EP3886641A1

EP3886641A1 - Wrist strap strand

Info

Publication number: EP3886641A1
Application number: EP19812938.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Yves VOISIN; Alessandro Camilli
Original assignee: Bulgari Horlogerie SA
Current assignee: Bulgari Horlogerie SA
Priority date: 2018-11-26
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Also published as: CH715586B1; WO2020109163A1; CH715586A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wrist strap strand (1), in particular for a watch, characterised in that it comprises an inner supporting core (3) which extends longitudinally within a removable outer part (5), and a locking means (9) by means of which the removal of said removable outer part (5) is made possible or blocked.

Description

Bracelet strand.

The invention relates to a bracelet strand, in particular a watch. The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least one such bracelet strand. The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a bracelet. The invention also relates to a method of mounting a bracelet comprising such a bracelet strand.

In the field of watchmaking, the aesthetic aspect of timepieces is important. There is a need for watches whose strap can be changed simply and quickly, so for example to be able to match his watch with his dress.

In the state of the art, there are watches provided with removable and interchangeable straps.

However, the solutions of the prior art have drawbacks. In particular, to change the strap of a watch, the strap must be changed entirely. In addition, this change often requires tools and the intervention of a technician.

The object of the invention is to provide a bracelet strand overcoming the above drawbacks and improving the strands of bracelets known from the prior art.

To this end, the invention is based on a bracelet, in particular a watch strand, characterized in that it comprises an internal support core extending longitudinally inside a removable external part, and a locking means allowing to make possible or not the withdrawal of the removable external part. The removable external part may include an internal opening which extends longitudinally substantially over its entire length, suitable for receiving or not the internal support core for its assembly and disassembly.

The internal opening of the removable external part can have a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core for their cooperation, allowing their sliding relative to low clearance.

The internal support core may have a rectangular or ovoid cross section.

The internal support core can have all or part of the following characteristics:

At least one metal frame, in particular steel; and / or a planar or substantially helical shape at rest or whose projection onto a plane has a spiral shape; and or

A geometry such that it is invisible when a removable external part is arranged in cooperation with it and locked by the locking means.

The internal support core may include a frame coated with a sheath and / or surrounded by an envelope.

The frame may include at least one metallic wire, in particular steel.

The sheath and / or the envelope may be made of rubber.

The locking means may comprise a removable end piece, in particular associated with a bracelet clasp or with a fixing end piece for a watch case. The locking means can comprise at least one pusher.

The removable external part can be in a single monolithic piece, in particular in a material chosen from the group comprising rubber, leather, a metal, or a mixture of these materials.

The removable external part can comprise a plurality of links, articulated with one another or independent.

The removable external part can comprise a part, in particular in rubber, and a ring, in particular in gold.

The invention also relates to a bracelet, characterized in that it comprises at least one bracelet strand as described above.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising a bracelet as described above or a bracelet strand as described above.

The invention also relates to a method of mounting a bracelet comprising a bracelet strand as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

insert the internal support core into a removable external part; fix the removable external part on the internal support core by a locking means, so as to temporarily prevent the removal of the removable external part.

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments made without implied limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bracelet strand according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along axis B-B of the bracelet strand of Figure 1.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show exemplary embodiments of a removable external part of a bracelet strand of the type of that of FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the axis C-C of Figure 3a.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view along the axis A-A of Figure 1, showing an embodiment of a locking means.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wristwatch comprising a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

For reasons of simplification of reading, the same references will be used in the various embodiments of the invention for the same elements or similar or equivalent elements.

The invention is based on a bracelet, in particular a watch strand, comprising an internal support core extending longitudinally inside a removable external part, and a locking means making it possible to make it possible to withdraw the part. external removable, depending on its locked or unlocked state. The removable external part can thus be changed to modify the external appearance of the bracelet strand, without it being necessary to change the entire bracelet. The internal support core of the bracelet strand is preserved each time the removable external part is changed. This change is thus very simple and easy to implement. The solution also makes it possible to modify the appearance of the bracelet at a lower cost.

