EP2745726A1 - Decorative element for a watch strap - Google Patents

Decorative element for a watch strap Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2745726A1
EP2745726A1 EP20120199257 EP12199257A EP2745726A1 EP 2745726 A1 EP2745726 A1 EP 2745726A1 EP 20120199257 EP20120199257 EP 20120199257 EP 12199257 A EP12199257 A EP 12199257A EP 2745726 A1 EP2745726 A1 EP 2745726A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
decorative element
shell
element according
bearing
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP20120199257
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2745726B1 (en
Inventor
Adrien Mollier
Enzo Agustoni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Omega SA
Original Assignee
Omega SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omega SA filed Critical Omega SA
Priority to EP12199257.2A priority Critical patent/EP2745726B1/en
Publication of EP2745726A1 publication Critical patent/EP2745726A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2745726B1 publication Critical patent/EP2745726B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/10—Link constructions not extensible
    • A44C5/105—Link constructions not extensible with links made of one piece and linked together by one connecting element
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C27/00—Making jewellery or other personal adornments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More particularly, the invention relates to a decorative element made in particular by electroforming, for a wristband consisting of articulated links and whose links present, laterally, knuckles with which they are articulated to each other, the decorative element being intended to take place on a hinge of articulation between two successive links.
  • the invention also relates to an articulated link bracelet equipped with such decorative link elements.
  • Such decorative link elements are for example used with an articulated bracelet described in the patent CH 663136 .
  • Such a bracelet comprises a succession of articulated elements by means of hinges. Each element has on one side a middle knuckle and on the opposite side two extreme knuckles between which comes to nest the middle knuckle of the neighboring element.
  • the assembly between the links is provided by spring loaded bars freely traversing the knuckles of the adjacent links.
  • the articulation hinges of the links which are hardly aesthetic are thus covered by decorative elements having a general inverted U shape whose branches engage on both sides of the extreme knuckles and have holes in which to engage nipples of the spring bars.
  • These decorative elements can be manufactured by conventional machining methods, however, depending on the desired shape complexity of the element, their manufacture by conventional machining can be complicated and expensive.
  • the patent CH 699768 proposes to realize this type of decorative element by an electroforming process according to which a sacrificial molding corresponding to the shape of the decorative element is prepared to serve as a base for the deposition by electroforming of a metal layer of the order of 0 , 2 mm thick covering the molding. After piercing orifices that will be used to pass a bar for fixing the decorative element, the sacrificial molding is removed by dissolution or decomposition to reveal a finished decorative element comprising a hollow body.
  • the hollow character of the link element makes the latter ring when it is shocked or worn and gives the bracelet wearer an impression that the bracelet is of poor quality.
  • the object of the present invention is to alleviate all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a decorative element for a watchband which offers tensile strength in the region of the walls of the decorative element located around the passage holes of the bars that is satisfactory.
  • the invention also aims to provide a decorative element for a watch strap that is economical and simple to manufacture.
  • the invention also aims to provide a decorative element comprising means for limiting the ringing of said element when wearing or shocks.
  • the invention also aims to provide a decorative element that has improved corrosion resistance.
  • the subject of the invention is a decorative element designed to cover a hinge hinge disposed between two successive links of a bracelet, characterized in that the said decorative element forms a hull which extends in a transverse direction and comprises at each end an end wall extended towards the center of said shell by a tubular portion in that at least one of the walls comprises an axial orifice, in that said shell comprises between the two tubular portions a notch which extends in the transverse direction so as to define a bottom located below a plane tangential to the axial orifice and parallel to the transverse direction, in that it further comprises a dismountably attached bearing formed of a drilled block fitted in each of the tubular portions so that the drilling of each block is aligned with said at least one orifice.
  • the forces imposed during the wearing by the bar nipples on the region of the walls of the decorative element located around the holes for passing the pins are at least partially taken up by the bearings reported. This thus reduces the stresses on these fragile regions and greatly improves the resistance of the bracelet equipped with these decorative elements.
  • the dismountable nature of the bearing allows when the shell is made of precious material to maintain its legal designation of valuable material part.
  • the shell is made of a first metallic material
  • the bearing is made of a second metallic material and the electrochemical potential difference is less than 100mV and preferably the shell is made of gold and the bearing is preferably made of titanium or synthetic material.
