EP2484244B1 - Adjustable link - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an adjustable link for a bracelet, comprising at least a first half-link and at least a second half-link arranged to be assembled movable relative to each other in one direction, by the cooperation of means of guiding and complementary guiding means, so as to constitute a captive assembly by the cooperation of stop means and complementary stop means.

The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least two bracelet strands.

The invention relates to the field of adjustable fasteners, in particular for objects intended to be worn on the human or animal body. It relates in particular to the fastenings of bracelets, belts, straps, shoulder belts and the like, used in particular in the fields of jewelery, jewelery, leather goods, or in the upholstery.

Background of the invention

The closure of bracelets, necklaces, belts, straps and the like is generally effected in an adjustable manner at predetermined positions, which allow precise repositioning, and that the user can adjust by cooperation of a finger with one of a plurality of holes. holes, or by hanging a pawn on a rack, or the like. Continuous-type, friction-holding type closures do not offer the possibility of precise repositioning.

It is often necessary to have an adjustable fixing length, for example between two predetermined positions, to hold climatic factors, or the morphology or comfort of the user.

The document CH 699067 in the name of ELFIX PRODUCTION SA describes a device for fine adjustment of the length of a bracelet integrated in the lid of a clasp, and comprising an indexing device in two predefined positions, and which comprises integral ball spring plungers a transverse bar connected to one end of the bracelet and provided to cooperate with per4ages provided in the cover of the clasp.

The documents EP 0 737 427 on behalf of SWATCH GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVICES AG and CH 695 656 in the name of WERTHANOR SA describe adjustable links for watchbands, in which the adjustment is effected by actuating an unlocking button to move from one indexation position length to the other.

The document FR 2,670,995 in the name of PERILLAT COLOMB describes a bar extending in the longitudinal direction of a bracelet, and whose ends are each engaged in a link portion according to predefined indexing positions, either by spring bars or by means of nipples cooperating with holes provided on the bar. The transition from one position to another requires the use of tools. These indexing devices extend transversely and require a large amount of space. They are more apparent, and detract from the overall aesthetic of the bracelet.

These known devices act transversely, generally require the use of a tool to perform the adjustment, and remain visible.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to provide a more compact solution than those of the prior art, acting in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, with an adjustable mechanism without special tools, where the adjustment mechanism remains hidden, and comprises return means for bring the adjustable link back to its shortened position.

To this end, the invention relates to an adjustable bracelet link, comprising at least a first half-link and at least a second half-link arranged to be assembled movable relative to each other in one direction, by the cooperation of guiding means and complementary guide means, so as to constitute a captive assembly by the cooperation of stop means and complementary stop means, characterized in that the first half-link comprises at least one finger s extending in the direction and which comprises substantially elastic radial return locking means relative to the direction which are movable between a folded position and an extended position, and in that the second half-link comprises at least one channel s' extending in the direction and arranged to allow the passage of the finger in only one of the folded or deployed positions of the locking means, and in that the second half-link further comprises, in the vicinity of the channel, complementary locking means arranged to cooperate in at least one locking position with the locking means in the other deployed or folded positions of the locking means, and in that the locking means and the complementary locking means together define at least two discrete locking positions and remote in the direction.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the first half-link and the second half-link respectively comprise the stop means and the complementary stop means, depending on the direction for their captive mounting relative to each other. , and to define a maximum adjustment stroke between a first close position where a first bearing face of the first half-link is in contact with a second face support of the second half-link, and a second remote position where the stop means are in contact with the complementary stop means.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the locking means and / or the complementary locking means comprise at least one ramp allowing, under the action of a force applied in the direction on the first and / or second half-link , and during the relative movement between the first and second half-links, the passage of the locking means from their folded position to their deployed position or vice versa.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the guide means are limited at one end by the stop means, and the complementary guide means are limited at one end by the complementary stop means.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the finger and the channel are separate respectively guiding means and complementary guiding means.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the guiding means or the complementary guiding means are constituted by a complementary bore to a finger constituting the complementary guiding means, respectively the guiding means, the finger being adjustable in length. compared to the half-link that carries it.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the first half-link and the second half-link respectively comprise a first chamber and a second chamber arranged for, when the first half-link and the second half-link are assembled together. to the other, define a single chamber, and the adjustable link comprises at least one masking element arranged to be mounted prisoner in the single chamber between the first half-link and the second half-link, and to hide, at least the side of an upper face of the adjustable link assembled, the guide means, the complementary guide means, the stop means, the complementary stop means, the finger, the locking means, the channel, and the complementary locking means.

