EP3747304B1

EP3747304B1 - Fastening device for bracelets

Info

Publication number: EP3747304B1
Application number: EP20177351.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto SALIN
Original assignee: Salin Srl
Current assignee: Salin Srl
Priority date: 2019-06-06
Filing date: 2020-05-29
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-29
Also published as: IT201900008202A1; EP3747304A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns the fastening devices for bracelets such as, for example, bracelets made of fabric or metal mesh for items such as wristwatches and/or jewellery items and/or costume jewellery items.
More specifically, the present invention concerns the fastening devices that also allow the size of the bracelet to be adjusted by the user who is wearing the item associated therewith, for example the fastening devices that make it possible to adjust the length of the bracelet of a watch on the user's wrist.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

It is known that the manufacture of fastening devices for bracelets has always represented a rather difficult task for manufacturers/jewellers.
The fastening systems for bracelets, to be worn on the wrist or not, have evolved over time according to the type of material used to make the bracelet itself. From a simple knot for bracelets made of cord or fabric, the fastening techniques have passed to systems designed to ensure that the coupling/uncoupling operations are increasingly simple, practical, and reliable.
A system of the known type is constituted by spring catch fastenings, which are simple and reliable in terms of safety but have shown some limitations when used for certain applications, for example in bracelets for watches, since they are uncomfortable and cannot be adjusted.
Another system of the known type is constituted by buckle fastenings for bracelets made of fabric, leather, plastic, and other materials, which solve the problem related to ease of use and adjustment.
In the bracelets with buckle fastening, one end of the bracelet is passed through the buckle, coupled with the other end, and locked by the buckle itself. These systems are also known as pin buckle, snap buckle, pressure buckle, feed-through buckle.
The fastening systems with buckle are simple, reliable, and also easy to adjust for the user but have a drawback: once the two ends have been released from each other, the bracelet is free to slip off the wrist.
Another system of the known type is constituted by bracelets with lock fastening, in which the two ends of the bracelet are fixed into each other through a male/female coupling. A first type of system of this kind is also known as snap fastening with button and a second type of system of this kind is also known as snap fastening with plate/spring.
In this case the adjustment is not always possible and the assistance of a specialized technician is often required, and also in this case, however, once the two ends have been released from each other the bracelet is free to slip off the wrist.
Following the spreading of metal bracelets, and in particular of metal bracelets with large links, manufacturers have developed new fastening and adjusting methods.
The most widespread are the bracelets with blade clasp, in which the ends of the bracelet are connected to a caliper fastening mechanism. A first type of system of this kind is also known as clasp with two or three blades and a second type of system of this kind is also known as clasp with two or three blades and lateral buttons.
This type of fastening is more complex than the preceding ones, but it secures the two ends to each other, thus preventing the bracelet from slipping off the wrist in case of accidental opening of the mechanism. This type of fastening is recommended for all applications involving luxury or valuable bracelets, with or without watch, to prevent the bracelet from falling and/or being lost following various types of impacts and/or theft attempts.
The adjustment of a mesh bracelet provided with this type of fastening is carried out by eliminating the excess links using special tools and almost always resorting to the aid of specialized personnel.
In the manufacture of a bracelet, to be worn on the wrist or not, and specifically of a bracelet for a luxury or valuable wristwatch, the fundamental requirement is therefore to ensure that the bracelet cannot fall or be lost in case of accidental opening of the coupling mechanism, otherwise known as fastening device. Starting from this assumption, the bracelets with blade clasp should be preferred to the bracelets provided with a traditional buckle which does not offer any guarantee in this regard. The clasp with blades keeps the ends of the bracelet, be it a metal mesh bracelet or not, coupled with each other, and the bracelet does not slip off the wrist even in case of accidental opening of the clasp.
The problem to be solved remains how to adjust the blade clasp mechanism and adapt the bracelet to the wrist of the individual users.
When wearing a luxury or valuable bracelet, the user wants to be able to adjust the fastening to adapt the bracelet according to his/her own needs, which may vary over time, for example, if a leather strap is used, this may loosen and it may be necessary to make up for the resulting slack, or the wrist may swell/become irritated and so the bracelet may need to be loosened, or it may be necessary to adapt the size of the bracelet to allow it to be worn by a different user having a different wrist size.
The main object of the present invention is thus to solve or at least partially overcome the problems that characterize the solutions known in the state of the art.
It is a first object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets with adjusting system that allows the adjustment to be carried out with no need to resort to the aid/assistance of specialized personnel.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets provided with a simple and intuitive adjusting system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets that allows the adjustment to be carried out with no need to use any equipment and/or tools.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets provided with an adjusting system which is easy to wear compared to the systems of known type, for example the adjusting system should not be a nuisance for the user.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets provided with an adjusting system which has a wide adjustment range, from distances of 20-25mm down to fine adjustments, for example adjustments with pitch from 2 to 5mm.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets which allows the adjustment to be carried out while the bracelet is on the wrist.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets provided with an adjusting system which prevents the bracelet from opening even during the adjustment operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to manufacture a fastening device for bracelets provided with an adjusting system which maintains the selected size over time.
Fastening devices according to the state of the art are known, for instance, from documents US 1 881 918 A and JP S59 108411 U .

