WO2018069655A1

WO2018069655A1 - Fastening hook for interchangeable strap

Info

Publication number: WO2018069655A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/052813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe Maillot
Original assignee: Pro-Fil
Priority date: 2016-10-12
Filing date: 2017-10-12
Publication date: 2018-04-19
Also published as: FR3057145B1; FR3057145A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for attaching a watch-strap-type mobile part to a watch case comprising a case lug (20) of a watch case, in order to ensure that the watch-strap-type mobile element is securely attached to the lug (20) of the watch case, said watch case lug (20) being generally of cylindrical appearance; the fastening hook (I) comprises at least one portion (PI) for receiving a watch case lug (20) and a fixing bracket (2) for mounting on a mobile element such as a watch strap (30), the portion (PI) having a general U-shape extending along an axis (d). The fastening hook is characterised in that it comprises three zones (Z1, Z2 and Z3) in which the watch case lug can be guided and then clipped into the hook, a non-specialist user being able to carry out the clipping operation reliably and without tools.

Description

ASSEMBLY HOOK FOR INTERCHANGEABLE BRACELET

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fastening system for a watchband type moving part, to a watch case comprising a case strip and more specifically to the device for assembling the band on the case strip. State of the art

In this field it is known to make the connection between a removable piece such as a watch strap and the watch case with the help of bars, these strips being generally fixed between two horns of the watch case, or more precisely between two horns of the middle part of the watch.

These bars are conventionally assembled in two blind housing facing each other, these two housings being located at the two horns of the middle part of the watch.

This assembly is conventionally allowed by a longitudinal deformation of the bar. This deformation is easy in the case of bars called pump bars, which comprise a device of the piston-spring type in order to vary their length.

This assembly conventionally makes it possible to attach the bracelet to the watch case, the bracelet being provided with a passage hole of the pump bar.

The major disadvantage of this type of system is that this assembly can be achieved only with the help of a specific tool and by a qualified person.

A solution to this problem is described in document CH707056. This device offers a bracelet ending in a U-shaped hook open in the longitudinal direction of the pump bar. This opening allows to insert the pump bar in the U-shaped hook without having to disassemble the pump bar of the watch case. So that the bracelet does not separate from the middle part, the device further comprises a movable lock between two positions, one allowing the disconnection of the bracelet of the bar to the pump, the other preventing disassembly of the bracelet of the bar to pump.

This locking system of the bar in the U-shaped hook consists of a pivoting latch.

This system has various disadvantages, it is difficult to handle, its construction requires the assembly of several components, which greatly increases the cost. Moreover by its construction the fastening system can not be completely integrated inside the bracelet.

This solution can also have issues of reliability of closure given the number of components put issues in the locking system.

Description of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy all of these disadvantages and relates to an assembly hook, a bracelet provided with at least one assembly hook and a watch provided with such a bracelet.

In a first step, the invention relates to an assembly hook (I) for a mobile element, of the watchband type (30) for example, able to be assembled on a bar (20) of a watch case to ensure the fastening of the mobile element, of the watchband type, to the bar (20) of the watch case, the said watch case bar (20) being generally of cylindrical shape, the said assembly hook (I) comprising at least one portion (PI) for receiving a bar (20) of a watch case, a bracket (2) to be assembled on a movable member such as a watch band (30), the portion (PI) ) having a general U-shape extending along an axis (d).

This assembly hook is characterized in that:

the portion (PI) having a general U-shape comprises 2 zones:

a first zone (ZI) corresponding to the bottom of the U, zone in which the bar (20) of the watch case is positioned when the assembly hook (I) is assembled on the bar (20) of the watch case, this portion of U defining a first axis (A)

a second zone (Z2) in the extension of the first zone (ZI) along the first axis (A) defined by the U, in which the two branches of the U approach each other so as to form a throat less than the diameter of the bar ( 20) of the watch case,

and in that the hook assembly (I) further comprises a guide lug (1) defining a third zone (Z3) for guiding the bar (20) of the watch case during its assembly in the hook of assembly (I), the guide lug (1) for guiding the bar (20) of the watch case at the time of assembly of the assembly hook on the bar (20) of the watch case towards the first zone (ZI),

and in that the assembly hook (I) is made of a resilient material so as to deform as the watch case bar passes from the zone (Z3) to the zone (ZI).

Thus this arrangement allows clipping of the bar in the zone (ZI). The clipping corresponds to the passage of a "hard point" when the strip passes from the zone (Z3) to the zone (ZI). This passage is possible by the elastic nature of the material composing the hook.

