EP1437952B1 - Bracelet provided with a clasp - Google Patents

Bracelet provided with a clasp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1437952B1
EP1437952B1 EP02748539A EP02748539A EP1437952B1 EP 1437952 B1 EP1437952 B1 EP 1437952B1 EP 02748539 A EP02748539 A EP 02748539A EP 02748539 A EP02748539 A EP 02748539A EP 1437952 B1 EP1437952 B1 EP 1437952B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
bracelet
clasp
casing
bracelet according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02748539A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1437952A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume Tetu
François Burgener
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TAG Heuer SA
Original Assignee
TAG Heuer SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TAG Heuer SA filed Critical TAG Heuer SA
Publication of EP1437952A1 publication Critical patent/EP1437952A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1437952B1 publication Critical patent/EP1437952B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
    • A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
    • Y10T24/2143—Strap-attached folding lever
    • Y10T24/2155—Jewelry-watch straps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
    • Y10T24/2166—Jewelry
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
    • Y10T24/4782—Watch strap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bracelet with a clasp, in particular a bracelet provided with a clasp with folding clasp.
  • the fastening system of the cover comprises two pushers provided with hooks which are hooked against the edges of the blades to keep them in the closed position under the action of the push springs.
  • the clasp can be opened by pressing the pushers against the force of the springs, so as to release said hooks.
  • the fastening system is completely contained under the cover with the exception of the push heads that protrude.
  • the clasp cover is formed of a simple sheet folded on two sides. Although this process is economical, it does not provide a clasp of beautiful appearance. In particular it is not possible to obtain a clasp appearance as massive and with the same surface treatment as the other metal links of the bracelet, which are generally obtained by machining with removal of chips so as to give them a shape "carved" aesthetic and devoid of asperities. Furthermore, the underside of the lid has many concave portions in which the closing mechanism is clearly visible. This part is very difficult to clean and may also malfunction when subjected to perspiration and skin waste wearer. Moreover, it is not uncommon for hairs or even skin parts to get caught under the clasp, making the clasp uncomfortable.
  • a clasp having the same disadvantages is described for example in EP-A1-0908112 and in EP-A1-0914781.
  • one of the two blades of the clasp is constituted by two arms juxtaposed.
  • the closure mechanism uses the natural tendency of the two arms to move away from each other by elasticity.
  • the clasp can be opened by bringing the two arms together by acting on two pushers arranged for this purpose.
  • the safety of the closure depends on the elastic force spacing of the two arms from one another, which tends to decrease with time.
  • one of the strands of the bracelet is fixed inside the lid, between the two folded edges.
  • the clasp is necessarily wider and thicker than the corresponding strand, which is found in most unsightly bracelets or poses in any case an additional aesthetic constraint.
  • this type of construction does not make it possible to give a continuous appearance to the link-clasp assembly.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a bracelet provided with a folding clasp that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • a bracelet clasp comprising a first blade, at least a second blade articulated with the first blade, a cover, the free end of the first blade being articulated with said first strand of the bracelet. , the free end of the second blade being articulated with said lid, said lid being connected to the second strand of the bracelet, the lid comprising an attachment system for holding the first and second blades in the closed position and releasing them in acting manually on the attachment system to open the clasp, and wherein the lid comprises a housing and a cover closing the lid.
  • the housing has massive walls of unequal thickness between them obtained for example by machining with chip removal, by molding and / or by stamping (stamping) with variable stamping depths.
  • the width of the blades is less than or equal to the width of the lid, so that the free ends of the blades are folded and hidden under the lid when the clasp is closed.
  • the walls of the housing delimit between them and with the cover an internal volume in which the attachment system is at least partially housed.
  • the protective cover which closes the underside of the cover housing can effectively protect the fastening system of the clasp and prevent it from blocking due to the intrusion of dust or waste.
  • the housing-hood assembly can be devoid of edges or sharp corners, making it all the less messy and more comfortable to wear.
  • the cover is made from a simple economic sheet while the housing, which determines the external shape of the cover, has a more massive appearance obtained by machining with chip removal, molding or stamping. The cover may possibly be removed when the thickness of the cover has to be reduced, for example in the case of a leather bracelet.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a clasp according to the invention.
  • This clasp is for example intended to be used to close a watch strap of the type described in patent application WO0065948.
  • a single row formed of two links 1,2 of one of the two strands of the bracelet is shown in the figure.
  • each row consists of a right link 1 and a symmetrical left link 2.
  • the invention is however not limited to bracelets comprising two links per row; it would be possible for example to insert one or more intermediate links between the marginal links 1 and 2.
  • the invention is not limited to the particular form of illustrated links.
  • the clasp itself is preferably made of metal, but could also be of synthetic or composite material.
  • the links 1 and 2 of each row are held against each other between a portion of the links of the next row.
  • a cylindrical rod traverses all the links of each row by an opening having a diameter slightly greater than that of the rod, so as to allow a play-free pivoting of the rows of spokes relative to each other.
  • the clasp comprises a first blade 7 and a second blade 8 interconnected in an articulated manner by means of an axis 70.
  • the blades may be steel or precious metal; However, it is also possible to use flexible blades, for example rubber blades or synthetic material, whose radius of curvature adapts to the wrist of the wearer.
  • the first blade 7 comprises two arms separated by a slot 73 in which the second blade 8 is housed in the folded position, so that the two folded blades occupy a single thickness.
  • the first blade 7 is hingedly connected around a rod 31 with a connecting piece 3 to the first strand of the bracelet and passing through openings 71 in horns integral with the first blade 7.
  • the shape of the connecting piece 3 allows maintain the two links 1, 2 of the first row against each other and articulate around a rod 32.
  • the rod 31 is preferably visible and accessible from the sidewalls of the connection piece 3; it is thus possible to drive it by means of an appropriate tool to remove the links 1 and 2 and thus change the length of the bracelet.
