DEPLOYING BUCKLE CLASP

Abstract

TITLE: DEPLOYING BUCKLE CLASP Clasp (1) for a bracelet, capable of occupying a closed position designed to hold the bracelet around the wrist of its wearer and an open position adapted for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, characterized in that it comprises a central blade (10), at least one intermediate blade (20) mounted to pivot by means of a first end (21) on one end (11) of the central blade (10), and at least one end blade (30) mounted to pivot by a first end (31) on a second end (24) of the intermediate blade (20) and comprising an element for receiving a bracelet strand (2) on a second end (34), and in that the central blade (10),the at least one intermediate blade (20) and the at least one end blade (30) are fitted together in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp without forming any excess thickness in the direction perpendicular to the clasp. Abbreviated figure: figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: DEPLOYING BUCKLE CLASP

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding clasp for a timepiece bracelet as well as to a bracelet as such comprising such a clasp. It also relates to a wristwatch comprising such a clasp.

[0002] In the state of the art, a folding clasp for a bracelet of a timepiece is generally arranged between two strands of this bracelet so as to always remain attached to the ends of these two strands. Such a clasp occupies two positions: a closed position, intended for wearing the timepiece, in which the bracelet and the clasp extend around the circumference of the wrist, presenting a total length allowing the timepiece to be held, and an open position which allows the length of the bracelet and the clasp to be increased, by moving the two ends of the two strands of the bracelet apart, without detaching them from the clasp, to allow the hand to pass through and the watch to be removed. In this open configuration of the clasp, the two strands of the bracelet are not separated, which minimizes the risk of the watch falling.

[0003] In this context, such a clasp of the state of the art comprises two blades mounted mobile in rotation respectively at the two ends of a central blade, and foldable on this central blade as well as a push button device allowing the clasp to be unlocked for a passage of the latter from the closed position to the open position.

[0004] However, one of the disadvantages of such a clasp lies in the significant bulk it presents due to the complex assembly of the parts of which it is made, including in particular an actuation mechanism, locking mechanism, superimposed blades, these components often being arranged under a cover, or even under the bracelet, for aesthetic reasons. Such bulk has the consequence of considerably altering the comfort associated with wearing the timepiece. In addition, this bulk has a significant and negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the clasp and therefore of the timepiece.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks linked to the state of the art.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, capable of occupying a closed position designed for holding the bracelet around the wrist of its wearer and an open position adapted for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, characterized in that it comprises a central blade, at least one intermediate blade mounted to pivot by means of a first end on one end of the central blade, and at least one end blade mounted to pivot by a first end on a second end of the intermediate blade intermediate and comprising an element for receiving a bracelet strand on a second end, and in that the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade are fitted together in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp without forming any excess thickness in the direction perpendicular to the clasp.

[0007] The clasp may include an elastic holding device to stabilize the closed position of the clasp.

[0008] In the closed position of the clasp, the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade, and the at least one end blade, do not generate excess thickness of the clasp by vertical superposition.

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

[0010] The at least one intermediate blade may comprise two parallel branches which are positioned on either side of the central blade in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp, and the at least one end blade may likewise comprise two parallel branches which are positioned on either side of the parallel branches of the at least one intermediate blade, in the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp.

[0011] The central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade may have a maximum thickness or an average thickness that are substantially equal.

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

[0013] The length of the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade may be substantially equal.

[0014] The central blade may comprise a recessed portion for housing without excess thickness a transverse branch of the intermediate blade in the closed position of the clasp.

[0015] The clasp may comprise an elastic holding device which comprises through slots made in the central blade.

[0016] The clasp may comprise two intermediate blades pivotally mounted on the same central blade and two end blades, respectively pivotally mounted on each intermediate blade, forming a symmetrical structure relative to a transverse median plane of the clasp.

[0017] The invention also relates to a bracelet, characterized in that it comprises two bracelet strands fixed to a clasp as described previously.

[0018] In the closed position of the clasp, the upper surface of at least one bracelet strand may come in continuity with the upper surface of the clasp.

[0019] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, or a piece of jewelry, characterized in that it comprises a bracelet as described above.

[0020] The invention also relates to a bracelet for a timepiece comprising such a folding clasp. It also relates to a timepiece as such comprising such a clasp.

