EP0865742B1 - Foldable fastener for a bracelet - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a folding clasp according to the preamble to the independent claim. She relates in particular to a folding clasp intended to fasten bracelets, as used, eg on wrist watches.

Folding clasps including two elements, to close bracelets, are known. The two elements of the clasp are connected, one of their respective ends, by means of a articulation rod. To their other end, the elements of the clasp each hold half a bracelet. When closed, both clasp elements are folded back and rest for so say one over the other; they are united by means a cover, by a snap closure. AT the open state, the two elements of the clasp are deployed and increase the total diameter of the bracelet, so that it can be put on or taken off hand or wrist.

Folding clasps usually have very thin clasp elements and therefore soft and flexible. Given this flexibility, the clasp lock may come loose accidentally under the influence of certain forces and / or torsional moments. The ensuing uncertainty is a drawback of folding clasps known.

Another disadvantage of folding clasps, is that they can also be opened due to unforeseen manipulations of the lid. There are plans to open a folding clasp by lifting the front end of the cover, i.e. the end which is located on the side of the 6 hours of a watch attached to the bracelet. In certain circumstances, it is nevertheless possible to open a clasp folding traditional type by lifting the rear end of the cover, i.e. the end located on the side of the 12 hours. This is not desired and also decreases the safety of the folding clasp.

In the case of many known folding clasps, individual components are soldered. Brazing changes the quality and appearance of the metal near the weld; metal, eg stainless steel, can oxidize and become tend in the vicinity of the welds. This is undesirable.

GB 347 968 has already proposed a clasp of the type of that described in the preamble of claim 1 in which the second end of the second clasp member is shaped like a lug intended to be hooked on a protuberance formed on the second end of the first clasp element. Such a provision does not allow a optimal deployment of the clasp elements when they are associated with a bracelet. Now, with such a clasp, it is important to be able to deploy elements without limitation of the clasp to make the bracelet-watch-clasp assembly as long as possible to allow the hand to pass to through.

The invention aims to create a folding closure, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above. She must combine safety and aesthetics, and no need for fittings brazed.

To this end, the subject of the present invention is a clasp. folding device according to claim 1.

Whereas with classic folding clasps the cover is essential for locking, in the case of the folding clasp of the invention, it does not contribute to locking. Its technical function is limited to opening aid and the link between the clasp and the second half of the bracelet. The cover also has a aesthetic function, namely hiding the clasp closed position. This creates the impression surprising that the bracelet is continuous under the cover, without being interrupted by a closure any, as if the cover was simply placed on the bracelet. To strengthen this impression of elegance, the pins can have, observed from the top, the same aspect as the links of the bracelet. The lid can be opened to both ends, and have folded edges only on the sides. The folding clasp thus combines optimal safety and aesthetics.

La figure 1 est une vue, en perspective éclatée des composants essentiels du fermoir pliant;

la figure 2 est une vue, en perspective, du fermoir en position verrouillée ;

la figure 3 correspond à la figure 2, avec, en plus, des maillons de la seconde moitié de bracelet,

la figure 4 correspond à la figure 3, avec un angle de perspective différent,

la figure 5 est une vue en perspective, du fermoir pliant ouvert, avec des maillons du bracelet,

la figure 6 correspond à la figure 5, vue sous une perspective différente,

la figure 7 est une vue en élévation latérale du fermoir pliant ouvert des figures 5 et 6,

la figure 8 est une vue en perspective, du fermoir pliant verrouillé,

la figure 9 est une vue en élévation latérale du fermoir pliant verrouillé de la figure 8, avec des composants vus en transparence,

la figure 10 correspond à la figure 8, avec en plus, des maillons du bracelet,

la figure 11 corespond à la figure 10, vue sous une perspective différente,

la figure 12 est une vue en élévation latérale du fermoir pliant verrouillé des figures 10 et 11,

la figure 13, correspond à la figure 12, avec des composants vus en transparence,

la figure 14 est une vue du dessus du fermoir pliant verrouillé des figures 10, 11, 12 et 13,

la figure 15 est une vue en élévation latérale d'une partie du fermoir pliant verrouillé, avec un mécanisme pour le réglage de précision de la pression de verrouillage, et

la figure 16 est une vue de dessus d'une partie du fermoir pliant de la figure 15.

