WO2012175129A1

WO2012175129A1 - Link and link bracelet

Info

Publication number: WO2012175129A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/060488
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Hartzband
Original assignee: BARBU, Bernard
Priority date: 2011-06-22
Filing date: 2011-06-22
Publication date: 2012-12-27

Abstract

The invention relates to a bracelet comprising links that are interconnected by hinges (8, 9), said bracelet defining a longitudinal axis with the hinges arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the bracelet comprises at least one hollow link (1) containing at least one mobile element (4) formed by a body (3) and a frame (2), each comprising an upper face and a lower face. The body (3) and the frame (2) are arranged such as to pivot independently of one another in relation to the hollow link, about an axis perpendicular to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis, in such a way as to reveal either the lower face or the upper face by means of rotation before the bracelet is put on.

Description

link

and

Link bracelet

Technical area

The present invention relates to a bracelet link, capable of being integrated into a bracelet comprising links connected together by hinges. The link according to the invention can however be connected to any type of bracelet, including a flexible bracelet, leather, plastic or rubber. The link according to the invention can also be integrated into any type of ornament object, such as a necklace or a chain. The bracelet or object of adornment defines a longitudinal axis and the hinges are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

State of the art

In the field of bracelets or bracelet systems, the principle of a pivoting watch with reference to a frame on which it is mounted is known. For example, the Swiss patent CH 323Ό52 describes a watch comprising a box mounted in a frame and two pivots, placed along an axis 6h-12h around which the box can oscillate relative to the frame, the latter having, inside and out, side of its edge opposite to that normally adjacent to the dial, a housing in which the winding crown engages in normal position, so that it is not visible from the outside. The inventor does not say how the other side of the watch looks. On the other hand, the fact that the crown comes to be placed in a housing makes the watch, after making a U-turn must compulsorily return to its original position.

The patent application WO 2005/043259 describes a timepiece comprising a frame-frame and a watch case reversibly mounted in the frame-frame to take a first position in which the dial of the box of watch is visible and a second position, or upside down position, in which the bottom or another dial of the watch box is visible. The invention comprises a cradle of circular shape provided with fastening elements to a bracelet. A bottomless frame-frame of annular shape and having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the cradle is articulated by one of its ends to one end of the cradle by means of a hinge. In the rest position, the frame-frame is superimposed on the cradle concentrically with the latter. The means used in this patent application to allow the rotation of the watch case are completely different from those of the invention. In addition, the frame-frame can not turn on itself and participate in the aesthetic effect, as in the invention. The purpose of this device is to allow the turning of the watch case, while the timepiece is worn. The function of the frame-frame is thus to move the watch case away from the bracelet to allow it to perform its rotation. However, the chassis frame can, in the rest position, appear on one side and does not participate in the aesthetic character of the room.

[0004] The German utility model DE 9408566U1 describes a reversible watch which includes features similar to the previous patent application. The middle part containing the fasteners of the bracelet has no bottom, as in the previous application. On the other hand, a frame-frame is attached to it by a hinge. A watch case is attached and can rotate freely around an axis 3h-9h. Here too, the function of the frame-frame is to allow to move the housing away to rotate it.

Thus, the aforementioned documents relate to reversible watch constructions. The present invention, on the other hand, relates to a link or a link bracelet, which we want to obtain different visual aspects in a particularly easy manner, while retaining the general shape of the bracelet.

Disclosure of the invention

More specifically, the invention relates to a link intended to be connected to a bracelet or a collar by hinges, said bracelet or collar defining a longitudinal axis, said hinges being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The link is hollow and receives at least one movable element comprising a housing and a frame, each comprising an upper face and a lower face. The housing and the frame are arranged to pivot independently of each other with reference to said hollow link, about an axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so as to make visible one or the other lower and upper faces by rotation. For a bracelet including such a link, the movable element will be positioned before putting the bracelet.

[0007] The movable element pivots in a space protruding above and below the space defined between the upper and lower faces. Thus, it is necessary to remove the bracelet to rotate the movable element (s).

Advantageously, one or the other of the lower and upper faces of the housing and the frame comprise decorations, so that the rotation of the movable element allows to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the bracelet.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing contains a watch.

