DEVICE FOR ATTACHING A STRAP TO A CLOCK CASE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for attaching a watch strap to a watch case. In particular, the present invention relates to an attachment device for attaching and detaching a watch strap from a watch case, for example, a standard watch case, without tools.

[0002] There are various solutions for attaching and detaching a watch strap to a watch case without tools, allowing a user to easily change their watch strap, for example to match their outfit or adapt it to a particular activity.

[0003] Some solutions utilize a mechanism integrated into the bracelet to allow its detachment from a standard case. The mechanism might include a button or sliders to retract the pivots of the spring bar on each bracelet strand, or to activate a clip designed to attach to a spring bar fixed to the watch case. A disadvantage of such solutions is that each strand of every interchangeable bracelet must incorporate the mechanism, which significantly increases the bracelet's cost.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a mechanism that can, for example, be adapted to a standard watch case while minimizing the complexity and additional cost of interchangeable straps.

[0005] Document CH 714 821 B1 describes a solution in which an adapter incorporating a ratchet is attached to the lug width of a watch case. A strap end conforming to the adapter can be slid onto the adapter until it engages with the protruding locking elements of the ratchet. The strap end is released by pressing the ratchet, which retracts the locking elements and frees the strap. A disadvantage of this solution is that the fastening system is configured so that the strap end clicks into the adapter with a simple push towards the watch case, like an electrical plug in a wall socket, and is removed in the same way. The strap end is held onto the adapter only by the retractable locking elements. Therefore, there is a significant risk that the strap end will detach itself if the ratchet is unintentionally pressed.Furthermore, the linear movement required by the fastening system to attach the strap to the case is disadvantageous with flexible straps, whose ends are preferably fitted, or even slightly compressed, against the watch case for aesthetic reasons. It is then difficult to push the strap against the compressive force of its end until it properly clicks into the adapter, implying the risk that it will not be correctly locked and will subsequently detach unintentionally. Moreover, since the click remains accessible from the top of the watch, it can pose a challenge for its integration into the overall aesthetics of the watch. Document EP 3 569 090 A1 shows an attachment device for tool-free fastening of a strap end to a watch case. This document does not show an adapter and insert configured to be attached to and detached from each other without tools.It also does not show that one of the adapter or insert includes at least one peg intended to be inserted into at least one blind groove of the other of the insert or adapter to couple the insert to the adapter.

[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a device for the removable attachment without tools of a strap strand to a watch case allowing a secure attachment of the strap strand to the watch case.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tool-free removable attachment device for a strap strand on a watch case, allowing straps of different types and / or materials to be attached simply and securely to the same watch case.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the removable attachment without tools of a strap strand to a watch case allowing a classic watch to be transformed into a watch with an interchangeable strap.

[0009] These goals and other advantages are achieved by an attachment device for tool-free attachment of a strap strand to a watch case, the attachment device comprising an adapter intended to be fixed to or form part of the watch case and an insert intended to be fixed to or form part of the end of the strap strand, the adapter and the insert being configured to be attached to and detached from each other without tools, the adapter comprising a base intended to be fixed to or form part of the watch case, and a locking member movably mounted on the base between a rest position and an unlocked position, one of the adapter or the insert comprising at least one pin intended to be inserted into at least one blind groove of the other of the insert or the adapter to couple the insert to the adapter,the locking mechanism comprising a locking profile configured to cooperate with a locking profile of the insert to lock the insert onto the adapter after the insert has been mated to the adapter and then pivoted relative to the adapter around at least one pin.

[0010] The arrangement of the movable locking mechanism on the adapter base allows for a simple insert design, thus minimizing the added cost and complexity of interchangeable straps using the device of the invention. The combination of at least one pin inserted into the bottom of at least one blind groove and the locking profiles of the adapter and insert allows the insert to be locked onto the adapter in both translation and rotation, thereby effectively attaching the strap end to the watch case.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the adapter or insert includes two pins, each designed to be inserted into a blind groove, and the other end of the insert or adapter includes two blind grooves to couple the insert to the adapter. Having two pins that fit into two blind grooves allows for symmetrical coupling of the strap to the watch, thus facilitating the insertion process for the user.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base is intended to be fixed between the lugs of a pair of watch case lugs. The use of an adapter comprising a base that attaches between the lugs of a watch case allows the device of the invention to be adapted to any standard watch case without it having to have been designed from the outset to accommodate interchangeable straps.

