Buckle fastener for watchband

Abstract

The invention relates to a buckle fastener (1) comprising: at least one cover body (7, 8) having an inner bottom (10) and two side walls which define an inner chamber (16) for receiving a strip segment (18), the upper surface (20a) of which faces the bottom (10) of the cover body (7, 8); and a fastening device for fastening the strip segment (18) in the cavity (16) of the cover body (7, 8). The fastening device comprises: a first lever (30) comprising at least one retaining member (32) for cooperating with a strip segment (18) to retain the strip segment in a cavity (16) of a housing (7, 8), the first lever (30) being pivotally mounted in the cavity (16) to pivot about a first axis of rotation (26) between a first position and a second position, a first rotating shaft connecting the two side walls of the housing (7, 8), in a first position in which the retaining member (32) of the first lever is remote from the bottom (10) of the housing (7, 8) so that the strip segment (16) can be inserted into the cavity (16) of the housing (7, 8), and in a second position in which the retaining member (32) is close to the bottom (10) of the housing (7, 8) so as to be able to engage with the strip segment (18); and a second lever (34) pivotably mounted in the cavity (16) of the cover (7, 8) to pivot between at least one open position and one closed position about a second axis of rotation (36) parallel to and lower than the first axis of rotation (26), the second lever (34) comprising at least one contact member (40), the at least one contact member is arranged so as not to compress the first lever (30) in its first position when the second lever (34) is in its open position, and so as to cooperate with the first lever (30) when the second lever (34) is moved from its open position to its closed position, when the second lever (34) is in its closed position, the at least one contact member cooperates with the first lever (30) in its second position to compress the first lever (30) towards the bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8) to lock the first lever (30) to ensure that the watchband (18) is fastened to the cover (7, 8), when the second lever (34) is in its closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle fastener for a strip, the buckle fastener comprising at least one cover having an inner bottom and two side walls, the inner bottom and the two side walls together defining an internal cavity for receiving one end of a strip segment, wherein the upper surface of the strip segment faces the bottom of the cover, the strip buckle fastener further comprising a fastening means for securing the end of the strip segment within the internal cavity of the cover. Background Technology

[0002] This type of buckle can be either a pin buckle or a folding buckle.

[0003] For example, the applicant's patent EP3162241 describes a folding buckle fastener. This document describes how the ends of strap segments are secured to their respective housings via a crossbar, which connects the two side walls of the housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap segments. However, if, for example, when purchasing a watch or changing the strap, it is necessary to remove the strap from the fastener to adjust it to the appropriate length, this crossbar requires specific tools to assemble / disassemble the strap segments. Furthermore, the crossbar itself cannot adjust the strap length to fit the wearer's wrist size. Therefore, strap segments of different lengths are required.

[0004] To enable segment length adjustment using this crossbar system, it has been proposed to incorporate crossbars inside the housing, which are housed in grooves on the lower surface of the ends of the strip segments. Different grooves could be designed to allow for segment length adjustment. However, this fastening device is more suitable for strips made of composite or elastomer materials, but not for strips made of leather, as grooves cannot be formed in leather. Furthermore, the device still requires specific tools for assembling / removing the strip. Therefore, without the aid of tools, it is impossible to remove the strip from the fastener to adjust its length or replace it.

[0005] Another solution to achieve the appropriate strip length is to use one strip segment with an adjustable length, while the other strip has a fixed length. However, a drawback of this solution is that it can cause the strip closure system to become off-center, resulting in discomfort when worn. Furthermore, in this solution, the two segments are stacked, resulting in a greater overall thickness of the strip. If strip replacement is required, the device still requires specific tools to remove the strips.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a buckle fastener that includes a fastening device for securing strip segments, enabling simple and reliable assembly / disassembly of strip segments without tools, and in particular, enabling the strip segments to be removed to adjust them to the appropriate size or to be replaced.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a buckle fastener that includes a fastening device for securing strip segments, ensuring that the strip is centered and that each segment can be easily disassembled, adjusted to the appropriate size, and reassembled.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a buckle fastener comprising a fastening device for securing thin strip segments, the fastening device being compatible with all materials conventionally used for manufacturing watch straps, and more specifically, compatible with materials having a certain degree of flexibility and elasticity (such as leather, composite materials or elastomer materials), thereby enabling the same fastener to be used for different types of straps.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a buckle fastener that includes a fastening device for securing strip segments, thereby enabling simple comfort adjustment settings. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a buckle fastener for a strip, the buckle fastener comprising: at least one cover having an inner bottom and two side walls defining an internal cavity for receiving an end of a strip segment, wherein the upper surface of the strip segment faces the bottom of the cover; and a fastening means for fastening the end of the strip segment in the internal cavity of the cover.

[0011] According to the invention, the fastening device comprises: a first lever including at least one retaining member for engaging with an end of a strip segment to retain the end of the strip segment within an internal cavity of a housing, the first lever being pivotally mounted in the internal cavity of the housing such that it is pivotable between a first position and a second position about a first rotation axis connecting two sidewalls of the housing and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment; in the first position, the retaining member of the first lever is away from the bottom of the housing so that the end of the strip segment can be inserted into the internal cavity of the housing; in the second position, the retaining member is near the bottom of the housing such that it is engaged with the lower surface of the end of the strip segment; and a second lever, the second lever being pivotally mounted in the internal cavity of the housing such that it is pivotable between at least one open position and a closed position about a second rotation axis parallel to and below the first rotation axis; the second lever including a handle operable by a user and at least one contact member arranged such that: When the second lever is in its open position, the at least one contact member will not compress the first lever in its first position. - When the second lever moves from its open position to its closed position, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever to move the first lever from its first position to its second position. - When the second lever is in its closed position, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever in its second position to compress the first lever toward the bottom of the cover, thereby locking the first lever in the second position to ensure that the end of the strip segment is secured to the cover.

