Bracelet clasp

Abstract

Clasp for jewelry article (100) comprising a first portion (1) and a second portion (2) intended to be attached together, the clasp comprising: - a fixing interface (21) with a fixing axis (F) extending between a first end and a second end, the fixing interface (21) being fixed to the first portion (1) or to the second portion (2), - a pivot piece (22) fixed to the second end of the fixing interface (21), - a lock (10) forming a toggle mounted on the pivot piece (22), - a locking interface (10a, 23b), and - an elastic return element (20), the lock (10) being able to toggle between a closed position and an open position, and the elastic element (20) maintains the lock (10) in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of jewelry, more particularly to the field of the manufacture of jewelry components, such as for example clasps for jewelry items, such as bracelets or necklaces.

[0002] Bracelet clasps are known in the prior art. For example, document FR3007782 discloses a safety clasp.

[0003] However, it is desirable to improve the aesthetics, to be able to integrate the clasp directly onto the jewelry item, to facilitate its use by a user, not to be on the skin side of a user to improve comfort and ergonomics in particular, not to be visible from above the item (or to be at least partially hidden), to be easy to access and easily removable.

[0004] The present invention thus aims to propose a new construction of jewelry components, in particular clasps for bracelets or necklaces.

[0005] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a clasp for an article of jewelry, the article of jewelry comprising a first portion and a second portion for being attached together, the clasp comprising: a fixing interface, such as a screw, a pin or a pin or a combination thereof, extending along a fixing axis between a first end of the fixing interface and a second end of the fixing interface, and the fixing interface being assembled to one of the first portion and the second portion, at the first end of the fixing interface, a pivot piece fixed to the second end of the fixing interface, a latch forming a rocker mounted on the pivot piece, a locking interface, and an elastic return element, in which the lock is arranged to switch between: a closed position in which the locking interface locks the first portion and the second portion together, and an open position in which the locking interface allows the first portion to be detached from the second portion, and wherein the resilient member is arranged to apply a restoring force to maintain the latch in the closed position.

[0006] This makes it possible to offer a clasp with improved aesthetics, this makes it possible to integrate the clasp directly onto the jewelry item, to facilitate its use by a user, to not be on the skin side of a user to improve comfort and ergonomics in particular, to not be visible from above the item (or to be at least partially hidden), to be easy to access and easily removable. A rocker is understood to mean a part, for example made of metal, balanced on a pivot or around an axis in such a way that one of its ends is raised when the opposite end is lowered.

[0007] In other words, the invention relates to a clasp for a decorative article between two parts of at least one piece comprising a lock, the lock being intended to be in a locking position where it keeps the two parts close together, and an unlocked position in which the two parts can move relative to each other, the lock comprising a first end cooperating with one of the two parts in the locking position and a second end cooperating with an elastic element exerting a force on the lock to keep it in the locking position, the lock being able to pivot to pass from one position to the other along a first axis substantially perpendicular to a second axis by which it is assembled to one of the parts.

[0008] The invention may also be defined according to the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0009] Advantageously, a tilting axis of the lock is substantially perpendicular to the fixing axis.

[0010] Advantageously, a tilting axis of the lock is perpendicular to an assembly axis of the lock in the jewelry item.

[0011] Advantageously, the lock extends along an extension axis passing through a first end of the lock and a second end of the lock, and the extension axis is perpendicular to a tilting axis of the lock.

[0012] Advantageously, the first end of the lock, the second end of the lock and a tilting axis of the lock are substantially aligned, so as to form an extension axis of the lock.

[0013] Advantageously, the extension axis is perpendicular to a tilting axis of the lock.

[0014] Advantageously, the pivot part is fixed to the fixing interface on a radial portion of the pivot part.

[0015] This ensures the benefits mentioned above.

[0016] Advantageously, the pivot part comprises an anti-rotation interface, such as one or more flats, arranged to block rotation of the pivot part relative to the fixing interface.

[0017] This allows the pivot part to be locked from rotating relative to the fixing interface.

[0018] Advantageously, the lock comprises a first end with at least a first counterform, the other of the first portion and the second portion comprising a second counterform, the first counterform and the second counterform forming the locking interface of the first portion on the second portion.

[0019] This provides a locking interface to the clasp.

[0020] Advantageously, the first counterform and / or the second counterform comprises an inclined slope.

