JP2024500800A - strap - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracelet strap with a removable connection part is proposed.
[Solution] The present invention includes:
a first type of strand or links (31b);
at least one connecting element (7b) inseparably connected to the first type of strand or link;
at least one matching link (32) intended for connection to the watch case (2) or to the clasp and capable of being releasably connected to the connecting element, the button (6B) for fixing and unfixing the connection to the connecting element; at least one compatible link comprising;
A strap (1) comprising:

Description

The present invention relates to a bracelet strap, such as a wristwatch bracelet strap.

Numerous bracelet straps have been devised for watches, especially in the jewelry field. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bracelet straps (metal wristwatch bands) are particularly known which comprise two strap parts intended to encircle the wrist of the wearer and a clasp that secures the strap parts. A clasp is often permanently or semi-permanently secured to one or both strap portions. The strap part will probably be fixed to the watch case.

The strap portion may be made from a flexible material such as leather, rubber, elastomer, textile, etc. to fit snugly around the wrist. Strap parts formed from a plurality of rigid links, for example metal or ceramic links, articulated with each other are also known. Certain bracelet straps combine rigid links with flexible sections.

An example of a wristwatch equipped with a conventional articulated bracelet strap 1 is shown in Figures 1a and 1b. For simplicity, only one of the two strap parts of the bracelet strap is shown. The bracelet strap in this example is an articulated link bracelet strap comprising rows of metal links of the first type 31, connected to each other by rows of links of the second type 30, in this example studs (pieces). (parts that connect the parts). Each of the two strap parts is connected to the watch case 2 by a rod connection 4 that can be removed by means of a pin driver so that the strap of the bracelet can be replaced. In this example, the rod passes through the first row of studs 30 of the two housings formed in the center of the case and the links for these studs. A similar bar connection may be provided to connect the end of each bracelet strap portion to a bracelet strap clasp, not shown.

Other means of connection between the strap of the bracelet and the case or clasp have been devised, for example using screws.

Users may wish to replace their watch strap themselves, such as when the watch strap is worn or to match a bracelet strap to an outfit or activity. For example, it is desirable to have a large number of easily interchangeable bracelet straps, so that the bracelet strap that is best suited for a particular activity can be selected for each outing.

However, replacing the bracelet strap or clasp is somewhat impractical and requires appropriate tools, typically a screwdriver, pindriver or tweezers.

Improper use of tools on high-quality watches can cause scratches and other damage. Removal and reinstallation often involves handling very small size screws and pins that are easy to lose. For these reasons, these removal and reinstallation operations are usually the task of specialists.

The prior art already includes tool-less systems for attaching bracelet straps. These systems typically have a visible component such as a push button that can be operated to lock or unlock the strap of the bracelet. However, the presence of these parts detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the watch or bracelet strap. Moreover, these parts can be manipulated inadvertently or maliciously, putting the watch at risk of being lost or stolen.

Tool-free bracelet strap fastening systems are usually targeted at watch cases or clasps specifically designed for this purpose. If watches or other products are designed with traditional coupling devices, transitioning to a tool-free system is generally not possible. Conversely, watch cases or clasps with tool-free fastening systems are typically not intended for attachment to traditional bracelet straps.

Finally, such systems are difficult or impossible to adapt to existing watch or bracelet straps without changing both the appearance of the bracelet strap and the appearance of the case or clasp. There is a need to provide a removable bracelet strap that can be used without changing the appearance of a range of watch cases, a range of clasps and, where possible, an existing bracelet strap range.

The aim of the invention is to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

In particular, the aim of the invention is to propose a bracelet strap with a removable connection that is attached to a conventional or existing aesthetic element, in particular a watch case and/or a clasp.

One objective is to design an interchangeable bracelet strap that can be coupled to an aesthetic element, in particular a watch case or clasp, which was not designed to be coupled to an interchangeable bracelet strap.

According to the invention, these objectives are:
strap part and
at least one conforming link intended to be connected to the aesthetic element;
at least one connecting element, on the one hand, the connecting element is irreleasably connected to the strap part and, on the other hand, removably connected to said at least one matching link, such that the strap of the bracelet can be opened without tools; This is achieved noticeably by the strap of the bracelet.
At least one of the compatible links comprises a locking/unlocking button for locking and unlocking the connection with the at least one connecting element. This locking/unlocking button is intended, when actuated, to bring the adaptable link from a locking position in which the at least one coupling element is secured to the adaptable link into an unlocking position, in which: The at least one connecting element is separable from the matching link. The lock/unlock button is hidden when the bracelet strap is worn.

