Jewelry item

Abstract

Jewelry item comprising: a strand defining a first end (100) and a second end (200), a clasp having a first portion located at the first end and a second portion located at the second end, said first portion of the clasp comprising a pair of hooks (10a, 10b) movable between a locking position and a free position, said hooks being actuable by buttons (12a, 12b), said second portion of the clasp comprising a pair of catches (20a, 20b), characterized in that the second end comprises a blocker (50) provided with a stud (52), said blocker (50) being movable between a first position in which the stud is located in the travel of the buttons (12a, 12b), and a second position in which the stud is not located in the travel of the buttons. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Jewelry item Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of jewelry. It particularly relates to a jewelry item comprising a strand which can be opened, particularly for putting on or taking off the item, and which can be closed, for its use when worn. Such an item may in particular be a bracelet, possibly a watch bracelet, or even a necklace. State of the art

[0002] In the field of jewelry and watches, it is known and common to use clasps to allow the article, bracelet or necklace in particular, to be opened, to put it on and take it off, when its size does not allow easy passage of the hand or head.

[0003] There is a wide variety of clasps, depending on the nature of the strand that forms the article, for example a lobster clasp for a chain, or a pin buckle for a flexible strand such as a leather or rubber bracelet.

[0004] When it is intended that the two ends of the strand come end to end, and engage one into the other, other types of clasps are known, for example ratchet, in which a V-shaped blade secured to one end, is housed in an opening located at the other end of the strand. The V-shaped blade is elastically deformable and engages in a notch in the opening. A lever makes it possible to actuate the blade to release the notch and open the clasp.

[0005] A clasp is also known having a first part located at the first end of the strand and a second part located at the second end of said strand. The first part of the clasp comprises a pair of hooks movable between a locking position and a free position. The hooks are actuated by buttons housed in the first end of the strand. The second part of the clasp comprises a pair of catches each capable of receiving one of the hooks of the pair of hooks when they are in the locking position and the second end and the first end of the strand are engaged in each other, thus preventing their disengagement. By actuating the buttons, the user can move the hooks outside the catches to separate the two parts of the clasp.

[0006] However, the holding in the locked position is essentially defined by the force of the springs which hold the buttons and therefore which keep the hooks engaged in their respective catch. If we want to improve the security of the clasp, then we can reinforce the spring. However, this can make the actuation of the buttons difficult, especially if they are small. Also, there is a risk of accidentally pressing the buttons and losing the item, which is obviously damaging, especially if the jewelry item is of high value. Statement of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the security of locking a clasp of a piece of jewelry.

[0008] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a piece of jewelry comprising: - a strand defining a longitudinal direction, a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being able to cooperate by longitudinal engagement to form a loop with the strand, - a clasp provided with a first part located at the first end of said strand and a second part located at the second end of said strand, said first part of the clasp comprising a pair of hooks movable between a locking position and a free position, said hooks being actuable by buttons housed in the first end, said second part of the clasp comprising a pair of catches each capable of receiving one of the hooks of the pair of hooks when the hooks are in the locking position and when the second end and the first end of the strand are engaged in each other, thus preventing their disengagement, characterized in that the second end further comprises a blocker provided with a stud, said blocker being movable in translation between a first position in which the stud is located in the travel of the buttons to prevent said hooks from occupying their free position, and a second position in which the stud is not located in the travel of the buttons, allowing said hooks to occupy their free position.

[0009] According to one embodiment, said first position and second position of the blocker are stable.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the jewelry item comprises a ball ratchet arranged to cooperate with the blocker to define and stabilize said first and second positions of the blocker.

[0011] According to one embodiment, said ball ratchet is housed in the second end of the strand.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the blocker has an external surface, and, when it is in its first position, the external surface of the blocker is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the blocker is integrated into the strand.

[0013] According to one embodiment, said buttons can be actuated against a spring, which keeps them in abutment in a rest position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the buttons have an external surface, characterized in that, when they are in the rest position, the external surface of the buttons is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the buttons are integrated into the strand.

