Fastener for chain belt

Abstract

The invention relates to a clasp (1) for a watch or chain band, comprising a central blade (2) and two mobile blades (12), each mobile blade (12) being hinged at one longitudinal end of the central blade (2), characterized in that each mobile blade (12) has two lateral arms (13) for being received outside the lateral surface of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration, the two lateral arms (13) comprising a first free end connected with the longitudinal end of the central blade (2) by a first pin (10), and a second end able to receive a second connecting pin (30) to be connected with a hinged band (40) of the watch or chain band, the central blade (2) comprising in its central upper surface a hollow (4) for receiving in the closed configuration of the clasp (1) such a second connecting pin (30) arranged at the second end of the lateral arms (13).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet of an article of jewelry or a watch. The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising such a clasp and to an article of jewelry or a watch comprising such a clasp. BACKGROUND

[0002] There are various solutions to attach the two strands of a bracelet to the wrist of a wearer. A first solution is simple in that it consists in providing each end of the strands with a mating device, for example in the form of a simple buckle and tongue for one end and a hole for the other end. The drawback of this solution is that, upon opening the mating device, the two strands of the bracelet are immediately separated, thus creating a risk of the bracelet falling off.

[0003] To overcome this drawback, another solution consists in providing a clasp-type intermediate element which is arranged between the two bracelet strands, the intermediate element being held permanently to the ends of the two strands. This clasp presents two configurations: a closed configuration for wearing the bracelet, in which the bracelet and the clasp extend around the circumference of the wrist by having a total length which allows the bracelet to be held in place, and an open or unfolded configuration which, without detaching the two strands of the bracelet from the clasp, increases the length of the clasp and thus of the bracelet by separating the two ends of the two strands, to allow the hand to pass through and take off the bracelet. In this open configuration of the clasp, the two strands of the bracelet are not separated, thus minimizing the risk of the bracelet falling off, which is advantageous for example for a watch.

[0004] In the case of a solution with a clasp, a first objective is to pursue the best comfort when wearing the bracelet and the successful aesthetic effect of the bracelet incorporating the clasp. To this end, it is advantageous when the clasp, in the closed configuration, best matches the profile of the wrist, even of a small wrist. At the same time, a second objective is to achieve a large open surface area of the bracelet in the unfolded configuration of the clasp, in order to make it easier for the hand to pass through. Thus, one difficulty in making a clasp is to determine a compromise between a close and comfortable fit to the wrist of the wearer of the watch, an aesthetic effect and a large opening sufficient for the hand of the wearer to pass through. SUMMARY

[0005] The general objective of the present invention is to provide a clasp for a bracelet which makes it possible to achieve the best aesthetic effect and the greatest reliability and user-friendliness in its opening and closing functions.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a clasp for a chain, comprising a central blade and two mobile blades, each mobile blade being hinged at a longitudinal end of the central blade, wherein each mobile blade has two lateral arms for fitting outside the lateral surface of the central blade in the closed configuration, the two lateral arms comprising a first free end connected to the longitudinal end of the central blade by a first pin, and a second end able to receive a second connecting pin to connect with a chain link, the central blade comprising in its central upper surface a recessed portion for receiving in the closed configuration of the clasp such a second pin arranged at the second end of the lateral arms.

[0007] Each mobile blade can comprise a U-shape, with a crossbar connecting the two arms at their second end, the crossbar comprising a transverse opening able to receive a second connecting pin to connect with a chain link.

[0008] The lower surface of the central blade can be planar, or convex, reversed with respect to its upper surface.

[0009] The clasp for a chain can comprise at least one fixing device arranged in the central blade for fixing each mobile blade, to hold the mobile blade in place in the closed configuration of the clasp.

[0010] The fixing device can be a ball / spring assembly or a resilient blade.

[0011] The central blade can comprise at least one transverse opening on either side of its recessed portion, to receive in each said transverse opening a fixing device comprising two ball / spring assemblies.

[0012] The clasp for a chain can comprise a recessed area and a stop arranged in the surface of at least one lateral arm, for cooperating with the fixing device in the closed configuration of the clasp.

[0013] The geometry of the lateral arms of the mobile blades can be adapted to the geometry of the central blade, so that they do not protrude in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the central blade nor from the lower surface of the central blade in the closed configuration of the clasp. The vertical direction is understood to be perpendicular to the lower surface and the upper surface.

[0014] The invention also relates to a chain, wherein it comprises two chain links connected by a clasp as described above.

[0015] The first link of each chain link can comprise a recessed area in which at least a portion of the clasp fits in the closed configuration of the clasp.

[0016] The invention also relates to an ornament or a watch, wherein it comprises a chain as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Further advantages and features will appear more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the application, given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 represents an exploded perspective view from above of a buckle for a chain according to an embodiment of the application.

