EP3666111A1 - Adjustable bracelet clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp (1) for a bracelet, of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades (2, 4) articulated with respect to each other, by a first of their respective ends, between a position closed, to wear, and at least one open position, said first blade (2) carrying a fastening member (20) of a first bracelet strand, said second blade (4), lower, comprising a loop (28) to its second end defining a passage for a second bracelet strand and, carrying a stud (30) intended to be inserted into a suitable hole in the bracelet strand to define an anchor point from the latter to the clasp (1), the clasp (1) further comprising at least one locking member (11) for holding said first and second blades (2, 4) in their closed position, characterized in that said stud (30) is movable relative to the passer-by (28) and comprises actuating means (34) arranged to move it and thus defined r at least two predefined positions associated with a predefined useful length of the bracelet.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a bracelet clasp, of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades hinged relative to each other, by a first of their respective ends, between a closed position, to wear, and to the minus an open position, the first blade carrying a member for fixing a first bracelet strand, the second blade, lower, comprising a loop at its second end defining a passage for a second bracelet strand and, carrying a stud intended for be inserted into a suitable hole in the bracelet strand to define an anchor point from the latter to the clasp, the clasp further comprising at least one locking member for holding the first and second blades in their closed position.

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

State of the art

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

On the one hand, in the case of bracelets composed of a link, it is possible that the wearer's wrist has a circumference whose value is located between two configurations of the bracelet differing from one another by a single link. Also, it is useful to provide a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet allowing a finer adjustment of the length of the bracelet than removing or adding a link.

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

For example, the patent application EP 09131060 A1 describes a clasp of the folding clasp type comprising a cover having a series of pairs of holes intended to accommodate the ends of a strap for fixing a bracelet. Two pairs of adjacent holes are spaced apart by a distance defining a step for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet, in order to respond to the problems mentioned above.

However, such a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet is unattractive since the adjustment holes are visible on the sides of the cover. In addition, the adjustment operation of such a clasp requires a certain dexterity because it requires the introduction of a pointed tool in the holes to compress the strap fixing bar, which may lead to damage to the cover. in case of awkwardness of the person carrying out the adjustment.

To avoid such a situation, alternative devices have already been disclosed, as for example in the patent EP 0350785 B1 which describes a clasp similar to the previous one but comprising as an alternative a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet which can be manipulated without tools. Indeed, the clasp described in this patent is of the folding clasp type comprising two blades hinged together by means of a rod passing through them both, each of the blades carrying at its free end a member for fixing to a bracelet. A first blade carries a hook intended to engage in a hole made in the second blade to cooperate therewith with a trigger making it possible to lock the hook and therefore the clasp in a closed state. The second blade comprises two parts capable of sliding relative to each other within a certain predefined range, defining a step for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet. A first of its two parts carries the hinge connecting it to the first blade while the second part carries the locking trigger. The hole in which the hook engages to lock the clasp has a length, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to the sliding range between the two parts of the second blade. The trigger has a central part defining two locations for the hook, in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, corresponding to two different useful lengths of the bracelet. A control member comprising in particular a pusher makes it possible to actuate the trigger to release the hook and open the clasp.

It may be pointed out that a drawback which results from this structure is the loss of adjustment of the length of the bracelet each time the clasp is opened. As a result, the wearer of the bracelet must ensure that each time the clasp is closed that the hook is inserted on the side of the central portion of the trigger corresponding to the length desired for the bracelet.

Adjustment devices comprising a specific locking member have also been proposed, as an alternative, to avoid this type of drawback.

Disclosure of invention

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

To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a bracelet clasp, of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades articulated relative to each other, by a first of their respective ends, between a closed position. , to wear, and to at least one open position, said first blade carrying a member for fixing a first bracelet strand, said second blade, lower, comprising at its second means for adjusting the length of the bracelet, the clasp further comprising at least one member locking to maintain said first and second blades in their closed position.

