EP3531860B1 - Secure buckle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a clasp for a watch. More specifically, the present invention relates to a folding clasp.

A folding clasp is a type of clasp for a watch strap. The folding clasp comprises a system of articulated arms which unfold to open the bracelet and which can fold back on itself when closing, on the inside of the bracelet. Such a closure system makes it possible never to untie the two parts of the watch strap, and there is generally no risk of opening unexpectedly.

There are different types of folding clasp. A simple folding clasp has only one joint, that is to say that the arms of the clasp fold into a "V" under the bracelet, on one side only. A double folding clasp, also called a butterfly folding clasp, has two hinges, and the arms inside the strap fold down on either side of the buckle.

In order to prevent an involuntary opening of the buckle, security systems have been developed, to lock the closing of the buckle. For example, one or two push buttons can be located on the side of the buckle housing, or a flap can be provided on the buckle. In these two systems, the user presses the buttons or unfolds the flap to allow the deployment of the buckle. Document CH 657 763 describes such an example of a folding clasp.

However, classic folding clasps can be unlocked quite easily by a malicious person, whereas some watches are real valuables, since you have to press the buttons on the buckle to unlock it. A pickpocket or a trained thief can steal a worn watch. The document US 2008/267014 describes a folding clasp according to the preamble of claim 1.

An object of the present invention is to improve the locking of a folding clasp, in particular for protection against theft, in particular against pickpocketing.

To this end, the invention proposes a folding buckle comprising a lower arm and an upper arm articulated relative to each other, and a return buckle articulated on the upper arm, the buckle being able to assume a folded position in which the upper arm is folded over the lower arm and the return loop being folded over the upper arm, in a longitudinal direction of the loop, a locking system (partly housed between the return loop and the upper arm to lock the loop in the folded position, the locking system being able to be unlocked by a single means or only known by and/or available to the wearer, such as for example a removable external element.

Thus, according to the invention, the folding clasp can only be unlocked by means external to the clasp and available to the wearer. Thus, it is not possible to deploy a folding clasp without this preferably unique external means, which should make it possible to prevent the theft of a watch worn incorporating such a folding clasp. The wearer of the watch can thus plan to go out with the watch on his arm and leave the external unlocking means at home for example.

According to one embodiment, the locking system comprises at least one of a mechanical lock or an electronic lock. A mechanical lock may include, for example, lock and key means, barrels. An electronic lock can for example comprise a device with a code or with ergonomic recognition such as for example an index sensor, a device with an RFID chip.

According to the invention, the locking system comprises a drawer sliding in a sliding direction, preferably in the transverse direction of the buckle, the drawer having a locking recess cooperating with a locking pin, the locking pin being inserted into the locking recess when the loop is in the folded position.

The drawer can be fixed on the upper arm or the return loop, and the locking pin can be fixed on the lower arm. Thus, the locking system can be integrated so that it is not or barely visible when the buckle is folded.

By providing a locking recess with an increasing diameter in the direction of sliding, with a blocking zone, of diameter less than a maximum diameter of the locking pin, and a passage zone of diameter greater than the diameter maximum of the locking pin. Thus, by sliding the drawer, one can vary the dimension of the recess vis-à-vis the locking pin, to allow or not the passage of the head of the locking pin through the recess.

According to one embodiment, the locking system comprises a lock for locking the drawer, the lock comprising a set of springs aligned with a corresponding set of pistons, in which, when the buckle is in the folded position and when the springs are at rest , the pistons open into the drawer to block the sliding of the drawer. A lock-type system is relatively simple to implement and takes up little space.

According to one embodiment, the drawer has a side passage for the introduction of the removable external element, in particular the removable element which can align the pistons to allow the unlocking of the drawer.

According to one embodiment, a return spring is provided to return the drawer to a position in which the pin is in the blocking zone when the loop is in the folded position. Advantageously, the drawer can be held in a position preventing the opening and deployment of the buckle.