The hook assembly is preferably characterized in that the general direction of the lug (1) forms an angle with the first axis (A) greater than 5 °. This arrangement allows the lug (1) to guide the bar to the zone (ZI) during assembly of the bar (20) in the hook assembly. Thus the zone (Z3) defines a reception area of the bar during assembly.

Preferably this angle is greater than 20 °.

This angle is preferably greater than 30 °.

Preferably this angle is greater than 45 °.

Preferably this angle is greater than 70 °.

Preferably this angle is greater than 90 °, in this case, the assembly and disassembly of the bar in the hook assembly (I) is carried out in two stages. For example when assembling the bar (20) in the zone (Z3) of the assembly hook, a first movement is to position the bar of such that the first axis (A) of the hook assembly is almost aligned with a diameter of the bar and a second movement substantially along this axis allows clipping of the bar (20) in the zone (ZI) of the hook of assembly. Likewise during the disassembly of the bar, the unclipping of the bar of the assembly hook is made along the first axis (A) so that the bar leaves the zone (ZI), then as the angle between the leg (1) and the first axis (A) is greater than 90 °, the bar will be stopped against the tab (1), it is then necessary to pull the bar (20) in a second direction, according to the direction of the leg ( 1) for example to get the bar out of the zone (Z3) of the hook assembly. This two-step operation makes it possible to secure the assembly of the bar on the assembly hook because it requires a voluntary action in two stages and in two different directions to make the assembly or the disassembly of the bar in the hook of assembly. This securing is enhanced if the value of the angle between the tab (1) and the first axis (A) is greater than 100 ° and in particular if it is greater than 110 °.

Preferably the hook assembly is such that the tab (1) is configured so that the bar can not leave the zone (ZI) when the first axis (A) of the hook assembly (I) is aligned with the general plane (M) of the watch case on which the hook (I) is assembled.

This is possible because in this configuration, when the first axis (A) of the hook is substantially aligned with the axis (M) of the watch case on which the hook is assembled, the hook abuts the housing and thus the bar can not move from zone (ZI) to zone (Z2). More precisely, the width of the zone (Z2) along the first axis (A) is greater than the distance between the bar (20) and the watch case (10). This distance is more precisely the distance between the bar (20) and the face (40) of the watch case.

When the user wears the watch equipped with the hook of the invention, the first axis (A) of the hook is substantially aligned with the axis (M) of the housing. Thus in this way the bracelet equipped with such a hook can not be removed from the watch case when the watch is worn by the user.

Preferably the assembly hook (I) comprises along the axis (d) at least one alternation of guide lug (1) and fixing lug (2), the legs of guiding (1) and fixing (2) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis (d).

Preferably it comprises along the axis (d) an alternation of three guide lugs (1) and two fixing lugs (2), the guide lugs (1) and fixing (2) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis (d), the two fixing lugs (2) being interconnected by a spar (3) parallel to the axis (d), the spar (3) optionally having an orifice (4). The spar (3) having the function of stiffening the entire hook (I). The orifice (4) allowing a better assembly of the bracelet on the hook assembly (I). This configuration allows a guide of the bar at its ends, which facilitates the insertion of the bar in the hook of the invention.

Preferably the hook comprises an alternation of N + 1 guide lugs (1) and N fixing lugs (2), when this set comprises at least two fixing lugs, the fixing lugs can be connected to one another by at least a spar (3) to stiffen the assembly, N being an integer greater than 1.

Preferably the hook comprises an alternation of N guide lugs (1) and N + 1 fixing lugs (2), the fixing lugs being connectable to one another by at least one longitudinal member (3) in order to stiffen the assembly , N being an integer greater than 1.

Preferably the assembly hook is made by cutting and then bending a sheet of metallic material such as stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, a titanium-based alloy, titanium, preferably this sheet of materials. metal is of constant thickness.

Preferably the hook can also be made by injection of plastic or thermoplastic material.

Preferably, the assembly hook (I) further comprises a zone (Z'3) constituting a second throttling zone between a branch (B3) of the lug (1) and a branch (Β) of the portion ( PI) having a general shape of U, the minimum distance (Dl) projected on a plane perpendicular to the axis (d) between the leg (B3) of the leg (1) and the leg (Β) of the portion (PI) ) having a general shape of U being less than the diameter (D) of the bar (20) to be assembled. Thus the assembly hook (I) has a second throttling zone (Z'3) which corresponds to a second clipping zone (Z'3) of the bar in the assembly hook. This configuration allows an assembly of the bar in the assembly hook in two stages. A first clipping action allowing the bar to move from a position outside the hook assembly to the zone (Z3). A second clipping action to move the bar from the zone (Z3) to the zone (ZI). This double acknowledgment allows the user to confirm the assembly of the bar in the hook assembly.