According to the invention, said length adjusting means comprise a bar movable in translation relative to the second blade and carrying a stud intended to be inserted into a suitable hole in the bracelet strand to define an anchoring point for the latter to the clasp, the movable bar being able to move by means of pushers mounted on the second blade and thus define at least two predefined positions associated with a predefined useful length of the bracelet.

In general, it can advantageously be provided that each of the locations is defined by a hole made in the passer-by and in which the stud is capable of being partially engaged.

• ledit téton comprend une base solidaire de ce dernier, ladite base étant agencée pour se déplacer dans un logement du passant ;
• le passant comprend un dégagement oblong, ledit téton traversant ledit dégagement ;
• le passant comprend un couvercle agencé pour coopérer avec la base du téton, le téton et la base comprenant des moyens de guidage complémentaires ;
• les moyens de guidage complémentaire comprennent d'une part des ailes latérales solidaire du téton, et d'autre part des rainures de guidage formées dans ledit capot, les rainures étant agencées pour guider les ailes latérales ;
• lesdites rainures de guidage comprennent des échancrures définissant des positions distinctes du téton ;
• les moyens d'actionnement comprennent un cliquet à ressort disposé dans un logement du téton ;
• le capot est monté coulissant sur le passant, le capot étant maintenu en place sur le passant par une vis ;
• le logement formée dans le passant comprend au moins une butée pour maintenir en place le téton.

In accordance with other advantageous variants of the invention:

• said stud comprises a base integral with the latter, said base being arranged to move in a housing for the passer-by;
• the passer-by comprises an oblong clearance, said stud crossing said clearance;
• the passer-by comprises a cover arranged to cooperate with the base of the stud, the stud and the base comprising complementary guide means;
• the complementary guide means comprise on the one hand lateral wings integral with the stud, and on the other hand guide grooves formed in said cover, the grooves being arranged to guide the lateral wings;
• said guide grooves include notches defining distinct positions of the stud;
• the actuating means comprise a spring pawl disposed in a housing of the stud;
• the cover is slidably mounted on the guide, the cover being held in place on the guide by a screw;
• the housing formed in the pass includes at least one stop to hold the stud in place.

The invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising a bracelet provided with a clasp in accordance with the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un fermoir conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessous en perspective d'un fermoir conforme à l'invention;
• les figures 3a et 3b représentent une vue en coupe d'un fermoir conforme à l'invention, respectivement en position courte et en position longue ;
• les figures 4a et 4b représentent une vue en perspective de dessus et de dessous du passant d'un fermoir conforme à l'invention, et
• la figure 5a à 5c illustrent les moyens de réglage de la longueur utile du bracelet que comprend un fermoir conforme à l'invention.

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

• the figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clasp according to the invention;
• the figure 2 shows a perspective bottom view of a clasp according to the invention;
• the Figures 3a and 3b represent a sectional view of a clasp according to the invention, respectively in the short position and in the long position;
• the Figures 4a and 4b represent a perspective view from above and from below of the loop of a clasp according to the invention, and
• the figure 5a to 5c illustrate the means for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet that includes a clasp according to the invention.

Mode (s) of Carrying Out the Invention

The clasp illustrated without limitation in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the clasp 1 is of the folding clasp type and is intended to close a timepiece bracelet.

As is more particularly apparent from Figures 1 and 2 , the clasp 1 comprises a first blade 2 articulated on a second blade 4 by means of a rod 6, in a nonlimiting illustration. Each of the blades has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and slightly curved to better match the shape of the wrist of a wearer.

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

Each of the uprights 8 carries an extension 10, near its end remote from the rod 6, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, to form a pusher defining a control member making it possible to unlock the clasp, such that it is clear from the figure 3 .

Furthermore, the free end of the first blade 2 carries means 11 for holding the bracelet intended to be associated with the clasp 1.

The holding means comprise a cover 12 having an upper wall 13 carrying side walls 14. The side walls 14 are provided with two holes making it possible to accommodate one end of a bar 20 for fixing a bracelet strand, in a conventional manner .

