EP1201149A1 - Bracelet clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

This bracelet clasp comprises two articulated branches (1, 2) to each other by a first of their respective ends to allow a first of these branches to be folded over and / or in the second of said branches and to unfold it for place it substantially in the extension of this second branch, while their respective second ends are intended to be connected to two ends of a bracelet, these two branches (1, 2) comprising mutual attachment means (4, 10) to keep them in the folded position. The second end of the first articulated branch (1) comprises connection means (9) having parallel articulation axes, one for connecting these connection means to this first articulated branch (1) and at least a second for connecting these connecting means (9) on the one hand to one end of the bracelet, on the other hand to an actuating member (18) to exert a force capable of separating said mutual hooking means (4, 10).

Description

The present invention relates to a bracelet clasp comprising two branches articulated to each other by a first of their respective ends to allow to fold a first of these branches over and / or into the second of said branches and unfold it to place it substantially in the extension of this second branch, while their respective second ends are intended to be connected to two ends of a bracelet, in particular a bracelet for a wristwatch, these two branches having mutual fastening means for holding them in the folded position.

This type of clasp is well known and exists under many variations. In some of these clasps, one end of the bracelet is connected to the branch of the clasp which folds over or in the other branch by a cover of which the parallel side faces, which come from both sides and other side of the clasp in the closed position, have several pairs of holes aligned transversely and spaced longitudinally, intended to receive the articulation axis from the end of the bracelet. These pairs of holes allow to adjust the length of the bracelet. In other clasps of this type, the end of the bracelet is directly articulated to the second end of this first branch, so that in the closed position, the bracelet conceals the clasp.

In some bracelets of this type, the articulated branches to each other are stamped sheet metal and overlap in the folded position. These branches are bent for follow the shape of the wrist. The hanging of these branches to each other is a function of the radius of curvature of the bending. Since these blades are made of sheet metal, it is possible to modify the radius of curvature of the bending in one direction or in the other to adjust the gripping force between these blades.

A bracelet of this type has already been proposed, in particular in EP 0865742, in which the branches of the clasp are machined from a thicker and therefore more rigid material allowing more adjustment of the gripping force by modification the bending of these branches. With such a clasp, the hooking force of the branches being no longer adjustable by the aforementioned simple means, then it is necessary to design precise and lasting hanging methods. It is the reason why this clasp has elements attached to the cover of the clasp and positioned inside of it, on the one hand, by their shape which matches a portion of the inside of the lid and on the other hand, by a rod crossing these elements hanging and fixing at their two ends in the side faces of the clasp cover arranged on one side and on the other side of the clasp.

This arrangement has various drawbacks, including one comes from the fact that this clasp is necessarily a clasp with cover, since it is used to receive the hooking elements. Another disadvantage comes from the fact that all the force necessary to unhook the elements is directly supplied by the user, so it is not possible to exceed a certain limit, at the expense of the security of the closure. Another disadvantage comes from the fact that, as in most clasps of this type, the opening is directly obtained by a pull on the cover while it provides large grip area, which increases the risk of opening untimely clasp.

The object of the present invention is to improve security closure of this type of clasp against an opening untimely as well by hanging as by effort traction following swelling of the wrist or violent shocks, as they can occur when the user clap or when he hits his fist on a table for example. The object of this invention is also to facilitate the opening of the bracelet while allowing simultaneously increase the force required to stall hooking elements. Another object of this invention is to allow the branches of the clasp and the connected bracelet to these branches, rotate at least 180 ° to obtain maximum opening of the clasp and thus facilitate passage hand through the bracelet. Yet another goal of the invention is to allow to have a basic clasp substantially identical when the clasp has a cover only when it does not.

To this end, the present invention relates to a bracelet clasp of the aforementioned type, as defined by claim 1.