[0021] Advantageously, the locking interface comprises a beak, a lug, a pin, a pin, a loop, a barb, a housing, a shoulder or any combination thereof.

[0022] Advantageously, the beak is arranged on the first end of the lock and the shoulder is arranged on the other of the first portion and the second portion.

[0023] Advantageously, the elastic element is a helical spring or a coil spring.

[0024] Advantageously, the first end of the lock is opposite the second end of the lock.

[0025] Advantageously, a tilting axis of the lock is arranged between the first end of the lock and the second end of the lock.

[0026] Advantageously, the pivot part is arranged at a distance from the elastic element.

[0027] Advantageously, the fixing axis passes substantially through the fixing interface, the pivot part and the lock.

[0028] The fixing interface, the pivot part and the lock (in particular its housing) are thus aligned.

[0029] Advantageously, the pivot part is arranged between the fixing interface and the lock.

[0030] The invention relates, in a second aspect, to an article of jewelry comprising a clasp according to the first aspect.

[0031] This makes it possible to offer a piece of jewelry with improved aesthetics, this makes it possible to integrate the clasp directly onto the piece of jewelry, to facilitate its use by a user, to not be on the side of the user's skin to improve comfort and ergonomics in particular, to not be visible from above the item (or to be at least partially hidden), to be easy to access and easily removable.

[0032] Advantageously, the lock is at least partially housed in one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0033] Advantageously, the jewelry item further comprises a recess, clearance or opening, arranged to allow access to the lock by a user.

[0034] Advantageously, the jewelry item has a ring shape with a side face, and the lock is arranged on the side face.

[0035] Advantageously, the lock comprises a stop portion arranged to be in contact with the fixing interface, in order to limit the rotation of the lock in an open position of the lock.

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 represents a clasp and an article of jewelry according to the present invention, in exploded and perspective view, the figure 2 represents the clasp and the jewelry item in top view and in partial cutaway, the figure 3 represents the clasp and the jewelry item in a detailed view, in exploded view and in perspective, the figure 4 represents the clasp and the article of jewelry according to the present invention, in exploded and perspective view, in a view opposite that of the figure 1 .

[0037] There figure 1 represents a clasp and a piece of jewelry 100 according to the present invention, in exploded and perspective view.

[0038] The jewelry item 100 comprises a first portion 1 and a second portion 2 intended to, or arranged to, be attached together.

[0039] The clasp, for the jewelry item 100, comprises a fixing interface 21, here a screw 21, extending along a fixing axis F between a first end of the fixing interface 21 and a second end of the fixing interface 21.

[0040] The fastening interface 21 is attached to the first portion 1 at an opening 1b of the first portion and at the first end of the fastening interface 21. The screw 21 can be inserted into the opening 1b. The screw head 21 is an example of a first end of the fastening interface 21. The thread of the screw 21 is an example of a second end of the fastening interface 21.

[0041] The clasp further comprises a pivot part 22 fixed to the second end of the fixing interface 21, and along the fixing axis F. The pivot part 22 may comprise a thread in order to receive the screw 21. Note that in the case of the pin or the pin as a fixing interface, the pivot part 22 may comprise a calibrated orifice in order to receive the pin or the pin and to be fixed thereto.

[0042] The clasp further comprises a lock 10 forming a rocker mounted on the pivot part 22, a locking interface 10a, 23b of the portions 1, 2 of the jewelry item, and an elastic return element 20.

[0043] Lock 10 is arranged to switch between: a closed position in which the locking interface 10a, 23b locks the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 together, and an open position in which the locking interface 10a, 23b allows the first portion 1 to be detached from the second portion 2, and the elastic element 20 is arranged to apply a restoring force to maintain the lock 10 in the closed position.

[0044] The first portion 1 further comprises an opening 1a arranged to receive a shouldered rod 23 fixed to the second portion 2 at a rear part 23c of the shouldered rod 23. The rear part 23c can be fixed to the second portion 2 of the jewelry item 100 by screwing or driving.

[0045] The shouldered rod 23 further comprises a front portion 23a which is free when the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 are detached, and which is retained by the lock 10 when the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 are attached together. The shouldered rod 23 further comprises a shoulder 23b (or a recess) arranged between the front portion 23a and the rear portion 23c. The shouldered rod 23 may further comprise a bulge 23d between the shoulder 23b and the rear portion 23c.