This configuration allows disassembly of the bar in the assembly hook in two stages. A first unclipping action allowing the bar to move from a position of the zone (ZI) to the zone (Z3). A second unclipping action for passing the bar of the zone (Z3) to a position outside the hook assembly. This double acknowledgment allows the user to confirm the disassembly of the bar out of the hook assembly.

In addition, this second zone of throttling or clipping (Z'3) makes it possible, in the case of an unintentional unclipping of the strip of the zone (ZI) towards the zone (Z3), that the strip can not come out of zone (Z3) to a position in which it is disassembled from the assembly hook. Thus this second throttling or clipping zone (Z'3) constitutes a security assembly of the bar in the assembly hook in case of unintentional unclipping of the bar of the zone (ZI).

Preferably the assembly hook (I) is such that the minimum distance (Dl) between the leg (B3) of the tab (1) and the branch (Β) of the portion (PI) having a general shape of U is made between the end of the leg (B3) of the tab (1) and the end of the leg (Β) of the portion (PI) having a general shape of U.

Preferably the assembly hook is such that the end of the leg (B3) of the lug (1) and / or the end of the leg (ΒΓ) of the portion (PI) having a general U shape comprises at least one chamfer (51) (52) engaging the bar in the zone (Z'3).

Thus the first part of the assembly operation of the bar in the hook assembly is facilitated. The effect of the presence of a second clipping zone (Z'3) is reinforced if the angle of the lug (1) with the axis (A) is greater than 90 °, in particular if it is greater at 100 ° and preferably above 110 °.

In these configurations, during unclipping of the hook of the assembly hook of the zone (ZI) towards the zone (Z3), because of the configuration of the bracket (1), the angle of the bracket (1 ) with the axis (A) being greater than 90 °, in particular greater than 100 ° and preferably greater than 110 °, the bar is stopped against the tab (1) and the bar must be pulled in a second direction in order to unclip the bar from the zone (Z3) passing the zone (Z'3). During the assembly, these operations reverse logically, the first clipping of the bar in the zone (Z'3) leads the bar in the zone (Z3) so that the axis (A) of the hook of assembly is almost aligned with a diameter of the bar, and the bar is pushed into the zone (ZI) by passing the clipping zone (Z2) in a direction substantially aligned with the axis (A). In these configurations, the angle of the lug (1) with the axis (A) makes it possible to reinforce the sensation of double acknowledgment by an obligation to change the direction of the assembly or disassembly force.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a watch case (10) comprising at least one bar (20) of watch case and at least one assembly hook (I) such as the width of the area (Z2) the hook assembly (I) along the axis (A) is greater than the distance between the bar (20) and the watch case (10). This distance is more precisely the minimum distance between the bar (20) and the surface (40) of the watch case. Thus when the hook is assembled on the bar of the watch case and is substantially aligned with the axis of the watch case (axis A of the hook substantially aligned with the axis M of the watch case) unclipping the hook is not possible because the distance between the bar 20 and the surface (40) of the watch case is less than the width along the axis A of the zone (Z2) of the hook assembly. This distance between the bar (20) and the surface (40) of the watch case can be enlarged in the case where the hook is coated with a coating of significant thickness such as leather or an elastomer, while maintaining its capacity to prevent unclipping of the hook assembly in the position where the axis A of the hook is substantially aligned with the axis M of the watch case. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a watch case (30) comprising at least one watch case bar (20) and at least one assembly hook (I) according to any one of the preceding claims. , characterized in that the width of the zone (Z2) of the assembly hook (I) along the first axis (A) is greater than the distance between the bar (20) and the watch case (10). The invention also relates to a watch strap comprising at least one assembly hook according to the invention.

The hook can be integrated into the bracelet when the latter is made of metal links, so that it is visible from the outside and thus constitutes a visible part of the bracelet. In other words, the assembly hook of the invention may constitute a link of a metal bracelet consisting of metal links.

In addition, the material of the bracelet covers the outside of the U-shaped portion (PI) of the hook assembly and extends on this face (Fl) along the leg (2) and the face (F2 ) of the tab 2 is also covered by the material of the bracelet to the level of the tab (1) so as to define a longitudinal opening passage of the bar of the watch case in the bracelet, this opening being located on the side inside the bracelet, that is to say the non-visible face of the bracelet when the watch is worn.

Thus in use, the opening being located on the side of the bracelet in contact with the user, the latter can not see the opening in the bracelet allowing the passage of the bar. Thus the hook is almost invisible to the user.

The almost complete recovery of the hook by the material of the bracelet, allows to obtain a nearly uniform bracelet.

Preferably the watch band is made of leather, rubber, silicone, plastic or textile material.