  • the bearing is held in said tubular portions by a friction fit.
  • each of the bearings has a polygonal cross section defining a plurality of recesses between the inner wall of the tubular portions and the outer wall of the bearings reported, for example each of the bearings has a triangular cross section.
  • each of the end walls has an axial orifice.
  • the shell forming the decorative element of the invention is produced by an electroforming process and the thickness of the walls of the shell is typically between 0.15 and 0.4 mm.
  • the shell is made by an electroforming process for example gold.
  • the insert bearing is made of an absorbent and / or vibration-damping material, and the absorbing or vibration-damping material has at least one resiliently deformable peripheral portion, said elastically deformable portion being prestressed against the inner wall. tubular portions.
  • a bracelet comprising links formed of parallelepipedal pieces 1, of decreasing width.
  • Each of these parallelepipedal pieces 1 has, along one of its transverse sides, a knuckle 2 and, along its opposite transverse side, two knuckles 3, formed of welded tubes on the sides of the pieces 1.
  • Each knuckle 2 is intended to engage between the knuckles 3 of the adjacent link.
  • the link between the links is provided by spring loaded bars 4 whose outer diameter corresponds to the diameter of the hole of the knuckles 2 and 3, and which pass freely through them.
  • spring bars 4 are held in position by a decorative element, having the general shape of an inverted "U”, whose branches, designated by 5a, engage on either side of the knuckles 3 of two successive links .
  • the branches 5a are pierced with holes 6 into which the pins, designated 7, engage with the spring bars 4.
  • the decorative elements 5 ensure that the spring bars 4 are held in place. the knuckles 2 and 3 and hide the hinges ensuring the articulation of the links to each other.
  • the decorative element 5 shown on the Fig. 1 may be made by machining, molding or preferably by electroforming if its shape is more complex as is the case of the decorative element 10 of the invention illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the decorative element 10 forms a shell 12 which extends in a transverse direction T.
  • Transverse direction means a direction transverse to the largest dimension of the bracelet equipped with said decorative element.
  • the shell 12 and has at each end a front wall 14a, 14b extended towards the center of said shell 12 by a tubular portion 16a, 16b.
  • the shell 12 has in this example the general shape of an indented circular tube portion and the cross section of the tubular portions 16a, 16b is also circular. It goes without saying that according to variants of the invention, the shape of the shell and / or the cross section of the tubular portions could be different, typically polygonal.
  • Each of the front walls 14a, 14b comprises an axial orifice 18a, 18b, for receiving the pins for fixing the links of the links of the bracelet.
  • the shell 12 thus comprises between the two tubular portions a notch which extends in the transverse direction T so as to define a bottom 12a located below a plane P tangential to the axial orifices 18a, 18b and parallel to the transverse direction T to clear a passage for the spring bar.
  • the thickness of the shell 12 is such that the shell 12 does not deform under the small shocks that a bracelet can suffer when wearing.
  • the thickness of the shell is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter. In the case of a gold shell, the thickness is between 0.15 and 0.4mm.
  • the shell 12 has on its longitudinal edges various recessed and relief shapes allowing it to optimally adapt to the articulation between two links of the bracelet to which the decorative element is intended.
  • the decorative element further comprises bearings 20a, 20b formed of blocks each provided with a bore 22a, 22b which extends parallel to the transverse direction T.
  • the bearings 20a, 20b are removably attached, and respectively adjusted in each of the tubular portions 16a, 16b so that the bore 22a respectively 22b of each block 20a, 20b is aligned with the orifice 18a, respectively 18b of the front wall with which is associated.
  • the bearings 20a, 20b have a triangular cross section defining three lobes by which they are held by friction fit in the tubular portions 16a, 16b.
  • the triangular shape of the bearings 20a, 20b makes it possible to define once that these are inserted into the tubular portions 16a, 16b of the recesses 24a, 24b for the passage of a tool for the case where the bearings must be disassembled from the hull 12.
  • the bearings 20a, 20b are made of a material different from the material of the shell 12. In order to avoid the creation of a stack effect between the two materials, the materials of the shell 12 and the bearings 20a, 20b are chosen so that the electrochemical potential difference does not exceed 100mV. Typically the shell 12 is made of gold and the bearings 20a, 20b made of titanium.
  • the bearings 20a, 20b may be made of a non-metallic material, for example a composite material sufficiently rigid and resistant to at least partially resume the forces transmitted by the bars and preferably absorbing and / or damping the vibration.
  • a bearing made of two materials so that it has at least one resiliently deformable peripheral portion, said elastically deformable portion being prestressed against the inner wall of the tubular portions and absorbing or damping the vibrations and a central portion having a sufficient rigidity to at least partially resume the efforts transmitted by the bars.

