WO2012160207A1

WO2012160207A1 - Clasp for timepiece strap

Info

Publication number: WO2012160207A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/059902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joelle Kunz; Roger Ecoffet
Original assignee: Multicuirs Sa
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2012-05-25
Publication date: 2012-11-29
Also published as: EP2526804A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp (1) for a timepiece strap comprising first and second strands including corresponding first and second free ends. The clasp comprises a buckle (2) that is intended to be secured to the first free strap end and defines a passage (18) for the second free strap end. The clasp comprises a locking member (26) for engaging with the second strap strand so as to ensure the locking thereof in the longitudinal direction of the strap. The buckle (2) comprises a first transverse post (4) that defines at least one wall of a recess for receiving the first free strap end and includes at least one attachment member (20) for engaging with said wall so as to secure it to the first transverse post. The buckle also comprises side posts (11, 12) to which the transverse post is pivotably connected.

Description

CLAMP FOR BRACELET OF HORLOGERIE PIECE Technical field

The present invention relates to a clasp for a timepiece bracelet of the type comprising first and second strands comprising corresponding first and second free ends, the clasp comprising a loop intended to be secured to the first free end of the bracelet and defining a passage for the second free end of the bracelet, and a locking member for cooperating with the second strand of the bracelet to ensure its locking in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

State of the art

Most bracelet clasps, of the type comprising first and second free ends, comprises a loop assembled at a first free end of the bracelet by means of a rod, optionally screwed, whose two ends are engaged in holes adapted from side jambs of the buckle. A hole is provided in the first free end of the bracelet to define a passage for a barb, pivotally mounted on the fastening rod of the buckle. The pin is thus intended to cooperate with a hole in the second strand of the bracelet to ensure locking in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

However, these clasps have the main disadvantage of requiring the use of tools to perform a replacement of the loop, the fixing rod, or the barb.

In addition, the manufacture of the corresponding bracelets is complex when it comes in particular bracelets leathers or textiles, since it is convenient to fold a portion of one of their free ends to define a housing for the Buckle fastening rod, depending on the width of the bracelet. Regarding the more particular field of high-end bracelets, often in leather, this folded portion can be unsightly and requires the realization of a pleating of the bracelet to allow concealment. In addition, seams are often made on these bracelets to ensure the strength and the holding over time of the folded portion.

Also, more specifically, the present invention relates to a clasp of the type mentioned above, the loop comprises a first transverse amount defining at least one wall of a housing for receiving the first free end of the bracelet and, comprising at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with the latter to make it integral with the first transverse amount. The buckle also has lateral uprights.

Structures of this type are known in the field of belts.

Thus, by way of example, it will be noted that the patent application WO 2010/012847 A1 describes a belt whose clasp meets the characteristics which have been stated above.

However, the stresses applied to the bands used in the field of belts are not the same as those applied to watch straps, in particular because of the differences in materials used and the differences in size between a belt band and a watch bracelet.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to provide a clasp for a timepiece bracelet, interchangeable, simple structure, can be changed without tools, and also to simplify the manufacture of the corresponding bracelets.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a clasp of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the first transverse amount is connected to the lateral uprights so as to pivot with reference to these.

With these features, the clasp includes a different mode of attachment of the bracelet, more specifically simplified, of that described above in connection with the state of the art. In addition, a housing being provided in the clasp to house the free end of the bracelet, it is no longer necessary to achieve the complex housing of the conventional fastening rod in the bracelet, as described above. [001 1] Note in particular that the second free end of the bracelet can be more easily inserted through the loop and the wearing comfort is improved since the bracelet can better follow the curvature of the wrist of the wearer.

More particularly, it can be provided that the first transverse upright comprises at least one finger arranged to cooperate with first and second stops arranged on at least one of the lateral uprights and define an angular range of pivoting of the first transverse upright. reference to lateral amounts.

Thus, the manipulation of the bracelet by a user, when the latter puts on his wrist, is simplified since the loop meets a stop during its rotational movement, to maintain it in a suitable orientation.

According to an advantageous variant of embodiment, it can further be provided that the first transverse upright comprises a main bar, arranged in a transverse direction with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and ending at each end with a folded portion defining a rim, assembled to the corresponding lateral amount so as to pivot.

In this case, the assembly between each of the flanges and the corresponding lateral amount can advantageously be achieved by means of a screw screwed into the flange and free to pivot in the lateral upright.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing member comprises at least one stud, preferably at least two, having a first main portion, substantially cylindrical, extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the first mo nta transversely, intended to cooperate with a hole adapted to the first free end of the bracelet. The first portion is surmounted by a second portion of transverse dimensions greater than those of the first portion, to ensure retention of the first free end of the bracelet on the first portion. Such features not only make it possible to ensure that the first free end of the bracelet is securely fastened to the clasp, but also to remove it easily.