la figure 17 est une vue en perspective d'une autre réalisation du fermoir verrouillé, avec un mécanisme de verrouillage comportant des ergots élastiques,

la figure 18 est une vue en perspective d'une autre réalisation du fermoir pliant ouvert, avec un couvercle de sécurité,

la figure 19 correspond à la figure 18, couvercle de sécurité ouvert,

la figure 20 correspond à la figure 19, couvercle de sécurité fermé,

la figure 21 est une vue en élévation latérale, de l'autre réalisation du fermoir pliant ouvert avec un couvercle de sécurité comme les figures 18 à 20 et avec des composants vus en transparence,

la figure 22 correspond à la figure 21, du fermoir pliant verrouillé, couvercle de sécurité ouvert,

la figure 23 correspond à la figure 22, de la fermeture pliante verrouillée, couvercle de sécurité fermé.

Preferred embodiments of the folding clasp of the invention are described below in detail using figures. To explain the invention, various views of the folding clasp have been shown.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the essential components of the folding clasp;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the clasp in the locked position;

FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 2, with, in addition, links from the second half of the bracelet,

FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3, with a different perspective angle,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the open folding clasp with bracelet links,

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5, seen from a different perspective,

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the open folding clasp of FIGS. 5 and 6,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the folding folding clasp,

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the folding folding clasp of FIG. 8, with components seen in transparency,

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 8, with, in addition, links of the bracelet,

FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 10, seen from a different perspective,

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the folding folding clasp of FIGS. 10 and 11,

FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 12, with components seen in transparency,

FIG. 14 is a top view of the folding folding clasp of FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13,

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of part of the locked folding clasp, with a mechanism for fine adjustment of the locking pressure, and

FIG. 16 is a top view of part of the folding clasp of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the locked clasp, with a locking mechanism comprising elastic lugs,

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the open folding clasp, with a safety cover,

FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. 18, safety cover open,

FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 19, safety cover closed,

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the other embodiment of the open folding clasp with a safety cover like FIGS. 18 to 20 and with components seen in transparency,

FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 21, of the folding clasp locked, safety cover open,

FIG. 23 corresponds to FIG. 22, of the locked folding closure, closed safety cover.

In all the figures, a system of Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z). In this system, x represents the longitudinal direction, in which the bracelet is also evolving, in essence, in the region of the folding clasp. When it comes to, in this booklet, from the "front" end of a component, we speaks of the end turned in the direction (+ x); at conversely, the "rear" end designates the end turned in the direction (-x). Likewise, "high" is related in the sense (+ z), and "low", in the sense (-z).

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the folding clasp according to the invention. The components are preferably made of metal, eg of stainless steel; other materials are however also possible. The folding clasp consists of a first clasp element 1 and of a second clasp element 2. The two elements of clasp 1, 2 are thick, i.e. they have a relatively large dimension in the z direction; they are therefore massive and resistant to extension in the x direction and a deformation around the y axis. This property makes the folding clasp particularly safe against accidental openings due external forces and / or torsional moments.

At its front end, the first clasp element 1 is connected to a first half of bracelet 7, to the way of a hinge. The expression "half of bracelet "simply means, in the present booklet, part of the bracelet, which may not exactly match, for example, half the total length of the bracelet or half the number total of the bracelet links. This first half of bracelet 7 is turned towards the 6 o'clock of a watch (not shown) attached to the bracelet, and has not been represented only partially, in the form of a few links 7.1-7.3. The last link 7.1 comes position between two curved growths 1.1, 1.2 upwards, and therefore in the z direction, at the end of the first clasp element 1. The last link 7.1 and the protrusions 1.1, 1.2 are drilled of holes 1.3, 1.4, and connected by an articulation rod 8.

