EP2427078A2

EP2427078A2 - Device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet and corresponding bracelet clasp

Info

Publication number: EP2427078A2
Application number: EP10726893A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Elio Granito
Original assignee: Dexel SA
Current assignee: Dexel SA
Priority date: 2009-05-08
Filing date: 2010-05-10
Publication date: 2012-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-10
Also published as: WO2010127880A9; WO2010127880A3; CN102458178B; CN102458178A; EP2427078B1; US9526305B2; US20120110792A1; HK1170642A1; EP2248437A1; WO2010127880A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet including first and second free ends (2, 3), the adjustment device comprising a frame (35, 75, 95) with an adjustment member (38, 78, 98, 220) to be secured to a first free end (3) of the bracelet and capable of sliding in the lengthwise direction of the bracelet relative to the frame, as well as a fastening member (12) for the bracelet, at least indirectly secured to the frame (35, 75, 95, 230, 330) and intended for being secured to the second free end (2) of the bracelet. The device also includes a jaw (54, 226, 326) movable between an operative and inoperative position, in particular due to a predefined action of a user on a control member (56, 116, 240, 340), and arranged so as to lock the adjustment member in the operative position and to leave the member free in the inoperative position, in order to define a plurality of discrete adjustment positions in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, two adjacent discrete positions defining an adjustment pitch of the useful length of the bracelet. The device is characterised in that it comprises an automatic conversion mechanism (42, 50, 51, 52, 54, 65, 68, 92, 107, 111, 128, 134, 135, 137, 252, 333, 348) arranged so as to automatically convert the action of the user on the control member into a sliding of the adjustment member by one pitch, and enabling the useful length of the bracelet to be adjusted.

Description

DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE USEFUL LENGTH OF A BRACELET AND

The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet, for a bracelet of the type comprising first and second free ends. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION More specifically, the adjustment device according to the invention comprises a frame carrying a control member, intended to be secured to a first free end of the bracelet and slidable in the direction of the length of the bracelet with reference to the frame, a fastener of the bracelet, integral with the frame and intended to be secured to the second free end of the bracelet, a jaw movable between active or closed positions and inactive or open, in particular under the effect of a predefined action of a user on a control member, and arranged to lock the adjustment member in the active position, and leave it free in the inactive position, to define a plurality of discrete adjustment positions in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, two adjacent discrete positions defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet. State of the art

Numerous adjustment devices of this type have already been disclosed, most of the time being integrated directly into bracelet clasps.

By way of example, the patent application EP 1378185 A1 describes such a device that can be integrated or not to a bracelet clasp. This device comprises a frame having means for attaching to a bracelet at a first end thereof. An adjusting member is slidably mounted in the frame and is provided with a plate in which a rack is provided. Jaws actuated by buttons pushers are arranged in the frame to cooperate with the notches of the rack and lock the adjusting member in the desired position.

Thus, as with all known adjustment devices of this type, the user wishing to adjust the length of his bracelet must press the push buttons to release the adjustment member and then act on the bracelet, to lengthen or shorten it by moving the adjustment member with reference to the frame of the device. Generally, the toothing of the rack is asymmetrical and oriented in such a way that the user can shorten his bracelet without having to release the rack by actuating the push buttons.

[0006] Alternative adjustment devices were previously known, such as in US Pat. No. 1,997,836, in which a jaw acts on a rack to define discrete adjustment positions. This document provides that two blades are slidably mounted relative to each other, with the interposition of a spring between them, so that when the rack is released, the two blades are placed in a relative position such that the length of the device is maximum. The user must then seize the two blades to bring them closer and reduce the length of the device according to his needs. However, even when the device only requires adjustment following a few rack steps, the entire procedure must be followed despite everything, necessarily passing through the maximum length configuration, which is impractical to use . Disclosure of the invention [0008] A main object of the present invention is to improve the ergonomics of the adjustment devices known from the prior art, by proposing a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet, proposing a easy handling, consisting in particular of a simple actuation of the device control member. For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a control device of the type mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises an automatic conversion mechanism arranged to convert the predefined action of the user on the control organ sliding one step of the adjustment member, and allow adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet.

Advantageously, the conversion mechanism may comprise a rack integral with the adjusting member and collaborating with the movable jaw to define the discrete adjustment positions.

[001 1] With these features, simple repeated actions on the controller of the adjustment device, preferably pressures, allow to automatically adjust the length of the bracelet, step by step, without the user has need to fire on the latter at the same time it acts on the controller. Indeed, the action of the user on the control member is converted or converted, by the automatic conversion mechanism, into a displacement of a setting step of the adjustment member, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet either to shorten the latter or to lengthen it. Preferably, the adjusting device further comprises a knife arranged to move the jaw in its inactive position, in response to the predefined action of the user on the control member, and a first pusher arranged to exert a pressure, comprising a component oriented in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, on a first abutment surface mechanically connected to the adjusting member, when the jaw is placed in its inactive position by the knife.