In one embodiment of the invention, a set of single removable means for unlocking is provided, which makes it possible to have a single backup means, for example in the event of loss of a removable means for unlocking. In addition, by providing an additional unlocking tool designed to be able to be held in place in the buckle in the locked position, in particular with also a device for holding in place in the folding clasp of the additional unlocking tool, it is possible to avoid remove or replace the removable unlocking means once the buckle is locked, for example in cases where a user wishes to wear the folding buckle without the anti-theft device being necessary.

The invention also proposes a method for unlocking such a folding clasp in the folded position, the method comprising the steps of: unlocking the sliding-movement of the drawer using a key inserted in the side passage, sliding the drawer, preferably by pressing with the key against the return spring, to bring the locking pin inserted into the locking recess into coincidence with the passage zone of the recess, to allow the passage of the locking pin through the recess, and to pivot the return loop or the upper arm to deploy the loop.

A method of locking a folding clasp according to the invention comprises the steps of unlocking the sliding of the drawer, using a key inserted in the side passage, and sliding the drawer, preferably using the key, to align the locking pin with the passage zone of the recess, to allow the passage of the locking pin in the recess, fold the folding clasp and insert the pin in the recess, and slide the drawer, with or without the key, so that the locking pin can no longer pass through the recess.

• les figures 1 et 2 illustrent une boucle déployante, respectivement en position repliée et en position déployée, selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée de la boucle de la figure 1 selon un aspect de la présente invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue de dessus d'un système de verrouillage intégré dans la boucle de la figure 1 selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 5a et 5b illustrent un système de verrouillage intégré dans une boucle déployante selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, en position de verrouillage ou de libération ;
• la figure 6 illustre un procédé de verrouillage selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 7 illustre un procédé de déverrouillage selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an example of embodiment devoid of any limiting character, among which:

• them figures 1 and 2 illustrate a folding clasp, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• the picture 3 is an exploded view of the loop of the figure 1 according to one aspect of the present invention;
• the figure 4 illustrates a top view of a locking system integrated into the buckle of the figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• them figures 5a and 5b illustrate a locking system integrated in a folding clasp according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the locked or released position;
• the figure 6 illustrates a locking method according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 7 illustrates an unlocking method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, identical or similar elements are indicated with identical or similar reference numerals.

The figure 1 illustrates a folding clasp 1 in the folded position, the figure 2 illustrates the folding clasp 1 in the deployed position, and the picture 3 is an exploded view of the folding clasp 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The deployment buckle 1 comprises a lower arm 10, an upper arm 12, articulated on the lower arm 10, and a return buckle 20 articulated on the upper arm 12, and intended to keep the deployment buckle 1 closed, in the folded position of the loop 1.

The upper arm 12 comprises a first upper end 12a pivotally mounted around a hinge 14 at a first lower end 10a of the lower arm, and a second upper end 12b attached to a first end 20a of the return loop 20. The return loop reminder 20 comprises a second housing end 20b, which can be pivotally attached to one strand of the bracelet, and the second lower end 10b of the lower arm 10 can be attached to another strand of the bracelet (not shown).

Loop 1 can thus pass from an extended position to a folded and closed position in which the upper arm 12 is folded over the lower arm 10, and is kept closed by the return loop 20 folded over the upper arm 12.

The folding clasp of the figures 1 and 2 is a single folding clasp. This is only a non-limiting example. The folding clasp can also be a double or butterfly folding clasp.

A locking system 30 is provided to lock the closure of the return loop. The locking system 30 is with external unlocking, that is to say that it can only be unlocked with an associated unlocking tool, removable or acting remotely or without contact. Furthermore, the associated unlocking tool can also be formed by a code or ergonomic recognition device such as an index sensor, for example. The associated unlocking tool is preferably unique, and/or only known by and available to the wearer of the bracelet incorporating the folding clasp.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking system comprises a lock type mechanism 40 and the removable tool is a key 90.

As can be seen on the figures 3 to 5 , the lock 40 is arranged under the return loop, and, in the embodiment shown, it comprises a set of springs 42, housed in a spring holder 44, bearing against a corresponding set of pistons 46, 47 sliding in a piston holder 48.

The springs and pistons, otherwise known as pins, are sized to form a key pattern, by varying the length of each piston and/or the stiffness and length of each spring.