At their rear ends, the two elements of clasp 1, 2 are connected so that they can rotate, like a hinge. Such a hinge is formed eg by growths 1.5, 1.6, 2.3 fitting into each other at the ends back of the two clasp elements 1, 2; the protrusions 1.5, 1.6, 2.3 are drilled with holes 1.7, 1.8, 2.4 in which a rod 3 can be engaged.

At their free ends, that is to say before, the two clasp elements 1, 2 have a mechanism for lock which consists of two growths 1.1, 1.2 curved upwards the front end of the first clasp element 1, and two pins 4.1, 4.2 which are fixed at the end front of the second clasp element 2 and whose positions correspond to the growths 1.1, 1.2. In this embodiment, the pins 4.1, 4.2 are fixed on the side and other of a 2.1 curved upward protuberance provided on the second element of clasp 2, by one hinge, formed by a rod 6, engaged at through holes 4.11, 4.21 formed in the pins 4.1, 4.2 and through a hole 2.2 made in the protrusion 2.1.

If we apply a force from top to bottom, that is to say in the direction (-z), on pins 4.1, 4.2 and / or on the second clasp element 2, and if a force corresponding antagonist acts on the first element of clasp 1, the protrusions 1.1, 1.2 provided on the first clasp element 1 are first slightly folded backwards, i.e. in the direction (-x), by the pins 4.1, 4.2. As soon as the internal shape of lugs 4.1, 4.2 again allow slight movement protrusions 1.1, 1.2 towards the front, the pins 4.1, 4.2 engage elastically on the growths 1.1, 1.2, which locks the two clasp elements 1, 2. A locked clasp is shown, among others, in Figures 2-4. The link is reversible and can be defeat by a force in the z direction exerted on the second clasp element 2 and an opposing force corresponding to the first clasp element 1. On see in Figures 2-4 how the two clasp elements 1, 2 and their connection of the type hinge are adapted to each other, so that that in the deployed state, they form a unit so say seamless. This unit is slightly curved in shape ; the radius of curvature r corresponds about the radius of a potential wearer's arm of the bracelet. When the bracelet is worn, the first clasp element 1 rests on the arm or on the wrist.

The locking mechanism could also be realized differently. In a first variant, it does not could be only one central lug and, in consequently, a single central outgrowth on the first clasp element 1, but two protrusions on the second clasp element 2. This variant would be simpler, but less advantageous in terms of security, stability and rotations around of the z axis as the preferred embodiment represented by the figures.

The folding clasp presents in addition to a cover 5, preferably open forwards and backwards, i.e. in the direction x and (-x). On the sides, it has folded edges 5.1, 5.2. Fixing the cover at second clasp element 2 operates, preferably, with the same articulation rod 6 which is used for fixing the pins 4.1, 4.2 to the second clasp element 2. The two side edges 5.1, 5.2 of the cover 5 are each pierced with a hole 5.3, to receive the articulation rod.

The edges 5.1, 5.2 of the cover 5 have still a number of other holes 5.5, 5.7, 5.9, 5.11. They are used for articulation a second half of bracelet 9, which is only partially represented again by some bracelet links 9.1-9.3. This second half of the bracelet is turned towards the 12 o'clock position watch (not shown) attached to the bracelet. he can be provided with a particular terminal link 9.4, which looks like, at least backwards that is to say in the sense (-x), to a normal link. Such a terminal link may be advantageous, eg to enhance stability and solidity. The final link 9.4 receives a spring bar 10, which can be inserted in the holes 5.5, 5.7, 5.9, 5.11 in the cover 5. The multiplicity of holes 5.5, 57, 5.9, 5.11 allows to precisely adjust the circumference of the bracelet.

Figures 5-7 show various views of a preferential realization of the folding clasp the invention, with some links in the open state but not fully deployed. In FIG. 7, a lug 4.2 is visible by transparency through the cover 5.