Abstract

The element (10) has a shell (12) extending in a transverse direction and including front walls (14a, 14b), where each wall is prolonged towards the center of the shell by a tubular portion. A notch extends in the transverse direction between the tubular portions (16a, 16b) of the shell, so as to define a bottom located below a tangent plane (P) to an axial orifice (18a) of the wall and parallel to a transverse plane. An insert formed of a perforated bearing block is fitted into each of the tubular portions, so that each block is aligned with the orifice of the wall.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention se rapporte au domaine de l'horlogerie. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un élément décoratif notamment réalisé par électroformage, pour bracelet de montre constitué de maillons articulés et dont les maillons présentent, latéralement, des charnons à l'aide desquels ils sont articulés les uns aux autres, l'élément décoratif étant destiné à prendre place sur une charnière d'articulation entre deux maillons successifs. L'invention concerne également un bracelet à maillons articulés équipé de tels éléments de maillon décoratifs.The invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More particularly, the invention relates to a decorative element made in particular by electroforming, for a wristband consisting of articulated links and whose links present, laterally, knuckles with which they are articulated to each other, the decorative element being intended to take place on a hinge of articulation between two successive links. The invention also relates to an articulated link bracelet equipped with such decorative link elements.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

De tels éléments de maillon décoratifs sont par exemple utilisés avec un bracelet articulé décrit dans le brevet CH 663136 . Un tel bracelet comprend une succession d'éléments articulés au moyen de charnières. Chaque élément comporte d'un côté un charnon médian et du côté opposé deux charnons extrêmes entre lesquels vient s'imbriquer le charnon médian de l'élément voisin. L'assemblage entre les maillons est assuré par des barrettes à ressort traversant librement les charnons des maillons adjacents. Les charnières d'articulation des maillons qui ne sont guère esthétiques sont donc recouvertes par des éléments décoratifs présentant une forme générale de U inversé dont les branches s'engagent de part et d'autre des charnons extrêmes et présentent des trous dans lesquels s'engagent des tétons des barrettes à ressort.Such decorative link elements are for example used with an articulated bracelet described in the patent CH 663136 . Such a bracelet comprises a succession of articulated elements by means of hinges. Each element has on one side a middle knuckle and on the opposite side two extreme knuckles between which comes to nest the middle knuckle of the neighboring element. The assembly between the links is provided by spring loaded bars freely traversing the knuckles of the adjacent links. The articulation hinges of the links which are hardly aesthetic are thus covered by decorative elements having a general inverted U shape whose branches engage on both sides of the extreme knuckles and have holes in which to engage nipples of the spring bars.

Ces éléments décoratifs peuvent être fabriqués par des procédés d'usinage classiques, toutefois, selon la complexité de forme souhaité de l'élément, leur fabrication par usinage classique peut être compliquée et coûteuse.These decorative elements can be manufactured by conventional machining methods, however, depending on the desired shape complexity of the element, their manufacture by conventional machining can be complicated and expensive.

Le brevet CH 699768 propose de réaliser ce type d'élément décoratif par un procédé d'électroformage selon lequel un moulage sacrificiel correspondant à la forme de l'élément décoratif est préparé pour servir de base au dépôt par électroformage d'une couche métallique de l'ordre de 0,2 mm d'épaisseur recouvrant le moulage. Après avoir percé des orifices qui serviront au passage d'une barrette de fixation de l'élément décoratif, le moulage sacrificiel est éliminé par dissolution ou décomposition pour révéler un élément décoratif terminé comprenant un corps creux.The patent CH 699768 proposes to realize this type of decorative element by an electroforming process according to which a sacrificial molding corresponding to the shape of the decorative element is prepared to serve as a base for the deposition by electroforming of a metal layer of the order of 0 , 2 mm thick covering the molding. After piercing orifices that will be used to pass a bar for fixing the decorative element, the sacrificial molding is removed by dissolution or decomposition to reveal a finished decorative element comprising a hollow body.

L'utilisation de ce type d'élément décoratif présente toutefois des inconvénients. En effet, comme l'épaisseur de la paroi du corps creux de l'élément décoratif est très faible, à l'usage, les barrettes de fixation soumettent la région des parois de l'élément décoratif située autour des trous de passage des barrettes à des contraintes répétées de traction et de flexion qui conduisent au déchirement progressif de celle-ci. Cela peut affecter non seulement l'esthétique du bracelet quand ces déchirures sont visibles mais aussi son intégrité quand la déchirure est telle que la barrette peut être perdue.The use of this type of decorative element, however, has disadvantages. Indeed, as the thickness of the wall of the hollow body of the decorative element is very small, in use, the fastening strips subject the region of the walls of the decorative element located around the passage holes of the bars to repeated tensile and bending stresses that lead to progressive tearing of the latter. This can affect not only the aesthetics of the bracelet when these tears are visible but also its integrity when the tear is such that the bar can be lost.

De plus, le caractère creux de l'élément de maillon fait que ce dernier tinte lorsqu'il subit des chocs ou lors du porter et donne au porteur du bracelet une impression que le bracelet est de mauvaise qualité.In addition, the hollow character of the link element makes the latter ring when it is shocked or worn and gives the bracelet wearer an impression that the bracelet is of poor quality.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier en tout ou partie les inconvénients cités précédemment en proposant un élément décoratif pour bracelet de montre qui offre une résistance à la traction dans la région des parois de l'élément décoratif située autour des trous de passage des barrettes qui soit satisfaisante.The object of the present invention is to alleviate all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a decorative element for a watchband which offers tensile strength in the region of the walls of the decorative element located around the passage holes of the bars that is satisfactory.

L'invention a également pour but de de fournir un élément décoratif pour bracelet de montre qui soit économique et simple à fabriquer.The invention also aims to provide a decorative element for a watch strap that is economical and simple to manufacture.

