EP1646297A1 - Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting - Google Patents

Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting

Info

Publication number
EP1646297A1
EP1646297A1 EP04740506A EP04740506A EP1646297A1 EP 1646297 A1 EP1646297 A1 EP 1646297A1 EP 04740506 A EP04740506 A EP 04740506A EP 04740506 A EP04740506 A EP 04740506A EP 1646297 A1 EP1646297 A1 EP 1646297A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strand
orifice
loop
bar
transverse
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04740506A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1646297B1 (en
Inventor
Silvano Bonadei
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
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Management Services AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Management Services AG filed Critical Swatch Group Management Services AG
Priority to EP04740506A priority Critical patent/EP1646297B1/en
Publication of EP1646297A1 publication Critical patent/EP1646297A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1646297B1 publication Critical patent/EP1646297B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Active legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
    • 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
    • A44B11/20—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts engaging holes or the like in strap
    • A44B11/24—Buckle with movable prong
    • 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.
    • Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
    • Y10T24/1498—Plastic band
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
    • Y10T24/2192—Buckle type
    • 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
    • Y10T24/4736—Buckle connected
    • 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 band-shaped link, in particular a watch strap, comprising at a first end a first strand provided with a pin buckle and at a second end a second strand crossed in its thickness by holes and intended to be removably attached to the first strand by engagement in the loop, each strand being formed of a continuous flexible strip, the loop comprising two lateral branches each provided with a hole, a removable transverse bar of which the ends are arranged to engage in the holes of the branches, and a barb having an eyelet part rotatably engaged on said bar, the first strand having an end orifice disposed transversely near a free end of the strand, to receive said bar of the loop, and a terminal notch extending from said free end to beyond the terminal orifice to receive the eyelet part of the barb.
  • this invention can be applied to any type of link comprising a band, one end of which is provided with a pin buckle, in particular belts, straps for luggage and similar links.
  • the term "strand" is used here in a general sense to designate the two flexible end parts of such a link, which must be connected to one another by means of the loop mounted on the first strand.
  • the rest of the link does not play a role in the present invention, it may have a structure different from that of the terminal strands and in particular be made of other materials.
  • the two strands can be separate elements and connected to each other indirectly, for example, by the watch case if the link is a watch strap.
  • the preamble above corresponds in particular to a classic watch strap, each strand of which is made of a continuous band of a flexible material such as leather, a synthetic material or a textile material.
  • a bracelet can adapt to wrists of different sizes and sizes, but only to a limited extent. Indeed, if the bracelet were to be adaptable both to particularly large wrists and to small wrists such as those of children, the second strand should be very long and include a very long row of holes. If you attach such a long bracelet around a medium or small wrist, the terminal part of the second strand, beyond the loop, will be particularly long and will hamper the wearer.
  • Patent CH 604 597 describes a method of fixing the buckle to the first strand of the bracelet, which makes it possible to shorten this strand to an adequate length before fixing the buckle thereto by means of an intermediate metal piece forming a handle in which engages the bar of the buckle (which is not of the pin type in this case).
  • the first strand of the bracelet has a series of transverse grooves in its lower face, while the intermediate piece in the form of a clamp has two ribs capable of engaging in two of these grooves.
  • Such a construction is relatively complicated and, in fact, it is intended for a metal bracelet provided with a clasp which does not use a pin buckle.
  • the barb is not articulated on a removable bar, but on a central cross member of the buckle, which carries in its middle an inverted U-shaped support on which the barb is articulated.
  • the first strand of the bracelet has a row of central holes in which the user can selectively insert the barb and its U-shaped support to determine the desired position of the buckle along this strand.
  • the user must have several central holes on the first strand if he wants to be able to adjust the length of the bracelet at any time. Consequently, the first strand generally crosses the entire length of the loop, as does the second strand once it is engaged in the loop. This high thickness of the bracelet throughout the region of the buckle represents a drawback. Another drawback is that any adjustment of the length of the bracelet necessitates moving the buckle by manipulation which is not particularly convenient. Summary of the invention The basic idea of the present invention is to use the traditional closure system with a pin buckle on the first strand of the link and a row of holes in the second strand, because this system is the easiest.
  • the invention relates to a link of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the first strand comprises a plurality of additional transverse orifices, distributed over a certain length of the strand from the terminal orifice and each associated with an elongated hole crossing the thickness of the strand and intersecting the associated transverse orifice, so that the first strand can be shortened by cutting along a cross section passing through any one of said elongated holes, the associated transverse orifice to this hole becoming a new terminal orifice to receive said bar of the loop.
  • the cutting passes through said elongated hole, it transforms this hole into an open notch, suitable for receiving the eyelet part of the barb.
  • Said associated cross section can advantageously be marked by a groove on at least one side of the first strand and preferably on both sides. This provides a clean cut bordered by a chamfer along each side of the band-shaped link.
  • the invention not only has the advantage of being able to offer links in one size for a wide range of sizes of the elements to be surrounded by such a link, for example for all possible sizes of the wrist in the case of a bracelet, but in addition the coarse adjustment operation by cutting the first strand is achievable by any person and at any time, as will be seen below.
  • Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment of a watch strap according to the invention, presented by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • Figure 1 shows in perspective the two strands of the bracelet, seen from above.