When the springs 42 are at rest, the pistons 46,47 open into a drawer 50, which includes a side passage 52 to introduce the key 90.

The drawer 50 is slidably mounted on a slide 53 to allow the transverse translation of the drawer 50 with respect to the return loop 20. The drawer 50 is integral with the piston holder 48, which can slide with the drawer 50 along a surface sliding 49 of the piston holder 48 vis-à-vis the spring holder.

In the embodiment shown, the slider 53 is attached to the return loop 20.

The drawer 50 is provided with an upper wall 51, positioned on the inside of the return loop, comprises a recess 54, to cooperate with a locking pin 35.

The locking pin 35 protrudes from the lower arm 10 in the direction of the return loop, with a rod 37, fixed to the lower arm 10 and a head 39, of greater width or diameter than the rod 37 ( picture 3 ).

The locking pin can be an added element fixed, for example glued or welded, to the lower arm. Alternatively, the pin can be an integral part of the lower arm, for greater strength.

A passage 19 is also provided in the upper arm 12 for the passage of the locking pin 35.

The recess 54 of the drawer 50 is oriented transversely to the return loop 20, and has a variable diameter, ranging from a blocking zone 56, of diameter less than a diameter of the head 39 of the locking pin 35, to a passage or release zone 58, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the head 39 and thus allowing the passage of the pin 35.

A return spring 64 is positioned laterally, to exert a return force on the drawer 50 towards a rest position in which the locking pin 35 is in the locking zone.

In the example illustrated, the return spring 64 is a bending leaf spring. Other types of return spring may be provided, for example a coil spring positioned on the side wall of the return loop, facing the drawer.

Thus, when the loop 1 is folded, the drawer is held in the rest position, in which the diameter of the head 39 is greater than the diameter of the recess, not allowing it to pass through the recess to exit the ''obviously. In other words, the lower arm and the return loop cannot open, the locking pin being stuck in the recess.

Thus, as will be explained later, if the key 90 has the associated key pattern, the key inserted in the drawer 50 can position the pistons so that the pistons are aligned on the sliding surface 49 of the piston holder 48, the drawer 50 and the piston holder 48 being integral. This makes it possible to thus authorize the translation or the sliding of the drawer 50, in the transverse direction. This sliding makes it possible to vary the diameter of the recess facing the locking pin 35, allowing the passage of the head of the latter, for a locking or unlocking operation of the return buckle. The lock 40, arranged under the return loop 20, thus makes it possible to block or release the locking pin 35 inserted in the recess of the sliding drawer in the folded position of the loop 1.

It is possible to provide as an option that the key inserted in the drawer comes to press on the pistons, unlocking the pistons and causing the pistons to come out of the drawer 50, in one embodiment.

In the example illustrated, the locking system comprises a lock system with piston and springs. In this example, the number and length of the springs can be varied, depending on the type of locking to be obtained. This example of a lock is space-saving and can be discreetly integrated into a folding clasp.

Other types of locks are possible, whether mechanical or electronic, electromagnetic. For example, a barrel-type system is also possible. Alternatively an electronic locking system, which can be unlocked using an electronic key, is also possible. An unlocking tool acting remotely or without contact, or formed by a code or ergonomic recognition device such as for example an index sensor is also possible. The external tool is only available to the bearer or to a limited number of people known to the bearer.

It is understood that the external and removable tool element, here the key, is essential for unlocking, but also for locking the buckle in the folded position.

A method for unlocking a folding clasp 1 is illustrated in figure 6 , in reference to the loop described in the figure 1 at 5a-5b .

To allow the opening of the folding clasp, when it is locked, the key must first be inserted into the side passage 52 of the sliding drawer (step S1), to unlock the drawer 50.

In a second step S2, the drawer 50 is slid, preferably using the key, in a transverse direction against the return spring 54, to bring the locking pin 35 inserted into the locking recess into coincidence. with the passage zone 58 of the recess, to allow the passage of the locking pin through the recess, and therefore the release of the lower arm.

Then, it remains to rotate the return loop or the upper arm to deploy the loop (step S3).