  • the second blade 8 is connected with the lid 4.6 of the clasp around an axis 81 passing through openings 41.
  • the lid comprises a housing 4 and a cover 6 removably attached to one another.
  • the openings 41 are in a plane between the plane of the cover 6 and the upper surface of the cover; in this way, the connection 4-second blade housing 8 does not increase the total thickness of the lid. This further minimizes the risk of pinching skin or hair at this joint.
  • the openings 41 are further disposed on the side of the cover opposite the second strand of the bracelet (left in the figure) so as to increase the length of the second blade 8 and the extent of deployment of the bracelet.
  • this construction also makes it possible to naturally maintain the lid 4,6 in a plane between the plane of the second blade 8 and the plane of the second strand of the bracelet, thus facilitating the manipulation of the lid which does not risk of falling into a vertical position perpendicular to the bracelet.
  • An indentation in the cover 4 allows to directly attach a row of two links of the second strand of the bracelet (not shown).
  • the shape of the notch corresponds to the shape of the notch which is formed between two metal links juxtaposed each row of the bracelet; it is thus possible to fix any ordinary links directly to the lid.
  • the links are hingedly connected by means of a rod 42 and held between the two parallel flanks 47 of the housing. Rod 42 may also preferably be removed to remove or add rows of links to alter the length of the bracelet. All axes for fixing the lid to the clasp and the bracelet through openings 41, 42 through the solid cover 4, avoiding soliciting the hood 6 less rigid.
  • the cover 6 makes it possible to close the lower face of the cover 4 leaving an empty volume 45 to accommodate the attachment system 5.
  • This attachment system keeps the cover housing 4 in the folded position over the first strand 7
  • the cover 6 is provided with two slots 60 through which hooks 500, 510 (visible in FIG. 3) acting as holding members for catching in the closed position with the first blade 7 pass through openings 72 provided in FIG. this effect.
  • the hooks are guided between the holding position and the release position by the edges of the slots 60.
  • the clasp can be opened by simultaneously pressing on the two pushers 54, 55 which exit on each side of the lid 4 by lateral openings 40, in a way to bring the hooks closer to each other to disengage apertures 72. It is impossible to open the clasp by operating a single pusher.
  • the hooks 500, 510 are directly connected to the buttons 54, 55; the user thus directly perceives the amplitude of the displacement carried out by the hooks, which allows him to perfectly feel the action of the button and the moment when the recess is made.
  • the openings 40 passing through the side walls 46, 48 of the casing 4 make it possible to maintain the fastening system 5 even when the cap 6 is unscrewed, thus facilitating disassembly of the lid, for example for cleaning.
  • a first variant of the lid is 2 and 3.
  • the cover is constituted by a housing 4 and a cover 6 screwed on this housing by means of two screws through holes 61 which are engaged in threads 43 and preferably blocked by a point of glue. The screws are visible only on the underside of the cover.
  • the casing 4 is of massive appearance and is preferably manufactured by machining with chip removal, by molding and / or stamping with a depth variable, that is to say preferably with the same method as that used for the manufacture of the links of the bracelet 1, 2.
  • variable depth stamping here means a stamping process with a punch and / or a matrix having a bearing surface with the piece to be stamped non-planar.
  • a housing comprising massive walls 44, 46, 48 of unequal thickness with each other, and whose external profile 49 of the lateral edges is preferably the same as the profile 10 of the lateral edges of the links 1, 2 of the bracelet.
  • the upper wall 44 closing the upper part of the internal volume 45, 95 is significantly thinner than the side walls 46, 48.
  • the width of the casing is equal to that of the rows of links of the bracelet.
  • the width of the blades 7 and 8 is preferably less than that of the lid and the links, so that they are hidden under the bracelet and the lid. It is thus possible to obtain a homogeneous bracelet-clasp assembly that is very aesthetic and comfortable, that it would not be possible to produce if the case were made by folding sheet metal or by a machining process different from that used for the links.
  • the cover 6 which is most often hidden can be manufactured with a more economical process, in this example by folding and stamping a flat sheet of regular thickness. It is housed in a shoulder 430 in the housing 4, so as to avoid any edge likely to injure or irritate the wearer of the watch.
  • the housing-hood assembly is thus virtually devoid of any projection and has a compact external appearance.
  • the outer face of the cover 6 is flat and abuts its entire length against the blades 7, 8 of the folded clasp, so that no accumulation of dirt is deposited under the cover.
  • the upper face of the casing 4 is however preferably arched in the direction of the curvature of the bracelet.
  • the lid 4, 6 is devoid of steep angles or concave portions, which makes it less messy. Finally the cover 6 can effectively protect the attachment system 5 against dust or waste, and prevent it from becoming blocked.
  • the cover 6 is provided in this example with a tongue 62 which prevents the cover from becoming detached from the housing 4 when the clasp is in the closed position, even if the screws in the holes 61 were to accidentally unscrew completely. in the closed position, even if the screws in the holes 61 had to accidentally unscrew completely.
  • Figure 3 shows the detail of the fastening system 5 of the lid in the closed position. It comprises in this example two pushers 54, 55 each provided with two recesses 51, 50. The two ends of two expandable rods 52, 53 are housed in the two recesses 51, 50 of the two pushers.
  • the extensible rods 52, 53 are in this example constituted by a central metal rod and a coil spring 520, 521 housed at the bottom of each recess, at both ends of the rods.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cover variant according to the invention.
  • the cover 10 is fixed to the housing 9 of the cover with the rods 91 respectively 92 for assembling the cover 9, 10 with the second blade of the clasp 8, respectively with the second strand of the bracelet.
  • the rod 91 passes through one end of the housing, the holes 102 in the hood and the opening 81 in the second blade 8.
  • the other rod 92 passes through the other end of the housing, the holes 101 in the hood and the two links represented in the first row of the second strand.
  • This variant does not use screws that are always likely to unscrew.
  • the cover 10 can not be made from a single sheet but must be machined by chip removal, molded or stamped with a punch / a non-planar matrix, which makes it more expensive.
  • the machining tolerances must be precise in order to prevent the bonnet from being lifted by letting the hooking system 5 come out when the rod 91 is removed in order to modify the length of the bangle.
  • the housing 9 also determines the aesthetic appearance of the closed clasp. It therefore also has walls 94, 96, 98 of unequal thickness between them depending on the desired aesthetics.
  • the bracelet of the invention is characterized above all by the particular structure of the clasp cover.
  • this lid can also be used with clasps of other types, including clasps with three blades of the wallet or butterfly type, or clasps allowing a length adjustment.

