WO2021209922A1

WO2021209922A1 - Interchangeable buckle system

Info

Publication number: WO2021209922A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Côme DE VALBRAY
Original assignee: D'heure En Heure Sàrl
Priority date: 2020-04-16
Filing date: 2021-04-14
Publication date: 2021-10-21
Also published as: CH718682B1

Abstract

Interchangeable buckle device intended to be secured to and detached from a first strand (2), the buckle device comprising a loop (1) and a bar (180), the bar being configured to be received in a first opening of the first strand, the loop comprising a first shank (112) having a first opening (102) intended to receive the bar, characterised in that the loop comprises an elastic hooking device provided with a second opening intended to allow the bar to move from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B) by moving the loop relative to the bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar.

Description

Interchangeable buckle system

Technical area

The present invention relates to an interchangeable loop device, that is to say a loop device which can be easily secured and detached from a first strand without the aid of a tool and without the risk of unintentional separation.

State of the art

There are a number of products making use of a buckle and to allow its separation from the strand / strap of which / which he / she is attached. Detachable belt buckles have already been proposed to allow the wearer to change the belt (color, material, etc.) while keeping the same buckle. This change is usually done by pinching the non-perforated end of the belt, so that the user can not only change the belt, but bring it to length s! necessary.

In the watchmaking field, solutions have been proposed to allow the user to easily change the strap of his watch, in particular in the case of a replacement when it is too worn or to switch for example a strap in leather and a metal strap. A great effort has been made in recent years to improve these systems for separating the bracelet on the case side, and many solutions have been proposed.

[0004] However, the same effort has not been made to detach the loop, and this results in a lack of advantageous solutions. However, the value of a precious metal buckle or clasp is such that the user would like to be able to swap a bracelet without changing the buckle, and this simply, quickly, safely and without using a tool. . Another need that the invention proposes to solve is to allow this change of bracelet with bracelets that have not undergone any modification, that is to say standard bracelets, which is not the case most of the solutions proposed until now, as for example in the case of lug bars of the type proposed in EP0089166. Indeed, these lug bars require an opening in the strand which is often a source of damage during wearing, and the use of these bars for the loop has additional drawbacks.

Indeed, the bracelet touching the wrist of the wearer on this side of the strand, while it is most often far away from the box side due to the height of its mounting relative to the watch, the lug of the bar rubs the skin, which beyond the resulting discomfort, subjects the pump bar system (composed of several different metals) to perspiration from the wearer. This results not only in problems of deterioration of the product (oxidation or others) but also in increased risks of allergies for the wearer, materials containing nickel or other allergens being most often used.

[0007] Document US Pat. No. 5,951,193 describes a method of mounting a buckle on a strand in which the bar cooperates with two elastic elements mounted in the bracelet and making it possible to fix the bar by sliding it into an elongated opening of the bracelet. This solution has several drawbacks for achieving universal interchangeability, since it requires a modified strap to integrate these mounting elements. This solution therefore does not make it possible to mount a buckle on a standard strap and therefore limits interchangeability with straps available on the market. On the other hand, the mounting and dismounting positions of the buckle relative to the fastening element being in the direction of the service position of the bracelet, it is possible that the buckle becomes detached when wearing the watch. , in particular if it is worn loosely or, in the case of a watch worn diving over a wetsuit of the neoprene type, when the thickness of the latter shrinks and the strap becomes loose. Finally, the width of the hole receiving the bar is such that part of the hole remains visible after assembly, which is on the one hand not aesthetic, but can also constitute a housing in which detritus can be stored and disturb the functioning of the system.

[0008] Document CH714409 describes an interchangeable buckle and its method of assembly in which the barb must be moved along the axis of the bar to proceed with disassembly, which requires a modification of the strap so that the opening intended to receive the barb is wide enough to allow this clearance. This solution is therefore not universal since it is only compatible with bracelets of which the width of this opening is greater than usual. In addition, during assembly / disassembly of the buckle, the force exerted by the user on the barb to compress the pump bar, always exerted on the same side of the strap strand, results in a deformation of the part of the strand, which increases the play of radial displacement of the pin to the detriment of the security of the maintenance of the buckle and the aesthetics of the bracelet. Finally, the assembly / disassembly of the loop does not provide for a signal informing the user of the correct assembly, such as a haptic and / or sound signal, which may present risks of incorrect assembly and therefore of untimely detachment.

[0009] Document CH713108 describes a buckle device intended to be easily mounted and removed by clipping according to a rotation of a first element of the buckle relative to a second element of the buckle. This document presents an application for a folding buckle, no embodiment for a pin buckle being described or illustrated. Now, it is advantageous to provide a device which applies equally well to a pin buckle as to a folding buckle.

[0010] Thus, there is a need for a simple removable solution, easy to implement and universal, that is to say applicable to new products while remaining backward compatible with existing products, which adapts to any standard bracelet offered on the market. Brief summary of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention is based on an interchangeable loop device intended to be secured to and detached from a first strand, as defined in claim 1. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one device for loop and a first strand assembled as defined by the invention.

The loop device according to the invention is based in particular on a clipping made between the loop device and the bar, which offers a certain number of advantages for the user, by providing him on the one hand with haptic feedback informing it of the passage from an unhooked position to a hooked position, which avoids the risk of carrying the object by having assembled it in an incomplete or inappropriate manner.

Advantageously, this clipping is performed only in defined positions which exclude a service position of the loop device once the entire loop and strand (s) assembled, which on the other hand avoids the risks unintentional disassembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the loop device according to the invention comprises a very limited number of components, which makes it economical and easy to use and limits the risk of deterioration due to premature wear of the components.

Another advantage of the present invention is the use of a solid bar, as opposed to a pump bar which comprises a hollow body, a compression spring housed inside and one or two retractable pivots.

Thus, the components of the loop system according to the invention can be dimensioned in a robust manner, which makes the device more resistant to the stresses to which it is subjected, while giving it a particularly long service life. This results in increased safety for the wearer, in particular against risks of breakage and loss of the object to which the buckle device is associated, which is essential when it is an object of high or sensitive value. to a fall, such as a watch or a camera.

[0017] Also, the use of a solid single-component bar makes it possible to use materials which are not applicable to pump bars such as precious metals, which again offers notable advantages, such as elimination risks of aging of the bar due to oxidation problems (electrochemical potentials) and also makes it possible to offer loops made in their entirety from one and the same material.

Finally, the loop device according to the invention is particularly suitable for mounting on standard components, namely components that have not undergone any particular modification compared to a standard loop device, which facilitates its integration of universally, and allows users to very easily use the same loop on a variety of different strands, in all the fields of application proposed in the present description.

Finally, the assembly of the loop requiring a first displacement of a first element (the loop device) in a first direction, then a second displacement of a second element (the bar) in a second direction, the risk unintentional disassembly is reduced or even eliminated, which benefits the safety of the assembly.

To this end, the invention is based on an interchangeable loop device intended to be secured to and detached from a first strand, the loop device comprising a loop and a bar, the bar being configured to be received in a first opening of the first strand, the buckle comprising a first stretcher having a first opening intended to receive the bar, in which the buckle comprises an elastic hooking device provided with a second opening intended to allow the passage of the bar from an unhooked position to a hooked position by displacement of the loop relative to the bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar.