One of the advantages of the proposed solution, in addition to those arising from the above goals lies in its simplicity and the small number of parts required. In fact, despite the various improvements of the clasp according to the invention, we can see that these are not obtained at the expense simplicity and therefore reliability of the solution proposed. For the user, the handling of such a clasp translates into great ease, giving it a feeling high security, which is reinforced by the appearance of the clasp which constitutes a real small precision mechanism.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée de cette forme d'exécution;

la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du fermoir de la figure 1 avec les branches repliées;

les figures 3, 4 et 5 sont trois vues selon trois coupes longitudinales différentes de la figure 2;

la figure 6 est une vue semblable à la figure 3 en position de décrochage des éléments d'accrochage;

la figure 7 est une vue en coupe semblable à la figure 5 en position dépliée des branches articulées;

la figure 8 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une variante du fermoir des figures 1-7;

la figure 9 est une vue en coupe longitudinale assemblée du fermoir de la figure 8 en position de décrochage des éléments d'accrochage;

la figure 10 est une vue en perspective de la variante des figures 8 et 9, en position dépliée des branches articulées;

la figure 11 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une variante avec des moyens de sécurité supplémentaires et des moyens de réglage du fermoir selon l'invention;

la figure 12 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une autre variante de fermoir avec des moyens de sécurité supplémentaires et des moyens de réglage;

la figure 13 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une autre variante encore avec des moyens de sécurité supplémentaires;

les figures 14 et 15 sont des vues en coupe longitudinales d'une dernière variante de ce fermoir, en position de décrochage, respectivement d'accrochage de moyens de sécurité supplémentaires;

la figure 16 est une vue de dessus de la figure 15.

The attached drawing illustrates, schematically and by way of example, an embodiment and several variants of the clasp which is the subject of the present invention.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the clasp of Figure 1 with the arms folded;

Figures 3, 4 and 5 are three views along three different longitudinal sections of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 in the release position of the hooking elements;

Figure 7 is a sectional view similar to Figure 5 in the unfolded position of the articulated branches;

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of the clasp of Figures 1-7;

Figure 9 is an assembled longitudinal sectional view of the clasp of Figure 8 in the release position of the fastening elements;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the variant of Figures 8 and 9, in the unfolded position of the articulated branches;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variant with additional safety means and means for adjusting the clasp according to the invention;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of another alternative clasp with additional safety means and adjustment means;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of yet another variant with additional safety means;

Figures 14 and 15 are longitudinal sectional views of a last variant of this clasp, in the release position, respectively attachment of additional safety means;

FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 15.

The clasp illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 has two curved branches 1, 2 articulated to each other by one of their respective ends around a rod 3. These branches curved 1, 2 are preferably machined parts rather than stamped sheet metal, so as to make them relatively rigid. So that the clasp does not become excessively thick, as shown in Figure 2, the thickness of branch 1 in the folded position is fully housed in a central recess 2a formed in the center of the branch 2.

The bottom 2b of the recess 2a has an attachment stud 4, the hooking face of which forms an angle α with the tangent to the circle centered on the axis of articulation 3 of curved branches 1, 2 and whose radius corresponds to the distance between this axis and the point furthest from the plot 4. To accommodate the hooks between the curved branches 1, 2, the radius of curvature of the bottom 2b of branch 2 decreases slightly then the curvature reverses, thus saving a portion of recess 2a slightly higher at the end of this branch 2 opposite the end articulated to the other branch 1.

A rectangular recess 1a (FIG. 1) is provided at the end of branch 1 opposite to that articulated at the branch 2, forming two parallel arms 1b, 1c on the side and on the other side of this recess 1a. Each arm has two holes 5a, 5b, respectively 6a, 6b aligned two by two and intended to receive two pivot rods 7, 8 driven in these holes 5a, 6a, respectively 5b, 6b. The rod pivoting 7 passes through an opening 9a of a member of link and hinge 9, while the pivot rod 8 passes freely through the cylindrical opening a tube 10, constituting the hooking element of the branch 1 of the clasp, intended to hang on the face inclined from the attachment stud 4 of the branch 2 (FIG. 5).