L'invention a également pour but de fournir un élément décoratif comprenant des moyens de limitation du tintement dudit élément lors du porter ou de chocs.The invention also aims to provide a decorative element comprising means for limiting the ringing of said element when wearing or shocks.

L'invention a également pour but de fournir un élément décoratif qui présente une résistance à la corrosion améliorée.The invention also aims to provide a decorative element that has improved corrosion resistance.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un élément décoratif destiné à venir recouvrir une charnière d'articulation disposée entre deux maillons successifs d'un bracelet, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément décoratif forme une coque qui s'étend selon une direction transversale et comporte à chacune des extrémités une paroi frontale prolongée vers le centre de ladite coque par une portion tubulaire en ce qu'au moins l'une des parois comporte un orifice axial, en ce que ladite coque comprend entre les deux portions tubulaires une échancrure qui s'étend selon la direction transversale de façon à définir un fond situé en dessous d'un plan tangent à l'orifice axial et parallèle à la direction transversale, en ce qu'il comprend en outre un palier rapporté de façon démontable formé d'un bloc percé ajusté dans chacune des portions tubulaires pour que le perçage de chaque bloc soit aligné avec ledit au moins orifice.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a decorative element designed to cover a hinge hinge disposed between two successive links of a bracelet, characterized in that the said decorative element forms a hull which extends in a transverse direction and comprises at each end an end wall extended towards the center of said shell by a tubular portion in that at least one of the walls comprises an axial orifice, in that said shell comprises between the two tubular portions a notch which extends in the transverse direction so as to define a bottom located below a plane tangential to the axial orifice and parallel to the transverse direction, in that it further comprises a dismountably attached bearing formed of a drilled block fitted in each of the tubular portions so that the drilling of each block is aligned with said at least one orifice.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, les efforts imposés, lors du porter, par les tétons de barrette sur la région des parois de l'élément décoratif située autour des trous de passage des tétons sont au moins partiellement repris par les paliers rapportés. Cela diminue ainsi les contraintes sur ces régions fragiles et améliore grandement la résistance du bracelet équipé de ces éléments décoratifs. De plus, le caractère démontable du palier permet lorsque la coque est réalisée en matériau précieux de pourvoir conserver sa désignation légale de pièce en matériau précieux.Thanks to these characteristics, the forces imposed during the wearing by the bar nipples on the region of the walls of the decorative element located around the holes for passing the pins are at least partially taken up by the bearings reported. This thus reduces the stresses on these fragile regions and greatly improves the resistance of the bracelet equipped with these decorative elements. In addition, the dismountable nature of the bearing allows when the shell is made of precious material to maintain its legal designation of valuable material part.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention la coque est réalisée en un premier matériau métallique, le palier est réalisé en un second matériau métallique et la différence de potentiel électrochimique est inférieure à 100mV et de préférence la coque est réalisée en or et le palier est réalisé de préférence en titane ou matière synthétique .Advantageously, according to the invention the shell is made of a first metallic material, the bearing is made of a second metallic material and the electrochemical potential difference is less than 100mV and preferably the shell is made of gold and the bearing is preferably made of titanium or synthetic material.

De cette manière, on réduit, voire élimine le risque d'effet de pile entre le matériau de la coque et celui du palier, ce qui améliore la résistance à la corrosion de l'élément décoratif.In this way, it reduces or eliminates the risk of stack effect between the shell material and that of the bearing, which improves the corrosion resistance of the decorative element.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le palier est maintenu dans lesdites portions tubulaires par un ajustement à frottement.According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing is held in said tubular portions by a friction fit.

Grâce à cette caractéristique, le montage des paliers sur la coque est facilité et le coût de fabrication de l'élément décoratif est réduit au minimum.Thanks to this characteristic, the mounting of the bearings on the shell is facilitated and the manufacturing cost of the decorative element is reduced to a minimum.

De préférence, chacun des paliers présente une section droite polygonale définissant une pluralité d'évidements entre la paroi intérieure des portions tubulaires et la paroi extérieure des paliers rapportés, par exemple chacun des paliers présente une section droite triangulaire.Preferably, each of the bearings has a polygonal cross section defining a plurality of recesses between the inner wall of the tubular portions and the outer wall of the bearings reported, for example each of the bearings has a triangular cross section.

La présence de ces évidements permet avantageusement de pouvoir y introduire un outil qui permet le cas échéant d'extraire et aisément le palier de la coque sans risquer d'endommager cette dernière.The presence of these recesses advantageously allows to introduce a tool that allows the case to extract and easily the bearing of the shell without the risk of damaging it.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, chacune des parois frontales présente un orifice axial.According to a preferred embodiment, each of the end walls has an axial orifice.