The invention will find its application in the watchmaking field, such as watch bracelets, in the field of leather goods, such as ornamental bracelets, straps and bag or luggage closure devices, belt buckles as well as in any another area where buckle straps for securing a device might need to be removed, such as a camera or binoculars.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

Fig. 1 shows the assembly mode according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows first modes of assembly and disassembly according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a second mode of disassembly according to another embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows mounting variants of the loop system according to other embodiments;

Fig. 5 shows variants of mounting the barb and lateral retention of the bar according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows several variants for a stirrup folding buckle system according to other embodiments; Fig. 7 shows several variants for an eyelet folding buckle system according to other embodiments; and

Fig. 8 represents several additional modes of use of the components of the loop to operate additional functions according to embodiments which can be combined with those represented in the preceding figures.

Example (s) of embodiment

To clarify the description, we will use by convention the term "axis" of the bar, generally a part of revolution, its own axis (X) of revolution or, in the case where the body is not a perfect body of revolution, the axis along which the bar extends.

The loop device according to the invention can be applied to a loop device comprising a loop chosen from the group comprising “pin buckles”, “stud loops” (a stud loop here denotes a loop resembling a pin buckle but free of a pin, the attachment of the strand with which the pin generally cooperates being in this case carried out using a stud, such a type of buckle is for example known from documents DE9310098, DE7425323 or W02010012847), “eyelet folding buckles” (a folding buckle intended to be mounted on a strand or a bracelet designed for a pin buckle, that is to say a bracelet which has, in addition to a first opening receiving the bar, a second opening intended to receive the tongue, and in the case of a folding buckle with eyelet, the eyelet of the buckle) or even “folding buckles with stirrup”, certain terms will be generalized to simplify the description. The term buckle device also includes clasp devices.

[0025] Thus, the term “buckle device” is a generalization making it possible to describe the buckle and the components which are directly related to it, such as for example a bar, a barb, a clip, a blade in the case of a folding buckle. . The term "stretcher" which is commonly used to identify the side parts of a loop which support the bar and extend on either side of one end of the strand on which the loop device is mounted, will be generalized here to also indicate the parts of a folding-type buckle which fulfill the same function, namely to support the bar and the strand.

The "bar" is commonly a part of revolution extending along its axis and intended to provide the connection between a loop and a strand.

By "strand" is meant the strip of material intended to be made integral with the loop device.

In particular, the "first strand" designates the strand made integral with the bar included in the loop device, and the "second strand" the strand which cooperates with another part of the loop device such as the barb or the plot. According to the application of the invention, the first and second strands can be the two ends of the same strand, as in the case of a belt, an ornamental bracelet, a strap intended to support a camera. or a pair of binoculars. They can also be two separate strands, as is generally the case in watchmaking, since each of these strands is intended to be fixed at its other end to the watch case. However, there are strap variants, such as those commonly known as the NATO strap, in which the watch is supported as a single strand, the latter closing by itself while being mounted on the watch case. the watch.

To facilitate reading of the figures, the second strand is not shown in the figures, which will not impact the understanding of the invention.

The term "translation" here designates the displacement of the bar in the direction of its own axis. The term "service position" denotes a position of the loop device in which the loop is assembled with the first strand and positioned relative thereto when the second strand (not shown) is inserted into the loop and is found substantially parallel and superimposed on the first strand.

The description of the invention is based on specific and non-limiting examples of the invention. Thus, certain explanations are illustrated on the basis of one or the other of the examples without these explanations being limited to these particular embodiments of the invention, the loop device applying to all the inventions described in the revendications.

Thus, the elements identical or corresponding to the same functions within the framework of the invention are represented with the same references, and, if necessary, indices to differentiate them when the modes of cooperation vary.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention in which the loop device 1 according to the invention, intended to be secured and detached from a first strand 2, comprises a loop 100 and a bar 180, the loop 100 further comprising a barb 150, the elastic hooking device being in this variant supported by the barb 150, and the buckle being provided with two stretchers 111, 112 and first openings 101, 102 intended to receive the bar in the guiding in the direction of its own axis (X) by cooperating with guide surfaces provided for this purpose 181, 182 on the bar. The strand is provided with a first opening 201, 202 intended to receive the bar and with a second opening 203 intended to receive the barb.

Thus, when mounting the loop system 1 on the first strand 2, the bar 180 is inserted into a first opening of the loop 102 carried by a first stretcher 112 of the loop, then through the first opening 202, 201 of the strand and finally in a first opening of the loop 101 carried by a second stretcher 111.

The barb 150 is provided at one of its ends with a first opening 151 (see Figure 4c) intended to receive the bar 180, and a second end 157, intended to cooperate with a clearance 121 provided in the transverse part 120 of the loop. The barb further comprises a second opening 152 (see FIG. 4c) intended to allow the barb to pass from a so-called detached position (A) to a so-called attached position (B), the bar cooperating during this operation of mounting successively with a region located near the of a second opening of the barb 153 (see FIG. 4c), the second opening 152 then the first opening of the barb 151.

The second opening of the barb 152 is of a dimension smaller than the diameter of the bar in the area provided to receive the barb 150. This reduced section portion 183 of the bar is configured to receive the barb, the staves lateral 185, 186 formed between the reduced section 183 of the bar and its guide surfaces 181, 182 cooperating with the lateral faces 155, 156 of the barb so as to keep the bar in translation along its own axis (X) with respect at the barb. In practice, minimal play will be observed between these components, so minimal translation may exist, although it does not affect the operation of the device.

In a rest position of the barb, that is to say a position in which the bar is not positioned in the second opening 152 of the barb, the dimension of this second opening 152 is less to the reduced section 183 of the bar, in order to retain the bar in its hooked position (B) (see Figure 2b) and prevent it from returning to its unhooked position (A) (see Figure 2a).

Passing through the second opening 152, the bar 180 exerts a force on a flexible part 154 of the barb which is then deformed elastically to allow the bar to pass from a first unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B). During this passage, the dimension of the second opening 152 is substantially at least equal to the diameter of the bar, because it could also be slightly greater, depending on the contour geometry of the flexible part.

The assembly method for attaching the loop device 1 and the first strand 2 is easily understood according to the previous description of the device: a) the first strand 2 is positioned so that its first openings 201, 202 are aligned with the first openings 111, 112 of the loop 100; b) the bar 180 is inserted through a first opening 101, 102 of a first stretcher 111, 112 of the buckle; c) the bar 180 is guided in the first openings 201, 202 of the first strand 2: d) the bar 180 is guided until it is housed in the first opening 101, 102 of a second stretcher 111, 112 ; e) the barb 150 is guided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar (X) along a portion of the bar 183 released by the second opening 203 of the first strand 2; f) the barb is held by its end 157 which does not include the first opening; and g) the barb is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) of the bar, from its unhooked position (A) to its hooked position (B).

In step f), the force generated by the elastic portion 154 of the barb on the reduced section 183 of the bar facilitates the passage from the unhooked position (A) to the hooked position (B), this passage resulting in a haptic signal perceived by the user, this signal possibly being accompanied by an audible signal such as a click.

The loop device 1 is then correctly assembled with the strand 2 and ready to be used.