[0021] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig. 1] represents a first perspective view of a bracelet equipped with a clasp in the open position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] represents a second perspective view of the bracelet equipped with the clasp in the open position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig. 3] represents a perspective view from above of the bracelet equipped with the clasp in the closed position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.4] represents a side view of the bracelet equipped with the clasp in the open position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.5] represents a side view of the bracelet equipped with the clasp in the closed position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.6] represents a bottom view of the bracelet equipped with the clasp in the closed position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0028] In the following description, identical reference numerals designate identical parts or parts having similar functions.

[0029] The adjectives "upper" and "lower" will respectively be used to designate parts or surfaces oriented towards the side visible by a user who wears the clasp or the bracelet comprising the clasp, and for the opposite parts or surfaces oriented towards the wrist of a user who wears the clasp or the bracelet comprising the clasp.

[0030] We will also conventionally use the term longitudinal direction for any direction aligned with the length of the bracelet arranged on the wrist, including for the bracelet clasp. The transverse direction will be the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the plane of the bracelet or clasp. The vertical direction will be perpendicular to the two previous directions, oriented from the lower part to the upper part of the bracelet or clasp.

[0031] A particular embodiment of a folding clasp will now be described in detail without limitation.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the clasp 1 with a folding buckle according to the embodiment has a symmetrical structure around a vertical transverse median plane. Thus, the same references will be used to designate the symmetrically arranged components. Naturally, the invention would be applicable to an asymmetrical clasp, or one comprising a structure limited exclusively to one of said two sides.

[0033] The clasp 1 is capable of occupying a closed position, represented by figures 3, 5 and 6, suitable for holding a bracelet around the wrist of its wearer, and an open position, represented by figures 1, 2 and 4, suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer.

[0034] Such a clasp 1 comprises a central blade 10, on which two intermediate blades 20 are arranged to pivot, respectively at the two ends 11 of the central blade 10. More precisely, a first end 21 of each intermediate blade 20 is arranged to rotate at one end 11 of the central blade 10, by means of a transverse axis, not shown.

[0035] The central blade 10 further comprises a recessed portion 15 in its upper surface, in its central part according to the embodiment, intended to receive a transverse part 23 arranged at the level of the second ends 24 of each intermediate blade 20 in the closed position of the clasp, as will be detailed later.

[0036] According to the embodiment, the recessed portion 15 of the central blade is equipped with a device for elastically holding the intermediate blades 20 in the closed position of the clasp, so that this position is stable. The clasp cannot open unexpectedly.

[0037] The intermediate blades 20 have a U shape, comprising two parallel branches 22, connected by the transverse branch 23 at their second end 24, opposite their first end 21 connected to the central blade 10. This construction is such that the two parallel branches 22 are positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction, on either side of the central blade 10 considering the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp. In this closed position, the transverse branch 23 of an intermediate blade 20 is housed in the recessed portion 15 of the central blade 10. For this, it has a reduced thickness, so as to be able to be housed in the housing formed by the recessed portion 15, without causing an excess thickness of the clasp.In other words, the thickness of the transverse branch 23, added to the thickness of the central blade 10 at its recessed portion, is substantially equal to the thickness of the central blade 10 outside the recessed portion 15, and substantially equal to the thickness of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blades 20.

[0038] The clasp 1 further comprises end blades 30, comprising two parallel branches 32, comprising a first end 31 mounted to move in rotation at the second end 24 of an intermediate blade 20, by means of a transverse axis, not shown. These end blades 30 further comprise a means for receiving the end of a bracelet strand 2 at their respective second ends 34. Advantageously, a bracelet strand 2 is mounted to move in pivoting relative to an end blade 30, at this second end 34. This mounting may be removable. Any known mechanical solution may be implemented for fixing the bracelet strand 2.

[0039] This construction is such that the two parallel branches 32 of an end blade 30 are positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction, on either side of the parallel branches 22 of an intermediate blade 20, considering the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp.

[0040] The invention has the advantage of allowing a significant reduction in the size of the clasp in the closed position, as shown in [Fig. 3]. Indeed, according to the embodiment, the three blades 10, 20, 30 of the clasp fit into each other in the transverse direction. They do not overlap in the vertical direction, with the exception of the transverse branch 23 of the intermediate blade 20, of small thickness, which is housed in a recessed portion 15 of the central blade. By this construction, this superposition does not cause excess thickness, as previously specified. Thus, in the closed position of the clasp, the blades 10, 20, 30 do not generate excess thickness of the clasp 1, unlike what is obtained with a conventional construction comprising a vertical superposition of at least two blades, or even of the bracelet or a clasp cover.The maximum total thickness of the clasp in the closed position thus corresponds to the maximum thickness of the thickest blade of the clasp. The closed position of the clasp does not increase its thickness compared to its fully extended position.