[0046] The lock 10 comprises a beak 10a arranged to cooperate with the shoulder 23b in order to block the shouldered rod 23, and fix together the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 of the jewelry item 100. In the closed position, the beak 10a is thus housed in the shoulder 23b and can abut against the front portion 23a or the bulge 23d (or the rear portion 23c). Note that the beak 10a and / or the front portion 23a may comprise an inclined slope or a chamfer in order to facilitate the insertion of the beak 10a into the shoulder 23b.

[0047] The lock 10 further comprises a housing 10b, preferably circular, in order to house the pivot part 22. The lock 10 can thus tilt (or pivot) along a tilting axis B, perpendicular to a fixing axis F of the fixing interface 21.

[0048] The lock 10 can be installed on the pivot part 22 by sliding the lock 10 into the pivot part 22 along the tilting axis B and then be introduced into the jewelry item 100 along the fixing axis F. The screw 21 can then be screwed into the thread of the pivot part 22. The pivot part 22 is thus assembled at a radial portion and not at its ends. The lock 10 is therefore mounted on a side face of the jewelry item 100 and is therefore at least partially hidden, and thus has the advantages mentioned above.

[0049] The latch 10 further comprises a protrusion 10c for cooperating with an elastic return element 20, such as a coil spring or helical spring. The spring 20 makes it possible to return the latch 10 to the closed position. The protrusion 10c is arranged opposite the beak 10a. The housing 10b is arranged between the protrusion 10c and the beak 10a. The beak 10a is an example of a first end of the latch 10. The protrusion 10c is an example of a second end of the latch 10.

[0050] Note that the jewelry item 100 may further comprise a hinge, for example on a side opposite the clasp, in order to allow a larger opening of the jewelry item 100.

[0051] The joint comprises a projection 3 of the first portion 1 and two forks 4 of the second portion 2. The projection 3 can be inserted between the two forks 4 and a hollow shaft 5a can be inserted into a through hole 3a of the projection 3 and two through holes 4a, 4b of the forks 4. The hollow shaft 5a comprises a screw head, a bushing 5b and a screw 5c in order to fix the hollow shaft 5a on the first portion 1 and the second portion 2. The bushing 5b is mounted between the two forks 4a, 4b. The hollow shaft 5a, with the bushing 5b and the screw 5c, thus allows the rotation of the first portion 1 and the second portion 2. A pin 5 can replace the three parts to act as a hinge, as illustrated with reference to the figure 4 .

[0052] There figure 2 represents the clasp and the jewelry item 100 in top view and in partial cutaway.

[0053] There figure 2 shows the jewelry item 100 and the clasp in the closed position. The beak 10a is engaged with the shouldered rod 23 at the shoulder 23b. The lock 10 is mounted on the pivot piece 22 at the housing 10b, and can therefore tilt along the tilting axis B.

[0054] The spring 20 forces the latch 10 into the closed position. The shouldered rod is secured in, or with, the second portion 2 of the jewelry item 100. The screw 21 secures the pivot piece 22 on the opposite side to the latch 10.

[0055] The lock 10 is at least partially concealed and housed in a housing 31 of the jewelry item 100, so as to be integrated therewith. The lock 10 is thus visible from the side face, and is installed or mounted in the jewelry item 100 from the side face.

[0056] The lock 10 is fixed to the jewelry item 100 by the screw 21, and is fixed in the fixing axis F. The beak 10a, the housing 10b and the protrusion 10c are substantially aligned along an extension axis E of the lock 10.

[0057] There figure 3 represents the clasp and the jewelry item 100 in a detail view, in exploded view and in perspective.

[0058] The first portion 1 includes a clearance 30 to facilitate access to the lock 10 for the user.

[0059] The user simply has to press the lock 10 opposite the release, for example with his thumb or another finger. The lock 10 then switches to the open position (or unlocked state) and releases the beak 10 from the housing 23b of the shouldered rod 23.

[0060] When the user releases the pressure on the lock 10, it returns to the initial, closed position, due to the spring 20. The beak 10a can then engage with the housing 23b of the shouldered rod 23, in the closed position (or locking state) in order to attach the ends of the first portion 1 and the second portion 2.

[0061] There figure 3 further shows a detail of the pivot part 22. The pivot part 22 comprises a cylindrical portion 22a which can be housed in the housing 10d of the lock 10 in order to form a pivot connection.