Thus, the control member is not only used to release the rack as in the case of devices of the prior art but also controls an automatic movement action of the adjustment member via the pusher .

Preferably, the conversion mechanism may also comprise a stop surface arranged to cooperate with the adjustment member when the latter has made the predefined displacement. According to an advantageous embodiment, the first pusher can be arranged on the adjusting device so as to be movable between first and second configurations, to be able to act on the first abutment surface in the first configuration and to be capable of acting on a second abutment surface, when placed in its second configuration, in order to exert on it a pressure oriented in the opposite direction to the first direction.

A nsi, u action on the control member in the first configuration can cause an automatic elongation of the bracelet while an action in the second configuration can cause its shortening.

Particularly advantageously, it can be provided that a simple pressure, which can be achieved with the aid of a single finger, allows the adjustment member to be moved one step in one direction or in the other. other, depending on the configuration of the controller. Such an action requires much less skill on the part of the user than the adjustment devices of the prior art.

It can be provided that the device comprises an additional rack having a plurality of notches, the pusher being pivotable with reference to the control member to act on a first notch of the rack, in a first configuration, and on a second notch of the rack, in the second configuration.

It is also possible to provide a variant, according to which the conversion mechanism comprises a second pusher arranged to exert pressure, comprising a component oriented in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, in the opposite direction, on a second abutment surface mechanically connected to the adjusting member, when the jaw is placed in its inactive position by the knife, the first and second pushers being movable between first and second configurations so that only the first push is active in the first configuration while only the second pusher is active in the second configuration.

In this case, it can also be provided that the device comprises an additional rack arranged in engagement with a toothed pinion, the pushers being arranged so as to act on the pinion to rotate in opposite directions of rotation. Thus, the user can decide, simply by action on the device control member, that is to say without having to act on the bracelet itself, to shorten the latter or to lengthen it. .

The present invention also relates to a bracelet clasp having a control device according to the characteristics that have just been exposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which: [0024] FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0025] - Figure 2 shows a top view of a first component of the clasp of Figure 1; [0026] - Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a second constituent element of the clasp of Figure 1, along the line III-III of Figure 1; [0027] FIG. 4 represents an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0028] - Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0029] - Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a first constituent element of the clasp of Figure 5; [0030] FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of a second element constituting the clasp of FIG. 5

[0031] - Figures 8a and 8b show schematic views illustrating a detail of operation of the clasp of Figure 5;

[0032] - Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a variant of the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 5; [0033] - Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGS. 11a to 11d show similar sectional views of the wristlet clasp of FIG. 10, in different configurations, and

[0035] FIG. 12 represents an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment (s) of the invention [0036] The device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures forms an integral part of a clasp, of the folding clasp type, and corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Of course, the adjustment device according to the invention can be assembled to a bracelet independently of its clasp, similar to the variants described in EP 1378185 A1 already mentioned.

It will be noted more specifically that the illustrated clasp, for example, is described in detail in EP 0 913 106 BI ₁ issued in the name of the Applicant. The components of the clasp found in the identical in the various embodiments presented will have the same numerical references for clarity.

As is apparent from Figure 1, the clasp 1 is intended to be connected to two free ends 2 and 3 of a bracelet. As described in the patent EP 0 913 106 B1 mentioned above, the clasp comprises a base 5, elongate in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and slightly curved over at least a portion of its length to better fit the wrist shape of a carrier. The base 5 comprises two longitudinal members 6 spaced from each other by being secured to a transverse spacer 8 disposed at a first end of the longitudinal members 6. The spacer comprises a cylindrical bore 9 intended to house a bar 10, which is even housed in a hollow tube 1 1, to ensure the attachment of the base 5 to a hood 12. The latter is itself even a fixing member intended to be connected to the first free end 2 of the bracelet, via a spring bar 14. A folding arm 15 formed by two branches 16, 17 is connected to the end opposite of the longitudinal members 6, via a barrette assembly 18 - hollow tube 19, arranged in suitable holes.

The opposite ends of the branches 16, 17 have guns 20,

21 each provided with two holes 22, 23. A rod 25 is disposed in the pair of holes 22 to ensure the relative correct positioning of the guns

20, 21. The second pair of holes 23 is provided to assemble the folding arm 15 to a cover 27 of the clasp, by means of two lateral pushers 28, each of which has a rod 29 engaging in the hole 23 correspondent.

