CH715870B1 - Fastening system for bracelets. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for attaching a strap to a middle part (31) of a wristwatch case (30) comprising: a gripping member (40) arranged to be integral with said middle part (31), an insert arranged to be connected to the bracelet (20) and, for example, configured to come as an attachment link (51), between the horns (34), against the caseband (31), and a lock (70) mounted in pivoting around a rod (60) formed in the said insert, characterized in that the latch (70) is configured to come into engagement with the gripping member (40) and maintain tension with the latter so as to press the insert against the middle (31).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of bracelets for wearing accessories, in particular the field of attachments of a bracelet to a structure of such an accessory. Preferably, the present invention relates to a system for attaching a strap to a middle part of a wristwatch case.

PRIOR ART

[0002] The bracelets, such as those of wristwatches in particular, are generally equipped with a fastening system which connects the bracelet to the case of the watch by a spring bar mounted in elastic compression between lugs integral with the middle part. of the box. For bracelets made of leather, rubber, silicone, textile or synthetic material, this spring bar is inserted beforehand into a cylindrical housing formed by a loop of the bracelet or by any other means at its end for attachment to the case of the watch. For bracelets made of hard materials, such as metal or ceramic, this bar can be inserted into one or more attachment links, also called inserts, which are special links specially intended to connect the bracelet to the case middle. the watch. One of the drawbacks of these fixing methods lies in the fact that they are difficult to dismantle and generally require tools. This stems from the fact that they are above all designed to allow only occasional removal of the strap, essentially during handling operations aimed at replacing a strap model that is too worn.

[0003] To allow frequent and easier exchange of the bracelet on many other occasions, document GB636819 proposes a fastening system comprising a metal hook secured to the fastening end of the bracelet dedicated to the case of the watch. Correspondingly, this case comprises a fastening bar integral with the middle part of the watch case. Intended to come into engagement with this loop or handle, the hook can also be locked by a folding flap which, by pressing on the free edge of the hook, can be inserted under the latter so as to lock the attachment.

[0004] The document FR2350808A1 presents a fixing solution in which the end of the bracelet, intended to be connected to the case of the watch, comprises a plurality of hooks together forming a comb. This comb is intended to come into engagement with a fixing bar integral with the middle part of the watch case. Thanks to the elastic tabs formed by the teeth of the comb, the latter can be moved apart, for example to hang the bracelet on the fixing bar. By elasticity, they then return to their original position. This position leaves, between the bracelet and the free end of the comb, an opening that is too narrow for the fastening bar to be able to pass and exit freely.

[0005] These solutions provide so-called rotating integration between the bracelet and the watch case. Indeed, by such fixings, the bracelet is connected to the middle by one of the simplest articulation which often constitutes a point of mechanical weakness of the connection between these two elements. Moreover, such fasteners can also leave a gap between the end of the bracelet and the watch case. Moreover, they do not make it possible to obtain a good integration of the bracelet as well as a good positioning of the watch on the wrist. In fact, the bracelet is not as if recessed at the level of the watch case and can turn around the wrist of the wearer in certain cases.

[0006] To overcome this drawback, the document EP2229836B1 suggests a more complex design in which the integration of the bracelet to the caseband is done by means of a fixing system positioned at the level of the lug. This system consists in particular of an attachment link and of a blocking element which, in its upper part, is pivotally mounted on the attachment link. The latter is intended to be inserted on the spring bar, in an exclusively vertical movement from top to bottom, before resting against the caseband. In its lower part, the blocking element comprises a recess, the shape of which makes it possible to match the lower angular part of the middle part. This setback comprises a projection which bears under the middle part. The blocking element is also pushed forwards, in its middle part, by a compression spring resting in the attachment link. Thus, the compression spring makes it possible to maintain the blocking element in a position which is locked by the projection of this element, because this projection prevents, by its support under the middle part, any upward movement of the link. attached. Unlocking is obtained by exerting a force opposing that of the spring by means of a lug forming part of the lower end of the locking element. This solution makes it possible to obtain so-called blocked integration between the bracelet and the middle part of the watch case.