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

The passer-by 28 has a movable stud 30 intended to be engaged in a hole in the bracelet to define an anchor point for the latter to the clasp 1. Thus, the movable pin 30 makes it possible to modify the position of the strap anchoring point on the clasp and therefore the length of the strap to be worn.

Advantageously, the passer-by 28 disposed at the free end of the second blade 4 carries a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet intended to be associated with the clasp 1.

The device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet comprises in particular the stud 30 which is provided with a base 31 of rectangular shape, and integral with the stud 30, and which is arranged to move in the loop 28. The base 31 is suitable to slide in a rectangular housing 32 provided on the underside of the loop 28. The stud 30 and the base 31 can be made in one or two pieces according to the needs of the manufacturer.

According to the invention, the loop 28 comprises an oblong clearance 40 formed on the top of the loop 28, the oblong clearance 40 leading to the housing 32. Thus, the stud 30 crosses the clearance when it is mounted on the loop, the base 31 being housed in the rectangular housing 32.

As illustrated in figure 2 , the loop 28 includes a cover 29 arranged to cover the housing 32 once the stud 30 and the base 31 in place. The cover 29 is inserted by sliding it in the passer-by on the side of its free end, the cover 29 having a shape complementary to the shape of the machining 41 practiced in the pass-through 28 to receive the cover 29. To this end, the cover 29 has a trapezoidal section, each of the edges (or side walls) cooperating with corresponding inclined grooves formed in the loop 28, the connection between the cover 29 and the loop 28 forming a dovetail assembly. The cover 29 can be secured to the passer-by 28 by means of a screw 47 or any other means making it possible to dismantle the cover 29 once the latter has been placed on the passer-by.

As can be seen from the figure 5b , the cover 29 also includes a recess 42 formed on its inner face, namely the face in contact with the passer-by 28, the recess 42 being designed to be positioned opposite the housing 32 of the passer-by once the cover 29 has been assembled. The housing 32 and the clearance 42 thus define a volume in which the base 31 of the stud 30 can move between at least two positions in order to be able to adjust the useful length of the bracelet.

Advantageously, the clearance 42 comprises two lateral guide grooves 43 arranged to cooperate with the base 31 of the stud 30, and more particularly with lateral wings 33 arranged on the edges of said base 30. The guide grooves 43 each have at least two cutouts 44 and 45 arranged facing each other to form the different possible positions of the stud 30, the lateral wings 32 coming to be housed in the cutouts 44 or 45 once the stud 30 has been moved.

The guide grooves 43 and the lateral wings 33 allow dovetail guidance similar to that of the cover 29 in the loop 28. Those skilled in the art will not have any particular difficulty in carrying out another more conventional type of guidance. , straight grooves could just as easily be used for guidance. Such dovetail guidance has the advantage of being more solid, less visible, of reducing the clearances between the components and therefore of being more precise, it also facilitates mounting once the cover 29 is slid into the housing 41 and ensures that the screw 47 is not stressed or stressed except the assembly between the cover and the passer.

As can be seen on the figure 2 , 3a and 3b , the stud 30 comprises a spring pawl 34 disposed in a housing formed in the body of the stud 30. The positioning of the pawl is provided so that the head slightly protrudes from the base 31 through an orifice formed in the latter. The spring pawl 34 is designed to be in contact with the bottom of the recess 42, and retracts into the body of the stud 30 when the carrier presses the latter to move the stud 30 from one position to another.

As can be seen from the figure 5c , the housing 32 has stops 35 in order to eliminate certain beating games of the base 31 of the stud 30 once the latter mounted and maintained by the cover 29.

Thus, when the wearer wishes to change the length of the bracelet, the wearer can modify the position of the stud 30 by pressing on the latter to dislodge the lateral wings of the base 31 of the cutouts 44 formed in the guide grooves 43, then by doing so slide towards a second position where the lateral wings 33 are found facing the cutouts 45. Once the position chosen, the wearer releases the stud 30 and the position is locked when the stud goes up and the wings 33 are housed in the cutouts 45.