[0012] Fastening devices with buckles can advantageously include comfort adjustment mechanisms.

[0013] According to the first embodiment, the buckle fastener is a folding buckle fastener and includes a base belt and at least one pivot belt, one end of which is hinged to one end of the base belt and is capable of folding back onto the base belt at least partially, and the other end of the pivot belt is mounted to be hinged about a third rotation axis, which is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the first rotation axis of the first lever.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the folding fastener includes: two pivot straps, one end of each pivot strap being hinged to the two ends of a base strap and capable of folding back onto the base strap; two covers, each for accommodating one end of a strip segment, the other end of each pivot strap being hingedly mounted on its respective cover; and two fastening devices, each fastening device including a first lever and a second lever.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the buckle fastener is a tongue-shaped buckle fastener, the cover body and the buckle are integrated, and the axis carrying the tongue is parallel to the first rotation axis of the first lever.

[0016] This buckle fastener allows for easy assembly and disassembly of strip segments, such as for adjustment to the correct size or replacement, resulting in a perfectly centered strip. Furthermore, this fastener requires only one segment thickness, keeping the overall strip thickness low. This buckle fastener is suitable for strips made of leather as well as those made of composite or elastomer materials. Therefore, the same fastener can be used for different types of strips. The fastener also provides an easy-to-implement comfort adjustment setting. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, provided as non-limiting examples, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the buckle fastener of the present invention, wherein the fastener is a folding buckle fastener with two strip segments mounted thereon; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A truncated view showing the interior of the folding buckle fastener according to the first embodiment; - Figure 3 yes Figure 1Exploded view of the fastener's cover, pivot strip, and fastening device for securing one end of the strip segment; - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fastener along the longitudinal axis of the strip, not showing the pivot strip and the base strip; - Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c It shows Figure 1 The different stages of assembly of the strip segments in the folding buckle fastener, from the first position of the first lever (the second lever is in the open position) Figure 5a ()) to the second position of the first lever (the second lever is in the closed position) Figure 5c )); - Figure 6 This is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the buckle fastener of the present invention, wherein the fastener is a tongue-shaped buckle fastener; - Figure 7 It is based on Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the strip of the tongue-shaped buckle fastener of the second embodiment; - Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An exploded view of the fastener's tongue-shaped buckle, cover, and fastening device for securing one end of the strip segment; - Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the cover, pivot strip, and fastening device for fastening one end of the strip segment according to a third embodiment of the buckle fastener of the present invention. - Figure 10 This is an equiaxed cross-sectional view of the end of the strip segment according to the third embodiment; - Figure 11a , Figure 11b and Figure 11c The diagram shows different segments of the strip segments assembled in the folding buckle fastener according to the third embodiment, from the first position of the first lever (the second lever is in the open position) Figure 11a ()) to the second position of the first lever (the second lever is in the closed position) Figure 11c ));and - Figure 12a , Figure 12b and Figure 12c The different stages of comfort adjustment of the strip segments in the folding buckle fastener according to the third embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention relates to a buckle fastener for straps, particularly watch straps, the buckle fastener comprising at least one housing having an inner bottom and two side walls defining an internal cavity for receiving one end of a strap segment, wherein the upper surface of the strap segment faces the bottom of the housing, the buckle fastener further comprising a fastening means for securing the end of the strap segment within the internal cavity of the housing.

[0019] The fastening device advantageously includes: a first lever, pivotally mounted within the internal cavity of the cover for pivoting about a first rotation axis connected to two side walls of the cover and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment; and a second lever, pivotally mounted within the internal cavity of the cover for pivoting about a second rotation axis parallel to and lower than the first rotation axis. The first and second levers are arranged to cooperate such that the first lever can be pressed onto the strip and locked by the second lever to ensure that the strip segment is fastened to the cover.

[0020] In this specification, the "longitudinal axis" of a fastener element refers to the axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the strip when the strip is fastened to the buckle. Similarly, certain parts of the fastener may be referred to as the "upper part" and "lower part" respectively, referring to the outer and inner sides of the strip.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 5c The first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the buckle fastener is a folding buckle fastener 1 for straps, particularly watch straps.

[0022] For more specific reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable buckle fastener 1 includes a base belt 2, and two pivot belts 3 and 4 are hinged at one end by hinges 5 and 6. The pivot belts 3 and 4 can be folded back onto the base belt 1.

[0023] The other end of each pivot belt 3, 4 is hinged to the cover 7, 8. When the pivot belts 3, 4 are folded back onto the base belt 1, the cover 7, 8 are mated to close the belt.

[0024] Reference Figure 3 Each housing 7, 8 includes an inner bottom 10 and two sidewalls 12, 14 facing the strips 2, 3, 4. The inner bottom and the two sidewalls define an internal cavity 16 opening toward the strips 2, 3, 4 for receiving one end 18a of a strip segment 18, the upper surface 20a of which faces the inner bottom 10 of the housing 7, 8. The inner bottom 10 of the housing 7, 8 may advantageously have at least one pin 22 (in this case, rib-like), which is arranged to engage in a corresponding groove 24 provided on the upper surface 20a of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 when the strip segment 18 is installed in the internal cavity 16.

[0025] The other ends of the pivot belts 3 and 4 are hinged around a rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the third rotation axis 26, which connects the two side walls 12 and 14 of the cover 7 and 8 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The third rotation axis 26 is installed in two holes 27 in the side walls 12 and 14.