As such, in one aspect of the present invention, aesthetic elements such as watch cases or clasps that are not designed to be coupled to an interchangeable bracelet strap can be improved by the presence of at least one matching link. It is compatible with bracelet straps like this, increasing its range of use.

The compatibility of the bracelet strap is achieved by a removable connection between two links of the bracelet strap, or between one link and a strap part, rather than between the strap part of the bracelet and the aesthetic element. It is thus possible to produce a bracelet strap in which all parts except the at least one matching link can be particularly separated from the watch case or from the conventional clasp.

In other words, the strap of the bracelet is opened using the matching link which remains connected to the case or clasp and the first type of link or strap part.

The first type of links preferably have at least one of an appearance, such as a shape, a size, an orientation, and a color that is similar or uniform to each other.

The strap of the bracelet may include a second type of links that are different from the first type of links. The second type of links are preferably similar or uniform to each other in at least one of the following: shape, size, orientation and color. Therefore, it can be immediately determined whether a link is a first type link or a second type link, even if there is a difference between links of the same type.

The bracelet strap may include at least one matching link and at least one link of a second type that has the same appearance when the bracelet strap is worn.

The connecting portion employs a connecting element that connects the compatible link and the strap portion. This connecting element allows the strap portion to be secured to the associated matching link in the closed position and to be separated in the open position.

The connection between the matching link and the connecting element is lockable, ie it can only be opened by acting on a locking or unlocking button.

The locking or unclamping button is integrated into the matching link so that it remains secured to aesthetic elements such as watch cases and clasps. Therefore, a large part of the bracelet strap can be replaced without having to replace the locking/unlocking button, which is a potentially complex component.

The fixed button constitutes a tactile component, ie a component that is intended to be operated directly by the user using numbers, for example by pressing or twisting.

The matching link may be connected, for example, to a watch case or clasp, for example, by a conventional detachable connection, for example a detachable connection using a tool, for example a rod or a screw. The matching link is therefore attached to at least one of the watch case and the clasp with the strap connection means of a conventional bracelet.

The matching link is thus designed to be connected to the watch case or clasp by a semi-permanent fixation, such as a rod, on the one hand, and on the other hand to be uncoupled to the strap part or to the connecting part fixed to the first type of link. , designed to be connected.

The connecting element can be connected to the first type of link or strap portion of the bracelet by a non-separable connection. For example, it may be driven into the strap portion, welded, glued, or overmolded. In one embodiment, the connecting element may constitute an integral part of the link of the second type or strap portion.

In one embodiment, the lock/unlock button may consist of a push button located on the underside of the strap of the bracelet, ie under the side of the bracelet that faces towards the wrist when the strap is worn.

In one embodiment, the lock/unlock button may include a rotating link.

The compliant link may include a female opening. The connecting element may include a male part that can be inserted into the female opening. This arrangement may be reversed.

The locking/unlocking button prevents the male part from being pulled out of the opening in the locking position and allows this withdrawal when the button is operated into the unlocking position.

The bracelet strap may include at least one row with a plurality of matching links.

The strap of the bracelet may include at least one link of the second type and at least one row with at least one matching link.

The appearance of the matching link in the same row as the second type of link may be the same when the bracelet strap is worn.

The at least one matching link may be intended to be securely connected to the strap clasp of the bracelet.

The at least one matching link may be intended to be firmly connected to the watch case.

The connecting element may be hidden when secured to the matching link.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the description by means of the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1a shows a bracelet strap according to the prior art, in particular a wrist watch bracelet strap, in the open position. FIG. 1b shows a prior art bracelet strap, in particular a wrist watch bracelet strap, in the closed position. Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the strap part of the bracelet according to the first embodiment, connected to the clasp and in the closed position. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the strap part of the bracelet according to the first embodiment, connected to the clasp and in a fixed position. Figure 3a shows a side view of the strap part of the bracelet according to the first embodiment, connected to the clasp, in a closed but unlocked position. Figure 3b shows a side view of the strap part of the bracelet according to the first embodiment, connected to the clasp, in a closed and unlocked position, the strap part being connected to the second bracelet strap part by the clasp; . Figures 4a and 4b show perspective views of a strap portion according to a first embodiment coupled to a deployment clasp in closed and locked positions, respectively. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a strap link of a second type of bracelet according to a second embodiment of the invention, intended for connection to a watch case. Figures 6a and 6c are perspective views of the strap portion of the bracelet according to the second embodiment, in an open position (6a), in a closed, secured position (6b), and in a closed but unsecured position (6c). Figures 7a to 7c show side cross-section, top and side views, respectively, of a watch case connected to a strap portion of a bracelet according to a second embodiment.

