Lock catch with folding buckle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock catch (1) for a fastener strap, which can assume a closed position designed to hold the fastener strap on the wrist of its wearer and an open position adapted to remove the fastener strap from the hand of its wearer, it is characterised in that it comprises a central piece (10), at least one intermediate piece (20) mounted so as to be pivotably movable on one end (11) of the central piece (10) by means of a first end (21), and a second piece (24) mounted so as to be pivotably movable on a second end (24) of the intermediate piece (20) by means of a first end (31) and comprising means for receiving a chain strap (2) on a second end (34) the central piece (10) comprises at least one intermediate piece (20) and at least one end piece (30) of the member of the lock catch, and wherein the central piece (10), the at least one intermediate piece (20) and the at least one end piece (30) are assembled together in the transverse direction in the closed position of the lock catch without forming any excess thickness in the direction perpendicular to the lock catch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle with a folding buckle for a watch bracelet, and to a bracelet comprising the buckle, and also to a watch comprising the buckle. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a buckle with a folding clasp for a bracelet of a timepiece is usually arranged between the two straps of the bracelet, so as to always remain fixed on the ends of the two straps. This buckle occupies two positions: a closed position, which is arranged for wearing a timepiece, in which the bracelet and the buckle extend on the periphery of the wrist, with a total length capable of fixing the timepiece; and an open position, which is capable of increasing the length of the bracelet and the buckle by separating the two ends of the two straps of the bracelet without removing them from the buckle, so as to allow the hand to pass through them and remove the watch. In this open configuration of the buckle, the two straps of the bracelet are not separated, minimizing the risk of the watch falling.

[0003] In this context, such a lock of the prior art comprises two pieces assembled to be rotationally movable at the two ends of a central piece respectively and capable of being folded onto the central piece, and a button device capable of unlocking the lock to transform it from a closed position to an open position.

[0004] However, one of the drawbacks of this type of clasp is that it is very bulky due to the complex assembly of the parts it comprises, in particular the actuating and locking mechanisms, the folding plates, which for aesthetic reasons are usually arranged under the cover or even under the bracelet. This bulkiness therefore significantly alters the comfort associated with wearing the timepiece. Moreover, this bulkiness also has a significant and negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the clasp and therefore on the timepiece. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to eliminate these disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, which is able to occupy a closed position designed to hold the bracelet on the wrist of its wearer and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, wherein it comprises a central piece, at least one intermediate piece assembled to be pivotally movable on an end of the central piece via a first end, and at least one end piece assembled to be pivotally movable on a second end of the intermediate piece via a first end and comprising an element for receiving a bracelet strip at the second end, and wherein the central piece, at least one intermediate piece and at least one end piece are assembled together in a transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp without forming any excess thickness in a direction at right angles to the clasp.

[0007] The lock may include resilient retaining means for stabilizing the closed position of the lock.

[0008] In the closed position of the buckle, the central panel, the at least one intermediate panel and the at least one end panel do not create any excess thickness of the buckle due to vertical overlap.

[0009] In the closed position of the clasp, the central piece, the at least one intermediate piece and the at least one end piece occupy a configuration such that their top surfaces form a continuous surface.

[0010] At least one middle piece may include two parallel branches to be positioned on both sides of the center piece in the transverse direction in the closed position of the lock, and at least one end piece may also include two parallel branches to be positioned correspondingly in the transverse direction on both sides of the parallel branches of at least one middle piece in the closed position of the lock.

[0011] The center sheet, the at least one intermediate sheet, and the at least one end sheet may have substantially the same maximum thickness or average thickness.

[0012] The maximum thickness of the lock in the closed position or its average thickness may be less than or equal to 3.5 mm, even less than or equal to 3 mm, even less than or equal to 2.8 mm.

[0013] The lengths of at least one middle panel and at least one end panel may be substantially the same.

[0014] The central piece may comprise setbacks for accommodating the transverse branches of the intermediate piece without excess thickness in the closed position of the buckle.

[0015] The buckle may include a resilient retaining means comprising a through slot formed in the central piece.

[0016] The buckle may comprise two intermediate pieces mounted to pivot on a common central piece and two end pieces mounted to pivot on each intermediate piece, respectively, so as to form a symmetrical structure with respect to a transverse median plane of the buckle.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a chain belt, which comprises two chain belt strips fixed on the aforementioned buckle.

[0018] In the closed position of the buckle, a top surface of at least one of the straps may be continuous with a top surface of the buckle.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch or jewelry, comprising the aforementioned bracelet.

[0020] The invention also relates to a bracelet for a timepiece, comprising such a clasp with a folding clasp and such a timepiece comprising such a clasp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A first perspective view of a bracelet equipped with a buckle in an open position is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 A second perspective view showing a bracelet equipped with a buckle in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 A top perspective view showing a bracelet equipped with a buckle in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 A side view showing a bracelet equipped with a buckle in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 A side view showing a bracelet equipped with a buckle in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 A bottom view showing a bracelet equipped with a buckle in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, the same reference numerals denote parts that are the same or have similar functions.