The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least two bracelet strands, characterized in that it comprises at least one such adjustable link, attached by fastening means to the bracelet strands.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un maillon réglable selon l'invention, verrouillé dans une position déployée ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de dessus, le maillon réglable de la figure 1, verrouillé dans une position repliée ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de côté, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position déployée ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée et en section longitudinale selon la coupe AA de la figure 2, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position déployée ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée et en section longitudinale selon la coupe BB de la figure 2, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position déployée ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de côté, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position repliée ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et en section longitudinale selon la coupe AA de la figure 2, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position repliée ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée et en section longitudinale selon la coupe BB de la figure 2, le maillon réglable de la figure 1 dans sa position repliée ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un demi-maillon que comporte le maillon réglable de la figure 1, représenté avec un doigt de verrouillage en position assemblée, et, en éclaté, avec des moyens de guidage complémentaires à fixer sur un autre demi-maillon, agencés pour être insérés dans des moyens de guidage visibles sur la face porteuse du doigt de verrouillage ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon partielle et similaire à la figure 5, une variante de l'invention avec un élément de masquage particulier ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un bracelet incorporant un maillon réglable selon l'invention ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon partielle et similaire à la figure 5, une variante de l'invention avec une mobilité selon une direction curviligne ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un détail d'une variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 14 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 5, une variante de l'invention avec des moyens de verrouillage particuliers ;
• la figure 15 représente, de façon partielle et similaire à la figure 14, une autre variante de l'invention avec des moyens de verrouillage complémentaire particuliers ;
• la figure 16 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en section longitudinale selon un plan parallèle à une direction de mobilité du maillon réglable, un détail d'un mécanisme de manoeuvre d'un élément de masquage que comporte l'invention, dans la position repliée du maillon réglable ;
• la figure 17 représente le mécanisme de la figure 16 dans la position déployée du maillon réglable.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents schematically and in perspective, an adjustable link according to the invention, locked in an extended position;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically and in plan view, the adjustable link of the figure 1 locked in a folded position;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically and in side view, the adjustable link of the figure 1 in his deployed position;
• the figure 4 represents, schematically and in longitudinal section according to section AA of the figure 2 , the adjustable link of the figure 1 in his deployed position;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically and in longitudinal section according to section BB of the figure 2 , the adjustable link of the figure 1 in his deployed position;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically and in side view, the adjustable link of the figure 1 in its folded position;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically and in longitudinal section according to section AA of the figure 2 , the adjustable link of the figure 1 in its folded position;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically and in longitudinal section according to section BB of the figure 2 , the adjustable link of the figure 1 in its folded position;
• the figure 9 represents, schematically and in perspective, a half-link that includes the adjustable link of the figure 1 , represented with a locking finger in the assembled position, and, exploded, with complementary guiding means to be fixed on another half-link, arranged to be inserted into visible guiding means on the bearing face of the locking finger;
• the figure 10 represents, in a partial way and similar to the figure 5 a variant of the invention with a particular masking element;
• the figure 11 represents, schematically and in perspective, a bracelet incorporating an adjustable link according to the invention;
• the figure 12 represents, in a partial way and similar to the figure 5 a variant of the invention with mobility in a curvilinear direction;
• the figure 13 schematically shows in perspective a detail of a variant of the invention;
• the figure 14 represents, similarly to the figure 5 a variant of the invention with particular locking means;
• the figure 15 represents, in a partial way and similar to the figure 14 another variant of the invention with particular complementary locking means;
• the figure 16 represents, schematically, partially and in longitudinal section along a plane parallel to a direction of mobility of the adjustable link, a detail of a mechanism for operating a masking element that includes the invention, in the folded position of the link adjustable;
• the figure 17 represents the mechanism of the figure 16 in the extended position of the adjustable link.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to an adjustable link 1 for a bracelet 10.

The invention relates to the field of adjustable fasteners, in particular for objects intended to be worn on the human or animal body. It relates in particular to the fastenings of bracelets, necklaces, belts, straps, shoulder belts and the like, used in particular in the fields of jewelery, jewelery, leather goods, or in the upholstery.

These objects, different in size or detail, but similar in functionality, will hereinafter be referred to as "bracelet".

This adjustable link 1 comprises, as visible on the figure 2 at least one first half-link 2 and at least one second half-link 3, which are arranged to be assembled movably relative to each other in a direction of mobility D, by the cooperation of guide means 21 and complementary guiding means 31.