The invention also relates to a watch whose housing (10) comprises at least one bar (20) of generally cylindrical shape such as a pump bar and further comprises a bracelet (30) comprising at least one assembly hook (I) according to the invention.

The advantages of such a system according to the invention are the following: allow rapid assembly and disassembly of bracelets or clasps without specific tools,

allow the assembly or the dismounting of a bracelet on a box or a clasp without these having made a particular adaptation,

- to be handled by hand, by any user,

keep the bracelet on the middle of the watch.

The present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures representing preferred embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of non-limiting examples, and in which: : Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 comprises a front view and a side view of a hook of the invention according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows sections G-G and H-H of the front view of the hook of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an enlarged side view of a hook according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the same view as Figure 3, the bar being assembled in the hook.

- Figure 5 shows a front view of an assembly hook according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a watch case equipped with a bar on which is assembled a bracelet equipped with the assembly hook of the invention.

- Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 but the bracelet equipped with the assembly hook of the invention is oriented in another position. Figure 8 shows the steps seen from the side of the disassembly of a watch strap according to the invention of a case or middle watch.

Figure 9 shows a front view and a side view of a hook according to the invention assembled on the bar of a watch case.

FIG. 10 represents the steps of impossibility of dismantling a watch strap according to the invention from a case or caseband in side view.

Figure 11 shows a view of the assembly hook according to the invention before and after bending.

Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 relate to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figures 12 and 13 detail the hook assembly relating to this third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 represents the mode of assembly of a bar in this third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 represents a variant of this third embodiment.

Detailed description.

Figure 1 comprises a front view, and a side view of an assembly hook according to a first embodiment.

The hook comprises a U-shaped portion PI, a guide lug (1) and a bracket (2) of the hook to the bracelet. The U-shaped portion (PI) defines a first axis (d). This portion extends perpendicular to the axis (d) on the one hand by a guide lug (1) and on the other by a bracket (2). These two legs being on the same side of the axis (d). Figure 2 shows two sections of the hook according to this first embodiment. The section G-G is located at the guide lug (1) and the section H-H is located at the bracket (2).

The arrangement of the portion (PI) with the guide tab allows as we shall see later the easy assembly of the hook on a watch case strip, while the arrangement of the portion (PI) with the paw of fixation (2) allows the assembly of the bracelet on the assembly hook according to the invention. It is the alternation of these two arrangements which allows the hook of the invention to perform all its functions.

This alternation is apparent from the front view of Figure 1, in this embodiment, the hook comprises along the axis (d) a guide lug (1) and a bracket (2).

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment which differs from the first by the number of guide tabs (1) and fixing lugs (2). In this embodiment, three guide lugs (1) are arranged alternately with two fastening lugs (2) perpendicular to the axis (d) and the same side of the axis (d). The two fixing lugs (2) are interconnected by a longitudinal member (3). This spar allows a mechanical holding of the two fastening lugs (2) between them. This has the effect of stiffening the entire hook.

Preferably the spar (3) is equipped with an orifice (4). The function of this hole (4) is to strengthen the maintenance of the bracelet on the hook. When the bracelet has two thicknesses which extend on either side of the fixing lugs (2) and the spar (3), if these two thicknesses are glued to the hook, they stick to one another in the area of the orifice (4), which reinforces the maintenance of the bracelet in the hook. Similarly if the bracelet is made by injecting plastic material around the hook, there is continuity of material in the orifice (4) which reinforces the strength of the bracelet in this area, thus maintaining the bracelet on the hook of assembly is reinforced. If the bracelet is made of leather or textile material, the orifice (4) can be used to pass a band of material of the bracelet to increase the strength between the hook assembly and the bracelet. Optionally the spar may comprise more than one orifice (4).

The invention is not limited to this example, in fact this alternation of fastening tabs and guide tabs may relate to other configurations comprising, N guide tabs and N + 1 fastening tabs, N guide tabs and N brackets, N + 1 guide lugs and N brackets, N being an integer greater than one. It is also conceivable while remaining within the scope of the invention to have at least two consecutive fastening lugs, not an alternation of fastening tabs and guide tabs, or conversely two consecutive guide tabs. The multiplication of the guide and fixing lugs allows to increase the overall rigidity of the hook while improving the elasticity of the hook in the area where it is clipped on the bar and increasing the ease of guiding the bar at the time of assembly of the hook assembly on the bar.