[0026] The folding buckle fastener also includes a locking mechanism 28, which is arranged to lock the pivot straps 3, 4 onto / unlock them from the base strap 2. Such a locking mechanism is described, for example, in patent EP3162241 and will not be described in detail here.

[0027] Pivoting bands 3 and 4 are perforated. Base band 1 itself also has perforations in the side areas, but the central portion of the base band used to accommodate the locking mechanism 28 is solid.

[0028] The folding buckle fastener 1 also includes a fastening device for securing the end 18a of the strip segment 18 in the internal cavity 16 of each cover 7, 8.

[0029] According to the invention, the fastening device includes a first lever 30, which includes at least one retaining member 32 for engaging with an end 18a of a strip segment 18 to retain the end of the strip segment within an internal cavity 16 of an associated housing 7, 8. The first lever 30 is pivotally mounted within the internal cavity 16 of the housing 7, 8, thereby pivoting about a first axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation connects two sidewalls 12, 14 of the housing 7, 8 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment 18. Therefore, the first axis of rotation is parallel to the third axis of rotation 26 of the associated pivoting bands 3, 4. As illustrated in the example, the first axis of rotation of the first lever 30 preferably coincides with the third axis of rotation 26 of the associated pivoting bands 3, 4. Therefore, in the following description, the first axis of rotation is designated as 26.

[0030] The first lever 30 is arranged to pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the retaining member 32 of the first lever is away from the inner bottom 10 of the associated housings 7, 8, so that the end 18a of the strip segment 18 can be inserted into the internal cavity 16, such as... Figure 5a As shown; in the second position, the retaining member 32 is close to the inner bottom 10 of the associated cover 7, 8 so as to engage with the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18.

[0031] In order to move the first lever 30 from its first position to its second position, the fastening device of the present invention includes a second lever 34, which is pivotally mounted in the internal cavity 16 of the associated housing 7, 8, thereby pivoting about a second rotation axis 36 parallel to the first rotation axis 26 of the first lever 30.

[0032] Advantageously, the second rotation axis 36 is formed by two rods 36a and 36b (see Figure 3 The two rods 36a and 36b are respectively installed in two holes 37 in the side walls 12 and 14 of the covers 7 and 8, and are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The holes 37 are positioned such that the rods 36a and 36b forming the second rotation axis 36 are positioned in the internal cavity 16 lower than the position of the first rotation axis 26, and offset toward the associated pivot belts 3 and 4. Therefore, in the wearing position of the belt, moving from the top of the belt toward the bottom of the belt, the covers 7 and 8 and their inner bottom 10, the internal cavity 16 for accommodating the belt segment 18, the first lever 30 and the second lever 34 can be seen in sequence.

[0033] The second lever 34 is arranged to pivot about its axis 36 between at least one open position and one closed position. The second lever 34 includes a user-operable handle 38 and at least one contact member 40, which is arranged such that: - When the second lever 34 is in its open position, the at least one contact member will not compress the first lever 30 in the first position, such as Figure 5a As shown, - When the user moves the second lever 34 from the open position to the closed position using the handle 38, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever 30 to move the first lever from the first position to the second position, such as... Figure 5b As shown, When the second lever 34 is in the closed position, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever 30 in the second position to compress the first lever 30 toward the inner bottom 10 of the associated cover 7, 8, and may deform the first lever, thereby locking the first lever 30 in the second position to ensure that the end 18a of the strip segment 18 is securely fastened to the associated cover 7, 8, as... Figure 5c As shown.

[0034] Reference Figure 3The first lever 30 includes two side arms 42 connected by a rod 44, which carries a retaining member 32 and extends parallel to a first axis of rotation, which coincides with a third axis of rotation 26. The arms 42 are pivotally mounted to pivot about the first axis of rotation, which coincides with the third axis of rotation 26. For this purpose, the arms 42 have joints 46 at their free ends, which allow the arms 42 to be pivotally mounted about the third axis of rotation 26. In this configuration, the arms 42 and rod 44 of the first lever 30 advantageously form receiving portions for accommodating the ends of the associated pivoting bands 3, 4.

[0035] In addition, the first lever 30 is provided with a return spring 48, which is arranged to return the first lever to the first position.

[0036] The retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 can be configured in different advantageous ways depending on the material used to manufacture the end 18a of at least the strip segment 18.

[0037] At least the end 18a of the strip segment 18 is preferably made of an elastic material, such that when the first lever 30 is locked in its second position and compressed by the second lever 34 in the closed position, the strip can be locally squeezed when it comes into contact with the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30.

[0038] The entire strip segment 18 is preferably made of the above-mentioned material.

[0039] In the example described, at least the end 18a of the strip segment 18 is made of a composite or elastomeric material. This allows for the formation of a protrusion including a groove 24 on the upper surface 20a of the strip segment and a groove 50 on the lower surface 20b of the strip segment, which, when the first lever 30 is in the second position, are used to engage with the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30. In this configuration, the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 may, for example, include at least one pin that is directed toward the inner bottom 10 of the associated housing 7, 8 and is arranged such that the at least one pin can engage in a corresponding groove 50 provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18.

[0040] The retaining member 32 can advantageously extend along the entire length of the rod 44 to fill the corresponding groove 50.

[0041] In another embodiment, not shown, at least the end 18a of the strip segment 18 is made of leather or fabric. In this configuration, the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 is composed of claw-like members facing the inner bottom 10 of the associated cover 7, 8, and these claw-like members are arranged to be able to pierce the leather or fabric.

