EP2740381A1 - Adjustable bracelet clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

An unfolding buckle has strips hinged to each other between a closed position and an open position. A strip (2) is fastened to a first bracelet strand. A bottom strip (4) has a loop at end and formed with a passage for a second bracelet strand. The bottom strip has a lug inserted in hole in bracelet strand to define an anchorage of bracelet to clasp. The loop has loop sections aligned along bracelet longitudinal direction, and cooperated with lug to ensure the assembly to loop and define a predefined position of anchorage associated with predefined usable length of bracelet. An independent claim is included for a wristwatch.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades articulated with respect to one another, by a first of their respective ends, between a closed position, to carry, and to at least one open position, the first blade carrying a fastener of a first strand of bracelet, the second blade, lower, comprising a loop at its second end defining a passage for a second strand of bracelet and, carrying a pin for to be inserted into a suitable hole of the bracelet strand to define an anchor point thereof to the clasp, the clasp further comprising at least one locking member for holding the first and second blades in their closed position.

The present invention also relates to a wristwatch provided with such a clasp.

State of the art

The problem of the need to provide a device for adjusting the useful length of a bracelet is well known.

On the one hand, in the case of bracelets composed of links, it is possible that the wrist of the wearer has a circumference whose value is located between two configurations of the bracelet differing from each other in a single link. Also, it is useful to provide a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet allowing a finer adjustment of the length of the bracelet that the removal or addition of a link.

On the other hand, it is also known that the value of the wrist circumference varies according to the seasons, a maximum value being generally reached in summer and a minimum value being reached in winter. It is again preferable to provide a fine adjustment device of the useful length of the bracelet allowing the wearer of the bracelet to adjust this length to improve the comfort of the bracelet to wear.

For example, the patent application EP 09131060 A1 discloses a folding clasp type clasp having a cover having a series of pairs of holes for housing the ends of a strap of a strap. Two pairs of adjacent holes are spaced a distance defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet, to meet the problems mentioned above.

However, such a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet is unsightly since the adjustment holes are visible on the sides of the hood. In addition, the adjustment operation of such a clasp requires a certain dexterity because it requires to introduce a sharp tool into the holes to compress the strap of the strap, which may lead to damage to the hood in case of clumsiness of the person making the adjustment.

To avoid such a situation, alternative devices have already been disclosed, as for example in the patent. EP 0350785 B1 which describes a clasp similar to the previous but alternatively comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the wristband that can be handled without tools. Indeed, the clasp described in this patent is of the folding clasp type having two blades articulated between it by means of a rod passing through both, each blade carrying at its free end a fastener member to a bracelet. A first blade carries a hook for engaging in a hole in the second blade to cooperate with a trigger for locking the hook and thus the clasp in a closed state. The second blade comprises two parts slidable relative to each other within a certain predefined range, defining a step of adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet. A first of its two parts carries the hinge connecting it to the first blade while the second part carries the locking trigger. The hole wherein the hook engages to lock the clasp has a length, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to the sliding range between the two parts of the second blade. The trigger has a central portion defining two locations for the hook, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to two different useful lengths of the bracelet. A control member including a pusher can actuate the trigger to release the hook and open the clasp.

It may be noted that a disadvantage resulting from this structure is the loss of adjustment of the length of the bracelet each opening of the clasp. Therefore, the wearer of the bracelet must ensure each closure of its clasp that the hook is inserted on the side of the central portion of the trigger corresponding to the desired length for the bracelet.

Adjustment devices comprising a specific locking member have also been proposed, alternatively, to avoid this type of inconvenience.

The patent application EP 1378185 A1 provides an example.

However, these devices generally have complex constructions and little discrete since they may comprise at least one control member associated with locking the clasp, at least one additional control member associated with the locking of the adjusting device, and generally at least one member elastic callback.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of known clasps of the prior art, by proposing a bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet of simple structure, preferably proposing a stable adjustment, including when the clasp is open, and easy handling.

To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a bracelet clasp of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the passer has a plurality of locations, substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and, each of which is likely to cooperate with the pin to assemble it to the passerby and define a predefined position of the anchor point associated with a predefined useful length of the bracelet.

Thanks to these features, the adjustment device according to the invention has a very simple construction associated with a discrete structure, since it is hidden under the bracelet when the latter is worn.