In Figure 3, the hook is divided into 3 areas, (ZI, Z2 and Z3). The zone (ZI) corresponds to the portion (PI) of the hook which surrounds the bar when the hook is assembled on the bar as can be seen in FIG. 4 which is a side view of the assembly hook of the invention, a bar being in the assembled position in the hook. In the zone (ZI) the assembly hook has a general shape of U and thus defines an axis (A) which corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the U. The zone (Z2) corresponds extends in the extension of the zone (ZI) along the axis (A). In this zone, the branches of the U of the hook are close to one another so as to create a constriction, the smallest distance between the two branches of the U in this area being less than the diameter of the bar to be assembled. Thus this area becomes a blocking area of the bar when trying to insert the bar in the zone (ZI). As the material of the hook is elastic, when the bar tries to enter the zone (ZI) the throat of the zone (Z2) retracts and allows the passage of the bar to the zone (ZI). Once the bar in the zone (ZI) the hook returns to its original shape, due to its elastic properties, and thus locks the assembly of the bar in the hook. The guide lug (1) defines a zone (Z3) which corresponds to an area in which the bar is guided towards the zone (Z2). When assembling the bar in the hook, the bar is positioned at the opening (4) and is directed towards the zone (Z3) perpendicular to the axis (A). As seen in Figure 3, the tab (1) is configured to slide the bar to the zone (Z2). The tab (1) defines an axis which forms an angle with the axis (A). This angle has a value greater than 5 °.

More specifically, Figure 4 shows the hook of the invention with a bar inserted in the zone (ZI). The portion (PI) of the hook is defined by the branches (B, B1 and B2). (B) corresponds to the bottom of the U, (B1) and (B2) are the parallel branches of the U. We see clearly in this figure that the zone (Z2) is defined by the branch (B2) and the branches (Β and B This is the shortest distance between the branch (B1) and (B2) which defines the throttle or clipping dimension of the bar in the hook. The tab (1) of FIG. 3 is defined by two branch portions (Β3 'and B3). The portion (Β3 ') of this tab is aligned on an axis A'. It is the angle a between the axes (A) and (Α ') which makes it possible to define the operating conditions of the hook. Indeed if aa value greater than 5 °, the assembly of the bar in the hook is facilitated, the bar abutting the tab (1) thus being directed towards the zone (ZI). The value of the angle a must be less than 85 ° for the system to work. The branch (B3) can itself be more inclined than the branch (Β3 ') with respect to the axis (A). The function of the branch (Β3 ') being to define a limit with the bracelet, this limit being the most perpendicular possible with the branch (B2) as seen in Figure 6.

Fig. 7 shows a watch case (10) having a visible face for the user (F). This face includes the dial generally. On this housing is assembled a bar (20) of generally cylindrical shape, this bar being of the pump bar type. This bar is assembled between two unrepresented surfaces which are parallel to the plane of FIGS. 6 and 7. The axis (M) defines the median plane of the watch case. The assembly hook (I) is assembled in a watch strap (30) to be assembled on the housing (10) at the bar (20). It is well understood in this figure that the watch strap extends along the faces (Fl) and (F2) of the hook (I) (see Figure 1 for the definitions of (Fl) and (F2). stopping on the branch (B3) of the guide lug (1) to perfectly define the assembly opening of the bar in the bracelet equipped with the assembly hook of the invention. A) of the assembly hook is not aligned with the center plane (M) of the watch case .. In figure (7) the axis (A) of the assembly hook is aligned with the median plane (M) of the watch case which corresponds to the relative positioning of the bracelet with respect to the watch case when the watch is worn by its user, in the latter case, if one tries to push the bracelet in the direction of the arrow (F1) in order to disassembling the watch case bracelet, the bracelet abuts against the face (40) of the watch case This face (40) defines perpendicular the median plane (M) the mounting area of the bar on the watch case as can also be seen in Figure 9. The fact that the bracelet comes into abutment on the face (40) in this case prevents the bar (20) to move in the area (Z2) of the hook assembly and thus prevents the bracelet from being unclipped from the watch case. So this advantageous configuration of the assembly hook of the invention avoids any disassembly of a bracelet equipped with such a hook assembly of the watch case on which it is assembled when the watch is worn. Thus the reliability of the system is ensured without increasing the number of system components. This security is defined by the fact that the distance between the bar (20) and the face (40) minus the thickness of the hook and less the thickness of the bracelet is less than the width of the zone (Z2) along the axis (AT).

Assembly and disassembly of the bracelet equipped with the assembly hook of the invention is possible when the bracelet is in a position similar to that of Figure 6 with respect to the watch case. The disassembly steps of such a bracelet are shown in FIG.

Step 1 of Figure 8 corresponds to the configuration of Figure 6. This configuration is possible only if the watch is not worn, so a disassembly of the watch case bracelet is not possible when the watch is worn.