The assembly of the cover 29 on the passer-by 28 when the stud 30 is placed in the housing 32 is facilitated by a notch 46 having a slope disposed at the entrance of the clearance 42. In this way, when the cover 29 is inserted and then slid into the machining 41, the slope of the notch 46 guides the spring pawl 34 without blocking it.

Furthermore, conventional locking means are provided to maintain the closed state of the clasp. To this end, a conventional locking mechanism is arranged to keep the first blade 2 hooked on the second blade 1 when no pressure is exerted simultaneously on the pushers formed by the extensions 10. The extensions 10 each have fixed hooks configured to cooperate respectively with hooks arranged on the arms 22 of the second blade 4.

When the extensions 10 are actuated, the hooks move away from each other to bring the clasp into its open state.

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

The space between the arms 22 of the second blade 4 defines a recess making it possible to accommodate the first blade 2 in the closed state of the clasp 1, in a known manner.

The clasp 1 is shown in its long configuration on the figure 3a . If the nipple is moved to the left of the figure, the bracelet (not shown) is then shortened and occupies the position shown in the figure 3b .

It emerges from the present disclosure that the clasp according to the present invention comprises a stud capable of being moved to adjust the useful length of the bracelet. The construction and handling of this stud are simple and allow the user to easily adjust the clasp when necessary.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of nonlimiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as for example the shapes specifically illustrated and described for the blades or their mode of cooperation allowing the locking of the clasp.

Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs and implementing a clasp, in particular for a timepiece, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be noted, for example, that the adaptation of the present teaching for the construction of a folding clasp with a structure different from that illustrated and described will not pose any particular difficulty to the skilled person.

Furthermore, the clasp according to the present invention is also not limited to the implementation of two positions for the stud, or even two positions for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet. Indeed, a person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the present teaching for implementing a clasp having a higher number of possible adjustment positions.

Claims (11)

Clasp (1) for a bracelet, of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades (2, 4) articulated with respect to each other, by a first of their respective ends, between a closed position, to wear , and at least one open position, said first blade (2) carrying a fastening member (20) of a first bracelet strand, said second blade (4), lower, comprising a loop (28) at its second end defining a passage for a second bracelet strand and, carrying a stud (30) intended to be inserted into a suitable hole in the bracelet strand to define an anchor point from the latter to the clasp (1), the clasp (1) comprising further at least one locking member (11) for holding said first and second blades (2, 4) in their closed position, characterized in that said stud (30) is movable relative to the pass-through (28) and comprises means actuator (34) arranged to move it and thus define at least two predefined positions finishes associated with a predefined useful length of the bracelet. Clasp (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said stud (30) comprises a base (31) integral with the latter, said base (31) being arranged to move in a housing (32) of the passer-by (28) . Clasp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the loop (28) comprises an oblong clearance (40), said stud (30) passing through said oblong clearance (40) and the base (31) coming into contact with the housing (32). Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loop (28) comprises a cover arranged to cover the housing (32) and cooperate with the base (31) of the stud (30), the stud and the base each comprising complementary guide means. Clasp (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover (29) comprises a recess (42) arranged to be placed opposite of the housing (32) of the passer-by so as to form a volume in which the base (31) of the stud (30) moves. Clasp (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the complementary guide means comprise on the one hand side wings (33) integral with the stud (30), and on the other hand guide grooves (43) formed in the recess (42) of said cover (29), the grooves being arranged to guide the lateral wings. Clasp (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said guide grooves (43) include cutouts (44, 45) defining distinct positions of the stud (30). Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation means comprise a spring pawl (34) arranged in the stud (30), the pawl (34) being partly projecting at the level of the base (31). Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (29) is slidably mounted on the guide (28), the cover being held in place on the guide in a machining (41) formed in the latter by a screw (47). Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (32) formed in the loop (28) comprises at least one stop (35) for holding the stud (30) in place. Wrist watch comprising a bracelet provided with a clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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