the side blades 10 is connected by another articulation with the other portion of bracelet 4.
- Only the first links of the two ends of the bracelet 4 are shown in the figures; it is obvious that the bracelet could also be made of leather, plastic, ceramic or any other suitable material.
- Clasp 2 includes generally claws 20 secured to the central blade 11, as well as retaining means 23 integral with the side blades 10 and the other portion of bracelet.
- the claws 20 are constituted by a tuning fork 20 coming to engage in the portion 23 at the end of the side blades 10.
- the clasp is closed simply by pressing the tuning fork 20 or the last link 4, and is held by the oblique portions of the lateral flanks of the 10 blades or from the base of the clasp. To open the clasp, it is necessary to revenge to press the ends 200 of the tuning fork so as to bring together its two branches and thus freeing it from the retaining means 23.
- a safety cover 3, articulated by an axis 30, can be closed over the clasp so as to completely hide the tuning fork 20 and the retainers 23.
- This optional cover provides security additional to prevent the clasp from being opened accidentally by a shock on one of the two portions 200 of the tuning fork.
- the cover is kept closed by pins 31 engaged in holes 40 on an integral part of the bracelet link 4.
- the blades 10, 11 of the loop 1 are made of a flexible material, of preferably an anisotropic material with high flexibility depending on the y axis perpendicular to the plane of the blades of the loop and flexibility much weaker along the x axis parallel to the wrist axis.
- the loop deployant 1 can thus be deformed so as to conform to the curvature of the wrist, as suggested in Figures 1 and 3, without deforming along the x axis.
- the blades 10, respectively 11, are made of material composite, for example here by means of a metallic longitudinal core 100, respectively 110, covered by a flexible material 101, respectively 111.
- the blades 10 and 11 are preferably connected to the other elements metallic or synthetic clasps with their metallic core 100, 110.
- the flexible covering 101, 111 can for example be made of a material synthetic, leather or rubber, preferably of a pleasant material to the skin.
- the core 100, 110 could also be produced in a other material, for example synthetic material more rigid than external covering, or in natural or synthetic fibers.
- Other types of materials and other composite structures can however be adopted, in particular according to aesthetic considerations. It is also possible to cover only one face of the central core 100, 110 by a flexible material, for example that the face close to the wrist for comfort to wear increased, or as the outer side for a decorative effect.
- folding clasp comprising a central blade connected to a end of the bracelet and two side blades intended to be connected to the other end of the bracelet
- the invention can be applied without difficulty to any type of folding clasp, for example to buckles deployants such as butterfly, wallet, etc., with two, three or more blades hinged in any way.
- the invention is perfectly applicable to folding buckles comprising a first blade connected by a first end in an articulated manner to a first strand of the bracelet, a second blade intended to be connected by a first end hinged to the second strand of the bracelet, as well an intermediate blade, hingedly connected to the second end of the first blade and at the second end of the second blade.
- the folding clasp has a single blade, the thickness at at least one point is greatly reduced, so as to allow greater elastic deformation around this point or points, which thus act as a joint for the thicker portions of the blade.
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- Buckles (AREA)
- Adornments (AREA)
Description
La présente invention concerne une boucle déployante pour bracelet, en particulier une boucle déployante pour bracelet de montre.The present invention relates to a folding clasp for bracelet, in particular a folding clasp for a watch strap.
Les bracelets de montre sont soit de type ouvert, soit de type fermé. Par bracelet de type ouvert, on entend un bracelet dont les deux brins peuvent être désunis. L'anneau que forme la montre et le bracelet peut donc être ouvert pour enfiler le bracelet. Par bracelet de type fermé, on entend un bracelet dont les deux brins restent solidaires. Les bracelets de type fermé comportent généralement une boucle déployante permettant d'augmenter le diamètre de l'anneau formé par le bracelet et la montre afin de pouvoir y passer la main. La présente invention concerne précisément une boucle déployante pour bracelet, en particulier pour bracelet de type fermé.Watch straps are either open type or closed type. By open type bracelet means a bracelet whose two strands can to be disunited. The ring that forms the watch and the bracelet can therefore be opened to put on the bracelet. By closed type bracelet is meant a bracelet of which the two strands remain united. Closed type bracelets have generally a folding clasp allowing to increase the diameter of the ring formed by the bracelet and the watch in order to pass the hand. The present invention relates precisely to a folding clasp for a bracelet, in particular for closed type bracelet.