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

Bracelet provided with a foldable clasp, comprising a first arm ( 7 ), at least a second arm ( 8 ) articulated with said first arm, a cover ( 4, 6 ), under which the arms' free extremities are folded back when the clasp is closed. The cover comprises a locking system enabling the arms to be held in a closed position and to be released by acting manually on the locking system to open the clasp. It further comprises a casing ( 4 ) and a base ( 6 ) closing the cover's lower side. The casing comprises solid sides of uneven thickness obtained by detach cutting machining or by molding. The casing's sides define between them and with the base an internal volume ( 45; 95 ) in which the locking system is at least partially accommodated.

Description

La présente invention concerne un bracelet muni d'un fermoir, en particulier un bracelet muni d'un fermoir à boucle déployante.The present invention relates to a bracelet with a clasp, in particular a bracelet provided with a clasp with folding clasp.

Différents types de fermoirs à boucle déployante ont déjà été proposés notamment pour des bracelets de montre. Ils comprennent souvent deux ou parfois trois lames articulées entre elles et qui se replient en position fermée sous un couvercle. Une des lames, ou parfois le couvercle, comprend un système d'accrochage permettant de maintenir les lames en position repliée.Various types of clasps with folding clasp have already been proposed especially for wristwatches. They often include two or sometimes three blades articulated together and which fold in the closed position under a cover. One of the blades, or sometimes the lid, includes a hooking system to maintain the blades in the folded position.

Un exemple de tel fermoir est décrit par exemple dans CH-A5-668353. Dans ce document, le système d'accrochage du couvercle comprend deux poussoirs munis de crochets qui viennent s'accrocher contre les rebords des lames pour les maintenir en position fermée sous l'action des ressorts de poussoir. Le fermoir peut être ouvert en appuyant sur les poussoirs contre la force des ressorts, de manière à libérer lesdits crochets. Le système d'accrochage est entièrement contenu sous le couvercle à l'exception des têtes de poussoir qui en dépassent.An example of such a clasp is described for example in CH-A5-668353. In this document, the fastening system of the cover comprises two pushers provided with hooks which are hooked against the edges of the blades to keep them in the closed position under the action of the push springs. The clasp can be opened by pressing the pushers against the force of the springs, so as to release said hooks. The fastening system is completely contained under the cover with the exception of the push heads that protrude.

Le couvercle de fermoir est formé d'une simple tôle repliée sur deux côtés. Bien que ce procédé soit économique, il ne permet pas d'obtenir un fermoir de bel aspect. En particulier il n'est pas possible d'obtenir un fermoir d'aspect aussi massif et avec le même traitement de surface que les autres maillons métalliques du bracelet, qui sont généralement obtenus par usinage avec enlèvement de copeaux de façon à leur donner une forme "sculptée" esthétique et dépourvues d'aspérités. Par ailleurs, la face inférieure du couvercle comporte de nombreuses portions concaves dans lesquelles le mécanisme de fermeture est clairement visible. Cette partie est très difficile à nettoyer et risque de surcroît de mal fonctionner lorsqu'elle est soumise à la transpiration et aux déchets de peau du porteur. Par ailleurs, il n'est pas rare que des poils ou mêmes de parties de peau se coincent sous le fermoir, rendant le fermoir inconfortable.The clasp cover is formed of a simple sheet folded on two sides. Although this process is economical, it does not provide a clasp of beautiful appearance. In particular it is not possible to obtain a clasp appearance as massive and with the same surface treatment as the other metal links of the bracelet, which are generally obtained by machining with removal of chips so as to give them a shape "carved" aesthetic and devoid of asperities. Furthermore, the underside of the lid has many concave portions in which the closing mechanism is clearly visible. This part is very difficult to clean and may also malfunction when subjected to perspiration and skin waste wearer. Moreover, it is not uncommon for hairs or even skin parts to get caught under the clasp, making the clasp uncomfortable.

Un fermoir présentant les mêmes inconvénients est décrit par exemple dans le document EP-A1-0908112 et dans le document EP-A1-0914781. Dans ce dernier cas, une des deux lames du fermoir est constituée par deux bras juxtaposés. Le mécanisme de fermeture utilise la tendance naturelle des deux bras à s'écarter l'un de l'autre par élasticité. Le fermoir peut être ouvert en rapprochant les deux bras l'un de l'autre en agissant sur deux poussoirs disposés à cet effet. La sécurité de la fermeture dépend toutefois de la force élastique d'écartement des deux bras l'un de l'autre, qui tend à diminuer avec le temps.A clasp having the same disadvantages is described for example in EP-A1-0908112 and in EP-A1-0914781. In the latter case, one of the two blades of the clasp is constituted by two arms juxtaposed. The closure mechanism uses the natural tendency of the two arms to move away from each other by elasticity. The clasp can be opened by bringing the two arms together by acting on two pushers arranged for this purpose. The safety of the closure, however, depends on the elastic force spacing of the two arms from one another, which tends to decrease with time.

Dans les dispositifs décrits dans les documents ci-dessus, un des brins du bracelet est fixé à l'intérieur du couvercle, entre les deux bords repliés. Le fermoir est donc nécessairement plus large et plus épais que le brin correspondant, ce qui s'avère dans la plupart des bracelets inesthétiques ou pose en tous les cas une contrainte esthétique supplémentaire. En particulier, ce type de construction ne permet pas de donner un aspect continu à l'ensemble maillons-fermoir.In the devices described in the above documents, one of the strands of the bracelet is fixed inside the lid, between the two folded edges. The clasp is necessarily wider and thicker than the corresponding strand, which is found in most unsightly bracelets or poses in any case an additional aesthetic constraint. In particular, this type of construction does not make it possible to give a continuous appearance to the link-clasp assembly.

Un but de la présente invention est donc de proposer un bracelet muni d'un fermoir à boucle déployante qui évite les inconvénients de l'art antérieur.An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a bracelet provided with a folding clasp that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

Selon l'invention, ces buts sont atteints au moyen d'un bracelet présentant les caractéristiques de la revendication indépendante, des variantes d'exécution préférentielles étant par ailleurs indiquées dans les revendications dépendantes.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a bracelet having the features of the independent claim, preferred embodiments being furthermore indicated in the dependent claims.

En particulier, ces buts sont atteints au moyen d'un fermoir de bracelet comprenant une première lame, au moins une deuxième lame articulée avec la première lame, un couvercle, l'extrémité libre de la première lame étant articulée avec ledit premier brin du bracelet, l'extrémité libre de la deuxième lame étant articulée avec ledit couvercle, ledit couvercle étant lié au deuxième brin du bracelet, le couvercle comprenant un système d'accrochage permettant de maintenir les premières et deuxièmes lames en position fermée et de les libérer en agissant manuellement sur le système d'accrochage pour ouvrir le fermoir, et dans lequel le couvercle comprend un boîtier et un capot fermant le couvercle. Le boîtier comporte des parois massives d'épaisseur inégales entre elles obtenues par exemple par usinage avec enlèvement de copeaux, par moulage et/ou par étampage (matriçage) avec des profondeurs d'étampage variables. La largeur des lames est inférieure ou égale à la largeur du couvercle, de manière à ce que les extrémités libres des lames soient repliées et dissimulées sous le couvercle quand le fermoir est fermé. Les parois du boîtier délimitent entre elles et avec le capot un volume interne dans lequel le système d'accrochage est au moins partiellement logé.In particular, these objects are achieved by means of a bracelet clasp comprising a first blade, at least a second blade articulated with the first blade, a cover, the free end of the first blade being articulated with said first strand of the bracelet. , the free end of the second blade being articulated with said lid, said lid being connected to the second strand of the bracelet, the lid comprising an attachment system for holding the first and second blades in the closed position and releasing them in acting manually on the attachment system to open the clasp, and wherein the lid comprises a housing and a cover closing the lid. The housing has massive walls of unequal thickness between them obtained for example by machining with chip removal, by molding and / or by stamping (stamping) with variable stamping depths. The width of the blades is less than or equal to the width of the lid, so that the free ends of the blades are folded and hidden under the lid when the clasp is closed. The walls of the housing delimit between them and with the cover an internal volume in which the attachment system is at least partially housed.