An embodiment of a bracelet strand 1 is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

Only one strand of bracelet is shown in Figure 1. The bracelet strand 1 shown in FIG. 1 is the strand of the so-called "long strand" bracelet, that is to say the strand comprising orifices intended to receive in particular the not shown barb of a clasp. Of course, the bracelet strand 1 is intended to be part of a bracelet comprising another strand, called "short strand", intended to be connected to the long strand. The invention is of course applied to the short strand in a similar fashion to the long strand. As a variant, the bracelet may comprise only a single strand of bracelet 1, for example in the embodiment represented by FIG. 6.

The bracelet strand 1 comprises an internal support core 3 and a removable external part 5.

The longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand 1 is understood to mean a direction parallel to the length L of the internal support core 3. The transverse direction of the bracelet strand 1 is understood to mean a direction parallel to the width W of the internal support core 3. A main surface of the internal support core 3 extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The thickness of the internal support core 3 corresponds to the dimension of the internal support core 3 in a direction perpendicular to said main surface, which can also be called vertical direction by convention. Note, this reference is considered for a bracelet strand positioned on a plane. As a variant, it can be extended to the same bracelet strand surrounded on a wrist, or to a non-linear bracelet strand, for example having a helical shape, as shown in FIG. 6. The internal support core 3 extends in the longitudinal direction, or longitudinally, inside a removable external part 5. Several embodiments of a removable external part 5 are shown in FIGS. 3a-3c and described more in detail below.

We call Ls the length, Ws the width and es the thickness of the removable external part 5. The removable external part 5 comprises an internal opening 21 which extends longitudinally over its entire length Ls. The internal opening 21 of the removable external part 5 is capable of receiving the internal support core 3 for mounting the removable external part 5 on the internal support core 3.

The internal opening 21 of the removable external part 5 has a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core 3 for their cooperation. This allows the internal support core 3 to slide with little play in the removable external part 5.

The internal support core 3 has for example a cross section of rectangular or ovoidal shape, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Other shapes may be provided for the cross section of the internal support core 3. In addition, this section is preferably constant over the entire length.

Preferably, the length Ls of the removable external part 5 is less than the length L of the internal support core 3. Thus, when the internal support core 3 extends longitudinally inside a removable external part 5 , part of the internal support core 3 is not surrounded by the removable external part 5, in particular at one or both of its ends. A first end 6 of the internal support core 3 is connected, in particular fixed, to a fixing means 7, in particular to a fixing end-piece, intended to fix a first end of the strap strand 1 to a watch case. The internal support core 3 is for example arranged centrally relative to the fixing means 7 in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the internal support core 3. A first end 26 of the removable external part 5 is in abutment against the fixing means 7. In this embodiment, the fixing means 7 to a watch case, fixed to the end 6 of the internal support core 3, is not removable.

A second end 8 of the internal support core 3 is for example connected to a clasp system forming a locking means 9, intended to connect the second end of the bracelet strand 1 to the end of another bracelet strand entirely by fulfilling the locking function of the removable external part 5 on the internal support 3. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 6, the locking means 9 is not connected to a clasp.

The clasp system forming a locking means 9 may in particular comprise a removable end piece 31. This removable end piece is for example clipped onto the internal support core 3, on the part of the internal support core 3 which is not surrounded by the removable external part 5.

The second end 8 of the internal support core 3 has for example a shape adapted to that of the removable end piece 31. The width of the second end 8 of the internal support core 3 is for example less than the width W of the rest of the internal support core 3. A second end 28 of the removable external part 5 is in abutment against the clasp system. The removable end piece of the clasp system forms a stop which locks the removable external part 5. The latter thus extends continuously between the fixing means 7 and the removable end piece at the clasp, rendering the core internal support 3 invisible from the outside, to achieve an optimal aesthetic effect of the bracelet strand.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the removable tip corresponding to the clasp system comprises a pusher 35 for actuating the unclipping of the removable tip, then its removal. By removing it, this removable end piece unlocks the removable external part 5 which can thus be removed from the internal support core 3 by sliding it at the end 8 of the internal support core 3.

The clasp system is for example of the wallet clasp type, comprising a buckle and a pin, or of the folding clasp type. As a variant, the bracelet strand could comprise any other type of clasp, for example with deploying blades.