On connaít différents types de boucles déployantes, qui toutes cependant comportent de manière générale au moins deux lames articulées mutuellement ainsi qu'un fermoir. En position fermée, les lames sont généralement repliées l'une sur l'autre ou l'un à côté de l'autre, et retenues dans cette position par un dispositif approprié. En actionnant le fermoir, l'utilisateur a la possibilité de libérer ce dispositif pour déplier les lames articulées de façon à augmenter l'ouverture du bracelet. Les documents de brevet FR2'571'228, FR2'577'120, CH684151, CH678002 et CH635237 par exemple décrivent différents types de boucles déployantes pour bracelets.We know different types of folding clasps, all of which however generally comprise at least two articulated blades mutually as well as a clasp. In the closed position, the blades are generally folded over or next to each other, and retained in this position by an appropriate device. By operating the clasp, the user has the possibility of releasing this device to unfold the blades articulated so as to increase the opening of the bracelet. The documents of patent FR2'571'228, FR2'577'120, CH684151, CH678002 and CH635237 by example describe different types of folding clasps for bracelets.
Le déploiement de la boucle doit être suffisant pour permettre le passage de la main dans l'ouverture du bracelet en position ouverte, tout en serrant suffisamment le poignet en position fermée. Les boucles déployantes courantes permettent généralement une variation de circonférence du bracelet de trois à six centimètres environ.The deployment of the loop must be sufficient to allow the passage of the hand in the opening of the bracelet in the open position, while tightening the wrist sufficiently in the closed position. Folding clasps generally allow a variation of the circumference of the bracelet about three to six centimeters.
Différentes constructions ont été imaginées, avec un nombre de lames variable se repliant de manières diverses, qui permettent d'obtenir un tel déploiement. La largeur et l'épaisseur des lames doivent cependant être suffisantes pour garantir un fonctionnement fiable de la boucle déployante, même après un grand nombre de manipulations. Le nombre d'articulations est limité par des contraintes de coût notamment. On souhaite en outre généralement que la largeur du fermoir en position fermée permette de le cacher sous le bracelet, tandis que son épaisseur doit être réduite pour des raisons esthétiques et de confort. Pour toutes ces raisons, le nombre de constructions utilisables en pratique est limité, et toutes impliquent des lames relativement longues. Par exemple, si la boucle est formée de deux lames se repliant l'une sur l'autre, la longueur des lames en position fermée doit être de cinq centimètres au moins pour permettre un déploiement de cinq centimètres en position ouverte. Avec trois lames se repliant en accordéon l'une sur l'autre, la longueur des lames et de la boucle en position fermée est encore de 2,5 centimètres par exemple. Il est difficile d'aller au delà de trois lames superposées sans augmenter l'épaisseur du fermoir de manière inacceptable.Different constructions have been imagined, with a number of variable blades folding in various ways, which allow to obtain such a deployment. The width and thickness of the boards must however be sufficient to guarantee reliable operation of the folding clasp, even after a lot of manipulation. The number of joints is limited by cost constraints in particular. We also wish generally that the width of the clasp in the closed position allows the hide under the bracelet, while its thickness must be reduced for aesthetic and comfort reasons. For all these reasons, the number of constructions usable in practice is limited, and all involve blades relatively long. For example, if the loop is made up of two blades folding one over the other, the length of the blades in the closed position must be at least five centimeters to allow a deployment of five centimeters in the open position. With three blades folding in accordion one on the other, the length of the blades and of the loop in the closed position is still 2.5 centimeters for example. It is difficult to go beyond three blades superimposed without unacceptably increasing the thickness of the clasp.
