FR2694484A1 - Mounting appts for fixing wrist-watch onto flat strap - uses latched connecting pin free to rotate at one end mounted in body of element - Google Patents

Abstract

The appts. comprises a connecting pin (3) suitable to be threaded through the end of a flat strap (11) or bracelet in order to connect an element (1) such as a wrist watch. The connecting pin (3) is equipped at one end with a pivot (4) allowing it to be rotated to an angle from its normal position allowing the strap (11) to be threaded onto the pin (3). The free end (9) of the pin (3) is locked into position in a slot (8) in the body of the element (1) by one of a number of latch mechanisms. The pin (3) can be moved to the open position to connect or disconnect the strap or bracelet (11) without the use of special tools. USE - Simple connection of wrist watch to strap without the need for special tools or expertise.

Description

DEVICE FOR FIXING AN ELONGATED FLAT BODY ONTO A
ELEMENT AND WATCH STRAP COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
The invention relates mainly to a device for fixing a flat body lying on an element, in particular to the fixing of a bracelet on a watch bracelet.

 The use in devices for fixing elongated flat bodies, such as belts, bracelets or belts is extremely common. The elongated body is frequently attached to an object by a loop surrounding a rod secured to a support at its two ends. In this type of fastening device, the release of the elongated flat body requires the withdrawal of the rod (in the case where the loop is not broken) while the installation of the elongated flat body requires the replacement of the rod. An axial translation of at least part of the rod allows it to be put in place or removed. For example, in the case of watch straps, the rod is removed, either by forcing it through a calibrated orifice, or by temporarily reducing the length of a telescopic rod.

 This operation requires, in most cases, great skill and / or the implementation of tools.

 Thus, a watchmaker will be used to replace a defective bracelet.

The need to have recourse to a person skilled in the art is more troublesome in the case where one wishes to temporarily change the bracelet to, for example, match its color to the color of the clothes. Solutions have been proposed comprising a bracelet associated with a watch support comprising means for fixing the watch to the bracelet. The presence of this support increases the size of the watch strap, which goes against current requirements. In addition, the problem of fixing the bracelet to the support is solved, in most cases, by conventional rods.
The problem of fixing the bracelet becomes essential in the case of watch bracelets using a continuous inextensible bracelet, that is to say without closure. To remove this type of watch bracelet, the bracelet must be removed. It is essential to facilitate the progress of this operation which has become daily.

 It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for fixing an elongated flat body, for easy handling.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fixing device that does not require tools for its implementation.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device ensuring reliable fixing.

 These objects are achieved by a device for fixing an elongated flat body, comprising a loop, on an element comprising a rod rotating around an axis which is not parallel to the axis of the rod.

 A first alternative embodiment comprises a rod secured at a first of its ends with a part forming a hub inclined relative to the rod and mounted for rotation, for example in a housing of the element, allowing the rod to assume a first position. in which the two ends of the rod ensuring mechanical contact with the element prevent the passage of the loop and a second position in which the second end is released from the element to allow the loop to be threaded from the elongated flat body on the rod.

 A second alternative embodiment comprises a fork, a first tooth of which forms the rod and a second tooth forms an axis of rotation which is not parallel to the axis of the rod.

 Advantageously, the device comprises means for locking the second end of the rod in the first position.

 The invention mainly relates to a device for fixing an elongated flat body comprising a closed loop on an element, the device comprising a rod to be threaded in the loop and means for securing the two ends of the rod with the element, characterized in that it comprises means for guiding the rod in rotation about an axis having a non-zero angle a with the axis of the rod to allow the rod to assume a first closed configuration in which the two ends of the rod bear on said element and a second open configuration in which a second end of the rod is released from the element by a sufficient distance to allow the loop of the flat elongated body to be threaded on the rod or at otherwise remove this loop from the rod.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises a bar comprising the rod, as well as a part forming a hub extending the rod to a first of its ends, the part forming a hub being inclined relative to the rod and rotatably mounted relative to said element.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises means for locking in rotation the second end of the bar in a housing of said element.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the element comprises a housing for receiving the part forming a hub.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the housing for receiving the part forming a hub is tapped and in that the part forming a hub is threaded.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the locking means comprise a latch.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the locking means comprise a bolt rotating around an axis of the rod in its closed condition.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the element comprises a housing for receiving the second end of the bar comprising a recess of width greater than the width of an opening O of the housing and in that the bar has an elasticity ensuring the maintenance of its second end in this recess.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that at least part of the bar is capable of moving in translation, along the axis of the rod and / or along the axis of the part forming a hub, between a first long configuration in which the second end of the bar enters its housing in the element ensuring its blocking in rotation about the axis of the part forming a hub, and a second short configuration in which the second end of the bar of the housing allows the rotation of the bar around the axis of the part forming the hub and in that it comprises return means now resting the bar in the first long configuration.

