ARMBAND

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracelet, for example a bracelet for a wristwatch State of the art

[0002] Numerous bracelets have been designed, particularly in the watchmaking and jewelry industries. One example is a bracelet consisting of two strands designed to encircle the wearer's wrist and a clasp to secure the strands. The clasp is often permanently or semi-permanently attached to one or both strands. The strands can, in turn, be attached to a watch case.

[0003] Document EP2601856A1 discloses an example of a bracelet connection to a watch according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The strands can be made of a flexible material to conform to the wrist, for example leather, rubber, elastomer, textile, etc. Strands made of several rigid links articulated together are also known, for example, metal or ceramic links. Some bracelets combine rigid links with flexible sections.

[0005] An example of a wristwatch fitted with a bracelet 1 conventional articulated link is represented on the Figures 1a and 1b . For simplicity, only one of the two strands of the bracelet is shown. The bracelet in this example is a link bracelet with articulated links, featuring rows of metal links of a first type. 31 connected to each other by rows of links of a second type 30, formed by studs in this example. Each of the two strands is connected to the watch case 2by means of a bar connection 4 which can be removed with a pin punch for bracelet replacement. In this example, the bar passes through the studs 30 of the first row of links and two recesses in the case for these studs. A similar bar connection can be provided between the end of each bracelet strand and the bracelet clasp (not shown).

[0006] Other means of connecting the bracelet to the box or clasp have been devised, for example using screws.

[0007] Users sometimes want to replace their watch straps themselves, for example, if they wear out or to match a strap to an outfit or activity. It's desirable to have several easily interchangeable straps and be able to choose the most suitable one for each outing.

[0008] Changing the bracelet or clasp, however, proves impractical and generally requires appropriate tools, for example screwdrivers, pin punches or tweezers.

[0009] The careless use of tools on a fine watch can cause scratches and other damage. Disassembly and reassembly often involve handling small screws and pins that are easy to lose. For these reasons, such disassembly and reassembly operations are generally reserved for professionals.

[0010] Prior art has shown the existence of tool-less bracelet fastening systems. These systems typically feature visible components, such as push buttons, that can be manipulated to lock or unlock the bracelet. However, the presence of these components detracts from the aesthetics of the watch or bracelet. Furthermore, these components can be manipulated inadvertently or maliciously, increasing the risk of the watch being lost or stolen.

[0011] Tool-free strap attachment systems are generally designed for watch cases or clasps specifically engineered for this purpose. When a watch, or other product, is designed with a traditional fastening mechanism, transitioning to a tool-free system is usually not possible. Conversely, watch cases or clasps with a tool-free attachment system are generally not designed for mounting conventional straps.

[0012] Finally, such systems are difficult or impossible to adapt to existing watch and strap ranges without altering both the appearance of the strap and that of the case or clasp. It is desirable to offer removable straps that can be implemented without changing the appearance of existing watch case ranges, clasp ranges, and, as far as possible, existing strap ranges. Brief summary of the invention

[0013] One object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art mentioned above.

[0014] In particular, one aim of the present invention is to provide a bracelet with a removable link adaptable to a dressing element, in particular a watch case and / or a conventional or existing clasp.

[0015] One goal is also to design an interchangeable bracelet that can be linked to a dressing element, such as a watch case or clasp, which is not designed to be linked to interchangeable bracelets.

[0016] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved in particular by means of a bracelet comprising: a strand; at least one adapter link, intended to be attached to a decorative element; and at least one connecting element attached, on the one hand, in an inseparable manner to the strand and, on the other hand, in a separable manner to said at least one adapter link in order to allow the bracelet to be opened without tools. Said at least one adapter link includes a locking and / or unlocking button for the connection with said at least one connecting element. This locking and / or unlocking button is intended, when activated, to move the adapter link from a locked position, in which said at least one connecting element is locked to the adapter link, to an unlocked position, in which said at least one connecting element can be detached from the adapter link. The locking and / or unlocking button is concealed when the bracelet is worn.

[0017] Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, the dressing element such as a watch case or clasp, which is not designed to be linked to an interchangeable strap, is made compatible with such a strap by means of at least one adapter link.

[0018] The bracelet's interchangeability is achieved through a removable connection between two bracelet links, or between a link and a strand, instead of between a bracelet strand and the case element. This allows for the creation of a bracelet in which all components, except for at least one adapter link, can be separated from, for example, a watch case or a conventional clasp.