According to a variant, instead of corresponding to the clasp system as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the locking means can correspond to the fixing means or end piece 7 to a watch case. The attachment tip 7 to a watch case can in particular be a removable tip and the clasp system, fixed to the end 8 of the internal support core 3, may not be removable. In this variant, the removable external part of the bracelet would then be removable at the other end of the internal support core 3 (ie the other end of the bracelet strand).

According to yet another variant, the means for locking the removable external part may consist of any other means independent of a clasp or fastening element of the bracelet strand, for example an element solely dedicated to this locking function. Thus, the removable attachment of the removable external part 5 to the internal support core 3 can for example be achieved by locking on the internal support core 3 and / or on the removable external part 5, without an independent end piece.

In addition, other locking means than clipping can be provided to removably fix the removable end piece to the internal support core 3. Thus, the locking means of the removable external part 5 can be implemented by any other means than a clipping, or a push button, for example using an actuating lever, a screwing, etc.

According to one embodiment, the locking means is not removable. Only the removable external part 5 is removable.

The internal support core 3 of the bracelet strand 1 may comprise a series of orifices 10 passing through the internal support core 3 over its entire thickness. The removable external part 5 can comprise a series of orifices 30 at locations corresponding to the orifices 10 of the internal support core 3. When the internal support core 3 extends longitudinally inside the removable external part 5, the orifices 10 of the internal support core 3 and the orifices 30 of the removable external part 5 are aligned. The holes 10, 30 are for example intended to receive a pin of a clasp system for adjusting the bracelet by adjusting its length on the user's arm.

The internal support core 3 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2. The internal support core 3 comprises for example an armature 1 1. The armature 11 is intended to reinforce the mechanical strength of the bracelet strand and / or to increase its solidity. The frame 11 is for example formed by at least one wire, for example in a flexible and smooth metallic material, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel. The frame 11 can also be formed from a non-metallic material. By way of example, the internal support core 3 may comprise a frame 11 formed from two wires. A different number of wires can of course be used. The frame 1 1 is for example coated with a sheath 13, the sheath 13 itself being for example surrounded by an envelope 15. The sheath 13 is for example made of rubber. The envelope 15 is for example made of leather. The frame 1 1 is completely covered by the sheath 13 and / or the casing 15. The sheath 13 and / or the casing 15 are intended to avoid any contact between the removable external part 5 and the frame 1 1 of the 'internal support core 3, in particular in order to protect the removable external part 5 which may be made of a fragile material. The internal support core thus forms a flexible element allowing it to follow the shape of a wrist, while being rigid enough to withstand the stresses suffered during normal use of the bracelet.

In the case of the embodiment in FIG. 6, the internal support core 3 has a helical type shape at rest, and / or the projection of which on a plane perpendicular to its axis has a spiral shape. It then behaves like a spring leaf. The overall structure retains sufficient elasticity for adaptation around wrists of different geometries.

A first embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to FIG. 3a. In this first embodiment, the removable external part 5 is a single monolithic part 23, for example made of rubber, leather, a metal or a mixture of several materials. A second embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to FIG. 3b. In this second embodiment, the removable external part 5 comprises several articulated links 25. These links can be linked together, for example by a hinge pin, or independent and simply juxtaposed, by their successive introduction onto the support core. internal 3. These links may be identical or different, for example of different shapes and / or of different materials, depending on a desired aesthetic aspect.

A third embodiment of a removable external part 5 is described below with reference to FIG. 3c. In this third embodiment, the removable external part 5 comprises a part 27, in particular of rubber, and a ring 29, in particular of gold. The ring 29 is for example arranged around a portion of the part 27 at a chosen location along the length Ls of the removable external part 5. The ring 29 is intended to provide additional personalization to the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet strand. The ring 29 can include all kinds of decorative elements, for example semi-precious or precious stones.