Advantageously, one can assemble several of these hollow links to form a bracelet, each link having at least one movable member. Cases that do not include the watch, may contain meters with digital or analog dials, indicating additional time functions, such as a calendar, moon phases, a week.

[001 1] In a particular embodiment, the frame and the housing are pivoted with reference to the hollow link by means of two axes connecting them to the hollow link. The axes are preferably fixed in an orifice that comprise the lateral arms parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow link.

Preferably, the axes comprise spans arranged to adjust the spaces necessary for free rotation of the parts constituting the movable element between them.

The housing may also comprise at least:

- a luminescent source to illuminate a decor,

a power supply for supplying the light source, a switch for controlling the light source.

The light source is advantageously arranged in a space placed under the decor and diffusing light through transparent windows.

In a variant, one of the axes is pierced longitudinally to allow the passage of a control rod, which is provided with a ring placed in extension outside the link.

Alternatively, the ring is embedded in the body so as to allow rotation of the latter relative to the frame.

To promote the rotation of the movable element, the axes are connected to the lateral arms of the link hollowed by two bearings, in each of which is an oblong housing serving to support one end of each of the axes and a first pair spring balls placed in the housing facing each other so that the balls form a tightening of the width of the housing while allowing the passage of each end of the axes on one side or the other of the balls.

In another variant, the housing ends with an opening. A second pair of spring balls placed in the housing and face to face, between the first pair of balls and said opening, and located so that the movable member has two stable positions and is removable.

In the latter case, it can provide a safety device consisting of a chain connecting the hollow link to one of the two axes of the movable member by means of a ring to prevent the loss of the latter.

It is also possible that the hollow link, said frame and said housing comprise resilient locking members arranged to temporarily secure the frame with reference to the hollow link and / or the housing with reference to the frame.

For example, the locking member comprises at least one spring ball disposed in one of the parts of the hollow link, the frame or the housing, and a recess disposed in another part among the hollow link, the frame or the housing, arranged to cooperate with said spring ball. The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising a plurality of links connected together by hinges, the bracelet defining a longitudinal axis, the hinges being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The bracelet comprises at least one hollow link as proposed above, the movable elements being positioned before putting the bracelet.

Advantageously, the bracelet according to the invention comprises a plurality of hollow links each comprising at least one movable element, the other bodies that that comprising the watch, containing counters with digital or analog dials, indicating additional time functions. These additional time functions are chosen from a calendar, the moon phases, a week-end.

The invention also relates to an object of adornment, such as a necklace or chain, comprising at least one link as proposed above.

Brief description of the drawings

Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing comprising the following figures:

- Figure 1: Plan and profile view of a bracelet and a watch with three movable elements according to the invention;

- Figure 2: Plan and profile view of a bracelet and a watch with five movable elements according to the invention;

- Figure 3: Double-sided views of a bracelet and a watch with five moving elements according to the invention;

- Figure 4: Perspective view of a bracelet and a watch with five movable elements according to the invention;

- Figure 5: Perspective view of the translation device of a movable element according to the invention;

- Figures 6 to 9: sections of the translation device of a movable member;

- Figures 10 to 13: sections of another embodiment of the translation device of a movable member; Figure 14: Perspective view showing the locking device of the movable member.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

Figure 1 is a plan view and profile of a bracelet according to the invention. The bracelet consists of links 1 connected together by hinges 8, 9, the hinges being oriented along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the bracelet. A clasp, not visible in the drawing, allows to fix the bracelet to the arm.

The shape of the links is indifferent. However, according to the invention, at least one of them is recessed, that is to say it has a through opening. Inside the opening that comprises this hollow link, is rotatably mounted a movable member 4, comprising a frame 2 and a body 3 which can rotate independently of one another with reference to the hollow link, around an axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and materialized, for example, by the two axes 12, 13, visible in Figure 5. A rotation around a single rod passing through the body is also possible. Fixing these axes on one of the moving parts is done according to known means. In the present application, the term body is not limiting and may designate a hollow element, such as a box or a housing, but may also designate a solid element or a mass.