Ces caractéristiques ont notamment pour avantage de pouvoir donner au fermoir de bracelet un aspect externe très proche de l'aspect des autres maillons du bracelet. En particulier, il est possible d'usiner, de mouler et/ou ou d'étamper le fermoir pour que le profil de ses bords latéraux soit le même que le profil des bords latéraux desdits maillons. La largeur et l'état de surface du boîtier sont en outre de préférence égaux à ceux des rangées de maillons du bracelet. Ces caractéristiques qui ne peuvent pas être obtenues facilement à partir d'un couvercle formé par pliage d'une tôle d'épaisseur constante permettent d'obtenir un ensemble bracelet-fermoir d'aspect uniforme et compact extrêmement plaisant.These features have the particular advantage of being able to give the bracelet clasp an external appearance very close to the appearance of the other links of the bracelet. In particular, it is possible to machine, mold and / or or stamp the clasp so that the profile of its lateral edges is the same as the profile of the lateral edges of said links. The width and the surface condition of the casing are moreover preferably equal to those of the rows of links of the bracelet. These features which can not be obtained easily from a lid formed by folding a sheet of constant thickness make it possible to obtain a bracelet-clasp assembly of uniform and compact appearance that is extremely pleasant.

Par ailleurs, le capot de protection qui ferme la face inférieure du boîtier de couvercle permet de protéger efficacement le système d'accrochage du fermoir et d'éviter qu'il ne se bloque suite à l'intrusion de poussières ou de déchets. L'ensemble boîtier-capot peut être dépourvu d'arêtes ou d'angles vifs, le rendant d'autant moins salissant et plus confortable au porter. Dans une variante préférentielle, le capot est réalisé à partir d'une simple tôle économique tandis que le boîtier, qui détermine la forme externe du couvercle, possède un aspect plus massif obtenu par usinage avec enlèvement de copeaux, par moulage ou étampage. Le capot peut éventuellement être supprimé lorsque l'épaisseur du couvercle doit être réduite, par exemple dans le cas d'un bracelet en cuir.Furthermore, the protective cover which closes the underside of the cover housing can effectively protect the fastening system of the clasp and prevent it from blocking due to the intrusion of dust or waste. The housing-hood assembly can be devoid of edges or sharp corners, making it all the less messy and more comfortable to wear. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is made from a simple economic sheet while the housing, which determines the external shape of the cover, has a more massive appearance obtained by machining with chip removal, molding or stamping. The cover may possibly be removed when the thickness of the cover has to be reduced, for example in the case of a leather bracelet.

Selon un autre avantage de l'invention, il est possible de fixer ledit couvercle directement avec une rangée de maillons ordinaire du bracelet. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de modifier les maillons les plus proches du couvercle; le système de fixation avec le couvercle est le même, ou est du moins compatible avec le système employé pour assembler les rangées de maillons entre elles.According to another advantage of the invention, it is possible to fix said cover directly with a row of ordinary links of the bracelet. It is therefore not necessary to modify the links closest to the lid; the fastening system with the cover is the same, or at least compatible with the system used to assemble the rows of links between them.

D'autres avantages de la présente invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description donnée à titre d'exemple et illustrée par les figures annexées qui montrent:

  • La figure 1 une vue en perspective et en éclaté d'un fermoir de bracelet selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 une vue en perspective et en éclaté, de dessous, d'une première variante de couvercle de fermoir selon l'invention.
  • La figure 3 une vue latérale du système d'accrochage du fermoir de l'invention.
  • La figure 4 une vue en perspective et en éclaté, de dessous, d'une deuxième variante de couvercle de fermoir selon l'invention.
Other advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description given by way of example and illustrated by the appended figures which show:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a bracelet clasp according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view and exploded, from below, of a first variant of clasp cover according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 a side view of the fastening system of the clasp of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view and exploded from below, a second variant of clasp cover according to the invention.

La figure 1 illustre un exemple de fermoir selon l'invention. Ce fermoir est par exemple destiné à être utilisé pour fermer un bracelet de montre du type décrit dans la demande de brevet WO0065948. Une seule rangée formée de deux maillons 1,2 d'un des deux brins du bracelet est représentée sur la figure. Dans cet exemple, chaque rangée est constituée d'un maillon droit 1 et d'un maillon gauche symétrique 2. L'invention n'est toutefois pas limitée à des bracelets comportant deux maillons par rangée ; il serait possible par exemple d'insérer un ou plusieurs maillons intermédiaires entre les maillons marginaux 1 et 2. De même, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la forme particulière de maillons illustrée. Il est en outre également possible d'utiliser le fermoir de l'invention avec des bracelets non métalliques, par exemple avec des bracelets en cuir ou en caoutchouc. Le fermoir lui-même est de préférence réalisé en métal, mais pourrait aussi être en matériau synthétique ou composite.Figure 1 illustrates an example of a clasp according to the invention. This clasp is for example intended to be used to close a watch strap of the type described in patent application WO0065948. A single row formed of two links 1,2 of one of the two strands of the bracelet is shown in the figure. In this example, each row consists of a right link 1 and a symmetrical left link 2. The invention is however not limited to bracelets comprising two links per row; it would be possible for example to insert one or more intermediate links between the marginal links 1 and 2. Similarly, the invention is not limited to the particular form of illustrated links. It is also possible to use the clasp of the invention with non-metallic bracelets, for example with leather or rubber bracelets. The clasp itself is preferably made of metal, but could also be of synthetic or composite material.