[0013] The base then comprises, for example, two pivots, each designed to be inserted into a hole in a lug for attachment between the lugs of the watch case. The adapter can thus be fixed to the watch case using the holes in the watch case lugs normally intended for the pivots of a standard spring bar. Preferably, the adapter, particularly the base, is prevented from rotating on the watch case by its profile, which aligns with the profile of the space between the lugs, or optionally by additional studs extending perpendicularly from the pivots towards the watch case.

[0014] The two pivots are for example each formed by the end of a screw screwed onto the base, the head of each screw forming a peg of at least one peg.

[0015] Preferably, the locking member is mounted to rotate freely on the base. The locking member can then pivot on the base between the rest position and the unlocked position.

[0016] Preferably, the fastening device includes return means to maintain the locking member in the rest position, the movement of the locking member from the rest position to the unlocked position occurring against the elastic return force of the return means. The return means partially enable the fastening device to remain locked when the insert is attached to the adapter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the insert's locking profile includes an entry slope configured to press against a slope of the locking member's locking profile during the insertion of at least one pin into at least one blind groove, and to push the locking member from its rest position to the unlocked position. This allows the user to attach the strap to the watch case without having to actuate the locking member to bring it to the unlocked position. The locking member is brought to the unlocked position by the pressure exerted by the user to insert the insert onto the adapter.

[0018] Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to return automatically to its rest position to lock the insert onto the adapter after the insert has been coupled to the adapter and then rotated relative to the adapter around at least one pin. The automatic return of the locking mechanism, like a ratchet, to its rest position upon completion of the strap attachment to the watch case allows for automatic locking of the attachment device and enables the user to easily verify that the strap is correctly attached to the watch case.

[0019] The insert locking profile is preferably configured to cooperate with the locking member locking profile to prevent the insert from pivoting relative to the locking member around at least one pin when the insert is locked onto the adapter.

[0020] Preferably, the insert includes a guide profile configured to cooperate with a profile of the adapter, preferably with a profile of the base, to allow the insertion of at least one pin into at least one blind groove only when the insert and the adapter form a predetermined insertion angle. This prevents the insert from easily detaching if the locking mechanism is inadvertently brought into the unlocked position.

[0021] Preferably, the insertion angle is more acute than the angle formed by the insert and the adapter when the insert is locked onto the adapter. This virtually eliminates the chance of accidental detachment while the watch is being worn.

[0022] The locking member preferably includes a button to unlock the fastening device when the insert is attached and locked onto the adapter by pushing the locking member out of the rest position into the unlocked position and allowing the insert to pivot relative to the locking member around at least one pin.

[0023] The insert is preferably a rigid, one-piece element. This minimizes the complexity and cost of the insert.

[0024] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description illustrated by the figures, where: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a watch case with an adapter for an attachment device according to the invention; the figure 2 is an exploded view of the adapter of the figure 1 with the watch case and one end of a suitable bracelet strap; the figure 3is a vertical cross-section of the adapter and the box of the figure 1 at the level of the holes in the box's horns; the figure 4 is a horizontal cross-section of the adapter and the box of the figure 1 at the level of the holes in the box's horns; the figure 5 is a perspective view of one end of a bracelet strand with an insert of an attachment device according to the invention; the figure 6 is an exploded view of the end of the bracelet strand of the figure 5 ; there figure 7 is a perspective view from below of a watch with a strap attached using an attachment device according to the invention; the figure 8 is a partial side view of a watch comprising an attachment device of the invention with a partially attached strap; the figures 9 to 12 are vertical cross-sections of the watch from the figure 8 ; there figure 13 is a side view of the watch figure 8with the bracelet strand fully attached; the figures 14 to 17 are vertical cross-sections of the watch from the figure 13 .

[0025] According to the invention, the attachment device comprises an adapter for being attached to or forming part of a watch case and an insert for being attached to or forming part of the end of a strap. The adapter is, for example, intended to be attached between the lugs of a watch case.