The invention is described here with the simplified and nonlimiting case of two complementary half-links movable relative to each other, and it is naturally possible to make an adjustable link according to the invention comprising more moving elements. between them.

This direction of mobility D can be linear, as represented on the Figures 1 to 10 , or curvilinear, as visible on the figure 12 which may be of interest in the case of bracelets with a small radius of curvature, in particular for bracelets for ladies or for children.

This first half-link 2 and this second half-link 3 are, again, assembled so as to constitute a captive assembly, by the cooperation of stop means 22 and complementary stop means 32.

According to the invention, the first half-link 2 comprises at least one finger 23 extending in the direction D, and which comprises locking means 24 with substantially radial resilient return relative to the direction D. These locking means 24 are movable between a folded position and an extended position.

The second half-link 3 comprises, in a complementary manner, at least one channel 33 extending in the direction D, and which is arranged to allow the passage of this finger 23, in only one of these positions, folded or deployed, locking means 24 of the finger 23 corresponding to this channel 33. Naturally, there are at least as many channels 33 in the second half-link 3 as fingers 23 on the first half-link 2.

The second half-link 3 further includes, in the vicinity of each channel 33, complementary locking means 34, which are arranged to cooperate in at least one locking position with the locking means 24 of the finger 23 corresponding to the channel 33 concerned, in the other of the positions, deployed or folded, of these locking means 24.

As shown on the Figures 5 and 8 in an economic embodiment, the finger 23 has a head of diameter greater than that of the channel 33, at the end of a body of diameter less than or equal to that of the channel 33, the head is split, the slot conferring its elasticity. The body can also be split as shown in the figures. The locking means 24 comprise an insertion cone in at least one direction, and preferably in both directions of movement of the finger 23. The complementary locking means 34 comprise at least one groove with an adjacent conical entry ramp from that of the head of the finger 23.

These ramps or introduction cones allow the operation of the adjustable link 1 without excessive effort, to move from one to the other of its locking positions.

In a variant of the invention, which is not detailed here because accessible to any mechanic, and whose operation is similar but inverted, the elastic return means are not located at the finger 23, which is then rigid, but of the channel 33.

The locking means 24 and the complementary locking means 34 together define at least two positions of discreet and remote locks in the D direction. figure 15 illustrates a variant with a plurality of locking positions. This plurality of positions is represented at the level of the complementary locking means 34, and it is understood that it is equally possible to make the finger 23 with a plurality of radially movable elements, or even to combine the two configurations.

In an advantageous embodiment variant, as visible on the figure 14 , the finger 23 has a groove, in which is mounted an o-ring seal or the like, of substantially toric shape, this seal constituting the locking means 24. This embodiment is particularly economical, and allows a miniaturization which is interesting for very small bracelets. The figure 14 illustrates the case where the second half-link 3 comprises several additional locking means 34, in number greater than two, each constituted in this example by a receiving groove of the O-ring.

In a preferred manner and as visible in the figures, the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 respectively comprise the stop means 22 and the complementary stop means 32, in the direction D, for their captive mounting. relative to each other, and to define a maximum adjustment stroke between on the one hand a first close position where a first bearing face 25 of the first half-link 2 is in contact with a second face of support 35 of the second half-link 3, and secondly a second remote position where the stop means 22 are in contact with the complementary stop means 32.

The illustrated configuration is advantageous when one wishes a blind assembly, as visible on the figure 9 , it is easy to equip the first half-link 2 of the finger 3, then to thread into the bores acting as guide means 21 the threaded studs acting as complementary guide means 31, which is screwed into the second half-link3. These studs end with flanges constituting the complementary stop means, and the captive mounting is thus very easily achieved.

To move from one of the locking positions to another, it is appropriate to apply a force, in the direction D, on one of the half-links with respect to the other, or in tension to move from the position of the figure 8 to that of the figure 5 or in compression in the opposite case. To transform this force in the direction D into a radial component force of sufficient intensity to overcome the resisting force of the locking means 24, a particular profile is arranged on one or the other of the half-links 2 and 3. Thus, preferably, the locking means 24 and / or the complementary locking means 34 comprise at least one ramp allowing, under the action of a force applied in the direction D on the first 2 and / or second half-link, and during the relative movement between the first 2 and the second 3 half-link, the passage of the locking means 24 from their folded position to their deployed position or vice versa.

This ramp can be conical as in the realization of Figures 5 and 8 , or in spherical cap as visible on the figure 14 , or similar.

In an advantageous embodiment, as visible in the figures, the guide means 21 are limited at one end by the stop means 22, and the complementary guide means 31 are limited at one end by the complementary stop means 32 .