La longueur de la boucle déployante en position fermée est donc nécessairement assez importante. Par conséquent, les lames formant la boucle sont généralement courbées pour correspondre approximativement à la courbure du poignet du porteur de la montre. La courbure adoptée est nécessairement un compromis correspondant à une taille de poignet courante, et ne convient par conséquent pas à des poignets très fins ou au contraire à des poignets plus gros que la moyenne. Pour cette raison, de nombreuses personnes jugent les bracelets à boucle déployante peu confortables, et préfèrent les bracelets de type ouvert pourtant moins pratiques.The length of the folding clasp in the closed position is therefore necessarily quite large. Therefore, the blades forming the loop are generally curved to approximately match the curvature of the wrist of the watch wearer. The curvature adopted is necessarily a compromise corresponding to a current wrist size, and therefore not suitable for very thin wrists or on the contrary wrists larger than average. For this reason, many people find the folding clasp bracelets uncomfortable, and prefer open type bracelets which are less practical.
Des boucles déployantes télescopiques, ou à longueur variable, ont été proposées par exemple dans CH668353 et EP453635. Ces dispositifs sont cependant de construction complexe et fragile.Folding telescopic or variable length buckles have have been proposed for example in CH668353 and EP453635. These devices are however of complex and fragile construction.
Un but de la présente invention est de proposer une boucle déployante pour bracelet améliorée par rapport aux boucles déployantes de l'art antérieur, en particulier une boucle déployante plus confortable.An object of the present invention is to provide a loop folding clasp improved compared to folding clasps the prior art, in particular a more comfortable folding clasp.
Ce but est atteint au moyen d'une boucle déployante présentant les
caractéristiques de la partie caractérisante de la revendication 1, des formes
d'exécution préférentielles étant en outre indiquées dans les revendications
dépendantes.This goal is achieved by means of a folding clasp presenting the
features of the characterizing part of
Plus particulièrement, ce but est atteint au moyen d'une boucle déployante pour bracelet comprenant au moins deux lames articulées entre elles de façon à pouvoir ajuster l'ouverture du bracelet, dans laquelle lesdites lames sont constituées d'un matériau flexible pouvant épouser la forme du poignet du porteur du bracelet.More particularly, this goal is achieved by means of a loop deployant for bracelet comprising at least two blades articulated between them so as to be able to adjust the opening of the bracelet, in which said blades are made of a flexible material that can match the shape of the wrist wearer's wrist.
Ainsi, au lieu d'être constituée en matériau rigide comme la plupart des boucles déployantes de l'art antérieur, la boucle déployante de l'invention est réalisée en un matériau flexible, par exemple en un matériau synthétique, composite ou métallique élastique.So instead of being made of rigid material like most folding clasps of the prior art, the folding clasp of the invention is made of a flexible material, for example a synthetic material, composite or elastic metal.
Le document de brevet EP453635 cité ci-dessus fait déjà état d'une boucle déployante en matériau synthétique. Il n'est cependant nullement mentionné d'utiliser un matériau flexible ou élastique. Toute déformabilité potentielle est même prohibée par l'épaisseur importante de la boucle déployante en position fermée. Une autre boucle déployante non flexible est décrite dans EP199708.The patent document EP453635 cited above already mentions a folding clasp in synthetic material. However, it is by no means mentioned to use a flexible or elastic material. Any deformability potential is even prohibited by the large thickness of the loop folding in closed position. Another non-flexible folding clasp is described in EP199708.
L'homme du métier constatera que la déformabilité des lames de la boucle déployante facilite également le passage de la main à travers le bracelet lorsque la boucle est déployée. L'extension de la boucle nécessaire pour enfiler le bracelet peut ainsi être réduite, ce qui permet d'utiliser des boucles plus petites et donc d'augmenter encore le confort.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the deformability of the blades of the folding clasp also facilitates the passage of the hand through the bracelet when the loop is deployed. The extension of the loop necessary to put on the bracelet can thus be reduced, which makes it possible to use more buckles small and therefore further increase comfort.
