EP3287034B1 - Wristband or chain clasp - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a bracelet or chain buckle for rope-like bands used as a bracelet or chain according to the preamble of claim 1. Such closures comprise a first closure member for receiving a first end of the rope-like band and one with the first closure member, via a frictional magnetic formed Connection, cooperating second closure member for receiving a second end of the rope-like band on.

From the WO 2008/073133 A1 a clasp according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, comprising closure means, one of which is designed as a screw-threaded element which is screwed into a sleeve of the opposite closure means. This opposite closure means has an insert which protrudes from the sleeve of the opposing closure means with a ring eyelet for hooking a bracelet having a chain links when the clasp is closed. For prefixing this insert can be magnetically formed. A positive and magnetic-looking clasp with end eyelets also discloses the document CN 105455328 A ,

Although these known closures offer a fundamentally comfortable to wear, in itself compact closure. However, the proposed eyelets are only very limited useable for thicker rope-like bands and the closure can be significantly improved both visually and in terms of handling in view of the desired use for rope-like bands that are to be used as a bracelet or chains.

From the DE 37 36 254 A1 and the DE 20 2015 100 249 U1 are jewelry closures with two closure parts known in which the closure effect is achieved by a combination of magnetic force and mechanical locking. However, these closures are aesthetically and hygienically less appealing and offer only limited comfort. In particular, the outwardly directed in the closed state and the not aesthetically pleasing embossed surfaces, so that dirt and sweat can easily penetrate into the area of the clasp. The forming in the outer surface edges can adversely affect the comfort. In addition, the closures are relatively expensive to manufacture.

A purely magnetic closure for jewelry is from the US 2014/0053374 A1 known. An exclusively screwable clasp shows the WO 2007/112530 A1 ,

It is an object of the invention to improve the ergonomics and comfort of wristband or chain, thereby increasing their security with regard to the desired use in rope-like bands and to facilitate their production. The clasp should also be good to wear in terms of hygiene.

A bracelet or chain buckle for rope-like bands used as a bracelet or a chain has a first closure part for receiving a first end of the rope-like band and a second closure part cooperating with the first closure part via a frictional magnetic connection for receiving a second end of the rope-like band. The first closure part is designed in several parts with an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve can be pushed over the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are arranged to each other rotatably and / or axially slidingly movable. The first closure part and the second closure part have in addition to the magnetic connection form-fitting corresponding engagement members, which engage with a closed clasp, the form-fitting corresponding engagement members.

To achieve the object is provided according to the features of claim 1, that the first closure member for receiving a first end of the rope-like tape on the side facing away from the second closure part closed closure by means of the inner sleeve open on one side hollow body with a receptacle formed by the inner sleeve Insertion of the first end of the rope-like band in the form of a rope or leather strap and for fixing the first end on the first closure part forms via a first connection, and the second closure part on the side facing away from the first closure part with closed clasp for receiving a second end of the rope-like band forms a hollow body open on one side with a receptacle for insertion of the second end of the rope-like band in the form of a rope or leather strap and for fixing the second end to the second closure part via a second connection, and that at completely closed buckle inside the outer sleeve rotatable inner sleeve is made due to the magnetic connection against the second closure member.

Hereinafter, the bracelet or chain buckle is referred to simply as a clasp. Such closures may preferably be used for bracelets made of (sail) rope or leather straps. By the term "rope-like band" are meant at least one of the terms rope, ribbon, cord, rope, etc. rewritable elongated and sufficiently flexible structures that are basically suitable for use as a bracelet or as an ankle or ankle and properties have such that they can meaningfully cooperate with their ends with the closure parts of the clasp in the manner described below, in particular suitably fixed in a rotationally fixed manner in the closure parts of the clasp.

As a result of the magnetic connection, the bracelet or the chain is closed by first of all approximating and aligning the magnetic inner sleeve of the first closure part with the second closure part. This has the advantage that the positive connection of the clasp can be done without an ergonomically unfavorable holding together the two closure parts. The non-positively attached to the corresponding counterpart inner sleeve then serves the outer sleeve as a guide, which makes the closing of the clasp, so connecting the outer sleeve of the first closure member with the second closure member particularly simple.

The two-part design of the first closure part, in particular the separation of inner sleeve and outer sleeve, has the further advantage that twisting of the bracelet or the chain is avoided when closing the positive connection. In this way the closure ergonomics is improved, the wearing comfort increased and achieved a visually appealing appearance. An increase in the closing force is achieved via the positive connection between the outer sleeve of the first closure part and the second closure part.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first closure part or the second closure part has a first magnet and the respective other closure part has a second magnet or is at least partially made of magnetizable material. The frictional connection is formed via the first magnet and the second magnet or the magnetizable material. The term magnet is to be understood in particular permanent magnet. Preferably, neodymium magnets are used.