[0042] Obviously, the retaining member 32 can have any other suitable configuration, the choice of which should enable the retaining member to engage with a complementary shape provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18, or to engage with the same material of the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 by friction and compression, so as to ensure that the end 18a of the strip segment 18 is fixed to the associated cover 7, 8.

[0043] The depth and shape of the groove 50 provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 can be adjusted according to the material used in the strip segment 18.

[0044] To avoid or at least reduce deformation of the groove 50 or other types of areas in the strip segment 18 used to accommodate the retaining member 32 (such deformation of the groove 50 is particularly likely to occur when the strip segment is made of an elastomeric material), the strip segment 18 can advantageously be reinforced at least at the groove 50 or the area used to accommodate the retaining member 32. For this purpose, the strip segment 18 may include a reinforcing core integrated into the material of the strip segment 18 and made of a material such as nylon, plastic, cotton, or metal, which can prevent any elongation and deformation of the groove 50 or the area used to accommodate the retaining member 32. The reinforcing core is positioned to extend within the strip segment 18 at least near, and preferably as close as possible to, the groove 50 or the area used to accommodate the retaining member 32. The reinforcing core may be in the form of, for example, a strip or thread extending for a certain length of the strip segment 18 and extending at least at the groove 50 or the area used to accommodate the retaining member 32. If the reinforcing core is in the form of a strip, the strip may preferably have perforations at a position opposite to the groove 50 to expose the material of the strip segment 18 at the bottom of the groove 50. In this way, the retaining member 52 located in the groove 50 is in direct contact with the material of the strip segment 18, and the area surrounding the groove 50 is reinforced by the reinforcing core. Therefore, the groove 50 will not deform, allowing the retaining member 52 to attach more effectively to the strip segment 18.

[0045] By using side arms 42, each configured to form an elastic strip, friction and compression of the retaining member 32 at the end 18a of the strip segment 18 can be increased. For example, such arms can be made of Nivaflex.

[0046] However, arm 42 can be inelastic, especially when arm 42 is made of the same material as fastener 1. The fastener 1 and the fastening device of the strip segment can be made of precious metals such as gold or platinum, or of non-precious metals such as steel or titanium.

[0047] The contact member 40 of the second lever 34 is advantageously formed by at least one eccentric tab eccentric relative to the second rotation axis 36, and the tab is arranged to engage with the lower surface of the first lever 30. More specifically, the contact member 40 of the second lever 34 is formed by two eccentric side tabs 40a, 40b eccentric relative to the second rotation axis 36, each tab 40a, 40b being arranged to engage with the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding side arms 42 of the first lever 30, respectively.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 Each eccentric protrusion 40a, 40b advantageously has: - The first part 52, such as a flat base, is arranged to engage with the first lever 30, more specifically, with the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42, wherein the first lever 30 is in a first position and is not compressed, and the second lever 34 is in an open position, and - The arc edge 54 forms an eccentric portion relative to the second rotation axis 36 and is arranged to compress the first lever 30 in the second position by deforming the first lever. More specifically, it compresses and may deform the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42 to press the first lever 30, more specifically the retaining member of the first lever 30, against the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18, at which time the second lever 34 is in the closed position.

[0049] In this configuration, the first portion 52, which is in the form of a flat base, also enables the first lever 30 to be moved from the first position to the second position before the second lever 34 reaches the closed position and the arcuate edge 54 compresses the first lever 30.

[0050] The handle 38 of the second lever 34 is advantageously arranged to abut against the first lever 30, which is in the second position and the second lever 34 is in the closed position.

[0051] The following combination Figures 5a to 5c Describe the operation of the folding buckle fastener 1.

[0052] For example, when a user purchases a watch incorporating the folding buckle 1 of the present invention, the strap segments 18 can be advantageously cut to fit the user's wrist size. Each strap segment 18 is then fastened to its associated housing 7, 8.

[0053] Therefore, referring to Figure 5aThe end 18a of the strip segment 18 is brought close to the internal cavity 16 of the associated housing 7, 8. The first lever 30 is held in a first position by its spring 48. The retaining member 32 of the first lever is away from the inner bottom 10 of the associated housing 7, 8 so that the strip segment 18 can be inserted into the internal cavity 16 of the housing 7, 8. The second lever 36 is in the open position, and the first portion 52 of each eccentric protrusion 40a, 40b in the form of a flat base contacts the lower surface 42a, 42b of the corresponding arm 42 of the first lever 30, but does not compress the lower surface of the corresponding arm of the first lever.

[0054] Then, refer to Figure 5b The strip segment 18 is slid to the bottom of the internal cavity 16 of the housings 7 and 8. After the strip segment is adjusted to the correct size, the rib 22 engages in the first groove 24 on the upper surface 20a of the strip segment 18. After the strip segment is adjusted to the correct size, the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 is positioned relative to the first groove 50 on the lower surface 20b of the strip segment. The second lever 34 remains in the open position, and the first lever 30 is in the first position.

[0055] The user then pivots the second lever 34 about the second axis of rotation 36 via the handle 38, so that the handle 38 returns to below the strip segment 18. During the pivoting of the second lever 34, the eccentric tabs 40a, 40b of the second lever, resting on the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42, pivot, causing the first lever 30 to tilt about its axis of rotation (here, axis 26), so that the first lever enters a second position, and the retaining member 32 of the first lever moves toward the bottom 10 of the housings 7, 8 to be received in the corresponding groove 50 of the lower surface 20b of the strip segment 18. The second lever 34 also tilts such that, during pivoting, the arcuate eccentric edges 54 of the tabs 40a, 40 contact the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42.

