EP0467120A2 - Extensible fastener for bracelet - Google Patents

Abstract

The fastener (1) is telescopically extensible. <??>It comprises a first tubular component (2) over the upper and lateral faces of which fit a plurality of links (5) like those used for the rest of the bracelet. Into the first component a second tubular component (8) can be introduced, which can, in turn, receive a third component (10) in the form of a plate attached to which is a locking system to secure the fastener in the retracted position. <??>The fastener is applicable to a bracelet and is no thicker than the links from which said bracelet is built up. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an extendable clasp for a link bracelet comprising at least three elements of essentially flat and elongated shapes sliding relative to one another to constitute a clasp with telescopic extension which can take an extended position and a retracted position .

In the so-called clasps with folding clasp or wallet, there are generally at least two rigid blades hinged to one another, the free end of each of the blades being fixed respectively to each strand of the bracelet. This is the case, for example, of the clasp described in patent US-A-1,796,341. In executions of this type, the links of the bracelet are superimposed on the folded arms of the clasp so that the bracelet has an extra thickness at the location of this clasp.

The bracelet clasp described in document DE-A-3 520 122 also includes two plates which fold over one another and each attached to a strand of the bracelet composed of links. In this embodiment, at least one of the two plates has two elements which can slide telescopically one inside the other and in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. In this way, and although the clasp has only two plates, this clasp can be extended, once opened, over a distance greater than that of the sum of the lengths of each of the plates. This system makes it possible to shorten the rigid part which the bracelet presents in the closed position while allowing a great elongation of the latter in the open position. However, despite the advantages set out above, and which will be found partially in the present invention, a strand of the bracelet of the cited document is also superimposed on the clasp in the closed position thus creating an apparent excess thickness.

Finally, it will be noted that a clasp comprising three elements sliding relative to one another to constitute a clasp with telescopic extension is described in patent US-A-1,801,963. However, no link in the bracelet covers this clasp and even if one applied to said clasp the teaching of documents US-A-1,796,341 or DE-A-3,520,122, these links would reveal the clasp once this clasp retracted in the closed position.

The bracelet of the present invention overcomes the drawback cited by retracting the clasp in the thickness of the links of the bracelet so that said bracelet appears continuously in thickness at the location of the clasp, this clasp also having a closed rigid part. of reduced length, while allowing great elongation of the bracelet in the open position.

To achieve this result, the clasp of the invention is characterized in that the first element is capped, on its upper face and on at least part of its lateral faces, with a plurality of juxtaposed links, said links being prisoners of the first element to form a rigid end zone of a first strand of the bracelet, that the second element is mounted to slide relative to the first, first retaining means preventing said first and second elements from coming off one of the other and that the third element is slidably mounted relative to the second, second retaining means preventing said second and third elements from being released from the frame, the free end of the third element being fixed to the end of the second strand of the bracelet by means of a blocking system which keeps the clasp in the closed state when said clasp is in said ren position very.

• - la figure 1 est une vue de dessus du fermoir de l'invention selon un premier mode d'exécution,
• - la figure 2 est une coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1,
• - la figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 1, le fermoir étant supposé en position fermée,
• - la figure 4 montre en détail un système de blocage qui maintient le fermoir des figures précédentes en l'état de fermeture,
• - la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du fermoir de l'invention selon un second mode d'exécution,
• - la figure 6 est une coupe selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 5, et
• - la figure 7 est une coupe selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 5, le fermoir étant supposé en position fermée.

The invention will now be understood on reading the description which follows by way of example, description illustrated by the drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 is a top view of the clasp of the invention according to a first embodiment,
• FIG. 2 is a section along line II-II in FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a section along line III-III of FIG. 1, the clasp being assumed to be in the closed position,
• FIG. 4 shows in detail a blocking system which keeps the clasp of the previous figures in the closed state,
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the clasp of the invention according to a second embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a section along line VI-VI of FIG. 5, and
• - Figure 7 is a section along line VII-VII of Figure 5, the clasp being assumed to be in the closed position.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 as well as in FIGS. 5 to 7, the extendable clasp 1, 51 for a link bracelet comprises three main elements of essentially flattened and elongated shape, these elements sliding one relative to the 'other to constitute a telescopic extension clasp. The general characteristics of the clasp will now be explained with the aid of the figures mentioned, while observing that it can comprise more than three telescopic elements, a fourth for example, which will allow greater extension.

The clasp comprises a first element 2, 52 which is capped, on its upper face 3, 53 and on at least part of its lateral faces 4, 54, with a plurality of juxtaposed links 5, 55, these links being trapped in this first element to form a rigid end zone 6, 56 ending a first strand 7, 57 of the bracelet. Figures 3 and 7 show that the side faces 4 and 54 are completely covered by the links 5 and 55 but the first elements 2 and 52 could slightly emerge from the corresponding links, in which case the side faces of said first elements would only be partially covered by the links.

The clasp also comprises a second element 8, 58 which is slidably mounted relative to the first element 2, 52, retaining means referenced respectively 9 and 59 preventing said first and second elements from being released from one another.