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The above-indicated problems are at least partially solved by the teaching of the invention, which is defined by the independent claims.
The present invention is based on the general consideration that the problems observed in the state of the art can be at least partially overcome by providing a fastening device for a bracelet, wherein the fastening device is suited to be connected to a first terminal area and to a second terminal area of said bracelet, and wherein the fastening device comprises adjusting means designed to adjust the distance between the first terminal area and the second terminal area of the bracelet.
According to a first embodiment, the subject of the present invention is thus a fastening device for a bracelet, said fastening device being suited to be connected to a first terminal area and to a second terminal area of said bracelet, said fastening device comprising a first laminar element and a second laminar element hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted, said first laminar element comprising a first area suitable for connection to said first terminal area of said bracelet and a hinge area where it is hinged to said second laminar element, said second laminar element comprising a hinge area where it is hinged to said first laminar element, wherein said fastening device comprises adjusting means designed to adjust the distance between said first terminal area and said second terminal area of said bracelet, said adjusting means comprising:

a coupling element suited to be connected to said second terminal area of said bracelet;
first connection means associated with said coupling element;
second connection means defined in said second laminar element;

Preferably, the first connection means comprise at least one projecting element and the second connection means comprise at least one housing seat for said at least one projecting element of said first connection means, or the second connection means comprise at least one projecting element and the first connection means comprise at least one housing seat for said at least one projecting element of said second connection means.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastening device comprises only one projecting element and at least two housing seats for the projecting element.
According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one projecting element is defined in said coupling element and said at least one seat comprises at least one opening defined in the second laminar element.
In a preferred embodiment, said at least one projecting element and said at least one housing seat comprise automatic connection means. Preferably, the automatic connection means comprise snap connection means.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening device comprises engagement means designed to maintain the first laminar element and the second laminar element in the closed operating configuration.
In a preferred embodiment, the engagement means comprise at least one button suited to be operated by a user in order to allow the engagement means to be released and to allow the first laminar element and the second laminar element to be arranged in the open operating configuration.
The fastening device furthermore comprises holding means designed to maintain the coupling element coupled with the second laminar element.
The holding means comprise an auxiliary laminar element hinged to the second laminar element, said auxiliary laminar element being suited to be arranged in a closed holding position on the second laminar element and the coupling element, and in an open position to allow the coupling element to be disconnected from the second laminar element.
In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary laminar element is hinged to the hinge area where the second laminar element is hinged to the first laminar element. According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening device furthermore comprises guide means suited to allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area of the bracelet.
Preferably, the guide means comprise also stopping means for the coupling element, which are suited to prevent the passage of the coupling element. Preferably, the bracelet comprises a bracelet made of fabric or metal mesh for wristwatches and/or jewellery items and/or costume jewellery items.
In a preferred embodiment, the subject of the invention is a wristwatch comprising a bracelet and a fastening device for said bracelet, wherein the fastening device is made as described above.
Another non-claimed aspect concerns an assembly comprising a bracelet having a first terminal area and a second terminal area, and a fastening system for said first terminal area and said second terminal area, said fastening system comprising a first laminar element and a second laminar element hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted, said first laminar element comprising a first area connected to said first terminal area of said bracelet and a hinge area where it is hinged to said second laminar element, said second laminar element comprising a hinge area where it is hinged to said first laminar element, said fastening system comprising adjusting means designed to adjust the distance between said first terminal area and said second terminal area of said bracelet, said adjusting means comprising:

first connection means associated with said second terminal area of said bracelet;
second connection means defined in said second laminar element;