Avantageusement, la coque formant l'élément décoratif de l'invention est réalisée par un procédé d'électroformage et l'épaisseur des parois de la coque est typiquement comprise entre 0,15 et 0,4mm. Typiquement, la coque est réalisée par un procédé d'électroformage par exemple en or.Advantageously, the shell forming the decorative element of the invention is produced by an electroforming process and the thickness of the walls of the shell is typically between 0.15 and 0.4 mm. Typically, the shell is made by an electroforming process for example gold.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le palier rapporté est réalisé en un matériau absorbant et/ou amortissant les vibrations, et le matériau absorbant ou amortissant les vibrations présente au moins une partie périphérique déformable élastiquement, ladite partie déformable élastiquement étant précontrainte contre la paroi intérieure des portions tubulaires.According to a preferred embodiment, the insert bearing is made of an absorbent and / or vibration-damping material, and the absorbing or vibration-damping material has at least one resiliently deformable peripheral portion, said elastically deformable portion being prestressed against the inner wall. tubular portions.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue éclatée d'un bracelet comprenant un élément décoratif tel que décrit dans le brevet CH 663136,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation d'un élément décoratif selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective et en coupe de l'élément décoratif illustré à la figure 1 ; et
  • la figure 4 est une coupe selon une direction transversale de l'élément décoratif illustré à la figure 1.
Other particularities and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is an exploded view of a bracelet comprising a decorative element as described in patent CH 663136,
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective and sectional view of the decorative element illustrated in FIG. figure 1 ; and
  • the figure 4 is a section in a transverse direction of the decorative element illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

En référence à la fig. 1, il est représenté un bracelet comprenant des maillons formés de pièces parallélépipédiques 1, de largeur décroissante. Chacune de ces pièces parallélépipédiques 1 présente, le long d'un de ses côtés transversaux, un charnon 2 et, le long de son côté transversal opposé, deux charnons 3, formés de tubes soudés sur les côtés des pièces 1. Chaque charnon 2 est destiné à s'engager entre les charnons 3 du maillon adjacent. La liaison entre les maillons est assurée par des barrettes à ressort 4 dont le diamètre extérieur correspond au diamètre du trou des charnons 2 et 3, et qui traversent librement ceux-ci. Ces barrettes à ressort 4 sont maintenues en position par un élément décoratif, présentant la forme générale d'un « U » inversé, dont les branches, désignées par 5a, s'engagent de part et d'autre des charnons 3 de deux maillons successifs. Les branches 5a sont percées de trous 6 dans lesquels s'engagent les tétons, désignés par 7, des barrettes à ressort 4. Ainsi, les éléments décoratifs 5 assurent de maintien en place des barrettes à ressort 4 dans les charnons 2 et 3 et masquent les charnières assurant l'articulation des maillons les uns aux autres.With reference to the Fig. 1 , there is shown a bracelet comprising links formed of parallelepipedal pieces 1, of decreasing width. Each of these parallelepipedal pieces 1 has, along one of its transverse sides, a knuckle 2 and, along its opposite transverse side, two knuckles 3, formed of welded tubes on the sides of the pieces 1. Each knuckle 2 is intended to engage between the knuckles 3 of the adjacent link. The link between the links is provided by spring loaded bars 4 whose outer diameter corresponds to the diameter of the hole of the knuckles 2 and 3, and which pass freely through them. These spring bars 4 are held in position by a decorative element, having the general shape of an inverted "U", whose branches, designated by 5a, engage on either side of the knuckles 3 of two successive links . The branches 5a are pierced with holes 6 into which the pins, designated 7, engage with the spring bars 4. Thus, the decorative elements 5 ensure that the spring bars 4 are held in place. the knuckles 2 and 3 and hide the hinges ensuring the articulation of the links to each other.

L'élément de décoration 5 représenté sur la fig. 1 peut être réalisé par usinage, moulage ou de préférence par électroformage si sa forme est plus complexe comme cela est le cas de l'élément décoratif 10 de l'invention illustré à la figure 2.The decorative element 5 shown on the Fig. 1 may be made by machining, molding or preferably by electroforming if its shape is more complex as is the case of the decorative element 10 of the invention illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .

L'élément décoratif 10 forme une coque 12 qui s'étend selon une direction transversale T. Par direction transversale, on entend une direction transversale à la plus grande dimension du bracelet équipé dudit élément décoratif.The decorative element 10 forms a shell 12 which extends in a transverse direction T. Transverse direction means a direction transverse to the largest dimension of the bracelet equipped with said decorative element.

La coque 12 et comporte à chacune des extrémités une paroi frontale 14a, 14b prolongée vers le centre de ladite coque 12 par une portion tubulaire 16a, 16b. La coque 12 présente dans cet exemple la forme générale d'une portion de tube circulaire échancrée et la section droite des portions tubulaires 16a, 16b est également circulaire. Il va de soi que selon des variantes de l'invention, la forme de la coque et/ou de la section droite des portions tubulaires pourrait être différente, typiquement polygonale.The shell 12 and has at each end a front wall 14a, 14b extended towards the center of said shell 12 by a tubular portion 16a, 16b. The shell 12 has in this example the general shape of an indented circular tube portion and the cross section of the tubular portions 16a, 16b is also circular. It goes without saying that according to variants of the invention, the shape of the shell and / or the cross section of the tubular portions could be different, typically polygonal.