Figure 2 shows the loop device 1 in three particular positions. In figure 2a, the device is in its service position, that is to say the position in which the object which is equipped with the loop device is used. In this service position, a first orientation Oi is defined by the direction and the direction of an axis passing through the axis of the bar and oriented in the direction of the first strand, the orientation of the second opening O2 of said device. elastic attachment being different from said first orientation. We see in this position, the angle defined between the first orientation Oi and the orientation of the second opening O2 is close to 180 °, the barb not being able to move from its hooked position (B) to its unhooked position (A ), the barb 150 abutting against the bottom wall 204 of the second opening 203 of the first strand and preventing the barb from becoming detached.

It is further seen that, although the loop device described in the present invention is intended to be attached to any type of standard strand, it can be provided to provide the first strand with a part such as an insert reinforcement 210, this reinforcing insert being advantageously provided, but not limited to, in the core 209 of the strand. Thus, this reinforcing insert 210 can take on or more functions specifically intended to further improve the performance of the system.

The reinforcing insert may be intended to reinforce the lateral rigidity of the first openings 201, 202 of the first strand 2. In fact, the barb 150 being held in translation in the loop device 1 by the side walls 205, 206 of the second opening 203 of the first strand 2, it may be advantageous, in particular in the case of strands made of a flexible material, to provide a reinforcing insert which reinforces the rigidity of the first strand 2 on the portions surrounding its first openings 201, 202, that is to say its rigidity in the direction defined by the axis (X) of the bar, and thus limits the displacement of the barb 150 relative to the first strand 2 along the axis (X) of the bar.

In addition, this reinforcing insert can also make it possible to facilitate the guiding of the bar 180 in the first opening 201, 202 of the first strand 2. In fact, certain flexible materials may have sliding properties which deteriorate with time, strand 2 could no longer pivot correctly around the bar.

On the other hand, in the case of strands made of flexible materials, the first openings 201, 202 of the strand are often made broadly, that is to say with a section much greater than the diameter of the portions. guide 181, 182 of the bar with which it cooperates, in order to facilitate assembly. However, this voluntarily planned significant play can increase with time, the repeated friction of a hard material on a soft material, and the traction to which the object which is equipped with it is subjected, resulting in a deformation of the material of the first strand 2. The result is that the loop device 1 takes up more play, which can have undesirable aesthetic effects, be perceived by the user as a qualitative defect or even, in certain cases, cause the initiators of rupture to occur. level of the wall of the strand 207, 208 forming the first openings 201, 202 and thus present the risk of the bracelet breaking and causing the fall or even the loss of the object worn such as for example a watch. Thus., The use of a reinforcing insert made of a rigid or semi-rigid material in these parts of the strand makes it possible to overcome all these drawbacks by limiting the deterioration of the strand and by ensuring precise and limited operating clearances between the bar and the openings of the reinforcement insert.

Another function that such a reinforcing insert can give to the device is the presence of a stop 204 in the opening of the strand 203 intended to receive the barb 150, this stop preventing so even more secure and precise unclipping of the barb, in particular by preventing the barb from moving from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A) when the buckle device is in its service position. Finally, such a reinforcement insert 2010 makes it possible to stiffen in the direction of the axis (X) the walls 207, 208 forming the first openings 201, 202, the second opening 203 of the strand then not being able to be deformed, this stiffening thus preventing the barb 150 to move relative to the strand 2 along the axis (X).

Figure 2b shows a position of the loop device 1 mounted on a first strand 2 in an advantageous position provided for mounting or removing the system, the mounting method having already described above. In this position, the loop 111, 112, 120 is folded back towards the lower surface 220 of the strand so as to make the barb more accessible. Thus, it is very easy to take the barb in the fingers by its end 157 and rotate it around the axis (X) of the bar to an angular position as illustrated, the angle defined between the first orientation Oi and the orientation of the second opening O2 is close to 70 ° to 90 °. In such a position, it suffices to move the barb 150 in the direction opposite to O2 so as to make it pass from its hooked position (B) to its unhooked position (A) and thus initiate the disassembly of the buckle device.

The bar 180 having a reduced section 183, it is then easy to hold the barb by its end provided with the first and second openings 151, 152 and to use its other end 157 as a tool to push the bar 180 out of its housing by inserting the end of the barb 157 in the reduced section 183 of the bar.

Figure 2c shows a position of the loop device 1 mounted on a first strand 2 in another position provided for mounting or removing the system. In this position, it can be seen that the tongue 150 is as easily accessible to the user as in the position of the previous figure and that it can easily be mounted and removed, respectively moved from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B) or from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A). In addition, it can be seen in this figure that the presence of a reinforcing insert 210 also makes it possible to limit the rotation of the barb 150 around the bar 180 beyond a certain angle defined by the stop 204 produced by the reinforcement insert on which the barb is supported. In fact, excessive rotation of the barb results in marking of the strand, in particular a deformation of the material of the strand surrounding its second opening.

The orientation of the second opening O2 of the loop relative to the first orientation O1 of the service position is between 30 ° and 330 °, preferably between 70 ° and 290 °, more preferably between 90 ° and 270 °.

According to one embodiment shown in Figures 2d to 2f, the reinforcing insert 210 can perform a function of unclipping the barb 150 through a rotational movement of the insert 210. Figure 2d shows a view assembly of the buckle 100 with the barb 150 and the insert 210. Figure 2e shows a sectional view of the insert 210 in the unhooked position (A) and Figure 2f shows a sectional view of the insert 210 in hooked position (B). In the particular example illustrated in FIGS. 2e and 2f, the tongue 150 is provided with a contact element 222 on which the insert 210 bears when it is in the unhooked position (A). This support of the insert 219 on the contact element 222 exerts a thrust which allows the barb 150 to come out of the bar 180. Other configuration of the contact element 222 are possible. It will be noted that the bracelet can also fulfill the function of the insert 210. In other words, in the unhooked position (A) the pin 150 can come to rest (for example via the contact element 222) on the bracelet in such a way. to exert a push which allows the barb to come out of the bar 180.

Figure 3 shows a variant of the disassembly mode of the loop device 1 and a first strand 2 (Figures 3a and 3c: position of service, Figures 3b and 3d: position of assembly and disassembly) In this variant, the assembly of the barb 150 on the bar 180 is done in the same way as described above. For the separation of the barb and the bar, the reduced section portion 183 of the bar 180 includes an eccentricity 184 illustrated in Figures 3c and 3d.

This eccentricity 184, when it coincides with the flexible part 154 of the barb, generates a force which tends to move this flexible part away from its rest position. The point of contact between this eccentricity 184 and the flexible part of the barb 154 being located at a distance, with respect to the center of rotation of the barb, greater than the radius of the reduced section portion 183 of the bar 180, it This results in a higher frictional moment on the side of this contact 184, 154 than on the side of the contact between the barb 150 and the non-eccentric part of the reduced section portion 183, which causes the center of the first opening to shift. 151 of the barb relative to the axis (X) of the bar 180 and initiates the extraction of the barb 150, which then moves from its hooked position (B) to its unhooked position (A).

In this particular embodiment of the invention, the bar 180 and the stretchers 111, 112 of the loop with which it cooperates, in particular its first openings 101, 102, are equipped with a complementary geometry aimed at preventing a rotation of the bar when it is mounted in the loop. Such an example of geometry, which is not shown here, can be a flat, a shaped profile such as a groove or any other geometry configured to prevent relative rotation between the bar 180 and the loop 111, 112, 120 .