[0029] The adjectives "top" and "bottom" will be used to refer to the portion or surface oriented on the side visible to the user wearing the buckle or bracelet including the buckle and the opposite portion or surface oriented towards the wrist of the user wearing the buckle or bracelet including the buckle, respectively.

[0030] In addition, by convention, the term "longitudinal direction" will be used for any direction aligned with the length of the bracelet placed on the wrist, and the same applies to the clasp of the bracelet. The "transverse direction" will be the direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction in the plane of the bracelet or clasp. The "vertical direction" will be oriented at right angles to the first two directions, from the bottom to the top of the bracelet or clasp.

[0031] A specific embodiment of a clasp with a folding clasp will now be described in detail in a non-limiting manner.

[0032] like Figure 1-6As shown, the buckle 1 with a folding buckle according to the embodiment has a symmetrical structure about a vertical transverse middle plane. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to represent symmetrically arranged components. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to asymmetrical buckles, or buckles including a structure limited to only one of the two sides.

[0033] Lock 1 can occupy Figure 3 , 5 6 and 7 are suitable for holding the bracelet in a closed position on the wrist of its wearer and Figure 1 , 2 and 4 show an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer.

[0034] This buckle 1 comprises a central piece 10, on which two intermediate pieces 20 respectively located at the two ends 11 of the central piece 10 are arranged to be pivotally movable. More specifically, the first end 21 of each intermediate piece 20 is arranged to be rotatably movable at the end 11 of the central piece 10 via a transverse axis not shown.

[0035] The central piece 10 also comprises according to an embodiment, in its top surface, in its central portion, a setback 15 for receiving, in the closed position of the buckle, a transverse portion 23 provided at the second end 24 of each intermediate piece 20 , as will be explained in detail below.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the setback 15 of the central piece is equipped with elastic retaining means for retaining the intermediate piece 20 in the closed position of the lock, making this position stable. The lock cannot be opened accidentally.

[0037] The intermediate piece 20 has a U-shaped shape and comprises two parallel branches 22 connected by a transverse branch 23 at a second end 24 opposite to their first end 21 connected to the central piece 10. This configuration allows the two parallel branches 22 to be positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction on both sides of the central piece 10, taking into account the transverse direction, in the closed position of the carabiner. In this closed position, the transverse branch 23 of the intermediate piece 20 is to be housed in the setback 15 of the central piece 10. To this end, it has a reduced thickness so as to be able to be housed in the recess formed by the setback 15 without generating an excess thickness of the carabiner. In other words, the thickness of the transverse branch 23 plus the thickness of the central piece 10 at its setback is substantially equal to the thickness of the central piece 10 outside the setback 15 and substantially equal to the thickness of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate piece 20.

[0038] The buckle 1 also comprises an end piece 30 comprising two parallel branches 32 comprising a first end 31 fitted to be movable in rotation at the second end 24 of the intermediate piece 20 via a transverse axis not shown. These end pieces 30 also comprise means for receiving the end of the chain strip 2 at their respective second ends 34. Advantageously, the chain strip 2 is fitted to be movable pivotally relative to the end piece 30 at this second end 34. This fitting may be removable. Any known mechanical solution may be implemented to fix the chain strip 2.

[0039] This configuration enables the two parallel branches 32 of the end piece 30 to be positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction on either side of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate piece 20 , taking into account the transverse direction, in the closed position of the buckle.

[0040] The invention offers the advantage of allowing the volume of the lock in the closed position to be greatly reduced, such as Figure 3 As shown. In fact, according to an embodiment, the three sheets 10, 20, 30 of the buckle are to be assembled or interlocked in each other in the transverse direction. Except for the transverse branch 23 of the middle sheet 20 of small thickness to be accommodated in the retreat portion 15 of the central sheet, they do not overlap in the vertical direction. With this construction, as mentioned above, this overlap does not lead to any excess thickness. Therefore, in the closed position of the buckle, the sheets 10, 20, 30 do not produce any excess thickness of the buckle 1, which is different from the result obtained by the traditional construction of vertical overlap including at least two sheets, even chain belts or buckle covers. All the sheets and parts of the buckle are therefore preferably assembled only in the transverse direction, without overlapping in the vertical direction except for the central closed part. The total maximum thickness of the buckle in the closed position therefore corresponds to the maximum thickness of the thickest sheet of the buckle. The closed position of the buckle does not increase its thickness compared to its fully expanded position.

