TW201300041A - Clasp suitable for timepiece strap - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp (1) suitable for a timepiece strap comprising a first and a second strands having corresponding first and second free ends, and comprising a buckle (2) for connecting the first free end of the strap and defining a passage (18) for the second free end of the strap. The clasp comprises a locking member (26) for engaging with the second strand of the strap so as to ensure a locking thereof in the longitudinal direction of the strap. The buckle (2) comprises a first transverse frame (4) that at least defines one wall of a recess for receiving the first free end, and comprises at least one fixing member (20) for being engaged with the first free end of the strap so as to connect it with the first transverse frame.

Description

Fasteners for watch straps

The present invention relates to a fastener suitable for use in a timepiece band comprising a first segment and a second segment having respective first and second free ends. The fastener includes a buckle for attaching the first free end of the strap and providing a passage for the second free end of the strap, and a second segment for engaging the strap to secure its lock in the longitudinal direction of the strap Solid locking member.

Most of the fasteners including the first free end and the second free end have a buckle that is assembled by a rod (wound if necessary) to the first free end of the strap, wherein the ends are adapted to buckle Engage in the holes in the side frames of the ring. A hole is provided in the first free end of the strap to provide a passage for the pin that is rotatably mounted on the fixed rod of the buckle. The pin is also used to fit a hole provided in the second section of the strap to ensure its locking in the longitudinal direction of the strap.

However, these fasteners are very inconvenient to use tools to replace the buckle, the fixed rod and the pin.

In addition, since it is preferable to fold one of the free ends of one of the straps to provide a seat for the fixing rod according to the width of the strap, the manufacture of the corresponding strap is complicated, especially when the strap is made of leather or fabric. . Especially when making an advanced strap (usually made of leather), this folded portion may not be aesthetically pleasing and the strap needs to be wrapped to hide it. In addition, sewing is usually done on the strap to ensure that the folded portion is strong and durable.

One of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable fastener of simple construction that can be replaced without the need for tools, and which also simplifies the method of making the corresponding strap.

To this end, the invention relates in particular to a fastener of the above type, characterized in that the buckle has a first transverse frame defining at least one wall of the socket, a first free end for receiving the watch band, and The first free end of the strap is coupled to the at least one securing member that is coupled to the first cross frame.

Due to the presence of these features, the fastener has a different strap fastening means than the prior art described above, and more specifically a simplified manner. In addition, the fastener is provided with a slot for the free end of the strap, so that it is not necessary to implement the complicated slot of the conventional fixing rod as described above.

The buckle preferably has a side frame to which the first cross frame is coupled for rotation relative to the side frame.

Because of this feature, the second free end of the strap can be more easily inserted through the buckle, and the wearer's comfort is improved because the strap better fits the wearer's wrist curve.

More specifically, it is contemplated that the first cross frame has at least one lug disposed to cooperate with the first and second stops disposed on the at least one side frame and to define a rotation of the first cross frame relative to the side frame Angle range.

Thus, since the buckle will encounter the stopper when it is rotated to keep it moving in the proper direction, the operation of the user when attaching the strap to the wrist can be simplified.

According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, it is also conceivable that the first transverse frame has a main bar which is mounted in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the watch band. And each end has a bent portion defining an edge and is assembled on the corresponding side frame so as to be rotatable.

In this case, the assembly between the edges and the respective side frames is preferably achieved by screwing to the edge and freely rotating one of the screws in the side frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing member has at least one stud, preferably at least two, the stud comprising a main one of the first members, the first member being substantially cylindrical and substantially in correspondence with the first cross frame Extending in the vertical direction for matching the corresponding hole of the first free end of the strap. There is a second component on the first component having a lateral dimension greater than the first component to ensure that the first free end of the strap is secured to the first component.

This feature not only ensures that the first free end of the strap is securely fastened to the fastener, but also facilitates the lifting.

Furthermore, the locking member is preferably located on the buckle away from the first cross frame. In particular, it is contemplated that the locking member is located on the second cross frame of the buckle.

Additionally, the locking member can have at least one stud comprising a primary one of the first members, the first member being generally cylindrical and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the second cross frame for engaging the strap A corresponding hole of the second segment has a second member having a lateral dimension greater than a lateral dimension of the first member to ensure that the second segment of the strap is secured to the first member.

Preferably, the stud of the fixing member on one side and the stud of the locking member on the other side extend on both sides of the intermediate plane through the first cross frame and the second cross frame, respectively.

This enhances the robustness of the strap in the fastener.