[0007] However, the solution suggested by this document EP2229836B1 only makes it possible to obtain a blocked integration of a static order. Indeed, the forward movement of the blocking element around its pivot axis is limited by the support of the upper end of this blocking element against the attachment link. Therefore, the recess of the blocking element can only come to fit against the lower angular part of the middle part, which does not make it possible to obtain a dynamic blocking. In addition, the orientation of the unlocking lug of the blocking element is such that it points in the direction of the wrist of the wearer so that untimely pressure against the wrist at the level of this lug could activate the tilting of the blocking element and cause the unlocking of the strap fastening system.

[0008] Consequently, there is an interest in finding a solution which makes it possible, at least in part, to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a more efficient interchangeable fastening system, in particular in terms of solidity and reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a system for attaching a bracelet to a frame of an accessory, for example to a middle part of a watch case or to a structure or head of 'a jewel. In general, this fixing system includes: a gripping member arranged to be integral with or arranged to be made integral with the frame, an insert arranged to be connected to the bracelet, and a lock pivotally mounted around a rod formed in said insert.

According to the invention, this fixing system is further characterized in that the lock is configured to come into engagement with the gripping member and maintain tension with the latter so as to press the insert against the mount.

[0011] In the case where the bracelet is intended to carry a timepiece, the structure or frame will refer to a watch case, more particularly to the middle part of this watch case, whereas the accessory of this frame will of course refer to the wristwatch. Also, the gripping member may typically refer to a spring bar, for example held in compression between two lugs integral with the caseband. This gripping member could also refer to another member integral with the middle part, for example fixed to the latter or forming part of this middle part. Be that as it may, in the case where a timepiece is intended to be worn, the object of the invention will refer more specifically to a system for fixing a strap to a middle part of a case of wristwatch, this system comprising: a gripping member integral with or rendered integral with the middle part, an insert connected to the bracelet and configured to come against the caseband, a latch pivotally mounted around a rod made in said insert, and in that the latch is configured to come into engagement with the gripping member and maintain tension with the latter so as to press the insert against the build.

[0012] Thanks to the tension generated between the latch and the gripping member, when these two elements are in engagement with each other, this fixing system advantageously provides a dynamic fixing. This dynamic character stems from the fact that the integration of the bracelet into the structure or middle part is not only blocked statically but permanently generates a force between the lock and the gripping member or, in other words, between the latch and the caseband via the gripping member. By this means, the insert is advantageously pressed against the middle part, in the sense that it is not simply configured to be able to come against this middle part, typically by matching the shape of the latter, but that it is truly subjected to a force that pushes it permanently against the middle when the fastening system is locked. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain a more rigid fixing system than a simple blocked integration, namely a static blocked integration. The solidity of this fastening system is also thereby improved thanks to a better distribution of the forces against the middle part, in particular in the event of stress exerted on the fastening system. Advantageously, this aspect also makes it possible to reduce the risk of breakage, in particular at the level of the gripping member and in particular when the latter consists of a spring bar.

In a preferred embodiment, the lock further comprises a gripping member facilitating the pivoting of this lock and thereby the interchangeability of the bracelet.

[0014] Preferably, the tension between the lock and the gripping member is obtained by an elastic deformation of at least part of the lock and/or of the gripping member.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, this tension can be obtained by an elastic articulation allowing movement under stress of the latch and/or of the gripping member.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the insert is configured to mate with the gripping member.

[0017] Also preferably, the rod provided in the insert for the pivoting of the lock is arranged to form an articulation rod of the bracelet by crossing the insert and by connecting a link of the bracelet, typically the first standard link of the bracelet .

As already mentioned, the gripping member is preferably a spring bar, namely a bar provided with elastic compression means which exert at least one force, along the longitudinal axis of this bar, to allow it to be held in place between the lugs of the middle.

[0019] As a variant, the gripping member could consist of another member which may, for example, have an edge or a ridge projecting from the middle part. This member could be attached against the middle part or form an integral part of the latter.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the insert is formed of two main parts, namely an attachment link and a center link within which the lock is pivotally mounted.