Chacune des parois frontales 14a, 14b comporte un orifice axial 18a, 18b, destiné à recevoir les goupilles de fixation des articulations des maillons du bracelet.Each of the front walls 14a, 14b comprises an axial orifice 18a, 18b, for receiving the pins for fixing the links of the links of the bracelet.

La coque 12 comprend donc entre les deux portions tubulaires une échancrure qui s'étend selon la direction transversale T de façon à définir un fond 12a situé en dessous d'un plan P tangent aux orifices axiaux 18a, 18b et parallèle à la direction transversale T afin de dégager un passage pour la barrette à ressort.The shell 12 thus comprises between the two tubular portions a notch which extends in the transverse direction T so as to define a bottom 12a located below a plane P tangential to the axial orifices 18a, 18b and parallel to the transverse direction T to clear a passage for the spring bar.

L'épaisseur de la coque 12 est telle que la coque 12 ne se déforme sous les petits chocs qu'un bracelet peut subir lors du porter. Typiquement, l'épaisseur de la coque est de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de millimètres. Dans le cas d'une coque en or, l'épaisseur est comprise entre 0.15 et 0.4mm.The thickness of the shell 12 is such that the shell 12 does not deform under the small shocks that a bracelet can suffer when wearing. Typically, the thickness of the shell is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter. In the case of a gold shell, the thickness is between 0.15 and 0.4mm.

La coque 12 comporte sur ses bords longitudinaux différentes formes en creux et en relief lui permettant de s'adapter de manière optimale à l'articulation entre deux maillons du bracelet auquel l'élément décoratif est destiné.The shell 12 has on its longitudinal edges various recessed and relief shapes allowing it to optimally adapt to the articulation between two links of the bracelet to which the decorative element is intended.

La coque 12 de l'élément décoratif 10 peut être typiquement réalisé par électroformage selon un procédé classique bien connu de l'homme du métier comprenant les étapes principales suivantes consistant à:

  • préparer un moulage sacrificiel correspondant à la forme générale de l'élément décoratif,
  • déposer une ou plusieurs couches d'un matériau métallique recouvrant l'ensemble du moulage,
  • éliminer le moulage sacrificiel pour former le corps creux de la coque 12,
  • former les deux orifices 18a, 18b.
The shell 12 of the decorative element 10 may typically be made by electroforming according to a conventional method well known to those skilled in the art comprising the following main steps consisting of:
  • prepare a sacrificial molding corresponding to the general shape of the decorative element,
  • depositing one or more layers of a metallic material covering the entire molding,
  • eliminate the sacrificial molding to form the hollow body of the shell 12,
  • form the two orifices 18a, 18b.

L'élément décoratif comprend en outre des paliers 20a, 20b formés de blocs munis chacun d'un perçage 22a, 22b qui s'étend parallèlement à la direction transversale T. Les paliers 20a, 20b sont rapportés de façon démontable, et ajustés respectivement dans chacune des portions tubulaires 16a, 16b pour que le perçage 22a respectivement 22b de chaque bloc 20a, 20b soit aligné avec l'orifice 18a, respectivement 18b de la paroi frontale à laquelle est associé.The decorative element further comprises bearings 20a, 20b formed of blocks each provided with a bore 22a, 22b which extends parallel to the transverse direction T. The bearings 20a, 20b are removably attached, and respectively adjusted in each of the tubular portions 16a, 16b so that the bore 22a respectively 22b of each block 20a, 20b is aligned with the orifice 18a, respectively 18b of the front wall with which is associated.

Dans l'exemple illustré les paliers 20a, 20b présentent une section droite triangulaire définissant trois lobes par lesquels ils sont maintenus par ajustement à frottement dans les portions tubulaires 16a, 16b. La forme triangulaire des paliers 20a, 20b permet de définir une fois que ceux-ci sont insérés dans les portions tubulaires 16a, 16b des évidements 24a, 24b servant au passage d'un outil pour le cas où les paliers doivent être démontés de la coque 12.In the illustrated example the bearings 20a, 20b have a triangular cross section defining three lobes by which they are held by friction fit in the tubular portions 16a, 16b. The triangular shape of the bearings 20a, 20b makes it possible to define once that these are inserted into the tubular portions 16a, 16b of the recesses 24a, 24b for the passage of a tool for the case where the bearings must be disassembled from the hull 12.