Springs 30 are interposed between the cover 27 and each of the pushers 28 to exert on the latter a force tending to keep them away from one another. The pushers 28 are arranged to act on the branches 16, 17 to bring them closer to each other when actuated by a user wishing to open the clasp 1. The relative approximation of the branches 16, 17 has the effect of releasing claws 32 formed on the branches 16, 17 and inserted into complementary recesses 33 formed in the base 5, as has been described in detail in the patent

EP 0 913 106 B1.

The device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet according to the invention is associated with the basic structure of the clasp 1, being housed in particular under the cover 27. [0047] The adjustment device comprises a frame 35 made integral. cover

27 by means of screws 36 and defining a support for an adjusting member 38. The frame 35 has recesses of substantially complementary shapes to those of the adjusting member 38, in particular grooves 40 intended to accommodate tubes 41. [0048 Springs 42 are disposed inside the tubes 41 having their end binder abutted against the bottom of the groove 40 corresponding. Thus, the springs 42 tend to push the adjusting member 38 out of the frame 35, in a direction corresponding to an elongation of the bracelet.

FIG. 2 represents a detailed top view of the adjustment member 38.

The adjusting member 38 comprises an elongate base 44 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, from the ends of which extend the tubes 41. A plate 45, elongated in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, is integral with the base 44 in its central region and the same side of the base as the tubes. A cylinder 46 is integral with the central region of the base 44, on the side opposite that of the plate 45, and is intended to allow the establishment of a mechanical connection with the second free end 3 of the bracelet, by means of a spring bar (reference numeral 48 in Figure 1).

The plate 45 is provided with two teeth 50, 51, sawtooth, symmetrical with respect to the median plane P of the adjusting member 38 and defining two racks.

Furthermore, the plate 45 has a recess in its central part, inside which is arranged a ladder whose bars

52 are interrupted in their central region and whose function will be explained later.

Returning to Figure 1, it is noted that the adjusting device also comprises a pair of jaws 54 intended to be arranged in a recess adapted to the frame 35 to cooperate with the toothing of the racks 50, 51. Springs 55 are interposed between the jaws

54 and the frame 35 to push the jaws towards each other, in a locked position, that is to say in which they are positioned in abutment against the teeth 50, 51 to immobilize the body of setting 38.

The adjusting device further comprises a control member 56 housed between the cover 27 and the frame 35. The control member comprises a control plate 58 arranged in an opening 60 adapted from the cover 27 and intended to be operated by a user. Legs 61 are provided on either side of the control plate to retain the control member in the cover.

The control member 56 is suspended on the frame 35 by means of four springs 62, each of which has an end housed in a blind hole 64 of the frame 35.

As is more clearly apparent from the sectional view of the adjusting member 38, in Figure 3, it comprises, on the side opposite to that of the control plate 58, a knife 65 having two surfaces. obliques 66 intended to cooperate with adapted surfaces 67 of the jaws 54, arranged under the scale of the adjustment member, to move them apart from each other and to disengage the racks 50, 51, when the control member is pressured by a user towards the frame 35.

In addition, two pads 68 are formed on either side of the knife 65, the pads having a length significantly less than that of the knife.

These pads 68 are preferably arranged to fill a stop function, being intended to define the length of displacement undergone by the adjustment member. Indeed, returning to Figure 1, it should be noted that the control member 56 and the adjusting member are positioned and dimensioned in such a way that when the first is actuated by a user, it undergoes a displacement. in the direction of the second, such that the knife releases the racks 50, 51, as mentioned above, and such that the force exerted by the springs 42 against the bottom of the grooves 40 tends to move the adjusting member in a direction corresponding to an elongation of the bracelet (that is to say to the right in FIG. 1). This movement takes place until the pads 68 come into contact with substantially inclined abutment surfaces of the bars 52, to fulfill the role of stops. When the control member 56 is released, the knife 65 releases the jaws 54 just before the pads 68 are released from the bars 52, which guarantees the locking of the adjusting member 38 after it has advanced one step only. Thus, with each new pressure of the user on the control member 56, the adjustment member 38 advances an additional step to lengthen the length of the bracelet, without the user n ' has to intervene at the level of the bracelet. It is apparent from Figure 1 that the frame 35 advantageously comprises a lip 69 forming a guide support for the adjustment member when the latter is extracted from the frame. According to this first preferred embodiment, the specific shape of the teeth of the racks 50, 51, sawtooth, allows the user to shorten the bracelet by simply pushing the adjustment member inside the clasp 1, by action, for example, on the free end 3 of the bracelet towards the clasp. The teeth then act on the jaws 54 so as to overcome the force of the springs 55. It will be noted that the fact of providing two racks and two jaws is not absolutely essential to implement this first embodiment, but guarantees a more precise and reliable operation of the adjustment device. Figure 4 shows, in a view similar to the view of Figure 1, a clasp of the same type incorporating a device for adjusting the useful length of the strap according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only the frame 75 and the adjustment member 78 have different shapes from those described in relation to the first embodiment. The adjustment member 78 comprises optional guide pillars 81, instead of the tubes 41, while the corresponding recesses 84 of the frame 75 have a suitable shape. Furthermore, the central plate 85 of the adjusting member comprises a recess 86 for housing a scale 87 made in the form of a separate part. The assembly of the scale 87 in the central plate 85 is carried out by means of a small rod 88 and a spring 89, arranged on either side of the ladder, which, therefore, is mounted in the adjustment member with a small clearance in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The ladder rests on a bottom 90 of the central plate 85, the bottom being provided with a longitudinal central slot to define a passage for the knife 65.

