EP3758542A1 - Band clasp comprising a device for adjusting band length - Google Patents
Band clasp comprising a device for adjusting band lengthInfo
- Publication number
- EP3758542A1 EP3758542A1 EP19713704.5A EP19713704A EP3758542A1 EP 3758542 A1 EP3758542 A1 EP 3758542A1 EP 19713704 A EP19713704 A EP 19713704A EP 3758542 A1 EP3758542 A1 EP 3758542A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- length
- clasp
- bracelet
- stop structure
- force
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 4
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000002925 dental caries Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000000245 forearm Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000005224 forefinger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
- A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices
- A44C5/246—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices having size adjusting means
Definitions
- Clasp for bracelet comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet
- the present invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, in particular a clasp for adjusting the length of the bracelet.
- the invention also relates to a folding clasp and a wristwatch having such a clasp.
- Bracelets for wristwatches generally include means for adjusting the length of the wristband.
- the free end of one of the two strands of the bracelet comprises a series of holes distributed in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.
- the free end of the other strand of the bracelet comprises a connecting device, for example a pin buckle, to join the two strands by inserting the barb in the hole corresponding to the desired length.
- the length of the bracelet is adjusted by removing or adding a link in one or both strands of the bracelet.
- the possible settings of the useful length of the bracelet are rather coarse and it is possible that the perimeter of the wrist of the wearer of the watch is between two adjacent settings.
- clasps equipped with a mechanism to finely adjust the length are known from the state of the art. These mechanisms include a device or locking member or locking to prevent an extension and / or accidental or accidental shortening. In several clasps, we seek to prevent more particularly an involuntary lengthening, because the risk of an involuntary shortening is lower. On the other hand, the possibility of being able to shorten the bracelet quickly, without need to activate an unlocking mechanism, is even desirable for the wearer, because this possibility makes it possible to tighten the wristband around the wrist in a simple way and at any time.
- the European patent EP2875747B1 shows a clasp to finely reduce the length of the bracelet by exerting a force on the bracelet strand integral with a movable part.
- This clasp however comprises a locking member provided with a tooth to maintain a moving part in a predefined position.
- the user is obliged to open the clasp and to push a bearing surface to clear the tooth and move the moving part in the direction of extension of the bracelet.
- the construction of the clasp shown in EP2875747B1 is relatively straightforward, compared to other clasps provided with a fine adjustment mechanism of the length of the bracelet. Nevertheless, it may be desirable to further reduce the complexity of the mechanism and further reduce the number of parts.
- US 2,588,655 discloses a bracelet clasp for adjusting the length of the bracelet without having to activate a locking device.
- This mechanism has several disadvantages. On the one hand, it does not make it possible to adjust a discreet and stable value of the length of the bracelet, because there is still some play and residual extensibility. On the other hand, to open the clasp, it is necessary to first lengthen the maximum length adjustable. It would be advantageous to implement a clasp in which the fine adjustment and the opening of the clasp can be activated independently of one another.
- CH 699 067 discloses a clasp having ratchets and two pairs of holes, allowing a user to adjust the length of the bracelet without having to activate an activation mechanism. It would be desirable to put in place a mechanism to adjust the force required to adjust the length, for example so that the force required to shorten the bracelet is less than the force required to lengthen the useful length of the bracelet.
- the present invention relates to a clasp comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet for extending said useful length without the need to activate an unlocking mechanism, acting directly on a strand connected to the clasp.
- the invention relates to a clasp, preferably for bracelets, comprising a length adjustment device, characterized in that said adjustment device is devoid of a locking mechanism to block the length adjustment of the bracelet in at least one direction and / or an activation member such as a pusher, a pull tab and / or a slider, said activation member being intended to unlock a locking mechanism in order to allow the adjustment of the length of the bracelet in at least one direction.
- the invention relates to a clasp, preferably for bracelets, comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet, said device for adjusting the useful length comprising a movable part and a support device, the moving part. being arranged to be able to move relative to said support device during a length adjustment, the movable part comprising a stop structure and the support device comprising an indexing member, or vice versa, said structure of stop being intended to be positioned in a notch of the indexing member, to determine a discrete and stable value of the length of the bracelet.
- the invention relates to a clasp, preferably for bracelets, comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet, said device for adjusting the useful length comprising a movable part and a support device, the moving part. being arranged to be able to move relative to said support device during a length adjustment, the movable part comprising a stop structure and the support device comprising an indexing member, or vice versa, said structure of stop being intended to be positioned in a notch of the indexing member secured to said support device or said movable part, in order to determine a discrete and stable value of the length of the bracelet.
- the invention relates to a clasp, preferably for bracelets, comprising a device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet, said device for adjusting the useful length comprising a movable part and a support device, the moving part. being arranged to be able to move relative to said support device during a length adjustment, the movable part comprising a stop structure and the support device comprising an indexing member, or vice versa, said structure of stop being intended to be positioned in a notch of the integral indexing member of said support device or of said movable part, respectively, in order to determine a discrete and stable value of the length of the bracelet, characterized in that said moving part said stop structure and said notch are arranged so that, when a given force is exerted by a user, said force acting in a direction in a longitudinal direction on said moving part or on a bracelet strand connected to said movable part, said force acts on said stop structure so as to disengage said stop structure from said notch and to cause displacement of the movable portion
- the invention relates to a clasp for wristwatch and / or a wristwatch with the clasp of the invention.