 The invention also relates to a device characterized in that it comprises a pusher comprising a first rod substantially parallel to the rod of the bar and a second rod with an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the part forming a hub. .

 The invention also relates to a device characterized in that the second rod of the pusher is oriented along the axis of the part forming a hub.

 The invention also relates to a device characterized in that the second rod of the pusher has substantially the same length as the rod of the bar.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises a fork comprising two non-parallel teeth, a first tooth forming the rod to be threaded in the loop of the elongated flat body and a second tooth, each end of which is ends with a pivot, forming an axis of rotation of the fork.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the second tooth of the fork is substantially straight.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the second tooth of the fork has a curved section surrounding the rod.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that at least one of the pivots is mounted on a spring allowing the translation of the fork along its axis of rotation with a view to its dismantling.

 The invention also relates to a watch strap, characterized in that it comprises at least one, preferably two, fixing device (s) according to the invention ensuring the fixing of the strap to the watch.

 The invention also relates to a watch bracelet, characterized in that the bracelet is an inextensible continuous bracelet.

The invention will be better understood by means of the description below and the appended figures given as nonlimiting examples and in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention
- Figure 2 is a bottom view of the device of Figure 1 ;;
- Figure 3 is a bottom view of a watch according to the present invention
- Figure 4 has sectional views illustrating a first embodiment of a locking device capable of being implemented in the device according to the present invention
- Figure 5 includes sectional views of a second embodiment of a locking device capable of being implemented in the device according to the present invention
- Figure 6 includes sectional views of a third embodiment of a locking device capable of being implemented in the device according to the present invention
- Figure 7 is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a locking device capable of being implemented in the device according to the present invention
- Figure 8 includes perspective views of the locking device of a watch according to the present invention
- Figure 9 includes perspective views of the locking device of the preferred embodiment of a watch according to the present invention
- Figure 10 includes perspective views of an embodiment of a watch locking device according to the present invention
- Figure 11 is a perspective view of a locking device of a watch according to the present invention
- Figure 12 includes top views of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention
- Figure 13 includes views of an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 12
- Figure 14 includes top views of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention
FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the device in FIG. 14.

 In FIGS. 1 to 15, the same references have been used to designate the same elements.

 In FIG. 1, one can see an element 1 provided with a device for fixing an elongated flat body comprising a bar 2. The bar 2 comprises, on the one hand, a rod 3 at a first end of which is disposed a part 4 forming a hub whose axis 5 is inclined at an angle a with respect to an axis 6 of the rod 3. The part 4 forming a hub is mounted for rotation relative to the element 1.

 For example, the part 4 forming a hub is a part of revolution, for example cylindrical or conical, arranged in a housing formed in the element 1 of complementary shape.

 Advantageously, the housing for receiving the part 4 forming a hub is tapped, while the part 4 forming a hub is threaded.

 Advantageously, the axis 5 of the part 4 forming a hub is inclined so that, in a closed condition, the axis 6 of the rod 3 parallel to the edge of the elongated flat body which is to be fixed on the element 1 , or for example parallel to the edge of said element 1.

 The second end 7 of the rod 3 and, consequently of the bar 2, is, in a closed condition, in a housing 8 formed in the element 1 comprising an opening O. During the rotation of the part 4 forming a hub , the rod 3 describes a conical surface. The circular arc described by the second end 7 of the rod 3 (and of the bar 2) bears the reference 9 in FIG. 1. One then places oneself in the open condition illustrated in FIG. 2.

The extension of the rod 3 makes it possible to thread the loop 10 of an elongated body 11. The rotation in opposite direction of the part 4 forming a hub makes it possible to bring the second end 7 of the rod 3 through the opening O in its housing 8 and thus to prevent the disengagement of the elongated body 11.

 The device according to the present invention makes it possible to fix an elongated body comprising a closed loop on any element 1 and in particular on a piece of leather goods, a bag, luggage or a sporting article.