The orientation of the eccentric portion 184 relative to the loop 111, 112, 120 can be determined so that the stroke necessary for the separation of the barb is less than the total stroke of the front barb to come into abutment against the upper surface 221 of the strand or, in the case of the use of a reinforcing insert 210, to arrive in abutment against the reinforcing wall 204 formed in the second opening 203 of the first strand 2.

The assembly method of this particular embodiment comprises a step of dismantling the loop device and the first strand which comprises the following steps: a) the barb 150 is driven in rotation around the axis ( X) of the bar 180, from its rest position, shown in Figure 3a, to a disassembly position, shown in Figure 3b, until the force generated by the eccentric portion 184 of the bar 180 exerts a force tending to deform the flexible part 154 of the barb and initiates the separation; and b) we continue to drive the barb in rotation so that it passes from its hooked position (B) to its unhooked position (A).

Although in this embodiment it is also possible to proceed with the disassembly of the loop device in the same way as in the first embodiment described above, this variant of separation can be useful in particular cases, such as, for example, when the buckle is very small and the barb is difficult to hold, the method of unhooking by rotation then being more difficult to implement. This variant embodiment of the invention may also be favorable for certain users, in particular those having sensitive fingers, such as for example in the presence of cracks or other inconveniences.

Without being illustrated, other embodiments could also make it possible to overcome the problem of gripping the barb, for example by making at least one of the surfaces of the barb, preferably the one not visible, at least rough or by decorating it with a finish of a type similar to that obtained by knurling, by scoring or grooving it, by micro-blasting or any other known process for reducing slippage on a surface. FIG. 4 shows various modes of application of the invention. FIGS. 4a and 4b show the application of the invention to a variant of the loop device 1a in which the elastic hooking device is provided on the stretchers 111a, 112a of a loop. In this variant, the bar 180a is guided in rotation in the first 101, 102 openings of the buckle, the second openings 103, 104 of the buckle device being provided on the stretchers 111 a, 112a of the buckle to allow assembly of the buckle. the bar in the loop.

To facilitate understanding, the buckle device proposed in Figures 4a and 4b is shown without the strand with which cooperates or the barb which equips it, the barb being in this case a barb as it is commonly known from the prior art, namely a barb having only a first opening to receive the bar.

Figure 4a shows the loop device 1a in the assembled position, that is to say when the bar 180a is in its hooked position (B), while Figure 4b shows the same loop device in the disassembled position , when the bar 180a is in its unhooked position (A).

The method of assembling a loop device 1a and a first strand is in this case different from the method described for the first embodiment of the invention. In this variant of the invention, the assembly is carried out as follows: a) the bar 180a is inserted into one of the first openings 201, 202 of the strand; b) the barb 150 is positioned in the second opening 203 of the strand to receive the bar 180a in its first opening 151; c) the bar 180a is guided in the other of its first openings 201, 202; and d) moving the first strand 2, which drives the bar 180a and the barb 150, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) of the bar so as to pass the bar 180a through the second openings 103, 104 of the loop to arrive in the first openings 101, 102 of the loop 111a, 112a, 120 and thus pass from one hooked position (A) to hooked position (B). In this variant, the bar 180a has a reduced section

183a on its portion, in this case at at least one of its ends, cooperating with at least one of the first openings of the first and second stretchers 111a, 112a. The lateral bearing surfaces 185a, 186a defined at one or two of the ends of the bar 180a bear on the stretchers 111a, 112a of the loop to keep it in translation with respect to its own axis (X). In a variant in which the bar does not extend beyond the stretchers, the reduced section of the bar is provided at both ends of the bar, so that it is kept in translation along its own axis (X) in both ways. However, it is also possible to produce a portion with a reduced section at only one of the ends of the bar over a distance less than the width of the stretcher, by making the first opening of the stretcher with a span, the narrowest section cooperating with the portion. with reduced section of the bar, and the other section of the first opening cooperating with the portion of non-reduced section of the bar.

In a variant of bar in which the bar extends beyond at least one stretcher, the reduced section can be limited to the length corresponding to the width of the stretcher, the portion of the bar projecting from the stretcher having then an unreduced section. In this case, the bar is held in translation in both directions by a single stretcher, in a manner analogous to the method of maintaining the barb presented in the first variant of the invention. Thus, in this particular variant, a reduced section produced at only one of the ends of the bar is necessary to keep it in translation. It is also planned to achieve another variant of the invention not shown here by equipping only one stretcher 111a or 112a of the elastic hooking device. In this variant, a first of the stretchers 111a or 112a has a first opening 101 or 102 and a second opening 103 or 104 and a second of the stretchers 111a or 112a has only a first opening 101 or 102. To keep the bar in translation along its own axis (X), the bar has a reduced section portion 183a on its portion cooperating with the first opening of the first stretcher, in this case at at least one of its ends over a length cooperating with the stretcher of the loop .

If the reduced section portion 183a extends to the end of the bar, it is necessary to provide a reduced section at each end of the bar so as to prevent the translation of the bar along its own axis ( X) in both directions. In a variant not shown in which the bar 180a extends beyond at least one stretcher 111a, 112a, the reduced section can be limited to the length corresponding to the width of the stretcher, the portion of the bar projecting from the stretcher. then having an unreduced section. In this case, the lateral bearing surfaces 185a, 186a of the bar are provided at the same end of the bar 180a, which is held in translation in both directions by a single stretcher 111a or 112a, in a manner analogous to the mode of maintaining the l 'ardillon presented in the first variant of the invention. Thus, in this particular variant, a reduced section 183a produced at only one of the ends of the bar is necessary to keep it in translation.

In this variant, not illustrated, the assembly method differs slightly from the assembly method of the loop device 1a described above and comprises the following steps: a) the bar 180a is inserted into one of the first openings 201,

202 of the strand; b) the barb 150 is positioned in the second opening 203 of the strand so as to align its first opening 151 with the first openings 201, 202 of the strand; c) the bar 180a is guided through the first opening 151 of the barb and the other of the first openings 201, 202 of the strand, the bar 180a then being integral with the first strand 2 and the barb 150; d) a first end of the bar 180a is inserted into the first opening of the stretcher 111a or 112a which does not include a second opening, the axis (X) of the bar then forming an angle with the axis connecting the first openings 101, 102 stretchers; and e) moving the first strand, which drives the bar and the barb, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) of the bar so as to cause the bar to pass from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B).

FIG. 4c represents the tongue of the first embodiment of the invention which has already been described above. We can see more precisely its first 151 and second 152 openings, a region

153 located near the second opening, as well as the flexible part

154 of the barb 150.