- said movable portion is arranged relative to the indexing member so that the displacement of the moving part during the application of a thrust exerted by a user acting directly on said moving part or on a strand of bracelet connected to said movable part causes the shortening of the useful length of the bracelet.
- said movable portion is arranged relative to the indexing member so that the displacement of the mobile part during the application of a traction exerted by a user acting directly on said moving part or on a strand of bracelet connected to said movable portion causes the lengthening of the useful length of the bracelet.
- the thrust and / or pulling force required to allow the displacement of the movable portion are determined at least in part by the profiles and / or shapes of the stop structure and notches for receiving said stop structure to determine a discrete value of length.
- said indexing member comprises a plurality of notches, said notches comprising at least one contact structure, preferably a contact surface, and said stop structure comprising a support surface arranged to be in contact with said contact structure and for sliding on said contact structure during a displacement of the movable part generating the extension and / or the shortening of the useful length of the bracelet.
- said stop structure is a tooth having a first and a second bearing surface, and said bearing surfaces, viewed in profile, each follow a straight line, each of the straight lines forming an angle with respect to a radial axis, each of the angles being non-zero, preferably greater than 10 °.
- said movable part comprises a carriage and said stop structure is arranged with respect to the carriage so as to be able to move in a direction comprising a radial component, the radial component of the displacement allowing said stop structure sliding on a support structure of a notch and disengaging from said notch in which said structure is positioned.
- said indexing member and said stop structure of the movable part are arranged so that the force in the longitudinal direction, preferably a thrust, required to achieve the displacement of the moving part to shorten the length of bracelet, less than the force, preferably a traction, required to achieve the displacement of the movable part to lengthen the bracelet.
- said length adjustment is a fine adjustment of discontinuous length, in discrete length values.
- the clasp is arranged to allow adjustment of length when the clasp is in the open position and when the clasp is in the closed position.
- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the underside of the clasp cover of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp of Figure 1 in a first configuration.
- Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show simplified extracts of a longitudinal section of the clasp of Figure 1 in different configurations.
- Figure 5 shows a simplified extract of a longitudinal section of the clasp of Figure 1 in a particular configuration.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the lid and the mobile part of the clasp of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of the movable portion of the clasp of FIG. 1.
- Figure 8A is a perspective view of a clasp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 8B is a side elevational view of a clasp blade shown in Figure 8A.
- FIGS. 9A and 10A are views in longitudinal section along the axis AA of FIG. 8B, showing the length adjustment mechanism in the rest position and activated, respectively.
- Figs. 9B and 10B are enlargements of extract B of Figs. 9A and 10A, respectively.
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a clasp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a clasp blade shown in Figure 11.
- Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view along A-A of Figure 12.
- Figs. 14A and 14B are enlargements of the extract B of Fig. 13, in which the length adjustment mechanism is respectively in the home or activated position.
- the clasp illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the clasp 1 is of the folding clasp type and is particularly intended to close a watch strap.
- the bracelet can be of any type, such as for example flexible plastic material, leather, or made by an assembly of metal links.
- Each of the two parts comprises a fastener.
- a first fixing member is intended to be connected to a first strand of bracelet, and the second fixing member is intended to be connected to a second bracelet strand.
- the relative movement mentioned above causes the approximation or removal of the fasteners and thus the shortening or lengthening of the useful length of the bracelet.
- the moving part Often, one of the two parts arranged to perform the relative movement is referred to as the "moving part". In this description, the same designation is used, and the other of the two parts is referred to as the "support device". Since this is a relative motion between two parts and / or two assemblies, the part that is considered the "moving part” is only a question of convention. This designation is arbitrary insofar as it is relative displacement. Generally, it is the smaller of the two parts which is called movable part, the other part often comprising the mechanism of closing and opening of the clasp, for example in the form of articulated blades. In the context of the present invention, the "moving part” could be called the “first moving part” and the “supporting device” could be called the “second moving part", the first and second moving parts being capable of performing a relative displacement in the longitudinal direction.
- the movable part and the support device cooperate by means of on the one hand an indexing member, such as a sequence of notches, a rack, and / or a toothing, for example, and on the other hand a structure stop, a jaw or a latch, intended to cooperate with the indexing member to determine discrete values of useful length.
- an indexing member such as a sequence of notches, a rack, and / or a toothing, for example
- a structure stop, a jaw or a latch intended to cooperate with the indexing member to determine discrete values of useful length.
- the difference in length between the values is determined by the spacing between the notches of the indexing member.
- a discrete and stable value corresponds to a concrete position, defined by the positions of the notches, in which the movable part is stabilized and / or stopped relative to the support device thanks to the interaction of the stop structure and the rack in the absence of an external force.
- the indexing member 6 is associated with the support device 20-23 and the stop structure 10 is associated with the moving part.