[0056] Then, refer to Figure 5cWhen the second lever 34 reaches the closed position, the handle 38 of the second lever abuts against the first lever 30, which is in the second position. The arm 42 of the first lever is compressed and may deform by the eccentric edge 54 of the tabs 40a and 40b of the second lever 34. The eccentric edge of the tab still rests on the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arm 42. The retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 is received in the groove 50 of the strip segment 18, and the rib 22 engages in the groove 24 of the strip segment 18. Then, the first lever 30 is locked and pressed against the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 by the second lever 34. The strip segment 18 is sandwiched between the rib 22 of the associated housing 7 and 8 and the retaining member 32 of the first lever. The rib 22 is received in the groove 24, and the retaining member 32 is received in the groove 50. Therefore, the strip segment 18 is reliably secured to its housing 7 and 8.

[0057] The strap segments had already been adjusted to the appropriate size, and the folding buckle fastener 1 was perfectly centered. In addition, the fastening device is completely integrated inside the cover and only requires a single strap segment, so even though the strap is made of leather, the overall thickness of the strap can remain relatively thin.

[0058] Removing the strip segment 18 is equally simple. In fact, the second lever 34 is simply removed from the strip via the handle 38 of the second lever, thus opening the second lever 34. The eccentric edges 54 of the tabs 40a, 40b of the second lever 34 are no longer in contact with the first lever 30, and the first lever 30 returns to its first position via its spring 48. Then, the retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 is released from the groove 50 of the strip segment 18, allowing the strip segment 18 to be easily removed from the internal cavity 16 of the associated housings 7, 8.

[0059] The foldable buckle fastener of the present invention advantageously simplifies the assembly and disassembly of strip segments without the need for tools.

[0060] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The illustration shows a second embodiment of a buckle fastener according to the invention, wherein the buckle fastener is a tongue-shaped buckle fastener type for straps, particularly for watch straps. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements.

[0061] In this embodiment, the tongue-shaped buckle fastener 1' includes a buckle 72, which includes a shaft 76 between its two sidewalls 73 and 74. The shaft 76 carries a rotatably mounted tongue 78 and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment 18.

[0062] The rear portion of the buckle 72, i.e., the portion intended to be connected to the strip segment 18 by a fastening device, is extended to form a cover 8 integral with the buckle 72. Similar to the example described above, the cover 8 includes an inner bottom 10 and two side walls 12, 14, which are extensions of the side walls 73, 74 of the buckle 72, respectively. The inner bottom and the two side walls define an internal cavity 16 for receiving one end 18a of the strip segment 18, the upper surface 20a of which faces the inner bottom 10 of the cover 8.

[0063] As described above, the fastening device for the strip segment 18 includes a first lever 30, which is pivotally mounted in the internal cavity 16 of the cover 8 to pivot about a first axis of rotation defined by two rods 26a and 26b, which are installed in two holes 27 in the side walls 12 and 14 of the cover 8. This first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment 18. Therefore, the shaft 76 of the buckle 72 is parallel to the first axis of rotation of the first lever 30 defined by the two rods 26a and 26b.

[0064] The first lever 30 is similar to the first lever described in the first embodiment. The first lever includes two arms 42 and carries a retaining member 32, which is configured to engage with a groove 50 provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18.

[0065] The fastening device also includes a second lever 34, which is pivotally mounted in the internal cavity 16 of the associated housing 8 about a second axis of rotation defined by two rods 36a and 36b, which are installed in two holes 37 in the side walls 12 and 14 of the housing 8. The second axis of rotation is parallel to the first axis of rotation 26 of the first lever 30. The second lever 34 is similar to the second lever described in the first embodiment.

[0066] The operation of this tongue-shaped buckle is the same as that described in the first embodiment. One strip segment is fastened to the buckle by the fastening device of the present invention, and the other strip segment 18 is fastened to the buckle 72 by the tongue 78. Figure 6 As shown.

[0067] Reference Figures 9 to 1 2. A third embodiment of the folding buckle fastener according to the present invention is shown, the buckle fastener being based on... Figure 1 The same construction is used for the folding buckle fastener in Figure 5, wherein a comfort adjustment mechanism is advantageously provided. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements.

[0068] For more specific reference Figure 9The folding buckle fastener 1'' includes two covers 7 and 8, each covering enclosing a third rotating axis and two rods 36a and 36b. The third rotating axis coincides with the first rotating axis 26. One end of the pivoting strips 3 and 4 and a first lever 30 equipped with a spring 48 are pivotally mounted around the first rotating axis. The two rods 36a and 36b form a second rotating axis 36, and a second lever 34 is pivotally mounted around the second rotating axis. As described above, the second lever 34 includes a handle 38 and a contact member 40 formed by two eccentric protrusions 40a and 40b.

[0069] In this third embodiment, the first lever 30 includes at least two parallel retaining members 32, 32', which are more or less spaced from the first rotation axis 26 of the first lever 30 (which coincides with the third rotation axis of the pivoting strips 3, 4).

[0070] The first retaining member 32, which is the component furthest from the third axis of rotation of the strips 3 and 4 (which here coincides with the first axis of rotation 26), is advantageously carried by the rod 44 connecting the two arms 42. The first retaining member 32 includes at least one pin oriented toward the inner bottom 10 of the associated housings 7 and 8 and arranged such that, when the strips are in the standard position, the at least one pin can engage with a corresponding groove 50a provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18. The first retaining member 32 advantageously includes two lateral pins 32a and 32b provided at the end of the rod 44 and oriented toward the inner bottom 10 of the associated housings 7 and 8.

