EP4129113B1 - Secure loop - Google Patents

Description

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

A folding clasp is a type of watch strap clasp. The folding clasp includes a system of articulated arms which deploy to open the bracelet and which can fold back on itself when closing, on the inside of the bracelet. Such a closure system makes it possible to never untie the two parts of the watch strap, and is generally not likely to open unexpectedly.

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

In order to prevent unintentional opening of the buckle, safety systems have been developed to lock the buckle closed. For example, one or two push buttons may be located on the side of the buckle housing, or a flap may be provided on the buckle. In these two systems, the user presses the buttons or unfolds the flap to allow the buckle to be deployed. The document CH 657 763 describes such an example of a folding clasp.

However, classic folding clasps can be quite easily unlocked by a malicious person, while some watches are real valuable objects, since you have to press the buttons on the buckle to unlock it. A pickpocket or a well-trained thief can thus steal a worn watch.

A watch comprising a user monitoring device and whose bracelet cannot be opened by the user is described in the document US 2008/0267014 . The clasp of the bracelet is of the deployant type and includes a locking system to connect two links and thus close the bracelet. The locking system comprises two hooks pivotally mounted in one of the two links and which engage in openings in the other link and are held in these openings by return springs. A keyway is integral in rotation with two cams. These two cams rotate the two hooks against the action of their return springs, to allow them to disengage from the openings and thus unlock the clasp, when the keyway is turned.

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

For this purpose, the invention proposes a folding clasp according to claim 1.

The deployant buckle according to the invention comprises a lower arm and an upper arm articulated relative to each other, a return buckle hinged on the upper arm, the buckle being able to take a folded position in which the upper arm is folded on the lower arm and the return loop is folded on the upper arm, in a longitudinal direction of the loop, and a locking system partly housed between the return loop and the upper arm to lock the loop in the folded position, the locking system that can be unlocked by a unique means or only known by and/or available to the wearer, namely a removable external element consisting of a key.

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

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

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

It is possible to provide a locking recess with an increasing diameter in the sliding direction, with a blocking zone, of diameter less than a maximum diameter of the locking pin, and a passage zone of diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the locking pin . Thus, by sliding the drawer, the dimension of the recess opposite the locking pin can be varied, to allow or not the head of the locking pin to pass through the recess.

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

According to one embodiment, the drawer has a side passage for inserting the key, the key being able to align the pistons to allow the drawer to be unlocked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the drawings, the same or similar elements are indicated with the same or similar reference numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

A locking system 30 is provided to lock the closure of the return loop. The locking system 30 comprises a lock-type mechanism 40 which can only be unlocked with a removable associated unlocking tool, namely a key 90. The associated unlocking tool is preferably unique, and/or only known by and available to the wearer of the bracelet incorporating the folding clasp.

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

Springs and pistons, otherwise called pins, are sized to form a key pattern, varying the length of each piston and/or the stiffness and length of each spring.

When the springs 42 are at rest, the pistons 46, 47 open into a drawer 50, which includes a lateral passage 52 for inserting the key 90.

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

In the embodiment shown, the slide 53 is fixed on the return loop 20.

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

The locking pin 35 projects from the lower arm 10 towards the return loop, with a rod 37, fixed on the lower arm 10 and a head 39, of width or diameter greater than the rod 37 ( Figure 3 ).

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

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

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

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

In the example illustrated, the return spring 64 is a leaf spring in flexion. Other types of return spring can be provided, for example a helical spring positioned on the side wall of the return loop, opposite the drawer.

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

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

As an option, it can be provided that the key inserted in the drawer presses on the pistons, unlocking the pistons and causing the pistons to come out of the drawer 50, in one embodiment.

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

We understand that the external and removable tool element, namely the key, is essential for unlocking, but also for locking the buckle in the folded position.

A method of unlocking a folding clasp 1 is illustrated in Figure 6 , in reference to the loop described in the figures 1 to 5a-5b .

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

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

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

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

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

For example, provision can be made to provide a user with a set of associated unlocking means, each means of the set being removable and capable of unlocking the buckle. On the one hand, this makes it possible to compensate for a possible loss of the unlocking tool. On the other hand, an additional unlocking tool can be designed to be able to be held in place in the folding clasp, once locked, by a device for holding the tool in the buckle. This option is useful when anti-theft protection is not needed, and the unlocking tool can remain on the watch. this allows to avoid having to search for the tool, especially when the user is at home or with family. Preferably, the additional unlocking tool is designed to be held in the folding clasp so as to be little or not visible when the additional tool is in place in or on the buckle. The gripping part of the additional unlocking tool (key) can be reduced so as not to protrude beyond the buckle.

In summary, it remains to be noted that the present invention provides a deployant clasp locking system, with an individual or personalized, external and removable locking/unlocking tool (key). Thus, unlocking the folding clasp requires a unique means or only known by/available to the wearer, external and removable, preventing pickpocketing of the watch.

Claims (7)

1. Deployant buckle (1) comprising

   - a lower arm (10) and an upper arm (12) which are articulated with respect to each other and a return buckle (20) articulated on the upper arm (12), the deployant buckle (1) being able to adopt a folded position in which the upper arm is folded over the lower arm and the return buckle is folded over the upper arm, in a longitudinal direction of the deployant buckle (1),

   - a locking system (30) partly housed between the return buckle (20) and the upper arm (12) in order to lock the deployant buckle (1) in the folded position,

   characterised in that the locking system (30) comprises a lock (40) with pistons and springs and can be unlocked by means of a removable key (90), the pattern of which is associated with the lock (40), and in that the locking system (30) comprises a drawer (48, 50) into which the pistons (46) extend when the springs (42) are at rest in order to block the sliding of the drawer (48, 50), this drawer (48, 50) comprising a lateral passage (52) for introduction of the key (90) therein, the key (90) being able to align the pistons (46) in order to allow the sliding of the drawer (48, 50) and thus to permit the unfolding of the deployant buckle (1).
2. Deployant buckle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawer (48, 50) has a locking recess (54) cooperating with a locking stud (35), the locking stud (35) being inserted in the locking recess (54) when the deployant buckle (1) is in the folded position.
3. Deployant buckle as claimed in claim 2, the drawer (48, 50) being fixed on the upper arm (12) or the return buckle (20), and the locking stud (35) being fixed on the lower arm (10).
4. Deployant buckle as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking recess (54) has a diameter increasing in the direction in which the drawer (48, 50) slides, with a blocking zone (56) of a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the locking stud (35), and a passing zone (58) of a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the locking stud (35).
5. Deployant buckle as claimed in claim 4, comprising a return spring (64) to return the drawer (48, 50) to a position in which the locking stud (35) is in the blocking zone (56) when the deployant buckle (1) is in the folded position.
6. Watch bracelet comprising a deployant buckle (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. Watch comprising a deployant buckle (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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