The connecting and articulation member 9 has a main part 9c of generally semi-cylindrical shape oriented transversely to the branches 1, 2 of the clasp. The opening 9a for the pivot rod 7 is formed in a semi-cylindrical appendage 9b offset from the main part 9c, protruding under this part main 9c.

The main part 9c of the connecting member 9 is crossed by two openings 9d, 9e parallel to the axis longitudinal of this semi-cylindrical part 9c, as well as opening 9a of appendix 9b. The 9th opening is intended at the connection and articulation of one end of the bracelet (not shown) by a stud 11 passing through an element semi-cylindrical assembly 12 oriented transversely and aligned with the connecting member 9. The stud 11 is screwed into a second homologous assembly element 13 of element 12.

The connecting element 12 carries an articulation rod 14 parallel to stud 11, driven into a blind hole of this element 12 and the other end of which is intended to be fixed in a corresponding blind hole of the second element 13. This articulation rod 14 passes through the opening 9d of the connecting member 9, thus making this connecting member and the two integral assembly elements one another.

This articulation rod 14 also passes freely through an actuating member 15 of the opening of the clasp, that is to say separation of the attachment members 4 and 10, which is articulated around the second axis of articulation of the connecting member 9, constituted by the axis of the opening 9d.

This actuator 15 has two levers opening 16, 17, each comprising a semi-cylindrical element 16a, respectively 17a, each crossed by an opening of which only the opening 17b is visible in the figure 1, for the passage of the articulation rod 14. The distance transverse separating the respective external lateral faces of the two semi-cylindrical elements 16a, 17a is very slightly less than the width of the recess 2a of the branch 2 of the clasp, to allow pivoting of these elements 16a, 17a around the articulation rod 14. These levers 16, 17 are still formed of two support elements 16c, respectively 17c, integral with the semi-cylindrical elements respective 16a, 17a. These support elements 16c, 17c extend outside the respective outer side faces semi-cylindrical elements 16a, 17a, so they are supported on the upper side of the branch 2, on either side of the recess 2a, as illustrated by Figure 3. These two support elements extend opposite respective semi-cylindrical elements 16a, 17a, by relative to the longitudinal axis of the articulation rod 14. Since these support elements 16c, 17c extend laterally outside the semi-cylindrical elements 16a, 17a, the connecting elements 12, 13 include a hollowed out part including the hollowed out part 13a of the assembly element 13 is visible in FIG. 1, while the hollow part 12a of element 12 is visible in the figure 3.

A gripping member 18 is fixed between the two semi-cylindrical elements and used to operate the levers 16 and 17 by rotating them around the articulation rod 14. The pivot angle of these levers of opening 16 and 17 is limited by the edges of the parts hollowed out 12a, 13a.

The branch 2 of the clasp is integral with two elements 19, 20 in the form of a bracelet link, aligned longitudinally with connection elements 12, respectively 13 of the same shape, integral with the branch 1 of this clasp (Figures 1 and 2). A stop 21, also integral with the branch 2 is located equidistant from the elements 19, 20, between these. A stud 22 extends between the elements 19, 20 by crossing the stop 21. This stud is used to connect the branch 2 of the clasp at the other end of the bracelet (not represented).

As can be seen by looking at Figure 5 in particular, the engagement of the tube 10 pivoted on the rod 8 of branch 1, on the inclined face of the angle α with respect to at tangent to a circle centered on the axis of the rod pivot 3 between the two branches 1, 2 of the clasp, is obtained by subjecting the blade 1 to a tensile force, while the blade 2 is subjected to a compressive force. As the two blades are slightly curved to marry the shape of the wrist, these efforts can result in a elastic deformation of these blades 1, 2 and these blades being produced by machining in the mass and not in simple sheet metal, the force required to attach the tube 10 to the stud 4 can be relatively high, which guarantees good impact resistance. In addition the presence of the tube 10 facilitates the elastic deformation of the blade 1 and also makes the closure independent of how one exercises a pressure on this blade 1 when the clasp is closed.

