EP3918945A1 - Watch strap and device for attaching such a strap - Google Patents

Abstract

Bracelet arranged to be attached to a watch case (100) comprising two first hanging interfaces such as two first bars (101), the removable bracelet assembly comprising: - a flexible strand (200), - two locking devices fastener each comprising: - a first fastening portion (A) arranged to be detachably attached to one of the first fastening interfaces of the watch case (100), - a second fastening portion (B) comprising a passage opening such as a slot (60) formed by a second bar (30), arranged to attach the bracelet, characterized in that each passage opening forms a loop in which the flexible strand (200) is slidably arranged .

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of watchmaking, and in particular the present disclosure relates to a flexible watch strap in one piece provided with devices for attaching to a watch case. The present disclosure also relates to a removable attachment device relative to a watch case.

Commonly, a watch strap, whether flexible or formed of metal links, comprises two strands, each connected by one end to the watch case. Their second end cooperates or is intended to cooperate with a clasp buckle, of the pin or folding buckle type.

It is also known in the prior art of flexible bracelets comprising only one strand, to be slipped between the case of a watch and the bars held by the horns of the case, otherwise called “NATO” bracelets. This type of bracelet has a predetermined width (generally 20 mm) and it is impossible to attach it to a watch whose distance between the lugs is insufficient.

Furthermore, it is known to provide removable bracelet attachment devices with respect to a watch case, such as that disclosed by document CH704810A1 . On the other hand, this system has the particular drawback of having a large number of parts, some of which are of complex shape.

The documents US5 363 351A and EP 0 731 395 A2 disclose devices for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, but require complex and meticulous operations on the part of the user to be coupled to the bars of the watch case. This detracts from the ease of use and of changing from one strap to another.

An aim of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular to provide a strap to be attached to a watch case, which makes it possible to attach a single-strand flexible strap, called a flexible strand by following, even if the watch case is not suitable for a flexible one-piece strand. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, which is simple to manufacture and to assemble.

• un brin souple,
• deux dispositifs d'attache comprenant chacun :
  • une première portion d'attache agencée pour s'attacher sur une des premières interfaces d'accroche du boîtier de montre,
  • une deuxième portion d'attache comprenant une ouverture de passage telle qu'une fente formée par une deuxième barrette, agencée pour coopérer avec le brin souple,

dans lequel chaque ouverture de passage forme un passant dans lequel le brin souple est agencé de manière coulissante,
caractérisé en ce que chaque première portion d'attache est agencée pour être actionnée directement par un utilisateur de sorte à s'attacher de manière amovible sur une des premières interfaces d'accroche du boîtier de montre.
Les dispositifs d'attache du bracelet selon la mise en œuvre ci-dessus comprennent chacun une ouverture de passage ou fente qui forme un passant pour le brin souple. Ainsi, une fois les dispositifs d'attache fixés au boîtier de montre via leur première portion d'attache, il est possible d'attacher le brin souple, typiquement monobrin, sur le boitier de montre via les deuxièmes portions d'attache, et ce même si le boîtier de montre présente par exemple une distance entre-corne trop faible ou une interface d'accroche incompatible pour passer un brin souple. Selon la mise en œuvre ci-dessus et la terminologie usuelle dans l'habillage horloger, on considère que le bracelet comprend le brin souple, monobrin ou d'un seul tenant à attacher sur lui-même pour refermer le bracelet sur le poignet de l'utilisateur, et aussi les dispositifs d'attache sur le boîtier de la montre.
Selon la mise en œuvre ci-dessus, chaque première portion d'attache est agencée pour être actionnée directement par l'utilisateur de sorte à s'attacher de manière amovible sur le boîtier, c'est-à-dire que la caractéristique d'amovibilité ou de démontabilité est procurée par les dispositifs d'attache, et non par la première interface d'accroche (typiquement la barrette du boîtier de montre).
Dans la présente divulgation, une barrette attachée au boîtier est considérée comme faisant partie du boîtier et non du bracelet ou des dispositifs d'attache.
En d'autres termes, l'utilisateur peut actionner le dispositif d'attache, et en particulier la première portion d'attache, sans outil, ni pièce spécifique pour attacher/détacher le bracelet sur le boîtier de montre (typiquement sur des barrettes qui peuvent être également amovibles, mais démontables quant à elles à l'aide d'un outil). L'ergonomie est simplifiée, car aucun outil n'est nécessaire pour attacher/détacher les dispositifs d'attache du bracelet sur le boîtier de montre.For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a watch strap designed to be attached to a watch case comprising two first attachment interfaces such as two first bars, the removable strap comprising:

• a flexible strand,
• two attachment devices each comprising:
  • a first attachment portion arranged to attach to one of the first attachment interfaces of the watch case,
  • a second attachment portion comprising a passage opening such as a slot formed by a second bar, arranged to cooperate with the flexible strand,

in which each passage opening forms a loop in which the flexible strand is arranged in a sliding manner,
characterized in that each first attachment portion is arranged to be actuated directly by a user so as to be detachably attached to one of the first attachment interfaces of the watch case.
The bracelet attachment devices according to the above implementation each include a passage opening or slot which forms a loop for the flexible strand. Thus, once the attachment devices are attached to the watch case via their first attachment portion, it is possible to attach the flexible, typically single-stranded, strand to the watch case via the second attachment portions, and this even if the watch case has, for example, a distance between the lugs that is too small or a gripping interface incompatible to pass a flexible strand. According to the above implementation and the usual terminology in watchmaking, it is considered that the bracelet comprises the flexible, single-strand or single-piece strand to be attached on itself to close the bracelet on the wrist of the user, and also the attachment devices on the watch case.
According to the above implementation, each first attachment portion is arranged to be actuated directly by the user so as to be detachably attached to the housing, that is to say that the characteristic of removable or dismountable is provided by the attachment devices, and not by the first attachment interface (typically the bar of the watch case).
In the present disclosure, a bar attached to the case is considered to be part of the case and not of the bracelet or fasteners.
In other words, the user can actuate the fastening device, and in particular the first fastening portion, without tools or specific parts for attaching / detaching the strap to the watch case (typically on bars which can also be removable, but they can be dismantled using a tool). Ergonomics are simplified, as no tools are required to attach / detach the strap fasteners to the watch case.

Advantageously, the passage opening is a slit, preferably closed, but it is also possible to provide an open U-shaped slit.

Advantageously, the flexible strand is a single-strand bracelet, or in one piece, comprising at least one pin buckle. In other words, the flexible strand is a strap of the “NATO” type, for example made of fiber, and typically has a width of 20 mm, and a length greater than or equal to 250 mm.

Advantageously, the passage opening of each fastening device has a length at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm.

Advantageously, a width of the passage opening is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

Advantageously, at least one passage opening is a slot formed by a second bar removably mounted on one of the fastening devices. It is thus possible to alternately fix a bracelet in two parts or two strands.

Advantageously, the first attachment portion is designed to be attached to one of the first bars which has a free length of less than 12 mm.

Advantageously, the first attachment portion is designed to be attached to one of the first bars which may have a particular diameter, or a particular shape, such as for example a curved shape.

Advantageously, the flexible strand is a fabric strap, preferably of the NATO type. The flexible strand can therefore be made of fibers, such as plastic fibers made of a polymer such as polyamide, or with natural fibers of plant origin, such as cotton for example. One can also consider animal materials such as leather. Finally, it is possible to envisage making the flexible strand with an elastomer, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

• une première portion d'attache agencée pour s'attacher de manière amovible sur une des premières interfaces d'accroche du boîtier de montre,
• une deuxième portion d'attache comprenant une ouverture de passage agencée pour attacher le bracelet, telle qu'une fente définie par une deuxième barrette,

caractérisé en ce qu'une longueur de l'ouverture de passage est agencée pour former un passant pour le brin soupleAnother aspect of the invention relates to an attachment device, for example for a bracelet according to the first aspect and arranged to be attached to a watch case comprising at least a first attachment interface such as a first bar. , the attachment device comprising:

• a first attachment portion arranged to attach so removable on one of the first hooking interfaces of the watch case,
• a second attachment portion comprising a passage opening arranged to attach the bracelet, such as a slot defined by a second bar,

characterized in that a length of the passage opening is arranged to form a loop for the flexible strand

Advantageously, a length of the passage opening is at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm, to allow a flexible NATO type strand to slide into the passage opening.

Advantageously, a width of the passage opening is greater than 1.5 mm.

Advantageously, the passage opening is a slot formed by a second bar removably mounted on the fastening device.

Advantageously, the first attachment portion is designed to be attached to a first bar having a free length of less than 12 mm.

• une position d'ouverture, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage permet à la première portion d'attache d'être attachée ou détachée du boîtier de montre, et
• une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage coopère avec la première portion d'attache pour la verrouiller sur le boîtier de montre. Ainsi, le dispositif d'attache présente la caractéristique d'amovibilité de manière indépendante au boîtier de montre et de son interface d'accroche (la première barrette qui peut toutefois être également amovible par rapport à la carrure ou la boite de montre par exemple).

Advantageously, the attachment device comprises a locking member movable between:

• an open position, in which the locking member allows the first attachment portion to be attached or detached from the watch case, and
• a locking position, in which the locking member cooperates with the first attachment portion to lock it on the watch case. Thus, the fastening device has the characteristic of removability independently of the watch case and of its fastening interface (the first bar which can however also be removable from the middle part or the watch case for example) .

• un premier demi-maillon comprenant la première portion d'attache,
• un deuxième demi-maillon monté en liaison glissière sur le premier demi-maillon, de sorte à former l'organe de verrouillage.

Advantageously, the attachment device comprises

• a first half-link comprising the first attachment portion,
• a second half-link mounted in sliding connection on the first half-link, so as to form the locking member.

Advantageously, the attachment device comprises elastic return means, arranged to return the locking member (the second half-link) to the locking position.

The attachment device according to the above implementation comprises a first and a second half-link, which makes it possible to limit the number of components. As a result, manufacture and assembly are simplified.

In particular, the first half-link and the second half-link when coupled form a complete link.

In other words, the first half-link and the second half-link coupled together form the carcass of a complete link, that is to say the framework which allows the complete link to be hooked to two components of the watch to be linked together (the rest of the bracelet, to be linked to the watch case). The first half-link (or the second half-link) cannot perform this linking function on its own, it is necessary that the two half-links are coupled to each other to constitute a complete link capable of connecting them together. two components of the watch (the rest of the bracelet, to be connected to the watch case).

A complete link (formed by the first half-link and the second half-link) is typically a component of a chain or a link, and which comprises a first end arranged to be articulated with a first adjacent member to be connected ( the watch case), and a second end arranged to be articulated with a second adjacent member to be connected (the bracelet, which may include other links or a ribbon, or a strap, etc.).

In other words, the complete link formed by the first half-link and the second half-link has two ends each intended to be articulated with an adjacent member to be connected.

Accordingly, the first end of the complete link is formed by the first attachment portion, and the second end of the complete link is formed by the second attachment portion.

According to one embodiment, the first attachment portion can be opened or closed by the second half-link. In other words, the first attachment portion is provided on the first half-link, and the second half-link is coupled to the first half-link to close and open the first attachment portion. The feature of removability (disassembly) of the fastening device on the watch case is provided by the second half-link, and not by the hooking portion of the watch case (the first bar of the watch case, which can however also be anchored in a removable manner on the lugs of the watch case for example). The sliding connection of the second half-link on the first half-link provides improved maneuverability at the level of the attachment device itself, which is removable from the watch case independently of the attachment portion (the first bar) .