Figures 8-14 show various views of a preferential realization of the folding clasp in the locked state. Figures 9 and 13 show a lug 4.2 for transparency through the cover 5. These figures show particularly clearly the functional combination of lugs 4.1, 4.2 and cover 5. The lug 4.2 protrudes forward over its axis 6, that is to say in the x direction, and the shape of its upper face 4.22 is adapted to the cover 5. With this construction it is the lock cannot be unlocked by rear end lift (in z direction) 5.12 of the cover 5. Unlocking is not possible only by lifting (in the z direction) the end front 5.13 of the cover 5. For this purpose, this end 5.13 can be fitted with a protrusion 5.14 as a gripping element. However, it is important that the cover 5 does not contribute to locking well said.

Figures 11 and 14 show particularly clear the surprising optical impression of the folding clasp of the invention locked. The observer has the impression that the bracelet 7, 9 passes, without discontinuity, under cover 5, and that the cover 5 is simply placed on the bracelet 7, 9. This impression is obtained by two measurements techniques. First, the growths 1.1, 1.2 provided on the first clasp element 1, to which is attached the first half of bracelet 7, are curved up, that is. in the z direction. This is why the first half of bracelet 7 is located immediately under cover 5, everything like the second half of bracelet 9; in others terms: there is no difference in level (in the z direction) between the attachments of the first half of bracelet 7 and the second half of bracelet 9. Secondly, the partially visible front ends of lugs 4.1, 4.2 have the same appearance as the links 7.2, 7.3. The illusion of the bracelet 7, 9 passing continuously under the cover 5 is further reinforced by the fact that the front end and the rear end of the cover are open, that is, they leave free view of bracelet 7, 9 and lugs 4.1, 4.2.

It may be advantageous to provide a mechanism allowing precise adjustment of the pressure locking. With such a mechanism, the pins 4.1, 4.2 can be moved relative to the growths corresponding 1.1, 1.2, essentially in the x direction, at least a short distance. Such a setting of precision can operate as it is represented by example, in Figures 15 and 16. The pins 4.1, 4.2 have a modified form, so that they can accommodate an additional connecting pin 4.3. Instead of to be connected by connection pin 4.3, the pins 4.1, 4.2 could also be made of a in one piece and be connected to each other, to their rear ends, by a connection strip. In the connection axis 4.3, you can install a screw 4.4 adjustment whose front end acts on the hinge rod 6 exposed there. In this variant, the holes 4.11, 4.21 are slightly oval, their extent being larger in the x direction than in the z direction. The pins 4.1, 4.2 can therefore be moved to the maximum of a distance s in the direction x.

A rotation of the adjustment screw 4.4 therefore makes it possible to move the pins 4.1, 4.2 relative to the corresponding growths 1.1, 1.2, in the x direction, which allows fine adjustment of the locking pressure. If the adjustment screw 4.4 is screwed forward, i.e. if its end is moves in direction x, the locking pressure increases and vice versa.

In another variant, not shown, one could also install an adjustment screw in each of the pins 4.1, 4.2; a connection 4.3 between the pins 4.1, 4.2 would then be useless.

In another preferred embodiment of the folding closure shown by example in FIG. 17, the locking mechanism comprises lugs 4.1, 4.2 elastic. These elastic lugs are manufactured for example from from elongated tubes. By deforming such elongated tubes we obtain lugs 4.1, 4.2 forming a band with around a cavity. Advantageously, each of the lugs is deformed so as to form a double band closed around a central cavity. This double strip has characteristics of a spring when snapping over protuberances 1.1, 1.2. Depending on the materials chosen for the tubes, we can vary elasticity.

Figures 18 to 23 show views, in perspective and in side elevation, yet another embodiment of the folding clasp, corresponding according to Figures 1 to 16, but having in addition a cover of security 50 to avoid inadvertent opening of the clasp. The figures 18 and 21 show the folding clasp unlocked the safety cover being open, Figures 19 and 22 show the folding clasp locked with the safety cover open, Figures 20 and 23 show the folding clasp locked, the safety cover being closed. To close the safety cover 50, a lock additional is carried out by folding down this safety cover on the cover 5. The safety cover 50 is removably attached by another rod 70 to the bracelet 7. The safety lock is produced for example by one or more concave parts 50.5, 50.5 'of the safety cover 50 allowing engagement on one or more convex parts 5.50, 5.50 'of the cover 5.