Les maillons 1 et 2 de chaque rangée sont maintenus l'un contre l'autre entre une portion des maillons de la rangée suivante. Une tige cylindrique traverse tous les maillons de chaque rangée par une ouverture présentant un diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui de la tige, de manière à permettre un pivotement sans jeu des rangées de rayons les unes par rapport aux autres.The links 1 and 2 of each row are held against each other between a portion of the links of the next row. A cylindrical rod traverses all the links of each row by an opening having a diameter slightly greater than that of the rod, so as to allow a play-free pivoting of the rows of spokes relative to each other.

Le fermoir comporte une première lame 7 et une deuxième lame 8 reliées entre elles de manière articulée au moyen d'un axe 70. Les lames peuvent être en acier ou en métal précieux; il est toutefois aussi possible d'utiliser des lames flexibles, par exemple des lames en caoutchouc ou en matériau synthétique, dont le rayon de courbure s'adapte au poignet du porteur. La première lame 7 comporte deux bras séparés par une fente 73 dans laquelle la deuxième lame 8 vient se loger en position repliée, en sorte que les deux lames repliées n'occupent qu'une seule épaisseur. La première lame 7 est reliée de manière articulée autour d'une tige 31 avec une pièce 3 de connexion au premier brin du bracelet et traversant des ouvertures 71 dans des cornes solidaires de la première lame 7. La forme de la pièce de connexion 3 permet de maintenir les deux maillons 1, 2 de la première rangée l'un contre l'autre et de les articuler autour d'une tige 32. La tige 31 est de préférence visible et accessible depuis les flancs de la pièce de connexion 3; il est ainsi possible de la chasser au moyen d'un outil approprié pour retirer les maillons 1 et 2 et modifier ainsi la longueur du bracelet. Dans une variante, il est aussi possible de renoncer à la pièce intermédiaire 3 et de relier les premiers maillons 1,2 directement avec la première lame 7 dont la forme sera adaptée en conséquence.The clasp comprises a first blade 7 and a second blade 8 interconnected in an articulated manner by means of an axis 70. The blades may be steel or precious metal; However, it is also possible to use flexible blades, for example rubber blades or synthetic material, whose radius of curvature adapts to the wrist of the wearer. The first blade 7 comprises two arms separated by a slot 73 in which the second blade 8 is housed in the folded position, so that the two folded blades occupy a single thickness. The first blade 7 is hingedly connected around a rod 31 with a connecting piece 3 to the first strand of the bracelet and passing through openings 71 in horns integral with the first blade 7. The shape of the connecting piece 3 allows maintain the two links 1, 2 of the first row against each other and articulate around a rod 32. The rod 31 is preferably visible and accessible from the sidewalls of the connection piece 3; it is thus possible to drive it by means of an appropriate tool to remove the links 1 and 2 and thus change the length of the bracelet. Alternatively, it is also possible to give up the intermediate part 3 and connect the first links 1,2 directly with the first blade 7 whose shape will be adapted accordingly.

La deuxième lame 8 est reliée avec le couvercle 4,6 du fermoir autour d'un axe 81 traversant des ouvertures 41. Le couvercle comprend un boîtier 4 et un capot 6 fixés l'un à l'autre de manière amovible. Selon l'invention, les ouvertures 41 se trouvent dans un plan entre le plan du capot 6 et la surface supérieure du capot ; de cette manière, la liaison boîtier 4-deuxième lame 8 n'augmente pas l'épaisseur totale du couvercle. On minimise en outre ainsi le risque de pincement de peau ou de poils au niveau de cette articulation. Les ouvertures 41 sont en outre disposées sur le côté du couvercle opposé au deuxième brin du bracelet (à gauche sur la figure) de manière à augmenter la longueur de la deuxième lame 8 et l'ampleur du déploiement du bracelet. Lors de l'ouverture du fermoir, cette construction permet en outre de maintenir naturellement le couvercle 4,6 dans un plan entre le plan de la la deuxième lame 8 et le plan du deuxième brin du bracelet, facilitant ainsi la manipulation du couvercle qui ne risque pas de basculer dans une position verticale perpendiculaire au bracelet.The second blade 8 is connected with the lid 4.6 of the clasp around an axis 81 passing through openings 41. The lid comprises a housing 4 and a cover 6 removably attached to one another. According to the invention, the openings 41 are in a plane between the plane of the cover 6 and the upper surface of the cover; in this way, the connection 4-second blade housing 8 does not increase the total thickness of the lid. This further minimizes the risk of pinching skin or hair at this joint. The openings 41 are further disposed on the side of the cover opposite the second strand of the bracelet (left in the figure) so as to increase the length of the second blade 8 and the extent of deployment of the bracelet. When opening the clasp, this construction also makes it possible to naturally maintain the lid 4,6 in a plane between the plane of the second blade 8 and the plane of the second strand of the bracelet, thus facilitating the manipulation of the lid which does not risk of falling into a vertical position perpendicular to the bracelet.

Une échancrure dans le couvercle 4 permet d'y fixer directement une rangée de deux maillons du deuxième brin du bracelet (non représenté). La forme de l'échancrure correspond à la forme de l'échancrure qui se forme entre deux maillons métalliques juxtaposés de chaque rangée du bracelet ; il est ainsi possible de fixer n'importe quels maillons ordinaires directement au couvercle. Les maillons sont reliés de manière articulée au moyen d'une tige 42 et maintenus entre les deux flancs parallèles 47 du boîtier. La tige 42 peut de préférence également être retirée pour supprimer ou ajouter des rangées de maillons afin de modifier la longueur du bracelet. Tous les axes permettant de fixer le couvercle au fermoir et au bracelet traversent des ouvertures 41, 42 à travers le capot massif 4, évitant de solliciter le capot 6 moins rigide.An indentation in the cover 4 allows to directly attach a row of two links of the second strand of the bracelet (not shown). The shape of the notch corresponds to the shape of the notch which is formed between two metal links juxtaposed each row of the bracelet; it is thus possible to fix any ordinary links directly to the lid. The links are hingedly connected by means of a rod 42 and held between the two parallel flanks 47 of the housing. Rod 42 may also preferably be removed to remove or add rows of links to alter the length of the bracelet. All axes for fixing the lid to the clasp and the bracelet through openings 41, 42 through the solid cover 4, avoiding soliciting the hood 6 less rigid.