According to a variant shown in Figures 4ca and 4cb, the barb 150 is provided with a groove 159a intended to cooperate with the lateral bearing surfaces 185, 186 of the barb 150. For example, the second opening 152 of the barb 150 can have an internal diameter corresponding essentially to the diameter of the reduced section 183 of bar 180 and groove 159a have an internal diameter corresponding essentially to the external diameter of the lateral surfaces 185, 186 of bar 180. The barb 150 can include a groove 159b on each side of the second opening 152. In the case where the bar 180 comprises a spring element 190 intended to be constrained by the bar 180 when it is held in translation along the axis (X) by the barb 150 (see Figures 5i and 5j), the spring element 190 presses the lateral bearing surfaces 185, 186 of the bar 180 in the groove 159a, preventing the barb from unclipping from the bar 180. Figures 4d and 4e show variants of this embodiment of the invention applied to a buckle device for a folding buckle, in which the elastic fastening device is also provided on the stretcher of the buckle, the assemblies variants of the loop device and assembly method described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b which apply in a comparable manner for these variants. FIG. 4d represents an example of a folding buckle with a yoke, while FIG. 4e represents an example of a folding buckle with an eyelet.

Figure 5 shows various variants of the first embodiment of the invention in which the maintenance of the bar in translation along its own axis (X) is further improved. Figures 5a to 5d show a variant in which both of the bar 180 and of the barb 150 have a protuberance 188, 159 and a cutout 158, 189 which extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the 'axis (X) of the bar, the protuberance 188, 159 of one cooperating with the perforation 158, 189 of the other to keep the bar 180 in translation along its own axis (X). FIG. 5a represents a first variant in which the protuberance 159 is provided on the barb 150 and cooperates with a cutout 189 made on the bar 180, in this case a clearance made on the reduced section of the bar 180. FIG. 5b represents a second variant in which the protuberance 188 is provided on the bar 180 and cooperates with a cutout 158 produced on the barb 150, the protuberance on the bar 180 being able for example in this case to take the form of a drop made on the portion with reduced section 183 of the bar.

Figure 5c shows these two variants in the same figure, the bars 180b and 180c cooperating respectively with the barbs 150b and 150c. In addition to strengthening the maintenance of the bar 180b, 180c in translation along its own axis (X) by the barb 150b, 150c, the protuberances or openings described above can provide an additional function. Indeed, the end of the barb 157 generally has a geometry in the form of a blade, such as a screwdriver. Thus, by holding the barb 150b, 150c and by causing this end 157 to cooperate with the protuberance 188 or the perforation 189 of the bar, it is possible to facilitate the extraction of the bar 180b, 180c by causing it to translate along its own axis (X) until it comes out of the stretchers of the loop. The end of the barb 157 could also include an improved geometry 157a to increase the contact between the barb and the bar, for example by providing a circular-type clearance to better cooperate with the protuberance 188 or the cutout 189 of the bar. barrette.

Thus, the geometry of the barb gives it a first tool function cooperating with said abutment geometry so as to facilitate the extraction of the bar, this geometry preferably being produced at the end opposite to said device. elastic hooking.

Figure 5d shows the loop device of Figure 5c seen from below. It can be seen here that the flexible part 154 and a part of the rigid part of the barb forming the first opening 151 can be made in two parts, by providing an opening to separate them. This opening makes it possible on the one hand to facilitate the production of the perforation shown in FIG. 5b, but also, by providing two flexible parts 154a, 154b, to control the elasticity of the barb as well as the distribution of the forces generated on the bar. bar 180b, 180c.

FIG. 5e shows a particular arrangement of the invention, applicable to all the variants presented, in which the maintenance of the bar in translation along its own axis (X) is reinforced by the presence of a retaining element 122 , like an o-ring type seal, housed between a first opening 101, 102 of a stretcher of the loop and the guide surfaces 181, 182 of the bar so as to exert friction between the two components. This arrangement is particularly useful for variations of the buckle device in which the buckle is of the barb or clip type, in order to stabilize the bar in the buckle when the barb or the clip is not in its hooked position or, in the case of a tang buckle, to limit movement of the bar when the buckle device is in its service position, to reduce the movement of the bar in the stretchers and thus limit the forces that the barb, which is integral with it in this position, exerts on the portions 207, 208 of the first strand which surrounds the first openings 301, 302 of the strand.

Figures 5f to 5h finally show variants of the barb 150b, 150c in which its portion cooperating with the bar has a first width Li configured to meet the conditions for holding the barb on the bar, and its end 157, has a second width L2, different from the first width, the width L2 being determined by the conditions imposed by a second strand and / or criteria of aesthetic choice. In FIG. 5f, the second width is smaller in dimension than the first width while in FIG. 5g it is greater.

Figures 5i and 5j show a sectional view of the loop device in which the bar 180b, 180c comprises an elastic element 190 intended to be constrained by the bar 180b, 180c when it is held in translation along its own axis (X) by the barb 150b, 150c. The elastic element 190 pushes the bar 180b, 180c along its own axis (X) towards the outside of the buckle when the tongue is in the unhooked position (A), so as to eject it from the buckle. The elastic element 190 may include a spring integrated into the bar 180b, 180c. The bracelet can include the insert 210 (see FIGS. 2d-2f) in order to prevent the force of the elastic element 190 from damaging the bracelet or to limit the frictional force between the bar 180b, 180c and the bracelet. The insert 210 also makes it possible to stiffen the bracelet.

Figures 5k to 5m show another sectional view of the loop device in which the bar 180b, 180c comprises a protuberance 188a concentric with the axis (X) of the bar 180b, 180c, preventing the latter from coming out completely of the stretcher 112. Figure 5k shows the bar 180b, 180c fully inserted into the stretcher 112, Figure 5l shows the bar 180b, 180c partially extended in the stretcher 112 and retained by the protrusion 188a, and Figure 5m shows a detail of the protrusion 188a.

FIG. 6 represents another embodiment of the invention which is particularly suitable for a folding buckle device with a yoke. Figure 6a shows the buckle device which comprises a buckle 100a, a bar 180d, a clip 160 and a first blade 130 of the unfolding buckle device. This arrangement makes it possible to use the same type of first strand as in the variant of the invention according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the clip 160 in this case cooperating with the second opening 203 of the first strand 2, the clip having preferably a size comparable to the barb. The clip is guided in the loop between an unhooked position (A), shown in Figure 6b, and a hooked position (B), shown in Figure 6c. The clip being preferably maintained in the loop between its hooked and unhooked positions by a pin 170 which limits its travel, it cannot in this variant of the invention be used as a tool for guiding the bar in translation along its own axis to proceed. at its extraction.

Thus, to facilitate the extraction of the bar 180d in this embodiment according to the invention, one or the other of the bar 180d and a first stretcher 111b, 112b comprises an elastic element 190 intended to be constrained by the bar when it is held in translation along its own axis (X) by the clip 160, this elastic element 190 pushing the bar along its own axis (X) towards the outside of the loop when the clip is unhooked position (A), so as to eject it from the loop. Figure 6d shows a section of the loop device in which the elastic member 190 provided to push the bar out of the loop consists of a spring integrated in the bar 180d, as is known in the case of single pump bars.

In other variants of this form of the invention not shown, this elastic element can also for example take the form of a spring housed in the first opening of a first stretcher, the elastic element then being compressed between the end of the bar which cooperates with this first opening and a support formed in the first opening of the stretcher. The first opening can in this case be formed as a blind hole or a countersink which provides a bearing surface for receiving the elastic element. In yet another way, the elastic element can be directly formed on the bar itself, in one and the same part, by making openings in its section provided in such a way that they allow compression in the section. the direction of its axis. In yet another form, this elastic element can also take the form of an elastic blade which extends parallel to the stretcher to work in flexion and to exert on the bar a force directed along the axis of the bar.