Thus, the user can make visible one or other of the faces of the frame 2 or the body 3, by a rotation of the movable element performed before putting the bracelet, one and / or the other of these faces that can be decorated. Due to the fact that the axis of rotation of the movable element is oriented parallel to the hinges, the movable element does not break the apparent regularity of the bracelet. In other words, visually, the hollow link may have an appearance similar to that of a normal link if, on one of its faces, the movable element (that is to say the frame and the body) resumes the appearance of other links. On the other side, the movable element may have another appearance. In addition, thanks to the fact that the frame and the body are mobile independently of one another, the visual results can be combined by making visible one or other of the faces of either the frame or the body.

It should be noted that, according to the invention, the movable element pivots in a space protruding above and below the space defined between the upper and lower faces of the link. In other words, when the movable member pivots, it occupies a space located on either side of the space defined between the upper and lower faces of the link. The term "bottom" means the side intended to be oriented against the arm of the carrier, "upper" designating the other side. Thus, it is necessary to remove the bracelet to be able to rotate the movable element. At the same time, this configuration provides a very simple security, preventing the rotation of the moving elements by the contact with the skin and the tension of the bracelet on the wearer's arm. This configuration also gives great flexibility to the entire bracelet which, although consisting of links, fits perfectly to the curvature of the wearer's wrist.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the bracelet may comprise a plurality of hollow links, each provided with a movable member 4. For example, in this figure 4, we can see a bracelet with five hollow links. One of the bodies 3 of one of the movable elements contains a watch 21. Preferably, the body containing the watch is located substantially in the middle of the bracelet.

The other bodies 6 may contain other digital or analog dials, indicating other functions, such as the calendar, the moon phases, a week-round or various cycles in relation or not with time. These same bodies 6 are intended to also carry decorative elements 17, representing for example the manufacturer's logo, the name or initials of the owner of the watch or other subjects chosen by the manufacturer or the customer.

The links do not necessarily have the same format or the same dimensions. In accordance with the spirit of the invention, surprising aesthetic effects can also be caused by an irregularity of the dimensions of these elements and the judicious relationship of these dimensions to each other. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. The length of the central link 1 is equal to the width of the bracelet and different from that of the other links.

Figure 2 is a plan view and profile of a bracelet with five movable elements according to the invention, one of them contains a watch. This figure illustrates the possibility of constituting a bracelet only with links provided with movable elements and two end links provided with the clasp.

FIG. 3 represents two-sided plan views of a bracelet with five movable elements according to the invention, one of which contains a watch. This embodiment is based on the reminder of the format of the link 1, the frame 2 and the body 3 for each mobile element 4. The body designated by the reference 3 contains a watch. The other bodies designated by reference 6 are masses bearing decorations. The underside of the body 3 represents the same pattern. Since each frame 2 and each body 3, 6 is reversible, different compositions are possible. The right-hand representation of Figure 3 shows the backside of the bodies 3, 6 and frames 2. It would also be possible to place the frames 2 in the place, provided with a jewel decoration, as shown in the part of left of Figure 3 with the face of the body 3 showing the watch. This figure is only one example of the multiple variations offered by the invention.

Another embodiment (FIG 4) provides that the body 6 is illuminated, for example, to highlight a decor 10, constituted in this case by jewels. LEDs 10 'or another light source are used for illumination. The power supply can come from a battery placed in the body 6. It is also possible to integrate the lighting in a space under the decor 10 and diffusing the light through translucent windows arranged judiciously.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the details of an embodiment characterized by a translational device of the movable member 4 perpendicular to the plane of the link 1. The hinges 8 and 9 connect the links 1 between them. The axes 12 and 13 placed in the link 1 make it possible to fix the movable element 4 constituted by the frame 2 and the body 3, 6 to the link 1. These axes 12 and 13 are preferably screwed into an orifice 7 arranged in the lateral arms of the hollow link, that is to say in the arms oriented along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet. Spans arranged on the axes 12 and 13 set the necessary clearances between the body, the frame and the link for free rotation of the parts between them. Spacers can also be used for this purpose. For the correction of its display and, possibly, for its reassembly, the watch comprises a control rod terminated by a ring 1 1. In this embodiment, the ring 1 1 is placed at 12 o'clock, partly in a hole that comprises the body 3 to allow rotation thereof relative to the frame 2.