Furthermore, the locking member is preferably carried by the loop, away from the first transverse amount. In particular, it can be expected that it is carried by a second transverse amount of the loop.

In addition, the locking member may comprise at least one stud, having a first substantially cylindrical main portion extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the second transverse post, intended to cooperate with a suitable hole of the second strand of the bracelet, and surmounted by a second portion of transverse dimensions greater than those of the first portion, to ensure retention of the second strand of the bracelet on the first portion.

Advantageously, the one or more studs of the fastener, on the one hand, and the stud of the locking member, on the other hand, respectively extend on either side of a median plane passing through the first and second transverse uprights.

The maintenance of the bracelet in the clasp is thus improved.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a bracelet for a timepiece having a free end, intended to cooperate with a clasp satisfying the above characteristics and having at least one through hole in the direction of its adapted thickness. to cooperate with the fastener of the clasp.

As mentioned above, the manufacture of such a bracelet is greatly simplified with reference to that of the bracelets of the state of the art.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which : [0025] - Figures 1a and 1b show perspective views of a clasp according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, respectively illustrated from the first and second sides, and

[0026] - Figure 2 shows a side view of a detail of the clasp of Figures 1a and 1b.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

Figures 1a and 1b show perspective views of a clasp 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, respectively illustrated from first and second sides.

The clasp 1 is of the loop type 2 intended to be secured to a first free end of a bracelet (not shown), carried by a first strand, by a first transverse amount 4.

The first transverse upright 4 comprises a main bar 6 which is elongated and oriented in a transverse direction with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The main bar 6 ends at each end by a folded portion defining a flange 8.

The loop 2 further comprises a second transverse amount 10 and two lateral uprights 1 1, 12, these three amounts being formed in one piece here, by way of non-limiting illustration, and shaped in U.

Each of the lateral uprights 1 1, 12 has a through hole (numeral 14 in Figure 2) in which is engaged a screw 16 for fixing the first transverse amount 4. Advantageously but not limited to, each screw 16 may be mounted on the clasp so as to be able to freely rotate with reference to the corresponding lateral upright, its foot being screwed into the corresponding rim 8. Of course, the opposite is also possible, that is to say that the screws are free to pivot in the flanges 8 being fixed in the lateral uprights.

The loop 2 has a central opening 18 to define a passage for the second free end of the bracelet, carried by a second strand.

To ensure the closure and locking of the bracelet by means of the clasp according to the present invention, the latter comprises, on the one hand, a fastener for connecting the first transverse amount to the first free end of the wristband and, on the other hand, a locking member intended to cooperate with the second free end of the bracelet to ensure its locking in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

More specifically, the shape of the first transverse upright 4 defines a housing for the first free end of the bracelet, the main bar 6 defining a first wall, constituting a bottom, and the flanges 8 of the side walls.

This housing comprises a fastener of the first free end of the bracelet, made here in the form of two studs 20, substantially in general shapes of mushrooms. More specifically, each stud 20 has a first portion 22 extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the main bar 6 and cylindrical. The first portion 22 is surmounted by a second portion 24 of transverse dimensions greater than those of the first portion 22, to ensure retention of the first free end of the bracelet when engaged on the first portion 22.

With such a structure of the fastener, the manufacture of the bracelet is simplified. Just make two holes through, in the direction of the thickness of the bracelet, in one of its free ends, intended to cooperate with the two studs 20. Thus, in the case of a leather bracelet, for example it is not necessary to fold a portion of the bracelet, or to make a pleating or sewing.

The locking member of the second strand of the bracelet has a similar structure to that of the fastener of the first end. This comprises a stud 26 carried by the second transverse upright 10, of shape and dimensions similar to those of the studs 20.

Thus, the stud 26 is intended to cooperate with a hole (not visible) among a series of holes in the corresponding bracelet strand, similar to the mode of cooperation between a conventional barb and a bracelet, to ensure the locking of this bracelet strand in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

Therefore, the corresponding bracelet strand may be conventional with reference to bracelets known from the state of the art. Note that the pads 20, on the one hand, and the pad 26, on the other hand, are arranged on either side of a median plane (reference P in Figure 2) passing through both transverse uprights 4 and 10, to cooperate in both cases with the corresponding bracelet strand.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a side view of a detail of the clasp of Figures 1a and 1b, illustrating a construction detail. More precisely, only the second transverse upright 10 and the lateral uprights 11, 12 have been represented, the first transverse upright 4 having been omitted from this figure.

It appears from Figure 2 that the second transverse upright 10 is inclined with reference to the direction of the lateral uprights 1 1, 12, to facilitate the insertion of the second strap strand in the passage 18 of the loop 2, c that is, without having to bend it strongly.