On the one hand, the use of two separate magnets offers the advantage of being able to carry out both closure parts made of non-magnetisable materials, in particular of high-grade steel, with simultaneously high magnetic holding force. On the other hand, allows the combination of a magnet and a magnetizable material at least one closure part constructively free, without having to consider the space for the counter magnet to design. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the form-fitting corresponding engagement members are designed as internal and external threads. In particular, the first closure part has an internal thread on the outer sleeve and the second closure part has a corresponding external thread. Alternatively, the first closure part has an external thread and the second closure part has a corresponding internal thread.

Such a screw cap has the advantage of realizing an axially and radially backlash-free, particularly stable connection. Furthermore, the fit of the two closure parts to one another can be coordinated particularly easily, so that a gap formation between the first and the second closure part is avoided in the closed state of the clasp. This makes it a visually very special appealing clasp with externally continuous surface to realize.

The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve of the preferably two-part first closure part preferably have retaining edges which correspond to one another in such a way that, when the clasp is closed, the inner sleeve is retained by the outer sleeve in the event of a tensile load against the closing direction. In particular, on the second closure part facing side of the inner sleeve, a preferably circumferential, outer and acting against the closing direction retaining edge is provided. The outer sleeve preferably has a passage with a smaller inner dimension and a larger inner dimension in order to form an inner retaining edge on the outer sleeve. The inner retaining edge of the outer sleeve corresponding to the outer retaining edge of the inner sleeve, as seen in the closing direction, is formed at the transition from the smaller inner dimension to the larger inner dimension within the passage. The inner dimensions are preferably the inner diameter.

In this way, the mutually rotatable and / or axially sliding-movable arrangement of the outer sleeve is achieved to the inner sleeve and at the same time the inner sleeve secured axially against the outer sleeve against pulling against the closing direction of the clasp.

In order to achieve a visually appealing appearance of the clasp, the length of the inner sleeve of the two-part closure member is preferably matched to the length of the outer sleeve, that the inner sleeve is completely covered by the outer sleeve when the clasp is closed, so the end does not protrude from the outer sleeve.

It is advantageous for the outer appearance of the clasp that the first magnet and the second magnet are encapsulated not visible to the outside with the clasp open and with the ends of the rope-like band inserted into the closure parts of the clasp. Thus, the lateral surface surrounding the magnet forms the Closure parts, in particular the lateral surface of the inner sleeve and the second closure part, a self-contained surface. A gap between the magnet and the closure part surface or a material change is not visible. Preferably, the first or the second magnet is received by the inner sleeve.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first closure part and the second closure part have contact surfaces which come into direct contact with each other when the clasp is closed, before the mutually facing corresponding retaining edges of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve touch each other. The two-part first closure part is adapted to the second closure part in such a way that, when the clasp is closed, the play between the retaining edges of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve is largely minimized. The axial mobility of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve is in the closed buckle between 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.45 mm and 0.55 mm.

It is advantageous that the positive connection of the clasp is always completely closed and thus formed as a result of the coming into contact of the contact surfaces no gap between the first and second closure part. At the same time it is ensured that even with the buckle fully closed, the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve remains rotatable. In addition, the inner sleeve but remains employed as a result of the non-positive magnetic connection against the second closure member, so that can not give the impression that the inner sleeve "wobbles" within the outer sleeve.

Accordingly, the inner sleeve can still be accommodated rotatably in the outer sleeve even when the clasp is completely closed (tightly closed thread or when the form-fitting engagement members are fully engaged). This ensures, on the one hand, that both closure parts can come into contact seamlessly, without the inner sleeve preventing the gap-free coming into contact of the outer sleeves. At the same time, neither the rope-like band can be twisted by turning the outer sleeve or on the clasp in itself, nor can a force exerted on the tape force or a torque applied thereto lead to an unwanted release of the form-fitting interlocking engagement members, in particular an unwanted loosening of the thread. The rope-like band and the clasp are rotatably decoupled from one another via the rotatability of the inner sleeve, even if the rope-like band is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner in the inner sleeve and the second locking member, in particular glued, jammed or pinched. This is of particular importance because the leather straps or ropes preferably used as rope-like bands are relatively rigid and there is a risk that - unlike the use of, for example, link chains, which are easily rotatable by themselves and without resistance in rotation - or release moments easily transferred to the clasp.

A particularly easy-to-manufacture buckle is achieved by a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in which at least the outer part of the first and / or the second closure part form a cylindrical basic shape. The respective closure part can be designed completely as a turned part, without requiring a tool change during production.