[0062] The pivot part 22 further comprises a shaft 22b with a part driven into the cylindrical portion 22a and a tapping in order to receive the thread of the screw 21. The shaft 22b and the cylindrical portion 22a can be made in a single piece or in a single piece as can be seen in figure 4 .

[0063] There figure 4 represents the clasp and the jewelry item 100 according to the present invention, in exploded and perspective view, in a view opposite that of the figure 1 .

[0064] The 100th Jewelry Item of the figure 4 differs from that of the figure 3 in that the pivot part 22 is made in one piece, that is to say incorporates the barrel 22b and the cylindrical portion 22a.

[0065] The housing 31 makes it possible to house the lock 10 in particular. In particular, the housing 31 can also house the spring 20 and the pivot part 22. The housing 31 can also receive the shouldered rod 23 when the jewelry item 100 is in the closed position.

[0066] The 100th Jewelry Item of the figure 4 differs from that of the figure 1 in particular in that pin 5 can replace the three parts of the figure 1 acting as a hinge (hollow shaft 5a, bushing 5b and screw 5c).

[0067] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description.

[0068] Finally, note that it is possible to combine the methods of implementation as much as possible or necessary.

Claims

1. A clasp for a jewelry item, the jewelry item (100) comprising a first portion (1) and a second portion (2) intended to be attached together, the clasp comprising: - a fastening interface (21), such as a screw, a pin or a pin, extending along a fastening axis (F) between a first end of the fastening interface (21) and a second end of the fastening interface (21), and the fastening interface (21) being assembled to one of the first portion (1) and the second portion (2) at the first end of the fastening interface (21), - a pivot piece (22) attached to the second end of the fastening interface (21), - a latch (10) forming a rocker mounted on the pivot piece (22), - a locking interface (10a, 23b), and - an elastic return element (20), in which the latch (10) is arranged to switch between: - a closed position in which the locking interface (10a,23b) locks the first portion (1) and the second portion (2) together, and - an open position in which the locking interface (10a, 23b) allows the first portion (1) to be detached from the second portion (2), and in which the elastic element (20) is arranged to apply a restoring force to maintain the lock (10) in the closed position., 2. Clasp according to claim 1, in which a tilting axis (B) of the lock (10) is substantially perpendicular to the fixing axis (F).

3. Clasp according to claim 1, in which a tilting axis (B) of the lock (10) is perpendicular to an assembly axis (F) of the lock (10) in the jewelry item (100).

4. Clasp according to claim 1, wherein the lock (10) extends along an extension axis (E) passing through a first end of the lock (10) and a second end of the lock (10), and the extension axis (E) is perpendicular to a tilting axis (B) of the lock (10).

5. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot part (22) is fixed to the fixing interface (21) on a radial portion of the pivot part (22).

6. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lock (10) comprises a first end with at least a first counterform, the other of the first portion and the second portion comprising a second counterform, the first counterform and the second counterform forming the locking interface (10a, 23b) of the first portion (1) on the second portion (2).

7. Clasp according to the preceding claim, in which the first counterform and / or the second counterform comprises an inclined slope.

8. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking interface (10a, 23b) comprises a beak, a lug, a pin, a pin, a buckle, a barb, a housing, a shoulder or any combination thereof.

9. Clasp according to the preceding claim, in which the beak is arranged on the first end of the lock (10) and the shoulder is arranged on the other of the first portion (1) and the second portion (2).

10. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elastic element (20) is a helical spring.

11. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot part (22) is arranged at a distance from the elastic element (20).

12. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing axis (F) passes substantially through the fixing interface (21), the pivot part (22) and the lock (10).

13. Clasp according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot part (22) is arranged between the fixing interface (21) and the lock (10).

14. Jewelry item (100) comprising a clasp according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Jewelry item (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lock (10) is at least partially housed in one of the first portion (1) and the second portion (2).

16. Jewelry item (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a recess, a clearance (30) or an opening, arranged to allow access to the lock (10) by a user.

17. Jewelry item (100) according to one of claims 14 to 16, having a ring shape with a side face, and in which the lock (10) is arranged on the side face.

18. Jewelry item (100) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the lock (10) comprises a stop portion arranged to be in contact with the fixing interface (21), in order to limit the rotation of the lock (10) in an open position of the lock (10).

Images