  • Figure 2 shows in perspective the two strands of the bracelet, seen from below.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the end of the first strand.
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the underside of the loop.
  • the watch strap shown in the drawings comprises a first strand 1, a second strand 2, a pin buckle 3 4 mounted at one end 5 of the first strand, and a movable loop 6 threaded on the first strand .
  • the first strand 1, the second strand 2 and the loop 6 of the bracelet are preferably molded parts made of relatively soft synthetic material, for example polyurethane.
  • the rear end 11, 12 of each strand 1, 2 is designed to be attached to a watch case by means of a hinge rod, but any other method of attachment can be envisaged, including an embodiment in which the two strands 1 and 2 form a single piece which is threaded for example in two handles of the watch case.
  • the term "strand" designates each of the two terminal parts of the bracelet.
  • the free end 5 of the first strand 1 comprises, for mounting the loop 3, a substantially cylindrical end orifice 13, which crosses the entire width of the strand 1 to receive a central bar 14 (FIG. 4) of the loop 3, and a central notch 15 intended to receive an eyelet part 16 of the barb 4.
  • the configuration of the orifice 13 and the notch 15 is entirely conventional, it that is to say that the notch 15 has a sufficient depth from the end 5 of the strand 1 to extend beyond the orifice 13, the end of the strand thus being divided into two branches 5a and 5b both crossed by the orifice 13.
  • the loop 3 used in this example is produced in a completely conventional manner and comprises an approximately rectangular frame 18 comprising two flat and parallel lateral branches 19 and 20, connected at their ends by a front cross member 21 and a rear cross member 22.
  • the upper face of the front cross member 21 preferably has a recess in which the point of the barb 4 is housed.
  • the eyelet part 16 of the barb is rotatably engaged on the bar 14, which is a conventional spring bar of the type used to attach straps to a watch case, the retractable tips of this bar being each engaged in a hole 23 in the corresponding branch 19 or 20, so that one can easily assemble and disassemble the bar 14 and the barb 4 of the buckle.
  • the bar 14 is inserted through the terminal orifice 13 and the eyelet of the barb, then place the frame 18 of the buckle so that its lateral branches 19 and 20 push the spring points of the bar 14 until they engage themselves in the holes 23.
  • the bar and the barb can be removed.
  • the latter has several additional transverse orifices 25a to 25f, similar to the orifice 13, and a row of several central holes 26a to 26f which pass through the the thickness of the strand 1, each of these holes intersecting the transverse orifice associated with it in the same way as the notch 15 intersects the terminal orifice 13.
  • Each central hole 26a to 26f has an elongated shape, preferably rectangular, substantially the same size as the notch 15, and it is aligned with this notch so that it can serve in turn as a terminal notch if the bracelet is cut as described below.
  • a cutting cross section is associated with each of the transverse orifices 25a to 25f and passes through the corresponding central hole 26a to 26f.
  • lines 27a and 27b two of these cross sections provided for cutting. The position of these sections is indicated to the user by a small groove at 28a, 28b with a V profile on the upper face 29 of the strand 1 and by a wider transverse groove 30a, 30b on the lower face 31 of the strand.
  • the transverse orifices 25a to 25f and the associated cutting cross-sections are regularly spaced along the strand 1 over a length L from the end 5, for example in a pitch of about 1 cm, which is largely sufficient for rough adjustment of the strand length.
  • the first strand 1 as sold is too long for the user, in particular because the loop 3 is not opposite the watch case on the wrist of the user, the latter can easily dismantle the loop 3 as described above, cut an adequate length of the end of the strand 1 by means of a knife, for example on the cross section 27b shown in FIG.
  • the second strand 2 of the bracelet has an end portion 32 provided with a longitudinal row of holes 33 and intended to be engaged in the loop 3 to attach one strand to the other in a removable manner.
  • the user can choose in which hole 33 he will engage the barb 4, which allows fine adjustment of the length of the strap relative to the perimeter of the wrist.
  • the row of holes 33 can be shorter than in a traditional bracelet. This not only represents a gain in terms of aesthetics, but also leaves a greater length devoid of holes in the area 34 located between the rear end 12 of the second strand and the row of holes 33. It is then easier install in this zone 34 certain additional decorative or functional elements, for example electrical circuits cooperating with those of an electronic watch.
  • the means for adjusting the length of the first strand 1, that is to say the orifices 25a to 25f, the holes 26a to 26f and the grooves 28a, 28b, 30a and 30b, are particularly easy to produce by molding when the bracelet strand is a molded piece of synthetic material.

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Supports For Plants (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Abstract

The strap (1) with a buckle (3) and prong (4), also includes transverse holes (25a-f) over a limited part of its length, with a last hole (13) at the end. Each hole has an associated slot (26a-f) cut through the thickness of the strap, to accommodate the prong. The strap can be shortened by cutting along a transverse section (27a, 27b). The transverse pivot bar and prong of the buckle are then held in the last hole in line.