[0041] On the other hand, in an optimized manner, the length of the intermediate blade 20 and of the end blade 30 is chosen so as to correspond to half the length of the central blade 10. In addition, the widths of these three blades, measured in the transverse direction, are such that the total width of the clasp corresponds to the width of the bracelet strand 2. Finally, the thickness of each blade 10, 20, 30, measured in the vertical direction, is minimized.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the widths of the blades of the clasp are such that they fit together in the transverse direction, with less play, i.e. without leaving any visible space between them, in the closed position of the clasp. In addition, the thicknesses between the blades are also of the same order of magnitude. They have a maximum thickness or an average thickness that are substantially equal. It is thus possible to form an upper surface of the clasp, in the closed position, which is continuous. Advantageously, this surface is curved, to fit the shape of the wrist.

[0043] In addition, this upper surface of the clasp in the closed position preferably comes in continuity with the upper surface of the bracelet strand 2 connected to the clasp. In this closed position, the ends 11 of the central blade 10, the first end 21 of the intermediate blade 20, and the second end 34 of the end blade 30 come to be positioned in an aligned manner in the transverse direction. These ends thus come into contact with the bracelet strand 2 fixed to the end blade 30. This geometry allows the clasp to give the impression that it is a part of the bracelet, and not a separate clasp. Indeed, its upper surface forms a continuous overall surface, and the thickness also remains substantially constant, and / or continuous. The solution thus makes it possible not only to minimize the size of the clasp but also to achieve a particularly interesting unique aesthetic result.To support this effect, it is possible to choose the same material, or even similar materials, between the clasp and the bracelet strand.

[0044] In the central part of the clasp, the two transverse branches 23 of the two intermediate blades 20 come into contact with each other, to ensure continuity between the two symmetrical sides of the clasp, and by extension between the two bracelet strands. The recessed portion 15 of the central blade 10 therefore comprises a length corresponding to the length of the two transverse branches 23 to be housed.

[0045] It thus appears that in the closed position, the clasp can have a minimized thickness, barely greater than that of a bracelet strand 2. In particular, the maximum thickness of the clasp, in the closed position, is less than or equal to 3.5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm, or even less than or equal to 2.8 mm, for example of the order of 2.6 mm. This maximum thickness is located at the center of the clasp. On the sides, it is narrower, has a thickness which is close to that of a bracelet strand, for example less than or equal to 1.5 mm, or even less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0046] All the blades of the clasp may be made of the same material. Alternatively, different materials may be chosen. Such a material may be a metal, such as titanium, steel or gold. Alternatively, this material could be ceramic, and / or a composite material based on carbon and / or another material.

[0047] As mentioned previously, the clasp is preferably provided with a device for elastically maintaining its closed position. This closed position of the clasp is chosen to be sufficiently stable so as not to open unexpectedly. According to one embodiment, this maintaining device is based on the use of an elastic element, the actuation of which against an elastic force that it exerts allows the opening or closing of the clasp. At rest, the elastic force of the elastic element acts on the clasp to maintain its closed position.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the holding device is formed by simple slots 16 formed in the thickness of the central blade, at its recessed portion 15. More precisely, four slots 16 are made in the illustrated example, symmetrically arranged relative to the central point of the central blade 10. Each slot 16 extends from a lateral end of the recessed portion 15, in a transverse direction, then forms a quarter circle to extend in the longitudinal direction and come to a stop within the thicker portion of the central blade 10. These four slots 16 have the function of providing the central blade 10 with an elastic deformation property in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction, which makes it possible to form the elastic holding device of the clasp. These slots 16 are through, extend through the entire thickness of the central blade.Naturally, other holding devices can be implemented, for example based on separate elastic blades, or based on any other elastic retention system. Alternatively, the construction of the clasp could guarantee a considered sufficiently stable maintenance of its closed position, in which case the elastic holding device would no longer be mandatory. It is therefore optional.

[0049] The operation of the clasp 1 according to the invention will now be described. From the open and therefore unfolded position of the clasp 1, the intermediate blades 20 are pivoted around the end 11 of the central blade 10. Their movement is continued until the transverse branches 23 are housed in the hollow portion 15 of the central blade 10. To reach this position, an elastic force is exerted on the central blade 10, which then exerts an elastic return force which tends to maintain the intermediate blades 20 in their closed position. For this, the central blade 10 may comprise a slightly protruding flank 17, at the level of a slot 16, which cooperates with a corresponding shape 27 arranged in the inner flank of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blade 20.Thus, when the parallel branches 22 come into contact with the flanks of the central blade 10, their corresponding shapes 27 come into contact with the protruding flanks 17, which deform elastically. This results in a transverse elastic force exerted on said corresponding shapes 27 of the intermediate blades 20, which contributes to maintaining them in the closed position. The combination of the slots 16, the protruding flanks 17 and the corresponding shapes 27 thus forms a device for elastically maintaining the clasp.