[0026] With reference to figures 1 to 4Illustrating by way of example one embodiment of an adapter 1 according to the invention, the adapter 1 preferably comprises a base 2 for being fixed between the lugs 90 of a pair of lugs of the watch case 9. The base 2 is, for example, fixed to the lugs 90 of the pair of lugs by means of pivots 30 for being inserted into holes 91 in the lugs 90, which are generally provided for receiving the pivots of a standard bar. The profile of the base 2 is preferably configured to cooperate with the profile of the space between the lugs of the watch case 9 in order to keep the base 2 stationary relative to the watch case 9 when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9.The profile of the base 2 is for example at least partially complementary to the profile of the lug so that, when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9, the support of the profile of the base 2 against the profile of the lug prevents the base 2 from pivoting on the watch case 9 around the pivots 30, that is to say around an axis of rotation coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the pivots 30.

[0027] According to the invention, the base 2 comprises at least one pin 35 for insertion into a corresponding groove in a strap strand 8 intended to be attached to the watch case 9, in particular into a groove in an insert fixed or integrated into the strap strand 8, to couple the strap strand 8 to the watch case 9, as explained in more detail below. The pin 35 is preferably arranged such that when the base 2 is attached to the lugs 90 of the watch case 9, it extends towards the center of the lug-to-lug space in a direction parallel to a virtual axis connecting the holes 91 of the lugs 90 to which the base 2 is attached. Preferably, the base 2 comprises two pins 35 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the base 2, which preferably coincides with a median plane of the lug-to-lug space when the base 2 is attached to the watch case 9.Thus, when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9, the pegs 35 preferably extend opposite each other, each from an opposite side of the lug width.

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, the two pivots 30 and the two pins 35 are formed by means of two screws 3, each screwed into one side of the base 2 through a tapped hole 23 provided for this purpose. The tapped holes 23 are through holes, and the screws 3 are screwed into the tapped holes 23, preferably after the base 2 has been positioned between the horns 90, until their tip, forming the pivot 30, protrudes from the other side of the corresponding tapped hole 23 and is inserted into the hole 91 of the corresponding horn 90. The head of each screw 3 is preferably configured and sized to remain protruding from the corresponding tapped hole 23 when the screw 3 is fully screwed in, thus forming the corresponding pin 35. Other embodiments are, however, possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, the pivots can be separate parts from the ankle(s).The pivots can, for example, be retractable pivots fixed on either side of the base, and the anchors, for example, pins inserted into the base or embedded in the material along with it. The anchor(s) may not be coaxial with the pivots.

[0029] Optionally, the base 2 further includes guide studs 20, preferably oriented perpendicularly to the pivots 30 in the direction of the watch case 9, for insertion into additional holes formed in the lugs of the watch case 9. The guide studs 20 facilitate the positioning of the base 2 during its mounting on the watch case 9, help to maintain the position of the base 2 during its attachment, for example, during the tightening of the screws 3, and also prevent the base 2 from pivoting relative to the watch case 9 around the pivots 30 after it has been attached to the watch case 9. The guide studs 20 are, for example, inserted and held by friction in corresponding bores in the base 2. Advantageously, they can thus be removed or omitted if the watch case does not have suitable holes for them. Other embodiments are, however, possible within the scope of the invention.The guide pads are for example screwed onto the base in tapped holes provided for this purpose, or are made of material with the base.

[0030] According to the invention, the adapter 1 comprises a locking member 4 movably mounted on the base 2. The locking member 4 includes a locking profile 40 for cooperating with a corresponding locking profile of a strap strand 8 intended to be attached to the watch case 9, in particular with a locking profile of an insert fixed or integrated into the strap strand 8, to lock the strap strand 8 to the watch case 9, as explained in more detail below. The locking member 4 preferably includes a button 41 configured to allow a user to actuate the locking member 4 when the strap strand 8 is attached to the watch case 9, in order to detach the strap strand 8 from the watch case 9. The button 41 is preferably fixed relative to the rest of the locking member 4. The locking member 4 is preferably a rigid, one-piece element comprising the locking profile 40 and the button 41.