Preferably, in the fastening system the first connection means comprise at least one projecting element and the second connection means comprise at least one housing seat for said at least one projecting element of said first connection means, or the second connection means comprise at least one projecting element and the first connection means comprise at least one housing seat for said at least one projecting element of said second connection means.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastening system comprises only one projecting element and at least two housing seats for the projecting element.
According to a preferred embodiment of the fastening system, the projecting element is defined in the second terminal area of the bracelet and said at least one seat comprises at least one opening defined in the second laminar element.
In a preferred embodiment of the fastening system, said at least one projecting element and said at least one housing seat comprise automatic connection means. Preferably, the automatic connection means comprise snap connection means.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening system comprises engagement means suited to maintain the first laminar element and the second laminar element in the closed operating configuration.
In a preferred embodiment of the fastening system, the engagement means comprise at least one button suited to be operated by a user to allow the engagement means to be released and to allow the first laminar element and the second laminar element to be arranged in the open operating configuration.
The fastening system furthermore comprises holding means designed to maintain the second terminal area of the bracelet coupled with the second laminar element.
The holding means comprise an auxiliary laminar element hinged to the second laminar element, said auxiliary laminar element being suited to be arranged in a closed holding position on the second laminar element and the second terminal area of said bracelet, and in an open position to allow the second terminal area of the bracelet to be disconnected from the second laminar element.
In a preferred embodiment of the fastening system, the auxiliary laminar element is hinged to the hinge area where the second laminar element is hinged to the first laminar element.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening system furthermore comprises guide means suited to allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area of said bracelet.
Preferably, the bracelet of said assembly comprises a bracelet made of fabric or metal mesh for wristwatches and/or jewellery items and/or costume jewellery items.
In a preferred embodiment, the subject of the invention is a wristwatch comprising a fastening device as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, objectives and characteristics, as well as further embodiments of the present invention, are defined in the claims and clarified below by means of the following description, making reference to the attached drawings; in the drawings, corresponding or equivalent characteristics and/or component parts of the present invention are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular, in the figures:

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a fastening device in a closed operating configuration associated with a bracelet for a wristwatch according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows the fastening device of Figure 1 in an open operating configuration;