However, this fixing device makes it possible to fix an extremely advantageous strap 1 1 on a watch strap 1, as illustrated in FIG. 3. This fixing is particularly advantageous in the case where the strap 1 1 is of single piece, for example in inextensible leather and without closure.

 Although the second end 7 of the rod 3 can be retained in the housing 8, by the friction forces alone, it is extremely advantageous to provide the device according to the present invention with a locking device. Various examples of locking devices capable of being implemented in the device according to the present invention are illustrated in Figures 4 to 11. Figures 4a to 6a, 8b to 10b show the device according to the present invention in an open condition. Figures 4b, 5c, 6b, 8a to 1 0a and 1 1 show the device according to the present invention in a closed condition. Figure 5b shows the device according to the present invention in an intermediate position.

 In Figure 4, we can see a locking device comprising a latch 12 for closing the opening O of the housing 8. By releasing the latch 12, it is possible to penetrate or extract the end 7 of the rod 3 of the housing 8.

 In FIG. 5, one can see a ratchet locking device 13.

 In FIG. 5a, the end 7 of the rod 3 enters the housing 8 through the opening O. As illustrated in FIG. 5b, it separates the pawl 13 which closes behind it, as illustrated in FIG. 5c.

 The extraction of the rod 3 from the housing 8 requires significant traction which, once again, will move the pawl 13 apart.

 In Figure 6, we can see a locking device having at the bottom a recess 14 formed in one of the walls of the housing 8. When the end of the rod 3 enters its housing 8, it is housed in enlargement 14. Advantageously, it is held there by the elasticity of the rod 2 symbolized by the arrow 16 in FIG. 6b.

 In FIG. 7, one can see an embodiment of the device according to the present invention comprising a rod 2 capable of being translated along the axis 6 of the bar 2, symbolized by the arrow 17, and / or according to l axis 5 of the part 4 forming a hub, as symbolized by the arrow 18.

Advantageously, the housing 8 at the end 7 of the bar 2 does not have an opening O. Thus, the rotation of the bar 2, when its second end 7 is located inside the housing 8, is impossible. This corresponds to the closed condition. We pass to the open condition by translating the bar 2 according to arrow 17 and / or arrow 18, so as to release the end 7 of the bar 2 from its housing 8 followed by a rotation around the axis 5 of part 4 forming a hub.

 The translation along arrow 17 is made possible, for example, by a telescopic rod 3, advantageously equipped with a return spring ensuring the extension to the maximum length of the rod 3.

 The translation along arrow 18 is made possible, either by a part 4 forming a telescopic hub, or, as illustrated in the figure, by the sliding of the part 4 forming a hub in its housing formed in element 1. Advantageously, this housing is fitted with a return spring 19.

 The device according to the present invention is advantageously provided with means (not shown) preventing, in open condition, the complete withdrawal of the rod 2.

 In FIGS. 8 to 11, the locking device for the end 7 of the rod 2 of a watch according to the present invention has been shown. These figures are perspective views from below of an embodiment detail of the watch case comprising the rod locking device 2 which is only partially shown.

 In FIG. 8, we can see a locking device comprising a part 20 forming a rotary bolt whose axis of rotation merges with the axis 6 of the rod 3 in the closed condition. The part 20 forming a rotary bolt has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an open longitudinal recess forming the housing 8 for receiving the second end 7 of the bar 2. The part 20 is arranged in a cylindrical housing 21 opening onto the opening O.

 In the open condition, the rotation of the element 20 directs the housing 8 in the direction of the opening O. The end 7 of the bar 2 then passes through this opening to enter the housing 8 of the part 20. The rotation of the part 20 allows the passage in closed condition, in which the part 20 ensures the maintenance of the end 7 of the bar 2 in the housing 8.

 In a first embodiment, the drive in rotation of the part 20, for the passage between the open and closed conditions, is obtained by means of a part (not shown) accessible to the wearer of the watch.

 In a second embodiment, in the open condition, the penetration of the end 7 of the bar 2 into the housing 8 causes the part 20 to rotate and the passage to the closed condition. Advantageously, locking means are provided for keeping the part 20 in the closed condition. Advantageously, return means ensure the passage into the open position when the locking means (not shown) are unlocked from the part 20 in the closed condition.