[0019] In other words, the bracelet can be opened with an adapter link that remains attached to the case or clasp and a first type link or strand.

[0020] Links of the first type preferably have an appearance, for example a shape, a dimension, an orientation, and / or a color that is similar or uniform between them.

[0021] The bracelet may contain links of a second type, distinct from links of the first type. Links of the second type preferably share a similar or uniform appearance, such as shape, size, orientation, and / or color. This allows for immediate identification of whether a link is of the first type or a second type, even if differences may exist within links of the same type.

[0022] A bracelet may include at least one adapter link and at least one second type link having the same appearance when the bracelet is worn.

[0023] The connection uses a linking element between the adapter link and the strand. This linking element allows the strand to be joined to the associated adapter link in the closed position, and to be separated in the open position.

[0024] The connection between the adapter link and the connecting element is lockable, meaning that it can only be opened by operating the locking or unlocking button.

[0025] The locking / unlocking button is integrated into the adapter link and thus remains attached to the main component, such as a watch case or clasp. This allows for the replacement of most of the strap without replacing the locking / unlocking button, which is a potentially complex part.

[0026] The lock button constitutes a haptic organ, that is to say an organ intended to be manipulated directly with a finger of the user, for example by pushing it or rotating it.

[0027] The adapter link can, for example, be attached to a watch case or clasp using a conventional breakable connection, such as a tool-based breakable connection like a bar or screws. Thus, the adapter link can be adapted to a watch case and / or clasp equipped with conventional bracelet attachments.

[0028] The adapter link is thus arranged to be associated on the one hand with a watch case or clasp by means of a semi-permanent attachment, for example a bar, and on the other hand in a separable manner with a connecting piece attached to a strand or link of the first type.

[0029] The connecting element can be attached to a first-type link or a bracelet strand by means of a non-breakable connection. For example, it can be driven in, welded, glued, or bonded to the strand by overmolding. In one embodiment, the connecting element may constitute an integral portion of a second-type link or a strand.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking and / or unlocking button may consist of a push button under the underside of the bracelet, i.e. the side facing the wrist when the bracelet is worn.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking and / or unlocking button may include a rotating link.

[0032] The adapter link may have a female opening. The connecting element may have a male portion allowing its insertion into said female opening. This arrangement may be reversed.

[0033] The locking and / or unlocking button prevents the male portion of the opening from being extracted when locked, and allows extraction when operated in the unlocked position.

[0034] A bracelet may have at least one row with several adapter links.

[0035] A bracelet may include at least one row with at least one second type link and at least one adapter link.

[0036] The appearance of a second type link and an adapting link of the same row can be identical when the bracelet is worn.

[0037] At least one adapter link may be intended to be permanently attached to a bracelet clasp.

[0038] At least one adapter link may be intended to be permanently attached to a watch case.

[0039] The connecting element can be hidden when it is attached to an adapter link. Brief description of the figures

[0040] Examples of implementation of the invention are given in the description illustrated by the accompanying figures, in which: THE Figures 1a and 1b represent a bracelet according to prior art, specifically a wristwatch bracelet, in the open and closed positions respectively. figures 2a and 2b They represent perspective views of a bracelet strand according to a first embodiment, linked to a clasp, in open, closed, and locked positions respectively. figure 3a represents a side view of a bracelet strand according to the first embodiment, attached to a clasp, in the closed but not locked position. figure 3brepresents a side view of a bracelet strand according to the first embodiment, attached to a clasp, in the closed and locked position, the strand being attached to a second bracelet strand by means of the clasp. figures 4a and 4b represent perspective views of a bracelet strand according to the first embodiment, linked to a folding clasp, in the open, closed, and locked positions respectively. figure 5 represents a perspective view of a second type of bracelet link according to a second embodiment of the invention, intended to be attached to a watch case. figures 6a to 6c represent perspective views of a bracelet strand according to the second embodiment, in the open position (6a), closed and locked (6b), and closed but unlocked (6c). figures 7a to 7c represent side, top and side cross-sectional views respectively of a watch case attached to a strap strand according to the second embodiment. Example(s) of an embodiment of the invention

[0041] THE Figures 1a and 1b represent a timepiece according to the prior art. A bracelet comprising two strands, of which only one is a strand 1, in particular a first strand 1, is visible and is connected to a watch case 2 via second type links 30 formed in this example into blocks. The links of the second type 30 are engaged in housings in the watch case and held in place by means of a screw bar 4.