[0031] The locking member 4 is preferably mounted to rotate freely on the base 2. For example, the locking member 4 is mounted to rotate freely about a rod 21 mounted on a suitable support 29 of the base 2 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one pin 35. When the adapter 1 is attached to the watch case 9, the locking member 4 thus pivots about an axis of rotation formed by the rod 21 and preferably parallel to the virtual axis connecting the holes 90 of the lugs 9 to which the adapter 1 is attached. The locking member 4 is preferably mounted to rotate freely at its end opposite the button 41. The locking member 4 is preferably mounted on the base 2 so that the locking profile 40 is positioned between the lugs 90, substantially equidistant from each lug 90, when the adapter 1 is attached to the watch case 9.The locking member 4 is preferably mounted on the base 2 so that, when the adapter 1 is fixed to the watch case 9 and a strap strand 8 is attached to the adapter 1, the button 41 is accessible to a user, preferably from the underside of the watch case 9. The locking member 4 preferably pivots between two positions: a rest position corresponding to the locked position of the attachment device of the invention and an unlocking position, corresponding to the unlocked position of the attachment device.

[0032] The adapter 1 preferably includes return means, for example a double torsion spring 22 mounted around the rod 21, acting on the locking member 4 to maintain it in its rest position relative to the base 2. Thus, the return means, for example the double torsion spring 22, contribute to maintaining the attachment device of the invention in the locked position when the strap strand 8 is attached to the watch case 9. The locking member 4 is pivoted against the elastic return force of the return means, for example the torsion spring 22, to unlock the attachment device and detach the strap strand 8 from the watch case 9.

[0033] With reference to figures 5 and 6Illustrating by way of example a preferred embodiment of an insert according to the invention viewed from below, the insert 5 is for example intended to be integrated into one end of a bracelet strand 8. The insert 5 is preferably a rigid one-piece piece, made of metal or any other suitable material, integrated into a housing 80 formed at the end of the bracelet strand 8. The bracelet strand 8 is for example made of polymer and the insert 5 is integrated into the bracelet strand 8 by overmolding the bracelet strand 8 onto the insert 5. According to other embodiments, the bracelet strand is for example made of leather and the insert is fixed in or to the end of the bracelet strand by gluing, or by any other suitable means adapted to the materials used for the bracelet strand and the insert.In other embodiments, the insert is formed directly on the end of the bracelet strand, for example by machining or molding a first link of a bracelet strand, for example, made of metal or ceramic. The insert 5 is configured to cooperate with the adapter of the attachment device of the invention in order to attach and detach the bracelet strand 8 from the watch case to which the adapter is fixed without tools.

[0034] According to the invention, the insert 5 comprises at least one blind groove 53 for receiving at least one pin of the adapter to couple the bracelet strap 8 to the watch case carrying the adapter. Preferably, the insert 5 comprises two blind grooves 53, each for receiving one pin of the adapter of the attachment device of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the adapter comprises at least one pin, preferably two pins, and the insert comprises at least one blind groove for receiving at least one pin of the adapter, preferably two blind grooves, each for receiving one of the two pins of the adapter. IlHowever, it is conceivable within the framework of the invention to provide the peg(s) on the insert and the corresponding blind groove(s) on the adapter, or to provide a peg and a groove on each of the two parts of the attachment device of the invention.

[0035] According to the invention, the insert 5 includes a locking profile 50 designed to cooperate with the locking profile of the adapter's locking member to lock the attachment device of the invention and thus ensure that the strap 8 is held securely on the watch case. The locking profile 50 of the insert 5 is preferably complementary in shape to the locking profile of the locking member. The locking profile 50 of the insert 5 includes, for example, two inclined faces 51, 52 forming an edge extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap 8 when the insert 5 is attached to the strap 8. A first inclined face is, for example, an entry slope 51 designed to first come into contact with the locking profile of the locking member when the strap 8 is coupled to the watch case in order to push the locking member into its unlocked position.A second inclined face is for example a locking slope 52 intended to cooperate with the locking profile of the locking member to prevent rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter when the fastening device of the invention is locked and the strap strand 8 is attached to the watch case.