Bars 92 interrupted in their central region, similar to the bars 52 of the first embodiment, are formed in the ladder

87 to cooperate with the pads 68 of the control member 56. The operation of the adjustment device according to this second embodiment is similar to that of the adjustment device according to the first embodiment. However, it is distinguished by the fact that the spring 89 is compressed after the ladder has been moved, under the effect of the action of the pusher 68, the spring then giving a pulse, to relax, to the adjusting member to move it further in the direction of the elongation of the bracelet, that is to say to complete the step of the movement initiated by the action of the pusher. Figure 5 shows, in an exploded perspective view, a clasp of the same type as that of Figure 1 incorporating a device for adjusting the useful length of the strap according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, it is provided that the adjustment device can adjust the length of the bracelet to shorten or to lengthen it automatically, as has been described above in connection with the lengthening of the bracelet .

The adjusting device comprises a frame 95 having recesses for accommodating an adjusting member 98 and the jaws 54. The frame 95 further comprises two extensions 99, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, defining lateral guide surfaces. of the adjustment member 98.

The latter comprises a central plate 105, enlarged with respect to the previous embodiments, having a recess 106 for housing two toothed bars 107. The assembly of the bars 107 in the central plate 105 is effected by means of springs 109. , arranged between each bar and the central plate. Thus, each bar is mounted in the adjustment member with a small clearance in the direction longitudinal strap. The bars rest on a bottom 110 of the central plate 105, the bottom being provided with a longitudinal central slot to define a passage for the knife 65.

Each bar 107 is provided with a toothing 1 1 1 oriented towards the cover 27 of the clasp.

The adjusting device according to the third embodiment comprises a control member 1 16 consisting of three main parts, namely a support 1 17 on either side of which are arranged a control plate 118 and a drive member 119. [0077] The control plate and the motor member are secured to each other by means of a screw (not visible), so that they can slide together relative to the support 1 17 , following the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

Advantageously, not limiting, the control plate - motor unit can slide between two positions identified by means of ball pawls 122, or other equivalent devices, arranged in the support 1 17 to cooperate with two holes ( not visible) under the control plate.

Furthermore, the support 1 17 is secured to the frame 95 by means of screws 124 arranged to provide a clearance (vertical in Figure 5) between the relative positions of the support and the frame. Springs 125 are arranged on the screws to exert a force on the support 1 17 tending to push it towards the cover 27 of the clasp.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in a perspective view, the structural details of the drive member 1 19. In particular, there is a hole 126 for enabling the setting screw of the driving member to be placed in position. the control plate 1 18.

In addition, it is apparent from FIG. 6 that the motor unit comprises studs

128 are arranged on either side of a notch 129. The pads 128 are intended to perform a function similar to that of the pads 68 of the previous embodiment, namely to act on the teeth of the toothed bars 107 to cause a displacement of the adjustment member. FIG. 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, the structural details of the support 117. In particular, there are the blind holes 130 for housing the ball catches 122 and the holes 131 for enabling the screws to be put in place. 124. According to the description of the preceding embodiments, the support 117 carries a knife 65 intended to cooperate with the jaws 54 to open them and release the teeth 134 and 135 of the adjustment member 98.

[0085] A comparative view of FIGS. 6 and 7 also makes evident the function of the notch 129, intended to allow the sliding of the drive member

119 relative to the support without the first being impeded by the knife 65, dimensioned so as to be inserted into the notch.

It will be noted that the teeth 134 and 135 have symmetrical teeth in this third preferred embodiment, unlike the saw teeth of the previous embodiments.