[0015] According to one embodiment, said buttons are movable in rotation around an axis, which is parallel to a translation axis of the blocker.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the jewelry item comprises means for guiding the engagement of the first end and the second end.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the blocker is integral with gripping fins, extending in projection from the strand. Description of figures

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiment(s) of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0019] [Fig. 1] is an isometric view of the two ends of the strand, the central part of which has been truncated, the two ends being separated;

[0020] [Fig.2] represents the same strands as [Fig.l], but in section in a plane ho rhizotal and top views;

[0021] [Fig.3] represents the same view as [Fig.2], but with the ends of the strand engaged in each other;

[0022] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the clasp, with the blocker in a position different from [Fig.5];

[0023] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the clasp, with the blocker in a position different from [Fig.4].

[0024] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0025] In the present application, the term jewelry is understood broadly and includes set articles, i.e. jewelry articles. The article may or may not include a watch head. If the watch head joins two bracelet parts, it is considered here that the bracelet and the watch head form a strand defining the jewelry article.

[0026] [Fig. 1] shows the first end 100 and the second end 200 of a strand of a piece of jewelry according to the present invention. In [Fig. 1], the two ends of the strand are separated, corresponding to an open state of the strand. The central part of the strand which connects the two ends has not been shown in the figures. The two ends are capable of cooperating with each other by engagement. longitudinal, at the end, to form the closed strand ([Fig.3]). The two strand ends close by aligning their end and by engaging a locking element from one end into the other, as will be described below. The strand, or at least the two strand ends, can define a longitudinal direction flat, and the strand ends engage along this longitudinal direction. It is understood that in the case of a flexible strand, the strand is stretched to define this longitudinal direction.

[0027] The embodiment presented relates to a bracelet strand, at least the ends of which are of the link type or comprise rigid structures, allowing the assembly of the moving parts. The invention could also be applied with a strand made of flexible material, rubber or leather. In this case, in order to mount the moving components on a rigid frame, an insert will be integrated into the flexible strand, which will serve as a frame for the moving elements and other structural elements which will be described below. A flexible strand could also connect rigid ends, of the type illustrated in the figures.

[0028] The article according to the invention also comprises a clasp provided with a first part located at the first end 100 of said strand. This first part of the clasp comprises a pair of hooks 10a, 10b movable between a locking position and a free position. The hooks 10a, 10b are actuated by buttons 12a, 12b housed in the first end. Preferably, the hooks 10a, 10b are respectively integral with the buttons 12a, 12b, or even made in one piece with their respective button. They are pivotally mounted on a frame element located at the first end of the strand, along an axis perpendicular to a transverse plane of the strand. Without modifying the invention, it would also be possible to provide buttons that are movable in translation. Typically, the buttons 12a, 12b are designed to be actuated simultaneously between the thumb and index finger of a user.Thus, for a bracelet, the designer of the article will advantageously provide that the buttons 12a, 12b are located on lateral faces of the article, the dorsal face being located on the side of the wearer's arm and the front face being opposite the dorsal face.

[0029] The buttons 12a, 12b are actuable against a spring 14, which keeps them in abutment in a rest position. This spring may be of the butterfly type and act against the internal walls of the buttons 12a, 12b. It can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, which show the first hook 10a in the locking position, that the associated button 12a is in abutment against a rigid element 16 located nearby. The second hook 10b is in the free position, with the associated button 12b pressed.

[0030] It can also be seen in these figures that, when they are in the rest position, the external surface of the buttons 12a, 12b is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the buttons are integrated into the strand. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, we see that the strand has a setting of stones and that the external faces of the buttons have a similar setting, in continuity with that of the strand. Thus, when the buttons 12a, 12b are not actuated, they are camouflaged and otherwise invisible, discreet, with or without setting.

[0031] The clasp also comprises a second part located at the second end 200 of the strand. This second part of the clasp comprises a pair of catches 20a, 20b each capable of receiving one of the hooks of the pair of hooks 10a, 10b. A catch comprises a housing into which a portion of the hook can enter, as well as a rim 22 which delimits the housing. The support of the hook 10a, 10b on the rim 22 is made on surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and ensures locking. Thus, when the hooks 10a, 10b are in the locking position and the first end 100 and the second end 200 of the strand are engaged in each other, they prevent their disengagement from their respective catch 20a, 20b, in particular in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] When the hooks 10a, 10b are engaged in the catches 20a, 20b, the spring 14 tends to hold the hooks in this position.