When the clasp is closed, a smooth transition of the two closure parts can be achieved in this way in a version with the same outer diameter of both closure parts. In addition to a positive appearance, such an embodiment of the invention provides an edge-free transition, whereby, for example, snagging or snagging can be avoided with the clothes.

Further preferably, a bracelet or a chain with a clasp with cylindrical basic form the invention, in which the first closure part on the side facing away from the second closure part by means of the inner sleeve forms a hollow body open on one side with a receptacle into which the first end of the rope-like Bandes inserted and fixed via a first connection to the first closure part.

Advantageously, forms a bracelet or a chain with a clasp with cylindrical basic shape, the invention in which the second closure member on the side facing away from the first closure part as a hollow body open on one side forms a receptacle into which the second end of the rope-like tape inserted and a second connection is fixed to the second closure part.

Fig. 1-1

ein Armband mit einer ein erstes Verschlussteil und ein zweites Verschlussteil aufweisenden Schließe in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 1-2

die Schließe aus Figur 1-1 in einer Explosionsdarstellung aus zwei verschiedenen Blickwinkeln,

Fig. 2-1

eine Innenhülse des ersten Verschlussteils der Schließe in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2-2

die Innenhülse der Schließe aus Fig. 2-1 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 2-3

die Innenhülse aus Fig. 2-1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 3-1

eine Außenhülse des ersten Verschlussteils der Schließe in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3-2

die Außenhülse der Schließe aus Fig. 3-1 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3-3

die Außenhülse aus Fig. 3-1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 4

das die Innenhülse und die Außenhülse umfassende erste Verschlussteil der Schließe in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5-1

das zweite Verschlussteil der Schließe in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5-2

das zweite Verschlussteil aus Fig. 5-1 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 5-3

das zweite Verschlussteil aus Fig. 5-1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 6

das erste Verschlussteil und das zweite Verschlussteil der Schließe in einer Seitenansicht.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connections described above between the first and / or second closure part and the rope-like band may be formed as an adhesive connection and / or crimp connection.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below, both individually and in combination may represent an aspect of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1-1

a bracelet with a first closure part and a second closure part having clasp in a perspective view,

Fig. 1-2

the clasp Figure 1-1 in an exploded view from two different angles,

Fig. 2-1

an inner sleeve of the first closure part of the clasp in a side view,

Fig. 2-2

the inner sleeve of the clasp Fig. 2-1 in a plan view,

Fig. 2-3

the inner sleeve Fig. 2-1 in a perspective view,

Fig. 3-1

an outer sleeve of the first closure part of the clasp in a side view,

Fig. 3-2

the outer sleeve of the clasp Fig. 3-1 in a plan view,

Fig. 3-3

the outer sleeve Fig. 3-1 in a perspective view,

Fig. 4

that the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve comprehensive first closure part of the clasp in a side view,

Fig. 5-1

the second closure part of the clasp in a side view,

Fig. 5-2

the second closure part Fig. 5-1 in a plan view,

Fig. 5-3

the second closure part Fig. 5-1 in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

the first closure part and the second closure part of the clasp in a side view.

In Figure 1-1 a bracelet 1 with an open buckle 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in a perspective view. The illustrated bracelet 1 comprises a rope-like band 4, one end of which is connected to a first closure part 8 and the other end to a second closure part 30 of the clasp 2.

Figure 1-2 shows the clasp 2 Figure 1-1 omitting the rope-like band 4 in an exploded view to illustrate the basic structure of the clasp 2 with a first closure part 8 consisting of inner sleeve 10 and outer sleeve 20 and a second closure part 30.

Figure 2-1 shows the inner sleeve 10 of the two-part first closure member 8 in a side view. The inner sleeve 10 is formed by a cylindrical body having an outer diameter D2 and a length L1 and terminates on one side with a cylindrical end piece having a height H1 and an outer diameter D3> D2. Due to the larger diameter D3 of the end piece of the inner sleeve 10, an outer retaining edge 16 is formed between the portion of the inner sleeve 10 with the outer diameter D2 and the tail on the diameter jump. The inner sleeve 10 also has a receptacle 14 formed by a non-continuous bore with an inner diameter D1. At the end of the inner sleeve 10 facing the end of the receptacle 14, a first magnet 12 is arranged and fixed. The attachment of the first magnet 12 is effected for example by gluing or clamping or pressing. Furthermore, the receptacle 14 serves as a receptacle of in Figure 1-1 shown rope-like belt 4. A plan view of the inner sleeve 10 shows Figure 2-2 , a perspective view of the inner sleeve 10 illustrated Figure 2-3 ,