Selon l'invention, les lames de la boucle déployante sont déformables dans la direction perpendiculaire à leur propre plan, en sorte que la courbure de la boucle fermée peut épouser la forme du poignet. Il est cependant préférable que les lames ne puissent pas se déformer dans une autre direction, pour garantir une certaine rigidité à l'ensemble et pour éviter que les lames de la boucle ne dépassent du bracelet en position fermée et ne deviennent apparentes lorsqu'elles se déforment latéralement. Selon l'invention, les lames de la boucle sont donc constituées en un matériau anisotrope, c'est-à-dire que la déformation des lames provoquée par une force appliquée perpendiculairement au plan (x, z) contenant les dites lames est supérieure à la déformation des lames provoquée par une force identique appliquée selon n'importe quelle autre direction. Les lames peuvent aussi être constituées d'éléments isotropes, assemblés de manière à ce que l'ensemble de la boucle ait des propriétés anisotropes.According to the invention, the blades of the folding clasp are deformable in the direction perpendicular to their own plane, so that the curvature of the closed loop can match the shape of the wrist. It is however, it is preferable that the blades cannot deform in a other direction, to guarantee a certain rigidity to the whole and to avoid the buckle blades protrude from the bracelet in the closed position and do not become apparent when they deform laterally. according to the invention, the blades of the loop are therefore made of a material anisotropic, that is to say the deformation of the blades caused by a force applied perpendicular to the plane (x, z) containing the said blades is greater than the deformation of the blades caused by an identical force applied in any other direction. The blades can also be made up of isotropic elements, assembled in such a way that the whole of the loop has anisotropic properties.
Dans une variante préférentielle de l'invention, les lames du bracelet sont constituées par un matériau composite.In a preferred variant of the invention, the blades of the bracelet are made of a composite material.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description
donnée à titre d'exemple et illustrée par les figures qui montrent :
La boucle déployante décrite à titre d'exemple sur les figures 1 à 6
comprend de manière générale une boucle 1 proprement dite, formée de deux
lames latérales 10 reliées par une articulation 12 à une lame centrale 11, ainsi
qu'un fermoir 2. Comme on le voit en particulier sur la figure 2, l'extrémité de la
lame centrale 11 est reliée de manière articulée à une portion du bracelet 4
tandis que l'extrémité des lames latérales 10 est reliée par une autre
articulation à l'autre portion du bracelet 4. Seuls les premiers maillons
métalliques des deux extrémités du bracelet 4 sont représentés sur les figures ;
il est évident que le bracelet pourrait également être en cuir, en plastique, en
céramique ou en tout autre matériau approprié.The folding clasp described by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 6
generally comprises a
En position fermée, comme sur les figures 1, 3 et 5, la lame centrale
11 est logée entre les lames latérales 10 et dans le même plan x, z, le fermoir 2
permettant de maintenir cette position fermée. Le fermoir 2 comprend de
manière générale des griffes 20 solidaires de la lame centrale 11, ainsi que des
moyens de retenue 23 solidaires des lames latérales 10 et de l'autre portion de
bracelet. Dans cet exemple, les griffes 20 sont constituées par un diapason 20
venant s'engager dans la portion 23 à l'extrémité des lames latérales 10. Le
fermoir est fermé simplement en appuyant sur le diapason 20 ou sur le dernier
maillon 4, et est maintenu par les portions obliques des flancs latéraux des
lames 10 ou de la base du fermoir. Pour ouvrir le fermoir, il est nécessaire en
revanche d'appuyer sur les extrémités 200 du diapason de façon à rapprocher
ses deux branches et à le libérer ainsi des moyens de retenue 23.In the closed position, as in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the
Un couvercle de sécurité 3, articulé par un axe 30, peut être refermé
par dessus le fermoir de façon à masquer complètement le diapason 20 et les
moyens de retenue 23. Ce couvercle, optionnel, offre une sécurité