It can be noted that the ring 1 1 of the watch 21 can also be located along the axis of rotation of the movable member 4. The control rod then passes through one of the axes 12 or 13 and the crown is mounted outside the link 1.

The enlarged view B and Figures 6 to 13 show the details of the translational device of the movable member 4 perpendicular to the plane of the link 1, that is to say along the axis Z. FIGS. 6 at 9 illustrate this translation. Two bearings 14 are placed in the lateral arms 24 of the link 1, on either side of the movable element 4. These bearings 14 are fixed to the link 1 by screws 15. In the bearing 14 is a housing 20 in which which can move the free end 22 of the axis, located on the link side. A first pair of spring balls 16 is arranged partially projecting in the housing 20, face to face and halfway up, so that the balls 16 form a tightening of the housing 20. By compressing the springs under the action of an external pressure, the balls can leave the passage at the end 22 of the axis 13. Thus, the latter can occupy two stable positions, respectively when the end 22 of the axis is on one side or on the other balls, inside the housing 20.

If it is in the lower position and a pressure is exerted on the lower face of the movable member 4 in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the link 1, oriented towards the upper face of the bracelet, the two axes 12, 13 move on the other side of the balls 16 and are wedged in the upper position, defined between the balls and the housing wall. The movable element 4 is thus raised relative to the link 1, which makes it possible to highlight it, to increase the amplitude of the flapping of the frame 2 and the body 3 and to reveal the sides of these elements. A pressure exerted in the other direction on the movable member 4 puts it in its lower position, also defined between the balls and the wall of the housing, causing the alignment of the constituent parts of the link and the movable member.

Figure 6 shows the position of the section C-C, which intersects a bearing 14 in a side link element 24. Figure 7 shows the section C-C. Figure 8 is a D-D section, perpendicular to the C-C section. It shows a portion of the movable element 4 with the axis 13 and the axis head 22 placed in the bearing 14 in the lower position. Figure 9 shows the same section D-D with the movable member 4 placed in the upper position.

Figures 10 to 13 describe another embodiment from the previous. The bearings 14 each contain two pairs of balls 16, spring-mounted and placed one above the other in the housing 20, like the first pair of balls proposed above. Each lateral element 24 of the link 1 containing the bearings 14 is provided with an opening 23 placed in the extension of the housing 20, typically on the upper side.

This translation device not only allows to raise the movable member 4 relative to the link 1, but also to extract the bracelet by forcing the two axis heads 22 to pass the second pair of balls 16 and to to cross the opening 23. It is thus possible to change a movable member 4 for another or to switch elements between them, provided they are the same size. To replace a mobile element 4, it is necessary to perform the operations in reverse. Figure 10 shows the section CC of Figure 6. It shows the bearing 14 with the two pairs of balls 16 spring-mounted and placed one above the other. The opening 23 is also visible in this figure. Figure 1 1 shows the section DD visible in Figure 6. It shows the movable element 4 placed in the lower position. Figure 12 shows the same element in position superior while FIG. 13 represents the situation where the mobile element 4 is released from the link 1.

To prevent the loss of the movable member 4 when detached from the bracelet, a safety device, visible in Figure 14, may be provided. For example, this safety device may take the form of a chain 25 connecting the axis 12, 13, by means of a crazy ring, to the link 1.

Another embodiment is intended to fix the movable elements 4 on the links 1 by means of resilient locking member, taking, for example, the form of spring-loaded balls 18 which can engage in corresponding recesses 19 of the concomitant piece. The ball 18 is disposed in one of the parts of the hollow link, the frame or the body. The recess is arranged in another part of the hollow link, the frame or the body. It is arranged to cooperate with the spring ball. A notched engagement is also feasible, by the cooperation of a resiliently movable protruding element, with a corresponding recess.

It is thus possible to temporarily secure the frame 2 with reference to the hollow link 1 and / or the body 3, 6 with reference to the frame 2.

FIG. 14 shows an example of application of this device which makes it possible to give the impression that the links 1 of the bracelet are compact and rigid while allowing to choose which faces of the moving elements 4 will be visible when the bracelet will be worn.