[0050] The end blades 30 are pivoted around the second end 24 of the intermediate blades 20, until they come to the same level as the intermediate blades 20, in parallel. Preferably, a stop 28 is provided to define the final position of these end blades 30. According to the embodiment, this stop 28 is formed by pins arranged on the outer flanks of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blades 20, at their first end 21. The inner flanks of the parallel branches 32 of the end blades 30 comprise recesses 38 in which said pins are housed when the stop position is reached. As a remark, the position of the end blades 30 is by nature stable in the closed position of the clasp. There is no obligation to provide an additional holding device to specifically hold the two intermediate 20 and end 30 blades together.

[0051] The clasp 1 is opened by reverse actuation, by exerting sufficient force to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic holding device, then by deploying the different blades relative to each other.

[0052] Alternatively, the assembly formed by a first blade of the central blade type 10, a second blade of the intermediate blade type 20, and a third blade of the end blade type 30, can be used to form other clasps of low thickness than that described by way of example. A clasp may comprise only one assembly as mentioned, and not two according to a symmetrical structure as in the described embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, this set of three blades may have other geometries than that described, from the moment when the three blades overlap, at least partially, in the closed position, in the transverse direction, and not in the vertical direction, so as not to form excess thickness in the vertical direction and not to form a thick clasp in the closed position.

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

[0055] The invention also relates to any bracelet incorporating such a clasp 1. It may be a bracelet of a wristwatch. Such a clasp may more generally be used for any object to be fixed on a wrist or any other part. This object may be a scuba diving accessory such as a depth gauge or a scuba diving computer for example, or even a jewelry component. The bracelet may be of any type, such as for example made of flexible plastic, leather, or made by an assembly of metal links.

[0056] The invention finally also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, which comprises such a bracelet or such a clasp.

Claims

Claims

1. Clasp (1) for a bracelet, capable of occupying a closed position designed for holding the bracelet around the wrist of its wearer and an open position adapted for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, characterized in that it comprises a central blade (10), at least one intermediate blade (20) mounted so as to pivot by means of a first end (21) on one end (11) of the central blade (10), and at least one end blade (30) mounted so as to pivot by a first end (31) on a second end (24) of the intermediate blade (20) and comprising an element for receiving a bracelet strand (2) on a second end (34), and in that the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20) and the at least one end blade (30) are fitted together in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp without forming an excess thickness in the direction perpendicular to the clasp.

2. Clasp (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an elastic holding device for stabilizing the closed position of the clasp.

3. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closed position, the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30), do not generate excess thickness of the clasp (1) by vertical superposition.

4. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closed position, the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20) and the at least one end blade (30) occupy a configuration such that their upper surfaces form a continuous surface.

5. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one intermediate blade (20) comprises two parallel branches (22) which are positioned on either side of the central blade (10) in the transverse direction in the closed position, and in that the at least one end blade (30) likewise comprises two parallel branches (32) which are positioned on either side of the parallel branches (22) of the at least one intermediate blade (20), in the transverse direction, in the closed position.

6. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20) and the at least one end blade (30) has a maximum thickness or an average thickness that are substantially equal.

7. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum thickness of the clasp, in the closed position, is less than or equal to 3.5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm, or even less than or equal to 2.8 mm.

8. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the at least one intermediate blade (20) and of the at least one end blade (30) is substantially equal.

9. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central blade (10) comprises a recessed portion (15) for housing without excess thickness a transverse branch (23) of the intermediate blade (20) in the closed position.

10. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an elastic holding device which comprises through slots (16) made in the central blade (10).

11. Clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two intermediate blades (20) pivotally mounted on the same central blade (10) and two end blades (30), pivotally mounted respectively on each intermediate blade (20), forming a symmetrical structure relative to a transverse median plane of the clasp (1).

12. Bracelet, characterized in that it comprises two bracelet strands (2) fixed to a clasp (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Bracelet according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the closed position of the clasp, the upper surface of at least one strand of bracelet (2) comes in continuity with the upper surface of the clasp.

14. Timepiece, in particular wristwatch, or piece of jewelry, characterized in that it comprises a bracelet according to claim 12 or 13.

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