Description

LI EN EN FORME DE BAN DE. NOTAMMENT BRACELET DE MONTRE. POUVANT ÊTRE RACCOURCI PAR DECOUPAGE LI EN BAN DE. ESPECIALLY A WATCH STRAP. CAN BE SHORTENED BY CUTTING
Arrière-plan de l'invention La présente invention concerne un lien en forme de bande, en particulier bracelet de montre, comportant à une première extrémité un premier brin muni d'une boucle à ardillon et à une seconde extrémité un second brin traversé dans son épaisseur par des trous et destiné à être attaché de manière amovible au premier brin par engagement dans la boucle, chaque brin étant formé d'une bande souple continue, la boucle comportant deux branches latérales munies chacune d'un trou, une barrette transversale amovible dont les extrémités sont agencées pour s'engager dans les trous des branches, et un ardillon ayant une partie en œillet engagée de manière rotative sur ladite barrette, le premier brin ayant un orifice terminal disposé transversalement près d'une extrémité libre du brin, pour recevoir ladite barrette de la boucle, et une encoche terminale s'étendant de ladite extrémité libre jusqu'au-delà de l'orifice terminal pour recevoir la partie en œillet de l'ardillon. Hormis les bracelets, cette invention peut s'appliquer à tout type de lien comprenant une bande dont une extrémité est munie d'une boucle à ardillon, notamment des ceintures, des sangles pour bagages et des liens analogues. Le terme de "brin" est utilisé ici dans un sens général pour désigner les deux parties terminales souples d'un tel lien, qui doivent se rattacher l'une à l'autre au moyen de la boucle montée sur le premier brin. Comme le reste du lien ne joue pas de rôle dans la présente invention, il peut avoir une structure différente de celle des brins terminaux et notamment être fait d'autres matériaux. Par ailleurs, les deux brins peuvent être des éléments séparés et raccordés entre eux de manière indirecte, par exemple, par la boîte de montre si le lien est un bracelet de montre. Le préambule ci-dessus correspond notamment à un bracelet de montre classique dont chaque brin est fait d'une bande continue d'un matériau souple tel que le cuir, un matériau synthétique ou un matériau textile. Un tel bracelet peut s'adapter à des poignets de différentes grandeurs grosseurs, mais seulement dans une mesure limitée. En effet, si le bracelet devait être adaptable aussi bien à des poignets particulièrement gros qu'à de petits poignets tels que ceux des enfants, le deuxième brin devrait être très long et comporter une très longue rangée de trous. Si l'on attache un bracelet aussi long autour d'un poignet de taille moyenne ou petite, la partie terminale du second brin, dépassant la boucle, sera particulièrement longue et gênera le porteur. Un autre inconvénient réside dans le fait que le premier brin, de par sa longueur fixe, déterminera une position de la boucle qui ne sera pas nécessai rement située à l'opposé de la montre, mais dépendra de la taille du poignet. Ces inconvénients conduisent les fabricants à offrir habituellement les bracelets sans maillons en deux ou trois tailles différentes, ce qui complique non seulement la fabrication, mais aussi la gestion des stocks, la distribution et la vente. Lorsque les brins du bracelet sont des pièces moulées en matière synthétique, la réalisation de plusieurs moules de différentes tailles renchérit notablement la fabrication. Le brevet CH 604 597 décrit une méthode de fixation de la boucle au premier brin du bracelet, qui permet de raccourcir ce brin à une longueur adéquate avant d'y fixer la boucle par l'entremise d'une pièce métallique intermédiaire formant une anse dans laquelle s'engage la barrette de la boucle (qui n'est pas du type à ardillon dans ce cas). Le premier brin du bracelet comporte une série de rainures transversales dans sa face inférieure, tandis que la pièce intermédiaire en forme de pince comporte deux nervures capables de s'engager dans deux de ces rainures. On peut ainsi couper le brin à la longueur voulue, puis mettre en place la pièce intermédiaire en l'engageant dans les deux rainures les plus proches de l'extrémité coupée du brin. On enfile un manchon autour de la pièce intermédiaire pour la maintenir en place, puis on peut monter la boucle sur l'anse précitée. Une telle construction est relativement compliquée et, en fait, elle est prévue pour un bracelet métallique muni d'un fermoir qui n'utilise pas une boucle à ardillon. La demande de brevet FR 2 532 826 (= GB 2 126449) concerne une modification d'un bracelet de type classique à boucle à ardillon, consistant à ne prévoir qu'un seul trou dans le second brin du bracelet et ajuster la longueur du bracelet en déplaçant la position de la boucle à ardillon sur le premier brin. A cet effet, l'ardillon n'est pas articulé sur une barrette démontable, mais sur une traverse centrale de la boucle, qui porte en son milieu un support en U renversé sur lequel l'ardillon est articulé. Le premier brin du bracelet comporte une rangée de trous centraux dans lesquels l'utilisateur peut insérer sélectivement l'ardillon et son support en U pour déterminer la position voulue de la boucle le long de ce brin. Bien entendu, avec un tel agencement l'utilisateur doit disposer de plusieurs trous centraux sur le premier brin s'il veut pouvoir ajuster à tout moment la longueur du bracelet. Par conséquent, le premier brin traverse généralement toute la longueur de la boucle, comme le fait aussi le second brin une fois qu'il est engagé dans la boucle. Cette forte épaisseur du bracelet dans toute la région de la boucle représente un inconvénient. Un autre inconvénient est que n'importe quel réglage de la longueur du bracelet nécessite de déplacer la boucle par une manipulation qui n'est pas particulièrement commode. Résumé de l'invention L'idée de départ de la présente invention consiste à utiliser le système traditionnel de fermeture avec boucle à ardillon sur le premier brin du lien et une rangée de trous dans le second brin, parce que ce système est le plus facile à manipuler pour effectuer un ajustement fin de la longueur du lien à chaque utilisation, mais à réaliser