Indeed, the present embodiment provides that the adjustment device can shorten or lengthen the bracelet according to the needs of its user, by simple action on the control member 116.

Thus, the user can select one or the other of these two options by arranging the control plate in that of its positions corresponding to said option.

FIGS. 8a and 8b schematically illustrate examples of operating modes of the adjustment device which has just been described.

In particular, if the control plate is placed in its position to the left of Figures 5 and 8a, and the control member is then pressed towards the frame 95, the knife 65 opens the jaws 54 and at least one of the pads 128 comes into contact with the toothed bar 107 which is associated with it. This contact is made at contact surfaces located on the side of the corresponding teeth which is located on the right side of Figures 5 and 8a. Thus, the stud 128 exerts a force on the bar tending to push it towards the left of FIGS.

8a, which corresponds to a shortening of the bracelet. Conversely, if the control plate is placed in its position to the right of Figures 5 and 8a, the corresponding contact surfaces of the toothed bars will be located on the side of the teeth which is located on the left side of the Figures 5 and 8a. Thus, the other stud 128 exerts a force on the other bar tending to push it towards the right of Figures 5 and 8a, which corresponds to an elongation of the bracelet. Note that in the version of the device shown in Figure 5, the teeth 111 of the bars 107 are offset relative to each other, so that a single stud 128 acts on the bar which is associated in each of the two positions of the control plate.

As in the previous embodiment, the initial displacement of one of the toothed bars 107 causes a compression of the corresponding spring 109 which, to relax, will transmit a pulse to the adjusting member having the effect to move the latter more, in the same direction.

It may be provided, alternatively, that the teeth are aligned, but in this case two additional springs 109 are preferably provided in addition to those shown, while the pads then act simultaneously. It is also possible to provide that the pads 128 have a neutral central position, shown in solid lines, in which an action on the control member does not cause any consequences. The two active configurations of the pads 128 are illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 8a. 8b also illustrates schematically an alternative embodiment based on a relative positioning of the pads and teeth different from that of Figure 8a, the operating principle remaining similar. In this case, we see that the pad 128 acts on the same tooth, whether in its first or in its second configuration. However, the pressure is exerted on one side or the other, causing a movement in one direction or the other. As in the previous embodiments, the rear surface of each of the pads 128 acts as a stop surface in relation to the tooth of the bar 107 which follows that which has been pushed back by the stud. The association of the pads 128 with the toothed bars 107 thus forms a conversion mechanism for generating a sliding of the adjusting member in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet by a simple pressure on the control member 116. [ As an alternative to what has been described above, it can be provided that, in the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the action of the stud 128 on the abutment surface initiates the displacement of the adjustment member. . As long as the control member is pressed, a friction occurs between the pad 128 and the bar 107 ensuring the locking of the adjustment member in this position. When the control member is released, the jaws

54 close on the teeth 134, 135 and exert on them sufficient force to complete moving the adjustment member of a complete step.

In this case, the pitch is defined by the toothing of the racks. [0010O] Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a variant of the third embodiment of the figure

5. [00101] The two toothed bars of Figure 5 are here made in one piece forming a double bar 137, mounted in the central plate 105 with a certain clearance by means of springs 138. [00102] Again, the teeth of the two bars can be aligned or shifted, the relative arrangement of the pads 128 being adapted to the selected solution.

This variant embodiment has a mode of operation identical to that which has just been described in relation with FIGS. 5 to 7 and which will therefore not be further described here.

[00104] Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure of this clasp is similar to what has been described above, the differences being in the construction and operation of the adjustment device as such.

The adjustment member 220 is made in one piece and comprises a frame 221 provided with horns 222 for attaching a bracelet end (not shown) and from which extends a tongue 224.

The tongue 224 includes two side racks 225 for cooperating with the jaws 226, similar to what has been discussed above. An additional rack 228 is provided on the upper face of the tongue 224 for the purpose of controlling the movements of the adjusting member during adjustment operations of the length of the bracelet.