Le capot 6 permet de fermer la face inférieure du couvercle 4 en laissant un volume vide 45 pour y loger le système d'accrochage 5. Ce système d'accrochage permet de maintenir le boîtier de couvercle 4 en position repliée par dessus le premier brin 7. Le capot 6 est muni de deux fentes 60 que traversent des crochets 500, 510 (visibles sur la figure 3) agissant en organes de maintien pour venir s'accrocher en position de fermeture avec la première lame 7 en traversant des ouvertures 72 prévues à cet effet. Les crochets sont guidés entre la position de maintien et la position de libération par les bords des fentes 60. Le fermoir peut être ouvert en pressant simultanément sur les deux poussoirs 54, 55 qui sortent de chaque côté du couvercle 4 par des ouvertures latérales 40, de manière à rapprocher les crochets l'un de l'autre pour les dégager des ouvertures 72. Il est impossible d'ouvrir le fermoir en actionnant un seul poussoir. Les crochets 500, 510 sont directement liés aux boutons 54, 55 ; l'utilisateur perçoit ainsi directement l'amplitude du déplacement effectué par les crochets, ce qui lui permet de parfaitement sentir l'action du bouton et le moment où le décrochement est effectué. Les ouvertures 40 traversant les parois latérales 46, 48 du boîtier 4 permettent de maintenir le système d'accrochage 5 même lorsque le capot 6 est dévissé, facilitant ainsi le démontage du couvercle par exemple pour le nettoyage.The cover 6 makes it possible to close the lower face of the cover 4 leaving an empty volume 45 to accommodate the attachment system 5. This attachment system keeps the cover housing 4 in the folded position over the first strand 7 The cover 6 is provided with two slots 60 through which hooks 500, 510 (visible in FIG. 3) acting as holding members for catching in the closed position with the first blade 7 pass through openings 72 provided in FIG. this effect. The hooks are guided between the holding position and the release position by the edges of the slots 60. The clasp can be opened by simultaneously pressing on the two pushers 54, 55 which exit on each side of the lid 4 by lateral openings 40, in a way to bring the hooks closer to each other to disengage apertures 72. It is impossible to open the clasp by operating a single pusher. The hooks 500, 510 are directly connected to the buttons 54, 55; the user thus directly perceives the amplitude of the displacement carried out by the hooks, which allows him to perfectly feel the action of the button and the moment when the recess is made. The openings 40 passing through the side walls 46, 48 of the casing 4 make it possible to maintain the fastening system 5 even when the cap 6 is unscrewed, thus facilitating disassembly of the lid, for example for cleaning.

Les ouvertures 72 permettant de fixer les crochets 500, 510 du couvercle sont disposées de chaque côtés de la deuxième lame 8, plutôt que dans son prolongement. Ces moyens de fixation ne limitent ainsi pas la longueur maximale de la deuxième lame qui est presque aussi longue que la première lame 7. Cette caractéristique permet de maximiser l'ampleur du déploiement d'une boucle de longueur donnée.Une première variante de couvercle est représentée sur les figures 2 et 3. Dans cet exemple, le couvercle est constitué par un boîtier 4 et un capot 6 vissé sur ce boîtier au moyen de deux vis au travers de trous 61 qui sont engagées dans des filetages 43 et de préférence bloquées par un point de colle. Les vis sont apparentes uniquement sur la face inférieure du couvercle. Lorsque le fermoir est replié, c'est-à-dire lorsque le bracelet est porté, son aspect externe est déterminé exclusivement par le boîtier 4 tandis que le capot 6 et les vis sont cachés entre le boîtier 4 et les lames 7,8. L'aspect extérieur du boîtier est donc plus soigné que celui du capot 6. Dans cet exemple, le boîtier 4 est d'aspect massif et est de préférence fabriqué par usinage avec enlèvement de copeaux, par moulage et/ou par étampage avec une profondeur variable, c'est-à-dire de préférence avec le même procédé que celui employé pour la fabrication des maillons du bracelet 1, 2. Par étampage à profondeur variable, on entend ici un procédé d'étampage avec un poinçon et/ou une matrice comportant une surface d'appui avec la pièce à étamper non plane.The openings 72 for fixing the hooks 500, 510 of the cover are arranged on each side of the second blade 8, rather than in its extension. These fixing means thus do not limit the maximum length of the second blade which is almost as long as the first blade 7. This characteristic makes it possible to maximize the extent of deployment of a loop of a given length. A first variant of the lid is 2 and 3. In this example, the cover is constituted by a housing 4 and a cover 6 screwed on this housing by means of two screws through holes 61 which are engaged in threads 43 and preferably blocked by a point of glue. The screws are visible only on the underside of the cover. When the clasp is folded, that is to say when the bracelet is worn, its external appearance is determined exclusively by the housing 4 while the cover 6 and the screws are hidden between the housing 4 and the blades 7,8. The external appearance of the casing is therefore more neat than that of the cover 6. In this example, the casing 4 is of massive appearance and is preferably manufactured by machining with chip removal, by molding and / or stamping with a depth variable, that is to say preferably with the same method as that used for the manufacture of the links of the bracelet 1, 2. By variable depth stamping here means a stamping process with a punch and / or a matrix having a bearing surface with the piece to be stamped non-planar.

On peut ainsi fabriquer un boîtier comportant des parois massives 44, 46, 48 d'épaisseur inégales entre elles, et dont le profil externe 49 des bords latéraux est de préférence le même que le profil 10 des bords latéraux des maillons 1, 2 du bracelet. En particulier, la paroi supérieure 44 fermant la partie supérieure du volume interne 45, 95 est nettement plus fine que les parois latérales 46, 48.It is thus possible to manufacture a housing comprising massive walls 44, 46, 48 of unequal thickness with each other, and whose external profile 49 of the lateral edges is preferably the same as the profile 10 of the lateral edges of the links 1, 2 of the bracelet. In particular, the upper wall 44 closing the upper part of the internal volume 45, 95 is significantly thinner than the side walls 46, 48.

On appliquera aussi de préférence le même état de surface au boîtier 4 qu'aux maillons 1, 2. Enfin, dans une variante préférentielle, la largeur du boîtier est égale à celle des rangées de maillons du bracelet. La largeur des lames 7 et 8 est de préférence inférieure à celle du couvercle et des maillons, en sorte qu'ils sont cachés sous le bracelet et le couvercle. Il est ainsi possible d'obtenir un ensemble bracelet-fermoir homogène très esthétique et confortable, qu'il ne serait pas possible de réaliser si le boîtier était fabriqué par pliage de tôle ou par un procédé d'usinage différent de celui mis en oeuvre pour les maillons.The same surface condition will also preferably be applied to the casing 4 as to the links 1, 2. Finally, in a preferred variant, the width of the casing is equal to that of the rows of links of the bracelet. The width of the blades 7 and 8 is preferably less than that of the lid and the links, so that they are hidden under the bracelet and the lid. It is thus possible to obtain a homogeneous bracelet-clasp assembly that is very aesthetic and comfortable, that it would not be possible to produce if the case were made by folding sheet metal or by a machining process different from that used for the links.