[0041] Furthermore, optimally, the length of the intermediate piece 20 and the end piece 30 is chosen to correspond to half the length of the central piece 10. Furthermore, the width of these three pieces, measured in the transverse direction, is such that the total width of the buckle corresponds to the width of the fastener strip 2. Finally, the thickness of each of the pieces 10, 20, 30, measured in the vertical direction, is minimized.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the width of the sheets of the buckle is such that they fit in the lateral direction with little play in the closed position of the buckle, i.e. without leaving a visible gap between them. In addition, the thickness between the sheets is also of the same order of magnitude. They in fact have substantially the same maximum thickness or average thickness. It is thus possible to form a continuous top surface of the buckle in the closed position. Advantageously, this surface is curved to follow the shape of the wrist.

[0043] In addition, this top surface of the lock in the closed position is preferably continuous with the top surface of the chain strip 2 connected to the lock. In this closed position, the end 11 of the center piece 10, the first end 21 of the middle piece 20 and the second end 34 of the end piece 30 are to be aligned in the transverse direction. These ends are therefore in contact with the chain strip 2 fixed to the end piece 30. This geometric structure allows the lock to give the impression that it is part of the chain rather than a different lock. In fact, its top surface forms a generally continuous surface, and the thickness is also substantially constant and / or continuous. This solution can therefore not only minimize the volume of the lock, but also achieve a particularly interesting and unique aesthetic effect. In order to support this effect, the same material or even similar materials can be selected between the lock and the chain strip.

[0044] In the central part of the buckle, the two transverse branches 23 of the two intermediate pieces 20 are in contact with each other to ensure continuity between the two symmetrical sides of the buckle and, by extension, between the two straps. The length of the setback 15 of the central piece 10 thus corresponds to the length of the two transverse branches 23 to be accommodated.

[0045] Thus, in the closed position, the buckle can appear to have a minimal thickness that is barely greater than the chain strip 2. In particular, in the closed position, the buckle has a maximum thickness less than or equal to 3.5 mm, even less than or equal to 3 mm, even less than or equal to 2.8 mm, for example about 2.6 mm. This maximum thickness is in the center of the buckle. It is thinner on the sides, having a thickness similar to that of the chain strip, for example less than or equal to 1.5 mm, even less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0046] All the pieces of the buckle can be of the same material. In a variant, different materials can be selected. The material can be a metal, such as titanium, steel or gold. In a variant, the material can be a ceramic and / or a carbon-based composite material and / or another material.

[0047] As mentioned above, the lock catch is preferably provided with an elastic retaining device for maintaining its closed position. This closed position of the lock catch is selected to be sufficiently stable so that it cannot be accidentally opened. According to one embodiment, this retaining device relies on the use of an elastic element, the actuation of which against the elastic force exerted by it allows the lock catch to be opened or closed. At rest, the elastic force of the elastic element acts on the lock catch to maintain its closed position.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the retaining device is formed by a simple slot 16 formed in the thickness of the setback 15 of the center piece. More specifically, in the example shown, there are four slots 16, which are symmetrically arranged about the center point of the center piece 10. Each slot 16 extends from the lateral end of the setback 15 in the transverse direction, then forms a quarter circle extending in the longitudinal direction and stops in the thickest part of the center piece 10. The function of these four slots 16 is to provide the center piece 10 with the characteristic of elastic deformation in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction, so as to be able to form the elastic retaining device of the lock. These slots 16 are through slots extending through the entire thickness of the center piece. Of course, other retaining devices can also be implemented, such as based on different elastic sheets or based on any other elastic retaining system. In a variant, the construction of the lock can ensure that its closed position is considered to be sufficiently stable, in which case the elastic retaining device will no longer be mandatory. It is therefore optional.

[0049] The operation of the lock 1 according to the invention will now be described. Starting from the open, therefore unfolded position of the lock 1, the intermediate piece 20 pivots around the end 11 of the central piece 10. Their movement continues until the transverse branches 23 are housed in the hollow 15 of the central piece 10. In order to reach this position, an elastic force is exerted on the central piece 10, which then exerts an elastic return force tending to keep the intermediate pieces 20 in their closed position. To this end, the central piece 10 may include slightly protruding side edges 17 at the slot 16, which cooperate with corresponding shapes 27 arranged in the inner side edges of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate piece 20. Therefore, when the parallel branches 22 face the side edges of the central piece 10, their corresponding shapes 27 abut against the protruding side edges 17, which elastically deform. This results in the exertion of transverse elastic forces on said corresponding shapes 27 of the intermediate piece 20, which helps to keep them in the closed position. The combination of the slot 16, the protruding side edges 17 and the corresponding shapes 27 thus forms the elastic retaining means of the lock.