[0071] The second retaining member 32', which is the component closest to the third axis of rotation of the strips 3 and 4 (which coincides with the first axis of rotation 26 here), includes two pins 32a' and 32b', each pin positioned on the arm 42 and facing the inner bottom 10 of the associated housing 7 and 8. When the strips are in the standard position, the pins 32a' and 32b' are arranged such that they can engage in another corresponding groove 50b provided on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18, the groove 50b being closer to the end 18a of the strip segment 18 than the groove 50a.

[0072] In this third embodiment, the comfort adjustment mechanism includes at least one retaining pin 56, which is intended to be integrally mounted on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The retaining pin 56 is arranged to protrude from the lower surface 20b of the strip segment 18 to limit contact with the first retaining member 32 or the second retaining members 32, 32' of the first lever 30. As described below, when the first lever 30 and the second lever 34 are in the intermediate comfort adjustment position, this advantageously allows the end 18a of the strip segment 18 to be positioned more or less a distance from the first rotation axis 26 (which here coincides with the third rotation axis of the strips 3, 4).

[0073] The fixing pin 56 preferably has sufficient length to limit the movement of the lateral pins 32a, 32b or pins 32a', 32b' of the first lever 30. The fixing pin 56 is advantageously a fixing rod located on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] The retaining pin 56 is advantageously integrally mounted on the lower surface 20b of the end 18a of the strip segment 18 by at least one fastening screw 58, which is inserted into a hole 60 provided at the end 18a of the strip segment 18. In the example shown, two fastening screws 58 are used, and these two fastening screws are inserted into two holes 60 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. When adjusting the strip segment 18 to a suitable length, for example when a user purchases a watch, these holes 60 can be easily drilled at the end 18a of the strip segment 18.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the head 62 of each fastening screw 58 is arranged to protrude from the upper surface 20a of the end 18a of the strip segment 18. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the inner bottom 10 of the associated housings 7, 8 includes at least two receiving portions 64, 64', which are parallel to the third axis of rotation of the strips 3, 4 or the first axis of rotation 26 of the first lever 30, and are more or less distanced from the first axis of rotation 26 of the first lever 30 (which here coincides with the third axis of rotation of the strips 3, 4). The receiving portions 64, 64' are designed to accommodate the heads 62 of one or more fastening screws 58 when the strip segment 18 is more or less inserted into the inner cavity 16 of the associated housing 7, 8.

[0076] In this third embodiment, each eccentric protrusion 40a, 40b has: - The first part 66, for example, the heel portion, is arranged to engage with the first lever 30, more specifically, with the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42, wherein the first lever 30 is in its first position and is not compressed, and the second lever 34 is in its open position. - The second part 68, for example, a flat base, is arranged to engage with the first lever 30, and more specifically, with the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42, wherein the first lever 30 and the second lever 34 are in an intermediate comfort adjustment position. - A circular edge 70, which is eccentric relative to the second rotation axis 36 and arranged to compress the first lever 30 in its second position (possibly by deforming the first lever), more specifically, to compress and possibly deform the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42, with the second lever 34 in its closed position.

[0077] In this configuration, the first portion 66, which is in the form of a heel, and the second portion 68, which is in the form of a flat base, also allow the first lever 30 to move from its first position to the second position and through the intermediate comfort adjustment position before the second lever 34 reaches its closed position and the rounded edge 70 compresses the first lever 30.

[0078] The following is combined with Figures 11a to 11c The operation of assembling / removing the folding fastener 1'' of the strip segment 18 in the standard position is described. The assembly / removal of the strip segment 18 is similar to that in the first embodiment described above.

[0079] Reference Figure 11a The end 18a of the bearing retaining pin 56 of the strip segment 18 is brought close to the internal cavity 16 of the associated housing 7, 8. The first lever 30 is held in its first position by its spring 48. The two retaining members 32, 32' of the first lever are removed from the inner bottom 10 of the associated housing 7, 8 to allow the strip segment 18 to be inserted into the internal cavity 16 of the housing 7, 8. The front end of the retaining pin 56 is chamfered to facilitate the insertion of the strip segment 18 into the internal cavity 16 of the associated housing 7, 8. The second lever 34 is in its open position, with the first portion 66 of each eccentric tab 40a, 40b in the form of a heel contacting the lower surfaces 42a, 42b of the corresponding arms 42 of the first lever 30, but without compressing them.

[0080] Then, refer to Figure 11b The strip segment 18 is slid to the bottom of the internal cavity 16 of the housing 7, 8. The retaining pin 56 passes over the second retaining member 32' and abuts against the second retaining member 32'. The head 62 of the fastening screw 58 engages in the first receiving portion 64, that is, those receiving portions closest to the third rotation axis of the strips 3, 4.

[0081] After the strip segment 18 is adjusted to the appropriate size, the second retaining member 32' of the first lever 30 is opposite to the groove 50b of the lower surface 20b of the strip segment 18. The first retaining member 32 of the first lever 30 is opposite to the groove 50a of the lower surface 20b of the strip segment 18. The second lever 34 remains in its open position, and the first lever 30 is in its first position.

[0082] The user then pivots the second lever 34 about the second axis of rotation 36 via the handle 38, so that the handle 38 returns to below the strip segment 18. During the pivoting of the second lever 34, the eccentric tabs 40a and 40b of the second lever, resting on the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arms 42, pivot, causing the first lever 30 to tilt about its axis of rotation (here, axis 26), bringing the first lever into the second position. The second lever 34 also tilts such that, during the pivoting, first the flat base 68, and then the circular eccentric edges 70 of the tabs 40a and 40b, contact the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arms 42.