Le capot 6 qui est le plus souvent caché peut être fabriqué avec un procédé plus économique, dans cet exemple par pliage et étampage d'une tôle plane d'épaisseur régulière. Il est logé dans un épaulement 430 dans le boîtier 4, de manière à éviter toute arête susceptible de blesser ou d'irriter le porteur de la montre. L'ensemble boîtier-capot est ainsi pratiquement dépourvu de toute saillie et présente un aspect externe compact. La face externe du capot 6 est plane et vient en appui sur toute sa longueur contre les lames 7, 8 du fermoir replié, en sorte qu'aucune accumulation de saleté ne vient se déposer sous le couvercle. La face supérieure du boîtier 4 est en revanche de préférence arquée dans le sens de la courbure du bracelet. Le couvercle 4, 6 est dépourvu d'angles abrupts ou de portions concaves, ce qui le rend moins salissant. Enfin le capot 6 permet de protéger efficacement le système d'accrochage 5 contre les poussières ou les déchets, et d'éviter qu'il ne se bloque.The cover 6 which is most often hidden can be manufactured with a more economical process, in this example by folding and stamping a flat sheet of regular thickness. It is housed in a shoulder 430 in the housing 4, so as to avoid any edge likely to injure or irritate the wearer of the watch. The housing-hood assembly is thus virtually devoid of any projection and has a compact external appearance. The outer face of the cover 6 is flat and abuts its entire length against the blades 7, 8 of the folded clasp, so that no accumulation of dirt is deposited under the cover. The upper face of the casing 4 is however preferably arched in the direction of the curvature of the bracelet. The lid 4, 6 is devoid of steep angles or concave portions, which makes it less messy. Finally the cover 6 can effectively protect the attachment system 5 against dust or waste, and prevent it from becoming blocked.

Le capot 6 est muni dans cet exemple d'une languette 62 qui empêche que le capot ne se désolidarise du boîtier 4 lorsque le fermoir est en position fermée, même si les vis dans les trous 61 devaient par accident se dévisser complètement. en position fermée, même si les vis dans les trous 61 devaient par accident se dévisser complètement.The cover 6 is provided in this example with a tongue 62 which prevents the cover from becoming detached from the housing 4 when the clasp is in the closed position, even if the screws in the holes 61 were to accidentally unscrew completely. in the closed position, even if the screws in the holes 61 had to accidentally unscrew completely.

La figure 3 montre le détail du système d'accrochage 5 du couvercle en position fermée. Il comprend dans cet exemple deux poussoirs 54, 55 munis chacun de deux évidements 51, 50. Les deux extrémités de deux tiges extensibles 52, 53 sont logées dans les deux évidements 51, 50 des deux poussoirs. Les tiges extensibles 52, 53 sont dans cet exemple constituées par une tige métallique médiane et par un ressort à boudin 520, 521 logé au fond de chaque évidement, aux deux extrémités des tiges. Il serait cependant aussi possible dans une variante de ne mettre qu'un seul ressort à une des deux extrémités des deux tiges 52, 53 ou dans une autre variante préférentielle non illustrée d'utiliser des barrettes constituées de deux demi-tiges creuses à l'intérieur desquelles est logé un ressort à boudin tendant à écarter ces tiges.Figure 3 shows the detail of the fastening system 5 of the lid in the closed position. It comprises in this example two pushers 54, 55 each provided with two recesses 51, 50. The two ends of two expandable rods 52, 53 are housed in the two recesses 51, 50 of the two pushers. The extensible rods 52, 53 are in this example constituted by a central metal rod and a coil spring 520, 521 housed at the bottom of each recess, at both ends of the rods. However, it would also be possible in a variant to put a single spring at one of the two ends of the two rods 52, 53 or in another preferred embodiment not illustrated to use bars consisting of two hollow half-rods to the inside which is housed a coil spring tending to spread these rods.

L'utilisation de deux tiges parallèles 52, 53 permet d'assurer que les poussoirs 51, 52 se déplacent sans pivoter lorsqu'ils sont actionnés. Dans une variante plus économique ou adaptée à des fermoirs plus petits, il est cependant possible d'utiliser une seule tige au lieu de deux, par exemple une tige extensible de forme non cylindrique. Il est aussi possible, mais déconseillé, d'utiliser un seul poussoir agissant sur un seul crochet plutôt qu'un système d'accrochage à double poussoir.The use of two parallel rods 52, 53 ensures that the pushers 51, 52 move without pivoting when actuated. In a more economical variant or adapted to smaller clasps, it is however possible to use a single rod instead of two, for example an expandable rod of non-cylindrical shape. It is also possible, but not recommended, to use a single pusher acting on a single hook rather than a double pusher attachment system.

La figure 4 illustre une variante de couvercle selon l'invention. Dans cette variante, le capot 10 est fixé au boîtier 9 du couvercle à l'aide des tiges 91 respectivement 92 permettant d'assembler le couvercle 9, 10 avec la deuxième lame du fermoir 8, respectivement avec le deuxième brin du bracelet. La tige 91 traverse une extrémité du boîtier, les trous 102 dans le capot et l'ouverture 81 dans la deuxième lame 8. L'autre tige 92 traverse l'autre extrémité du boîtier, les trous 101 dans le capot et les deux maillons non représentés de la première rangée du deuxième brin. Cette variante n'utilise donc pas de vis qui sont toujours susceptibles de se dévisser. En revanche, le capot 10 ne peut pas être fabriqué à partir d'une simple tôle mais doit être usiné par enlèvement de copeaux, moulé ou étampé avec un poinçon/une matrice non plan, ce qui le renchérit. En outre les tolérances d'usinage doivent être précises afin d'éviter que le capot ne se soulève en laissant sortir le système d'accrochage 5 lorsque la tige 91 est retirée pour modifier la longueur du bracelet.FIG. 4 illustrates a cover variant according to the invention. In this embodiment, the cover 10 is fixed to the housing 9 of the cover with the rods 91 respectively 92 for assembling the cover 9, 10 with the second blade of the clasp 8, respectively with the second strand of the bracelet. The rod 91 passes through one end of the housing, the holes 102 in the hood and the opening 81 in the second blade 8. The other rod 92 passes through the other end of the housing, the holes 101 in the hood and the two links represented in the first row of the second strand. This variant does not use screws that are always likely to unscrew. On the other hand, the cover 10 can not be made from a single sheet but must be machined by chip removal, molded or stamped with a punch / a non-planar matrix, which makes it more expensive. In addition, the machining tolerances must be precise in order to prevent the bonnet from being lifted by letting the hooking system 5 come out when the rod 91 is removed in order to modify the length of the bangle.