The tongue 224 is intended to rest on a base 230 also playing a guiding role. In addition, the base 230 comprises open slots 231 in its side walls, intended to cooperate with the fingers 232 provided on the sides of the adjusting member 220, to improve the guiding of the latter in the base 230. The slots are also used in the assembly of the assembly, to allow the establishment of the adjustment member 220 on the base 230. [00110] Each jaw 226 is screwed into the base 230, by means of a screw 234, and partially rests in a groove 235 of the base to ensure its proper positioning. Each jaw comprises a tooth 236 undergoing the force of a compression spring (not visible) tending to push it out of the jaw and towards the corresponding rack 225. A screw 238 is integral with the tooth 236 and is arranged to cooperate directly with the rack 225, in order to allow adjustment of the cooperation between the jaw and the teeth of the rack. The teeth 236 are intended to be actuated by a knife 239 carried by the control member 240. [00111] The latter comprises a support 241 associated with a control plate 242, these two elements being integral in translation according to the direction perpendicular to the general average plane of the clasp, while being capable of sliding relative to each other in the direction longitudinal strap, by the implementation of a fixation by a screw

243, housed in a slot 244 of the control plate 242. A ball pawl 245 is mounted in the support 241 so as to cooperate with three blind holes (visible in Figures 1 1a to 1 1 d) arranged in the underside of the control plate, to mark three relative positions between the support and the control plate (a position to lengthen the bracelet, one to shorten it and possibly a neutral position).

The control member 240 is assembled to the base 230 by means of four pins 246 each having an end driven into the support 241 and cooperates with a foot 248 disposed in a through hole 247 formed in the base 230, with interposition of a shoulder collar 249.

A helical spring 250 is threaded onto each of the pins 246 to exert a force on the control member tending to push it away from the base. A pusher 252, having the shape of a stirrup or a rocker, is pivotally mounted on the support 241, via a rod 254 held in the support via circlips 255. [00115] additional rod 256 is carried by the support, next to the pusher

252, to allow the arrangement of two springs 258, 259 acting on the support, on the one hand, and on the pusher, on the other hand, in order to tend to position the latter in a vertical angular position, that is to say say substantially perpendicular to the support. The pusher has two free ends 260 disposed through slots 261 formed in the support 241, in order to cooperate with suitable housings (not visible) of the control plate. The base 262 of the pusher is arranged in the vicinity of the additional rack 228, to cooperate with the latter in a manner that will be described below in connection with the detailed description of Figures 11a to 11d. Figures 11a to 11d illustrate the various configurations that the adjustment device of Figure 10 when used to shorten the bracelet (Figures 11a and 11b) or to lengthen it (Figures 11c and 11d).

The clasp of Figure 10 is shown in Figure 1 1a while the control plate 242 has been moved to the right of the figure by a user, that is to say towards the strand of the bracelet integral with the adjusting member 220.

During this movement, the control plate acts on the free ends 260 of the pusher 252, thereby pivoting the latter in the support 241.

In such a situation, the pusher extends in a direction inclined with reference to the normal to the additional rack 228, the base 262 of the pusher being opposite a first notch 264 of the additional rack 228. [00123] From such a configuration of the pusher, the controller 240 may be pressed by the user, as illustrated in Figure 11b.

From then, the base 262 of the pusher engages in the first notch 264 and exerts a force on the additional rack tending to push it towards the left of the figure, in the direction corresponding to a shortening of the wristband .

When the user releases the control member, it rises under the effect of the force exerted by the springs 250 on the support 241, while the pusher returns to its original inclined direction under the effect of the action of one of the springs 258 and 259. [00126] It is noted that the additional rack 228 has moved by one adjustment step in this operation, the base 262 of the pusher then being opposite the notch adjacent to the first notch 264. If the user again press the control member 240 from this situation, the additional rack moves a new notch in the direction of a shortening of the bracelet.

If the user places the control pad in its central position, the pusher resumes its vertical configuration. Conversely, when the control plate 242 is moved to the left of the figure, as shown in Figure 1 1 c, the pusher extends in a direction inclined on the other side with reference to the normal to the rack, so that its base 262 is arranged opposite a second notch 265 of the additional rack 228.

When the control member is pressed by the user, from this configuration, as shown in Figure 1 1d, the base engages in the second notch 265 and exerts a force on the additional rack tending to push it towards the right of the figure, in the direction corresponding to an elongation of the bracelet.

When the user releases the control member, it rises under the effect of the force exerted by the springs 250 on the support 241, while the pusher returns to its original inclined direction under the effect of the On the other hand springs 258 and 259. [00131] The additional rack 228 has moved one step in this operation, the base 262 of the pusher being then opposite the notch adjacent to the second notch 264 If the user again presses the control member 240 from this situation, the additional rack moves a new notch in the direction of elongation of the bracelet.

Note that two pins 266 are advantageously provided in the control plate 242, to define stops in relation to the base 230 and prevent the control member 240 is pressed when the control plate 242 is disposed in its central position.

[00133] Figure 12 shows an exploded perspective view of a bracelet clasp according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The present embodiment differs substantially from that which precedes, in particular by the structure of the jaws 326 and of the control member 340.