Claims (9)

1. Folding fastener for a bracelet comprising a first and a second fastener element (1, 2) which are sized to be practically non-deformable, an articulation (1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 3) being formed between each first end (1.5, 1.6, 2.3) of the said fastener elements (1, 2), the second end of the said first fastener element (1) exhibiting at least one protrusion (1.1, 1.2), while the second end of the said second fastener element (2) comprises at least one lug (4.1, 4.2) shaped to engage elastically over the said protrusion (1.1., 1.2) to allow reversible fixing of the respective second ends of these two fastener elements (1, 2) in their folded position, a connecting element (5), connected to the said second end of the said second fastener element (2) by a transverse hinge pin (10), exhibits means of connection to a first bracelet end (9), characterized in that a transverse hinge pin (6) connects the said lug (4.1, 4.2) to the second end (2.1) of the said second fastener element (2).
2. Foldable fastener according to Claim 1, comprising two of the said lugs (4.1, 4.2) arranged one on each side of a central protrusion (2.1) directed upwards at the second end of the said second fastener element (2) and through which a transverse opening (2.2) passes to accommodate the said hinge pin (6) passing through openings (4.11, 4.21) in the said lugs (4.1, 4.2), the second end of the said first fastener element (1) exhibiting two of the said protrusions (1.1, 1.2) directed upwards, separated by a central space and through each of which transverse openings (1.3, 1.4) pass to accommodate a hinge pin (8) of a link (7.1) of a second end (7) of the said bracelet.
3. Foldable fastener according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said element for connection to a first end fastener is formed of a cover (5), open at its two longitudinal ends, comprising a top wall covering the fastener and two lateral edges (5.1, 5.2) pierced with transversely aligned openings (5.3-5.11), the openings (5.3) situated towards the said second ends of the said fastener elements (1, 2) accommodating the said hinge pin (6) passing through the said openings (4.11, 4.21) of the said lugs (4.1, 4.2) and the said opening (2.2) of the said central protrusion (2.1), the other openings (5.5,-5.11) pierced in the said lateral edges of the said cover serving as the said means of connection of the said first bracelet end (9).
4. Foldable fastener according to one of Claims 2 and 3 in which, in the closed position, the means of connection of the two ends of the bracelet (7, 9) to the fastener are arranged so as to place the said ends of the bracelet (7, 9) directly adjacent to the underside of the top wall of the said cover (5).
5. Foldable fastener according to one of Claims 2 to 4, for a bracelet with links, in which the said lugs (4.1, 4.2) protrude from one end of the said cover (5), the portions of the said lugs visible on the outside of the said cover (5) being shaped like the links of the said bracelet.
6. Foldable fastener according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means (4.3, 4.4) for adjusting the position of the said lug (4.1, 4.2) with respect to the said transverse hinge pin (6) so as to alter the catching force of the said lugs (4.1, 4.2) on the said protrusions (1.1, 1.2).
7. Foldable fastener according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said lug or lugs (4.1, 4.2) are formed with elastic walls.
8. Foldable fastener according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a safety cover (50) mounted to pivot about a transverse axis (70) and able to be folded down onto the opposite end of the said cover (5) to the first ends of the said articulated-together fastener elements (1, 2) so as to prevent the said cover (5) from opening as long as the safety cover is in the said folded-down position.
9. Foldable fastener according to one of the preceding claims, in which the top face (4.22) of the said lug or lugs (4.1, 4.2) hugs the internal face of the top wall of the said cover (5), making it impossible to achieve any separation between the said lugs (4.1, 4.2) and the said protrusions (1.1, 1.2) by lifting the end of the said cover (5) which end is situated on the same side as the articulation of the ends of the said fastener elements (1, 2).

Images