Dans cette variante, le boîtier 9 détermine aussi l'aspect esthétique du fermoir fermé. Il présente donc également des parois 94, 96, 98 d'épaisseur inégales entre elles en fonction de l'esthétique souhaitée.In this variant, the housing 9 also determines the aesthetic appearance of the closed clasp. It therefore also has walls 94, 96, 98 of unequal thickness between them depending on the desired aesthetics.

On comprendra que le bracelet de l'invention est avant tout caractérisé par la structure particulière du couvercle de fermoir. Ce couvercle peut cependant aussi être utilisé avec des fermoirs d'autres types, notamment des fermoirs à trois lames du type portefeuille ou papillon, ou des fermoirs permettant un réglage de longueur.It will be understood that the bracelet of the invention is characterized above all by the particular structure of the clasp cover. However, this lid can also be used with clasps of other types, including clasps with three blades of the wallet or butterfly type, or clasps allowing a length adjustment.

Claims (19)

  1. Bracelet provided with a foldable clasp, comprising:
    a first arm (7),
    at least a second arm (8) articulated with said first arm,
    a cover (4),
    the free extremity of the first arm (7) being articulated with a first portion of the bracelet (1, 2),
    the free extremity of the second arm (8) being articulated with said cover (4),
    said cover (4) being connected to the bracelet's second portion,
    said cover comprising a locking system (5) enabling the first and second arms to be held in closed position and to be released by acting manually on said locking system to open said clasp,
    said cover comprising a casing (4) and a base (6) closing said cover,
    said sides of the casing defining between them and with the base an internal volume (45, 95) in which said locking system is at least partially accommodated,
    characterized in that said casing comprises solid sides (44,46,48; 92,96,98) of uneven thickness,
    and in that the free extremities of said arms are folded back under said cover when the clasp is closed.
  2. Bracelet according to claim 1, wherein said locking system (5) comprises:
    at least one holding element (500, 510) for holding said arms (7,8) against one another in folded position when said holding element is in closed position,
    at least one elastic element (52, 53, 510, 521) for forcing the holding element or elements into closed position,
    at least one push-piece (54, 55) for acting against the force of the elastic element or elements and releasing the holding element or elements by pressing on the push-piece.
  3. Bracelet according to claim 2, wherein said base further comprises at least one opening (60), said holding element or elements (500, 510) being guided by the edges of said opening between the closed position and the released position of the clasp.
  4. Bracelet according to one of the claims 2 or 3, comprising two push-pieces (54, 55), said holding element or elements being released only when said two push-pieces are actuated separately.
  5. Bracelet according to one of the claims 2 to 4, wherein said elastic element comprises at least one extensible rod (52, 53), each of whose two extremities comes to lodge in a recess (50, 51) in two distinct push-pieces,
    said at least one holding element comprising two hooks (500, 510), each being integral to one of said push-pieces (50, 51) and hooking in said closed position at least one of said arms.
  6. Bracelet according to claim 5, said elastic element comprising two rods (52, 53) parallel to one another.
  7. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking system (5) works with the hooking means (72) disposed on the first arm (7) on each side of the second arm (8) so as to avoid limiting the maximal length of the second arm (8).
  8. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said base (6) being removably fastened to said casing (4).
  9. Bracelet according to claim 8, said base (6) being screwed onto said casing (4).
  10. Bracelet according to claim 8, said casing (4) being connected to said second portion and to said second arm by rods (41; 42) enabling an articulated connection.
  11. Bracelet according to claim 10, said rods (41; 42) being in the same plane between the plane of said base (6) and the upper side of said casing (4).
  12. Bracelet according to claim 11, one of said rods being disposed at each longitudinal extremity of said casing (4).
  13. Bracelet according to one of the claims 8 to 12, said base (6) comprising a tongue (62) preventing the base (6) from becoming disunited from said casing (4) when said clasp is in closed position, even if said base is unscrewed.
  14. Bracelet according to one of the claims 8 to 13, said base (6) being screwed onto said casing (4) by means of screws visible only on the lower side of said cover.
  15. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said base (6) being formed from a plate of even thickness.
  16. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said base (10) being fastened to said casing (9) by means of the rods (91, respectively 92) enabling the cover (9, 10) to be assembled with the clasp's second arm (8), respectively with the bracelet's second portion.
  17. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said portions each comprising several links (1, 2), the profile of said casing's lateral sides (49) being the same as the profile of the lateral sides (10) of said links (1, 2).
  18. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said portions each comprising several rows of links (1, 2), the width and surface conditioning of said clasp being the same as those of said bracelet's rows of links (1, 2).
  19. Bracelet according to one of the preceding claims, said portions each comprising several rows of links constituted each of a right link (1) and of a symmetrical left link (2) held against each other between a portion of the links of the next row,
    the two links of the row connected to said cover (4) being held in the same way between two parallel flanks (47) of said casing.
EP02748539A 2001-09-08 2002-08-21 Bracelet provided with a clasp Expired - Lifetime EP1437952B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH166801 2001-09-08
CH01668/01A CH697522B1 (en) 2001-09-08 2001-09-08 Bracelet with a clasp.
PCT/CH2002/000455 WO2003022090A1 (en) 2001-09-08 2002-08-21 Bracelet provided with a clasp

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1437952A1 EP1437952A1 (en) 2004-07-21
EP1437952B1 true EP1437952B1 (en) 2006-10-04

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02748539A Expired - Lifetime EP1437952B1 (en) 2001-09-08 2002-08-21 Bracelet provided with a clasp

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US (1) US7412755B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1437952B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4331600B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100553515C (en)
AT (1) ATE341242T1 (en)
CH (1) CH697522B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60215209T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1070538A1 (en)
TW (1) TWI243037B (en)
WO (1) WO2003022090A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH697522B1 (en) 2008-11-28
ATE341242T1 (en) 2006-10-15
HK1070538A1 (en) 2005-06-24
US7412755B2 (en) 2008-08-19
DE60215209D1 (en) 2006-11-16
CN100553515C (en) 2009-10-28
JP2005500891A (en) 2005-01-13
CN1553780A (en) 2004-12-08
WO2003022090A1 (en) 2003-03-20
US20040168469A1 (en) 2004-09-02
TWI243037B (en) 2005-11-11
JP4331600B2 (en) 2009-09-16
DE60215209T2 (en) 2007-08-23
EP1437952A1 (en) 2004-07-21

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