To lock a folding clasp, as shown in figure 7 , it is necessary to insert the key 90 in the drawer to unlock the pistons (S21) and to make the drawer slide, preferably using the key, in a transverse direction, in order to be able to put the pin of coincidence locking 35 with the locking recess with the passage area 58 when the loop is folded. In parallel, or then the folding clasp is folded, taking care to pass the locking pin 35 through the passage 19 made in the upper arm and then in the recess 54 of the drawer 50 (S22).

Then the drawer slides, either with or without the key, so that the locking pin can no longer pass through the recess. The loop is locked.

It is possible, for example, to provide a user with a set of associated unlocking means, each means of the set being removable and able to unlock the buckle. On the one hand, this makes it possible to compensate for a possible loss of the unlocking tool. On the other hand, an additional unlocking tool can be designed to be able to be held in place in the folding clasp, once locked, by a device for holding the tool in the buckle. This option is interesting when anti-theft protection is not necessary, and the unlocking tool can remain on the watch. This makes it possible to avoid having to search for the tool, in particular when the user is at home or with the family. Preferably, the additional unlocking tool is designed to be held in the folding clasp so as to be little or not visible when the additional tool is in place in or on the clasp. In the case of a key, the gripping part can be reduced so as not to protrude from the loop.

In short, it remains to be seen that the present invention provides a folding clasp locking system, with an individual or personalized locking/unlocking tool, preferably external and removable. Thus, the unlocking of the folding clasp requires a means that is unique or only known by/available to the wearer, such as for example a tool, external and removable, preventing pickpocketing of the watch.

Claims (10)

1. A folding buckle (1) comprising

   - a lower arm (10) and an upper arm (12) hinged with respect to one another, as well as a return buckle (20) hinged to the upper arm (12),

   - the buckle being able to assume a folded position in which the upper arm is folded on the lower arm and the return buckle is folded on the upper arm, in a longitudinal direction of the buckle,

   - a locking system (35, 40, 50) partly accommodated between the return buckle (20) and the upper arm (12) for locking the buckle in the folded position, wherein the locking system is releasable by a means, unique or uniquely known by and/or available to the wearer, such as for example a removable external element (90)

   - characterised in that the locking system comprises a drawer (50) sliding in a sliding direction, the drawer having a locking recess (54) cooperating with a locking pin (35), the locking pin (35) being inserted into the locking recess (54) when the buckle is in the folded position.
2. The folding buckle according to claim 1, wherein the locking system (35, 40, 50) comprises at least one of a mechanical locking or an electromagnetic locking, in particular a spring lock system, a barrel type lock, an electronic key locking system, a magnetic key system, an RFID chip system, a code device or ergonomic recognition device.
3. The folding buckle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drawer (50) is slidable in the sliding direction, in the transverse direction of the buckle.
4. The folding buckle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drawer (50) is attached to the upper arm (12) or the return buckle (20), and the locking pin (35) is attached to the lower arm (10).
5. The folding buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking recess (54) has a diameter increasing in the sliding direction, with a blocking zone (56), of smaller diameter than a maximum diameter of the locking pin (35), and a passage zone (58) of a larger diameter than the maximum diameter of the locking pin (35).
6. The folding buckle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking system comprises a lock (40) for locking the drawer (50), the lock (40) comprising a set of springs (42) aligned with a corresponding set of pistons (47), wherein, when the buckle is in the folded position and when the springs are at rest, the pistons (47) reach into the drawer (50) for blocking the sliding of the drawer (50).
7. The folding buckle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drawer (50) has a lateral passage (52) for the introduction of the removable external element, in particular the removable element being able to align the pistons to allow the unblocking of the drawer.
8. The folding buckle according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a return spring (64) for returning the drawer into a position in which the pin (35) is in the locking zone (56) when the buckle is in the folded position.
9. The folding buckle according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a set of unique removable means for unlocking, and wherein the set of unique removable means comprises an additional unlocking tool configured to be holdable in place in the buckle in the locked position.
10. The folding buckle according to claim 9, comprising a device for holding the additional unlocking tool in place in the folding buckle.

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