1a and 1b depict a timepiece according to the prior art. The strap of the bracelet consists of two strap parts, of which only one strap part 1, in particular the first strap part 1, is visible and the watch is connected via the links of the second type of links 30, which in this example are configured as studs. Connected to case 2. A second type of link 30 is engaged with a housing within the watch case and held in place by a threaded rod 4.

Figures 2a to 3b show a first embodiment of the invention in which the strap 1 of the bracelet is removably connected to a clasp 5a. The figures proposed to explain this embodiment show a strap of the bracelet made of flexible material, for example rubber, elastomer, leather, fabric, etc. However, embodiments may be adapted to accommodate a removable connection between the strap and clasp of an articulated link bracelet.

The clasp 5a is optionally connected by a pin or some other type of bar not shown to a row of matching links comprising a fixed matching link 32a and a moving matching link 32a'. The strap portion 3a is connected to a connecting element 7a which can be connected and fixed to the links of this row. In one embodiment, the strap portion 3a is overmolded onto the connecting element 7a. The strap portion 3a may be connected to the connecting element 7a by means of a pin.

The connection between the row of matching links 32a, 32a' and the clasp 5a may be semi-permanent, i.e. it is not intended to be opened every time the strap of the bracelet is changed, but if necessary Depending on the situation, this can be done, for example, using tools. Note that the connection between the connecting element 7a and the strap portion 3a may not be separable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling element 7a is capable of engaging in an opening 10a, for example a groove, formed in the male part, for example the strut 9, and in one of the matching links connected to the clasp, in this case two A central link is provided which is different from the lateral matching links 32a, 32a'. The groove extends laterally substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the strap of the bracelet extends and reversibly connects the two components. The groove 10a is open in one lateral direction to allow the strut 0 to move in and out of the groove so as to releasably connect the two aforementioned parts.

The first row of movable adaptable links 32a' connected to the clasp 5a form the locking and unlocking buttons 6a. For this purpose, this link is pivoted by the user about an axis essentially parallel to the direction of the groove 10a, so that it can be moved between fixed positions as depicted in Figures 2b and 3b. In this case, this matching link 32a' closes the open end of the groove, thereby preventing the strut 9 from exiting the groove, and in the unlocked position depicted in FIGS. 2a and 3a, where: The strut can be introduced into or removed from the groove 10a.

Advantageously, the mobile compatible link 32a' is designed such that it cannot be flipped into the unlocked position when the bracelet strap is secured around the wearer's wrist, providing safety against accidental release of the bracelet strap. I will provide a. For this purpose, the second strap part of the bracelet strap introduced into the clasp 5a and retaining ring 19 prevents the matching link 32a' from rotating towards the unlocked position, as can be seen in Figure 3b. To prevent. Thus, in this example, the opening of the connection between the first row of links and the connection piece 7a has been previously secured to the bracelet strap with the clasp 5a in order to be able to remove the second strap part of the bracelet strap. Need to open.

Figures 4a and 4b show a connection similar to Figures 2a to 3b, but interposed between the strap portion of the bracelet and the deployment clasp 5b via a clasp.

Figures 5 to 7c show another implementation in which the bracelet strap can be opened without tools due to the connection between one strap part of the bracelet strap and a row of matching links 32b connected directly to the watch case. Indicates the form.

Figures 6a to 6c show an example with a strap part of a flexible bracelet comprising a row 32b of matching links and a flexible strap part 3a.

Figures 7a to 7c show an example having a strap portion of an articulated link bracelet with multiple rows of links 30a of the first type and multiple rows of links 30b of the second type, with the various rows of links are connected to each other.

In both of these examples, the watch case comprises a housing for the second type of link 30b, for example in the form of a stud. These housings can accommodate either the second type of links 30b of a conventional bracelet strap or the matching links 32b of a bracelet strap according to the invention. The matching links 32b are attached to these housings and held there semi-permanently, for example by means of a rod passing through the transverse holes 23 through these links. Semi-permanent in this context means that the matching link 32b is not intended to be removed from the watch case 2 each time the bracelet strap is changed, but nevertheless, e.g. using a tool or It should be separable from the watch case in order to replace it with a second type of link from a traditional bracelet strap in the workshop.

Each matching link 32b incorporates a lock/unlock button 6b that locks and unlocks the connection with the second type of strap portion or link. The locking/unlocking button is preferably hidden and practically invisible when the bracelet strap is worn. For this purpose, the fastening button is preferably visible only on the face of the matching link, which is hidden when wearing the strap of the bracelet.