- the clasp can also be made vice versa, that is to say by associating the indexing member 6 to the movable part and the stop structure 10 to the support device 20-23, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- FIGS. 8A to 14B show embodiments in which the two structures, the indexing member and the stop structure, are arranged inversely, that is to say the indexing member is associated and thus integral with the movable part.
- the indexing member is preferably integral with the structure with which it is associated, either with the support device (Figs 1-7) or with the moving part (Figs 8A-14B), as the case may be.
- the stop structure is arranged respectively on the other of the two structures, to be able to generate the cooperation between the two structures.
- the clasp 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 comprises a conventional "clasp" function, that is to say outside fine adjustment device of the useful length of the bracelet, which is described in detail in the patents EP 0913106B1 and EP2875747B1. , issued in the name of the Applicant.
- the clasp 1 is intended to be connected to two strands of a bracelet (not shown) in a known manner, in particular at the free ends of the strands.
- the clasp 1 comprises a base 20, elongated in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and slightly curved over at least a portion of its length to better fit the shape of the wrist of a wearer .
- the clasp shown in Figures 1-7 is substantially symmetrical and therefore has a plane of symmetry extending in the direction of the length of the bracelet.
- the terms “orthogonal” and “transverse” refer to an axis that is perpendicular to the "direction of the length of the bracelet” and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the clasp.
- an axis connecting the numerals 3 and 9 of the dial has an "orthogonal" direction in accordance with this definition.
- a “radial” axis is an axis that is radial to the axis of the wrist or forearm of a wristwatch wearer.
- the radial axis extends in the plane of symmetry or in a plane parallel to the plane of symmetry.
- the "radial" axis is a substantially “vertical” axis, and the two terms are generally used interchangeably in the present specification.
- the "vertical” is a line and preferably a plane that is normal to the moving direction of the moving part.
- the base 20 comprises two longitudinal members 21 spaced from each other by being integral with a transverse spacer 24 disposed at a first end of the longitudinal members 21.
- the member 12 corresponds to a second fixing member intended to be connected to a second bracelet strand (not shown), the first fastener 11 being connected to the movable part as described below.
- a folding arm 22 formed by two branches 22.1 and 22.2 is pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the longitudinal members 21 in a conventional manner.
- the opposite ends of the branches 22 serve both to connect the cover 23 to the branches 22.1, 22.2 and to accommodate the pushers 28 which activate the locking mechanism of the clasp to open the clasp by unfolding the arm 25 of the base 20.
- the pushers 28 are arranged to act on the branches 22.1, 22.2 to bring them closer to one another when they are actuated by a user wishing to open the clasp 1.
- the relative approximation of the two branches 22.1, 22.2 has the effect of releasing claws 36 formed on the branches and inserted in complementary recesses 38, formed in the base 20, as has been described in detail in EP0913106 B1 and EP2875747B1 patents.
- a "user” is preferably a wearer of the clasp, preferably an individual wearing on the wrist a wristwatch with the clasp.
- the device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet is associated with the lid 23.
- the adjustment device comprises a mobile part 2 comprising a carriage 3 slidably mounted inside the cover 23.
- the carriage 3 comprises a pair of lateral guide pads 72 intended to fit into two guide grooves. 4, respectively arranged on both sides on the inner faces of the two side walls 68 of the cover 23.
- the guide grooves 4 have a curvature identical to that of the cover 23. They open each to the outside. one end of the corresponding side wall.
- Each guide shoe 72 is intended to cooperate with a guide groove 4. With these characteristics, the carriage 3 can be engaged under the cover 23, by engagement of the guide pads 72 to be able to slide there.
- the guiding shoes 72 preferably have an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction of the wristband, so that the carriage 3 can move only by sliding along the guiding grooves 4.
- the carriage 3 houses a crosspiece having, in the embodiment shown, an elongated shape and the overall appearance of a bar.
- the part 5 comprises a stop structure 10.
- the stop structure comprises two teeth 10.
- the two teeth 10 are arranged on the same transverse axis and are separated by a gap in which is arranged a stop finger 64.
- the singular and plural forms of the term "tooth” refer to the same stop structure comprising the two teeth 10.
- the present invention is not limited by the number of teeth. used to form the stop structure and covers, for example, the use of one or more stop structures, for example two partial stop structures, together forming a stop structure.
- the mounting of the part 5 on the carriage 3 is such that it leaves the room 5 only one degree of freedom to move when the part 5 is mounted on the carriage 3, and when the carriage 3 is mounted under the cover 23.
- the part 5 has two holes 31, formed near its lateral ends. As can be seen better in FIG. 6, a screw 7 is inserted into each of these holes in order to link the part 5 to the carriage 3.
- Return means 8, here springs, are arranged on the screw was between the bottom 74 of the carriage 3 and the underside of the part 5 so as to solicit the piece 5 in the radial direction upwards, while allowing the piece to lower when a force in the opposite direction, downwards, acts on the part 5.
- the part 5 comprising the tooth 10 is housed so as to be able to carry out a movement in translation, preferably in rectilinear translation.
- this translational movement takes place along a radial axis.
- this movement is guided by the two screws 7.