 In FIG. 9, one can see the preferred embodiment of the wristwatch according to the present invention comprising a rotary latch 22 of axis 23 perpendicular to the plane formed by the watch. In a closed condition shown in Figure 9a, the latch 22 obstructs the opening O of the housing 8. The rotation about the axis 23 of the latch 22 frees the passage and allows to enter or exit the end 7 of the bar 2 in slot 8.

 Advantageously, the latch 22 is directly accessible from the periphery of the watch.

 In a first variant, the latch 22 is kept in closed condition by friction.

 In an alternative embodiment, the latch 22 is provided with locking means in the closed position, for example by latching means.

 In Figure 10, we can see an alternative embodiment of the locking device comprising a substantially cylindrical latch 24 having a recess 25 extending substantially over half of its diameter. The latch 24 is capable of turning around an axis 26 substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the watch according to the invention.

When the opening 25 is directed opposite the bar 2, the latch 24 obstructs the opening O and ensures the confinement of the end 7 of the bar 2 in its housing 8.

 On the contrary, as illustrated in FIG. 10 b, when the opening 25 is directed towards the bar 2, its end 7 can come out or enter the housing 8. The part 24 is, for example, operated by a wheel accessible from the periphery of the housing, not shown.

 In FIG. 11, one can see a housing 8 at the end 7 of the bar 2 comprising a recess 14 in which this end is held by the elasticity of the bar 2.

 The transition to open condition is obtained by pressing along arrow 27 on rod 3 of bar 2, possibly followed by traction according to arrow 28.

 The transition to the closed condition is obtained by a push in the opposite direction of the arrow 28, the end 7 of the bar 2 coming automatically to take place in the recess 14.

 In Figures 12a, 13a and 12b, 13b, we can see two embodiments of a second variant of the device according to the invention respectively in a closed condition and an open condition. The device comprises a fork 29 comprising two teeth: a first tooth is constituted by the rod 3 and a second tooth is constituted by an axis of rotation 30 rotatably mounted relative to the element 1 on a first pivot 31 disposed at one end close to the end 7 of the rod 3 and around a pivot 32 arranged for example at the opposite end of the axis 30. However, a different arrangement of the pivot 32, for example instead of the base of the fork 29 at mid distance between the axis 30 and the rod 3, does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

 The pivot 31 and / or 32 are advantageously mounted on a spring allowing the translation of the fork 29 with a view to its removal or its replacement. The proper functioning of the device according to the invention requires compliance with the strict tolerances of the relative orientation of the axis 5 of the axis of rotation 30 and of the axis 6 of the rod 3. In the event that the tolerances are not more respected, for example as a result of significant traction or impact, it is possible to replace the fork 29 with a new fork respecting the desired tolerances.

 The rotation of the fork 29 mounted on the pivots 31 and 32, around the axis 5, allows the passage from the closed condition to the open condition, and vice versa. The rod 3 is advantageously locked in the closed condition by a locking device illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 11.

 In the advantageous example illustrated in FIG. 12, the axis of rotation 30 includes a curved part 33 which avoids contact with the rod 3 by partially winding around this rod. Thus, it is possible to produce a more compact fork 29. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 comprises a rectilinear axis of rotation 30 which is easier to produce, giving greater bulk to the fork 29.

 In Figure 14a, we can see an embodiment of a third variant of the device according to the present invention in a closed condition, in Figure 1 4b in the process of opening and in Figure 1 4c in an open condition . The device of FIG. 14 corresponds substantially to the device of FIG. 7, equipped with more than one plunger 34 making it possible to translate the bar 2, to compress the spring 19 and consequently to release the end 7 of the bar 2. The pusher 34 comprises a rod 35 substantially parallel to the rod 2, a connecting piece 36 and a rod 37 advantageously of axis 5.

 By pressing on the rod 37 the spring 19 is compressed and ensures the translation of the bar 2 so as to release the end 7 of its housing 8 to allow rotation around the axis 5 of the part 4 forming a hub.

 The passage in closed condition is carried out by ensuring the rotation of the bar 2 near the closed condition, by pressing on the rod 37, by continuing the rotation until the end 7 of the bar 2 is facing to the housing 8 and by releasing the stress exerted on the rod 37.

The end of the rod 2 engages in the housing 8 ensuring the locking of the device.