[0042] THE figures 2a until 3b represent a first embodiment of the invention in which the bracelet 1 is removably attached to a clasp 5a.The figures provided to illustrate this embodiment show a bracelet made of a flexible material, for example, a rubber, elastomer, leather, or textile bracelet, etc. However, the embodiment can also be adapted to the removable connection between a bracelet with articulated links and a clasp.

[0043] The clasp 5a is connected by a pin or other type of bar not shown to a row of adapter links preferably comprising a fixed adapter link 32a and a mobile adaptation link 32a'. The strand 3a is linked to a connecting element 7a which can be linked and locked with this row of links. In one embodiment, the strand 3a is overmolded over the connecting element 7a. The strand 3a can also be linked to the connecting element by a pin 7a

[0044] The connection between the row of adaptation links 32a, 32a' and the clasp 5a can be semi-permanent, meaning it is not intended to be opened for each bracelet replacement, but can be opened if necessary, for example with a tool. The connection between the linking element 7a and the strand 3a can be non-breakable.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting piece 7a includes a male portion, for example a tenon 9, that can be engaged in an opening 10a, for example a groove, cut into one of the adapter links attached to the clasp, here a central link different from the two lateral adapter links 32a, 32a'. The groove extends in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the bracelet extends. The groove 10a is open at one side end allowing the tenon 9to enter and exit the groove in such a way as to be able to reversibly join the two components.

[0046] The mobile adaptation link 32a' The first row, linked to clasp 5a, forms a locking and unlocking button. 6a. For this purpose, this link can be pivoted by the user around an axis essentially parallel to the direction of the groove 10a, so that it can be moved between a locked position, as represented in figures 2b and 3b , in which this link of adaptation 32a' obstructs the open end of the groove, thus preventing the tenon from exiting 9, and an unlocked position, represented in figures 2a and 3a , into which the tenon can be inserted into the groove 10a or be extracted from it.

[0047] Advantageously, the mobile adaptation link 32a'is designed so that it cannot be switched to the unlocked position when the bracelet is fastened to the wearer's wrist, thus providing security against accidental opening. To this end, the second strand of the bracelet is inserted into the clasp. 5a and in passing 19 prevents the rotation of the adapter link 32a' to the unlocked position, as can be seen on the figure 3b . The opening of the connection between the first row of links and the connecting piece 7a This therefore requires, in this example, the bracelet to be opened beforehand at the clasp. 5a, in order to remove the second strand of the bracelet.

[0048] THE figures 4a and 4b illustrate a connection similar to that of figures 2 à à 3b, but sandwiched between a bracelet strap and a folding clasp 5b as a clasp.

[0049] THE figures 5 to 7cillustrate another embodiment in which the bracelet can be opened without tools thanks to a connection between a strand of the bracelet and a row of adapter links 32b directly related to a watch case.

[0050] THE figures 6a to 6c illustrate an example with a flexible bracelet strand featuring a row of adapter links 32b and a bit 3a flexible.

[0051] THE figures 7a à7c illustrate an example with a strand of bracelet with articulated links and comprising several rows of links of a first type 30a and several rows of links of a second type 30b, the different rows of links being articulated with each other.

[0052] In both examples, the watch case has housings for second-type links 30b,for example in the form of blocks. These housings can accommodate either the second type of links 30b of a conventional bracelet, i.e., the adapter links 32b of a bracelet according to the invention. The adapter links 32b are mounted in these housings and held in place semi-permanently, for example by means of a strip passing through a hole 23 transversal across these links. Semi-permanent means in this context that the links of adaptation 32b are not intended to be detached from the watch case 2 at each bracelet replacement, but they can nevertheless be separated from the watch case, for example using a tool or in a workshop to be replaced by the second type links of a conventional bracelet.

[0053] Each link in the adaptation chain 32b includes a lock and / or unlock button 6bof the connection with a strand or link of the second type. The locking and / or unlocking button is preferably hidden and practically invisible when the bracelet is worn; for this purpose, the locking button is preferably only visible on the faces of the adapter links which are hidden when the bracelet is worn.

[0054] An example of an adaptation link 32b featuring a lock and / or unlock button is illustrated on the figure 5 . The only side of this link visible when the bracelet is worn is the upper side, which is virtually identical to the corresponding side of the links of the second type. 30b. The underside, i.e. the side that faces the wrist when the bracelet is worn, has a locking and / or unlocking button in the form of a push-button. 6b.