Step 2 of Figure 8 is to apply a force along the arrow (F2) substantially along the axis (A) of the hook assembly. This allows the bar (20) to move from the zone (ZI) to the zone (Z2). Since the relative movement of the bracelet with respect to the watch case is not perpendicular to the face (40), the bracelet does not abut against the face (40) and thus the bar (20) can pass from the zone (40). Z2) at the beginning of the zone (Z3), which corresponds to the unclipping of the bar (20) which is possible because the material of the hook (I) is elastic and because the hook can shift to the right of the figure, the leg (B3) (see Figure 4) does not block this movement.

At this moment, the step 3 and last step of the disassembly consists in applying a force to the bracelet according to (F3), which amounts to applying a force substantially oriented along the axis (Α '). This effort removes the bracelet from the face (40) and thus allows its complete disassembly.

The assembly of the bracelet equipped with the hook of the invention consists in linking the steps of FIG. 8 in the reverse order by reversing the direction of the forces (F3) and (F2). Figure 9 shows a watch case (10) equipped with a bar (20), the bar of this figure is a pump bar. The case of this watch is generally circular in shape, but it could be of square or rectangular general appearance or any other usable shape for a watch case, the invention operating on any type of watch case. On the bar (20) is assembled a hook (I) according to one embodiment of the invention. In the configuration of Figure 9, the hook (I) is almost aligned with the median plane of the watch case (10) and is almost in contact with the face (40) of the watch case, which prevents the disassembly of the hook (I) of the bar (20) in this arrangement. In the case illustrated in this figure, the watch case being circular, the face (40) is in contact with the hook (I) at a single point. In the case of other shape watch case, the face (40) can be fully in contact with the hook (I), if the housing is square or rectangular, or at several points.

Figure 10 illustrates another aspect of the reliability of the system according to the invention. In step 1, the hook (I) is almost aligned with the median plane (M) of the watch case (10). The face (F) of the watch case visible to the user being oriented upwards in this figure 10. Step 1 corresponds to a "normal" operating state of the invention. The watch equipped with the bracelet according to the invention is worn by the user.

Step 2 of FIG. 10 corresponds to the case where the user turns the bracelet in a direction contrary to a normal winding direction of a watch band, towards the top of FIG. 10 in the direction of (F4) . In this case the face (Fl) of the hook (I) abuts against the face (40) of the watch case and thus the rotation of the hook according to (F4) is stopped and the hook can not disassemble the housing in this position .

Step 3 of Figure 10 corresponds to the case where the user tries, after having arranged the hook (I) in the position of step 2 of Figure (10), to push the hook (I) in the direction (F5) to separate it from the bar (20). In this case precisely, it is the Banche (B3) (see Figure 4) which abuts against the bar (20) and plates the face (Fl) of the hook (I) against the face (40) of the watch case thus preventing disassembly of the hook (I) as seen in Figure 10 step 3. Thus, the bracelet according to the invention can only be dismantled in a position similar to that of FIG. 8, which corresponds to a relative position of the bracelet with respect to the possible watch case if the watch is not worn. When the watch is worn, disassembly of the bracelet is made impossible, as shown in Figure 7. A disassembly of the bracelet can be only intentional as possible in a single configuration.

It should be noted that the disassembly of the bracelet is done without a specific tool, which allows any user to perform this disassembly and thus makes a bracelet equipped with such a hook easily interchangeable assembly of a watch case to the other.

A removable bar-type bar on a state-of-the-art watch must normally be dismounted with the help of a tool, but some users can do so with their nails, which may cause breaks or cracks in the nails in view of the surface of the pump bar on which it is necessary to exert pressure. There are also lugs pins to remedy this type of problem, the lug being manipulated with the nails. Nevertheless even with this lug disassembling the lug bar nails can be damaged during use. In the case of the hook of the invention, it appears explicitly from Figure 8 that the disassembly is done by the application of a force on the complete hook (effort F2 and F3). This effort is directly applied to the hook or through the bracelet, and is applied directly by the fingers of the user. Thus can change the wristband of his watch without deteriorating the nails, which is a relatively interesting advantage compared to the bracelets assembled on watch cases via bar to pump. It is this aspect that makes the bracelet equipped with the hook of the invention easily interchangeable.

FIG. 11 illustrates a mode of production of an embodiment of a hook according to the invention. The first step is to have a flat sheet of metallic material such as stainless steel, titanium or titanium-based alloy or any other metallic material used in the watch industry. This sheet is cut to obtain a blank identical to that of the view (P) of Figure 11. Then this blank is arched to obtain the hook according to the invention shown in front view and side view (R) of Figure 11. This method can be implemented in different tools for cutting - folding or in a tool of type tool following that groups all the operations.