[0036] Preferably, the insert 5 further includes a guide profile 56 for cooperating with a corresponding profile of the adapter, particularly the base, so as to allow the insert 5 to couple to the adapter only when the insert 5 forms a predetermined insertion angle with the adapter, i.e., when the strap strand 8 is inclined at a predetermined insertion angle relative to the watch case. Preferably, the insertion angle is more acute than the angle formed by the strap strand and the watch case when the watch is worn on the wrist, to prevent the strap strand from unintentionally detaching from the watch case if the fastening device is accidentally unlocked, particularly while the watch is being worn.

[0037] The attachment device of the invention, comprising the adapter and the insert, allows the strap 8 to be attached and detached from the watch case 9 without tools. In particular, the strap 8 can be detached from the watch case 9 by actuating the button 41 to rotate the locking member around its axis from its rest position to its unlocked position, and thus decouple the locking profile of the locking member from the locking profile of the insert. figure 7This partially illustrates a watch viewed from below, in which a strap 8 is attached to the lugs 90 of a pair of watch case lugs 9 by means of an attachment device according to the invention. Preferably, the button 41 is accessible from the underside of the watch and extends from one lug 90 to the other, thus offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance, although hidden when the watch is worn on the wrist, and a sufficient surface area to allow easy operation by a user. In some embodiments, the operating surface of the button 41 is textured, for example, grooved, to provide a better grip for the user and prevent their finger from slipping when operating the button 41.

[0038] THE figures 8 to 17 illustrate in more detail certain aspects of the attachment device of the invention and its operation.

[0039] There figure 8is a side view of a bracelet strand 8 equipped with an insert of the attachment device of the invention, which is coupled but not yet locked to a watch case 9 to which an adapter of the attachment device is fixed, of which only the button 41 is visible. The bracelet strand 8 is, for example, being attached to the watch case 9 or being detached from it.

[0040] Preferably, the bracelet strap 8 is coupled to the watch case 9 by bringing the insert 5 of the adapter 1 close enough to insert the pin(s) 35 of the adapter 1 or the insert into the corresponding groove(s) 53 of the other part of the insert 5 or the adapter, as illustrated by way of example in the figure 9 which is a vertical cross-section of the watch figure 8at the level of a groove 53 of the fastening device. As illustrated in this figure, the peg(s) 35 are slid to the bottom of the corresponding blind groove 53 in a direction determined by the preferably rectilinear shape of the groove(s) 53.

[0041] With reference to the Figure 10 which is a vertical cross-section of the watch figure 8at one end of the insert 5, the inclination of the insert 5 relative to the adapter, and consequently the inclination of the strap strand 8 relative to the watch case 9, during the insertion of the pin(s) into the corresponding groove(s) is preferably determined by the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 cooperating with a corresponding profile of the adapter 1, preferably a corresponding profile of the base 2. Thus, the insertion of the pin(s) into the groove(s) is possible only when the inclination of the strap strand 8 relative to the watch case 9 corresponds to the determined insertion angle which allows the guide profile 56 to slide along the corresponding profile of the adapter during insertion.Preferably, the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 and the corresponding profile of the adapter are configured so that the strap strand 8 cannot be pivoted relative to the watch case 9 during the sliding of the pin(s) in the corresponding groove(s), before the pin(s) have reached the bottom of the corresponding groove(s).

[0042] There figure 11 is a vertical cross-section of the watch figure 8at the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4, for example at the center of the lug width of the watch case 9, i.e., equidistant from each lug of the pair of lugs to which the adapter of the invention is fixed. Preferably, when the pin(s) have reached the bottom of the corresponding groove(s), the locking profile 50 of the insert 5 bears against the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4 and pushes the locking member 4 into the unlocked position against the elastic return force of the return means, for example, the torsion spring 22. Preferably, the entry slope 51 of the locking profile 50 of the insert 5 bears against a slope 45 of the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4.

[0043] There figure 12 , which is a vertical cross-section of the watch from the figure 8at the level of a side wall of the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4, shows the compression of the return means, for example of the torsion spring 22 which is compressed between the base 2 and the locking member 4 on which it is held in a suitable guide groove.