In general, it can advantageously be provided that each of the locations is defined by a hole in the guideway and in which the pin can be partially engaged.

Thus, it is possible to provide that the stud is likely to be screwed into one or the other of the locations or, alternatively, that each of the locations is defined by a hole passing through the pass from one side to the other, the nipple having the shape of a foot-screw arranged to cooperate with a screw through any of the locations.

With such methods of assembling the nipple on the passer, the adjustment of the length of the bracelet is easy, simply by unscrewing the stud before screwing it on a different location.

Furthermore, based on the above characteristics, the present invention makes it possible to respond to an additional technical problem in a preferred embodiment variant.

Indeed, clasps with folding clasp are known in which the second blade carries two nipples, the second nipple making it possible to hold the corresponding bracelet strand against the blade, at a distance from the first nipple, and thus to improve the general holding of the strand. of bracelet on the clasp.

The patent application FR 2716778 A1 discloses a clasp of this type which, however, has a disadvantage that the spacing between the two nipples is defined by construction. Now, all the bracelets available on the market do not have the same pitch between their holes. Also, when the user wishes to change the bracelet, he must make sure to use a new bracelet with a whole number of pitches is the distance between the two nipples, otherwise the bracelet can not be assembled to the clasp.

It can be provided that the clasp according to the invention, as described above, comprises an additional lug aligned with the nipple carried by the passer substantially in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

Also, the possibility of changing the position of the first nipple makes it possible to modify the gap between it and the additional nipple, so that it can correspond to a different wristband. The clasp advantageously allows to use a larger number of bracelets commercially available than the clasp of the prior art cited above.

In addition, in general, it can be provided that the first blade carries a device for adjusting the useful length of the additional strap, arranged to allow adjustment of the position of its fastener with reference to the passer.

In this case, this adjustment device may comprise a frame, carrying the fixing member and movable between several positions in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente une vue générale en perspective simplifiée d'un fermoir de bracelet selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, alors qu'il est fermé et illustré depuis un premier côté;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective du fermoir de la figure 1, illustré depuis un second côté;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective éclatée du fermoir de la figure 1;
• la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale du fermoir de la figure 1, et
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe d'un détail de construction du fermoir de la figure 1.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wristlet clasp according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while it is closed and illustrated from a first side;
• the figure 2 represents a perspective view of the clasp of the figure 1 illustrated from a second side;
• the figure 3 represents an exploded perspective view of the clasp of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp of the figure 1 , and
• the figure 5 represents a sectional view of a construction detail of the clasp of the figure 1 .

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The clasp illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the clasp 1 is of the folding clasp type and is intended to close a wristwatch timepiece.

As is apparent in particular from the Figures 1 to 3 , the clasp 1 comprises a first blade 2 articulated on a second blade 4 by means of a rod 6 associated with a sleeve 7, illustratively non-limiting. Each of the blades has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and slightly curved to better fit the shape of the wrist of a wearer.

The first blade 2 comprises two uprights 8 arranged in contact with each other at their end located on the side of the rod 6 and, each having a cutout such that they are not in contact with each other over most of their length.

Each of the uprights 8 carries an extension 10, close to its end remote from the rod 6, extending in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, to form a pusher defining a control member for unlocking the clasp, as is apparent from the figure 3 .

Moreover, the free end of the first blade 2 carries a device 12 for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet intended to be associated with the clasp 1.

The adjusting device 12 comprises a cover 14 having an upper wall 16 carrying side walls 18. The side walls 18 are provided with two holes for accommodating one end of a bar 20 for attaching a bracelet strand, so that conventional.

The second blade 4 comprises two arms 22 connected by a transverse upright 24 in their central region. The arms 22 are extended by bent portions 26 carrying a loop 28 of a strap strand, offset from the general direction of the arms 22 to define a passage for the bracelet strand.

The loop 28 has a plurality of holes 30, regularly spaced from each other and allowing the establishment of a pin 32 to be engaged in a hole of the bracelet to define an anchor point of the latter to the clasp 1 Thus, the holes 30 define potential locations to arrange the pin 32 on the loop 28, to change the position of the anchor point of the bracelet on the clasp and therefore the length of the bracelet to wear, when the clasp comprises a single pin fixing the bracelet.