• le premier demi-maillon forme une première moitié du dispositif d'attache dite inférieure ou agencée du côté du dispositif interne, et/ou du côté invisible, et/ou du côté de la peau de l'utilisateur, et
• le deuxième demi-maillon forme une deuxième moitié du dispositif d'attache dite supérieure ou agencée du côté du dispositif externe et/ou du côté visible, et/ou du côté opposé de la peau de l'utilisateur.

According to one embodiment:

• the first half-link forms a first half of the so-called lower attachment device or arranged on the side of the internal device, and / or on the invisible side, and / or on the side of the user's skin, and
• the second half-link forms a second half of the so-called upper attachment device or arranged on the side of the external device and / or on the visible side, and / or on the opposite side of the user's skin.

Advantageously, the first half-link comprises the second attachment portion.

• un boîtier de montre,
• un bracelet selon le premier aspect de l'invention.

A final aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch, comprising:

• a watch case,
• a bracelet according to the first aspect of the invention.

• la figure 1 représente une vue partielle d'un bracelet de montre comprenant un brin souple et un dispositif d'attache, en perspective ;
• la figure 2 représente en perspective une vue éclatée de dessus du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente en perspective une vue éclatée de dessous du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 représente une coupe transversale du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1, avec un organe de verrouillage dans une position de verrouillage ;
• la figure 5 représente la coupe transversale du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1, avec l'organe de verrouillage dans une position d'ouverture ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue de dessus du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 7 représente une coupe de la vue de dessus de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente une coupe transversale d'un bracelet de montre comprenant un brin souple et deux dispositifs d'attache chacun attachés sur un boîtier de montre.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 shows a partial view of a watch strap comprising a flexible end and an attachment device, in perspective;
• the figure 2 shows in perspective an exploded view from above of the fastening device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 shows in perspective an exploded view from below of the fastening device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 shows a cross section of the fastening device of the figure 1 , with a locking member in a locking position;
• the figure 5 shows the cross section of the fastening device of the figure 1 , with the locking member in an open position;
• the figure 6 shows a top view of the fastening device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 7 represents a section of the top view of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 shows a cross section of a watch strap comprising a flexible strand and two fasteners each attached to a watch case.

The figure 1 shows in perspective a flexible strand 200 equipped with a removable attachment device. In the following description of a bracelet according to the invention, a particular example of a device for interchangeability of the bracelet on a watch case is illustrated, and consists of a first half-link 10 and a second half-link 20. The flexible strand 200 is typically a monofilament fabric strap (in one piece) and of sufficient length to attach a watch to the wrist of a user. Such a flexible strand can be called a NATO strap or a G10 strap and generally has a width of 20 mm, and a length of at least 250 mm, for example 280 mm. Such a flexible strand 200 therefore requires that the watch case have an inter-lug distance compatible with the above dimensions, in particular because of the width of the flexible strand 200. As will be explained below, the attachment device makes it possible to removably attach the flexible strand 200 to a watch which is not initially intended for this function, for example with a distance between lugs less than 20 mm, or an insufficient width of the slot between the first bars of the watch and the case.

The figure 2 shows in perspective an exploded view from above of the fastening device of the figure 1 , which comprises the first half-link 10, the second half-link 20, a second bar 30, a closing plate 40, and two springs 50.

The first half-link 10 supports the second bar 30 via horns 14 and comprises a spout 11 opposite the second bar 30, as well as two first lateral slide surfaces 13. The beak 11 forms a groove, visible in a side view, arranged to receive a first bar 101 of a watch case 100 as will be shown in figure 8 .

The figure 3 which shows in perspective an exploded view from below of the fastening device of the figure 1 , shows that the first half-link 10 also includes a slot 12 which can receive the closing plate 40 visible on the figures 2 and 3 .