[0019] Figure 2 represents a perspective view from above of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application in a closed configuration.

[0020] Figure 3 represents a perspective view from below of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application in a closed configuration.

[0021] Figure 4 represents a view from above of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application in a closed configuration.

[0022] Figure 5 represents a side view of a longitudinal section of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application in a closed configuration.

[0023] Figure 6 represents a sectioned side view of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application in a closed configuration.

[0024] Figure 7 represents a perspective view from above of a central blade of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application.

[0025] Figure 8 represents a side view of a central blade of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application.

[0026] Figure 9 represents a perspective view from above of a mobile blade of a buckle according to an embodiment of the application.

[0027] Figure 10 represents a fixing device for a buckle according to an embodiment of the application.

[0028] Figure 11 represents a sectioned view of a fixing device for a buckle according to an embodiment of the application.

[0029] Figure 12 represents a side view of a chain equipped with a buckle according to an embodiment of the application and the buckle being in an open configuration.

[0030] Figure 13 represents a view from below of a chain equipped with a buckle according to an embodiment of the application and the buckle being in an open configuration.

[0031] Figure 14 represents a perspective side view of a chain belt equipped with a clasp according to an embodiment of the application during a closing phase.

[0032] Figure 15 represents a side view of a chain belt according to an embodiment of the application, equipped with a clasp and the clasp being in a closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] For the sake of simplifying the description, by convention, the term "longitudinal direction" will be used to designate the direction along the length of the clasp or of the strap of the chain belt, the term "transverse direction" will be used to designate the perpendicular direction in the plane of the clasp or of the strap of the chain belt (along its width). The perpendicular direction is the direction perpendicular to the two previous directions and is oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the chain belt or of the clasp. In addition, the term "link" is used to designate the elementary component of the chain belt. "Chain belt" designates the entire chain belt with or without clasp, or one or more straps of the chain belt. The adjectives "upper" and "lower" are used to designate surfaces or elements located on the side opposite to the wrist and on the side of the wrist, respectively, taking into account the positioning of the clasp and of the chain belt around the wrist, or by extension, the positioning such that they are configured to surround the wrist. The adjective "lateral" will be used to designate surfaces or elements positioned towards the end of the clasp and of the chain belt observed in the transverse direction. The lateral end of the clasp will advantageously be formed by longitudinal perpendicular sides.

[0034] Figures 1 to 5 A clasp 1 according to one embodiment of the application is shown. This clasp comprises three blades, a central blade 2 surrounded by two mobile blades 12, symmetrically arranged via a link which can rotate around a first pin 10 arranged at each longitudinal end of the central blade 2. Each mobile blade 12 comprises a second connection pin 30 arranged at its longitudinal end opposite to the longitudinal end connected to the central blade 2, this mobile blade being able to be connected to a chain belt strap through this second connection pin 30, as explained below with respect to Figures 12 to 15 .

[0035] Figures 2 to 4 A clasp in a closed configuration is shown, in which each mobile blade 12 is bent onto the central blade 2. In this closed configuration, the ends of each mobile blade 12 for receiving the fixing means of the chain belt strap are close, in contact or almost in contact with each other on the central part of the central blade 2. The fixing means 20 hold this closed configuration of the clasp in place in a stable manner, which will be explained below.

[0036] Figure 7 and Figure 8More specifically, the central blade 2 of the clasp 1 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. This central blade 2 is narrow in the transverse direction, since it is intended to be laterally covered by the arms of the mobile blade 12, as will be described below. The width of this transverse direction essentially constitutes half of the total width of the clasp. In the central part of the upper surface 5 of the central blade 2, a recessed portion 4 is provided, which is intended to receive the crossbar 14 of the mobile blade 12, as can be seen in particular in Figure 5 . In addition to this recessed portion 4, the upper surface has a convex shape which is essentially circular, following the shape of the wrist. In contrast, the lower surface 3 of the central blade 2, which is intended to come into direct contact with the wrist, has an essentially planar central portion, or even surprisingly a slightly inverted convexity with respect to the wrist. This shape makes it possible to maximize the height, i.e. the thickness, of the central blade 2 in its central part, measured in the vertical direction, so as to be able to form a large recessed portion 4 sufficient to receive the crossbar 14. Thus, the convexity of the two surfaces (upper surface 5 and lower surface 3) is adapted to increase the height of the central blade in its center. This increase is also adapted to the material chosen for the central blade, since this material also makes it possible to achieve a shape with sufficient mechanical strength. In the region of the central blade 2 which is sufficiently high to advantageously receive the securing means 20 for securing the mobile blade, transverse openings 6 are arranged around this central recessed portion 4, as will be described in detail below. More precisely, two transverse openings 6 are arranged on either side of the recessed portion 4. Finally, at each longitudinal end of the central blade 2, a transverse opening 9 is arranged, which is designed to receive a first pin 10 for the pivoting of the mobile blade 12.