Furthermore, the present invention further relates to a timepiece for a timepiece comprising a free end for engaging a fastener conforming to the above features, and having at least one perforation adapted to its respective thickness to fit the fastening means of the fastener .

In summary, the manufacture of such a strap is greatly simplified compared to the straps of the prior art.

1a and 1b are perspective views, respectively, of a first side and a second side of a fastener 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The fastener 1 is in the form of a buckle 2 for joining the first free end of the first section of the bracelet (not shown) by the first cross frame 4.

The first cross frame 4 has a main bar 6 extending in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the band. Each end of the main bar 6 has a bent member defining an edge 8.

The buckle 2 also has a second cross frame 10 and two side frames 11, 12, which, in the non-limiting example, are constructed from a single U-shaped part.

The side frames 11, 12 each have a perforation (reference numeral 14 in Fig. 2) in which a screw 16 is fitted to the first cross frame 4. Preferably, but not limited to, each of the screws 16 can be mounted to the fastener so as to be free to rotate in the respective side frame and the staples are screwed into the respective edges 8. Of course, vice versa, the screw can be freely rotated in the edge 8 while being fixed in the side frame.

The buckle 2 has a central opening 18 for providing a passage for the second free end of the second section of the strap.

In order to ensure that the buckle is fastened by the fastener according to the invention, the fastener according to the invention has on the one hand a fastening member for ensuring that the first transverse frame is coupled to the first free end of the bracelet, and on the other hand The second free end of the strap is fitted to secure the locking member in the longitudinal direction of the strap.

More specifically, the first cross frame 4 is in the form of a slot for the first free end of the strap, the main bar 6 being its first wall forming the bottom and the edge 8 being its side wall.

The housing has a first free end securing member of the strap, here in the form of two studs 20, generally similar to a mushroom shape. More specifically, each of the studs 20 has a first member 22 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the main bar 6 and that is cylindrical. There is a second component 24 on the first component 22 that has a lateral dimension that is larger than the first component 22 to ensure that the first free end of the strap can be secured when attached to the first component 22.

Due to the presence of this fixed member structure, the manufacture of the strap is simplified. It is only necessary to provide two perforations on one of its free ends depending on the thickness of the strap for engaging the two studs 20. Thus, for example, if the watch band is made of leather, it is not necessary to fold a part of the watch band, and it is not necessary to perform wrapping or sewing.

The locking member of the second section of the strap has a similar structure to the securing member of the first end. This locking member has a stud 26 at the second cross frame 10 that is similar in shape and size to the stud head 20.

Similarly, the stud head 26 is used to fit a hole (not shown) in a series of holes in the corresponding section of the strap in a manner similar to the manner in which the pin and the strap are fitted to ensure a strap. This section is locked in the longitudinal direction of the strap.

Accordingly, the corresponding segments of the strap can be made by reference to conventionally known straps of the prior art.

It should be noted that the stud head 20 on one side and the stud head 26 on the other side are disposed on both sides of the first cross frame 4 and the second cross frame 10 through the midline plane (see P in Fig. 2), In case of cooperation with the corresponding section of the strap.

Fig. 2 is a detailed side view of the fastener shown in Figs. 1a and 1b, showing structural details. More specifically, only the second cross frame 10 and the side frames 11, 12 are shown in this figure, and the first cross frame 4 is not shown.

According to Fig. 2, the second cross frame 10 is inclined with respect to the direction of the side frames 11, 12 to facilitate insertion of the second section of the strap into the passage 18 of the buckle 2, i.e. without excessive bending.

In addition, Figure 2 also shows structural details.

Each of the side frames 11, 12 has a port 30 adjacent its aperture 14 to provide two stops 32 and 34.

Each of the stops 32 and 34 is adapted to engage a associated lug of the first cross frame 4 (reference numeral 36 in Figure 1b) to define a range of angles of rotation of the first cross frame 4 relative to the side frames 11, 12.

This feature can limit the relative rotation between the side frame and the first cross frame. If the rotation is excessive, it will increase the difficulty for the wearer to attach the wrist strap to the wrist.

Of course, this range of angles can also be defined by providing a single slit 30 with a single lug 36 without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that the angular range may be particularly between about 15 and 60 degrees, preferably between 30 and 45 degrees.

The above description is intended to describe a specific embodiment as a non-limiting example, The invention is not limited to the implementation of several specific features described above, such as the shape of the buckle 2, particularly illustrated and described. In fact, for example, there may be a buckle that does not include a second cross frame, the two side frames being joined to form a generally triangular or semi-circular buckle in this case. The stud 26 is preferably placed in the connection area between the two side frames.

Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the contents of the present description to their own needs without difficulty and to achieve a timepiece strap fastener that partially conforms to the above-described features without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that it is not necessary to provide, for example, the slit 30 to practice the invention. However, the provision of the slit 30 improves the use of the fastener and conforms to the preferred embodiment.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that the fastener according to the invention is not limited to the use of the locking member described and illustrated, namely the stud head 26. In fact, it is also conceivable to connect a pin similar to the prior art pin on the first cross frame to match the hole in the second section of the strap. Of course, in this case, it is preferable to provide a port on the first free end of the corresponding strap to provide a passage for the pin.

It should also be noted that the orientation of the stud head 26 relative to the second cross frame may differ from the direction without departing from the scope of the invention, particularly as it varies depending on the inclination of the second cross frame relative to the side frame. In fact, in all cases, when the second section of the strap is placed in the fastener, the stud 26 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the second section of the strap.

1‧‧‧fasteners

2‧‧‧ buckle

4‧‧‧First cross frame

6‧‧‧Main bar

8‧‧‧ edge

10‧‧‧second cross frame

11‧‧‧Side frame

12‧‧‧ side frame

14‧‧‧ hole

16‧‧‧ screws

18‧‧‧ channel

20‧‧‧Fixed components

22‧‧‧ first part

24‧‧‧ second part

26‧‧‧Locking members

30‧‧‧ incision

32‧‧‧blocks

36‧‧‧ lugs

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

1a and 1b are perspective views of a first side and a second side of a fastener according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a fastener shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b; Detailed side view.

1‧‧‧fasteners

2‧‧‧ buckle

4‧‧‧First cross frame

6‧‧‧Main bar

8‧‧‧ edge

10‧‧‧second cross frame

11‧‧‧Side frame

12‧‧‧ side frame

16‧‧‧ screws

18‧‧‧ channel

20‧‧‧Fixed components

22‧‧‧ first part

24‧‧‧ second part

Claims (11)

A fastener (1) is suitable for a timepiece strap comprising a first segment and a second segment having a respective one of a first free end and a second free end, the fastener comprising: a link for The first free end of the strap and the second free end of the strap provide a buckle (2) for the channel (18), one for engaging the second segment of the strap to ensure that it is a locking locking member (26) in the longitudinal direction of the strap, wherein the retaining ring (2) has a first cross frame (4) defining at least one wall of a slot for receiving the strap The first free end includes at least one securing member (20) for engaging the first free end of the strap to connect it to the first cross frame. The fastener (1) of claim 1, wherein the buckle (2) has side frames (11, 12), and the first cross frame (4) is connected to the side frames so that Rotate relative to the side frames. The fastener (1) of claim 2, wherein the first cross frame (4) has at least one lug (36) disposed to fit on the side frames (11, 12) One of the first and second second blocks (32, 34) of at least one of the first frame and a range of angles of rotation of the first cross frame relative to the side frames. A fastener (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first transverse frame (4) has a main bar (6), the longitudinal direction of the main bar relative to the watch band The directions are arranged in a lateral direction, and each end has a bent portion defining an edge (8) which is fitted to the respective side frames (11, 12) so as to be rotatable. The fastener (1) of claim 4, wherein the assembly between each of the edges (8) and the corresponding side frames (11, 12) is screwed to The edges are achievable by freely rotating one of the screws (16) in the side frames. The fastener (1) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing member has at least one stud (20), preferably at least two, the stud comprising a primary one a member (22) having a substantially cylindrical shape and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first cross frame (4) for engaging a corresponding one of the first free ends of the band There is a second component (24) having a lateral dimension greater than the lateral dimension of the first component to ensure that the first free end of the strap is secured to the first component (22). A fastener (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking member (26) is located in the buckle (2) and away from the first transverse frame (4). The fastener (1) of claim 7, wherein the locking member (26) is located in a second cross frame (10) of the buckle (2). The fastener (1) of claim 8, wherein the locking member has at least one stud (26), the stud comprising a primary one of the first members, the first member being substantially cylindrical and Extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second cross frame (10) for engaging a corresponding one of the second segments of the watch band, wherein there is a first dimension having a lateral dimension greater than a lateral dimension of the first component Two components to ensure that the second segment of the strap is secured to the first component. The fastener (1) of claim 6 or claim 9, wherein the stud head (20) of the fixing member on one side and the stud head (26) of the locking member on the other side respectively The first cross frame (4) and the second cross frame (10) extend through both sides of one of the center line planes (P). A timepiece cover comprising a free end of a fastener (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the free end has at least a corresponding thickness thereof A perforation is provided to engage the securing means (20) of the fastener.