The assembly method for attaching the buckle device will comprise the following steps: a) it is checked that the clip 160 is in its unhooked position (A); b) the first strand 2 is positioned so that its first openings 201, 202 are aligned with the first openings of the loop 101b, 102b, the strand being in this case oriented in a plane different from the plane defined by the positions unhooked (A) and hung (B) from the clip; c) the bar 180d is inserted into the first opening 101b of the loop 100b and of the strand 2, until its insertion surface is flush with the stretcher 111b of the loop; and d) the clip 160 is passed from its unhooked position (A) to its hooked position (B) so as to keep the bar 180d in translation along its own axis (X).

To proceed with the disassembly of the loop device according to a variant of the invention illustrated in Figure 6b, the following steps are carried out: a) the blade 130 is rotated along the axis articulating the blade and the loop until a portion of the blade comes into contact with the clip; b) we continue to rotate the blade in the same direction so as to exert a translational force of the blade 130 on the clip 160 and pass the clip 160 from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A) ; c) the bar 180d being released, the elastic element 190 acting between the loop and the bar causes it to move in translation along its own axis (X) outside the loop; and d) the bar 180d being protruding from the loop, it is taken out completely from its housing so as to separate the strand from the loop.

Figure 6e shows another variant of this embodiment, in which the clip 160a can be moved between its hooked (B) and unhooked (A) positions by the user's finger, means being provided on the clip 160a to facilitate its training by the finger.

Such means can, as illustrated, be in the form of protuberances arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the clip or any other geometry making it possible to obtain the same effect. In this case, it is not necessary to eject the clip 160a with the blade 130. FIG. 6f shows a variant of the loop device in which the embodiment of the elastic hooking device is similar to the variant. shown in FIG. 4, in particular in FIGS. 4a and 4b, namely a variant in which it is integrated into the stretchers, the bar geometries proposed for variant 4a-4b being able to be applied in the same way here. In addition, for aesthetic reasons and in order to secure the positioning of the second opening of the first strand, it may be advantageous to provide a geometry (not shown) on the loop which covers the bar in the second opening 203 of the strand. Such a bridge thus has a lateral dimensioning similar to the clip of FIG. 6e, an opening oriented like the second openings of the elastic coupling device carried by the stretchers 101, 102, 103, 104 leaving the bar to be housed there once 'she is in position hooked (B). In addition, depending on the dimensioning of the buckle device, if the dimensioning of the stretchers is not sufficient to guarantee sufficient hold, the opening of this bridge can also also include an additional elastic hooking device, which completes the tightening carried out by the elastic hooking devices provided on the stretchers.

The method of assembling a loop device and a first strand for the variant shown in FIG. 6f is thus similar to the method of assembling the variant of Figures 4a and 4b, except that being devoid of barb, steps b) and c) are omitted, the method then comprising the following steps: a) the bar 180a is inserted into the first openings 201, 202 of the strand; and b) moving the bar 180a, made integral with the first strand in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar so as to make it pass from a detached position (A) to a hooked position (B).

As in the not illustrated example of a variant of the device of Figures 4a and 4b, the elastic attachment device could also in this case be provided only on one of the stretchers of the loop, the other stretcher only being provided with a first opening, the assembly process then comprising the following steps: a) the bar is inserted into the first openings of the strand; b) a first end of the bar is inserted into the first opening of the stretcher without an elastic hooking device, the axis of the bar then forming an angle with the axis connecting the first openings of the stretchers; and c) the loop is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar so as to cause the bar to pass from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B). Figure 6g shows a position in which the assembly or disassembly process can be performed, the bar 180a on which is mounted the strand, not shown, can be easily guided between the second 103, 104 and first openings 101 , 102 of the loop to pass respectively from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B) or from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A).

Finally, Figure 6h shows a service position of the loop device 1 assembled with a first strand 2. We see in this service position that the blade 130 of the loop prevents the bar 180a and the strand 2 from passing through 'a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A), which prevents unintentional disassembly of the buckle and guarantees the safety of the buckle device according to the invention.

According to an alternative form shown in Figures 6i to 6l, the clip 160 comprises a portion 163 intended to cooperate with the bar 180. In Figures 6i and 6j, the portion is represented by a semicircle 163 integral with the blade 130 of the folding clasp device. Figures 6i to 6k show a perspective view of the blade 130, the cross section of the loop 120, the clip 160 and the bar 180. Figure 6l shows a sectional view of the blade 130 with the bar 180 included. in the clip 160. The internal diameter of the “semicircle” portion 163 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the reduced section portion of the bar 183. When the “semicircle” portion 163 cooperates with the bar 180, the latter is prevented from moving laterally (along the axis (X)) and therefore from coming out laterally from the stretcher 112 of the loop 100, when the “semi-circle” portion 163 is in the closed position (FIG. 6i). The transverse part 120 of the loop has an opening 120a configured so that the blade 130 can slide in the loop 100 (the stirrup), in a direction (indicated by the double arrow in FIG. 6j) essentially perpendicular to the line. transverse part 120. In the closed position, the blade 130 is slid so as to bring the "semicircle" portion 163 of the transverse part of the loop 120 closer together. In the open position (FIGS. 6j and 6l) the blade 130 is slid so as to move away the "semicircle" portion 163 of the transverse part of the loop 120. In the open position, the bar 180 can move out of the "half-circle" portion 163 towards the cavity 164 (see FIG. 61). It is then free to move sideways. The blade 130 can be kept fixed in the opening 120a in the closed position (FIG. 6i) by means of a locking mechanism (not shown), for example a ball pawl or any other suitable means.

According to a variant of the configuration of Figures 6i and 6j and shown in Figure 6k, the first opening 101 of the stretcher 112 may include an opening 101a for removing the bar 180 from the loop 100 (the stirrup). In this configuration, the "half-circle" portion

163 in the closed position prevents the bar from moving laterally (along the (X) axis and also in a direction perpendicular to the (X) axis (along the Z axis in FIG. 6m).

FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the invention which is particularly suitable for an eyelet folding buckle device. FIGS. 7a and 7b show in positions respectively hooked (B) and unhooked (A) the loop device which comprises a loop 100b, in this variant made integral with a first blade 130b of the folding buckle device, a bar 180 and a clip 160b. This arrangement makes it possible to use the same type of first strand 2 and of bar 180 as in the variant of the invention according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the clip 160b and the stretchers 111c, 112c here cooperating with the second opening of the first strand, the clip 160b and the stretchers 111c, 112c together preferably having a size comparable to the barb.

The stretchers 111c, 112c are provided with a first opening 101c, 102c, and the clip 160b is provided with a first 161 and a second 162 opening. The clip 160b is guided in the loop 100b between a hooked position (B) and an unhooked position (A), the hooked (B) and unhooked (A) positions being shown in section respectively in FIGS. 7c and 7d. The assembly method for attaching the loop device and the first strand according to the variant illustrated in Figures 7 is easily understood according to the description of the device and the figures: a) it is verified that the clip 160b is in its unhooked position (TO) ; b) the first strand 2 is positioned so that its first openings 201, 202 are aligned with the first openings 101c, 102c of the loop 100b; c) the bar 180 is inserted through one of the first 201, 202 openings of the first strand; d) the bar 180 is guided in the first openings 101c, 102c of the stretchers of the loop; e) the bar 180 is guided until it is housed in the other of the first openings 201, 202 of the first strand 2; and f) the clip 160b is made to pass from its unhooked position (A) to its hooked position (B).

