CH711587A1

CH711587A1 - Closing device

Info

Publication number: CH711587A1
Application number: CH01218/16A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Vanhouteghem David
Original assignee: Brasport Sa
Priority date: 2016-09-20
Filing date: 2016-09-20
Publication date: 2017-03-31
Also published as: EP3515228A1; WO2018011774A1; EP3515228B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a closing device comprising two strands (42, 46), one with a regular network of holes (60) and the other with a corresponding matching network of protuberances (70). When the strands are superimposed and pressed against one another, the protuberances engage in the holes, which have a shape adapted to receive them, so that the two strands are joined together. Internal locking devices, arranged on the side surfaces of the holes and on the corresponding surfaces of the protrusions, improve the bond strength. This device can be applied to watches, jewelery, bracelets, belts, purses, phone cases, or any other object.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a flexible rubber closure device. The closure system of the invention is well suited to the manufacture of watch straps, in particular sports watches or electronic watches, but its applications are numerous. It can usefully be used in the production of cases for portable electronic devices, jewelery, leather goods and for any other application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The traditional watch straps, made of leather or of an equivalent material, which are closed with the aid of a metallic buckle have long been known. These bracelets are comfortable and simple to manufacture, but their durability is limited, and are generally used for stylish watches.

[0003] Metal bracelets are also well known, and appreciated for their excellent strength. However, their flexibility and comfort are limited, which can cause discomfort. In addition, they are generally heavier and more expensive than conventional bracelets.

[0004] In the field of sports watches and electronic watches, bracelets made of synthetic material, for example rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers are often used. These bracelets are light and pleasant to wear. Their closure, however, is generally achieved by the same means as conventional wristbands. The use of a buckle or clasp is however a disadvantage: this piece involves additional assembly and assembly costs, and the connection between the bracelet and the buckle may be a fragile point.

Also known, for example, by document TW20010212576U, are rubber bracelets without clasp, in which a protuberance in the form of a "mushroom" on a strand is inserted, in order to loop the bracelet, in one or the other The other of the holes present on the opposite strand. This solution, although simple, has several limitations, in particular: all the tensile forces exerted on the bracelet are supported by the foot of the protuberance, which can easily yield, because of its limited section; A loop is required to limit the ebb of the tip. The enlarged head of the protuberance exceeds in height the thickness of the bracelet and can be a source of discomfort and discomfort.

[0006] Closure bands are also known which are based on self-gripping materials, for example for children's watches or in various portable devices. These solutions, although functional, often have a limited aesthetic. Moreover, the contact between the skin and the hook and loop band may be uncomfortable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] An object of the present invention is to propose a wristband that is free from the limitations of the known examples.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a bracelet combining simple construction and lightness, a careful aesthetic and irreproachable comfort.

[0009] According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of the subject-matter of claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a bracelet according to one embodiment of the invention, closed and unfolded;

Figs. 3 and 4 show the upper or lower face of a first strand of the bracelet;

Figs. 5a to 5d show details of the first strand;

Figs. 6 and 7 show the upper or lower face of a second strand of the bracelet;

Figs. 8a to 8d show details of the second strand.

Example (s) of Embodiment of the Invention [0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the wristband of the invention. The bracelet comprises two flat flexible strands 42 and 46, each with fasteners 80 for connection to a watch. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the field of horology and includes all devices having the claimed characteristics independently of their application or use.

The strands 42 and 46 comprise holes 60 and protuberances 70 arranged regularly. When the strands are superimposed and pressed against one another, as in the figure, the protuberances 70 engage in the holes 60, which have a shape capable of receiving them, so that the two strands are joined together.

[0013] Preferably, the two strands are made of a flexible material, so as to adapt easily to the shape of the wrist, or the object that they are to encircle. The invention also includes variants in which rigid, semi-rigid or articulated strands.

The arrays of holes 60 and protuberances 70 are identical, in the example shown, in the sense that each hole is in front of a protuberance and vice versa. The opening of the bracelet can be chosen by shifting the two strands in the direction of their major axis by a distance equal to a multiple of the pitch of the network. The bracelet thus allows a fine adjustment of the opening simply by modifying the length of the superimposed zone.

Variants of the invention could be conceived in which the arrays of the holes and protrusions are not identical, for example because there are fewer protuberances than holes. Other variants could have arrays of non-periodic and / or non-regular holes and / or protuberances, so as to allow a single closing position without any possible adjustment.

The invention also allows variants in which the position of closure of the strands can be adjusted not only longitudinally in one direction but also laterally. Finally, closure systems could be designed in which the first strand also comprises protuberances and the second strand of the complementary holes without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0017] An advantage of the invention is that the strands are closed by simple pressing without the need for a clasp or a fastener. The strands adhere to the entire superposed surface, and no tip movement is possible. Moreover, since the adhesion is obtained by means of a plurality of distributed elements, the tensile forces are shared over all these elements, for optimum resistance.