The pin 32 here has the shape of a foot-screw and is associated with a screw 33 arranged through a hole 30 to ensure the assembly of the stud to the passer 28. Advantageously, the stud is partially engaged in the hole 30 via a non-circular periphery portion facilitating its screwing and unscrewing.

Of course, other similar structures are conceivable for mounting the stud on the passer, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it can be provided that each hole is tapped while the stud comprises a thread adapted to allow its screwing directly into a hole.

Each bent portion 26 has a small tab 34 intended to improve the maintenance of the bracelet strand once it is placed on the clasp 1. The transverse amount 24 carries an additional nipple 36, optional, intended to be engaged in a another hole of the bracelet to improve even more its maintenance on the clasp.

The pin 32 can be placed in a hole 30 or another to define a gap between it and the additional pin 36, corresponding to an integer number of pitches formed in the bracelet strand.

Indeed, all bracelets available commercially do not necessarily have the same pitch between their holes. Also, when the user wishes to change the bracelet, if the pitch of the new bracelet is different from that of the old, the user can change the position of the pin 32 on the loop 28 to match the distance between the pins 32 and 36 at a multiple of the pitch of the new bracelet, so that each nipple can engage in one of the holes of the bracelet.

Note that this easy operation requires only the use of a screwdriver to unscrew and then screw the pin 32.

The space between the arms 22 of the second blade 4 defines a recess for housing the first blade 2 in the closed state of the clasp 1, in a known manner.

Conventional locking means are provided to maintain the closed state of the clasp. The outer edges of the uprights 8 comprise extra thicknesses 38, close to the pushers 10, intended to cooperate with the inner edges of the second blade 4, at the level of the recess, by friction. In particular, each inner edge of the second blade has a recess 40 in which the corresponding extra thickness of the first blade 2 is engaged when the clasp is closed. The cut made in each of the uprights 8 releases a space allowing them to deform elastically when locking the clasp or when the pushers 10 are actuated to clear the extra thickness 38 of the recesses 40 to open the clasp.

The patent application EP 09131060 A1 describes in detail a clasp of this type and the skilled person can refer to it when needed.

Each pusher 10 is extended by a latch 42 of the device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet.

Each latch 42 comprises a plate 44 having a slot 46 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and having two notches 48 at its ends.

The locks are shaped so as to define between them a recess 50, intended to accommodate an intermediate member 52. Outgrowths 53 are formed on the latches 42, to ensure the maintenance of the intermediate member.

A first function of the intermediate member 52 is to present bearing surfaces for a first end of the springs 54 whose second end bears against the corresponding plate 44, these springs being arranged to hold the latches 42 in their closed state .

A second function of the intermediate member is to act as a spacer to improve the structural stability of the adjustment device.

Indeed, it appears from figure 3 that the frame of the adjusting device comprises a lower wall 56 made integral with the upper wall 16 of the cover 14 by means of two screws 58. Also, the upper wall 16 and the intermediate member 52 have respective bearing surfaces against which is arranged the lower wall 56, thus improving the stability of the corresponding assembly.

The screws 58 are arranged through the slots 46. The locks 42 are thus arranged between the lower 56 and upper 16 walls by being captive because of the cooperation of the slots 46 with the screws 58.

In addition, the intermediate member 52 carries a ball pawl 64 for indexing the various possible adjustment configurations.

The operation of the adjustment device 12 will be explained later in connection with the figure 5 .

The figure 4 represents the clasp 1 in a longitudinal sectional view.

The assembly of the pin 32 on the loop 28 is clearly visible on the figure 4 and the different positions that the pin 32 can occupy in relation to the different locations 30, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, to define different anchoring points of the corresponding bracelet strand on the clasp 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clasp 1 having an additional stud 36 intended to cooperate with another hole of the same wristband as that associated with the stud 32, the latter can be moved between the three possible positions, defined by the three locations 30 of the loop 28, to change the value of the gap between the two pins 32 and 36, depending on the pitch of the holes of the bracelet to be associated with the clasp.

The adjustment device 12 makes it possible to adjust the useful length of the bracelet.

The figure 4 also makes it possible to better illustrate how the ball catch 64 cooperates with the upper wall 16 of the cover 14 to index the different possible adjustment positions for the clasp 1. Holes 66 are formed in the upper wall 16 to cooperate with the ball catch 64 and implement the indexing of the different positions.