- the part 5 is housed between a front wall 44 and a rear wall 48 which help guide the translation of the part 5 radially relative to the carriage 3. These walls are connected to the bottom 74 of the carriage 3. Once mounted in the cover, the part 5 is further blocked laterally by the side walls 68 of the cover 23 ( Figure 6).
- indexing member 6 is in the form of two parallel racks or toothings 6.
- the indexing member may be produced, for example, in the form of a sequence of notches 14 or two parallel slot sequences, for example.
- reference numeral 14 is used both to refer to any notch generally as to designate a particular notch.
- each of the teeth 10 cooperates with one of the teeth 6, as shown in Figures 3 and 6 and described in more detail below.
- the maximum stroke finger 64 is arranged in the middle on the piece 5. This finger 64 is intended to slide in the central groove 69, so that the ends of the groove serve as travel stop of the carriage 2 .
- the carriage 3 comprises a pair of side walls or ears 73, each having a transverse hole 11. These holes act as the first fastener 11, as they allow to house a spring bar in a manner known per se.
- the free end of a first strand of bracelet can be connected by this bar to the carriage 3 of the movable part 2.
- the part 5 is first screwed between the front and rear walls 44, 48 of the carriage 3, as shown in Figure 6.
- Each of the screws 7 crosses one of the holes 31 in the part 5 and the internal space of one of the springs 8, and is anchored in the chassis or the bottom 74 of the carriage 3.
- the springs 8 are fitted on the screw drums between the part 5 and the frame of the carriage, so as to form a gap 32 between the chassis of the carriage and the part 5.
- the part 5 can move in the radial direction, guided by the screws 7 and along a defined distance by the height of the head of the screws 7.
- the head of the screws 7 accommodates in a recess 33 arranged in each of the holes 31 to retain the workpiece 5.
- the displacement of the workpiece 5 is countered by the force of the springs downwards or urged by the force of the springs upwards in Figures 3 and 6.
- the assembly 2 is then attached to the lid 23 by inserting the side pads 72 by the open ends of the lateral grooves 4.
- the part 5 is forced to lower in its housing between the walls 44 and 48, because the edge 67 of the free end of the cover 23 acts by reaction force on the teeth 10 of the part 5, and this force and transmitted on the springs.
- the lowering of the part 5 in its carriage 3 against the force of the springs 8 thus allows the insertion of the moving part during assembly.
- the teeth 10 of the part 5 are continuously urged toward the bottom face of the cover (upwards), until the teeth 10 come into cooperation with the racks 6.
- the teeth 10 engage with the first notch of the racks 6 and the stroke finger 64 engages with the central groove 69.
- the movable portion 2 is associated with stable to the lid 23, it can then only perform the movement provided for the adjustment of the useful length as will be described later below.
- a particularity of the clasp of the invention is that it lacks, in a preferred embodiment, an actuating or manipulating member for unlocking the stop structure of the fine adjustment of its engagement with the indexing member .
- Such an unlocking is necessary in the clasps of the state of the art in order to be able to carry out the displacement of the mobile part in at least one of the two directions of the adjustment of useful length.
- at least the adjustment allowing the lengthening of the useful length of the bracelet is prevented by a locking or locking mechanism then requiring unlocking with a actuating member.
- the clasp of the invention is devoid of such a manipulation member to effect the unlocking of the fine adjustment.
- the clasp is preferably also free of a locking mechanism completely blocking the displacement of the movable portion in at least one longitudinal direction.
- the invention lies in the implementation of an indexing mechanism for stabilizing the movable portion 2 relative to the other parts of the clasp, here called “support device” 20-23, while allowing adjustment of the length useful by applying a force by the user in a specific direction, generally in the desired direction, shortening or lengthening the length.
- this mechanism is based on the configuration and / or the geometrical shape of the stop structure 10 of the mobile part 2 and of the indexing member 6 cooperating with the stop structure 10, and more precisely complementary and cooperating geometrical shapes of the stop structure 10 and of the indexing member 6.
- these shapes are chosen so as to allow movement of the moving part even in the absence of an unlocking .
- the geometric shapes determine, together with the force of the return means 8, the force required to effect a displacement for adjusting the useful length.
- the stop structure 10 includes a tooth. Unlike the solution presented in patent EP2875747, the two flanks 18, 19 of the tooth 10 are inclined with respect to a radial axis. Since none of the flanks of the tooth 10 is vertical, there is no complete blockage, and the profile and / or the inclination of each of the flanks of the tooth is preferably chosen so as to determine the force required to effect the displacement of the movable part in the longitudinal direction.
- FIGS. 4B and 4C the profiles of the tooth 10 of the stop structure and the notches 14 of the indexing member are visible and the angles of the flanks of the tooth and notches relative to a vertical 15 are indicated.
- the first flank 18 (the "leading" flank) of the tooth 10 is straight and follows an angle ⁇ of approximately 63 ° with respect to the vertical 15, ie approximately 27 ° with respect to a horizontal axis in FIG. FIG. 4A.
- the opposite flank 19 of the tooth 10 (the second flank, or the trailing edge) forms an angle B of approximately 42 ° with the vertical 15.
- the notches 14 of the indexing member 6 have a substantially complementary profile to that of the tooth 10, to allow to receive the tooth 10 and to determine a position of discrete length, stabilized by the cooperation of complementary shapes, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A and 4D. This discrete position is also stabilized by the action of the spring 8, which pushes the tooth in the vertical direction, towards a notch 14, in order to bring the tooth into engagement with the notch.
- the indexing member 6 is in the form of a toothing or a rack.
- the geometry of the notches 14 is defined essentially by the interdental space, that is to say by the tooth cavity of the toothing 6.
- first and second sidewalls or bearing surfaces 16, 17 are shown.
- the profile of the first bearing surface 16 follows a line that is at an angle g with the vertical 15.
- the profile of the second bearing surface 17 follows a line that is at an angle d with the vertical 15.
- the flanks 16, 17 are planar and these planes are preferably inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the movable part. If we consider the vertical 15 as a plane extending in the orthogonal direction, the planes 16, 17, 18, 17 intersect the vertical plane at an angle (a, b, g, d), so that the intersection substantially follows the orthogonal direction.
- the first profiles 18, 16, respectively of the tooth 10 and the notch 14, intended to be in contact in an indexing position are preferably substantially parallel. Consequently, the angles ⁇ and ⁇ formed between these profiles and the vertical are preferably substantially identical, for example identical within an error range of 0 to 10 degrees, preferably 0 to 5 degrees.
- the second profiles 19, 17, respectively of the tooth and the notch 14, intended to be in contact in an indexing position are preferably substantially parallel. Consequently, the angles B and d formed between these profiles and the vertical are preferably substantially identical, for example identical in a range of 0 to 10 degrees, of preferably 0 to 5 degrees.
- the angles a and B are not identical. Therefore, the tooth 10 has an asymmetric profile.
- the values of the angles a and B differ by at least 4 °, preferably by at least 8 °, more preferably by at least 14 °.
- a is at least 4 ° greater than B.
- the profile of the notches 14 is also asymmetrical, due to their complementary configurations, allowing the notch to receive the tooth substantially "tailor-made".
- the tooth of the structure in patent EP2875747B1 is also asymmetrical, but a sidewall of the tooth profile is substantially vertical, which is why unlocking the tooth by means of a separate mechanism is necessary.
- the stop structure is pivotable as a whole, and a user can actuate a kind of pusher to disengage the tooth from the notch.
- FIGs 3, 4A-4D illustrate the decrease in the useful length of the bracelet.
- the movable portion 2 is moved from left to right relative to the other parts of the clasp, particularly with respect to the cover 23 and relative to all the folding blades 22, 23, when the clasp is closed.
- the clasp can remain closed during this shortening, as shown in the figures.
- the end of a first bracelet strand is attached to a fixing member 11 of the carriage 3.
- a user can perform the shortening by grasping the bracelet strand between the thumb and the index finger and exerting a push in the direction of the arrow 30 (Fig. 4B), that is to say directly in the direction of the desired shortening.
- the force of the thrust in the longitudinal direction 30 will be transmitted to the tooth 10.
- the force acts from the first side 18 of the tooth 10 on the first bearing surface 16 of a notch 14, with which the side 18 is in contact.
- the bearing surface 16 can not move, it retransmits a reaction force on the tooth 10.
- the latter being biased in its vertical position by the spring 8, the reaction force is transmitted by the part 5 to the spring.
- the spring 8 is compressed and the tooth 10 is forced to lower in its housing while the carriage 3 moves in a longitudinal direction 30, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C.
- the tooth leaves its notch to then engage with the next notch, as shown in Figure 4D.
- a sliding occurs between the surfaces of the sidewall 18 of the tooth and the bearing surface 16.
- the force required to effect the displacement described above depends on several factors, including the force of the spring 8 and the friction between the first sidewall 18 of the tooth and the corresponding first bearing surface 16 of the notch.
- the force also depends on the inclination of the flank 18 and the corresponding bearing surface 16 because, due to this inclination, the force in the longitudinal direction (substantially horizontal in FIGS. 3, 4A-4D) is decomposed into partial forces including a vertical partial force that compresses the spring 8 and release the tooth 10 from its housing in the notch. If the first flank 18 was horizontal in FIG. 4B, there would be no tooth and the force in the direction of the arrow 30 would be directly translated into longitudinal displacement.
- the geometry of the cooperating shapes of the tooth 10 and the notch 14 is chosen to determine the thrust force required to effect the sliding between the surfaces 16, 18 and thus the displacement of the movable part 2 relative to the part
- the "fixed" clasp 1 is small enough that a user can easily shorten clasp 1 by proceeding as described above. At the same time, this force is high enough that the risk of accidental and unwanted shortening is reduced.
- the profile of the second flank 19 of the tooth 10 does not follow a vertical axis, but the aforementioned angle B, this angle preferably being more than (greater than) 0 °, preferably more than 3 °, more preferably more than 5 ° and more preferably more than 7 °, for example more than 10 °, more than 15 ° or more than 20 °.
- this second side 19 of the tooth 10 is also inclined (as is the case with the first sidewall 18 and the angle a)
- the cooperation between this sidewall 19 and the complementary surface 17 of the notch does not cause no more complete blocking in the direction according to the arrow 40 (Fig. 5), more precisely in the direction of the lengthening of the bracelet.
- the above indications concerning the configuration of the first flank 16 and the first bearing surface 18 and the shortening also apply to the second flank 19 and to the second bearing surface 17 in the context of an increase in the useful length.
- the operation of the mechanism during a prolongation of the useful length is illustrated in the sequence of FIGS. 4D, 5 and 4A.
- a user wearing a wristwatch with the clasp grasps the first strand of the bracelet exactly as described above, between the thumb and forefinger. Instead of pushing, the user makes a pull to lengthen the useful length.
- the geometric shapes or configurations of the contact surfaces between the second flank 19 and the second complementary and / or cooperating bearing surface 17 are made in such a way that the traction force required to effect the displacement in the direction of the arrow 40 serving to lengthen the bracelet ( Figure 5) is higher than the force of the thrust required in the opposite direction, according to the arrow 30 ( Figure 4B) to shorten the useful length. The risk of an accidental lengthening is then lower than that of an accidental shortening.
- the adjustment of the force is achieved by the shape and / or profile of the cooperating surfaces 16, 18 and 17, 19, respectively, for shortening and lengthening. More specifically, the force is determined by the choice of the angles B and d of the profile of the second flank 19 and the second bearing surface 17 relative to the vertical, respectively. As can be seen in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the angles B and d are not only greater than 0, but smaller than the angles a and g of opposite opposite faces. In other words, the flank and surface profiles 19, 17 are closer to the vertical, which is why the force required to move in the direction of arrow 40 is higher.
- the pulling force required to cause the tooth 10 to move decreases as the angle of the sidewalls / bearing surfaces increases and brings the horizontal (90 °) closer together.
- the force required to cause the adjustment of the useful length is greater than that required to effect the shortening.
- the clasp of the present invention allows adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet by the following preferred features: (1) the absence of a locking mechanism completely blocking the movement of the moving part in at least one direction, preferably in both ways. Therefore, a mechanism to be actuated by a user to unlock the locking mechanism and thereby allow the adjustment of the length is also absent.
- the fine length adjustment device comprises an indexing member defining discrete length positions. The force required to move the movable portion is determined by the shape and orientation of the portions that are intended to slide over each other as the length is adjusted.
- the movable portion is provided with a tooth and the support portion comprises a rack whose notches have a profile substantially complementary to that of the tooth.
- the invention is not limited to a particular form of cooperation of the mobile part and the support part.
- the invention can be achieved by means of ball pawls, cooperating with indexing positions having the shape of recesses, for example with the half-spherical profile.
- the force necessary to effect the displacement can be controlled by the choice of the profile of the hollow.
- FIGS. 8 to 10B show a clasp 100 according to a second embodiment, in which an indexing member in the form of a rack 106 is arranged on a first part or moving part 102, and a stop structure 110 is arranged on a second part or support part 120.
- FIG. 8 shows the assembly of the clasp 100, comprising a first blade 120 comprising two lateral spars 121 spaced from one another and being integral with a transverse spacer 124 disposed at a first end of the longitudinal members 21 and / or the first blade 122.
- the clasp 100 also comprises a second blade 122 arranged to be able to inserted into the space arranged between the two side rails 121 of the first blade 120.
- a first end of the second blade 122 is pivotally mounted at a second end of the first blade 120.
- the second blade 122 comprises two branches 122.1, 122.2, arranged to be closer to each other, when a user activates the pushers 128, one of which is arranged on each of the branches 122.1, 122.2 at the second end of the second blade.
- This approximation branches allows to unlock and thus open the clasp, as already described.
- a second fastener 112 having the appearance of a pin buckle is arranged at the second end of the second blade 122.
- a nail (not visible) is arranged on the underside of the transverse plate of the pin buckle 112 , allowing to fix a strand of bracelet by passing this nail by a hole in the strand. It is also possible to provide a barb (not visible) for this purpose.
- the movable portion 102 of the clasp 100 is arranged at the first end of the first blade 121, as shown in Figures 9A to 10B.
- Figures 9A and 10A show longitudinal sections through the first blade 120 along the line A-A shown in Figure 8B.
- the mobile part 102 has a U-shape, the two free branches or wings 171, 172 being housed in passages and / or channels 104 arranged in the transverse spacer 124.
- an indexing member 106 is arranged on the branch 172.
- this indexing member is a toothed rack 106 arranged on a first branch 171 of the movable portion 102.
- the teeth of the rack 106 are oriented in a central orthogonal direction, towards the inside of the clasp.
- a stop structure 110 is housed in the transverse strut 124.
- the strut 124 has an elongated orthogonal cavity or recess 132 which opens towards the channel 104.
- the stop structure 110 has the shape a bar whose one end forms a tooth arranged to pass through the opening of the housing 132 and to fit into a notch 114 of the rack 106.
- a return means 108 preferably a spring, is arranged in the end blind of the housing 132, to bias the stop structure to the rack to stabilize the cooperation between the tooth 110 and a notch 114 of the rack.
- the notches 114 of the indexing member 106 have shapes and / or profiles substantially complementary to that of the tooth 110, to allow to receive the tooth 110 and to determine a position of discrete length, stabilized by the cooperation of shapes. as described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4A and 4D.
- Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the stop structure 110 released from its notch 114, to be able to indicate the profiles and / or complementary forms of cooperation between the tooth and the notch.
- the tooth 110 and each of the notches 114 comprise a first profile or flank, 118 and 116 respectively.
- the first two profiles 118, 116 are intended to be in contact in an indexing position.
- the first profiles or flanks 118 and 116 are substantially parallel. Therefore, the angles ⁇ and ⁇ formed between these profiles and the vertical 15 are preferably substantially identical.
- the second profiles or flanks 119, 117, respectively of the tooth and the notch 114, intended to be in contact in an indexing position are preferably substantially parallel. Therefore, the angles B and d formed between these profiles and the vertical 15 are preferably substantially identical.
- the comparison of the first and second embodiments illustrates, among other things, that the manner and / or the location where the movable part is arranged on the whole clasp can be determined by those skilled in the art according to design choices. or other preferences or constraints and is not a limiting feature of the invention. In the same way, the invention is not limited with respect to the arrangement of the indexing member, on the movable part or on the support part.
- FIGS. 11 to 14B show a clasp 200 according to a third embodiment, in which the device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet comprises a locking device provided with an activation member, arranged in such a way that the adjusting device the length can be activated (and thus the adjusted useful length) without or with the activation of said locking device.
- the clasp 200 shown in Figures 11 to 14B is similar to that shown in WO2018234474, but adapted to the present invention.
- the general mechanism of this clasp, in particular the opening mechanism, is not described again below.
- the clasp 200 comprises first and second folding blades 220, 222.
- the activation members 228 for opening the clasp are arranged on the second blade, and the device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet is arranged on the first blade 220.
- the second blade 222 comprises two branches 221 and 224 arranged to be able to approach in an orthogonal direction when the activation members 228 are depressed, in order to allow the unlocking and opening of the clasp, in a manner similar to what has been described above with respect to the first and second embodiments.
- the first blade 220 comprises a structure or support device 223, integral with the first blade and arranged centrally, in the orthogonal direction, on the latter.
- This support structure may be formed in one piece with the first blade or in the form of a separate part secured to the first blade, for example.
- the support structure 223 has a free end 267, preferably in proximity to a first end of the first blade 220.
- a movable portion 202 is arranged in a longitudinal housing 204 in the support structure 223 so as to emerge from said end free 267.
- a first fastening member 211 is arranged on the underside of said movable part 202, a second fixing member being arranged on said second blade 222.
- the first fixing member two nails arranged below the moving part, been omitted).
- the support structure 223 also includes a housing 232 for a stop structure 210 as well as an activation member 251 connected to said stop structure.
- the movable portion 202 is housed to slide along a longitudinal direction, and has a rack 206 on one of these sides.
- the part comprising the stop structure 210 and the activation member 251 is housed so as to be able to move in an orthogonal direction.
- a rod 252 connects the activation member to the stop structure 210, passing over the moving part 202, so that the activation member 251 and the stop structure are arranged on both sides. of the moving part, connected by the rod.
- At least one biasing means here two springs 208, are arranged so as to urge the stop structure orthogonally towards the rack 206, in order to stabilize the cooperation between the stop structure and a notch 214 of the rack.
- a user can act on the activation member 251, pushing on this member, which causes the disengagement of the stop structure 210 of its notch 214 in the rack.
- the user can then adjust the useful length of the bracelet as desired, before releasing the activation member 251, cause the cooperation between the stop structure and another (notch) 214 of the rack and thus stabilize a value of discrete length length.
- a particularity of the clasp of FIGS. 11 to 14B lies in the fact that the activation member 251 of the length adjustment device can not only be activated directly, for example by pressing with a finger on this member when the clasp is open, but also indirectly, by activating an activation member 228 of the clasp opening mechanism, as described in more detail in WO2018234474. This is possible only when the clasp 200 is closed.
- one of the branches 221 of the second blade 222 is aligned with and / or directly next to the activation member 251.
- the activation of the pusher 228 connected to the branch 221 causes the lateral displacement of the limb 221 and the support of this branch on the activation member 251.
- the movement of the branch 221 of the second blade causes the disengagement of the stop structure 210 of the rack 206 by pressing the activation member 251.
- the stop structure 210 includes a tooth whose shape, profile and / or sidewalls are complementary to the shapes, profiles and / or flanks of the notches 214 of the rack 206.
- the tooth 210 and each notch 214 has flanks and / or inclined profiles, so as to allow disengagement of the tooth 210 from its notch 214 when a force in the longitudinal direction, so a traction or a thrust is exerted on the movable portion 202.
- Such traction or thrust is typically performed by a user who grasps the bracelet strand connected to the movable portion 202 by the fastener 211 and pulls or pushes the strand to lengthen or shorten, respectively, the useful length of the bracelet.
- the useful length of the bracelet according to the third embodiment can also be adjusted without activating a locking / unlocking mechanism, in particular without activating a separate activation member, but by pulling and / or pushing directly on the bracelet strand, for example near the end of the strand which is attached to the fastener.
- the adjusting device is devoid of a locking mechanism to block the length adjustment of the bracelet in at least one direction and / or an activation member such as a pusher, a zipper and / or a slider.
- an activation member is present in the case of the clasp shown in FIGS. 11 to 14B. But preferably, this actuator 251 does not block the displacement of the movable part. Locking of the movable part in at least one longitudinal direction is absent, because of the complementary shapes mentioned above.
- the fastener secured to the movable portion is prominent and / or accessible by a user to be grasped by the latter (eg the fastener 111 shown in Figure 8A).
- the user can logically adjust the length by acting directly on the fastener instead of pulling / pushing by grasping the bracelet strand. This may be desirable when the bracelet is very flexible and when it is not easy to transmit the force to the moving part by grasping the bracelet strand because of this flexibility.
- the locking mechanism of the clasp that is to say the mechanism provided to prevent accidental opening of the clasp and to allow the opening clasp, is activatable independently of the mechanism fine adjustment.
- the fine adjustment mechanism can be activated separately and independently of the locking device of the clasp.
- the useful length of the bracelet can be adjusted when the clasp is open, but also when closed, even when the wristwatch is in service mode, the wrist of a user.
- a person skilled in the art can adapt teaching to a pin buckle or a combined buckle (pinch / folding blades).
- the clasp has folding blades, and at least one fastener is made in the form of a pin buckle.
- the length adjustment device according to the invention can be adapted to other types of clasps, especially for wristwatch.
- the positioning of the stop structure (eg the tooth) and the indexing member (eg the rack) on the moving part and the part support, respectively, result from a choice of design.
- the invention covers the possibility of positioning the indexing member on the movable part and the stop structure on the support part of the length adjustment device.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18159841 | 2018-03-02 | ||
PCT/EP2019/055351 WO2019166671A1 (en) | 2018-03-02 | 2019-03-04 | Band clasp comprising a device for adjusting band length |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3758542A1 true EP3758542A1 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
Family
ID=61563232
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19713704.5A Pending EP3758542A1 (en) | 2018-03-02 | 2019-03-04 | Band clasp comprising a device for adjusting band length |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11786017B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3758542A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111787825B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019166671A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11627785B2 (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2023-04-18 | Patek Philippe Sa Geneve | Device for finely adjusting the length of a bracelet and a bracelet comprising at least one such device |
EP4059374A1 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2022-09-21 | Dexel S.A. | Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet allowing rapid fitting |
JP2023007082A (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2023-01-18 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Clasp and watch |
EP4159079A1 (en) * | 2021-10-01 | 2023-04-05 | Omega SA | Bracelet clasp with length adjustment |
EP4176757A1 (en) | 2021-11-08 | 2023-05-10 | Dexel S.A. | Clasp with extensible loop |
EP4226806A1 (en) * | 2022-02-14 | 2023-08-16 | Montres Tudor S.A. | Device for adjusting the length of a bracelet |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2588655A (en) | 1947-11-28 | 1952-03-11 | Benrus Watch Company Inc | Expandible and contractible buckle |
DE69810737T2 (en) | 1997-10-30 | 2003-11-20 | Dexel S A | Folding clasp for bracelet |
DE06405427T1 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2008-10-09 | Rolex Sa | strap closure |
US7289310B1 (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2007-10-30 | Chun-An Yuan | Adjustable static current discharging bracelet |
CH699067B1 (en) | 2008-07-01 | 2011-10-14 | Elfix Production Sa | Device for the length of a strap adjustment and folding clasp type comprising such a device. |
CH702061A1 (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-04-29 | Thi Technologies Horlogeres Ind S A | Stretch bracelet clasp. |
CH702641B1 (en) * | 2010-02-04 | 2015-02-13 | Arcofil Sa | bracelet folding clasp. |
EP2361523B1 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2014-06-25 | Winox Sa | Clasp for bracelet |
CH704335B1 (en) * | 2011-01-13 | 2015-06-30 | Thi Technologies Horlogères Ind S A | extensible clasp for a bracelet including a watch. |
ES2602080T3 (en) * | 2013-11-25 | 2017-02-17 | Dexel S.A. | Bracelet closure that includes a device for fine adjustment of the effective length of the bracelet |
EP3210488B1 (en) | 2016-02-25 | 2018-09-26 | Dexel S.A. | Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet |
EP3641584B1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2022-03-16 | Dexel S.A. | Bracelet clasp comprising a device for adjusting the length of the bracelet |
-
2019
- 2019-03-04 WO PCT/EP2019/055351 patent/WO2019166671A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-03-04 CN CN201980015965.9A patent/CN111787825B/en active Active
- 2019-03-04 EP EP19713704.5A patent/EP3758542A1/en active Pending
- 2019-03-04 US US16/975,228 patent/US11786017B2/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20200405018A1 (en) | 2020-12-31 |
US11786017B2 (en) | 2023-10-17 |
WO2019166671A1 (en) | 2019-09-06 |
CN111787825A (en) | 2020-10-16 |
CN111787825B (en) | 2023-06-27 |
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