The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising a fastening system according to any one of the embodiments of the present description. Finally, according to a last aspect, the invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising such a fastening system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows and which presents various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the figures. annexes in which: FIG. 1 represents a view in perspective and from below of the fastening system of the invention as used for the integration of a bracelet into a wristwatch case; FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the assembly formed by the insert and the latch as seen from the caseband of the watchcase in FIG. 1; FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are perspective illustrations respectively of the two main parts forming the insert of FIG. 3 and of the lock illustrated in this same figure; and FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are views in longitudinal section along the axis IV-IV of FIG. 1 which represent the fastening system, respectively as it appears during the removal or the positioning of the bracelet on the watch case, then in an unlocking position and finally in a locking position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The fastening system which is presented in detail in the description which follows is that of a bracelet with a middle part of a wristwatch case. However, it will be understood that this wristwatch is taken as an example of a preferred accessory that can be worn by a bracelet by means of the fastening system of the present invention. Consequently, one could perfectly imagine that other accessories, such as jewelry or other ornaments, could be attached by their frame or their structure to any type of bracelet by means of the attachment system of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, it illustrates the fastening system 10 of a bracelet 20 to a caseband 31 of a case 30 of a wristwatch. This fixing system comprises a gripping member 40 (Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c), such as a main axis spring bar 41, secured to the middle part 31. Typically, such a spring bar is secured to the caseband 31 being held between two lugs 34 of this caseband. The fastening system 10 further comprises an insert 50 connected to the bracelet 20. This insert is typically configured to come against the middle part 31. Preferably and as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the insert 50 is also configured to come between the horns 34, against the caseband 31. Finally the fastening system 10 comprises a lock 70 pivotally mounted around a rod 60 which can take place in the insert 50. Insert 50 and latch 70 are shown together in Figure 2 and will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a-3c.

According to the invention, the latch 70 is configured to come into engagement with the gripping member 40 and maintain tension with the latter so as to press the insert 50 against the middle part 31, as illustrated in the figures 1 and 4c.

[0026] Commonly known to those skilled in the art, the spring bar constitutes a very widespread gripping member which is generally used as the only means of connection, between the bracelet and the watch case, in the rotating integrations of the bracelet to the case. . Such a bar, housed in the between-horn, typically comprises two telescopic ends mounted elastically with respect to a main body of cylindrical shape. Each end of this spring bar is intended to be housed, in compression, in a generally blind hole provided for this purpose in the internal faces of each of the horns 34. By this means, the gripping member, which such a spring bar, can typically be held between the lugs of the middle part to be integral with the latter.

[0027] However, the spring bar is not the only possible gripping member. Other types of gripping member can also be considered. For example, the gripping member 40 could be constituted by a rim attached against the middle part or forming an integral part of the latter. In the latter case, an execution of the monolithic type could combine the member for gripping the caseband so that these two elements are formed in one piece. Thus, according to different embodiments, the gripping member can be removable, fitted against the middle part or form part of the latter, for example by being cut into the middle part. Whatever its embodiment, this gripping member is integral with the middle part or intended to be made integral with the latter. In the remainder of this presentation, the gripping member adopted as an example, in accordance with the appended figures, is a spring bar. It will be understood that this choice is in no way limiting.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 2, the latter gives a perspective illustration of the assembly formed by the insert 50 and the lock 70, as seen from the caseband of the watch case of the figure 1.

As best seen in Figure 3c, the lock 70 is preferably in the form of a comb whose teeth 73 are arranged at one end opposite the axis of rotation 75 of this lock, axis which is materialized through a through hole 76. The latter is made in the rear part of the bolt and is intended to accommodate the rod 60 (Fig. 1) which passes through and also supports the insert 50. In its lower part, the bolt 70 can also include a lug or gripping member 71 facilitating its pivoting around its axis of rotation 75. The teeth 73 of the lock 70 constitute an elastic end 77 of the lock, at the rear of which there is a recess 74 intended to receive the spring bar 40 with main axis 41. To do this, this recess preferably has a concave shape complementary to that of the spring bar 40. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the teeth 73 of the comb may, on their face opposite the recess 74, have a concave shape as illustrated by the curved line 42. This curved shape is obtained by varying the thickness of the teeth from the central part of the comb to its edges. Thus, the teeth located in this central part will typically have a thinner thickness than those located on either side of this part. Preferably, the thickness of the teeth increases gradually from the central part of the comb to its edges.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the insert 50 is preferably essentially formed of two main parts, namely an attachment link 51 and a center link 61 within which the lock 70 is mounted pivoting. These two main parts, each detailed in Figures 3a and 3b, advantageously make it possible to obtain two terminations of different appearance; one could for example have a polished surface while the other could have a satin surface. It will however be understood that these two main parts could form only one and the same element, in particular in the case where the insert 50 would present only one aspect. Such an element could also be attached to a bracelet made of metal or obtained according to other embodiments, such as rubber overmolding or leather covering for example.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 3a, the first main part therefore consists of an attachment link 51 which preferably adjoins the horns 34 of the middle part 31, in particular the inner faces of these horns. This attachment link 51 has a general U-shape thus describing two branches 52 whose front ends 53 are connected in their upper parts by a bridge 55. The front parts of this attachment link 51, namely the parts facing to the middle part 31, are intended to rest against this middle part. To do this, both the front ends 53 of the branches 52 and the front part 56 of the bridge 55 are preferably profiled so as to match the shape of the middle part 31. In the example illustrated by the appended figures, the front ends 53 as well as that the front part 56 of the bridge 55 therefore has a concave shape which is complementary to that of the corresponding outer surface of the middle part 31. Preferably, the attachment link 51 also has a notch 54 formed in particular in the two branches 52 of this link. This notch 54 is intended to receive the spring bar 40 so that the insert 50 can, as better illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c, be inserted around this elastic bar 40 when the bracelet 20 is fixed to the watch case 30 via the fixing system 10 of the present invention.