The clasp 1 is shown in its long configuration on the figure 4 . If the cover 14 is moved to the left of the figure, the bracelet (not shown) is shortened.

The figure 5 represents a sectional view of the adjusting device 12 in a medium plane and provides a better understanding of how it works.

The intermediate member 52 includes a small tab 68 defining two bearing surfaces for the first ends of the springs 54 acting on the latches 42 so as to maintain them in their closed state.

When the pushers 10 are free, the form at rest of the uprights 8, assisted by the action of the springs 54, holds each latch 42 in a remote position corresponding to the closed state.

In this configuration, each of the screws 58 is located in one of the notches 48 and the frame can not move in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet with reference to the locks 42.

When the pushers 10 are actuated, the locks 42 come closer to each other to go into their open state.

The notches 48 are offset during this operation, the screws 58 being thereby in the axis of the slots 46 and thus able to slide along the slots to position opposite a notch 48 or the other, depending on the needs. Thus, when a user actuates the pushers 10 to place the latches 42 in their open state, he can then manipulate the cover 14 to move it in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet to change the useful length of the latter. When the screws 58 are again facing one of the notches 48, the uprights 8 resume their shape at rest, in the absence of a user action on the pushers 10, by elasticity and simultaneous action of the springs 54. This action involves the return of the latches 42 in their closed state and thus the locking of the adjustment member, the latter comprising the cover 16 associated with the bottom wall 56 as well as the screws 58.

It will be apparent from the present disclosure that the clasp according to the present invention comprises a pin that can be moved to either adjust the useful length of the bracelet in the case where the clasp has only one stud, or adjust the gap between the two nipples when there are two. The construction and handling of this nipple are simple and allow the user to easily adjust the clasp when necessary.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, for example the forms specifically illustrated and described for the blades or their mode of cooperation to ensure the locking of the clasp.

The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a clasp, especially for a timepiece, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be noted for example that the adaptation of the present teaching for the construction of a folding clasp of a different structure to that illustrated and described will not pose any particular difficulty to the skilled person.

Furthermore, the clasp according to the present invention is also not limited to the implementation of three locations 30 for the nipple, or two positions of adjustment of the useful length of the wristband by means of the adjusting device 12. Indeed, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the present teaching to implement a clasp having a greater number of possible setting positions.

Similarly, several possible locations for assembling the second stud 36 to the transverse post 24, substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the wristband, can be provided, which makes it possible to obtain a device for adjusting the useful length of the wristband by moving the two nipples, while retaining the ability to adjust the gap between them depending on the pitch of the bracelet to assemble clasp, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

Clasp (1) for a bracelet, of the clasp type, comprising first and second blades (2, 4) articulated with respect to each other, by a first of their respective ends, between a closed position, to carry , and at least one open position, said first blade (2) carrying a fastener (20) of a first bracelet strand, said second blade (4), lower, comprising a loop (28) at its second end defining a passage for a second bracelet strand and, carrying a stud (32) intended to be inserted into a suitable hole of the bracelet strand to define an anchoring point of the latter to the clasp (1), the clasp (1) comprising furthermore at least one locking member (38, 40) for holding said first and second blades (2, 4) in their closed position, and being characterized in that said loop (28) has a plurality of locations (30) substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the brac and each of which is capable of cooperating with said pin (32) to assemble them to said passer (28) and define a predefined position of said anchor point associated with a predefined useful length of the bracelet. Clasp (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said locations (30) is defined by a hole in said loop (28) and wherein said pin (32) is capable of being partially engaged. Clasp (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said pin (32) can be screwed into one or the other of said locations (30). Clasp (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said locations (30) is defined by a hole passing through said passage (28) from one side to the other, said stud (32) having the shape of a foot-screw arranged to cooperate with a screw (33) through any of said locations (30). Clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second blade (4) comprises an additional stud (36) aligned with said pin (32) carried by said passer (28) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. Clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first blade (2) carries a device (12) for adjusting the useful length of the additional bracelet, arranged to allow adjustment of the position of said body member. fixing (20) with reference to said pin (32) carried by said passer (28). Clasp (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said adjusting device (12) comprises a frame (14, 16, 56) carrying said fixing member (20) and capable of being displaced between several positions in the direction longitudinal strap. Wristwatch comprising a bracelet with a clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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