Each jaw 326 has a lateral extension 327 to ensure its assembly to the base 330 by means of screws 328. In addition, each extension carries a bearing 332 for mounting a toothed pinion 333 arranged to cooperate with the additional rack 228 of the adjusting member 220.

Furthermore, the assembly of the control plate 342 and the base 341 is made by means of screws 344 through slots 345, formed in the base, and screwed into the control plate. The control plate 342 carries first and second bearings 346, each arranged to support a rod 347 defining an axis of rotation for a pusher 348. Each rod 347 further carries a spring 349 arranged to cooperate with each other. on the one hand, with the control plate and, on the other hand, with the corresponding pusher, to maintain the latter in the raised position. The base 341 is provided with windows 350 and 351 through which the pushers 348 are arranged, so that the control plate 342 can slide with reference to the base 341. The pushers can thus be positioned according to first and second configurations, depending on the relative position between the control pad and the holder.

As in the previous embodiment, the control member 340 is mounted on the base 330 so as to be displaced in translation, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the additional rack 228, in response to a predefined action of the user.

In each of the configurations mentioned above, a single pusher 348 is active, that is to say is located within range of the pinion 333, and is likely to rotate when the control member is pressed. by the user. Thus, when the control plate 342 is moved to the left of the figure, the pusher 348 on the right approaches the toothed pinion 333 and is capable of rotating in the clockwise direction when the control member is operated by the user. This operation results in an elongation of the bracelet. Advantageously, the pusher is retracted by passing the pinion when the control member is released and back to its rest position, under the effect of the action of the springs 250.

[00144] Similarly, when the control plate 342 is moved to the right of the figure, the pusher 348 on the left approaches the toothed pinion 333 and is capable of rotating it in the direction of counterclockwise rotation when the control member is operated by the user. This operation results in a shortening of the bracelet. The second pusher is also retracted by passing the pinion when the control member is released and back to its rest position, under the effect of the action of the springs 250.

The foregoing description attempts to describe particular embodiments by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example the forms specifically illustrated and described for the clasp, the control members, adjustment or for the frame of the adjustment device. Similarly, the mechanical connection elements such as screws, springs or ball pawls have been illustrated and described by way of non-limiting example.

The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet with the characteristics of the present invention. , in particular a conversion mechanism arranged to convert an action of a user on the control member of the device into a sliding of its adjustment member, with a predefined adjustment step, and to allow adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet by a simple pressure on the control member. The bars (first and second embodiments) or teeth of the bars (third embodiment) are aligned but could alternatively be offset relative to each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pads would of course have appropriate positions.

As already pointed out above, it is possible to have only one rack associated with a single jaw, just as it is possible to have only one stud or push associated with only one side of ladder rungs or a single toothed bar. Similarly, the invention is not limited by the nature of the member defining the steps of the advancement of the adjustment member relative to the frame of the adjustment device. The skilled person can adapt the construction according to his own needs without departing from the scope of the invention.

Alternatively, it could be provided that, in the third embodiment, the control plate assembly 118 - motor member 119 slides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet to perform the selection of the el alement or the shortening of the bracelet. The studs would then be arranged so that each would have two alternative positions, one in which it would be in range of the corresponding toothing and the other in which it would be out of reach of the toothing, the relative positions of the two studs being out of phase. .

Claims

claims

1. Device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet, for a bracelet of the type comprising first and second free ends (2, 3), the adjustment device comprising a frame (35, 75, 95) carrying a regulating member (38, 78, 98, 220), intended to be secured to a first free end (3) of the bracelet and slidable in the direction of the length of the bracelet with reference to said frame, a fixing member (12) of the bracelet, at least indirectly secured to said frame (35, 75, 95, 230, 330) and intended to be secured to the second free end (2) of the bracelet, a movable jaw (54, 226, 326) between inactive positions and active, in particular under the effect of a predefined action of a user on a control member (56, 116, 240, 340), and arranged to lock said adjustment member in said active position, and leave it free in said inactive position, to define a plurality of discrete positions adjusting the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, two adjacent discrete positions defining a no adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet, characterized in that it comprises an automatic conversion mechanism (42, 50, 51, 52, 54, 65 , 68, 92, 107, 111, 128, 134, 135, 137, 252,

333, 348) arranged to convert said predefined action of the user on said control member into a sliding of a step of said adjustment member, and allow adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet.

2. Adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said conversion mechanism comprises a rack (50, 51, 134, 135, 225) integral with said adjusting member (38, 78, 98, 220) and collaborating with said movable jaw (54, 226, 326) for defining said discrete adjustment positions.

3. Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a knife (65, 239) arranged to move said jaw (54, 226, 326) in its inactive position, in response to said predefined action of the user on said controller (56, 116, 240, 340), and a first pusher (68, 128, 252, 348) arranged to define said adjustment positions by its action on said adjustment member.

4. Adjusting device according to claim 3, characterized in that said knife (65) is integral with said control member (56, 116).

5. Adjusting device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said first pusher (68, 128, 252, 348) is carried by said control member (56, 116, 240, 340) and arranged to exert pressure , having a component oriented in a first direction in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, on a first abutment surface (92, 1 11, 137, 264) mechanically connected to said adjusting member (78, 98, 220), when said jaw is placed in its inactive position by said knife.

6. Adjusting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one spring (42) tending to move said adjustment member (38, 78, 98) while said pusher defines a stop surface (68, 128) arranged to cooperate at least indirectly with said adjusting member (38, 78, 98) when the latter has moved one step.

7. Adjusting device according to claim 5, characterized in that said first pusher (128, 252) is arranged on said adjustment device so as to be movable between first and second configurations, to be able to act on said first abutment surface (92, 11 1, 137, 264) in the first configuration and to be able to act on a second abutment surface (92, 111, 137, 265), when placed in its second configuration, in order to exert on it a pressure oriented in the opposite direction to said first direction.

8. Adjusting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said conversion mechanism comprises a second pusher (128, 348) carried by said control member (116, 340) and arranged to exert a pressure, comprising a component oriented in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, in the opposite direction to said first direction, on a second abutment surface (92, 111, 137, 333) mechanically connected to said adjustment member (78, 98, 220) when said jaw (54, 326) is placed in its inactive position by said knife (65, 239), said first and second pushers (128, 348) being movable between first and second configurations such that only said first pusher is active in said first configuration while only said second pusher is active in said second configuration.

9. Adjusting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said abutment surfaces are carried by a scale, comprising a plurality of bars (92) integral with said adjustment member (78) and arranged such that the one or more of said pushers (68) engages a given bar of said ladder, defining one of said abutment surfaces, when said knife (65) opens said jaw (54), while said adjustment step is defined by the stroke performed by said scale until another bar comes into contact with said at least one of said pushers, defining one of said stop surfaces (68).

10. Adjusting device according to claim 9, characterized in that said knife (65) is arranged through said scale, at least some of the bars (92) of the latter being truncated in their central region.

11. Adjusting device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said abutment surfaces are carried by at least one toothed bar (107, 137) mechanically connected to said adjustment member (98), and arranged in such a manner that said or one of said pushers (128) comes into contact with a given tooth (111) of said bar, defining one of said abutment surfaces, when said knife (65) moves said jaw (54) to its inactive position, while said adjustment step is defined by the stroke performed by said bar until one of its teeth comes into contact with said at least one of said pushers, defining one of said stop surfaces .

12. Adjusting device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that said control member (1 16) is arranged to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet to act on said organ (98), and comprises a motor member (119) carrying the one or more pushers (128) and arranged so as to be able to move in a plane substantially parallel to a general plane of the adjusting device, with reference to said knife (65). ), to define said first and second configurations.

13. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a second rack (228) having a plurality of notches, integral with said adjusting member (220) and arranged to cooperate with said first pusher (252), said member of control unit (240) comprising a control plate (242) and a support (241) carrying said pusher (252), the latter being pivotally mounted on said control member, said control plate, said support and said pusher being arranged such that so that the first two can be moved relative to each other, in a plane substantially parallel to a general plane of the adjustment device, to pass said pusher from one to the other of its configurations, the latter extending in a direction inclined on either side of the direction normal to said second rack in the respective and respective configurations to be disposed, respectively, opposite a first and a second notch (264, 265), said control member (240) being arranged to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second rack to act on said first notch, respectively said second notch, by the intermediate of said pusher.

14. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a second rack (228) having a plurality of notches, integral with said adjusting member (220) and arranged in engagement with a toothed pinion (333) pivotable in reference to said frame (330), said control member comprising a control board (342), carrying said pushers (348), and a base (341), said control board and said base being arranged in such a way that they can to be moved relatively to one another, in a plane substantially parallel to a general plane of the adjusting device, to move said pushers from one to the other of their configurations, said control member (340) being arranged to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second rack so that, in a first of said configurations, a first pusher (348) cooperates with said pinion entered (333) to do so rotate in a first direction of rotation and, in the second configuration, the second pusher (348) cooperates with said pinion gear (333) to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation.

15. Adjusting device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an additional rack (51, 135, 225) associated with a second jaw (54, 226, 326), the two jaws being operated simultaneously by said knife (65, 239).

16. Clasp (1) bracelet comprising an adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims.