SMART DEPLOYING LOOP

Abstract

SMART FOLDING BUCKLE The invention relates to a folding buckle (100) for a watch strap, said buckle comprising: a main body (200), having a central recess extending over at least a longitudinal portion of said body, said body further having a pair of fins (210) arranged on two peripheral edges, in a sliding direction, and each extending towards said central recess of said main body; a modular electronic housing (300) having grooves (310) extending in said sliding direction and shaped to said fins so as to be able to slide said electronic housing in said main body;at least one deployable segment (400) having a window shaped to said electronic housing, said deployable segment (400) being movably mounted between an open position in which said electronic housing (300) can be inserted into or removed from said main body (200), and a closed position in which said segment (400) prevents the insertion into or removal of said housing (300) and allows observation of said electronic housing (300) through said window. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: SMART DEPLOYING LOOP Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watches and in particular to watch straps comprising a folding clasp. The invention relates more specifically to a folding clasp equipped with a connected case comprising intelligent functions. Technological background

[0002] Smartwatches, while offering a multitude of modern features, have several drawbacks compared to traditional watches. Their design is often dictated by technological needs: they incorporate touchscreens, visible sensors, and larger cases to house the battery and electronic components. This results in a less refined aesthetic, often perceived as less elegant, particularly for those who value discretion and timeless style.

[0003] In terms of longevity, smartwatches quickly become obsolete as technology advances, whereas a classic watch can last for decades without losing its value or relevance. Finally, smartwatches often require a bulky and frequently unattractive case, which is usually integrated beneath the watch face.

[0004] Conversely, when a classic watch incorporates a smartwatch, this can also present certain problems. The addition of electronic components, even discreet ones, can compromise the delicate balance of the design and the lightness of a luxury watch. If the smartwatch is not perfectly integrated, it risks disrupting the harmony of the dial or adding unwanted thickness. This hybridization can also lead to compromises in terms of comfort, as the watch may become less ergonomic or less comfortable to wear for extended periods.

[0005] Thus, the integration of technology into a classic watch can offer advantages in terms of connectivity, but it must be carefully thought out so as not to sacrifice the characteristics that make classic watches timeless.

[0006] Electronic watch clasps are also known, but these are often bulky and occupy a considerable amount of space on the watch strap or folding clasp. Furthermore, these known electronic clasps only offer a permanent and irreversible attachment of a connected sensor to the watch strap or folding clasp.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to overcome these different problems. Objectives of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an intelligent deployant buckle designed to preserve the aesthetics of a classic watch.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an intelligent folding clasp designed to benefit from the durability of a classic watch.

[0010] The invention also aims to provide an intelligent deployant loop, enabling connected tracking and traceability of a watch.

[0011] The invention aims to provide a means of making a non-connected watch connected.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide an intelligent deployable loop allowing for versatility of use between a connected watch and a non-connected watch. Description of the invention

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a folding clasp for a watch strap, said clasp being characterized in that it comprises: - a main body, extending longitudinally, said main body having peripheral edges delimiting a central recess extending over at least a longitudinal portion of said body, said body further having a pair of parallel fins arranged on two opposite peripheral edges of said body, in a direction, called sliding direction, and each extending towards said central recess of said main body; - a modular electronic housing having grooves extending along said sliding direction and shaped to said fins so as to be able to slide said electronic housing into said main body; - at least one deployable segment having a window shaped to said electronic housing, said deployable segment being mounted movable between an open position in which said electronic housing can be inserted or removed from said main body, and a closed position in which said segment prevents the insertion or removal of said housing and allows observation of said electronic housing through said window.

[0014] Throughout the text, the terms "modular electronic box", "electronic box", "box" or "modular box" are defined as equivalent unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0015] The particular arrangement between the main body of the buckle and said electronic unit according to the invention advantageously allows a user to continuously check the electronic unit while wearing the watch. In addition, the user benefits from a reversible fastening means for said unit allowing him to to enjoy and combine the style of a luxury watch with the data and information tracking provided by a smartwatch.

[0016] In addition, the central recess makes it easier to integrate the electronic housing, while limiting an unsightly protrusion once the housing is inserted into said main body.

[0017] Advantageously and according to the invention, the deployable loop comprises two deployable segments mechanically connected to each other, each of said deployable segments having a superimposable window and conforming to said electronic housing.

[0018] Advantageously and according to the invention, the sliding direction is a transverse direction.

[0019] Advantageously and according to the invention, the sliding direction is a longitudinal direction.

[0020] Advantageously and according to the invention, the modular electronic housing includes means ensuring the connectivity of said housing.