[0044] Once the peg(s) 35 are inserted, preferably in a linear motion, into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53, resulting in the coupling position illustrated as an example on the figures 8 to 12 The bracelet strap 8 is pivoted relative to the watch case 9 around the lug(s) 35, that is, around an axis of rotation coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the lug(s) 35m until it reaches the locking position illustrated as an example by the figures 13 to 17During the rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter 1, the entry slope 51 of the locking profile of the insert 5 slides against the slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4, thus holding the latter in the unlocked position, until the crest of the entry slope 51 of the locking profile of the insert 5 passes over the crest of the slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4, and the locking member 4 then returns to its rest position under the elastic return force of the return means, for example, the torsion spring 22, in the manner of a ratchet. Since the locking profile of the insert 5 is preferably complementary to the locking profile of the locking member 4, the two locking profiles are preferably pressed against each other when the fastening device is locked.

[0045] The attachment device of the invention is thus self-locking at the end of the insertion movement, preferably linear, for coupling the insert 5 to the adapter 1, then locking by rotation of the insert 5 on the adapter 1 for their locking together.

[0046] The slopes of the locking profiles are preferably oriented so that their contact, when the fastening device is locked, prevents the relative rotation of the insert and the adapter around the pegs and prevents the unintentional rotation of the locking member on its axis.

[0047] When the material of the insert 5 and / or the strap strand 8 is elastic, it is preferably slightly compressed when the fastening device is locked, thus contributing to the firm retention of the strap strand 8 on the watch case 9. The compressed soft material of the insert 5 and / or the strap strand 8 also helps to initiate the reverse rotation of the strap strand 8 relative to the watch case 9 when the fastening device is unlocked to detach the strap strand 8.

[0048] When the materials of the insert 5 and the bracelet strand 8 are rigid, for example metallic, a seal of elastic material not shown in the figures may be provided for example at the end of the bracelet strand 8 in contact with the watch case 9 when the fastening device is locked in order to compensate for any possible play between these elements.

[0049] THE figures 14 to 16illustrate the device of the invention in the locked position according to vertical sections corresponding to those of the figures 9 to 12 .

[0050] With reference to the figure 14 , in locked position the peg(s) 35 are inserted into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 and the insert 5 is preferably pressed against the base 2.

[0051] As illustrated in the figure 15Since the angle between the insert 5 and the adapter differs from the insertion angle, preferably being greater than the latter, the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 is no longer aligned with the corresponding profile of the adapter, for example, the base 2. In this angular position, the insert 5 cannot be removed from the adapter, even if the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position. Indeed, in this angular position, the profile of the insert cooperates with the profile of the base 2 to prevent the relative movement of the insert 5 and the adapter in the direction of the blind groove(s) 53. The pin(s) 35 cannot therefore be slid out of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 to decouple the insert 5 from the adapter.

[0052] There figure 16It shows that in the locked position, the locking profile of the locking member 4 is preferably pressed against the locking profile of the insert 5. According to the illustrated embodiment, the counter-slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 is pressed against the locking slope 52 of the locking profile of the insert 5. The slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 and its counter-slope form an edge which is inserted into a groove with a profile complementary to that of the edge, formed by the locking slope 52 of the locking profile of the insert 5 and its counter-slope, thus preventing any rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter around the pegs 35. The fastening device of the invention is locked.

[0053] There figure 17shows that in this locked position, the elastic return means of the adapter, for example the torsion spring 22, is less compressed than in the unlocked position of the fastening device illustrated for example in the figure 12 .

[0054] Other configurations of the locking profiles of the insert and the locking member are conceivable within the framework of the invention, for example profiles comprising a greater number of edges and / or profiles comprising one or more grooves and / or protrusions with rounded or polygonal, convex or concave profiles and complementary in pairs.According to the invention, the locking profiles of the locking member and the insert are configured to allow rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter 1 when the pin(s) 35 are inserted into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 and the locking member is in the unlocking position, and to prevent such rotation when the pin(s) 35 are inserted into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53, the locking member is in the rest position and the locking profiles are then engaged with each other, preferably pressed against each other.Preferably, the locking profiles of the locking member and the insert are configured to allow the insert to rotate relative to the adapter during locking without the user having to press the button. The insert's contact with the locking member during rotation keeps the locking member away from its rest position. Even more preferably, at the end of the rotation, the locking member returns to its rest position under the action of the return force of the elastic return means, in a ratchet-like manner, and thus automatically locks the fastening device of the invention.