[0055] The operation of this push button will be better understood in light of the figures 6a to 6c . As we can see, the adaptation link 32b includes a dwelling 14 inside which the push button is arranged 6b. This one carries a movable body 9 arranged to cooperate with a spring, for example a compression spring 13 positioned at the back of the accommodation 14. The mobile body 9 is arranged to move, preferably, in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the plane of the bracelet 1 when the push-button 6b is activated. The adapter link 32 has a passage on one side 16 communicating with the accommodation 14. The mobile body 9 includes an opening 10b as well as a tooth 15 arranged opposite the passage 16. Bracelet 1 has two connecting elements 7battached to the bracelet strand 3a and arranged to be clipped inside the corresponding adapter link. The locking mechanism is the same for each adapter link. 32b, The following description refers to only one of the adapter links. The strand can, for example, be overmolded over the connecting element. 7b, or secured by other permanent or semi-permanent means.

[0056] The connecting element 7b includes a hook 11, intended to be inserted into an opening 10b of the adaptation link 32b. Hook 11 and the opening 10b may have a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, as seen in particular on the figure 5 .

[0057] The hook 11 can be snapped into the opening 10b to secure the connecting piece to the adapter link. The figures 6a and 6bshow the adaptation link 32b in separate configuration, respectively linked, to the linking element 7b. In the unified configuration of the figure 6b , the bracelet strand 3a and the adaptation link 32b are joined and united.

[0058] The bracelet strand 3a and the connecting element 7b can be joined together by a simple snap. For this purpose, the hook 11 of the connecting element 7b is introduced into the passage 16 of the adaptation link 32b, and an inclined surface of the hook 11 comes to push against the back of the tooth 15, which moves the moving body 9 thus compressing the spring 13 and allowing the insertion of the end of the hook 11 in the opening 10b of the moving body 9. The tooth 15 of the moving body 9 of the push button 6bautomatically falls back behind the inclined surface of the hook 11 under the action of the spring 13 so as to lock the two parts 7b, 32b in the configuration of the figure 6b , in order to block the extraction of the connecting piece 7b outside the opening 10b. The side of the tooth 15 leaning against the hook 11 is preferably recessed so as to prevent the risk of the tooth slipping against this hook in case of traction on the bracelet.

[0059] The bracelet strand 3a and the connecting element 7b can be separated, as shown on the figure 6c , by pressing the push button 6b. Pressing the push button 6b clear the tooth 16 crochet 11 thus allowing the disassembly of the connecting element 7b.

[0060] THE figures 7a, 7b, and 7cillustrate a watch with a tool-free detachable strap according to the invention. figure 7a is an enlarged section according to the "CC" plane of the figure 7b .

[0061] The watch box 2 is preferably equipped with two adapter links for connection to a single strand 3b of the bracelet 1. The same arrangement is replicated symmetrically on the opposite side, for the connection to the other, hidden, bracelet strand. Advantageously, each bracelet strand 1 is connected to the watch case 2 through two links of adaptation 32b distinct. This configuration offers additional security in the event that the lock on one of the adapter links were to open accidentally.

[0062] According to Figure 7b, the articulated link strand 3b comprises a plurality of links of a first type 30a and a plurality of links of a second type 30b. The two adapter links 32b are substantially indistinguishable from the links of the second type 30b when the bracelet is worn. In the example of the figure 7b The 3b articulated link bracelet has two 30b type 2 links per row. In an unillustrated variant, the bracelet has only one adapter link and one type 2 link per row. In another unillustrated variant, the bracelet has three adapter links and three type 2 links per row. The dimensions of the adapter links and the type 2 links are adjusted according to the number of type 2 links per row.

[0063] The detailed description and figures relate to an example consisting of a wristwatch with a clasp and a case, but this is not a limitation of the invention which could also be applied to a piece of jewelry, a necklace, a belt, any chain for attaching to a part of the body, or to an object intended to be worn on the body with a chain.

[0064] Thus, the delicate operation of changing a component of a fastening chain, which was not designed for tool-free disassembly, is considerably simplified, becoming accessible to everyone, faster, requiring no special tools, and eliminating the risk of damaging a component through improper handling. The invention also allows for interchangeability in new developments by reusing existing components not originally designed for this purpose. For example, it is possible to make a bracelet or clasp easily interchangeable without modifying either the clasp or the bracelet. Finally, the invention offers the further advantage of achieving tool-free interchangeability with a very limited, or even negligible, aesthetic impact, thus preserving the product's style.