Figures 7e and 7f show another variant of the buckle device for a folding eyelet buckle in which the elastic attachment device is provided on the stretchers 111d, 112d of the buckle. This variant is therefore free from a separate clip as in the variant described above. Thus, the buckle device of this variant comprises at least one blade made integral with the stretchers of the buckle and a bar 180. FIG. 7f shows a variant in which the buckle is provided with two stretchers 111d, 112d, while the FIG. 7e shows a variant in which the loop has only one stretcher 111e. Analogously to the version of Figures 7a and 7b, the stretcher (s) 111 d, 112d, 111e together preferably have a size comparable to that of a barb so as to cooperate with the second opening of a first strand provided for a pin buckle.

Finally, Figures 7g and 7h show these variants in side view. Figure 7g shows a position in which the process assembly or disassembly can be performed, the bar 180 on which is mounted the strand not shown can be easily guided between the second and first openings of the loop to pass respectively from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position ( B) or from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A). Figure 7h shows a service position of the loop device assembled with a first strand. We see in this service position that the blade 130c of the loop prevents the bar and the strand from passing from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A), which prevents unintentional disassembly of the loop and guarantees the security of the loop device according to the invention.

Thus, for variants of the inventions such as those described with reference to Figures 4, 6 and 7, it is possible to provide the elastic hooking device on the first stretcher and, if the loop has at least one second stretcher, on at least one second stretcher.

FIG. 8 represents additional characteristics of the loop device according to the invention, in which certain components of the loop device can take on at least one additional function, in particular by being configured to cooperate with an organ of an object comprising a such loop device. These additional characteristics can be combined with each of the variants described above and comprising the component capable of offering this additional function.

Figures 8a and 8b show a bar 180e which has at least one of its ends a tool geometry 192 intended to give it a tool function. Fig. 8a shows an execution in which the tool geometry 192 is that of a screwdriver, and Fig. 8b shows an execution in which the tool geometry 192a is that of a pin punch. In order to facilitate the gripping of the tool, a gripping geometry 193, 193a intended to limit the sliding can be provided on the body of the bar, this geometry being able to be chosen. from a group comprising grooves, grooves, knurling and any other profile intended to fulfill the same function. The geometry of the tool end 192, 192a of the bar can be selected from a group comprising screwdrivers, pushers and pin punches.

[00104] FIGS. 8c to 8e represent an embodiment in which the barb or the clip of the buckle device according to the invention has at one end a geometry intended to give it a tool function. Advantageously, the geometry is a tool cooperating with the protuberance or the perforation of a bar according to the variants illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, so as to facilitate the extraction of the bar from the loop, this geometry preferably being carried out at the end opposite the elastic hooking device. This geometry can also be a screwdriver shape. In order to facilitate the handling of such a tool, the barb or the clip can have, at its end opposite to this geometry, a greater width, as illustrated in FIG. 8c and already described in FIG. 5f, or it can be manipulated in combination with the bar, so as to increase the force produced by the tool on the component with which it cooperates within the framework of this function, as shown in FIG. 8d, for a barb and in FIG. 8e, for a clip.

[00105] FIGS. 8f and 8h represent examples of configuration of wristwatch cases particularly intended to cooperate with such a tool. Indeed, these boxes comprise a member intended to receive a bracelet, this member being able to be removed using a screwdriver, in FIG. 8f, a pin punch, in FIG. 8g, or a pusher, in figure 8h. In FIG. 8a, the bracelet is attached to the watch by a device of handles which are held in the case by screws which can be unscrewed using a bar having a screwdriver end, or else using the second end of the barb or clip. In figure 8g, the bracelet is attached to the watch by a bar of the pump bar type of which at least one of the pivots can be retracted into the bar by pressure through an opening provided in the horn using a bar having a pin punch end. Finally in figure 8h, the bracelet is attached to the watch by a non-deformable bar, guided in translation in the horns, and retained by a member movable in a direction transverse to its axis to release it, this member being movable by means of a bar having a pusher end. In the context of changing a strap on such a watch, it is thus possible to proceed with the disassembly of the buckle device according to one of the previously described methods in order to release the bar, the pin or the clip, then to use the tool to detach the strap from the watch case.

Naturally, the previous arrangements have been described by way of exemplary embodiments, and other architectures are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the buckles, bars, barbs, clips, as well as the elastic fastening devices could have other geometries. For example, the bar can be symmetrical can be symmetrical, so as to allow it to be fitted in both directions, its central positioning in the service position then being only ensured by the barb. It can also be asymmetric, so as to provide on at least one of its ends a particular geometry such as one of the tools described above, a stop geometry to limit its travel or a keying device to indicate a direction of assembly.

On the other hand, maintaining the bar in its service position, in addition to the means already described, can be reinforced by an additional device, such as geometries providing an elastic effect or friction between the bar and the stretcher. with which it cooperates.

The first strand can be made of a flexible material comprising at least one material chosen from leathers, such as those of natural or synthetic origin, fabrics and woven materials, synthetic materials, flexible polymers and rubbers and others. similar materials, or in a rigid or semi-rigid material comprising at least one material chosen from: metals, ceramics, plastics, natural materials such as wood. By semi-rigid is meant that the Buckle device according to the invention can be adapted to flexible metallic bracelets such as a so-called Milanese bracelet.

Advantageously, a double folding clasp equipped with the assembly device for attaching a buckle device and a first strand according to the invention may include a second device for cooperating with a second strand.

The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least the buckle device and the first strand as described above. In a particular form of the invention, the first strand is provided with a part configured to reinforce the rigidity of its first opening and / or to facilitate the guiding of the bar in this first opening and / or to produce a stop in the bottom of the bar. its second opening to prevent the barb from moving from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A) when the buckle device is in its service position. In a particular form of the invention, the tool function of the bar, of the clip or of the barb makes it possible to interact with at least one member of the bracelet chosen from a group comprising pushers, in particular to facilitate the removal of a link, screws and pins.

The invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising at least the buckle device and the first strand as described above, as well as a wristwatch in which the tool function of the bar, of the clip or of the 'ardillon makes it possible to interact with at least one organ of the watch. This watch member can be chosen from a group comprising the adjustment members accessible from the watch case, such as a push-button date corrector or a rate adjustment member, the components intended to be removed, such as for example an interchangeable bezel or even quick strap disassembly mechanisms.

Finally, the invention also relates to an article of leather goods comprising the buckle device and the first strand as described. previously, the leather goods object being chosen from a group comprising bracelets not intended for watches (for example ornamental bracelets), belts, straps and closure devices for luggage or other leather goods, as well as the straps intended for hold other objects such as a camera or binoculars.