[0055] The attachment device of the invention and its operation are described above for a bracelet strand intended to be attached to a pair of lugs on a watch case. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device of the invention and its operation apply in the same way to the second bracelet strand forming the watch bracelet and intended to be attached to the other pair of lugs on the watch case, each pair of lugs on the watch case comprising an adapter and each bracelet strand comprising an insert of an attachment device according to the invention.

[0056] According to the embodiments described above, the attachment device of the invention comprises an adapter for being fixed between the lugs of a pair of watch case lugs. Those skilled in the art will understand that other means of attachment are conceivable within the scope of the invention for attaching the adapter to the watch case, for example, directly screwed or clipped onto a side of the watch case, particularly in cases where the watch case does not have lugs. Alternatively, the adapter, in particular its base, is formed directly onto the watch case during its manufacture. The base, for example, is formed as a single piece with the watch case.

Claims

1. Attachment device for attaching a bracelet strap (8) to a watchcase (9) without the use of tools, the attachment device comprising an adapter (1) intended to be fixed to or to form part of the watchcase (9) and an insert (5) intended to be fixed to or to form part of the end of the bracelet strap (8), the adapter (1) and the insert (5) being configured to be attached to one another and detached from one another without the use of tools, the adapter (1) comprising: - a base (2) intended to be fixed to or to form part of the watchcase (9), and - a locking member (4) mounted on the base (2) to move between a resting position and an unlocking position; one of the adapter (1) or the insert comprising at least one pin (35) intended to be introduced into at least one blind groove (53) in the other of the insert (5) or the adapter in order to couple the insert (5) to the adapter (1), the locking member (4) comprising a locking profile (40) configured to cooperate with a locking profile (50) of the insert (5) in order to lock the insert (5) on the adapter (1) after the insert (5) has been coupled to the adapter (1) then pivoted with respect to the adapter (1) about the at least one pin (35).

2. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, one of the adapter (1) or the insert comprising two pins (35) each intended to be introduced into one blind groove (53) of two blind grooves (53) in the other of the insert (5) or the adapter in order to couple the insert (5) to the adapter (1).

3. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the base (2) being intended to be fixed between the horns (90) of a pair of horns of the watchcase (9).

4. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the base (2) comprising two pivots (30) each intended to be introduced into a hole (91) in a horn (90) in order to fix it between the horns (90) of the pair of horns of the watchcase (9).

5. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the two pivots (30) each being formed by the end of a screw (3) screwed on the base (2), the head of each screw (3) forming a pin (35) of the at least one pin (35).

6. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) being mounted to move in rotation on the base (2).

7. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the locking member (4) being pivotable on the base (2) between the resting position and the unlocking position.

8. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising return means (22) to keep the locking member (4) in the resting position, the movement of the locking member (4) from the resting position towards the unlocking position being effected against the elastic return force of the return means (22).

9. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking profile (50) of the insert (5) comprising an entry slope (51) configured to bear against a slope (45) of the locking profile (40) of the locking member (4) and to push the locking member (4) out of the resting position towards the unlocking position during the insertion of the at least one pin (35) into the at least one blind groove (53).

10. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) being configured to return to the resting position of its own accord in order to lock the insert (5) on the adapter (1) after the insert (5) has been coupled to the adapter (1) then pivoted with respect to the adapter (1) about the at least one pin (35).

11. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking profile (50) of the insert (5) being configured to cooperate with the locking profile (40) of the locking member (4) in order to prevent the pivoting of the insert (5) with respect to the locking member (4) about the at least one pin (35) when the insert (5) is locked on the adapter (1).

12. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the insert (5) comprising a guide profile (26) configured to cooperate with a profile of the adapter (1), preferably with a profile of the base (2), in order to allow the insertion of the at least one pin (35) into the at least one blind groove (53) only when the insert (5) and the adapter (1) form a predetermined angle of insertion.

13. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the angle of insertion being more acute than the angle formed by the insert (5) and the adapter (1) when the insert (5) is locked on the adapter (1).

14. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) comprising a button (41) to unlock the attachment device when the insert (5) is locked on the adapter (1) by pushing the locking member (4) out of the resting position into the unlocking position and to allow the pivoting of the insert (5) with respect to the locking member (4) about the at least one pin (35).

15. Attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is a single-piece rigid element.