Les paliers 20a, 20b sont réalisés en un matériau différent du matériau de la coque 12. Pour éviter la création d'un effet de pile entre les deux matériaux, les matériaux de la coque 12 et des paliers 20a, 20b sont choisis de manière que la différence de potentiel électrochimique ne dépasse pas 100mV. Typiquement la coque 12 est réalisée en or et les paliers 20a, 20b en titane.The bearings 20a, 20b are made of a material different from the material of the shell 12. In order to avoid the creation of a stack effect between the two materials, the materials of the shell 12 and the bearings 20a, 20b are chosen so that the electrochemical potential difference does not exceed 100mV. Typically the shell 12 is made of gold and the bearings 20a, 20b made of titanium.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les paliers 20a, 20b peuvent être réalisés en un matériau non métallique par exemple en un matériau composite suffisamment rigide et résistant pour reprendre au moins partiellement les efforts transmis par les barrettes et de préférence absorbant et/ou amortissant les vibrations.According to another embodiment, the bearings 20a, 20b may be made of a non-metallic material, for example a composite material sufficiently rigid and resistant to at least partially resume the forces transmitted by the bars and preferably absorbing and / or damping the vibration.

On pourra également envisager un palier réalisé en deux matériaux de sorte qu'il présente au moins une partie périphérique déformable élastiquement, ladite partie déformable élastiquement étant précontrainte contre la paroi intérieure des portions tubulaires et absorbant ou amortissant les vibrations et une partie centrale qui présente une rigidité suffisante pour reprendre au moins partiellement les efforts transmis par les barrettes.It is also possible to envisage a bearing made of two materials so that it has at least one resiliently deformable peripheral portion, said elastically deformable portion being prestressed against the inner wall of the tubular portions and absorbing or damping the vibrations and a central portion having a sufficient rigidity to at least partially resume the efforts transmitted by the bars.

Claims (12)

Elément décoratif destiné à venir recouvrir une charnière d'articulation disposée entre deux maillons successifs d'un bracelet, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément décoratif forme une coque qui s'étend selon une direction transversale et comporte à chacune des extrémités une paroi frontale prolongée vers le centre de ladite coque par une portion tubulaire, en ce qu'au moins l'une des parois comporte au moins un orifice axial, en ce que ladite coque comprend entre les deux portions tubulaires une échancrure qui s'étend selon la direction transversale de façon à définir un fond situé en dessous d'un plan tangent à l'orifice axial et parallèle à la direction transversale, en ce qu'il comprend en outre un palier rapporté de façon démontable formé d'un bloc percé ajusté dans chacune des portions tubulaires pour que le au moins un perçage de chaque bloc soit aligné avec ledit au moins un orifice.Decorative element intended to cover a hinge hinge disposed between two successive links of a bracelet, characterized in that said decorative element forms a shell which extends in a transverse direction and has at each end a front wall extended towards the center of said shell by a tubular portion, in that at least one of the walls comprises at least one axial orifice, in that said shell comprises between the two tubular portions a notch which extends in the transverse direction of so as to define a bottom located below a plane tangential to the axial orifice and parallel to the transverse direction, in that it further comprises a dismountably mounted bearing formed of a drilled block adjusted in each of the portions tubular so that the at least one piercing of each block is aligned with the at least one orifice. Elément décoratif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la coque est réalisée en un premier matériau, en ce que le palier rapporté est réalisé en un second matériau, et en ce que la différence de potentiel électrochimique est inférieure à 100mV.Decorative element according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell is made of a first material, in that the insert bearing is made of a second material, and in that the electrochemical potential difference is less than 100mV. Elément décoratif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la coque est réalisée en or et en ce que le palier est réalisé en titane, matière synthétique ou composite.Decorative element according to claim 2, characterized in that the shell is made of gold and in that the bearing is made of titanium, synthetic material or composite. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le palier est maintenu dans lesdites portions tubulaires par un ajustement à frottementDecorative element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing is held in said tubular portions by a friction fit Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que chacun des paliers présente une section droite polygonale définissant une pluralité d'évidements entre la paroi intérieure des portions tubulaires et la paroi extérieure des paliers rapportés.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that each of the bearings has a cross section polygonal defining a plurality of recesses between the inner wall of the tubular portions and the outer wall of the bearings reported. Elément décoratif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que chacun des paliers présente une section droite triangulaire.Decorative element according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the bearings has a triangular cross section. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chacune des parois frontales présente au moins un orifice axial.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the end walls has at least one axial orifice. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur des parois de la coque est comprise entre 0.15 et 0,4mm.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the walls of the shell is between 0.15 and 0.4mm. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que la coque est réalisée par un procédé d'électroformage.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell is made by an electroforming process. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que le palier rapporté est réalisé en au moins un matériau.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert bearing is made of at least one material. Elément décoratif selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que un matériau du palier rapporté est réalisé en un matériau absorbant ou amortissant les vibrations.Decorative element according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a material of the reported bearing is made of a material absorbing or damping vibrations. Elément décoratif selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le matériau absorbant et/ou amortissant les vibrations présente au moins une partie périphérique déformable élastiquement, ladite partie déformable élastiquement étant précontrainte contre la paroi intérieure des portions tubulaires.Decorative element according to claim 10, characterized in that the absorbent material and / or vibration damping has at least one resiliently deformable peripheral portion, said elastically deformable portion being prestressed against the inner wall of the tubular portions.
EP12199257.2A 2012-12-21 2012-12-21 Decorative element for a watch strap Active EP2745726B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12199257.2A EP2745726B1 (en) 2012-12-21 2012-12-21 Decorative element for a watch strap