[0037] Figure 9 The mobile blade 12 of the clasp according to an embodiment of the application is shown. This mobile blade has a U-shaped shape, comprising two side arms 13 intended to fit outside the side surfaces of the central blade 2 in the closed configuration, as Figures 2 to 4 can be seen. The two side arms 13 comprise a first free end which is connected, provided with an opening 19 intended to receive a first pin 10 for a pivoting connection with one end of the central blade 2. In addition, the mobile blade 12 also comprises a crossbar 14 forming the bottom of the U, which connects the two side arms 13 at their second end. This crossbar 14 comprises a transverse through-hole 18 intended to receive a second connecting pin 30 for a hinge connection with the chain band. Finally, each side arm 13 comprises, on its inner surface, a recessed region 15 intended to cooperate with the securing means which will be described below.

[0038] In the closed configuration of the clasp, the two crossbars 14 of the two movable leaves 12 are respectively fitted in the recessed portions 4 of the central leaf 2 and the side arms 13 of each movable leaf are positioned almost in contact on the left and right sides of the central leaf. Thus, the movable leaves and the central leaf are substantially on the same level. As Figure 5 shown in the cross section through Figure 4 the intermediate longitudinal section AA, the shape of the recessed portions 4 is adapted to the crossbars 14 so that these bars are placed completely in these recessed portions, in particular without protruding or only slightly protruding from the upper surface 5 of the central leaf 2. The recessed portions 4 comprise a convex rounded bottom with a higher surface in the central portion, thereby forming two recesses substantially delimited by a wall in the shape of a portion of a circle and having a radius of curvature adapted to the cylindrical crossbars 14. In addition, the side arms 13 have a height and a shape corresponding to those of the central leaf 2 so that these side arms 13 do not protrude in the vertical direction from the central leaf 2 in the closed configuration of the clasp. This arrangement minimizes the volume of the clasp in the closed configuration in order to minimize its impact on the entire chain belt, as described below.

[0039] In addition, the clasp 1 is equipped with Figure 10 and Figure 11 a number of securing devices 20, the function of which is to participate in retaining the movable leaves 12 in place in the closed configuration of the clasp, in order to prevent unintentional accidental opening of the clasp. Each securing device 20 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 comprising a ball 22 at each open end, the ball 22 being loaded in a preloaded configuration by a helical spring 23. In repose, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, each helical spring 23 exerts a force on the associated ball 22, the force being directed toward the outside of the securing device 20. Thus, each ball 22 is held against the inside wall of the securing device while protruding from the two end portions of the device. The securing devices 20 are configured to be positioned in the lateral openings 6 of the central leaf 2 so that each of the two balls 22 protrudes on the outside of the side walls on the left and right sides of the central leaf, respectively.

[0040] During the operation of closing the clasp, the side arms 13 of the movable leaves 12 rest on the protruding balls 22, causing them to retract temporarily inside the securing devices 20 against the force exerted by the associated helical springs 23. When said side arms 13 continue to move to their final closed position, the balls 22 are positioned alongside the recessed areas 15 arranged in the inner surfaces of these side arms 13, which allows the balls 22 to recover their protruding rest position under the action of their associated springs. Thus, the balls 22 are fitted in the recessed areas 15 of the side arms 13 of the movable leaves 12. Each recessed area 15 comprises a horizontal or even chamfered surface delimiting it, which is positioned in the lower portion in the closed configuration of the clasp, asFigure 6 As shown, this horizontal surface forms a stop 16 by resting on the ball 22, thus preventing the mobile blades 12 from moving upwardly open and thus ensuring the function of remaining in place. This arrangement, in particular the force exerted by the helical spring 23, is designed to prevent accidental opening of the clasp 1, while allowing it to be opened by the user's intentional force.

[0041] Figure 12 The clasp is shown engaged to the two chain links 40 by the second connecting pin 30 of the two mobile blades 12 as described above. The clasp is in its deployed configuration, whose total length corresponds to the sum of the length of the central blade 2 and the length of the two mobile blades 12, which greatly increases the total length of the chain links, so as to pass the hand.

[0042] Figure 13 The same chain links are shown in the open position of the clasp, in a view from below. This shows that the first link 42 of each chain link, close to the mobile blade, has a recessed area 45 on its lower surface, the geometry of which allows at least partial fitting of half of the clasp in the closed configuration, so as to hide it in the closed configuration of the clasp and minimize its aesthetic impact.