An embodiment of a locking means 9 is described below with reference to FIG. 5. The end 8 of the internal support core 3 comprises an opening 14. The locking means 9 formed on a removable end piece 31 comprises an opening 34 through which the end 8 of the internal support core 3 can be introduced. It further comprises at least one lock, intended to enter the opening 14, linked to a pusher 35, for example mounted movable in translation in the vertical direction. The pusher is associated with a spring arranged to exert a force tending to maintain the latch in a locking state. The pusher is for example a pusher usually used in the field of timepieces. Pressing the button allows you to release the lock from the opening 14, and release the removable end piece 31 and the removable external part 5.

An advantage of a bracelet strand of the type described above resides in the fact that the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet strand can be changed in a simple, rapid and inexpensive manner, without the need to change the entire bracelet.

The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least one strand of bracelet of the type described above.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising two strands of bracelet, at least one of the strands of bracelet is of the type described above, each strand being for example attached on the one hand to a watch case and on the other hand to a clasp.

An embodiment of a method for mounting a bracelet strand 1 of the type described above is described below.

In a first step, the internal support core 3 is inserted into a removable external part 5, through the opening 21 of the removable external part 5. The internal support core 3 is inserted into the opening 21 for example from of the second end 8 which is not yet connected to the clasp system 9. The internal support core 3 is inserted into the opening 21 of the removable external part 5 in particular until the first end 26 of the part removable outer 5 is in abutment against the fixing end piece 7 fixed to the first end 6 of the inner support core 3.

In a second step, the removable end piece 31 of the clasp system is fixed in a removable manner on the internal support core 3 on the side of the second end 8, for example by clipping the clasp system onto the part of the internal support core 3 which is not surrounded by the removable external part 5. The clasp system forms a stop which locks the removable external part 5, so as to temporarily prevent the withdrawal of the removable external part 5 .

It is possible to change the removable external part 5 by removing the removable end piece 31, for example by unclipping it, replacing the removable external part 5 with another removable external part 5, and again fixing the removable end piece 31. This end piece removable can be replaced by any locking / unlocking means.

Claims

Claims:

1. Bracelet strand (1), in particular of a watch, characterized in that it comprises an internal support core (3) extending longitudinally inside a removable external part (5), and a locking means (9) allowing to make possible or not the withdrawal of the removable external part (5).

2. Bracelet strand according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable external part (5) comprises an internal opening (21) which extends longitudinally substantially over its entire length, suitable for receiving or not the internal support core ( 3) for its assembly and disassembly.

3. Bracelet strand according to the preceding claim, wherein said internal opening (21) of the removable external part (5) has a geometry substantially identical to that of the internal support core (3) for their cooperation, allowing their relative sliding. at low clearance.

4. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the internal support core (3) has a cross section of rectangular or ovoid shape.

5. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the internal support core (3) has all or part of the following characteristics:

- At least one metal frame, in particular steel; and or

- A planar or substantially helical shape at rest or whose projection on a plane has a spiral shape; and or - A geometry such that it is invisible when a removable external part is arranged in cooperation with it and locked by the locking means.

6. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the internal support core (3) comprises a frame (1 1) coated with a sheath (13) and / or surrounded by an envelope (15) .

7. Bracelet strand according to the preceding claim, wherein the frame (11) comprises at least one metal wire, in particular steel.

8. Bracelet strand according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sheath (13) and / or the casing (15) is made of rubber.

9. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking means (9) comprises a removable end piece (31), in particular associated with a bracelet clasp or with a fastening end piece (7) to a box. of watch.

10. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking means (9) comprises at least one pusher (35).

1 1. Bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the removable external part (5) is in one piece (23) monolithic, in particular in a material chosen from the group comprising rubber, leather, a metal, or a mixture of these materials.

12. Bracelet strand according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the removable external part (5) comprises a plurality of links (25), hinged together or independent.

13. Bracelet strand according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the removable external part (5) comprises a part (27), in particular of rubber, and a ring (29), in particular of gold.

14. Bracelet, characterized in that it comprises at least one bracelet strand according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Watch comprising a bracelet according to claim 14 or a bracelet strand according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. Method for mounting a bracelet comprising a bracelet strand

(1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the following steps:

- insert the internal support core (3) in a removable external part (5);

- Fix the removable external part (5) on the internal support core (3) by a locking means (9), so as to temporarily prevent the removal of the removable external part (5).