supplémentaire afin d'empêcher que le fermoir puisse être ouvert
accidentellement par un choc sur une des deux portions 200 du diapason. Le
couvercle est maintenu fermé par des picots 31 engagés dans des trous 40 sur
une partie solidaire du maillon du bracelet 4.A
Selon l'invention, comme on le voit en particulier sur les figures 5 et
6, les lames 10, 11 de la boucle 1 sont réalisées en un matériau flexible, de
préférence en un matériau anisotrope présentant une flexibilité élevée selon
l'axe y perpendiculaire au plan des lames de la boucle et une flexibilité
beaucoup plus faible selon l'axe x parallèle à l'axe du poignet. La boucle
déployante 1 peut ainsi se déformer de façon à épouser la courbure du poignet,
comme suggéré sur les figures 1 et 3, sans se déformer selon l'axe x. Dans cet
exemple, les lames 10, respectivement 11, sont réalisées en matériau
composite, par exemple ici au moyen d'une âme longitudinale métallique 100,
respectivement 110, recouverte par un matériau souple 101, respectivement
111. Les lames 10 et 11 sont de préférence reliées aux autres éléments
métalliques ou synthétiques du fermoir par leur âme métallique 100, 110. Le
revêtement souple 101, 111 peut par exemple être fait d'un matériau
synthétique, de cuir ou de caoutchouc, de préférence en un matériau agréable
à la peau. De même, l'âme 100, 110, pourrait également être réalisée en un
autre matériau, par exemple en matériau synthétique plus rigide que le
revêtement externe, ou en fibres naturelles ou synthétiques. D'autres types de
matériaux et d'autres structures de composites peuvent cependant être
adoptées, notamment en fonction de considérations esthétiques. Il est
également possible de ne recouvrir qu'une face de l'âme centrale 100, 110 par
un matériau souple, par exemple que la face proche du poignet pour un confort
de porter accru, ou que la face externe pour un effet décoratif.According to the invention, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5 and
6, the
Bien que la description ci-dessus se rapporte uniquement au cas particulier d'une boucle déployante comportant une lame centrale reliée à une extrémité du bracelet et deux lames latérales destinées à être reliées à l'autre extrémité du bracelet, il est important de voir que l'invention peut être appliquée sans difficulté à tout type de boucle déployante, par exemple à des boucles déployantes de type papillon, portefeuille, etc., comportant deux, trois ou davantage de lames articulées de manière quelconque. En particulier, l'invention s'applique parfaitement à des boucles déployantes comportant une première lame reliée par une première extrémité de manière articulée à un premier brin du bracelet, une deuxième lame destinée à être reliée par une première extrémité de manière articulée au second brin du bracelet, ainsi qu'une lame intermédiaire, reliée de manière articulée à la seconde extrémité de la première lame et à la seconde extrémité de la deuxième lame.Although the description above only relates to the case particular of a folding clasp comprising a central blade connected to a end of the bracelet and two side blades intended to be connected to the other end of the bracelet, it is important to see that the invention can be applied without difficulty to any type of folding clasp, for example to buckles deployants such as butterfly, wallet, etc., with two, three or more blades hinged in any way. In particular, the invention is perfectly applicable to folding buckles comprising a first blade connected by a first end in an articulated manner to a first strand of the bracelet, a second blade intended to be connected by a first end hinged to the second strand of the bracelet, as well an intermediate blade, hingedly connected to the second end of the first blade and at the second end of the second blade.
Au minimum, la boucle déployante comporte une seule lame dont l'épaisseur en un point au moins est fortement réduite, de façon à permettre une déformation élastique plus importante autour de ce ou ces points, qui agissent ainsi comme articulation pour les portions plus épaisse de la lame. At a minimum, the folding clasp has a single blade, the thickness at at least one point is greatly reduced, so as to allow greater elastic deformation around this point or points, which thus act as a joint for the thicker portions of the blade.