The second half-link 20 also visible figures 2 and 3 comprises a clasp portion 21, a notch 24 opposite to the clasp portion 21, a support wall 22 and two second side rails 23. The second slide surfaces 23 are arranged to cooperate with the first slide bearing surfaces 13, so that the second half-link 20 is arranged to be mounted on the first half-link 10 in a sliding connection in order to form a locking member. The term sliding link should be understood in the broad sense, and other means of cooperation in translation of the two half-links can be envisaged.

The closure plate 40 is a wall designed to be housed in the slot 12 of the first half-link 10, so as to trap the springs 50 between the closure plate 40 and the supporting wall 22 of the second half-link 20 as show it figure 4 . Provision can be made for the closure plate 40, once mounted in the slot 12, to remain in position due to a tight fitting provided for, or by virtue of an elastic locking element (clipping), or a locking by a pin or a screw, or a dot of glue, or even a solder.

• une première portion d'attache A prévue pour s'attacher de manière amovible sur une des premières barrettes 101 du boîtier de montre 100,
• et une deuxième portion d'attache B comprenant une ouverture de passage formée ici par une fente 60 définie par la deuxième barrette 30, agencée pour attacher le brin souple 200.

The attachment device of the figure 1 makes it possible to attach the flexible strand 200 in a removable manner to a watch case 100 comprising two first attachment interfaces such as two first bars 101 (visible figure 8 uniquely). To this end, as shown by figures 4 and 5 , the attachment device comprises:

• a first attachment portion A provided to be detachably attached to one of the first bars 101 of the watch case 100,
• and a second attachment portion B comprising a passage opening formed here by a slot 60 defined by the second bar 30, arranged to attach the flexible strand 200.

As seen above in the particular example of an interchangeability device, the second half-link 20 is movable in translation with respect to the first half-link 10 and can occupy a locking position ( figure 4 ) or an open position ( figure 5 ).

As shown in the figure 4 which is a cross section of the fastening device of the figure 1 , the second half-link 20 forming a locking member, is pushed by the springs 50 into a locking position. In this locking position, the clasp portion 21 of the second half-link 20 is opposite and above the spout 11 of the first half-link 10, so that the groove formed by the spout 11 is closed. The fastening device is thus locked on the watch case if a first bar 101 of the watch case is engaged in the groove formed by the spout 11.

The figure 5 shows the cross section of the fastening device of the figure 1 , with the second half-link 20 forming the locking member in an open position. Indeed, under the action of a user, the second half-link 20 has been pushed to the left, compressing the springs 50, which allows the clasp portion 21 to release the groove formed by the spout 11. Accordingly, the user can attach or detach the fastening device from the watch case.

The second half-link 20 is in one piece and / or in one piece, and can be ordered directly by the user. There is no need to provide an attached control button, which provides a fastening device with few components, and few assembly operations. In other words, the second half-link 20 is intended to be actuated directly by the user, without intermediate parts, to unlock the fastening device.

The figure 6 shows a top view of the fastening device, where it can be seen that the second fastening portion B comprises the slot 60 formed by the second bar 30 and the rest of the fastening device (in particular the horns 14 of the first half link 10 and the notch 24 of the second half-link 20). The slot 60 (hatched to be clearly visible) forms a loop and its dimensions are designed to easily receive the flexible strand 200. The width of the slot 60 is typically greater than or equal to 20 mm, and its width is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

In this top view, it is noted that the width of the first attachment portion A is markedly less than the width of the slot 60, so that the attachment device shown makes it possible to attach a flexible strand 200 of the NATO type. for example on a watch case which cannot itself form a loop for such a type of flexible strand, without deforming or bending the strand.

The figure 7 represents a section of the top view of the figure 6 , where we see the springs 50 mounted between the closing plate 40 and the supporting wall 22. Note that the closing plate 40 and the supporting wall 22 both include blind holes 41 and 220 respectively, so that the overall size is reduced and assembly facilitated because the blind holes pre-position the springs 50.

It can also be noted that the first slide bearing surfaces 13 are completely nested with the second slide bearing surfaces 23 when the second half-link 20 is in the locking position.