[0021] Thus and according to the invention, the invention allows a user to benefit from a connected and reversible accessory as needed, in order to enjoy the elegance and design of a classic watch while benefiting from the advantages of contemporary connectivity.

[0022] Advantageously and according to the invention, the electronic housing further includes sensors for monitoring physiological data.

[0023] Said sensors are preferably arranged on the face of the modular electronic housing intended to be on the skin side when the user wears the deployant loop according to the invention.

[0024] Thus and according to the invention, the user of the watch equipped with a folding clasp according to the invention can continuously monitor his physiological data while having a watch with character.

[0025] Advantageously and according to the invention, the electronic housing further comprises a digital screen.

[0026] Said screen is intended to be on a visible face of the casing when the user is wearing said deployant loop.

[0027] Advantageously and according to the invention, the folding clasp further comprises a clasp (500) having a central recess shaped in relation to said modular electronic housing (300), said clasp extending longitudinally and being movably mounted on at least one deployable segment between an open position, according to which said clasp 500 forms a longitudinal extension of the deployable segment on which it is mounted, and a closed position, according to which said clasp is superimposed on said deployable segment.

[0028] Advantageously and according to the invention, said main body is mechanically connected to said deployable segment by a pivot joint with a transverse axis.

[0029] The invention also relates to a deployant loop characterized by all or part of the features mentioned above or below. List of figures

[0030] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: • [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a deploying loop in the deployed state. • [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a deploying loop in the retracted state. • [Fig.3] is a schematic view representing a cross-section of the main body of the deployant loop of the [Fig.2]. • [Fig. 4] schematically represents a deployable loop comprising two deployable segments. • [Fig. 5] schematically representing the connectivity of a watch classic including a folding loop according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0032] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected, for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0033] In the entire detailed description that follows with reference to the figures, unless otherwise indicated, each element of the folding loop according to the invention is described as it is arranged during its use.

[0034] Identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.

[0035] The invention will be better understood with reference to [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4] and the following text. [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3] relate to the same embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The folding clasp 100 comprises a main body 200 extending longitudinally, a modular electronic housing 300 arranged in said main body 200, at least one deployable segment 400 and a clasp 500.

[0037] The main body 200 has peripheral edges defining a central recess 220 as schematically illustrated [Fig. 4]. This central recess 220 is substantially rectangular in shape and extends over at least a longitudinal portion of the main body 200. The main body 200 further has a pair of parallel fins 210 arranged on two opposite peripheral edges of the body, along a direction, referred to as the sliding direction, each fin 210 extending towards the central recess 220 of the main body. 200. In addition, the fins 210 are shown in dashed lines in [Fig.1], and extend along two peripheral edges of the main body 200. Notwithstanding other existing possibilities, [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a possible arrangement of the fins 210 within the main body 200 in which the sliding direction is a longitudinal direction.

[0038] The main body 200 is arranged at a longitudinal end of the intelligent deployant clasp 100 and is configured to mechanically connect in a known manner on the one hand the bracelet of a watch and on the other hand a deployable segment 400. The mechanical connection can be a mechanical connection of the pivot type with a transverse axis.

[0039] The intelligent deployant loop 100 further comprises a modular electronic housing 300 having at least one groove 310 shaped to the fins 210 of the main body 200, said groove extending in the sliding direction. In the described embodiment, the sliding direction is longitudinal, and it is understood that the grooves 310 and the fins 210 extend in this direction. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the grooves 310 and the fins 210 may extend in a transverse sliding direction. The grooves 310 may also be formed on all or part of the periphery of the housing 300.

[0040] The housing 300 is housed and thus fixed in all or part of the central recess 220 of the main body 200 by sliding, along the direction of sliding, said housing in the fins 210 formed in the grooves 310.

[0041] The modular electronic box 300 is an electronic device grouping various components enabling communication with other devices or systems via networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.

[0042] For this purpose, said housing 300 may include a communication module, a plurality of sensors chosen from among temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, proximity sensors or sensors of physiological parameters such as heart rate monitors for example.

[0043] The modular electronic housing 300 may further include a flash memory configured to store data locally, a global positioning system module better known by the English acronym GPS "Global positioning system", a digital display such as a digital screen, as well as a power supply and energy storage system.

[0044] The deployable loop 100 comprises at least one deployable segment 400

[0045] having a window 410 shaped to said electronic housing 300. The deployable segment 400 is movably mounted between an open position in which said electronic housing 300 can be inserted into or removed from said main body 200, and a closed position in which said deployable segment 400 prevents the insertion or extraction of said housing 300 and the observation of said electronic housing through said window 410. The window 410 is similar to a central recess and is shaped to the modular electronic housing 300 so as to leave it visible when the deployable loop 100 is closed.