The second main part of the insert 50 is illustrated in Figure 3b and consists of the center link 61 within which the lock 70 is pivotally mounted. Preferably, the center link 61 is intended to fit into the attachment link 51, in particular between the branches 52 of this attachment link, as shown in Figure 2. Like the attachment link 51, the center link 61 also has a general U-shape comprising in particular two branches 62 whose front ends 63 are connected in their upper parts by a bridge 65. The front parts 63 are located in the interior extension of the corresponding front parts 53 of the attachment link 51. Consequently, the front parts 63 are preferably also shaped to bear against the middle part 31 and match the shape of the latter. In its upper part, the bridge 65 also has a key 66 intended to be housed in a keyway formed in correspondence in the lower part of the bridge 55 of the attachment link 51. Preferably, the center link 61 has also on its front part a notch 64 which constitutes the extension of that of the attachment link 51 and which therefore also aims to receive the elastic bar 40 when the bracelet 20 is fixed to the watch case 30. Thanks to the notches 54, 64 of the insert 50, the latter can thus be configured to mate with the gripping member 40 which is the spring bar.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, the attachment link 51 and the center link 61 are secured to each other by two pins 67 disposed on the longitudinal axis 57. Each of the pins 67 maintains the attachment link 51 and the center link 61 by their respective adjacent branches 52, 62.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tension between the latch 70 and the spring bar 40 is obtained by an elastic deformation of at least part of the latch and/or of the gripping member which, in this case , is constituted by the spring bar 40. This elastic deformation takes place essentially in the direction of the axis IV-IV of FIG. 1. Thus, such a deformation on the spring bar 40 would correspond to an elastic deflection of the latter. In the case where this deformation is essentially applied to the lock, it is preferably the elastic end 77 of reduced rigidity of this lock which would be subject to such deformation. It is precisely to promote this deformation that the elastic end 77 of the lock is in the form of a comb according to the preferred embodiment. Although not described here, it will of course be understood that other shapes would also make it possible to promote such elastic deformation.

[0035] Figure 4b shows the fixing system 10, in particular the insert 50, fitted on the gripping member 40 (spring bar) in an open position of the lock 70. By applying a force on the lock , preferably on its gripping means 71 and in the direction of the middle part 31, this lock 70 pivots around its axis of rotation 75 until it comes into engagement, under stress, with the gripping member 40 , as shown in Figure 4c. This constraint is given by the force which is applied to the lock and which makes it possible to generate the tension between the lock and the gripping member.

[0036] Preferably and as best illustrated in Figures 4a-4c, resilient end 77 is further provided with one or more prominences or protrusions 78 facing recess 74. Such protrusions are preferably shaped like essentially semi-spherical and are located at the ends of the teeth 73 of the comb or some of these teeth. These prominences or protrusions are intended to promote the maintenance of the spring bar 40 in the recess 74 when the lock 70 is in the closed position, namely when the tension between the lock and the spring bar is effective. In addition, the elastic nature of at least a part of the lock (such as the end 77 which constitutes the comb of this lock) combined with the arrangement of these prominences or projections (at the free end of this comb) allows to obtain a feeling that is both sensory and audible when the lock moves from its open position (unlocked) to its closed position (locked). Advantageously, this feeling makes it possible to ensure or confirm that the fastening system is correctly locked.