The clasp finally comprises a third element 10, 510 which is slidably mounted relative to the second element 8, 58, retaining means referenced respectively 11 and 511 preventing said second and third elements from disengaging from one another.

In the two embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively 5 to 7 show that at the free end of the third element 10, 510 is fixed a blocking system referenced 12 which keeps the clasp in l 'closed state when this clasp is in the retracted position. A second strand 13 of the bracelet is then subjected to the blocking system.

We will now describe in detail a first embodiment of the invention, that shown in Figures 1 to 3. The first element of the clasp here is a first tube 2 with rectangular profile as can be seen in Figure 3 This tube extends in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and carries on each of its lateral faces 4 a longitudinal projection 14 which is engaged in a slide 15 made inside each of the lateral portions presented by the links 5 to maintain these prisoner links of the tube 2. FIG. 1 also shows that to prevent the last link of the first strand 7 from escaping from the tube 2, the pins are placed in holes 16 drilled in a row in the link and in the tube. It will be mentioned here that the projection and runner system as well as the pin device could be replaced by other arrangements, the essential residing in the fact that the end of the first strand 7 is fixedly retained on the tube 2. The tube 2 has two first slots 17 formed on its large upper face, these slots extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube 2. The end of the tube 2 located to the left of FIGS. 1 and 2 has a projection 31 pierced with a hole 32 used to attach to the clasp, for example a link 33 forming the beginning of an articulated inner chain in turn coated with link 5 forming the continuation of the first strand of the bracelet. Such an arrangement is explained, for example, in document FR-A-2 502 916.

The second element of the clasp is a second tube 8 with a rectangular profile adapted to be engaged in the first tube 2 as well shown in FIG. 3. The first of the large faces of the second tube 8 carries two first retaining devices 9 capable of sliding in the first slots 17 of the first tube 2. Although any other means can be used, screws used in the second tube 8 are used here, the screw heads sliding in the first slots 17. Thus, thanks to this device the second tube 8 is retained in the first tube 2 and its travel is limited by the first slots 17. Although this is not compulsory, FIGS. 1 and 3 show that the first of the large faces of the second tube 8 has a central opening 18 limited by two edges 19, opening extending throughout the second tube. This way of doing things can facilitate the manufacture of the second tube 8. The second tube 8 also comprises, pierced in its second large face, a second slot 20 extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube 8.

Finally, the third element of the clasp is a plate 10 of rectangular section adapted to be engaged in the second tube 8. This plate carries a second retaining device 11 capable of sliding in the second slot 20 of the second tube 8. As before, we here uses a screw screwed into the plate 10, the head of this screw sliding in the second slot 20, although other means could be used. Also the plate 10 is retained in the tube 8 and its stroke is limited by the length of the slot 20.

The free end of the plate 10 carries a blocking system 12 making it possible to maintain the clasp in the retracted or closed position. This system can take various forms. One of these is shown in detail in Figure 4 which shows the clasp in the closed position. The blocking system 12 is a special element whose width and thickness are approximately equal to the width and thickness of the links 5 of the bracelet. Essentially this blocking element is a wart 21 whose bolt 22 cooperates with a notch 23 formed in the first element 2 of the clasp to maintain this clasp in the closed position. The lock is located on one of the side faces of the special element while on the opposite side face is a pusher 24 connected to the lock by a rod 25 around which is wound a return spring 26, the latter being supported by on the one hand on the pusher 24 and on the other hand on a pierced plate 27 integral with the special element. FIG. 4 shows that when the pusher 24 is pressed in the direction of arrow A, the latch 21 emerges from the element 12 and releases the bolt 22 from the notch 23 so that the clasp can be deployed. When the clasp is in the retracted position, the bolt 22 falls into the notch 23, remembered that it is by the spring 26. FIG. 4 also shows that a projection 28 pierced with a hole 29 is integral with the element blocking 12, so that one can attach, for example, a link 30 forming the beginning of an articulated inner chain in turn coated with links 5 forming the second strand of the bracelet (see also Figures 1 and 2) .

We will now describe in detail a second embodiment of the invention, that shown in Figures 5 and 7. The first element of the clasp here is a part 52 having the shape of a U whose two arms 34 and 35 extend in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. FIG. 7 shows that the outer faces of these branches each have a longitudinal projection 514 which is engaged in a slide 515 made inside the lateral portions which have the links 55 to hold these links trapped in the U-shaped part 52. The FIG. 5 shows that in order to prevent the last link 55 of the first strand 57 from escaping from the U-shaped part 52, the pins are arranged in holes 516 drilled in a row in the link and in the U-shaped part. pointed out in connection with the previous embodiment, the system of projections and slides as well as the pin device could be replaced by other arrangements without departing from the main idea of the present invention.

Each edge of the U-shaped part 52 comprises a slide 517 made on the inner face of the branches. FIG. 5 shows that the depth of the slides is reduced at each of the ends of the branches 34 and 35.