This force necessary for attachment can be all the more higher than the opening of the clasp is facilitated by the lever mechanism 16, 17 actuated by the grip 18, reducing the effort required during lifting of branch 1 to release the tube 10 from the attachment stud 4. Indeed, as can be seen in particular in Figure 6, when you rotate the levers 16, 17 around the articulation rod 14 while lifting the gripping member 18, the elements 16c, 17c of these levers are supported on the upper surface of the branch 2 of the clasp, on either side of the recess 2a in which the branch 1 is embedded in the closed position and form a lever arm increasing the force exerted on the rod 14 and therefore on the connecting member 9 at which the end of branch 1 is articulated.

Once the two branches 1, 2 of the clasp are unhooked, the semi-cylindrical appendage 9b of the link 9 allows it to rotate around the hanging tube 10, so that it passes from a position where it stands located to the left of the hanging tube 10 (Figure 5) at a position where it passes to the right of this same tube 10 (figure 7), allowing an optimal opening of the clasp, by a branch 1 pivot at least 180 ° relative to the branch 2 of the clasp, as well as free pivoting of the links of the bracelet in relation to the branches of the clasp. This is important. Indeed, with this type of clasp, the ends of the bracelet are never separated from each other and only by increasing the length of the bracelet following the pivoting of the blades 1, 2 that the hand can pass through the bracelet. It is therefore important that the bracelet can pivot freely when the branches 1, 2 and that the end links between the bracelet and the branches 1, 2 of the clasp are also free to rotate relative to these branches. This is made possible in the case of the clasp according to the invention thanks to the member link 9 which connects the end of the bracelet (not shown) to branch 1 by stud 11 and which can itself rotate freely at least 180 ° around the rod pivot 7.

We can also mention the fact that in the open position of the clasp, illustrated in figure 7, no element of the clasp mechanism protrudes from its underside, so the user can't hurt himself by passing his hand through the open bracelet, nor hang parts of clothing and risk damaging them. Indeed, the attachment stud 4 protrudes from the face upper of branch 2 of the clasp and the cylindrical tube attachment 10 is housed in the thickness of the branch 1.

This connecting member also allows pivoting independent of the opening mechanism, constituted by the levers 16, 17 and the gripping member 18 of the rest of the clasp and bracelet which reduces the risk of opening untimely, especially in the clasp variant with cover which will be described below.

The fact that the hanging tube 10 is pivotally mounted on the pivot rod 8 reduces wear on this piece consecutively to multiple hooks and stalls to which it is intended to be submitted. In moreover, in the event of wear, it is easy to change this tube 10.

Another advantage of this clasp is that the underside of branch 2 which is intended to come against the wearer's wrist is closed and the entire mechanism closure is located in the recess 2a of this branch 2 so that the risk of pinching hairs when the closure of the clasp is reduced.

The variant illustrated in Figures 8 to 10 stands out of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 essentially by the fact that the connecting member 9 of this form of execution consists of two separate connecting elements 23 and a cover 24 comprising an upper wall 24a and two parallel side walls 24b, 24c. The element 23 is crossed by two parallel openings 23a, 23b (FIGS. 8 and 9) corresponding to the openings 9a, respectively 9d of the connecting member 9. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 9, a spring bar 25 passes through the opening 23b of the connecting element 23 of the member 23, 24 and its ends engage in blind holes (not visible) made in the internal faces side walls 24b, 24c of the cover 24, forming the other connecting element. These blind holes are similar to the blind holes 24d which can be seen in FIG. 9 and which are used to connect the bracelet (not shown) to the link 23, 24. As shown in Figure 9, when the connecting elements 23, 24 of the connecting member are assembled by the bar 25, the upper face 23c of the element 23 is applied against the internal face of the upper wall of the cover 24, immobilizing these two connecting elements 23, 24 relative to each other, of so that the organ resulting from this assembly has the same functions as the connecting member 9 of the embodiment Figures 1 to 7. In addition, the presence of the cover 24 allows to adjust the length of the bracelet thanks to the series of 24d holes, which the connecting member cannot do 9.