[0037] Furthermore and as best seen in Figure 4c, the gripping member 71 advantageously adopts a position which prevents any untimely opening of the lock when the latter is in engagement with the spring bar 40 so as to maintain a tension between this last and the latch 70. This follows from the fact that the axis of rotation 75 of the latch 70 is disposed at a greater distance from the middle part 31 than is the elastic end 77 of the latch. In other words, the rod 60 around which the lock 70 pivots is advantageously located downstream of the elastic end 77 of the lock, with respect to the middle part 31 which can be regarded as being the point located furthest upstream along the bracelet 20. Thus, any pressure exerted between the wrist of the wearer of the bracelet and the lock 70 would force the latter to pivot upwards (that is to say in the locking direction), namely in the direction of the spring bar, thus excluding any possibility of release of this lock out of its locking position.

In another embodiment, the tension between these two members could be obtained by an elastic joint allowing movement under stress of the lock and / or the gripping member 40 (spring bar). For example, such a joint could consist of a transverse displacement of the spring bar by its ends in a direction of axis IV-IV (FIG. 1). Such a joint could have two positions between which the spring bar 40 could be moved by translation in the direction of axis IV-IV. The first position could be that of a rest position located in the direction of the middle part and in which the spring bar could be pushed there by elastic means, such as springs applying, to the ends of this bar, a return force according to the IV-IV axis. Located further back from the middle part and under stress from said springs, the second position could be a locking position of the fastening system 10 in which the spring bar 40 would be in engagement with the lock 70. Alternatively, the articulation conferring a translation of the spring bar between these two positions could be, for the same purpose, associated with the lock 70 instead of being associated with the spring bar 40 as described above. A hybrid version of these associations could also be possible.

[0039] Preferably, the rod 60 provided in the insert 50 for the pivoting of the lock 70, around the axis of rotation 75, is arranged to form an articulation rod of the bracelet 20, in particular of a link or a row of links of this bracelet. To do this and as illustrated in Figure 1, this rod 60 can be configured to pass through the insert 50 and connect a link 21 or a row of links of the bracelet 20. It is typically by this means that the insert 50 can for example be connected to the bracelet 20.

The invention also relates to a bracelet 20 comprising a fastening system 10 according to any one of the embodiments presented or suggested in the present description. It will be noted that such a bracelet does not need to be made solely of links but could also be formed from a flexible material such as leather, rubber, silicone, textile or any other material or combination of synthetic materials or natural. Furthermore, a bracelet formed from such a flexible material could also be molded over the assembly formed by the insert and the lock.

In another aspect, the invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a fastening system 10 according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments. Finally, the invention could also relate to another accessory, for example an ornamental accessory such as a jewel, comprising such a bracelet or such a fastening system 10.

Although the objects of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples, various obvious modifications and/or improvements could be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. Fastening system (10) of a strap (20) to a caseband (31) of a wristwatch case (30) comprising: – a gripping member (40) arranged to be integral with said middle part (31), – an insert (50) arranged to be connected to the bracelet (20), and – a lock (70) pivotally mounted around a rod (60) provided in said insert (50), characterized in that the latch (70) is configured to come into engagement with the gripping member (40) and maintain tension with the latter so as to press the insert (50) against the caseband (31). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock (70) comprises a gripping member (71) facilitating its pivoting. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said tension is obtained by an elastic deformation of at least part of the latch (70) and/or of the gripping member (40). 4. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said tension is obtained by an elastic articulation allowing movement under stress of the latch (70) and/or of the gripping member (40). 5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (50) is configured to mate with said gripping member (40). 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (60) provided in the insert (50) for the pivoting of the lock (70) is arranged to form an articulation rod of the bracelet (20) passing through the insert (50) and connecting a link (21) of said bracelet (20). 7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member (40) is a spring bar. 8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (50) is formed of an attachment link (51) and a center link (61) within which said lock (70 ) is pivotally mounted. 9. Bracelet comprising a fastening system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8. 10. Wristwatch comprising a fastening system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8.