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12199257.2A EP2745726B1 (en) 2012-12-21 2012-12-21 Decorative element for a watch strap

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2745726A1 true EP2745726A1 (en) 2014-06-25
EP2745726B1 EP2745726B1 (en) 2016-05-04

Family

ID=47627933

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12199257.2A Active EP2745726B1 (en) 2012-12-21 2012-12-21 Decorative element for a watch strap

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2745726B1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH663136A5 (en) 1985-08-27 1987-11-30 Grandjean S A Articulated bracelet
CH699796A2 (en) * 2008-10-28 2010-04-30 Brademont Sa Strap element i.e. decorating element, fabricating method for watch, involves folding ends of cylinder on each side of insert above lateral faces of insert, where insert is made of material that is cheaper than material of cylinder
CH699768A2 (en) 2008-10-16 2010-04-30 B & B Technics Sa Method for producing a decorative element of a wrist watch and said element.
CH699811B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2010-05-14 Rado Montres Sa Bracelet with articulated links and a method of assembling such a bracelet
CH703325B1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2011-12-30 Pro Plating S A Link for e.g. precious metal watch strap, has connecting tubes to support, surround, and guide connection and hinge pins, where each tube is positioned within hollow shell through guiding hole that traverses side wall of shell
EP2462829A1 (en) * 2010-12-08 2012-06-13 Rolex S.A. Bracelet with articulated links and use of said bracelet

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH663136A5 (en) 1985-08-27 1987-11-30 Grandjean S A Articulated bracelet
CH699811B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2010-05-14 Rado Montres Sa Bracelet with articulated links and a method of assembling such a bracelet
CH699768A2 (en) 2008-10-16 2010-04-30 B & B Technics Sa Method for producing a decorative element of a wrist watch and said element.
CH699796A2 (en) * 2008-10-28 2010-04-30 Brademont Sa Strap element i.e. decorating element, fabricating method for watch, involves folding ends of cylinder on each side of insert above lateral faces of insert, where insert is made of material that is cheaper than material of cylinder
CH703325B1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2011-12-30 Pro Plating S A Link for e.g. precious metal watch strap, has connecting tubes to support, surround, and guide connection and hinge pins, where each tube is positioned within hollow shell through guiding hole that traverses side wall of shell
EP2462829A1 (en) * 2010-12-08 2012-06-13 Rolex S.A. Bracelet with articulated links and use of said bracelet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2745726B1 (en) 2016-05-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0098239B1 (en) Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case
EP2440085B1 (en) Bracelet made up of articulated links
EP1579781B1 (en) Linked bracelet with decorative links mounted on a chain
EP2484246B1 (en) Watch strap with ceramic links
EP3338586B1 (en) Watch band or jewellery bracelet
EP1731053B1 (en) Non-stretchable link bracelet
EP2462829B1 (en) Bracelet with articulated links and use of said bracelet
EP1136010B1 (en) Articulated bracelet, particularly for watches
EP0441775A1 (en) Jewel with interchangeable components
EP2745726B1 (en) Decorative element for a watch strap
CH707383A2 (en) Decorative element for articulation hinge placed between two successive elements of watch strap, has detachable bearing formed of block and is adjusted in each of tubular portions such that hole of each block is aligned with opening
EP3401740B1 (en) Flashless timepiece setting component
EP3593667B1 (en) Link for bracelet
EP0762240A1 (en) Watch case with a recessed case and fitting means and watch provided with such a case
EP0626625B1 (en) Watch case made of precious metal
EP3941300B1 (en) Clasp for a watchstrap or bracelet
EP3653074B1 (en) Assembly of elements such as links of a bracelet
EP3449755B1 (en) Hinged bracelet
CH695719A5 (en) Bracelet for watch, has bores with axial openings for inserting pin, where openings are closed by screws screwed in openings and supported against radial surface of stoppers in openings
EP0196996B1 (en) Bracelet with articulated links
WO1998048657A1 (en) Watch or jewel bracelet with articulated links and flexible fittings
WO2012100833A1 (en) Watchstrap having links and method for assembling same
EP1360541B1 (en) Frame for retractable spectacles with endogenous articulations
CH701551B1 (en) Barcelet to links and method of & rsquo; assembly.
CH719850A2 (en) Bracelet with hard material links.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20121221

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

R17P Request for examination filed (corrected)

Effective date: 20150105

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20150422

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20151204

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160303

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 796086

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012018025

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20160504

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160804

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 796086

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160504

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160905

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160805

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012018025

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161231

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20161231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20121221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160504

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230101

Year of fee payment: 11

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230701

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231121

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231122

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231121

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240101

Year of fee payment: 12