Like the articulation rod 14 of FIGS. 1 to 7, the bar 25 also allows the pivoting of the opening levers 66, 67 arranged on either side of the element of link 23 and which are supported on the upper face of branch 2 of the clasp. These levers work like levers 16 and 17 of FIGS. 1 to 7. In this variant, the gripping member 68 integral with the levers 66, 67 has another form but has a function identical to that of the member 18 of the previous embodiment. The rest of the clasp is quite comparable to the clasp of the figures 1 to 7, so there is no need to describe it further.

Figure 10 shows the clasp with its branches 1 and 2 in the unfolded position and it can be seen that the cover 24 and the connecting element 23 can pivot integrally at least 180 ° at the end of branch 1 by turning around the hanging tube 10. In this variant, independence between the opening mechanism 66, 67, 68 and the cover 24 has the advantage of avoiding inadvertent opening of the clasp by hanging the cover 24, since this, integral with the connecting element 23 pivots around of the articulation rod 7 which does not play a role in the release of the attachment tube 10 from the attachment stud 4.

The clasps described so far have no means adjustment device or safety device. Indeed, various tests carried out on a series of prototypes corresponding to the clasp illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 showed that it offers excellent safety in terms of impact resistance and tensile forces. The design of this clasp allows however to use means to regulate the force necessary to close it and can also be combined with safety devices.

FIG. 11 illustrates a variant of a clasp comprising two branches 26, 27 articulated to each other as in the previous forms of execution. The plot 4 of the lower branch is replaced here by a stud system adjustable 28 held on branch 27 by a screw 29. This stud adjustable is intended to engage the hanging tube 30 pivoted on a pivot rod 31 in solidarity with branch 26.

An adjustment member 32 comprising at its periphery 32a for example four circular recesses of the same radius as the external surface of the adjustable stud 28, but the distances of which respective radials with the axis of the adjusting member 32 vary slightly from each other adjusts the penetration of this pad 28 in the trajectory of the hanging tube 30 and therefore the force closing the clasp.

This also has a safety closure comprising a link and attachment link 33 crossed by two bores with parallel transverse axes, one receiving an articulation rod 34 secured to the branch 26, the other receiving a stud or a bar 35 for the joint of the first link 36 of the bracelet. This link of connection and attachment 33 further comprises a recess transverse 37 providing a hooking finger 38 intended for hook onto a transverse hanging cylinder 39. This link and attachment link 33 is still integral a gripping element 40 intended to pivot the link 33 clockwise for release the latching finger 38 from the latching cylinder 39. An inclined face 26a integral with the branch 26 limits the degree of pivoting of the link 33, so that continuing to exert traction on the gripping member 40, the attachment tube 30 can be removed from the stud 28 and separate the two branches 26, 27 of the clasp.

As in the previous forms of execution, the connecting link 33 with its two pivot axes allows opening of the clasp at least 180 ° without restriction of rotation for the links 36 of the bracelet.

The variant of Figure 12 does not differ from the previous one only by the fact that the adjustment of the attachment stud 41 is fixed on an adjustment member 42 rotatably mounted on the branch 27, eccentrically, so that by turning the adjusting member 42, for example using a screwdriver or similar tool, you can change the penetration of the attachment stud with respect to the attachment tube 30.

The variant of Figure 13 essentially differs of the previous two by the fact that we find a connecting member 43 with three transverse articulation axes, one around the pivot rod 44 at the end from branch 45 of the clasp, another to receive a bracelet hinge pin 46 and the third for the articulation of an opening member 47, integral with a gripping member 48. This opening member 47 comprises also a transverse rod 49 on which pivots freely a tube 50 intended to be hooked in a housing 51 formed in a connecting element 52 with the other end of the bracelet and having, for this purpose, a bore 52a. This connecting element 52 is integral with the branch 53 of the clasp. As you can see, the base of the opening member 47 has an inclined portion 47a intended to limit its degree of pivoting. This face has exactly the same function as the inclined face 26a of the figure 11.