Figure 3 shows the fastening device of Figure 2 in a particular position during an adjustment step;
Figure 4 shows the fastening device of Figure 3 in a different position during an adjustment step;
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the fastening device of the preceding figures separated from the rest;
Figure 6 shows an exploded view of Figure 5 according to another point of view;
Figure 6A shows a variant embodiment of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a variant embodiment of Figure 2;
Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the fastening device of Figure 7;
Figure 9A shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to a variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 9A according to a vertical plane;
Figure 10A shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to another variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10B shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 10A according to a vertical plane;
Figure 11A shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to another variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11B shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 11A according to a vertical plane;
Figure 12A shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to another variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12B shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 12A according to a vertical plane;
Figure 12C shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to another variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12D shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 12C according to a vertical plane;
Figure 13A shows an exploded axonometric view of a detail of a fastening device according to another variant embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13B shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 13A according to a vertical plane;
Figures from 14 to 17 show variant embodiments of Figure 2;
Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Even though the present invention is described here below with reference to its embodiments represented in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings.
On the contrary, the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings clarify some aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims.
The present invention can be specifically but not exclusively applied in the field of jewellery and/or costume jewellery. More specifically, the fastening device according to the present invention can be advantageously applied to a bracelet, to be worn on the wrist or not, and in particular to a bracelet for a luxury or valuable wristwatch. For this reason, the present invention is described below with particular reference to its application to a wristwatch.
It should, however, be noted that the applications of the present invention are not limited to the case of wristwatches; on the contrary, the present invention can also be advantageously applied in all those cases in which it is necessary to connect the two ends of a bracelet to each other, in particular for items such as jewellery and/or costume jewellery items. The jewellery and/or costume jewellery item can even be constituted by the bracelet itself.
A first embodiment of the fastening device 10 according to the present invention is described below with reference to Figures from 1 to 6.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the fastening device 10 according to the present invention.
The fastening device 10 shown in Figure 1 is used to make a wristwatch comprising a bracelet 50 and a watch W.
More specifically, the fastening device 10 is applied to the bracelet 50, and even more specifically it is connected to a first terminal area 52 and to a second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50.
The bracelet 50 can be of any known type, for example a bracelet made of fabric or metal mesh.
Figure 1 shows the fastening device 10 in its closed operating configuration, for example when worn by the user, while Figure 2 shows the fastening device 10 in an open operating configuration. In said open configuration, the bracelet 50 can be put on or, as described below, be adjusted.
Preferably, the fastening device 10 comprises a first laminar element 12 and a second laminar element 14 hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration in which they are superimposed, as can be seen in Figure 1, and in an open operating configuration in which they are at least partially parted, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. In the first embodiment illustrated, the first laminar element 12 is preferably made in two pieces 12a, 12b positioned side by side, better visible in Figure 5. In preferred variant embodiments, the first laminar element can be made in a single piece.
The first laminar element 12 preferably comprises a first area 16 suitable for connection to the first terminal area 52 of the bracelet 50 and a hinge area 18 where it is hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The second laminar element 14 preferably comprises, in its turn, a hinge area 20 where it is hinged to the first laminar element 12. A pin 22 rotatably joins the first laminar element 12 and the second laminar element 14 at the level of their corresponding hinge areas 18, 20.
In order to maintain the two laminar elements 12, 14 in their closed configuration, the fastening device 10 is provided with engagement means 30. The engagement means 30 are preferably designed to be operated/released by the user to allow the fastening device 10 to be opened and the laminar elements 12, 14 themselves to be at least partially parted.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the engagement means 30 comprise a pressure release mechanism, known per se and not described in detail below. The engagement means 30 preferably comprise two buttons 32a, 32b designed to be operated by the user. Pushing the buttons 32a, 32b towards each other allows the two laminar elements 12, 14 to be disconnected and parted.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the fastening device 10 comprises adjusting means 60 designed to adjust the distance between the first terminal area 52 and the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50.
The adjusting means 60 preferably comprise a coupling element 62 suited to be connected to the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50, first connection means 64 associated with the coupling element 62 and second connection means 66 defined in the second laminar element 14.
The first connection means 64 and the second connection means 66 cooperate to arrange the coupling element 62, and therefore the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50, in several positions with respect to the second laminar element 14.
According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the coupling element 62 is suited to be connected to the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 through a screw 63, indicated in Figure 5. In variant embodiments, different equivalent connection means may be provided.
Preferably, the first connection means 64 comprise a projecting element 68, better visible in Figure 6, and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for the projecting element 68.