Pour maintenir la flexibilité de la boucle, il est cependant préférable d'utiliser des types de boucles déployantes dans lesquelles les lames ne se superposent pas en position fermée.To maintain the flexibility of the loop, it is however preferable to use types of folding clasps in which the blades do not not overlap in the closed position.
Claims (11)
- Unfolding clasp (1) for a bracelet (4), comprising at least one plate (10, 11) articulated so as to be able to ensure the opening of the bracelet, characterised in that said plate or plates are made of a flexible material, so that the closed clasp is capable of adopting the shape of the wrist of the wearer of the bracelet when said plates are deformed.
- Unfolding clasp according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the deformation of the clasp caused by a force applied perpendicularly to the plane (x, z) containing said plates is greater than the deformation of the clasp caused by an identical force applied in any other direction.
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 2, characterised in that the deformation of the plates caused by a force applied perpendicularly to the plane (x, z) containing said plates is greater than the deformation of the plates caused by an identical force applied in any other direction.
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 1, characterised in that said plates are made of a composite material.
- Unfolding clasp according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said plates comprise an elastic core, for example a metallic, composite or plastic core (100, 110).
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one side of said plates is covered by a flexible material (101, 111).
- Unfolding clasp according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said flexible material (111) covering said plates is made of one of the following materials: rubber, plastic, leather or elastomer.
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 1, characterised in that the plates fold up in the same plane in closed position.
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises a central plate (11) designed to be connected to one end of the bracelet (4) and two lateral plates (10) intended to be connected to the other end of the bracelet (4) and articulated relative to said central plate.
- Unfolding clasp according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises
a first plate designed to be connected by a first end in an articulated fashion to a first end of the bracelet,
a second plate designed to be connected by a first end in an articulated fashion to a second end of the bracelet,
an intermediate plate, connected in an articulated fashion to a second end of the first plate and to a second end of the second plate. - Bracelet or band for a watch equipped with an unfolding clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH180197 | 1997-07-28 | ||
| CH180197 | 1997-07-28 | ||
| PCT/CH1998/000315 WO1999005930A1 (en) | 1997-07-28 | 1998-07-20 | Unfolding clasp for wrist band |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0999765A1 EP0999765A1 (en) | 2000-05-17 |
| EP0999765B1 true EP0999765B1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
Family
ID=4218922
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP98931879A Expired - Lifetime EP0999765B1 (en) | 1997-07-28 | 1998-07-20 | Unfolding clasp for wrist band |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6289562B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0999765B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002505124A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20010022340A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU8204298A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2298976A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69824416T2 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2199253C2 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW574860U (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999005930A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2374516B (en) * | 2002-01-02 | 2003-06-04 | Wing Hon Metal Manufactory Ltd | Band for timepiece and method of manufacturing same |
| JP2010510844A (en) | 2006-12-01 | 2010-04-08 | タグ・ホイヤー・ソシエテ・アノニム | Bracelet clasp with length adjuster |