 In Figure 15, we can see an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 14 whose pusher 34 and in particular the rod 35 extends substantially over the entire width of the watch parallel to the rod 3. The rod 37 is housed in a recess 38 formed in the watch case, its penetrating end, in closed condition in an opening 39 opening onto an external lateral face of the case easily accessible to the wearer of the watch. By pressing, according to arrow 40, for example with a pen tip on the end of the rod 37, the spring 19 is compressed and the simultaneous translation of the pusher 34, with release of the end of the rod 37 from the opening 39 and of the rod 3 with release of the end 7 of the housing 8. Thus, the device of FIG. 15 comprises a double locking at the level of the end 7 of the rod 3, housed in the housing 8 and from the end of the rod 37 engaged in the opening 39 passing through the watch case.

 The possibility of access, through one of the lateral faces of the watch case to the end of the rod 37 facilitates the operation of the device according to the present invention.

 The invention applies to the production of any device for fixing elongated bodies, in particular elongated flat bodies comprising a closed loop on an element, and in particular to the fixing of belts, belts, bracelets or handles.

 The invention mainly applies to the fixing of bracelets to a watch bracelet.

Claims (18)

 1. Device for fixing an elongated flat body comprising a closed loop (10) on an element, the device (1) comprising a rod (3) to be threaded into the loop (10) and means for securing the two ends of the rod (3) with the element (1), characterized in that it comprises means for guiding the rod (3) in rotation about an axis having a non-zero angle a with the axis (6 ) of the rod (3) to allow the rod (3) to take a first closed configuration in which the two ends of the rod (3) bear on said element (1) and a second open configuration in which a second end (7) of the rod (3) is released from the element (1) by a sufficient distance to allow threading the loop (10) of the elongated flat body (11) on the rod (3) or on the contrary d 'remove this loop (10) from the rod (3).  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a bar (2) comprising the rod (3), as well as a part (4) forming a hub extending the rod (3) at a first of its ends, the part (4) forming a hub being inclined relative to the rod (3) and rotatably mounted relative to said element (1).  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means (12, 13, 14, 20, 22, 24) for locking in rotation the second end (7) of the bar (2) in a housing (8) of said element (1).  4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the element (1) comprises a housing for receiving the part (4) forming a hub.  5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing for receiving the part (4) forming a hub is tapped and in that the part (4) forming a hub is threaded.  6. Device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking means comprise a latch (12, 22, 24).  7. Device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking means comprise a bolt (20) rotating about an axis (6) of the rod (3) in its closed condition.  8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (1) comprises a housing (8) for receiving the second end (7) of the bar (2) comprising a recess (14) of width greater than the width of an opening (O) of the housing (8) and in that the bar (2) has an elasticity ensuring that its second end (7) is maintained in this recess (14).  9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the bar (2) is capable of moving in translation, along the axis (6) of the rod (3) and / or along the axis (5) of the part (4) forming a hub, between a first long configuration in which the second end (7) of the bar (2) enters its housing (8) in the element (1) ensuring the blocking in rotation around the axis (5) of the part (4) forming a hub, and a second short configuration in which the second end (7) of the bar (2) of the housing (8) allows the rotation of the bar (2) around the axis (5) of the part (4) forming a hub and in that it comprises return means now resting the bar (2) in the first long configuration.  10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pusher (34) comprising a first rod (35) substantially parallel to the rod (3) of the bar (2) as well as a second rod d axis substantially parallel to the axis (5) of the part (4) forming a hub.  11. Device according to claim 10 characterized in that the second rod (37) of the pusher (34) is oriented along the axis (5) of the part (4) forming a hub.  12. Device according to claim 10 or 11 characterized in that the second rod (37) of the pusher (34) has substantially the same length as the rod (3) of the bar (2).  13. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fork (29) comprising two non-parallel teeth, a first tooth forming the rod (3) to be threaded into the loop (10) of the elongated flat body and a second tooth, each end of which ends in a pivot (31,32), forming an axis of rotation (30) of the fork (29).  14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second tooth (30) of the fork (29) is substantially straight.  15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second tooth (30) of the fork (29) has a curved section (33) surrounding the rod (3).  16. Device according to claim 13, 14, or 15, characterized in that at least one of the pivots (31,32) is mounted on a spring allowing the translation of the fork (29) along its axis of rotation (30) in view of its disassembly.  17. Watch strap, characterized in that it comprises at least one, preferably two, fixing device (s) according to any one of the preceding claims ensuring the fixing of the strap to the watch.  18. Watch strap according to claim 17, characterized in that the strap (11) is a continuous, inextensible bracelet.