Preferably, the projecting element 68 and the housing seats 70 have substantially the same shape, preferably parallelepiped with rounded ends, in order to allow the projecting element 68 to be inserted in one of the housing seats 70, depending on the desired extent of adjustment.
Two possible adjustment positions are shown in Figures 3 and 4, wherein the position shown in Figure 4 corresponds to an extension of the bracelet 50 with respect to the position shown in Figure 3.
The extent of adjustment, meaning the extent of adjustment of the diameter defined by the bracelet 50, will depend on the distance between the housing seats 70 and on the number of said seats 70.
Advantageously, by properly sizing the seats 70 and their distribution along the second laminar element 14, it will be possible to obtain even fine adjustments, for example adjustments with pitch between 2 and 5 mm, reaching a maximum included between 20 and 25 mm.
In a preferred embodiment, the shapes of the projecting element 68 and of the housing seats 70 are such that a slight mutual mechanical interference is generated, so as to keep the projecting element 68 coupled with the housing seat 70, while they can be disconnected in a simple manner through a manual operation carried out by the user.
In a different preferred embodiment, the shapes of the projecting element 68 and of the housing seats 70 can be such that no mutual mechanical interference is generated.
The fastening device is provided with holding means 80 designed to maintain the position of the coupling element 62 on the second laminar element 14, with the projecting element 68 inserted in a respective seat 70 selected by the user.
The holding means 80 comprise an auxiliary laminar element 82 hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The auxiliary laminar element 82 is suited to be arranged in a closed holding position on the second laminar element 14 and the coupling element 62, as shown in Figure 2, and in at least one open position to allow the coupling element 62 to be disconnected from the second laminar element 14, as shown, for example, in Figure 3 or 4.
Preferably, the auxiliary laminar element 82 is hinged to the second laminar element 14 at the level of the pin 22 that rotatably joins the first laminar element 12 to the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, the closed holding position of the auxiliary laminar element 82 is favoured by a snap locking system preferably comprising projecting elements 82a, 82b of the auxiliary laminar element 82 that become engaged in corresponding seats 84a, 84b defined in the second laminar element 14, as shown in Figure 6.
In a different embodiment, the auxiliary laminar element 82' is hinged to the second laminar element 14 at the level of its opposite end, as shown in the variant embodiment of Figure 14.
In different preferred variant embodiments, the auxiliary laminar element is associated with elastic return means 86 suited to generate an elastic return force to maintain the auxiliary laminar element in the holding position. Preferably, the elastic return means 86 comprise a spring device or an elastic element, for example helical springs or elastic blades, which interacts with the auxiliary laminar element at the level of its hinge area. In this case, the locking system that secures the auxiliary laminar element to the second laminar element can be omitted.
Figure 15A shows a first preferred embodiment of the elastic return means 86 which comprise a helical spring 88 at the level of the hinge area of the auxiliary laminar element 82".
Figure 15B shows a second preferred embodiment of the elastic return means 86 obtained through elastic tabs 188 made in a single piece with the auxiliary laminar element 82‴ which, coming into contact with the second laminar element 14, push the auxiliary laminar element 82‴ towards the holding position, as better illustrated in the sectional view of Figure 15B.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the fastening device 10 comprises guide means 90 designed to allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 during the steps of adjustment of the same. Furthermore, preferably, the guide means 90 comprise stopping means for the coupling element 62, suited to prevent the passage and exit of the coupling element 62 itself.
In the embodiment illustrated, the guide means 90 preferably comprise one pair of facing tabs 92a, 92b bent at the top and suited to define a passage channel 94 limited at its upper end. The second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 can slide freely inside the passage channel 94. Furthermore, preferably, the transverse dimensions of the passage channel 94 are smaller than the dimensions of the coupling element 62, so as to define said stopping means.
Advantageously, the guide means 90 allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 during the adjustment steps and furthermore, at the same time, they prevent the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 from coming off the fastening device 10, opening and slipping off the wrist.
Figure 6A shows a preferred variant embodiment of the fastening device 10 which is the subject of the invention. In the drawings, characteristics and/or component parts that correspond or are equivalent to those of the preceding embodiment are identified by the same reference numbers.
The fastening device 10 differs from the embodiment previously described with reference to Figures from 1 to 6 only in that the housing seats 70 are not separate but communicate with each other, advantageously providing a lighter structure. Furthermore, this embodiment makes it easier to create a larger number of seats, if necessary, closer to each other, thus allowing a more precise adjustment, meaning with a smaller pitch.
A non-claimed the fastening device 110 is described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the drawings, characteristics and/or component parts that correspond or are equivalent to those of the preceding embodiment are identified by the same reference numbers.
The fastening device 110 preferably comprises a first laminar element 12 and a second laminar element 14 hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted. The first laminar element 12 is preferably made in two pieces 12a, 12b positioned side by side.
The first laminar element 12 preferably comprises a first area 16 suitable for connection to the first terminal area 52 of the bracelet 50 and a hinge area 18 where it is hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The second laminar element 14 preferably comprises, in its turn, a hinge area 20 where it is hinged to the first laminar element 12. A pin 22 rotatably joins the first laminar element 12 and the second laminar element 14 at the level of their respective hinge areas 18, 20.
To maintain the two laminar elements 12, 14 in their closed configuration, the fastening device 110 is provided with engagement means 30. The engagement means 30 are preferably suited to be operated/released by the user to allow the fastening device 110 to be opened and the laminar elements 12, 14 themselves to be at least partially parted.
The engagement means 30 comprise a pressure release mechanism, known per se and not described in detail below. The engagement means 30 preferably comprise two buttons 32a, 32b designed to be operated by the user. Pushing the buttons 32a, 32b towards each other allows the two laminar elements 12, 14 to be disconnected and parted.