[0033] Inclined flanks 18 may be provided at the entrance of the latches and / or on the tips of the hooks, so that when the first end is engaged in the second, the resultant of the bearing forces between the inclined flanks of the hooks and the latches, bring the hooks back against the spring, so that they pass the edge and enter the housing.

[0034] In [Fig. 3], we can see the two ends of the strand engaged in each other with, on the one hand, the first hook 10a engaged in its catch 20a, in the locking position, and the second hook 10b is in the free position, corresponding to an actuation of the button 12b, and is out of its catch 20b.

[0035] The ends of the strands 100, 200 may advantageously comprise means for guiding the engagement of the first end 100 and the second end 200. One of the ends, the first 100 in the illustrated example, is provided with tenons 19, two for example, extending in projection from the face of the first end 100, in the longitudinal direction. The other end 200 comprises bores 25 sized to receive the tenons 19 with a small clearance.

[0036] Advantageously, the end which is provided with the bores 25, comprises a seat 27 which projects beyond the face of the strand, projecting towards the end which is provided with the tenons 19. The seat 27 defines a U-shaped wall, on which the tenons 19 can rest with a low precision constraint, in order to engage them in the direction of the bores 25. When the ends of the strands are in abutment against each other, in a locking situation, the seat 27 takes place under the first end 100 of the strand, while the tenons 19 are in the bores 25, with a correspondence of perfect shape. Thus, thanks to this seat 27, the user does not have to aim to engage the tenons 19 in the bores 25, and the engagement of the two ends of the strand is much more natural.

[0037] According to the invention, the second end 200 of the bracelet strand further comprises a blocker 50, this blocker 50 being provided with a blocking stud 52. The blocker 50 is arranged at the second end of the strand, so as to be movable in translation between a first position in which the stud 52 is located on or in the travel of the buttons 12a, 12b to prevent said hooks 10a, 10b from occupying their free position (the stud 52 forms an obstacle to prevent said hooks 10a, 10b from occupying their free position), and a second position in which the stud 50 does not interfere with the movement of the hooks 10a, 10b. In other words, the stud is not located on or in the travel of the buttons, thus allowing the hooks to occupy their free position. The translation axis of the blocker 50 is advantageously parallel to the axes of rotation of the buttons.

[0038] Thus, when the first 100 and the second 200 ends of the strand are engaged in each other to form a loop, and the hooks 10a, 10b of the clasp are engaged in the catches 20a, 20b in their locking position, if the blocker 50 is in its first position, the hooks cannot be moved into their free position by acting on the buttons 12a, 12b, since pressure on the buttons is blocked by their abutment against the stud 52.

[0039] The locking stud 52 is dimensioned so that the stroke of the buttons 12a, 12b is less than the length of cooperation between a hook 10a, 10b and its keeper 20a, 20b, to prevent the hook from coming out of the keeper. Preferably, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], the locking stud 52 is adjusted to keep the buttons 12a, 12b in abutment against the element 16 and the hooks 10a, 10b in their locking position. The internal face of the hooks intended to bear against the locking stud 52 advantageously has a profile corresponding to that of the locking stud, to have a larger contact surface and avoid the interaction of an edge on a plane. Still in [Fig.3], button 12a is shown, theoretically, in the actuated position and we see in the figure that there is indeed a collision between pad 52 and button 12a.

[0040] In this same configuration engaged at both ends of the strand, if the wearer of the article wants to open it, it is first necessary to pull on the blocker 50 to make it translate and bring it into its second position, illustrated [Fig.5]. Then, we see that the blocking stud is no longer in the plane of the buttons 12a, 12b and that these can be actuated to move the hooks 10a, 10b and thus detach the clasp and move the two ends of the strand apart. Thus, when the stud is in its second position, the blocker 50 provides a security which makes it possible to prevent the article from being opened by unintentional button pressing.