| US9980539B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2018-05-29 | Apple Inc. | Segmented attachment device |
| EP3011857B1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2017-03-15 | The Swatch Group Management Services AG | Bracelet clasp |
| EP3420839B1 (en) * | 2017-06-26 | 2022-10-05 | Rolex Sa | Clasp for wristwatch |
| RU190675U1 (en) * | 2018-08-15 | 2019-07-08 | ХИКИС, Инк. | Attachment with removable element |
| EP4164448A1 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2023-04-19 | Tom Ford International, LLC | Single-piece watch band |
| EP4159080B1 (en) * | 2021-10-01 | 2024-03-27 | Omega SA | Adjustable bracelet clasp |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2394856A (en) * | 1944-02-10 | 1946-02-12 | Darold B Hickman | Wrist watch strap |
| US4178751A (en) * | 1977-03-09 | 1979-12-18 | Liautaud James P | Integrally molded watch casing and band |
| CH635237A5 (en) | 1980-05-20 | 1983-03-31 | Chatelain G Et F Sa | Bracelet with closure device, particularly for a watch |
| CH650389A5 (en) * | 1983-01-28 | 1985-07-31 | Lassale Jean Sa | BRACELET CLASP WITH DEPLOYMENT BUCKLE. |
| IT1163367B (en) * | 1983-05-13 | 1987-04-08 | Lascor Spa | INVISIBLE EXTENDABLE CLOSURE FOR CONTINUOUS FLEXIBLE BRACELET, ESPECIALLY FOR CLOCK BRACELET |
| IT8321828V0 (en) * | 1983-05-13 | 1983-05-13 | Lascor Spa | EXTENSIBLE CLOSURE CLASP, IN PARTICULAR FOR FLEXIBLE LEATHER STRAP OR PLASTIC MATERIAL FOR WATCH |
| FR2571228B3 (en) | 1984-10-05 | 1987-03-20 | Campagnolo Italo | CLASP, PARTICULARLY FOR WATCH STRAPS OR THE LIKE |
| FR2577120B1 (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1988-01-08 | Interdica Sa | INVISIBLE CLASP FOR A BRACELET, ESPECIALLY FOR A WATCH STRAP |
| AT398026B (en) | 1985-04-15 | 1994-08-25 | Hirsch Armbaender | METHOD FOR PRODUCING AT LEAST TWO-LAYERED OBJECTS |
| CH668353A5 (en) | 1986-11-17 | 1988-12-30 | Erbas S A | Extensible fastener for bracelet or watch - has two folding segments with bracelets end joined to plate sliding in cover and hooks engaging in hole in segment |
| EP0344620B1 (en) * | 1988-05-31 | 1993-12-22 | G.T.F. S.r.l. | Closing device for watch-straps, bracelets, jewels and similar |
| CH678002A5 (en) | 1989-02-16 | 1991-07-31 | Petitjean Sa | |
| EP0453635B1 (en) * | 1990-04-25 | 1995-02-08 | SKIDATA COMPUTER GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H. | Clasp |
| US5274907A (en) * | 1990-05-23 | 1994-01-04 | Basler Electric Company | Apparatus for winding a toroid coil on a toroidal body |
| CH684151A5 (en) | 1990-11-28 | 1994-07-29 | Cornu & Cie S A | Bracelet clasp |
| FR2705873B1 (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1995-08-11 | Ferrario Luigi | Folding clasp type bracelet. |
| FR2735335B1 (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 1997-08-01 | Smh Management Services Ag | FASTENER BUCKLE CLASP |
-
1998
- 1998-07-20 US US09/463,306 patent/US6289562B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-07-20 RU RU2000104837/12A patent/RU2199253C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-07-20 DE DE69824416T patent/DE69824416T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-07-20 WO PCT/CH1998/000315 patent/WO1999005930A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-07-20 EP EP98931879A patent/EP0999765B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-07-20 KR KR1020007000919A patent/KR20010022340A/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-07-20 CA CA002298976A patent/CA2298976A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-07-20 AU AU82042/98A patent/AU8204298A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-07-20 JP JP2000504759A patent/JP2002505124A/en active Pending
- 1998-07-20 TW TW91207668U patent/TW574860U/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| TW574860U (en) | 2004-02-01 |
| US6289562B1 (en) | 2001-09-18 |
| JP2002505124A (en) | 2002-02-19 |
| KR20010022340A (en) | 2001-03-15 |
| AU8204298A (en) | 1999-02-22 |
| EP0999765A1 (en) | 2000-05-17 |
| DE69824416D1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
| CA2298976A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 |
| WO1999005930A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 |
| DE69824416T2 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
| RU2199253C2 (en) | 2003-02-27 |
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