The outer sleeve 20 of the two-part first closure part 8 is in Figure 3-1 shown in a side view. The outer sleeve 20 has a passage or a continuous, stepped bore with an extending over the length L2 smaller inner diameter D4 and with an over the length L3 extending larger inner diameter D5. By the two inner diameter D4, D5 of the outer sleeve 20, an inner retaining edge 24 is formed at the transition within the outer sleeve 20. On the side of the larger inner diameter D5, the outer sleeve 20 has an internal thread 26. The outer side of the outer sleeve 20 is formed by a cylindrical basic shape with an outer diameter D6. The outer cross section has at the end facing away from the thread on a preferably from the outer diameter D6 to the inner diameter D4 extending taper 22, which provides a visually pleasing transition to the rope-like tape 4. The outer sleeve 20 is in Figure 3-2 in a plan view and in Figure 3-3 shown in a perspective view.

The FIG. 4 shows the multi-part first closure part 8, which is formed by insertion of the inner sleeve 10 in the outer sleeve 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter D2 of the inner sleeve 10 is slightly smaller than the smaller inner diameter D4 of the outer sleeve 20 and the outer diameter D3 of the end portion of the inner sleeve 10 is slightly smaller than the larger inner diameter D5 of the outer sleeve 20, but larger than the smaller inner diameter D4 of the outer sleeve 20. In this way, the inserted into the outer sleeve 20 inner sleeve 10, retained with the outer retaining edge 16 at a tensile load against the closing direction of the buckle 2 of the inner retaining edge 24 of the outer sleeve 20. The length L1 of the inner sleeve 10 is so shorter than the length L2 of the outer sleeve 20, that the inner sleeve 10 is completely covered by the outer sleeve 20 in the inserted state, so the end not survive.

The second closure part 30 of the clasp 2 shows the Figure 5-1 in a sectional view. To clarify the position of the graphic section of the Figure 5-1 is in Figure 5-2 a plan view of the second closure member 30 inserted with drawn section line CC. At one end, the second closure part 30 has an external thread 34. On the side facing away from the external thread 34 forms a non-continuous bore with the inner diameter D7 a recording 36 forming one-sided open cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, a second magnet 40 is inserted and secured in the receptacle 36, such as by clamping or by gluing. Subsequently, the second end of the in FIG. 1 shown rope-like tape 4 is inserted and fixed in the receptacle 36.

The outside of the second closure part 30 is formed by a cylindrical basic shape with an outer diameter D8. The outer shape of the second closure part 30 has at the end facing away from the thread 34 a preferably extending from the outer diameter D8 to the inner diameter D7 taper 32, which provides an optically pleasing transition to the rope-like tape 4. The Figure 5-3 shows the second closure member 30 in a perspective view.

The FIG. 6 Illustrates the first closure part 8 and second closure part 30 of the clasp 2 in each case in a side view. When closing the clasp 2, a magnetic connection is first formed between the inner sleeve 10 of the first closure part 8 and the second closure part 30. Subsequently, the inner sleeve 10 rotatably and axially sliding outer sleeve 20 can connect to the second closure member 30 by the corresponding threads, so the internal thread 26 of the outer sleeve 20 and the external thread 34 of the second closure member 30, intermesh. When placing the outer sleeve 20 on the second closure member 30, the outer sleeve 20 is guided through the inner sleeve 10. In the closed state of the clasp 2, the contact surface 28 of the outer sleeve 20 and the contact surface 38 of the second closure member 30 touch.

The maximum immersion depth L5, which can dip the second closure part 30 into the outer sleeve 20 of the first closure part 8 with the inner sleeve 10 inserted therein before the second closure part 30 would come into contact with the inner sleeve 10, is slightly larger than the length L4, with the second closure part 30 actually dips into the first closure part 8 when the closure 2 is closed as intended. The immersion depth L5 is formed by the length L3 of the portion of the outer sleeve 20 with the inner diameter D5 minus the height H1 of the end piece of the inner sleeve 10. This ensures that on the one hand no gap between the first closure member 8 and the second closure member 30 is formed when the buckle 2 is closed, but the abutment surfaces 28 and 38 abut each other in abutment. On the other hand, the play between the retaining edge 16 of the inner sleeve 10 and the retaining edge 24 of the outer sleeve 20 of the first closure part 8 is minimized in this way.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