[0043] Figure 14 The intermediate closing phase of the clasp of the chain links is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The closing configuration of the clasp of the chain links is shown. To do this, the two blades are pivoted around their respective first pin 10 until reaching Figure 15 The closed configuration is shown. In this closed position, the two crossbars 14 and therefore the second connecting pin 30 are inserted into the recessed portion of the central blade 2 of the clasp, which brings the upper surface of each end of the chain link 40 almost into contact, thus creating the impression of a continuous chain link in a view from above, the clasp being invisible. This impression is reinforced by the subsequent complete or partial fitting of the clasp in the recessed area 45 of the first link 42 of the chain link. In this way, even in a side view of Figure 15 The clasp 1 is almost invisible in the closed configuration, even in a side view of

[0044] It should be noted that the width of the links of the chain links is therefore greater than the width of the clasp. This width can be greater than or equal to 30%, even 50%, even twice the width of the clasp.

[0045] The various blades of the clasp can be made of metal or metal alloy (for example, titanium) or of ceramic. As a variant, they can be made of a plastic material such as PEEK, or of a composite material such as a carbon-based composite material.

[0046] As mentioned above, the application also relates to an article, which can be a bracelet. It therefore also relates to a timepiece, for example a watch, which can comprise such a bracelet. More generally, it also relates to an ornamental article or a timepiece comprising such a bracelet.

[0047] It goes without saying that the application is not limited to the described embodiments. In particular, the securing means 20 can be different. The number of balls in the ball / spring assembly can be different. As a variant, the securing means can be formed by means other than a ball / spring assembly, for example by another means comprising a resiliently movable securing element. This securing element can be formed by a laterally resilient leaf obtained directly by a cut made in the material of the central leaf of the clasp.

[0048] The shape of the elements of the clasp can be different. In particular, the mobile leaves always comprise two lateral arms resting on the sides of the central leaf. However, they do not necessarily have a U-shaped shape, the second connecting pin 30 can replace the crossbar 14.

[0049] The application also relates to a clasp for a bracelet, the member comprising a central leaf and two mobile leaves, each mobile leaf being hinged at a longitudinal end of the central leaf, wherein the central leaf comprises at least one transverse opening for receiving a securing means to hold the mobile leaves in place in the closed configuration of the clasp. This securing means can comprise two ball / spring assemblies.

Claims

1. A fastener (1) for chain belts, comprising a central blade (2) and two movable blades (12), each movable blade (12) being hinged at a longitudinal end of the central blade (2), wherein each movable blade (12) has two side arms (13) for fitting outside the lateral surface of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration of the fastener (1), the two side arms (13) comprising a first free end connected to the longitudinal end of the central blade (2) by a first pin (10), and a second end capable of receiving a second connecting pin (30) to connect with a chain belt hinge (40), the central blade (2) comprising in its upper central surface a recessed portion (4) for receiving in the closed configuration of the fastener (1) such a second connecting pin (30) arranged at the second end of the side arms (13), wherein each movable blade (12) comprising a U shape with a crossbar (14) connecting the two side arms (13) at their second end, the crossbar (14) comprising a transverse opening (18) capable of receiving a second connecting pin (30) to connect with a chain belt hinge (40).

2. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 1, wherein The lower surface (3) of the central blade (2) is planar or convex with respect to its upper surface (5).

3. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 1, wherein, The fastener comprises at least one fixing device (20) arranged in the central blade (2) for fixing each movable blade (12) to keep the movable blades (12) in place in the closed configuration of the fastener.

4. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 3, wherein The fixing device (20) is a ball / spring assembly or a flexible blade.

5. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 4, wherein The central blade (2) comprises at least one transverse opening (6) on either side of its recessed portion (4) to receive in each of the transverse openings (6) a fixing device (20) comprising two ball / spring assemblies.

6. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 3, wherein The fastener comprises a recessed area (15) and a stop (16) arranged in the surface of at least one side arm (13) to cooperate with the fixing device (20) in the closed configuration of the fastener.

7. The fastener (1) for a chain belt according to claim 2, wherein The geometry of the side arms (13) of the movable blades (12) is adapted to the geometry of the central blade (2) so that they do not protrude in the vertical direction from the upper surface (5) of the central blade (2) nor from the lower surface (3) of the central blade (2) in the closed configuration of the fastener.

8. A chain belt, wherein, The chain belt comprises two chain belt hinges (40) connected by the fastener (1) according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The chain belt of claim 8, wherein, The first link (42) of each chain belt hinge (40) comprises a recessed area (45) in which at least part of the fastener (1) fits in the closed configuration of the fastener.

10. An article of jewelry, wherein, It comprises the chain belt according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A timepiece, wherein It comprises the chain belt according to claim 8 or 9.

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