The embodiments that have just been described are in no way limiting. However, they demonstrate the ability of the invention to present unexpected and surprising aesthetic effects and to multiply the possibilities of original creations of bracelets and / or watches. Although the description relates essentially to a link bracelet, the invention also relates to a hollow link as described above. This link can be assembled by means of the hinges 8, 9 to any type of bracelet, including a flexible bracelet, leather, plastic or rubber, or any ornament, such as a necklace or chain. The term The link is not limiting and must be understood as an element of an object of adornment, in general.

Claims

claims

1. Link intended to be connected to a bracelet or a collar by hinges (8, 9), said bracelet or collar defining a longitudinal axis, said hinges being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, characterized in that said link ( 1) is hollowed out, and in that at least one movable element (4) is arranged inside said hollow link (1), said movable element being formed of a body (3) and a frame (2). ), each comprising an upper face and a lower face, said bodies (3) and frame (2) being arranged to pivot independently of each other with reference to said hollow link, about an axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so as to make visible one or the other of the lower and upper faces of the body and the frame, by their rotation.

2. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable element pivots in a space protruding above and below the space defined between the upper and lower faces.

3. Link according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that one and / or the other of the lower and upper faces of the body and the frame comprise decorations.

4. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (3) contains a watch (21).

5. Link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame and said body are pivoted with reference to said hollow link by means of two axes (12, 13) connecting them to the hollow link (1), characterized in that the shafts (12, 13) are preferably fixed in an orifice (7) which the lateral arms parallel to the longitudinal axis (24) of the hollow link (1) comprise.

6. Link according to claim 5, characterized in that the axes (12, 13) comprise spans arranged to adjust the spaces necessary for free rotation of the parts constituting the movable element (4) between them.

7. Link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (3) comprises at least:

a light source for illuminating a decoration (10),

a power supply for supplying the light source,

a switch for controlling the light source.

8. Link according to claim 7, characterized in that said light source is disposed in a space placed under the decoration (10) and diffusing the light through transparent windows.

9. Link according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that one of the axes (12, 13) is pierced longitudinally to allow the passage of a control rod (1 1), which is provided with a crown placed in extension outside the link (1).

10. Link according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the watch comprises a control rod operable by a ring, characterized in that the ring (1 1) is embedded in the body (3) to allow the rotation of the latter relative to the frame (2).

1 1. Link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device for translating the movable member (4) perpendicularly to the plane of the link (1).

12. Link according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the translation device is obtained by connecting the axes (12, 13) to the lateral arms (24) of the hollow link (1) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet, by two bearings (14), in each of which there is an oblong housing (20) serving as support for one end (22) each of the pins (12, 13) and a first pair of spring-loaded balls (16) disposed in the housing (20) facing each other so that the balls (16) form a narrowing of the width of the housing (20). ) while permitting the passage of the end (22) of the shafts (12, 13) on one side or the other of the balls (16).

13. Link according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing (20) terminates in an opening (23) and comprises a second pair of spring balls (16), placed in the housing (20) and face to face, between the first pair of balls and said opening, and located so that the movable member has two stable positions and is removable.

14. Link according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a safety device integrally connecting the movable member to the bracelet.

15. Link according to claim 14, characterized in that the safety device consists of a chain (25) connecting the hollow link (1) to one of the two axes (12, 13) of the movable member (4). by means of a crazy ring to prevent the loss of the moving element.

16. Link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow link, said frame and said body comprise resilient locking members arranged to temporarily secure the frame with reference to the hollow link and / or the body reference to the frame.

17. Link according to claim 16, characterized in that the locking member comprises at least one ball (18) mounted on a spring disposed in one of the parts of the hollow link, the frame or the body, and a recess arranged in another of the parts of the hollow link (1), the frame (2) or the body (3), arranged to cooperate with said spring-mounted ball.

18. Bracelet comprising a plurality of links connected together by hinges (8, 9), said bracelet defining a longitudinal axis, said hinges being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, characterized in that it comprises at least one hollow link (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the movable elements being positioned before putting the bracelet.

19. Bracelet according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of hollow links each comprising at least one movable element, the other bodies that that comprising the watch, containing counters with dials (5) digital or analog, indicating functions additional hours.

20. Bracelet according to claim 20, characterized in that said additional time functions are chosen from a calendar, the moon phases, a semainier.

21. Object of adornment comprising at least one link according to one of claims 1