[0046] In other embodiments, the deployable loop may comprise two deployable segments mechanically connected to each other and arranged consecutively from said main body 200. An embodiment comprising two deployable segments 400 is schematically illustrated [Fig.4].

[0047] The folding clasp according to the embodiment described in [Fig.1] to [Fig.3] comprises a clasp 500 extending longitudinally at one end of a deployable segment 400. In addition, the clasp 500 is mechanically connected to said deployable segment 400 by a pivot joint with a transverse axis and has a central recess 510 shaped to said modular electronic housing 300 so as to leave the latter visible to the user.

[0048] The folding clasp 100 therefore comprises, in this embodiment, three openings corresponding respectively to the central recess 220, the window 410 of the deployable segment 400 and the recess 510 of the clasp 500. The arrangement of the main body 200, and the respective mechanical links between said body 200, said deployable segment 400 and said clasp 500 allow the user to benefit from a watch with a classic appearance while giving the user the possibility of benefiting from a connected watch thanks to the particular arrangement of the modular electronic housing 300 in said folding clasp 100.

[0049] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a deploying loop in the deployed state, and Fig. 2 illustrates the same embodiment in the closed state.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of Figure 2 along the cross-sectional axis III-III. In this figure, the superposition of the main body 200, the deployable segment 400, and the clasp 500 forms a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the modular electronic housing 300. Notwithstanding other possibilities and configurations, this embodiment allows for an intelligent deployant clasp that limits the protrusion of the electronic housing 300.

[0051] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an intelligent deploying loop according to Another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, said loop comprises a main body 200 mechanically connected to a first deployable segment 400A by a pivot joint 600 with a transverse axis. Said deployable segment 400A also connects a second deployable segment 400B by means of a second pivot joint 600 with a transverse axis.

[0052] Segment 400B can connect a clasp 500 not shown in this figure.

[0053] Each of the deployable segments 400A and 400B has a window 410 that can be considered a recess and are superimposed on each other when the deployable loop is in the closed state.

[0054] Fig. 5 schematically represents the connectivity and an example of use of the smart folding clasp fitted to the bracelet of a luxury 700 watch which was not originally connected.

[0055] The intelligent deployable loop 100 includes an electronic box 300 enabling communication of information with a multifunction mobile phone 800 in particular via the application of the manufacturer of said electronic box 300.

[0056] This application can, for example, be connected to the official website 900 of the manufacturer of the luxury watch 700 and provide a lot of information such as the serial number of the watch 700, its status and its maintenance condition.

[0057] In addition, the serial number of the watch can be entered via the application of the 800 multifunction mobile phone and the user can benefit from tracking of said watch before or after purchase of the latter from an official reseller.

[0058] The status of the watch also makes it possible to establish whether said watch 700 is legal or whether it is a stolen or counterfeit item.

Claims

Demands

1. A folding clasp (100) for a watch strap, said clasp being characterized in that it comprises: • a main body (200), extending longitudinally, said main body having peripheral edges delimiting a central recess extending over at least a longitudinal portion of said body, said body further having a pair of parallel fins (210) arranged on two opposite peripheral edges of said body, in a direction, said sliding direction, and each extending towards said central recess of said main body; • a modular electronic housing (300) having grooves (310) extending in said sliding direction and shaped to said fins so as to be able to slide said electronic housing in said main body;• at least one deployable segment (400) having a window shaped to said electronic housing (300), said deployable segment (400) being movably mounted between an open position in which said electronic housing (300) can be inserted into or removed from said main body (200), and a closed position in which said segment (400) prevents the insertion or removal of said housing (300) and allows observation of said electronic housing (300) through said window.

2. Loop according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two deployable segments mechanically connected to each other, each of said deployable segments having a superimposable window and conformed to said modular electronic housing (300).

3. Loop according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding direction is a transverse direction.

4. Loop according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding direction is a longitudinal direction.

5. Loop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular electronic housing (300) includes means ensuring the connectivity of said housing (300).

6. Loop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular electronic housing (300) further comprises physiological data tracking sensors.

7. Loop according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the electronic housing further comprises a digital display.

8. Loop according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises a clasp (500) having a central recess (510) conforming to said modular electronic housing (300), said clasp (500) extending longitudinally and being movably mounted on at least one deployable segment (400) between an open position, according to which said clasp (500) forms a longitudinal extension of the deployable segment (400) on which it is mounted, and a closed position, according to which said clasp (500) is superimposed on said deployable segment (400).

9. Deployable loop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main body (200) is mechanically connected to at least one deployable segment (400) by a pivot joint with transverse axis.

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