Preferably, all the holes 60 are identical to one another, and the protuberances 70 are identical to one another, the section of each protuberance being substantially equal to that of each hole. However, other arrangements are possible.

[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the two faces of the first strand 46. The face shown in FIG. 3 is the apparent outer face, while FIG. 4 illustrates the inner face intended to come into contact with the corresponding face of the second strand 42. FIG. 3 that the holes 60 pass through the thickness of the first strand 46 and are visible on both faces. The outside face is not smooth but has a relief that matches the network of holes 60. The relief contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet, to improve the grip, and to reduce slippage, for example if the Bracelet is wet.

In the preferred variant illustrated, the section of the holes is a diamond, with an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flexible strands 46.

[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the two faces of the second strand 42. The face shown in FIG. 6 is the outer face intended to come into contact with the corresponding face of the first apparent strand 46, while FIG. 7 illustrates the inner face, which will press on the wrist of the wearer when the bracelet is looped.

The protuberances 70 protrude from the outer major surface of the second strand 42 and have the form of straight prisms, the cross-section of which is substantially the same as that of the holes 60. Their height is equal to the thickness of the first strand so that That when the bracelet is closed the upper bases of the prisms 70 are flush with the outside face of the first strand. The upper bases may be planar or, preferably, curved, so as to conform to the relief existing on the outer face of the other strand, thus giving the impression of a continuous decorative surface. In addition to the aesthetic advantage, this combination of features also makes it possible to visually see if the bracelet is properly closed.

The second strand also carries a network of holes 76, similar or identical to the holes 60 of the other strand, arranged in a staggered manner between the studs 70, so as to resume the aesthetics of the first strand. The additional holes 76 also have a function of comfort, allows the evacuation of the perspiration and the demoulding of the parts during the injection. The engagement of the protrusions 70 in the holes 60 is favored by the inclined engagement surfaces 68 on the bases of the latter, as can be seen in FIG. 5d.

Preferably, the holes 60 have internal hooking means 65 in their side walls which interact with corresponding means on the side walls of the protuberances so as to improve the solidity of the closure. In the example illustrated, the holes 60 have teeth 65 on the internal edges, as can be seen in FIGS. 5a-5d. The teeth 65 internally develop up to half height, and engage with the steps 75 on the corresponding edges of the studs 70, as can be seen in FIGS. 8a-8d. The steps 75 are also located internally at mid-height. However, other alternatives would be possible.

Advantageously, these internal fastening means are invisible when the bracelet is closed and does not cause any discomfort when wearing it.

The strands may be made of any suitable flexible material, for example of natural rubber (Natural Rubber, or NR), silicone elastomers (Silicone Rubber, SI), nitrile rubber (NBR and HNBR), fluoroelastomers Ethylene propylene rubber, EP, EPM, EPDM), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It would also be possible to envisage strands made in one

Claims

Composite material, or as an assembly of several materials. Preferably, the rubber strands are obtained by injection molding or by molding-compression. Although the examples shown refer in particular to a watch bracelet, the closure system of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention could be applied to jewelery, bracelets, belts, purses, telephone cases, or any other object capable of being closed by flexible strands as claimed. The shape of the strands 42 and 46 could therefore differ from that illustrated, specific to the domain of horology, without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A closure device comprising two flat strands (46, 42), each strand having two opposite major faces, wherein a first strand (46) of the two flexible strands comprises a network with a plurality of holes (60) (70), the protuberances (70) being sized to engage the holes (60) so that the second faces (42) bear on one of the major faces a network with a plurality of protuberances Two strands may be superimposed on one another, the protuberances (70) being opposite to the holes (60) and press-fitted.

2. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the holes are identical to each other and the protuberances are identical to each other. The section of each protuberance is substantially equal to that of each hole.

3. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the holes and the protuberances are arranged in regular and / or periodic networks.

4. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the strands are flexible.

5. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the section of the holes and of the protuberances is a diamond with an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the two strands.

6. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holes pass through the thickness of the first strand from one to the other of the two major faces and the height of the protuberances ) Is essentially equal to the thickness of the first strand (46)

7. A closure device according to claim 1, wherein the protuberances are straight prisms, the upper base of which is plane or curved.

8. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the protuberances have lateral attachment means for interacting with complementary means in the side walls of the holes.

9. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the second strand comprises a network of holes identical to or similar to the network of holes of the first strand.

10. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strands are made of a flexible material from natural rubber, silicone elastomers, nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers , Thermoplastic polyurethane.

11. A closure device according to claim 1, wherein the strands are produced by injection molding or by compression molding.

12. A watch strap for a portable device comprising a closing device according to claim 1, the flexible strands being connectable to the watch or to the portable device.