bracelet

2

clasp

4

rope-like band

8th

first closure part

10

inner sleeve

12

first magnet

14

Receiving the inner sleeve

16

external retaining edge

20

outer sleeve

22

rejuvenation

24

inside retaining edge

26

inner thread

28

Contact surface of the first closure part

30

second closure part

32

rejuvenation

34

external thread

36

Recording of the second closure part

38

Contact surface of the second closure part

40

second magnet

D1

Inner diameter of the inner sleeve

D2

Outer diameter of the inner sleeve

D3

Outer diameter of the end piece of the inner sleeve

D4

first inner diameter of the outer sleeve

D5

second inner diameter of the outer sleeve

D6

Outer diameter of the outer sleeve

D7

Inner diameter of the recording

D8

Outer diameter of the second closure part

H1

Height of the end piece of the inner sleeve

L1

Length of section of inner sleeve with D2

L2

Length of section of outer sleeve with D4

L3

Length of section of outer sleeve with D5

L4

Length of external thread

L5

Immersion depth

Claims (12)

1. Bracelet or necklace clasp (2) with a basic cylindrical shape for rope-like straps (4) used as a bracelet or a necklace, having a first locking part (8) and a second locking part (30) interacting with the first locking part (8) by means of a force fitting, magnetic connection, wherein the first locking part (8) is made in several parts with an inner sleeve (10) and an outer sleeve (20) and the outer sleeve (20) is slid over the inner sleeve (10), wherein the inner sleeve (10) and the outer sleeve (20) can rotate with respect to each other and/or can move axially with respect to each other and the first locking part (8) and the second locking part (30) in addition have corresponding positive locking engagement members (26, 34) for a force-fitting connection, said members engaging with each other when the clasp (2) is closed, characterised in that

   - in order to receive a first end of the rope-like strap (4) on the side facing away from the second locking part (30), when the clasp (2) is closed, by the inner sleeve (10), the first locking part (8) forms a hollow body, open on one side, with a receptacle (14) formed by the inner sleeve (10) for inserting the first end of the rope-like strap (4) in the form of a rope or leather strap and for securing the first end to the first locking part (8) by means of a first connection, and

   - in order to receive a second end of the rope-like strap (4), the second locking part (30) on the side facing away from the first locking part (8) when the clasp (2) is closed forms a hollow body, open on one side, with a receptacle (36) for inserting the second end of the rope-like strap (4) in the form of a rope or leather strap and for securing the second end to the second locking part (30) by means of a second connection, and that, with the clasp (2) completely closed, the inner sleeve (10) rotatable within the outer sleeve (20) is placed against the second locking part (30) due to the magnetic connection.
2. Clasp (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first locking part (8) or the second locking part (30) has a first magnet (12) and the other respective locking part either has a second magnet (40) or is made, at least partially, out of a magnetisable material, wherein the force fitting connection is formed either by the first magnet (12) and the second magnet (40) or by the first magnet (12) and the magnetisable material.
3. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the engagement members (26, 34) with corresponding positive fit, are made as internal threads (26) and as external threads (34).
4. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner sleeve (10) and the outer sleeve (20) have mutually corresponding retaining edges (16, 24) such that, with the clasp (2) closed, the inner sleeve (10) is retained by the outer sleeve (20) when a tensile force acts against the closing direction of the clasp (2).
5. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length L1 of the inner sleeve (10) is shorter than the length L2 of the outer sleeve (20) such that, with the clasp (2) closed, the inner sleeve (10) is radially encircled completely by the outer sleeve (20).
6. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 2, characterised in that the first magnet (12) and/or the second magnet (40), with the clasp (2) open, are/is encapsulated, but not visible externally, with ends of the rope-like strap (4) inserted in the locking parts (8, 30) of the clasp (2).
7. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 2, characterised in that the first (12) or the second magnet (40) is housed in the inner sleeve (10).
8. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 4, characterised in that the first locking part (8) and the second locking part (30) have contact surfaces (28, 38) which, with the clasp (2) closed, are in direct contact with each other before the corresponding retaining edges (16, 24) facing each other touch.
9. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the outer part of the first locking part (8) and/or of the second locking part (30) form(s) a circular cross section.
10. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the acceptance (14) of the first locking part (8) and /or the acceptance (36) of the second locking part (30) is formed by a one-sided, open, blind hole, at the base of which a magnet (12, 40) is arranged.
11. Clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first locking part (8) and the second locking part (30) have the same sized outer diameters and, with the clasp (2) closed, a smooth transition is created with an edge-free surface between both locking parts (8, 30).
12. Bracelet (1) or necklace, characterised in that, to close the bracelet (1) or the necklace, a clasp (2) according to any one of the preceding claims is provided wherein the ends of the rope-like strap (4) are received respectively in the receptacle (14) of the first locking part (8) and the receptacle (36) of the second locking part (30) and are secured to the locking parts (8, 30).

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