The fastening device 110 comprises adjusting means 60 designed to adjust the distance between the first terminal area 52 and the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50.
The adjusting means 60 preferably comprise a coupling element 62 suited to be connected to the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50, first connection means 64 associated with the coupling element 62 and second connection means 66 defined in the second laminar element 14.
The first connection means 64 and the second connection means 66 cooperate to arrange the coupling element 62, and thus the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50, in several positions with respect to the second laminar element 14. The coupling element 62 is suited to be connected to the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50 by means of a screw 63. In variant embodiments, different equivalent connection means may be provided.
Preferably, the first connection means 64 comprise a projecting element 68 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for the projecting element 68, as previously described.
The fastening device 110 according to said embodiment substantially differs from the embodiments of the invention embodiment described with reference to Figures from 1 to 6 in that it is not provided with the holding means 80 and the guide means 90. The fastening device 110, however, allows a simple and intuitive adjustment to be carried out, as previously described with reference to the first embodiment.
In the preferred embodiments described above, the first connection means 64 comprise a single projecting element 68 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for the projecting element 68.
Figures from 9 to 13 show possible variant embodiments of the first connection means 64 and of the second connection means 66 of the fastening device that is the subject of the invention. In the drawings, characteristics and/or component parts that correspond or are equivalent to those of the preceding embodiments are identified by the same reference numbers.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the first connection means 64 comprise one pair of projecting elements 68 associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of pairs of housing seats 70 for said projecting elements 68, defined in the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, the projecting elements 68 and the housing seats 70 have substantially the same shape, preferably a cylindrical shape.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the first connection means 64 comprise a projecting element 68 associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for said projecting element 68, defined in the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, the projecting element 68 and the housing seats 70 have substantially the same shape, preferably an elongated parallelepiped shape with rounded ends. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the first connection means 64 comprise one pair of laterally projecting elements 68 associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for said projecting elements 68 defined in the second laminar element 14, which substantially define a battlement-type configuration.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the first connection means 64 comprise an L-shaped projecting element 68 associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for said projecting element 68, defined in the second laminar element 14. Preferably, the housing seats 70 have an elongated parallelepiped shape with rounded ends.
The "L" shape of the projecting element 68 improves the mutual holding action between the coupling element 62 and the second laminar element 14 when they are connected to each other.
The embodiment shown in Figures 12C and 12D differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B only for the different orientation of the L-shaped projecting element 68.
Even with this different orientation, the L-shaped projecting element 68 improves the mutual holding action between the coupling element 62 and the second laminar element 14 when they are connected to each other.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 13A e 13B, the first connection means 64 comprise one pair of projecting elements 68 constituted by respective spheres and associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise a plurality of housing seats 70 for said spheres 68, defined in the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, said spheres 68 are held in their projecting position by means of elastic thrust means 69, preferably respective elastic springs 69.
The presence of elastic thrust means 69 makes it possible to obtain an automatic connection, namely a snap connection, between the coupling element 62 and the second laminar element 14.
In the preferred embodiments described above, the first connection means 64 preferably comprise one or more projecting elements 68 associated with the coupling element 62 and the second connection means 66 comprise one or more housing seats 70 defined in the second laminar element 14.
In variant embodiments, however, solutions may be provided in which one or more projecting elements are defined in the second laminar element and one or more housing seats for said one or more projecting elements are associated with the coupling element.
In the preferred embodiments described above, furthermore, the fastening device according to the invention comprises first connection means 64 associated with a coupling element 62 suited to be connected to the second terminal area 54 of the bracelet 50. This solution makes it possible to apply the safety device to any type of usable bracelet.
According to another aspect of the present invention, however, the first connection means can be directly associated with the second terminal area of the bracelet.
Figures 16 and 17 show two possible variant embodiments provided with this solution.
In the drawings, characteristics and/or component parts that correspond or are equivalent to those of the preceding embodiments are identified by the same reference numbers.
Figure 16 shows an assembly 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The assembly 100 comprises a bracelet 50 having a first terminal area 52 and a second terminal area 154. The assembly 100 furthermore comprises a fastening system 110 for said ends 52, 154.
The fastening system 110 preferably comprises a first laminar element 12 and a second laminar element 14 hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted, as shown in the figure. The first laminar element 12 is preferably made in two pieces 12a, 12b positioned side by side.
The first laminar element 12 preferably comprises a first area 16 suitable for connection to the first terminal area 52 of the bracelet 50 and a hinge area 18 where it is hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The second laminar element 14 preferably comprises, in its turn, a hinge area 20 where it is hinged to the first laminar element 12. A pin 22 rotatably joins the first laminar element 12 and the second laminar element 14 at the level of their respective hinge areas 18, 20.