Another alternative embodiment of the assembly hook according to the invention is to specify more precisely the assembly of the bar in the hook assembly

For this purpose a second clipping zone (Z'3) is introduced into the assembly hook.

In this variant of the invention, this part of the zone (Z3) identified (Z'3) is configured such that the minimum distance projected on the plane of FIG. 3 or 4 (plane perpendicular to the axis d of Figure 1) between the branches (Β) and (B3) is smaller than the diameter (D) of the bar (20) to be assembled, this distance (Dl) defines the opening of the zone (Z'3). Thus this zone defines a second clipping zone of the assembly hook on the bar.

The zone (Z'3) is identified in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 shows the two distances (D1) and (D2) corresponding to the two clipping or throttling zones of this hook. The distance (D2) corresponds to the clipping distance of the zone (Z2), the distance (D1) corresponds to the clipping distance of the zone (Z'3). The bar (20) being of diameter (D), the operating conditions of the two clipping zones are such that (D) is greater than (D1) and (D2).

Figure 14 shows the bar (20) in different positions relating to the assembly of the bar (20) in the hook assembly (I) of this variant of the invention.

The position 1 corresponds to the position in which the bar (20) is outside the assembly hook (I).

The position 2 corresponds to the position in which the bar (20) passes the clipping position corresponding to the zone (Z'3).

Position 3 corresponds to the position in which the bar is free in zone (Z3).

The position 4 corresponds to the position in which the bar is in the zone (ZI), so the final assembly position of the bar in the hook assembly. To assemble the bar (20) in the hook assembly (I), the bar will successively take the positions 1 to 4 of Figure 14.

To move from position 1 to position 3, the distance (D2) being less than the diameter (D) of the bar, the material of the assembly hook must have characteristics that allow the elastic deformation of the assembly hook. That is to say, the possibility of deforming so that the distance (D2) becomes at least equal to the distance (D) in order to let the bar (20) in the zone (Z3) and the possibility of finding its initial form. For this purpose the material of the assembly hook must be sufficiently elastic to allow these non-permanent deformations of the assembly hook. In fact the two branches (B 'I) and (B3) will deviate under the insertion force of the bar in the zone (Z3).

Similarly and as for the assembly hook of the other variants of the invention, to move from the position 3 to the position 4, as the distance (D1) is smaller than the diameter (D) of the bar, the hook of assembly will deform under the insertion force of the bar of the zone (Z3) to the zone (ZI) when the bar passes into the clipping zone (Z2).

In fact, once in the zone (Z3) the bar assembles in the same way as in the case of the version of FIG.

In order to disassemble the bar (20) of the assembly hook of this variant, the positions 1 to 4 of FIG. 14 are traversed in the opposite direction to that described above.

This variant is distinguished by the fact that once the bar is out of the zone (ZI), it remains confined in the zone (Z3). As seen in the position 3 of Figure 14, the bar is free in the zone (Z3) and can migrate to the zone (ZI) or outside the hook assembly if the hook assembly is deformed. Indeed the distances (Dl) and (D2) being smaller than the diameter (D) of the bar, it is maintained in the zone (Z3). Only an action on the bar, that is to say the application of a force on the bar may allow the latter to deform the assembly hook and pass into the zone (ZI) (when the assembly) or outside the hook assembly when disassembling the bar relative to the hook assembly, that is to say in the case of the passage of the bar from position 3 to position 1 . This second clipping zone (Z'3) of the bar in the assembly hook allows for the person who assembles a watch strap provided with the assembly hook of the invention on a bar of a watch case to have a double acknowledgment of the assembly.

This double acknowledgment also constitutes a double security in the event that, for example, the strip would be unclipped from the zone (ZI), that is to say in the case where the strip would accidentally pass from the position 4 to the position 3. In other words, when the user wears a watch equipped with a bracelet whose assembly hooks are those of this variant, an accidental unclipping of an assembly hook does not immediately lead to the disassembly of the assembly hook. and so the bracelet. On the contrary, the disassembly of the assembly hook requires an additional voluntary action on the part of the user in order to bring the bar out of the zone (Z3).

This provision is a real security but can also comfort the user who would not trust a watchband assembly system simply by clipping.

Figure 15 illustrates a variation of this embodiment. The end of the portion (Β) is extended by a bent portion (51) which achieves an engagement chamfer of the bar in the zone (Z'3). The end of the portion (B3) is extended by a bent portion (52) which achieves an engagement chamfer of the bar in the zone (Z'3). In Figure 15, the bar (20) is in the engagement position in the hook. By pushing the bar (20) towards the zone (Z3), the engagement chamfers (51) and (52) will facilitate the insertion of the bar (20) in the hook (I). The presence of only one of the two chamfers (51) or (52) is sufficient to significantly improve the assembly of the bar (20) in the hook assembly (I), regardless of whether this chamfer is located on the portion (Β) or on the portion (B3).