An example of a compatible link 32b with a lock/unlock button is illustrated in FIG. The only side of this link that is visible when the bracelet strap is worn is the top side, which is substantially identical to the corresponding side of the link of the second type 30b. On the other hand, the lower face, ie the face facing towards the wrist when the strap of the bracelet is worn, is provided with a locking/unlocking button in the form of a push button 6b.

The operation of this pushbutton will be better understood in the light of Figures 6a to 6c. As can be seen, the compatible link 32b includes a housing 14 in which a push button 6b is arranged. This pushbutton has a moving body 9 designed to cooperate with a spring, for example a compression spring 13, located at the bottom of the housing 14. The moving body 9 is designed to move preferably in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the strap 1 of the bracelet when the push button 6b is actuated. The matching link 32 includes a passage 16 on one side that communicates with the housing 14 . The moving body 9 is provided with an opening 10b as well as a tooth 15 arranged opposite the passage 16. The bracelet strap 1 is connected to the bracelet strap part 3a and comprises two connecting elements 7b designed to be clipped inside the corresponding matching links. Since the securing mechanism is the same for each matching link 32b, the following description will refer to only one of the matching links. The strap portion may, for example, be overmolded onto the connecting element 7b or may be secured by other permanent or semi-permanent means.

The connecting element 7b comprises a hook 11 which is inserted into the opening 10b of the matching link 32b. The hook 11 and the opening 10b may have a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, as is clearly visible in FIG.

The hook 11 may be clipped into the opening 10b to secure the connecting piece to the matching link. Figures 6a and 6b show the matching link 32b in a separate and attached configuration from the connecting element 7b, respectively. In the connection configuration of Figure 6b, the strap part 3a of the bracelet and the matching link 32b are fixed opposite each other.

The strap part 3a of the bracelet and the connecting element 7b can be fixed with a simple clip. For this purpose, the hook 11 of the connecting element 7b is introduced into the channel 16 of the matching link 32b, the inclined surface of the hook 11 is pressed against the back side of the tooth 15, displacing the moving body 9 and compressing the spring 13, The end of the hook 11 is inserted into the opening 10b of the moving body 9. The tooth 15 of the moving body 9 of the push button 6b automatically retreats behind the inclined surface of the hook 11 under the action of the spring 13, fixing the two parts 7b, 32b in the configuration of FIG. This prevents the connecting piece 7b from being pulled out. The side of the tooth 15 that rests against the hook 11 is preferably re-entrant to prevent the risk of the tooth slipping against this hook when pulling the strap of the bracelet.

The strap part 3a and the connecting element 7b of the bracelet can be removed by actuating the push button 6b, as shown in Figure 6c. Pressing the push button 6b disengages the tooth 16 from the hook 11, allowing disassembly of the connecting element 7b.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show a watch with a tool-free bracelet strap according to the invention. FIG. 7a is an enlarged cross-section along "CC" in FIG. 7b.

The watch case 2 preferably comprises two matching links that connect to the strap part 3b of the bracelet strap 1. The same arrangement is replicated symmetrically on the opposite side to connect to the strap portion of the other bracelet that is not visible. Advantageously, each strap part of the bracelet strap 1 is connected to the watch case 2 by two separate matching links 32b. This setting provides increased security in case one of the fixed features of one of the compatible links is accidentally opened.

In Figure 7b, the articulated link strap portion 3b comprises a plurality of first type links 30a and a plurality of second type links 30b. The two matching links 32b are substantially indistinguishable from the second type of links 30b when the bracelet strap is worn. In the example of Figure 7b, the articulated link strap portion 3b comprises two links 30b of the second type per row. In a variant not shown, the strap of the bracelet consists of only one matching link and one link of the second type per row. According to another variant, not shown, the strap of the bracelet comprises three matching links and three links of the second type per row. The dimensions of the matching links and the second type links are adapted according to the number of second type links per row.

The detailed description and illustrations relate to an example consisting of a watch with a clasp and a case, but this does not apply to jewelry, necklaces, belts, any chain that is fastened to a part of the body, or that can be worn around the body using a chain. It is not a limitation of the invention that is equally applicable to items of objects intended to be worn.

Therefore, the delicate operation of changing elements of a fixed chain is greatly simplified, does not require special purpose tools and is inappropriate, since it is not designed to remove elements without the use of tools. Everyone can get to work faster without the risk of damaging parts due to rough handling. The invention advantageously allows for the reuse of existing parts not designed for that purpose while providing compatibility functionality for new developments. For example, the strap or clasp of the bracelet can be easily replaced without the need to change the clasp or the strap of the bracelet. Finally, the invention offers the additional advantage of achieving compatibility without the need for tools and with very limited, if not zero, aesthetic impact so as not to compromise the style of the product.