In a particular embodiment, as visible in the figures, the finger 23 and the channel 33 are separate respectively from the guide means 21 and the complementary guide means 31.

Preferably, as shown in the figures, the finger 23 is arranged in the vicinity of a first bearing surface 25 of the first half-link 2, and is adjustable in length relative to the latter, for example by the cooperation of a thread and a tapping. Such a length adjustment can still occupy discrete positions, for example if the finger 23 Thread comprises a flange with one or more pin holes each indexable by pinning with one or more holes that includes the first half-link 2 threaded.

In a preferred embodiment, of great strength and moderate cost, the guide means 21, respectively the complementary guide means 31, are constituted by a bore complementary to a finger constituting the complementary guide means 31, respectively the means of guide 21, the finger being adjustable in length relative to the half-link that carries it. This length adjustment can be made in a manner similar to that described above for the finger 23. The figures illustrate a preferred embodiment where the stop means 22, or the complementary stop means 32, are constituted by a collar. extending radially beyond this finger, this flange circulating in a recess coaxial with the guide means 21, respectively respectively the complementary guide means 31, this recess having an end with a counter bearing of this flange, this countersink constituting the complementary stop means 32, respectively said stop means 22.

In the exemplary embodiment of the figures, the guide means 21 and the associated complementary guide means 31 are doubled, and extend in directions parallel to each other, so as to prevent any warping of the adjustable link 1 during its operation. adjustment, or in service. In a variant not illustrated by the figures, the guide means 21 and the complementary guide means 31 associated comprise at least one flat or similar so as to ensure the parallelism of movement between the orthogonal surfaces to the direction D of the first half-link 2 and the half-link 3 during their spacing or their approximation, that the direction D is linear or curvilinear.

This type of assembly allows, as visible in the figures and in particular on the figure 9 , an extremely easy assembly of the half-links between them.

Advantageously, the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 respectively comprise a first chamber 26 and a second chamber 36, which are arranged for, when the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 are assembled. one to the other, define a single room 4. The adjustable link 1 then comprises at least one masking element 5 arranged to be mounted prisoner in the single chamber 4 between the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3, and to hide, at least on the side of an upper face 6 of this adjustable link 1 assembled, the assembly of the adjustment and safety mechanism constituted by the guide means 21, the complementary guide means 31, the means stop 22, the complementary stop means 32, the finger 23, the locking means 24, the channel 33, and the complementary locking means 34. This masking element 5 preferably has a profile complementary to thatfrom bedroom 4.

Preferably, this masking element 5 is further arranged to hide, by flanges 51, on two lateral faces 7; 8 adjacent to the upper face 6 of the adjustable link1 on either side thereof in the direction D, the assembly of the adjustment and safety mechanism constituted by the guide means 21, the complementary guide means 31, the stop means 22, the complementary stop means 32, the finger 23, the locking means 24, the channel 33, and the complementary locking means 34.

To ensure the plating of the masking element 5 against the inner walls of the half-links 2 and 3 near the upper face 6, advantageously the masking element 5 comprises a bearing surface 54 arranged to cooperate with at least a complementary bearing surface 29 that comprises at least one of the half-links 2 or 3, for, in the manner of a cam, to maintain the masking element 5 bearing on the ends of the first chamber 26 and a second chamber 36 located near the upper face 6 of the adjustable link 1. In a simple embodiment, one of the bearing surfaces 54 or additional support 29 is slanted relative to the other, so as to create an ad hoc transverse movement of the masking element 5 when closing or opening the adjustable link 1.

In an exemplary embodiment illustrated by the Figures 16 and 17 , the bearing surface 54 of the masking element is a trunnion 39, carried by two ramps 37 and 38 secured respectively to the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3, arranged in a cross, so as to move away or closer this trunnion 39 transversely, substantially orthogonal to the direction D, during the approximation or spacing of the half-links.

In a variant, the flanges 51 each comprise a screw 53, constituting a bearing surface 54, the end of which is housed in a lateral groove, constituting a complementary bearing surface 29, which comprises one of the half-links, for example example the second half-link 3, to adjust the distance of the masking element 5 to the upper face 6: this distance can be constant if this lateral groove is parallel to the direction D, it can be variable, as visible in the change of position illustrated by the Figures 5 and 8 , when the lateral groove is designed to press the masking element 5 at the ends of the first chamber 26 and a second chamber 36 located near the upper face 6 of the adjustable link 1.

In another simplified variant, as visible on the figure 10 , the masking element 5 is arranged to hide the adjustment and safety mechanism on either side of the latter, without being mobile.