The main closure is always ensured by a tube 54 pivoted on a transverse rod 55 secured to the branch 45 of the clasp. This tube hangs on a hanging stud 56 in solidarity with branch 53.

The variant of Figures 14 to 16 differs from the previous ones first of all by the fact that the pivot axis of the hooking tube 58 merges with that of the link link and attachment 57, while the first link 59 of one end of the bracelet is pivoted around the second axis articulation 60 of this link and attachment link 57. The hooking element 57a of this connecting link and hook 57 hangs at the end of a piston 61 subjected to an elastic return member 62. As shown in the Figure 15, when the hooking element 57a engages on the end of piston 61, its other end is applied against the hanging tube 58 and prevents it from pivot around the pivot rod 63.

To hold this pivot rod 63 two hinges 64 are attached to the end of the branch 65 of the clasp (Figure 16) on either side of the attachment stud 69 of the hanging tube 58.

Claims (11)

Bracelet clasp comprising two articulated branches (1, 2; 26, 27; 45, 53) to each other by a first of their respective ends to allow a first of these branches to be folded over and / or in the second said branches and unfold it to place it substantially in the extension of this second branch, while their respective second ends are intended to be connected to two ends of a bracelet, in particular a bracelet for a wristwatch, these two branches (1, 2; 26, 27; 45, 53) comprising mutual hooking means (4, 10; 28, 30) for holding them in the folded position, characterized in that said second end of said first articulated branch (1 ; 26; 45) comprises connection means (9; 23, 24; 33; 43; 57) having parallel articulation axes, one for connecting these connection means to this first articulated branch (1; 26; 45) and at least one second to connect these connecting means (9; 23, 24; 33; 43; 57) on the one hand at one end of the bracelet, on the other hand at an actuating member (18; 68; 40; 48) to exert a force capable of separating said mutual attachment means (4, 10; 28, 30). Clasp according to claim 1 characterized in that said connecting means (9; 24; 43) have a third parallel articulation axes, one for connecting these connecting means (9; 24; 43) to this first articulated branch (1; 45), another to connect these connecting means to one end of the bracelet and the third to connect these connecting means to said actuating member (18; 68; 48) to exert a force capable of separating said means from 'mutual attachment. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuating member (18; 68) comprises a lever (16c, 17c; 66, 67), one end of which bears on said second articulated branch (2) and of which the other end forms a gripping means (18; 68) for exerting said force capable of separating said mutual fastening means. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mutual attachment means (10) comprise a cylindrical element (8; 31; 55; 63) integral with one of said articulated branches (1). Clasp according to claim 4, characterized in that one of said hooking means is constituted by a tubular element (10; 30; 54; 58) pivoted freely around said cylindrical element (8; 31; 55; 63). Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part (9b) of said connecting means (9; 24; 43), articulated to said first branch (1; 45) has a substantially semi-cylindrical surface for it allow to rotate 180 ° about its axis of articulation during the passage of this first articulated branch from its folded position to its unfolded position. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said connecting means comprise two elements (23, 24) one of which (24) consists of a cover comprising a surface at least partially covering said articulated branches and two lateral surfaces (24b, 24c) extending on either side of these branches and having several pairs of fastening elements (24d) aligned transversely to the clasp and spaced apart longitudinally, for the selective fixing of one end of the bracelet to said bracelet cover (24) and the other (23) of which has positioning means (23c) relative to said cover, assembly means (25) serving to link said two elements in the relative position defined by said positioning means ( 23c). Clasp according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said cylinder (8) on which is pivoted said tubular hooking element (10) is removably attached to one of said articulated branches (1, 2) . Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjustment means are associated with one (28; 41) of said mutual attachment means for varying the distance separating them from the other (30) in position d hooking. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second mutual attachment means (38, 39; 50, 51) for holding said actuating member (40, 48) in the rest position. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (12a, 13a; 26a; 47a) for limiting the pivoting of said actuating member (18; 40; 48) relative to said first branch ( 1; 26; 45).

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