Claims

1. A bracelet strap (1) comprising: a strap portion (3a; 3b); at least one connecting element (7a; 7b) connected inseparably to said strap portion (3a; 3b); at least one adaptation link (32a'; 32b), intended to be connected to an esthetic element (2; 5a, 5b) and to be detachably connected to said at least one connecting element (7a; 7b); a locking and / or unlocking button (7a; 7b) being hidden when the bracelet strap (1) is being worn, the bracelet strap being characterized in that said at least one adaptation link (32a'; 32b) includes the locking and / or unlocking button (6a, 6b) intended, when actuated, to bring the adaptation link (32a'; 32b) from a locked position, in which said at least one connecting element (7a; 7b) is locked to the adaptation link, into an unlocked position, in which said at least one connecting element (7a; 7b) can be disconnected from the adaptation link.

2. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap portion is either a strap portion (3a) formed completely or partly from a flexible material, or a strap portion made up of articulated links (3b).

3. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element (7a, 7b) and the or each adaptation link (32a'; 32b) are connected to one another removably by means of a male portion (9; 11) inserted into a female opening (10a; 10b), said locking and / or unlocking button (6a; 6b) making it possible to prevent the male portion from being extracted from said female opening when said at least one adaptation link (32a', 32b) is in the locked position, and allowing this extraction when said at least one adaptation link (32a', 32b) is in the unlocked position.

4. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said female opening (10a) forms part of a clasp (5a; 5b) and forms a groove in a transverse direction relative to the length of the strap portion (3a), the male portion (9) being designed to slide in the groove as it is being inserted or extracted.

5. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 4, comprising at least one row of links comprising a fixed adaptation link (32a) and a mobile adaptation link (32a'), the fixed and mobile adaptation links (32a, 32a') being intended to be connected to the clasp (5a; 5b), the mobile adaptation link (32a') being intended to perform the function of the locking and / or unlocking button, said mobile adaptation link (32a') being designed for this reason to pivot about an axis parallel to the groove between the locked position and the unlocked position so as to allow or respectively to block the insertion or the extraction of the male portion (9) relative to the groove (10a), the male portion being, for example, a post (9).

6. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 5, designed so that a second strap portion of the bracelet strap prevents said locking and / or unlocking button (6a) from being manipulated when the bracelet strap is fastened.

7. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 3, comprising at least one adaptation link, preferably two adaptation links (32b), connected to a watch case (2) when a strap portion (3b) of the bracelet strap is connected to said watch case (2).

8. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the or each adaptation link (32b) comprises a housing (14) and wherein the locking and / or unlocking button is in the form of a pushbutton (6b) arranged inside the housing (14) of the or of each adaptation link (32b) so that it can move therein when the or each adaptation link (32b) is brought from the locked position to the unlocked position.

9. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the or each adaptation link (32b) comprises, on one side, a passage (16) communicating with the housing (14), the or each pushbutton (6b) comprising a mobile body (9) and an elastic member (13) arranged in the housing (14) to collaborate with the mobile body (9), said mobile body comprising the female opening (10b), and wherein at least one connecting element, preferably two connecting elements (7b), is or are connected inseparably to said strap portion (3b) and is or are designed to be introduced into the passage (16) and the female opening (10b) of the or of each corresponding adaptation link so as to lock said strap portion (3b) to the watch case (2) without the need to actuate the pushbutton or pushbuttons (6b).

10. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mobile body (9) has a tooth (15) arranged facing the passage (16), the or each connecting element (7b) comprising a hook (11) engaging with the tooth (15) in the locked position, actuation of the pushbutton (6b) allowing the tooth (15) to disengage from the hook (11) so that said strap portion (3b) of the bracelet strap (1) can be disconnected.

11. The bracelet strap (1) as claimed in one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the articulated-links strap portion (3b) comprises a plurality of links of a first type (30a) and a plurality of links of a second type (30b), the or each adaptation link (32b) being substantially indistinguishable from said links of the second type (30b) when the bracelet strap is being worn.

12. The bracelet strap as claimed in claim 11, the links of the first type (30a) having an appearance, for example a shape, a dimension, an orientation and / or a color that are substantially identical to one another, the links of the second type (30b) having an appearance, for example a shape, a dimension, an orientation and / or a color that are substantially uniform in relation to one another, the or each adaptation link (32) having an appearance, for example a shape, a dimension, an orientation and / or a color that is substantially identical to that of the links of the second type when the bracelet strap is being worn.

13. A wristwatch comprising a bracelet strap (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.