initialement un ajustement grossier s'il le faut, par raccourcissement du premier brin en fonction de la grosseur de l'élément à entourer. Il devient ainsi possible de fabriquer des liens tels que des bracelets en une seule taille, la plus grande, et de raccourcir le premier brin par des manipulations simples, pouvant être effectuées par le vendeur ou l'utilisateur lui-même. Dans ce but, l'invention concerne un lien du genre indiqué en préambule, caractérisé en ce que le premier brin comporte une pluralité d'orifices transversaux supplémentaires, répartis sur une certaine longueur du brin à partir de l'orifice terminal et associés chacun à un trou allongé traversant l'épaisseur du brin et recoupant l'orifice transversal associé, de sorte que le premier brin peut être raccourci par découpage le long d'une section transversale passant par l'un quelconque desdits trous allongés, l'orifice transversal associé à ce trou devenant un nouvel orifice terminal pour recevoir ladite barrette de la boucle. En même temps, comme le découpage traverse ledit trou allongé, il transforme ce trou en une encoche ouverte, apte à recevoir la partie en oeillet de l'ardillon. Ladite section transversale associée peut avantageusement être marquée par une rainure sur au moins une face du premier brin et de préférence sur les deux faces. Cela permet d'obtenir une coupure propre bordée d'un chanfrein le long de chaque face du lien en forme de bande. L'invention présente non seulement l'avantage de pouvoir offrir des liens en une seule taille pour une large gamme de grosseurs des éléments à entourer par un tel lien, par exemple pour toutes les grosseurs envisageables du poignet dans le cas d'un bracelet, mais en outre l'opération d'ajustement grossier par découpage du premier brin est réalisable par toute personne et à n'importe quel moment, comme on le verra plus loin. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages apparaîtront dans la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préféré d'un bracelet de montre selon l'invention, présenté à titre d'exemple non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés. Description sommaire des dessins La figure 1 représente en perspective les deux brins du bracelet, vus de dessus. La figure 2 représente en perspective les deux brins du bracelet, vus de dessous. La figure 3 est une vue agrandie en perspective de l'extrémité du premier brin. La figure 4 est une vue agrandie en perspective du dessous de la boucle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a band-shaped link, in particular a watch strap, comprising at a first end a first strand provided with a pin buckle and at a second end a second strand crossed in its thickness by holes and intended to be removably attached to the first strand by engagement in the loop, each strand being formed of a continuous flexible strip, the loop comprising two lateral branches each provided with a hole, a removable transverse bar of which the ends are arranged to engage in the holes of the branches, and a barb having an eyelet part rotatably engaged on said bar, the first strand having an end orifice disposed transversely near a free end of the strand, to receive said bar of the loop, and a terminal notch extending from said free end to beyond the terminal orifice to receive the eyelet part of the barb. Except for bracelets, this invention can be applied to any type of link comprising a band, one end of which is provided with a pin buckle, in particular belts, straps for luggage and similar links. The term "strand" is used here in a general sense to designate the two flexible end parts of such a link, which must be connected to one another by means of the loop mounted on the first strand. As the rest of the link does not play a role in the present invention, it may have a structure different from that of the terminal strands and in particular be made of other materials. Furthermore, the two strands can be separate elements and connected to each other indirectly, for example, by the watch case if the link is a watch strap. The preamble above corresponds in particular to a classic watch strap, each strand of which is made of a continuous band of a flexible material such as leather, a synthetic material or a textile material. Such a bracelet can adapt to wrists of different sizes and sizes, but only to a limited extent. Indeed, if the bracelet were to be adaptable both to particularly large wrists and to small wrists such as those of children, the second strand should be very long and include a very long row of holes. If you attach such a long bracelet around a medium or small wrist, the terminal part of the second strand, beyond the loop, will be particularly long and will hamper the wearer. Another drawback lies in the fact that the first strand, by its fixed length, will determine a position of the loop which will not be necessarily located opposite the watch, but will depend on the size of the wrist. These disadvantages lead manufacturers to usually offer bracelets without links in two or three different sizes, which complicates not only manufacturing, but also inventory management, distribution and sale. When the strands of the bracelet are molded plastic parts, the production of several molds of different sizes significantly increases the cost of manufacturing. Patent CH 604 597 describes a method of fixing the buckle to the first strand of the bracelet, which makes it possible to shorten this strand to an adequate length before fixing the buckle thereto by means of an intermediate metal piece forming a handle in which engages the bar of the buckle (which is not of the pin type in this case). The first strand of the bracelet has a series of transverse grooves in its lower face, while the intermediate piece in the form of a clamp has two ribs capable of engaging in two of these grooves. We can thus cut the strand to the desired length, then set up the intermediate piece by engaging it in the two grooves closest to the cut end of the strand. We put a sleeve around the intermediate piece to hold it in place, then we can mount the loop on the above handle. Such a construction is relatively complicated and, in fact, it is intended for a metal bracelet provided with a clasp which does not use a pin buckle. Patent application FR 2 532 826 (= GB 2 126 449) relates to a modification of a classic type bracelet with a pin buckle, consisting in providing only one hole in the second strand of the bracelet and adjusting the length of the bracelet by moving the position of the pin buckle on the first strand. To this end, the barb is not articulated on a removable bar, but on a central cross member of the buckle, which carries in its middle an inverted U-shaped support on which the barb is articulated. The first strand of the bracelet has a row of central holes in which the user can selectively insert the barb and its U-shaped support to determine the desired position of the buckle along this strand. Of course, with such an arrangement, the user must have several central holes on the first strand if he wants to be able to adjust the length of the bracelet at any time. Consequently, the first strand generally crosses the entire length of the loop, as does the second strand once it is engaged in the loop. This high thickness of the bracelet throughout the region of the buckle represents a drawback. Another drawback is that any adjustment of the length of the bracelet necessitates moving the buckle by manipulation which is not particularly convenient. Summary of the invention The basic idea of the present invention is to use the traditional closure system with a pin buckle on the first strand of the link and a row of holes in the second strand, because this system is the easiest. to manipulate to make a fine adjustment of the length of the link at each use, but to initially carry out a coarse adjustment if necessary, by shortening the first strand as a function of the size of the element to be surrounded. It thus becomes possible to manufacture links such as bracelets in one size, the largest, and to shorten the first strand by simple manipulations, which can be carried out by the seller or the user himself. To this end, the invention relates to a link of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the first strand comprises a plurality of additional transverse orifices, distributed over a certain length of the strand from the terminal orifice and each associated with an elongated hole crossing the thickness of the strand and intersecting the associated transverse orifice, so that the first strand can be shortened by cutting along a cross section passing through any one of said elongated holes, the associated transverse orifice to this hole becoming a new terminal orifice to receive said bar of the loop. At the same time, as the cutting passes through said elongated hole, it transforms this hole into an open notch, suitable for receiving the eyelet part of the barb. Said associated cross section can advantageously be marked by a groove on at least one side of the first strand and preferably on both sides. This provides a clean cut bordered by a chamfer along each side of the band-shaped link. The invention not only has the advantage of being able to offer links in one size for a wide range of sizes of the elements to be surrounded by such a link, for example for all possible sizes of the wrist in the case of a bracelet, but in addition the coarse adjustment operation by cutting the first strand is achievable by any person and at any time, as will be seen below. Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment of a watch strap according to the invention, presented by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 shows in perspective the two strands of the bracelet, seen from above. Figure 2 shows in perspective the two strands of the bracelet, seen from below. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the end of the first strand. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the underside of the loop.
Description détaillée de l'invention Le bracelet de montre représenté dans les dessins comporte un premier brin 1 , un second brin 2, une boucle 3 à ardillon 4 montée à une extrémité 5 du premier brin, et un passant mobile 6 enfilé sur le premier brin. Le premier brin 1 , le second brin 2 et le passant 6 du bracelet sont de préférence des pièces moulées en matière synthétique relativement tendre, par exemple en polyuréthane. L'extrémité arrière 11 , 12 de chaque brin 1 , 2 est agencée pour être rattachée à une boîte de montre au moyen d'une tige d'articulation, mais tout autre mode d'attache peut être envisagé, y compris une exécution dans laquelle les deux brins 1 et 2 forment une seule pièce qui enfilée par exemple dans deux anses de la boîte de montre. Dans un tel cas, le terme "brin" désigne chacune des deux parties terminales du bracelet. Comme on le voit en particulier dans la figure 3, l'extrémité libre 5 du premier brin 1 comporte, pour le montage de la boucle 3, un orifice terminal 13 sensiblement cylindrique, qui traverse toute la largeur du brin 1 pour recevoir une barrette centrale 14 (figure 4) de la boucle 3, et une encoche centrale 15 destinée à recevoir une partie en oeillet 16 de l'ardillon 4. La configuration de l'orifice 13 et de l'encoche 15 est tout à fait classique, c'est-à-dire que l'encoche 15 a une profondeur suffisante à partir de l'extrémité 5 du brin 1 pour s'étendre au-delà de l'orifice 13, l'extrémité du brin étant ainsi divisée en deux branches 5a et 5b traversées toutes les deux par l'orifice 13. Bien entendu, si le brin 1 était particulièrement large, la boucle pourrait comporter par exemple deux ardillons 4 et l'extrémité du brin 1 comporterait également deux encoches 15, qui ne seraient alors plus centrales. En référence à la figure 4, la boucle 3 utilisée dans cet exemple est réalisée de manière tout à fait classique et comporte un cadre 18 approximativement rectangulaire comprenant deux branches latérales plates et parallèles 19 et 20, reliées à leurs extrémités par une traverse avant 21 et une traverse arrière 22. La face supérieure de la traverse avant 21 présente de préférence un creux dans lequel se loge la pointe de l'ardillon 4. La partie en oeillet 16 de l'ardillon est engagée de manière rotative sur la barrette 14, qui est une barrette classique à ressort du type utilisé pour attacher des bracelets à une boîte de montre, les pointes rétractables de cette barrette étant engagées chacune dans un trou 23 de la branche correspondante 19 ou 20, de sorte qu'on peut facilement monter et démonter la barrette 14 et l'ardillon 4 de la boucle. Ainsi, pour monter la boucle 3 sur l'extrémité 5 du premier brin 1 , on place la partie en oeillet 16 de l'ardillon 4 dans l'encoche 15, on insère la barrette 14 à travers l'orifice terminal 13 et l'œillet de l'ardillon, puis on place le cadre 18 de la boucle de façon que ses branches latérales 19 et 20 repoussent les pointes à ressort de la barrette 14 jusqu'à ce que celles-ci s'engagent d'elles-mêmes dans les trous 23. Pour démonter la boucle, il suffit d'engager un outil pointu dans l'un des trous 23 pour repousser la pointe de la barrette 14 et dégager ainsi le cadre 18, puis on peut enlever la barrette et l'ardillon. Pour permettre un ajustement grossier de la longueur du bracelet et en particulier du premier brin 1 , celui-ci comporte plusieurs orifices transversaux supplémentaires 25a à 25f, semblables à l'orifice 13, et une rangée de plusieurs trous centraux 26a à 26f qui traversent l'épaisseur du brin 1 , chacun de ces trous recoupant l'orifice transversal qui lui est associé de la même façon que l'encoche 15 recoupe l'orifice terminal 13. Chaque trou central 26a à 26f a une forme allongée, de préférence rectangulaire, sensiblement de même taille que l'encoche 15, et il est aligné avec cette encoche pour pouvoir servir à son tour d'encoche terminale si l'on coupe le bracelet comme on le décrira ci-dessous. Une section transversale de découpage est associée à chacun des orifices transversaux 25a à 25f et traverse le trou central correspondant 26a à 26f. Dans la figure 3, on a représenté par des lignes 27a et 27b deux de ces sections transversales prévues pour le découpage. La position de ces sections est indiquée à l'utilisateur par une petite rainure en 28a, 28b à profil en V sur la face supérieure 29 du brin 1 et par une rainure transversale plus large 30a, 30b sur la face inférieure 31 du brin. De préférence, les orifices transversaux 25a à 25f et les sections transversales de découpage associées sont régulièrement espacés le long du brin 1 sur une longueur L à partir de l'extrémité 5, par exemple selon un pas d'environ 1 cm, qui est largement suffisant pour un ajustement grossier de la longueur du brin. Ainsi, si le premier brin 1 tel qu'il est mis en vente s'avère trop long pour l'utilisateur, notamment parce que la boucle 3 ne se trouve pas à l'opposé de la boîte de montre sur le poignet de l'utilisateur, ce dernier peut facilement démonter la boucle 3 comment on l'a décrit plus haut, couper une longueur adéquate de l'extrémité du brin 1 au moyen d'un couteau, par exemple sur la section transversale 27b représentée à la figure 3, formant ainsi une nouvelle extrémité du brin dans laquelle le trou central 26b est ouvert et constitue une nouvelle encoche, similaire à l'encoche terminale 15, pour recevoir la partie en œillet 16 de l'ardillon 4. Il ne reste plus qu'à insérer la barrette 14 de la boucle dans le nouvel orifice terminal 25b et à mettre en place le cadre 18 de la boucle comme on l'a décrit plus haut. De manière classique, le second brin 2 du bracelet comporte une partie terminale 32 pourvue d'une rangée longitudinale de trous 33 et destinée à être engagée dans la boucle 3 pour attacher un brin à l'autre de manière amovible. Comme avec un bracelet de montre traditionnel, l'utilisateur peut choisir dans quel trou 33 il va engager l'ardillon 4, ce qui permet un réglage fin de la longueur du bracelet par rapport au périmètre du poignet. Grâce à l'ajustement grossier permis par la possibilité de raccourcir le premier brin 1 , la rangée de trous 33 peut être plus courte que dans un bracelet traditionnel. Ceci représente non seulement un gain sur le plan de l'esthétique, mais laisse aussi une plus grande longueur dépourvue de trous dans la zone 34 située entre l'extrémité arrière 12 du second brin et la rangée de trous 33. On peut alors plus facilement installer dans cette zone 34 certains éléments additionnels décoratifs ou fonctionnels, par exemple des circuits électriques coopérant avec ceux d'une montre électronique. Les moyens permettant l'ajustement de longueur du premier brin 1 , c'est-à-dire les orifices 25a à 25f, les trous 26a à 26f et les rainures 28a, 28b, 30a et 30b, sont particulièrement faciles à réaliser par moulage lorsque le brin du bracelet est une pièce moulée en matière synthétique. Cependant, des moyens similaires peuvent aussi être réalisés, notamment par découpage, dans des liens ayant une structure différente, par exemple avec un noyau en matière synthétique ou autre, revêtu de cuir ou de textile sur ses deux faces. On notera aussi que les brins réalisés selon la présente invention pourraient former seulement les parties terminales d'un bracelet dont le reste aurait une autre structure, par exemple une structure métallique ou en cuir ou en matériaux textiles. Detailed description of the invention The watch strap shown in the drawings comprises a first strand 1, a second strand 2, a pin buckle 3 4 mounted at one end 5 of the first strand, and a movable loop 6 threaded on the first strand . The first strand 1, the second strand 2 and the loop 6 of the bracelet are preferably molded parts made of relatively soft synthetic material, for example polyurethane. The rear end 11, 12 of each strand 1, 2 is designed to be attached to a watch case by means of a hinge rod, but any other method of attachment can be envisaged, including an embodiment in which the two strands 1 and 2 form a single piece which is threaded for example in two handles of the watch case. In such a case, the term "strand" designates each of the two terminal parts of the bracelet. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, the free end 5 of the first strand 1 comprises, for mounting the loop 3, a substantially cylindrical end orifice 13, which crosses the entire width of the strand 1 to receive a central bar 14 (FIG. 4) of the loop 3, and a central notch 15 intended to receive an eyelet part 16 of the barb 4. The configuration of the orifice 13 and the notch 15 is entirely conventional, it that is to say that the notch 15 has a sufficient depth from the end 5 of the strand 1 to extend beyond the orifice 13, the end of the strand thus being divided into two branches 5a and 5b both crossed by the orifice 13. Of course, if the strand 1 was particularly wide, the loop could comprise for example two barbs 4 and the end of the strand 1 would also have two notches 15, which would then no longer be central . With reference to FIG. 4, the loop 3 used in this example is produced in a completely conventional manner and comprises an approximately rectangular frame 18 comprising two flat and parallel lateral branches 19 and 20, connected at their ends by a front cross member 21 and a rear cross member 22. The upper face of the front cross member 21 preferably has a recess in which the point of the barb 4 is housed. The eyelet part 16 of the barb is rotatably engaged on the bar 14, which is a conventional spring bar of the type used to attach straps to a watch case, the retractable tips of this bar being each engaged in a hole 23 in the corresponding branch 19 or 20, so that one can easily assemble and disassemble the bar 14 and the barb 4 of the buckle. Thus, to mount the loop 3 on the end 5 of the first strand 1, the eyelet part 16 of the barb 4 is placed in the notch 15, the bar 14 is inserted through the terminal orifice 13 and the eyelet of the barb, then place the frame 18 of the buckle so that its lateral branches 19 and 20 push the spring points of the bar 14 until they engage themselves in the holes 23. To disassemble the loop, it suffices to insert a pointed tool into one of the holes 23 to push back the point of the bar 14 and thus release the frame 18, then the bar and the barb can be removed. To allow a rough adjustment of the length of the bracelet and in particular of the first strand 1, the latter has several additional transverse orifices 25a to 25f, similar to the orifice 13, and a row of several central holes 26a to 26f which pass through the the thickness of the strand 1, each of these holes intersecting the transverse orifice associated with it in the same way as the notch 15 intersects the terminal orifice 13. Each central hole 26a to 26f has an elongated shape, preferably rectangular, substantially the same size as the notch 15, and it is aligned with this notch so that it can serve in turn as a terminal notch if the bracelet is cut as described below. A cutting cross section is associated with each of the transverse orifices 25a to 25f and passes through the corresponding central hole 26a to 26f. In Figure 3, there are shown by lines 27a and 27b two of these cross sections provided for cutting. The position of these sections is indicated to the user by a small groove at 28a, 28b with a V profile on the upper face 29 of the strand 1 and by a wider transverse groove 30a, 30b on the lower face 31 of the strand. Preferably, the transverse orifices 25a to 25f and the associated cutting cross-sections are regularly spaced along the strand 1 over a length L from the end 5, for example in a pitch of about 1 cm, which is largely sufficient for rough adjustment of the strand length. Thus, if the first strand 1 as sold is too long for the user, in particular because the loop 3 is not opposite the watch case on the wrist of the user, the latter can easily dismantle the loop 3 as described above, cut an adequate length of the end of the strand 1 by means of a knife, for example on the cross section 27b shown in FIG. 3, thus forming a new end of the strand in which the central hole 26b is open and constitutes a new notch, similar to the terminal notch 15, for receive the eyelet part 16 of the barb 4. All that remains is to insert the bar 14 of the loop into the new terminal orifice 25b and to set up the frame 18 of the loop as described more high. Conventionally, the second strand 2 of the bracelet has an end portion 32 provided with a longitudinal row of holes 33 and intended to be engaged in the loop 3 to attach one strand to the other in a removable manner. As with a traditional watch strap, the user can choose in which hole 33 he will engage the barb 4, which allows fine adjustment of the length of the strap relative to the perimeter of the wrist. Thanks to the coarse adjustment made possible by the possibility of shortening the first strand 1, the row of holes 33 can be shorter than in a traditional bracelet. This not only represents a gain in terms of aesthetics, but also leaves a greater length devoid of holes in the area 34 located between the rear end 12 of the second strand and the row of holes 33. It is then easier install in this zone 34 certain additional decorative or functional elements, for example electrical circuits cooperating with those of an electronic watch. The means for adjusting the length of the first strand 1, that is to say the orifices 25a to 25f, the holes 26a to 26f and the grooves 28a, 28b, 30a and 30b, are particularly easy to produce by molding when the bracelet strand is a molded piece of synthetic material. However, similar means can also be produced, in particular by cutting, in links having a different structure, for example with a core of synthetic or other material, covered with leather or textile on its two faces. It will also be noted that the strands produced according to the present invention could form only the terminal parts of a bracelet of which the rest would have another structure, for example a metallic structure or made of leather or textile materials.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Lien en forme de bande, en particulier bracelet de montre, comportant à une première extrémité un premier brin (1) muni d'une boucle (3) à ardillon (4) et à une seconde extrémité un second brin (2) traversé dans son épaisseur par des trous (33) et destiné à être attaché de manière amovible au premier brin par engagement dans la boucle, chaque brin étant formé d'une bande souple continue, la boucle (3) comportant deux branches latérales (19, 20) munies chacune d'un trou (23), une barrette transversale amovible (14) dont les extrémités sont agencées pour s'engager dans les trous des branches, et un ardillon (4) ayant une partie en œillet (16) engagée de manière rotative sur ladite barrette (14), le premier brin (1) ayant un orifice terminal (13) disposé transversalement près d'une extrémité libre (5) du brin, pour recevoir ladite barrette de la boucle, et une encoche terminale (15) s'étendant de ladite extrémité libre jusqu'au-delà de l'orifice terminal (13) pour recevoir la partie en œillet de l'ardillon, caractérisé en ce que le premier brin (1) comporte une pluralité d'orifices transversaux supplémentaires (25a-25f) répartis sur une certaine longueur du brin à partir de l'orifice terminal (13) et associés chacun à un trou allongé (26a-26f) traversant l'épaisseur du brin et recoupant l'orifice transversal associé (25a-25f), de sorte que le premier brin peut être raccourci par découpage le long d'une section transversale (27a, 27b) passant par l'un quelconque desdits trous allongés, l'orifice transversal (25a-25f) associé à ce trou devenant un nouvel orifice terminal pour recevoir ladite barrette de la boucle. 1. Band-shaped link, in particular watch strap, comprising at a first end a first strand (1) provided with a pin buckle (3) and at a second end a second strand (2) crossed in its thickness by holes (33) and intended to be removably attached to the first strand by engagement in the loop, each strand being formed of a continuous flexible strip, the loop (3) comprising two lateral branches (19, 20 ) each provided with a hole (23), a removable transverse bar (14) the ends of which are arranged to engage in the holes of the branches, and a pin (4) having an eyelet part (16) engaged so rotatable on said bar (14), the first strand (1) having an end orifice (13) disposed transversely near a free end (5) of the strand, to receive said bar of the loop, and a terminal notch (15) extending from said free end to beyond the terminal orifice (13) for receiving the eyelet part of the barb, characterized in that the first strand (1) has a plurality of additional transverse orifices (25a-25f) distributed over a certain length of the strand from the orifice terminal (13) and each associated with an elongated hole (26a-26f) crossing the thickness of the strand and intersecting the associated transverse orifice (25a-25f), so that the first strand can be shortened by cutting along a cross section (27a, 27b) passing through any one of said elongated holes, the transverse orifice (25a-25f) associated with this hole becoming a new terminal orifice for receiving said bar of the loop.
2. Lien selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ladite section transversale associée à chaque trou allongé (26a-26f) est marquée par une rainure (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b) sur au moins une face (29, 31) du premier brin. 2. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that said cross section associated with each elongated hole (26a-26f) is marked by a groove (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b) on at least one face (29, 31) of the first strand.
3. Lien selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que chaque trou allongé3. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that each elongated hole
(26a-26f) s'étend de ladite section transversale associée jusqu'au-delà de l'orifice transversal associé (25a-25f). (26a-26f) extends from said associated cross section to beyond the associated transverse orifice (25a-25f).
4. Lien selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les brins (1 , 2) sont en matière synthétique, notamment en polyuréthane. 4. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that the strands (1, 2) are made of synthetic material, in particular polyurethane.
5. Lien selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le premier brin (1) est une pièce moulée. 5. Link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first strand (1) is a molded part.
EP04740506A 2003-07-07 2004-07-01 Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting Active EP1646297B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04740506A EP1646297B1 (en) 2003-07-07 2004-07-01 Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03015293A EP1495692A1 (en) 2003-07-07 2003-07-07 Strap fastener, in particular bracelet for a wrist-watch which can be shortened by cutting
PCT/EP2004/007135 WO2005002382A1 (en) 2003-07-07 2004-07-01 Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting
EP04740506A EP1646297B1 (en) 2003-07-07 2004-07-01 Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting

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EP1646297A1 true EP1646297A1 (en) 2006-04-19
EP1646297B1 EP1646297B1 (en) 2011-03-16

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EP04740506A Active EP1646297B1 (en) 2003-07-07 2004-07-01 Strap connection, especially watch strap, that can be shortened by cutting

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US (1) US7441946B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1495692A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4512199B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100459897C (en)
AT (1) ATE501650T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004031842D1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2005002382A1 (en)

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DE602004031842D1 (en) 2011-04-28
ATE501650T1 (en) 2011-04-15
JP4512199B2 (en) 2010-07-28
EP1646297B1 (en) 2011-03-16
HK1089060A1 (en) 2006-11-24
WO2005002382A1 (en) 2005-01-13
CN1812733A (en) 2006-08-02
US20060144881A1 (en) 2006-07-06
EP1495692A1 (en) 2005-01-12
US7441946B2 (en) 2008-10-28
CN100459897C (en) 2009-02-11
JP2009513170A (en) 2009-04-02

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