[0050] The end pieces 30 are pivoted around the second end 24 of the intermediate piece 20 until they are parallel and at the same level as the intermediate piece 20. Preferably, an abutment 28 is provided to define the final position of these end pieces 30. According to an embodiment, this abutment 28 is formed by a pin provided on the outer side of their parallel branches 22 at the first end 21 of the intermediate piece 20. The inner side of the parallel branches 32 of the end pieces 30 comprises a hollow 38 in which the pin is accommodated when the abutment position is reached. It should be noted that the position of the end pieces 30 is essentially stable in the closed position of the lock. It is not necessary to provide complementary retaining means dedicated to holding the two intermediate pieces 20 and the end pieces 30 together.

[0051] Opening of the clasp 1 is achieved by reverse actuation by applying a force sufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic retaining means and subsequently spreading the different leaves relative to each other.

[0052] In a variant, a buckle of small thickness different from the buckle described by way of example can be formed using an assembly formed by a first sheet of the central sheet 10 type, a second sheet of the intermediate sheet 20 type and a third sheet of the end sheet 30 type. The buckle can comprise only a single assembly as described above, instead of two assemblies of a symmetrical structure according to the embodiment described.

[0053] Additionally, such an assembly of three pieces may have a different geometry than that described, provided that the three pieces at least partially overlap in the lateral direction rather than the vertical direction in the closed position, thereby not creating any excess thickness in the vertical direction and not creating a thicker buckle in the closed position.

[0054] Advantageously, the three sheets 10 , 20 , 30 are rigid sheets.

[0055] The invention also relates to any bracelet comprising such a clasp 1. It may be a bracelet of a watch. Such a clasp may be used more generally for any object to be fastened to the wrist or any other part. The object may be, for example, a diving accessory such as a depth gauge or a diving computer, or even a piece of jewellery. The bracelet may be of any type, for example made of a flexible plastic material, leather, or assembled from metal links.

[0056] Finally, the invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a bracelet or such a clasp.

Claims

1. A clasp (1) for a bracelet capable of occupying a closed position designed to retain the bracelet on the wrist of its wearer and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, wherein: The buckle comprises a central piece (10), at least one intermediate piece (20) and at least one end piece (30), wherein the at least one intermediate piece (20) is assembled to be pivotally movable on an end (11) of the central piece (10) via a first end (21), and the at least one end piece (30) is assembled to be pivotally movable on a second end (24) of the intermediate piece (20) via a first end (31) and comprises an element for receiving a chain strip (2) on the second end (34), and wherein the central piece (10), the at least one intermediate piece (20) and the at least one end piece (30) are assembled together in a transverse direction in the closed position of the buckle without forming any excess thickness in a direction at right angles to the buckle.

2. The lock buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein: In the closed position, the total maximum thickness of the buckle corresponds to the maximum thickness of the thickest sheet of the buckle among the central sheet (10), the at least one intermediate sheet (20) and the end sheets (30).

3. The lock buckle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: It comprises elastic retaining means for stabilizing the closed position of the lock.

4. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the closed position, the central piece (10), the at least one intermediate piece (20) and the at least one end piece (30) do not produce any excess thickness of the lock buckle (1) due to vertical overlap, or wherein the central piece (10), the at least one intermediate piece (20) and the at least one end piece (30) are assembled together essentially exclusively in the transverse direction without overlapping.

5. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the closed position, the central sheet (10), the at least one intermediate sheet (20) and the at least one end sheet (30) occupy a configuration such that their top surfaces form a continuous surface.

6. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one intermediate piece (20) comprises two parallel branches (22) to be positioned on both sides of the central piece (10) in the transverse direction in the closed position, and wherein the at least one end piece (30) also comprises two parallel branches (32) to be positioned correspondingly in the transverse direction on both sides of the parallel branches (22) of the at least one intermediate piece (20) in the closed position.

7. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The central sheet (10), the at least one intermediate sheet (20) and the at least one end sheet (30) have substantially the same maximum thickness or average thickness.

8. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum thickness of the lock in the closed position is less than or equal to 3.5 mm, even less than or equal to 3 mm, even less than or equal to 2.8 mm.

9. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one middle piece (20) and the at least one end piece (30) are substantially the same length.

10. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The central sheet (10) comprises setbacks (15) for accommodating the transverse branches (23) of the intermediate sheet (20) without excess thickness in the closed position.

11. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: It comprises elastic retaining means comprising a through slot (16) formed in said central sheet (10).

12. The buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: It comprises two intermediate pieces (20) assembled to pivot on the same central piece (10) and two end pieces (30) assembled to pivot on each intermediate piece (20) to form a symmetrical structure relative to the transverse middle plane of the lock buckle (1).

13. A chain belt, wherein: It comprises two straps (2) fixed to a clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The link belt according to claim 13, wherein: In the closed position of the buckle, the top surface of at least one of the chain straps (2) is continuous with the top surface of the buckle.

15. A timepiece, especially a watch or a piece of jewellery, wherein: It comprises the link belt according to claim 13 or 14.

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