The second element of the clasp is a rectangular plate 58 provided with two slots 520 extending in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the plate 58 is wider in the vicinity of its left end and thus has two projections 59 which abut, when the clasp is fully deployed, against the narrowing that the slides 517 entail, narrowing practiced at the end of the branches 34 and 35 forming stops.

Finally, the third element of the clasp is also a rectangular plate 510 provided with at least one guide member 511 arranged to slide in the slot 520 of the second element. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the member 511 is a bearing screw, screwed into the plate 510 and passing through the plate 58 at the location of said bearing. The screw head holds the two plates together. In the example presented, it was preferred to use two screws instead of one in order to obtain better guidance of one plate relative to the other. Thus, in this system, the plate 510 is retained under the plate 58 and its stroke is limited by the length of the slots 520.

Figures 5 and 6 show that the free end of the plate 510 carries a locking system 12 identical to that described in connection with the first embodiment of the invention. There is therefore no need to return to it in detail. However, here, the bolt 22 of the lock 21 cooperates with a notch 523 formed at the end of the branch 34 of the U-shaped part 52.

In this second embodiment, the second strand of the bracelet is attached to the blocking system 12 in the same manner as that already explained in connection with the first embodiment. With regard to the first strand of the bracelet, it will be observed that the bridge connecting the two branches of the U has a projection 531 of a hole 532 used to attach to the clasp a link 533 forming the beginning of an articulated chain, coated at its turn of links 55 forming the continuation of the first strand of the bracelet.

From the explanations which have been given above, it follows above all from the cuts presented in FIGS. 3 and 7, that the clasp, once retracted, can take place entirely inside the links forming the bracelet and that it does not cause therefore no allowance as is the case with wallet clasps. It will also be noted that, since it is formed of three telescopic elements, its rigid part is reduced to the minimum, that is to say to the length of the first element which, moreover, can be slightly curved like the two other elements which cooperate with it . It will also be observed that the links covering the bracelet in its flexible part can be the same as those covering the clasp part and this also in the shape of the internal slides, which avoids two different kinds of parts. This is advantageous if links are used which are difficult to machine, hard metal or ceramic for example. Furthermore, the way of making the links prisoners of the clasp and then of an inner chain beyond this clasp, by means of slides made in the link, simplifies the manufacture of the link which has no holes, an operation which is always delicate if these links are made of ceramic.

Claims (9)

1. Extensible clasp (1, 51) for link bracelet comprising at least three elements of essentially flat and elongated shapes sliding relative to each other to constitute a telescopic extension clasp which can take an extended position and a retracted position , characterized by the fact that the first element (2, 52) is capped, on its upper face (3, 53) and on at least part of its lateral faces (4, 54), with a plurality of juxtaposed links (5, 55), said links being prisoners of the first element to form a rigid end zone (6, 56) of a first strand (7, 57) of the bracelet, that the second element (8, 58) is slidably mounted relative to the first, of the first retaining means (9, 59) preventing said first and second elements from disengaging from each other and that the third element (10, 510) is slidably mounted relative to the second, second retaining means (11, 511) preventing said second and third elements to disengage from each other, the free end of the third element being fixed to the end of a second strand (13) of the bracelet by means of a locking system ( 12) which keeps the clasp in the closed state when said clasp is in said retracted position. 2. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first element is a first tube (2) with rectangular profile extending in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, two first slots (17) being formed in one of the large faces of the tube, said slots extending in said longitudinal direction, that the second element is a second tube (8) with rectangular profile adapted to be engaged in the first tube, the first of the large faces of said second tube, carrying two first retaining devices (9) capable of sliding in the first slots of said first tube, the second of the large faces of said second tube being pierced with a second slot (20) and that the third element is a plate (10) of rectangular section adapted to be engaged in the second tube, said plate carrying a second retaining device capable of sliding in the second slot of said second tube. 3. Clasp according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second retaining devices are screws (9,11) screwed respectively into the second tube and into the plate, the screw heads sliding respectively in the first and second slots. 4. Clasp according to claim 2, characterized in that the first of the large faces of the second tube has a central opening (18) extending throughout said second tube. 5. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first element has the shape of a U (52) whose two branches (34, 35) extend in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, each of the internal faces of said branches being provided with a slide (517), that the second element is a rectangular plate (58) provided with at least one slot (520) extending in said longitudinal direction, the edges (59) of said plate being arranged to slide in the respective slides of said first element and to abut against stops with which the branches of the first element are equipped, and that the third element is a rectangular plate (510) provided with at least one guide member (511) arranged for slide into the slot of said second element. 6. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking system (12) is a lock (21) carried by the free end of the third element, said lock cooperating with a notch (23) formed in the first element to keep the clasp in the closed state. 7. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral faces (4, 54) of the first element each carry a longitudinal projection (14, 514) engaged in a slide formed inside each of the lateral portions (15 , 515) presented by the links to hold said links trapped in said first element. 8. Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the links (5, 55) are made of material which is difficult to machine. 9. Clasp according to claim 8, characterized in that the links (5, 55) are made of ceramic.

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