Claims (13)

Strap parts (3a, 3b),
at least one connecting element (7a, 7b) inseparably connected to said strap portion (3a, 3b);
at least one compatible link (32a', 32b) intended for connection to the aesthetic element (2, 5a, 5b) and for removable connection to said at least one connection element (7a, 7b). ,
When actuated, said compatible links (32a', 32b)
from a fixed position in which said at least one connecting element (7a, 7b) is fixed to said matching link;
The at least one adaptable link (32a' , 32b) is provided,
The locking/unlocking buttons (7a, 7b) are hidden when the bracelet strap (1) is worn.
Bracelet strap (1). Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap part is a strap part (3a) formed wholly or partly of a flexible material or made into articulated links (3b). strap (1). The connecting element (7a, 7b) and the or each compatible link (32a', 32b) are removable from each other by means of the male part (9, 11) inserted into the female opening (10a, 10b). are connected,
The fixing/unfixing buttons (6a, 6b) are
when the at least one compliant link (32a', 32b) is in the fixed position, the male part is prevented from being withdrawn from the female opening, and the at least one compliant link (32a', 32b) enabling this withdrawal when in the unlocked position;
A bracelet strap (1) according to claim 1 or 2. said female opening (10a) forming part of a clasp (5a, 5b) and forming a groove transversely to the length of said strap portion (3a);
said male part (9) is designed to slide within said groove as it is inserted or withdrawn;
A bracelet strap (1) according to claim 3. at least one row comprising a fixed compliant link (32a) and a movable compliant link (32a');
said fixed matching link (32a) and said movable matching link (32a') are intended to be connected to said clasp (5a, 5b);
For this reason, the movable matching link (32a') is pivoted about an axis parallel to the groove between the locking position and the unlocking position, so that the male part (9) is free from the groove (10a). designed to allow said insertion or said withdrawal, or to prevent said insertion and said withdrawal separately;
The male part is, for example, a support (9).
A bracelet strap (1) according to claim 4. 6. A second strap part according to claim 5, wherein the second strap part of the bracelet strap is designed to prevent the locking/unlocking button (6a) from being operated when the bracelet strap is tightened. Bracelet strap (1). When the strap portion (3b) of said bracelet strap is connected to said watch case (2), at least one matching link (32b), preferably two matching links (32b) are connected to said watch case (2). A strap (1) of a bracelet according to claim 3. the or each compatible link (32b) comprising a housing (14);
said locking/unlocking button is in the form of a push button (6b) provided in said housing (14) of said or each compatible link (32b), said or each compatible link (32b) Bracelet strap (1) according to claim 7, wherein the locking and unlocking button is movable within the housing (14) when brought from the locking position to the unlocking position. the or each compatible link (32b) comprising a passageway (16) on one side communicating with the housing (14);
The or each push button (6b) includes a movable body (9) and an elastic member (13) provided in the housing (14),
The movable body includes the female opening (10b),
at least one connecting element, preferably two connecting elements (7b), are irreparably connected to said strap part (3b);
actuating the push button or push buttons (6b) when the at least one coupling element is introduced into the passageway (16) and the female opening (10b) of the or each matching link (32b); the strap part (3b) is designed to be fixed to the watch case (2) without the need to
A bracelet strap (1) according to claim 8. the movable body (9) comprises teeth (15) facing the passageway (16);
said or each connecting element (7b) comprises a hook (11) that engages said tooth (15) in said fixed position;
Claim 9, wherein actuation of the push button (6b) disengages the tooth (15) from engagement with the hook (11), allowing the strap part (3b) of the strap (1) of the bracelet to be uncoupled. The bracelet strap (1) described in . The strap portion (3b) of the articulated link includes a plurality of first type links (30a) and a plurality of second type links (30b),
11. According to any one of claims 7 to 10, when the strap of the bracelet is worn, the difference between the or each matching link (32b) and the second type of link (30b) is practically indiscernible. bracelet strap (1). a plurality of the first type links (30a) having at least one external appearance that is substantially the same as each other, such as shape, size, orientation, and color;
a plurality of said second type links (30b) having at least one appearance substantially uniform with respect to each other, e.g., shape, size, orientation, and color;
When the strap of the bracelet is being worn, the or each matching link (32) is substantially the same as the second type of link, e.g. in shape, dimensions, orientation and color. having at least one appearance,
A bracelet strap according to claim 11. A wristwatch comprising a bracelet strap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images