To maintain the two laminar elements 12, 14 in their closed configuration, the fastening system 110 is provided with engagement means 30. The engagement means 30, of the type described above, are preferably suited to be operated/released by the user to allow the fastening system 110 to be opened and the laminar elements 12, 14 themselves to be at least partially parted.
The fastening system 110 comprises adjusting means 160 designed to adjust the distance between the first terminal area 52 and the second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50.
The adjusting means 160 preferably comprise first connection means 164 associated with the second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50 and second connection means 166 defined in the second laminar element 14.
The first connection means 164 and the second connection means 166 cooperate to arrange the second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50 in several positions with respect to the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, the first connection means 164 comprise several housing seats 167 and the second connection means 166 comprise one or more projecting elements 168.
In the embodiment illustrated there are several projecting elements 168. In a variant embodiment, only one projecting element may be provided.
Preferably, the projecting elements 168 and the housing seats 167 have substantially the same shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, to allow the projecting elements 168 to be inserted in the respective housing seats 167, according to the extent of adjustment desired.
By properly sizing the distance between the projecting elements 168 and the distance between the housing seats 167, it will be possible to obtain even fine adjustments, for example with an adjustment pitch included between 2 and 5 mm, reaching maximum adjustments of 20-25 mm.
The fastening system 110 preferably comprises guide means 90 suited to allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50 during the steps of adjustment of the same.
The guide means 90 preferably comprise one pair of facing tabs 92a, 92b bent at the top and suited to define a passage channel 94 limited at its upper end. The second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50 can slide freely inside the passage channel 94.
Z The fastening system is provided with holding means designed to maintain the position of the second terminal area 154 of the bracelet 50 on the second laminar element 14, analogously to what has been described above.
Figure 17 shows an assembly 200 according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention.
The assembly 200 comprises a bracelet 50 having a first terminal area 52 and a second terminal area 254. The assembly 200 furthermore comprises a fastening system 210 for said ends 52, 254.
The fastening system 210 preferably comprises a first laminar element 12 and a second laminar element 14 hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted, as shown in the figure. The first laminar element 12 is preferably made in two pieces 12a, 12b positioned side by side.
The first laminar element 12 preferably comprises a first area 16 suitable for connection to the first terminal area 52 of the bracelet 50 and a hinge area 18 where it is hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The second laminar element 14 preferably comprises, in its turn, a hinge area 20 where it is hinged to the first laminar element 12. A pin 22 rotatably joins the first laminar element 12 and the second laminar element 14 at the level of their respective hinge areas 18, 20.
To maintain the two laminar elements 12, 14 in their closed configuration, the fastening system 210 is provided with engagement means 30. The engagement means 30, of the type described above, are preferably suited to be operated/released by the user to allow the fastening system 210 to be opened and the laminar elements 12, 14 themselves to be at least partially parted.
The fastening system 210 comprises adjusting means 260 designed to adjust the distance between the first terminal area 52 and the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50.
The adjusting means 260 preferably comprise first connection means 264 associated with the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50 and second connection means 266 defined in the second laminar element 14.
The first connection means 264 and the second connection means 266 cooperate to arrange the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50 in several positions with respect to the second laminar element 14.
Preferably, the first connection means 264 comprise several housing seats 267 and the second connection means 266 comprise a projecting element 268 (visible in the sectional view of Figure 18).
Preferably, the projecting element 268 and the housing seats 267 substantially have the same shape, preferably a parallelepiped shape with rounded ends, to allow the insertion of the projecting element 268 in one of the housing seats 267, according to the extent of adjustment desired.
By properly sizing the distance between the housing seats 267, it will be possible to obtain even fine adjustments, for example with an adjustment pitch included between 2 and 5 mm, reaching maximum adjustments of 20-25 mm.
The fastening system 210 preferably comprises guide means 90 designed to allow the sliding movement of the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50 during the steps of adjustment of the same.
In the embodiment illustrated, the guide means 90 preferably comprise one pair of facing tabs 92a, 92b bent at the top and suited to define a passage channel 94 limited at its upper end. The second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50 can slide freely inside the passage channel 94.
The fastening system is provided with holding means 80 designed to maintain the position of the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50 on the second laminar element 14, with the projecting element 268 inserted in a respective seat 267 selected by the user.
Analogously to what has been described above with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures from 1 to 6, the holding means 80 comprise an auxiliary laminar element 82 hinged to the second laminar element 14.
The auxiliary laminar element 82 can be arranged in a closed holding position on the second laminar element 14 and the second terminal area 254 of the bracelet 50, and in at least one open position to allow the second terminal area 254 to be disconnected from the second laminar element 14.
It has thus been shown that the present invention as described above allows the set objects to be achieved.
More specifically, the present invention makes it possible to overcome the problems related to the fastening devices for bracelets used in jewellery and/or costume jewellery items known in the art. In fact, it has been shown that the device/system according to the present invention provides a simple and intuitive adjusting system that allows the adjustment to be carried out with no need for the aid/assistance of specialized personnel.
While the present invention has been described above with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be observed that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described; on the contrary, further variants of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