[0041] It may be noted that to engage the first end 100 and the second end 200 of the strand, one in the other in order to close the bracelet, the blocker 50 must be in its second position to allow the hooks 10a, 10b to move in order to cross the rim 22 to be able to take position in the catches 20a, 20b, under the effect of the spring 14.

[0042] Advantageously, the first position and second position of the blocker 50 are stable, which allows the user to have his hands free to operate the buttons, without having to hold the blocker 50 simultaneously, when the blocker 50 is in its first position.

[0043] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a ball pawl 55 is arranged to cooperate with the blocker 50 to define and stabilize said first and second positions of the blocker 50. More particularly, the ball pawl 55 is arranged in the second end of the strand, in a cavity arranged perpendicular to the translation axis of the blocker 50 and opening opposite the stud. A ball is mounted in the cavity, sized so as to be able to protrude outside the cavity, pushed into abutment against the opening, under the effect of a spring 57 housed in the cavity. Preferably, the diameter of the opening does not allow the ball to completely exit the cavity. The portion of the ball protruding outside the cavity cooperates with one or other of two hollows, provided in the blocker 50. The two hollows are aligned along the translation axis of the blocker 50.Thus, by being housed in one or other of the hollows, the ball defines the first and second position of the blocker 50. The two hollows are separated by a threshold, which makes it possible to mark the passage between the two positions.

[0044] Other elastic systems can also make it possible to obtain a bistable system.

[0045] In dimensional terms, it will preferably be provided that, when it is in its first position, the external surface of the blocker 50 is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the blocker 50 is integrated into the strand. Thus, the blocker 50 remains discreet and does not modify the aesthetics of the strand. In order nevertheless to make the blocker 50 perceptible and to be able to manipulate it, two gripping fins 59 may be arranged, projecting from the strand, integrally with the blocker 50. These fins may be retractable, retracting into the volume of the strand and coming out of their housing in response to pressure for example. Industrial application

[0046] A piece of jewelry according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0047] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. An article of jewelry comprising: - a strand defining a longitudinal direction, a first end (100) and a second end (200), said first and second ends being able to cooperate by longitudinal engagement to form a loop with the strand, - a clasp provided with a first part located at the first end of said strand and a second part located at the second end of said strand, said first part of the clasp comprising a pair of hooks (10a, 10b) movable between a locking position and a free position, said hooks being actuable by buttons (12a, 12b) housed in the first end, said second part of the clasp comprising a pair of catches (20a, 20b) each able to receive one of the hooks of the pair of hooks when the hooks are in the locking position and when the second end and the first end of the strand are engaged in each other,thus preventing their disengagement, characterized in that the second end further comprises a blocker (50) provided with a stud (52), said blocker (50) being movable in translation between a first position in which the stud is located in the travel of the buttons (12a, 12b) to prevent said hooks (10a, 10b) from occupying their free position, and a second position in which the stud is not located in the travel of the buttons, allowing said hooks to occupy their free position.,

2. Jewelry item according to claim 1, characterized in that said first position and second position of the blocker (50) are stable.

3. An article of jewelry according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a ball ratchet (55) arranged to cooperate with the blocker (50) to define and stabilize said first and second positions of the blocker.

4. Jewelry item according to claim 3, characterized in that said ball ratchet (55) is housed in the second end (200) of the strand.

5. An article of jewelry according to one of the preceding claims, the blocker (50) having an external surface, characterized in that, when it is in its first position, the external surface of the blocker (50) is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the blocker (50) is integrated into the strand.

6. Jewelry item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said buttons (12a, 12b) are actuable against a spring (14), which keeps them in abutment in a rest position.

7. An article of jewelry according to claim 6, the buttons (12a, 12b) having an external surface, characterized in that, when in the rest position, the external surface of the buttons (12a, 12b) is substantially aligned with the external wall of the strand, so that the buttons are integrated into the strand.

8. Jewelry item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said buttons (12a, 12b) are movable in rotation around an axis, which is parallel to a translation axis of the blocker (50).

9. Jewelry item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for guiding the engagement of the first end and the second end.

10. Jewelry item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocker (50) is integral with gripping fins (59), extending in projection from the strand.

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