Le premier demi-maillon 10 et le deuxième demi-maillon 20 présentent tous deux des dimensions qui permettent d'être fabriqués par des technologies de fabrication traditionnelle.Finally, the first half-link 10 has a first width L10 and the second half-link 20 has a second similar width L20, with for example: $$\mathrm{0.8}\times \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="10"\; label="L"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">L</figure-callout>}\mathrm{10}<\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="20"\; label="L"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">L</figure-callout>}\mathrm{20}<\mathrm{1.2}\times \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="10"\; label="L"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">L</figure-callout>}\mathrm{10}$$

The first half-link 10 and the second half-link 20 both have dimensions which allow them to be manufactured by traditional manufacturing technologies.

The figure 8 shows a watch case 100 comprising two first bars 101, with an attachment device coupled to each of them via the first attachment portion A, and a flexible strand 200 (single strand) is attached to the two attachment devices via their second attachment portion B. The second half-link 20 of each attachment device forms a locking member that is easy to actuate for the user, since it is accessible directly from above.

In addition, as seen above, even if the watch case 100 has first bars and / or an inter-lug distance incompatible with a flexible strand of standard width, the two attachment devices provide the possibility of attaching this. type of single-strand strap on the watch case.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

In particular, reference is made to the first bars 101 of the watch case 100, but it is possible to envisage designing the first attachment portion A to be compatible with any other attachment interface of the watch case 100: a tenon, or a comb for example ...

Furthermore, the particular example of an interchangeability device on the watch case is not limiting, and other opening - closing systems for attaching - detaching the attachment devices on the watch case can be provided. .

Claims (13)

Watch strap designed to be attached to a watch case (100) comprising two first attachment interfaces such as two first bars (101), said watch strap comprising: - a flexible strand (200), - two attachment devices each comprising: - a first attachment portion (A) arranged to attach to one of the first attachment interfaces of the watch case (100), - a second attachment portion (B) comprising a passage opening such as a slot (60) formed by a second bar (30), arranged to cooperate with the flexible strand, in which each passage opening forms a loop in which the flexible strand (200) is slidably arranged
characterized in that each first attachment portion (A) is arranged to be actuated directly by a user so as to be attached in a removable manner to one of the first attachment interfaces of the watch case (100). Bracelet according to claim 1, in which the flexible strand (200) is a single-strand bracelet, comprising at least one pin buckle closure. Bracelet according to one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the passage opening of each fastening device has a length at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm. Bracelet according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which a width of the passage opening is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. Bracelet according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which at least one passage opening is a slot (60) formed by a second bar (30) removably mounted on one of the fastening devices. Bracelet according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first attachment portion (A) is arranged to attach to one of the first bars (101) which has a free length of less than 12 mm. Bracelet according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the flexible strand (200) is a fabric bracelet, preferably of the NATO type. Attachment device, for example for a bracelet according to one of the preceding claims and arranged to be attached to a watch case (100) comprising at least a first attachment interface such as a first bar (101), the attachment device comprising: - a first attachment portion (A) arranged to be detachably attached to one of the first attachment interfaces of the watch case (100), - a second attachment portion (B) comprising a passage opening (60) arranged to attach the bracelet, such as a slot (60) defined by a second bar (30), characterized in that a length of the passage opening is arranged to form a loop for the flexible strand (200). Fastening device according to the preceding claim, in which a length of the passage opening is at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm, to allow a flexible strand (200) of NATO type to slide. in the passage opening. Fastening device according to one of Claims 8 or 9, in which a width of the passage opening (60) is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. Fastening device according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the passage opening is a slot formed by a second bar (30) removably mounted on the fastening device. Attachment device according to one of claims 8 to 11, in which the first attachment portion (A) is arranged to attach to a first bar (101) having a free length of less than 12 mm. Wristwatch, comprising: - a watch case (100), - a bracelet according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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