Fastening device (10) for a bracelet (50), said fastening device (10) being suited to be connected to a first terminal area (52) and to a second terminal area (54) of said bracelet (50), said fastening device (10) comprising
a first laminar element (12) and

a second laminar element (14)

mutually hinged to each other and suited to be arranged in a closed operating configuration, in which they are superimposed, and in an open operating configuration, in which they are at least partially parted,

said first laminar element (12) comprising a first area (16) suitable for connection to said first terminal area (52) of said bracelet (50) and a hinge area (18) where it is hinged to said second laminar element (14),

said second laminar element (14) comprising a hinge area (20) where it is hinged to said first laminar element (12),

said fastening device (10) further comprising adjusting means (60) suited to adjust the distance between said first terminal area (52) and said second terminal area (54) of said bracelet (50), said adjusting means (60) comprising:
- a coupling element (62) suited to be connected to said second terminal area (54) of said bracelet (50);

- first connection means (64) associated with said coupling element (62);

- second connection means (66) defined in said second laminar element (14);

said first and said second connection means (64, 66) being suited to cooperate in order to arrange said coupling element (62) in several positions with respect to said second laminar element (14),

further comprising holding means (80) suited to maintain said coupling element (62) coupled with said second laminar element (14), and

characterized in that said holding means (80) comprise an auxiliary laminar element (82; 82'; 82"; 82‴) hinged to said second laminar element (14), said auxiliary laminar element (82; 82'; 82"; 82‴) being suited to be arranged in a closed holding position on said second laminar element (14) and said coupling element (62), and in an open position suited to allow said coupling element (62) to be disconnected from said second laminar element (14).
Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first connection means (64) comprise at least one projecting element (68) and said second connection means (66) comprise at least one housing seat (70) for said at least one projecting element (68) of said first connection means (64), or said second connection means comprise at least one projecting element and said first connection means comprise at least one housing seat for said at least one projecting element of said second connection means.
Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises only one projecting element (68) and at least two housing seats (70) for said projecting element (68).
Device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said at least one projecting element (68) and said at least one housing seat (70) comprise automatic connection means (69).
Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises engagement means (30) suited to maintain said first laminar element (12) and said second laminar element (14) in said closed operating configuration.
Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary laminar element (82; 82"; 82‴) is hinged to said hinge area where said second laminar element (14) is hinged to said first laminar element (12).
Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it furthermore comprises guide means (90) suited to allow the sliding movement of said second terminal area (54) of said bracelet (50).
Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said guide means (90) comprise stopping means (92a, 92b) for said coupling element (62), said stopping means (92a, 92b) being suited to prevent the passage of said coupling element (62).
Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bracelet (50) comprises a bracelet made of fabric or metal mesh for wristwatches and/or jewellery and/or costume jewellery items.
Wristwatch (W) comprising a bracelet (50) and a fastening device (10) according to any of the preceding claims for said bracelet (50).