[0083] Then, refer to Figure 11c When the second lever 34 reaches its closed position, the handle 38 of the second lever abuts against the first lever 30. At this time, the first lever 30 is in its second position. The arm 42 of the first lever is compressed by the eccentric edge 70 of the tabs 40a and 40b of the second lever 34 and may be deformed. The eccentric edge of the tab still rests on the lower surface 42a and 42b of the corresponding arm 42. The second retaining member 32' of the first lever 30 is accommodated in the groove 50b, and the first retaining member 32 is accommodated in the groove 50a. The head 62 of the fastening screw 58 engages in the first receiving part 64, that is, those receiving parts closest to the third rotation axis of the strips 3 and 4. Then the first lever 30 is locked, and the strip segment 18 is in its standard position, clamped between the first receiving portion 64 of the associated housing 7, 8 and the retaining members 32, 32' of the first lever 30. The head 62 of the fastening screw 58 is received in the first receiving portion 64, and the retaining members 32, 32' are respectively received in their respective grooves 50a, 50b. The fixing pin 56 abuts against the second retaining member 32'. Thus, the strip segment 18 is reliably fastened to its housing 7, 8 in its standard position.

[0084] Removing the strip segment 18 is equally simple. In fact, simply removing the second lever 34 from the strip segment 18 via the handle 38 of the second lever is sufficient to fully open the second lever from the closed position to the open position. The eccentric edges 70 and flat base 68 of the tabs 40a, 40b of the second lever 34 do not contact the first lever 30, which returns to its first position via its spring 48. Then, the retaining members 32, 32' of the first lever 30 are released from the grooves 50a, 50b of their respective strip segments 18, allowing the strip segments 18 to be easily removed from the internal cavities 16 of the associated housings 7, 8.

[0085] The following combination Figures 12a to 12c Describes the operation of the folding fastener 1'' used for comfort adjustment.

[0086] Figure 12a The diagram shows the strip segment 18 fastened to the associated housings 7 and 8 in its standard position, with the head 62 of the fastening screw 58 of the retaining pin 56 received in the first receiving portion 64 of the associated housings 7 and 8. The retaining pin 56 abuts against the second retaining member 32' of the first lever 30 in its second position. The first retaining member 32 and the second retaining member 32' respectively engage in their respective recesses 50a and 50b. The second lever 34 is in its closed position, with the eccentric edges 70 of the tabs 40a and 40b of the second lever resting on the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arms 42.

[0087] To adjust the comfort level, the user pulls the handle 38 of the second lever 34, causing the second lever to pivot about the axis 36, moving it from its closed position to the intermediate comfort adjustment position. In the intermediate comfort adjustment position, the second portions 68 of the tabs 40a and 40b, i.e., the flat bases, contact the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arms 42. Since the first lever 30 is no longer compressed by the eccentric edges 70 of the tabs 40a and 40b, the first lever returns to its intermediate comfort adjustment position under the action of its spring 48. In the intermediate comfort adjustment position, the first retaining member 32 and the second retaining member 32' disengage from their respective grooves 50a and 50b, and the fixing pin 56 still abuts against the second retaining member 32'. Figure 12b As shown.

[0088] Then, the user gently pulls the strip segment 18 to move it to the extended comfort adjustment position. In the comfort adjustment position, the retaining pin 56 now abuts against the first retaining member 32 of the first lever 30, and the head 62 of the fastening screw 68 is accommodated in the second receiving portion 64', i.e., those receiving portions furthest from the shaft 26. From now on, the first retaining member 32 is positioned opposite the groove 50b, and the second retaining member 32' is located at the front of the strip segment 18, as... Figure 12cAs shown.

[0089] The user simply rotates the second lever 34 back to the closed position, and the eccentric edges 70 of the tabs 40a and 40b of the second lever rest again on the lower surfaces 42a and 42b of the corresponding arms 42. From this point on, the first retaining member 32 engages in the groove 50b, the fixing pin 56 abuts against the first retaining member 32, and the head 62 of the fastening screw 58 of the fixing pin 56 is received in the second receiving portion 64' of the associated housing 7 and 8. Thus, the strip segment 18 is reliably secured to its housing 7 and 8 in its extended position. In this extended position, the strip segment 18 can be easily removed by fully opening the second lever 34 to release the first lever 30.

[0090] Similarly, the folding fastener 1'' of the present invention allows for easy assembly or disassembly of strip segments without the need for specific tools, simply by fully rotating the second lever 34 between its open and closed positions.

[0091] Furthermore, the present invention also allows for comfort adjustment by partially rotating the second lever 34 between its closed position and an intermediate comfort adjustment position. The comfort adjustment mechanism is advantageously integrated into the covers 7 and 8, thus without increasing the volume of the covers.

[0092] In the examples described above in conjunction with the first and third embodiments, the folding buckle fastener includes two pivot straps that can be folded back onto the base strap and two covers. However, it is obvious that the folding buckle fastener according to the present invention may include only one pivot strap with a fastening device as described above, or it may include two pivot straps, of which only one pivot strap has a fastening device as described above.