In addition, a construction detail is particularly visible in FIG. 2.

Each lateral upright 1 1, 12 has a cutout 30, near its hole 14, defining two stops 32 and 34.

Each of these stops 32, 34 is intended to cooperate with a finger (reference numeral 36 in Figure 1 b) integral with the first transverse amount 4, in order to define an angular range for the pivoting of the first transverse amount 4 with reference to lateral amounts 1 1, 12.

Such a feature allows to limit the relative rotation between the lateral uprights and the first transverse amount which, if it were to be too important, would make it more difficult to place the bracelet on the wrist of the wearer.

Of course, it is possible to define such an angular range of pivoting by the implementation of a single cutout 30, in relation with a single finger 36 without departing from the scope of the invention.

It will be noted that the angular range may especially range from about 15 to 60 degrees, preferably from 30 to 45 degrees.

The foregoing description seeks to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited. to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, for example the specifically illustrated and described form of the loop 2. Indeed, it is for example conceivable to have such a loop having no second amount. transversely, the two lateral uprights joining to define a general triangular or substantially semicircular shape of the loop in this case. The pad 26 would then preferably be arranged in the region of the junction between the two lateral uprights.

The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a clasp for a timepiece bracelet in part to meet the characteristics that have just been presented without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be noted, for example, that the provision of blanks 30 is not essential for the implementation of the present invention. However, it improves the use of the clasp and thus corresponds to a preferred embodiment.

Furthermore, it will be noted that the clasp according to the present invention is not limited to the implementation of a locking member such as that described and illustrated, namely the stud 26. Indeed, it is also possible to provide a barb similar to the barbs of the state of the art is secured to the first transverse amount to cooperate with the holes of the second bracelet strand. In this case, of course, it should be provided a cut in the first free end of the corresponding bracelet to define a passage for the barb.

Note also that the orientation of the stud 26, with reference to the second transverse amount, is likely to be different from what has been described, without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular depending on the inclination that presents the second transverse amount relative to the lateral amounts. Indeed, in all cases, it is advantageous to provide that the stud 26 is substantially perpendicular to the second strand bracelet when it is in place in the clasp.

Claims

Clasp (1) for a timepiece bracelet of the type comprising first and second strands comprising corresponding first and second free ends, the clasp comprising

a loop (2) intended to be secured to the first free end of the bracelet and defining a passage (18) for the second free end of the bracelet,

a locking member (26) intended to cooperate with the second strand of the bracelet to ensure its locking in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet,

said loop (2) comprising

a first transverse upright (4) defining at least one wall of a housing, intended to receive the first free end of the bracelet and comprising at least one fastening member (20) intended to cooperate with the latter to make it integral with said first transverse upright, as well as lateral uprights (1 1, 12),

characterized in that said first transverse post (4) is connected to said side posts (1 1, 12) so as to be pivotable with reference thereto.

Clasp (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first transverse post (4) comprises at least one finger (36) arranged to cooperate with first and second stops (32, 34) provided on at least one of said lateral uprights (1 1, 12) and defining an angular range of pivoting of said first transverse upright with reference to said lateral uprights.

Clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first transverse post (4) comprises a main bar (6), arranged in a transverse direction with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet and, ending at each end by a folded portion defining a flange (8), assembled to the corresponding lateral upright (1 1, 12) so as to be pivotable.

Clasp (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the assembly between each of said flanges (8) and the corresponding lateral upright (1 1, 12) is realized by means of a screw (16) screwed into said flange and free to pivot in said lateral upright.

5. Clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fastener comprises at least one stud (20), preferably at least two, having a first main portion

(22), substantially cylindrical, extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from said first transverse post (4), intended to cooperate with a hole adapted to the first free end of the bracelet, and surmounted by a second portion (24), of transverse dimensions greater than those of said first portion, to ensure retention of the first free end of the bracelet on said first portion (22).

6. Clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking member (26) is carried by said loop (2) at a distance from said first transverse post (4).

7. Clasp (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said locking member (26) is carried by a second transverse amount (10) of said loop (2).

8. Clasp (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said locking member comprises at least one stud (26) having a first substantially cylindrical main portion extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from said second transverse post (10), intended to cooperate with an adapted hole of the second strand of the bracelet, and surmounted by a second portion, of transverse dimensions greater than those of said first portion, to ensure retention of the second strand of the bracelet on said first portion.

9. Clasp (1) according to claims 5 and 8, characterized in that said one or more pads (20) of said fixing member, on the one hand, and said stud (26) of said locking member, on the other hand, extend respectively on either side of a median plane (P) passing through said first and second transverse uprights (4, 10).

10. Bracelet for a timepiece having a free end intended to cooperate with a clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said free end has at least one through hole in the direction of its thickness adapted to cooperate with said fastener (20) of said clasp.