Reference numbers used in figures

1, the loop device

100, 100a, 100b loop

101, 101b, 101c first opening of the buckle 101a opening

102, 102b, 102c first opening of the buckle

103, 104 second opening of the buckle

111, 111a, 111b, 111c stretcher

111c, 111 d, 111th stretcher

112, 112a, 112b stretcher

112c, 112d stretcher

120 cross section of the loop

120a opening

121 clearance in the cross section

122 holding element

130, 130b, 130c folding clasp blade 150, 150b, 150c barb

151 first opening of the barb

152 second opening of the barb

153 region located near the second opening of the barb

154, 154a, 154b flexible part of the barb

155, 156 lateral face of the barb

157 second end of barb 157a improved geometry on end of barb

158 barb cutout

159 protuberance of the barb 159a groove

160, 160a, 160b clip

163 half-circle portion

164 cavity 170 pin

180, 180a, 180b bar 180c, 180d, 180th bar

181, 182 guide surface of the bar 183, 183a reduced section portion of the bar 184 eccentricity of the reduced section portion of the bar

185, 185a lateral reach of the bar

186, 186a lateral bearing of the bar 188, 188a protuberance of the bar 189 openwork of the bar

190 elastic element of the bar

191 bar insertion surface

192 tool geometry of the bar

193 gripping geometry of the bar 2 first strand 201, 202 first opening of the first strand

203 second opening of the first strand

204 bottom wall of the second opening of the strand

205, 206 side wall of the second opening of the strand 207, 208 wall of the strand forming the first opening

209 soul of the first strand

210 reinforcement insert 220 inner surface of the strand 221 outer surface of the strand 222 contact element

Claims

1. Interchangeable loop device intended to be secured to and detached from a first strand, the loop device comprising a loop and a bar, the bar being configured to be received in a first opening of the first strand, the loop comprising a first stretcher having a first opening intended to receive the bar; characterized in that the loop comprises an elastic hooking device provided with a second opening intended to allow the passage of the bar from an unhooked position (A) to a hooked position (B) by displacement of the loop with respect to the bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar.

2. A loop device according to claim in which, when attached to the first strand, the loop device is configured to cooperate with a second strand, and in which, when the loop device is in a service position in which the first and second strands are substantially superimposed, a first orientation is defined by the direction and the direction of an axis passing through the axis of the bar and oriented in the direction of the first strand, the orientation of the second opening of said device elastic attachment being different from said first orientation.

3. Buckle device according to claim 2, wherein the orientation of the second opening of the buckle relative to the first orientation of the service position is between 30 ° and 330 °, preferably between 70 ° and 290 °. , more preferably between 90 ° and 270 °.

4. Buckle device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second opening of said elastic hooking device has a first dimension when it does not cooperate with the bar and a second dimension when it cooperates with the bar, the first dimension being less than the diameter of the bar and the second dimension being at least equal to the diameter of the bar.

5. Buckle device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the buckle comprises a barb configured to be received by a second opening of the first strand, and wherein said elastic hooking device is provided on the barb.

6. Loop device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said element of said loop is a clip configured to be guided in the loop, the first strand having a second opening for receiving the clip, said device. elastic attachment being provided on the clip.

7. Buckle device according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the bar has a reduced section on its portion configured to cooperate with said elastic hooking device, the barb or the clip being configured to cooperate with the second. opening of the first strand to keep the bar in translation along its own axis (X).

8. Loop device according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein one and the other of the bar and of the elastic hooking device respectively have a protuberance and a cutout which extend in a substantially perpendicular plane. to the axis of the bar, and in which the protuberance of one cooperates with the perforation of the other to keep the bar in translation along its own axis (X).

9. Buckle device according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the barb or the clip has a geometry intended to give it a tool function, in particular a geometry configured for allowing the barb or the clip to cooperate with said protuberance or said perforation of the bar so as to facilitate its extraction.

10. A buckle device according to claim 9, wherein the geometry is included at the opposite end of the barb or of the clip opposite said elastic hooking device.

11. Buckle device according to one of claims 5, 7 or 8, wherein the bar is held in rotation in at least one of the first or second stretchers of the loop, and wherein the section of the bar cooperating with the barb has an eccentricity, so that during a rotation of the barb around the bar, said eccentricity exerts a stress on the barb to make it pass from the hooked position (B) to the unhooked position (A).

12. Buckle device according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein one or the other of the bar and the first stretcher comprises an elastic element intended to be constrained by the bar when it is held in translation according to its own axis (X) by said elastic hooking device, and in which said elastic element is configured to push the bar along its axis towards the outside of the loop when it is no longer held by said hooking device elastic, so as to eject it from the loop.

13. Buckle device according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the buckle device is a folding buckle provided with at least one blade pivoting relative to the buckle, the blade being able to be rotated around it. an axis that it shares with the loop, to move the clip from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A).

14. Buckle device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said elastic hooking device is provided on the first stretcher.

15. A loop device according to claim 14, wherein the loop has at least one second stretcher.

16. Buckle device according to claim 15, wherein said elastic hooking device is also provided on at least a second stretcher.

17. Buckle device according to claim 14, wherein the bar has a reduced section on its portion cooperating with the first opening of the first stretcher, the first stretcher maintaining the bar in translation along its own axis (X).

18. Buckle device according to claim 15, wherein the bar has a first section reduced over at least its portion cooperating with the first opening of at least one of the first or second stretchers, said first or at least second stretcher holding the bar. in translation along its own axis (X).

19. Buckle device according to claim 18, wherein the bar has a second reduced section on its portion cooperating with the first opening of at least one second stretcher, the first and at least second stretcher maintaining the bar in translation according to its own. axis (X).

20. Loop device according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the bar has at least one of its ends a geometry intended to give it a tool function, the tool can be used when the bar is unhooked. of the loop device.

21. A loop device according to claim 20, wherein said geometry of the bar is selected from a group comprising screwdrivers, pushers and pin punches.

22. Bracelet, comprising at least a first strand and a buckle device according to one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The bracelet of claim 22, wherein when attached to the first strand, the buckle device is configured to cooperate with a second strand, and wherein when the buckle device is in a service position in which the first and second strands are substantially superimposed, a first orientation is defined by the direction and the direction of an axis passing through the axis of the bar and oriented in the direction of the first strand, the orientation of the second opening of said device elastic attachment being different from said first orientation; and in which the first strand is provided with a part configured to reinforce the rigidity of its first opening and / or to facilitate the guiding of the bar in this first opening and / or to produce a stop in the bottom of its second opening to prevent the 'barb to move from a hooked position (B) to an unhooked position (A) when the buckle device is in its service position.

24. Bracelet according to claim 23, in which the tool function of the bar, of the clip or of the barb makes it possible to interact with at least one member of the bracelet chosen from a group comprising the pushers, in particular to facilitate the disassembly of the bracelet. a link, screws and pins.

25. Wristwatch, comprising at least the bracelet according to one of claims 22 to 24.

26. Wristwatch according to claim 25, in which the tool function of the bar, of the clip or of the barb makes it possible to interact with at least one member of the watch chosen from a group comprising the adjustment members accessible from the watch case, such as a push-button date corrector or rate adjustment device, the components intended to be removed, as per example an interchangeable bezel or even quick disassembly mechanisms for the bracelet.

27. An article of leather goods, comprising the buckle device according to one of claims 1 to 24, the article of leather goods being chosen from a group comprising bracelets not intended for watches, belts, straps and closure devices for luggage. or other leather goods, as well as the straps provided to hold other objects such as a camera or binoculars.