It should be noted that the presence of chamfers (s) facilitates the insertion of the bar in the hook even in the other embodiments of the invention, in particular as those of Figures 1 to 11. The presence of chamfers is independent of the presence of the zone (Z'3). In these other embodiments the presence of chamfer (s) facilitates just guiding the bar (20) to the zone (Z3).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, by different combination of the characteristics presented above, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Assembly hook (I) for a mobile element, of the watchband type (30) for example, capable of being assembled on a bar (20) of a watch case in order to ensure the fastening of the movable element, watchband type, at the bar (20) of the watch case, said watch case bar (20) being generally of cylindrical shape, said assembly hook (I) comprising at least a portion (PI) intended for receiving a bar (20) of a watch case, a fixing lug (2) intended to be assembled on a movable element such as a bracelet (30) watch, the portion (PI) having a general shape of U s' extending along an axis (d) characterized in that the portion (PI) having a general U-shape comprises 2 zones: a first zone (ZI) corresponding to the bottom of the U, zone in which the strip (20) of the watch case is positioned when the hook assembly (I) is assembled on the bar (20) of the bo watch, this portion of U defining a first axis (A), a second zone (Z2) in the extension of the first zone (ZI) along the first axis (A), in which the two branches of the U are close to so as to form a constriction smaller than the diameter of the bar (20) of the watch case, and in that the assembly hook (I) further comprises a guide tab (1) defining a third guide zone (Z3) of the watch case bar (20) during its assembly in the assembly hook (I), the guide lug (1) for guiding the bar (20) of the watch case at the time of assembly of the hook assembly on the bar (20) of the watch case towards the first zone (ZI) and in that the hook assembly (I) is made of an elastic material so as to deform at the moment when the Watchcase bar passes from area (Z3) to area (ZI). 2. Assembly hook according to claim 1 characterized in that the general direction of the lug (1) forms an angle with the axis (A) greater than 5 °. Assembly hook (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises along the axis (d) at least one alternation of guide lug (1) and fixing lug (2) the legs guide (1) and fixing (2) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis (d).

Assembly hook according to the preceding claim characterized in that it comprises along the axis (d) an alternation of three guide lugs (1) and two fixing lugs (2), the two fastening lugs (2) being interconnected by a spar (3) parallel to the axis (d), the spar (3) optionally having an orifice (4).

Assembly hook according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced by cutting then bending a sheet of metallic material such as a stainless steel, a copper-based alloy, an alloy based on titanium, titanium or by injection of a plastic or thermoplastic material.

Assembly hook (I) according to any preceding claim further comprising a zone (Z'3) constituting a second throttling zone between a branch (B3) of the lug (1) and a branch (Β ) of the portion (PI) having a general shape of U, the minimum distance (Dl) projected on a plane perpendicular to the axis (d) between the leg (B3) of the leg (1) and the branch (Β) the portion (PI) having a general shape of U being less than the diameter (D) of the bar (20) to be assembled.

Assembly hook (I) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the minimum distance (Dl) between the leg (B3) of the tab (1) and the branch (Β) of the portion (PI) having a general shape of U is performed between the end of the leg (B3) of the tab (1) and the end of the branch (Bl ') of the portion (PI) having a general shape of U.

Connecting hook (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end of the leg (B3) of the leg (1) and / or the end of the leg (Β) of the portion ( PI) having a generally U-shape comprises at least one chamfer (51) (52) for engaging the bar in the zone (Z'3).

9. A set consisting of a watch case (30) comprising at least one bar (20) of watch case and at least one assembly hook (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the width of the zone (Z2) of the assembly hook (I) along the first axis (A) is greater than the distance between the bar (20) and the watch case (10).

10. Watchstrap comprising at least one assembly hook according to claims 1 to 8.

11. Watchstrap comprising at least one assembly hook according to claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the strap material covers the outside of the U-shaped portion (PI) of the hook assembly and extends on this face (Fl) along the tab (2) and in that the face (F2) of the tab 2 is also covered by the strap material to the level of the tab (1) so as to define an opening longitudinal passage passage of the bar of the watch case in the bracelet, this opening being located on the inner side of the bracelet, that is to say the non-visible face of the bracelet when the watch is worn.

12. Watchband according to the preceding claim characterized in that it is made of leather, rubber, silicone, plastic or textile material.

13. Watch whose housing (10) comprises at least one bar (20) of generally cylindrical shape such as a pump bar characterized in that it further comprises a bracelet (30) comprising at least one hook of assembly (I) according to claims 1 to 8.