Claims

1. A buckle fastener (1, 1', 1'') for a strip, said buckle fastener comprising: At least one housing (7, 8) having an inner bottom (10) and two sidewalls (12, 14), the inner bottom and the two sidewalls defining an internal cavity (16) for receiving an end (18a) of a strip segment (18), wherein the upper surface (20a) of the strip segment faces the inner bottom (10) of the housing (7, 8); and a fastening device for securing the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) in the internal cavity (16) of the housing (7, 8), characterized in that The fastening device includes a first lever (30) comprising at least one retaining member (32, 32') for engaging with an end (18a) of the strip segment (18) to retain the end of the strip segment within an internal cavity (16) of the housing (7, 8). The first lever (30) is pivotally mounted within the internal cavity (16) of the housing (7, 8), thereby being able to pivot about a first rotation axis (26) between a first position and a second position. The first rotation axis connects the two side walls (12, 14) of the cover (7, 8) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip segment (18). In the first position, the retaining member (32, 32') of the first lever is away from the bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8) so that the end (18a) of the strip segment (16) can be inserted into the internal cavity (16) of the cover (7, 8). In the second position, the retaining member (32, 32') is close to the bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8), from... The lower surface (20b) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) is capable of engaging with the lower surface (20b) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18); and a second lever (34), the second lever being pivotally mounted in the internal cavity (16) of the housing (7, 8) to pivot about a second rotation axis (36) parallel to and below the first rotation axis between at least one open position and a closed position, the second lever (34) including a handle (38) operable by a user and at least one contact member (40), the at least one contact member being arranged such that: - When the second lever (34) is in its open position, the at least one contact member does not compress the first lever (30) in its first position. - When the second lever (34) moves from its open position to its closed position, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever (30) to move the first lever from its first position to its second position. - When the second lever (34) is in its closed position, the at least one contact member engages with the first lever (30) in its second position to compress the first lever (30) toward the bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8), thereby locking the first lever (30) in the second position to ensure that the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) is fastened to the cover (7, 8).

2. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lever (30) includes two side arms (42), which are pivotally mounted to pivot about the first axis of rotation (26) and connected by a rod (44) that carries a retaining member (32) and extends parallel to the first axis of rotation (26).

3. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first lever (30) is provided with a return spring (48) at its first position.

4. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact member (40) of the second lever (34) is formed by at least one eccentric tab (40a, 40b) eccentric relative to the second rotation axis (36), the at least one eccentric tab being arranged to engage with the lower surface (20b) of the first lever (30).

5. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that, The contact member (40) of the second lever (34) is formed by two eccentric side tabs (40a, 40b) eccentric relative to the second rotation axis (36), each tab (40a, 40b) being arranged to engage with the lower surface (42a, 42b) of the corresponding side arm (42) of the first lever (30).

6. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The handle (38) of the second lever (34) is arranged to abut against the first lever (30), the first lever (30) being in its second position and the second lever (36) being in its closed position.

7. The fastener (1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first lever (30) includes at least two parallel retaining members (32, 32') that are more or less spaced from the first rotation axis (26) of the first lever (30), and the fastening device includes a comfort adjustment mechanism that includes at least one fixing pin (56) that is integrally mounted on the lower surface (20b) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) and arranged to limit the position of the end (18a) of the first lever (30) to position the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) more or less spaced from the first rotation axis (26) when the first lever and the second lever (30, 34) are in the intermediate comfort adjustment position.

8. The fastener (1'') according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing pin (56) is integrally mounted on the lower surface (20b) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) by at least one fastening screw (58), the head (62) of the fastening screw being arranged to protrude from the upper surface (20a) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18); and the bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8) includes at least two receiving portions (64, 64') that are more or less spaced from the first rotation axis (26) of the first lever (30), the at least two receiving portions being designed to accommodate the head (62) of the fastening screw (58).

9. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The eccentric tab (40a, 40b) has: a first portion (52, 66) arranged to engage with the first lever (30) in a first position of the first lever without compressing the first lever, the second lever (34) being in its open position; optionally, a second portion (68) arranged to engage with the first lever (30), the first lever and the second lever (30, 34) being in an intermediate comfort adjustment position; and an eccentric circular edge (54, 70) formed relative to the second rotation axis (36), the circular edge being arranged to compress the first lever (30) in its second position, the second lever (34) being in its closed position.

10. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) is made of leather or fabric, and the retaining member of the first lever (30) is composed of claw-like members arranged to be able to pierce the leather or fabric.

11. The fastener (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, At least the end (18a) of the strip segment (18) is made of a composite material or an elastomer material, and the retaining member (32, 32') of the first lever (30) includes at least one pin (32; 32a, 32b; 32a', 32b') arranged such that the at least one pin can engage in a corresponding groove (50; 50a, 50b) provided on the lower surface (20b) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18).

12. The fastener (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner bottom (10) of the cover (7, 8) includes at least one pin (22) arranged such that the at least one pin can engage in a corresponding groove (24) on the upper surface (20a) of the end (18a) of the strip segment (18).

13. The fastener (1, 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastener has a folding buckle and includes a base band (2) and at least one pivot band (3, 4), one end of which is hinged to one end of the base band (2) and is at least partially folded back onto the base band (2), and the other end of the pivot band (3, 4) is mounted to be hinged about a third rotation axis, which is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the first rotation axis (26) of the first lever (30).

14. The fastener (1, 1'') according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first rotation axis (26) of the first lever (30) coincides with the third rotation axis of the pivot belt (3, 4), and the arm (42) and rod (44) of the first lever (30) form a receiving portion for receiving the end of the pivot belt (3, 4).

15. The fastener (1, 1'') according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The fastener includes: two pivot straps (3, 4), one end of which is hinged to the two ends of the base strap (2) and can be folded back onto the base strap (2); two covers (7, 8), each for accommodating one end (18a) of the strip segment (18), the other end of which is hingedly mounted on the respective cover (7, 8); and two fastening devices, each comprising a first lever and a second lever (30, 34).

16. The fastener (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The fastener has a tongue-shaped buckle, the cover (8) is integral with the buckle (72), and the shaft (76) carrying the tongue (78) is parallel to the first rotation axis (26) of the first lever (30).

Images