In another variant not illustrated in the figures, the masking element 5 is free in the chamber 4, and simply biased bearing against the upper face 6 of the adjustable link 1 by a leaf spring at its lower part, or similar.

In the illustrated embodiments, the masking element 5 is made in the form of a hollow cylindrical sector delimited by two flanges 51

In a preferred embodiment because very economical, the direction D is linear.

For fixing it to a bracelet or a piece of jewelery, jewelery or watchmaking, each half-link 2; 3 comprises attachment means 9 to a bracelet strand or the like.

The invention also relates to a bracelet 10 comprising at least two bracelet strands, and comprising at least one such adjustable link 1, attached by these fastening means 9 to the bracelet strands.

The invention thus fulfills the intended purposes, acts in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, with an adjustable mechanism without special tools, where the adjustment mechanism remains concealed, and comprises biasing means for bringing the adjustable link back to its shortened position. The mechanism is adaptable to non-linear shapes, and allows easy adjustment safely, without risk of loss of the bracelet.

Claims (12)

1. Adjustable link (1) for a bracelet (10), comprising at least a first half-link (2) and at least a second half-link (3) arranged to be movably assembled in relation to each other in one direction (D), via the cooperation of a guide means (21) and a complementary guide means (31), so as to form an indissociable assembly via the cooperation of an arresting means (22) and a complementary arresting means (32), characterized in that said first half-link (2) includes at least one finger (23), which extends in said direction (D) and includes a locking means (24) with substantially radial elastic return relative to said direction (D) which is moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and in that said second half-link (3) includes at least one channel (33) extending in said direction (D) and arranged to allow said finger (23) to pass in only one of said folded or unfolded positions of said locking means (24), and in that said second half-link (3) further includes, in proximity to said channel (33), a complementary locking means (34), arranged to cooperate in at least one locking position with said locking means (24) in the other of said unfolded or folded positions of said locking means (24), and in that said locking means (24) and said complementary locking means (34) together define at least two said distinct, separate locking positions in said direction (D).
2. Adjustable link according to claim 1, characterized in that said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) respectively include said arresting means (22) and said complementary arresting means (32), in said direction (D) for the indissociable assembly of one to the other, and to define a maximum adjustment travel between a first close position, where a first bearing surface (25) of said first half-link (2) is in contact with a second bearing surface (35) of said second half-link (3), and a second remote position where said arresting means (22) is in contact with said complementary arresting means (32).
3. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking means (24) and/or said complementary locking means (34) include at least one ramp allowing said locking means (24) to change from the folded position thereof to the unfolded position thereof or vice versa, under the action of a stress applied to said first (2) and/or said second (3) half-link in said direction (D), and during the relative motion between said first (2) and said second (3) half-link.
4. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide means (21) is limited at one end by said arresting means (22), and in that said complementary guide means (31) is limited at one end by said complementary guide means (32).
5. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said finger (23) and said channel (33) are distinct respectively from said guide means (21) and from said complementary guide means (31).
6. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said finger (23) is arranged in proximity to a first bearing surface (25) of said first half-link (2), and is adjustable in length relative thereto.
7. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide means (21), respectively said complementary guide means (31), are formed by a bore complementary to a finger forming said complementary guide means (31), respectively said guide means (21), said finger being adjustable in length relative to the half-link which carries said finger.
8. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) respectively comprise a first chamber (26) and a second chamber (36) arranged, when said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) are assembled to each other, to define a single chamber (4), and in that said adjustable link (1) includes at least one concealing element (5), arranged to be confined in said single chamber (4) between said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3), and to conceal, at least on the top surface (6) side of said assembled adjustable link (1), said guide means (21), said complementary guide means (31), said arresting means (22), said complementary arresting means (32), said finger (23), said locking means (24), said channel (33), and said complementary locking means (34).
9. Adjustable link (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said concealing element (5) is further arranged to conceal, via flanges (51), on two lateral surfaces (7; 8) adjacent to and on either side of said top surface (6) in said direction (D), said guide means (21), said complementary guide means (31), said arresting means (22), said complementary arresting means (32), said finger (23), said locking means (24), said channel (33), and said complementary locking means (34).
10. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said direction (D) is linear.
11. Adjustable link (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each half-link (2; 3) includes a means (9) of attachment to a bracelet strand.
12. Bracelet (10) including at least two bracelet strands, characterized in that said bracelet includes at least one adjustable link (1) according to the preceding claim, attached via said means (9) of attachment to said bracelet strands.

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