EP2271231B1 - Wrist watch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch band (1) that comprises a first strap (2) and a second strap (3). The second strap (3) is connected to a clasp (1a) consisting of a hooking device (13). The hooking device (13) enables the two straps (2, 3) to be rigidly connected to each other.  The invention is characterized in that said clasp (1a) moreover includes a safety device (17) that enables an improved rigid connection by clamping the first strap (2) onto the clasp (1a).

Description

The invention relates to a bracelet comprising a first strand and a second strand. The second strand is connected to a clasp comprising a hooking device. The attachment device secures said strands together.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

It is known from the prior art of the clasps for a bracelet using a buckle and a barb to secure the two bracelet strands together. This bracelet comprises a first strand provided with said pin buckle and a second strand which are arranged holes. This second strand is intended to be removably attached to the first strand by engagement in the loop. The loop comprises two lateral branches each provided with a hole, a removable transverse bar whose ends are arranged to engage in the holes of the branches, and a barb having an eyelet portion rotatably engaged on said bar. The first strand having a terminal port disposed transversely near a free end of the strand, for receiving said loop bar, and an end slot extending from said free end to beyond the terminal port for receiving the eyelet part of the barb. Indeed, when the second strand is engaged in the loop, the joining of the two strands is made by engagement of the barb in one of the holes of the second strand. Thus following the hole in which the pin is engaged, the second bracelet strand is engaged more or less far in the loop tightening more or less strong said bracelet.

Nevertheless, one of the problems of this loop according to the prior art is that the second strand of the bracelet which engages in the loop passes also through leather rings located on the bracelet strand to which the loop is attached to press the second strand on the first strand. Or it may be, when the bracelet is worn, that the stresses applied on the second strand are such that said strand out of leather rings can lead to the opening of the bracelet.

An example of a bracelet of the prior art is described in the document FR-2699796 .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a bracelet that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a bracelet whose clasp allows a firm locking of the bracelet.

For this purpose, the invention relates to the bracelet cited above which is characterized in that said clasp further comprises a safety device for improving the fastening by plating the first strand on the clasp and in that the clasp is of the type with folding clasp for not having to act on the attachment and safety devices to remove the bracelet.

Advantageous embodiments of this watch are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 14.

An advantage of the bracelet as defined in the present invention is in the first place the locking security of the clasp. Indeed, the present invention combines a conventional pin buckle with a safety device. This device will press the bracelet strand engaged in the clasp against said clasp so that the strand engaged in the loop can no longer move longitudinally. This prevents an inadvertent opening of the bracelet does occur and therefore the adjustment of the size of the bracelet remains constant until unlocking the safety device.

Another advantage of the present invention is perceived when the clasp is connected to the second strand by means of a folding clasp controlled by a system of pushers. Indeed, in this case, the safety device then acts in the manner of a crown guard device which protects the lifters of the loop from shocks that may occur.

Finally, the invention relates to a timepiece covering comprising the bracelet according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1 représente de manière schématique le bracelet selon la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente une vue partielle de la figure 1 centré sur le fermoir;
• la figure 3 représente de manière schématique une vue en perspective de la boucle du fermoir;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus de la boucle du bracelet verrouillé;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe du dispositif de sécurité du fermoir;
• la figure 6 représente une vue de dessus du dispositif de sécurité du fermoir selon une variante préférée;
• la figure 7 représente une vue partielle de dessus des branches latérales du fermoir et
• la figure 8 représente une vue simplifiée des branches latérales du fermoir.

The purposes, advantages and characteristics of the watch according to the present invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which: :

• the figure 1 schematically represents the bracelet according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 represents a partial view of the figure 1 centered on the clasp;
• the figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the clasp buckle;
• the figure 4 represents a top view of the loop of the locked bracelet;
• the figure 5 represents a sectional view of the security device of the clasp;
• the figure 6 represents a top view of the security device of the clasp according to a preferred variant;
• the figure 7 represents a partial view from above of the lateral branches of the clasp and
• the figure 8 represents a simplified view of the lateral branches of the clasp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, all parts of the bracelet that are well known to those skilled in this technical field will be explained in a simplified manner.

On the figure 1 is shown a particular embodiment of the bracelet 1 according to the present invention. This bracelet 1 comprises a first 2 and a second 3-strand bracelet to be attached removably via a clasp 1 a. The clasp 1a, shown on the figure 3 , comprises a support 4 and a folding clasp 4a. The folding clasp 4a comprises a base 5 at the ends of which are pivotably mounted two longitudinal members 6a, 6b preferably of similar length. This base 5 further comprises male hooking members intended to cooperate with a female fastening member located on the longitudinal members 6a, 6b. This closes the folding clasp 4a and lock while tightening the bracelet 1.

Indeed, the first spar 6a of the folding clasp 4a is also pivotally mounted to the support 4 while the second spar 6b is pivotally mounted to the second strand 3. This assembly of the second spar 6b to the second strand 3 can be done via a pin 7.

Indeed, so that the bracelet 1 is more comfortable for the wearer, it is ensured that the folding clasp 4a is curved to follow the shape of the bracelet 1 or to follow part of the shape of the wrist of the user. For this, the base 5 of the folding clasp 4a is bent so that, when the bracelet 1 is worn by the user, the base 5 marries wholly or partly the shape of the wrist. For the longitudinal members 6a, 6b, these are also curved so that when the folding clasp 4a is closed, the longitudinal members 6a, 6b can integrate or at least match the shape of the base 5, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 .

The support 4 is pivotally mounted on the first spar 6a and comprises an attachment device 13. The support 4 is then used to attach the bracelet 1 by engaging the first strand 2 in the support 4. For this, the support 4, shown in Figures 3 and 4 , is in the form of a generally rectangular loop 4 in which strand 2 of bracelet 1 engages. This loop 4 consists of two parallel lateral branches 8 each pierced by a hole. These are then arranged to be in facing relation so that an axis 10 can be arranged transversely. This axis 10 makes it possible to mount the second spar 6b of the folding clasp 4a to which the female coupling member of the spar 6b is mounted. These branches 8 are also interconnected by a cross member 9 located at one end of the branches and by a support element 12 situated opposite said crosspiece 9. This transverse support element 12 is in the form of a plate and is used to cooperate with the attachment device 13 of the clasp 1 a.

This loop 4 has the function, besides allowing the closure of the bracelet 1, that of guide means. Indeed, the first strand 2 engages in the loop 4 in order to be releasably attached to the second strand 2 via a hooking device 13. However, by engaging in the loop 4, the first strand 2 is threaded between the two lateral branches 8 of the buckle 4 as shown in FIGS. figures 1 and 4 having the consequence that the transverse movements of the first strand 2 in the loop are limited by these two branches 8.

The attachment device 13 allows the attachment of the first strand 2 to the loop 4 and here comprises a barb 13a. Indeed, the barb 13a is a rod pivotally mounted via an axis 11 mounted between the two lateral branches 8 of the buckle 4. This pin 13a is supported on the support element 12 and serves to secure the two strands 2,3 together, while allowing the selection of the size of the bracelet 1. To do this, holes 14 are arranged on the first strand 2 coming into the loop 4. Thus, when the engagement of the first strand 2 in the loop 4, the barb 13a can be inserted into one of the holes 14, then blocking the strand 2 in the loop 4. Of course, it will be understood that the barb 13a can be present in other forms such as a finger arranged directly on the support element 12.

For mounting the first strand 2 in the loop 4, said strand 2 is engaged in the loop 4 as shown in FIG. figure 4 . Preferably, the engagement is made by entering the loop 4 on the side where is located the support element 12. Of course, the position of the loop 4 can be reversed. Following this, the strand 2 of the bracelet will bear on the axes 10, 11 where are mounted pivoting the first spar 6a and the barb 13a and then out of the side of the crossbar 9. Once the strand 2 is engaged it is then sufficient to attach it to the loop 4. For this, the strand 2 is moved longitudinally so that one of the holes 14 of said strand 2 is placed at the level of the barb 13a so that the latter 'engages, thus blocking longitudinally the first strand 2.

Then, to tighten the bracelet 1 and so that the user can wear it, it is necessary to close the folding clasp 4a. For this, the two longitudinal members 6a, 6b are folded towards the base 5 so that the female locking members of the longitudinal members 6a, 6b cooperate with the male locking members of the base 5. Of course, the engagement of the locking members females in male locking members can be done with different systems. Indeed, it is possible to have means operating by pressure or using pushers 15 acting on hooks coming to tighten the male locking members of the base 5. Of course, it can also be provided that each spar 6a, 6b has a different system, for example by pressing on one and pushers 15 on the other.

Generally, it is expected that the second strand 3 of bracelet has a leather ring 16, or other material, fixed on said strand 3 of bracelet near its end. This ring 16 is arranged so that the end of the first strand 2 can engage in this ring 16, allowing a plating of the two strands 2, 3 on one another, the most effective possible. In addition, the clasp 1a of the bracelet according to the present invention can be equipped with additional element. For example, the support 4 may be equipped with additional guide means to further limit the movements of the first strand 2 when engaged in said support 4. These additional guide means may take the form of one or more eyelets located at one or each end of the support 4. These eyelets have an opening providing just enough space for the first strand 2 can engage. Thus, these eyelets limit the movements of said strand 2 by framing, limiting the movement of said strand 2. Preferably, these additional guide means are located at the cross member 9. Nevertheless, these guide means and this leather ring 16 are not infallible and it is possible that under certain constraints, the first strand 2 of bracelet 1 is released until the opening of the bracelet 1.

To avoid this, it is expected that the support 4 is provided with a safety device 17 to prevent this kind of disadvantages. This safety device 17 is in the form of a part mounted on the support 4, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 4 , and generally made in the same material as the support. This device 17 then temporarily attaches to said support 4 in order to strongly pinch the first strand 2. This thus makes it possible to press said strand 2 avoiding any deflection against the clasp 1a and thus to further limit the movements of said strand 2.

Advantageously according to the invention, it is therefore understood that the safety device 17 does not have to be opened to thread the timepiece. Indeed, the use of the folding clasp 4a allows the fixed setting of the assembly hooking device 13 and safety device 17 depending on the wrist of the wearer.

In a particular embodiment as shown in the figures, the part 22 used to pinch the first strand 2 against the clasp is in the form of a substantially U-shaped part 22 as shown in FIG. figure 5 . This piece 22 comprises a generally flat base 22a, to uniformize the nip over the entire width of the strand 2, at the ends of which are two branches 22b mounted at a right angle relative to this base 22a. At the end of one of the two branches 22b perpendicular to the base 22a, there is an outgrowth 18 in the form of a hook. This hook 18 is used to allow the temporary attachment of the U-shaped piece 22 to said support 4. At a second end of said U-shaped piece 22, there is arranged an eyelet 19 allowing the permanent attachment of said U-shaped piece 22. 4. This eyelet is used so that said U-shaped part 22 is rotatably mounted on the support.

For the mounting of this piece substantially U-shaped on the support 4, it is expected that one of the side branches 8 is provided with means for the temporary attachment of the part 22 and that the other branch 8 is provided permanent fastening means of said piece 22. Thus on one of the branches 8 is a permanent attachment recess 21 in which the eyelet 19 of the U-shaped piece 22 fits, this being shown in FIG. figure 7 . Each side of this recess is pierced with a hole 21a so that a pin can be inserted so that said U-shaped member 22 is pivotally mounted. While the other lateral branch 8 of the support is provided with a temporary fastening recess 20 located opposite the mounting recess of the part 22. When the locking of the clasp 1a is desired by the user, this it will fold the piece 22 on the clasp, thus pinching the first strand 2, and ensure that the hook 18 of the piece 22 engages in its recess 20.

Of course, it is possible that this attachment can be mounted in other ways such as by slide. In addition it is possible that the clasp 1 has several safety devices 17 as described above, and in this case, several series of recesses 20, 21 are arranged on said support 4.

In a preferred variant represented in figure 6 , it may be provided that the safety device 17 is in the form of two U-shaped pieces 22 secured to one another. This variant has the advantage of increasing the gripping surface and the efficiency of the nip in itself by distributing the stresses. Indeed, with a single U-shaped piece 22, the nip is optimal when the base 22a of the U-shaped piece 22 is opposite the pins 10, 11 where said first strand 2 comes into contact. Whereas with a device 17 which comprises two U-shaped pieces 22 made integral with each other, it is possible to place this piece 22 so as to frame the portion of the first strand 2 opposite the axes 10, 11 in order to pinch more effectively . The first wrist strand 2 is stressed over four surfaces, ie the two bases 22a, and axes 10, 11. It can also be provided that these two U-shaped parts are made integral so that the assembly is aesthetic.

In the case where the U-shaped two-piece variant of the security device 17 is used, it will be understood that the temporary attachment recesses 20 and the permanent attachment recesses 21 allow said device to be pivotally mounted on said support 4, are doubled. On the figure 8 are represented, in a simplified way, the branches 8 seen laterally along the arrow A of the figure 7 for the recesses 21 and the arrow A 'for the recesses 20. This variant also allows the protection of the pusher 15 of the folding clasp 4a. Indeed, in this variant, it is expected that the safety device 17 is arranged so that the two U-shaped pieces 22 frame said pusher 15 as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 4 , which protects it from shocks that can be inflicted but also an accidental opening.

In another variant, it may be provided that the safety device 17 is not secured to the support 4. In this case, the ends of the U-shaped part or pieces are exclusively provided with hooks 18. From this fact, the recesses of each of the branches 8 are temporary attachment recesses 20 which are fastened to said U-shaped parts.

Of course, it is easily understandable that the bracelet 1 as described above is not limited to the features described. For example, it can be expected that the bracelet 1 does not use a clasp with a folding clasp 4a as before, but a conventional clasp. This clasp is arranged so that the support 4 is directly pivotally mounted on the second strand 3 of the bracelet by substituting the axis 10 by the pin 7.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention set forth above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. Strap or bracelet (1) including a first strand (2) and a second strand (3) connected to a clasp (1 a), said clasp (1 a) including a fastening device (13) for joining said strands (2, 3) to each other, said clasp (1a) further including a safety device (17) for better joining the first strand (2) to the clasp (1a) by pressing the former onto the latter, said clasp (1a) being of the type with an unfolding buckle so that the fastening (13) and security (17) devices do not need to be acted upon in order to remove the bracelet characterized in that the safety device (17) includes two parts (22) integral with each other for clamping the first stand (2) against said clasp (1 a).
2. Strap or bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety device (17) is moveably mounted relative to said clasp (1a) enabling the strand (2) to be temporarily detached from the clasp (1a).
3. Strap or bracelet according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety device (17) includes temporary attachment means (18, 20) for selectively detaching said first strand (2) from the clasp (1a).
4. Strap or bracelet according to claim 3, characterized in that the temporary attachment means (18, 20) includes a hook (18) that cooperates with a recess (20) arranged in the clasp (1a).
5. Strap or bracelet according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the temporary attachment means (18, 20) is arranged on at least one end of said at least one part (22).
6. Strap or bracelet according to claim 2 to 5, characterized in that the safety device (17) is moveably mounted on the clasp via permanent attachment means (19, 21).
7. Strap or bracelet according to claim 6, characterized in that the permanent attachment means (19, 21) includes an eye (19) that cooperates with a pin arranged on the clasp (1a) allowing said safety device (17) to move in rotation relative to the clasp (1a).
8. Strap or bracelet according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the permanent attachment means (19, 21) is arranged on at least one end of said at least one part (22).
9. Strap or bracelet according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each of said at least one part (22) is approximately U-shaped.
10. Strap or bracelet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clasp (1 a) includes guide means limiting the transverse and vertical movements of the first strand (2) when said strand is engaged.
11. Strap or bracelet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (13) includes a tongue (13a) moveably mounted on the clasp (1a) for cooperating with a hole (14) made in the first strand (2).
12. Strap or bracelet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clasp (1a) includes an unfolding buckle (4a) which is connected to said second strand (3).
13. Timepiece exterior, characterized in that it includes a strap or bracelet (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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