Clasp with folding buckle

Abstract

A clasp (1) for a bracelet capable of assuming a closed position designed to hold a bracelet around a wearer's wrist and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the wearer's hand, the clasp comprising: a central strip (10); at least one intermediate strip (20) pivotally mounted on one end (11) of the central strip (10) via a first end (21); and at least one end strip (30) pivotally mounted on a second end (24) of the intermediate strip (20) via a first end (31) and including a member for receiving a bracelet strand (2) at its second end (34), the central strip (10), the at least one intermediate strip (20), and the at least one end strip (30) being transversely interdigitated in the closed position of the clasp without forming any excessive thickness in a direction perpendicular to the clasp.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clasp with a deployment buckle for a watch bracelet, and to a V-wristlet itself, including said clasp. The present invention also relates to a wristwatch, including said clasp. [Background technology]

[0002] In the state of the art, clasps with deployment buckles for watch bracelets are generally placed between the two strands of said bracelet in order to always maintain their fixation to the ends of the two strands. Such clasps have two positions: a closed position, provided for the wearing of the watch, in which the bracelet and clasp have an overall length allowing the watch to be fixed, extending around the circumference of the wrist, and an open position, in which the two ends of the two strands of the bracelet are separated without removing them from the clasp, allowing an increase in the length of the bracelet and the clasp, thus allowing the passage of the hand and the removal of the small watch. In said open configuration of the clasp, the two strands of the bracelet are not separated, thereby minimizing the risk of the watch falling off.

[0003] In this context, such a clasp of the state of the art comprises two blades adapted for rotational movement at the two ends of a central blade, respectively, which can be folded onto said central blade, and a push-button device making it possible to release the clasp so that it switches from a closed position to an open position.

[0004] However, one of the drawbacks of such clasps is their considerable bulk, due to the complex assembly of parts that make up the clasp, including, inter alia, the operating and locking mechanism, the superimposed blades, which are often placed under the cover or under the bracelet for aesthetic reasons. Such bulk results in a significant alteration of the comfort associated with wearing the watch. Moreover, said bulk additionally has a significant and negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the clasp and therefore of the watch. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to alleviate these drawbacks associated with the state of the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention therefore relates to a clasp for a bracelet capable of assuming a closed position designed to hold a bracelet around the wrist of a wearer and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of the wearer, comprising a central blade, at least one intermediate blade adapted to be pivotable via a first end on an end of the central blade, and at least one end blade adapted to be pivotable by the first end on a second end of the intermediate blade and including an element for receiving a bracelet strand at its second end, wherein the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade are combined 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 a resilient retainer that stabilizes the clasp in the closed position.

[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 create any excess thickness of the clasp due to vertical overlap.

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

[0010] The at least one intermediate blade may include two parallel branches 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 similarly include two parallel branches positioned on either side of the parallel branch 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 substantially the same maximum or average thickness.

[0012] The maximum or average thickness of the clasp in a closed position may be 3.5mm or less, or 3mm or less, or 2.8mm or less.

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

[0014] The central blade may include a setback portion to accommodate, without excess thickness, a transverse branch of the intermediate blade in the closed position of the clasp.

[0015] The clasp may include a resilient retainer including a through slit formed in the central blade.

[0016] The clasp may include two intermediate blades adapted to pivot on the same central blade and two end blades each adapted to pivot on a respective intermediate blade, forming a symmetrical structure with respect to a transverse median plane of the clasp.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising two bracelet strands secured to the aforementioned clasp.

[0018] In the closed position of the clasp, the top surface of at least one bracelet strand may be contiguous with the top surface of the clasp.

[0019] The present invention relates to a timepiece, especially a wristwatch, or an article of jewellery, including the above-mentioned bracelet.

[0020] The invention also relates to a watch bracelet comprising said clasp with a deployment buckle.The invention also relates to the watch itself comprising said clasp.

[0021] Other advantages and features will become more apparent in the course of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a bracelet with a clasp in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a bracelet with a clasp in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a bracelet with a clasp in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a bracelet with a clasp in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bracelet with a clasp in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a bracelet with a clasp in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In the following description, the same reference numbers denote parts with the same or similar functions.

[0024] The adjectives "upper" and "lower" are used to indicate, respectively, the part or surface facing the side that can be seen by a user wearing the clasp or bracelet including the clasp, and the opposite part or surface facing the wrist of a user wearing the clasp or bracelet including the clasp.

[0025] Additionally, by convention, the term longitudinal is used to refer to any direction along the length of the bracelet as it is placed on the wrist, including the bracelet clasp. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the plane of the bracelet or clasp. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the previous two directions, running from the bottom to the top of the bracelet or clasp.

[0026] Certain embodiments of clasps having deployment buckles are described in detail below in a non-limiting manner.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the clasp 1 with the deployment buckle according to this embodiment has a symmetrical structure about the vertical transverse median plane. For this reason, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the symmetrically arranged parts. Of course, the present invention is also applicable to asymmetric clasps and those that include a structure limited to only one of the two sides.

[0028] The clasp 1 can assume a closed position, shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, suitable for holding the bracelet around the wearer's wrist, and an open position, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, suitable for removing the bracelet from the wearer's hand.

[0029] Such a clasp 1 includes a central blade 10, and two intermediate blades 20 are pivotally movably arranged at each of two ends 11 of the central blade 10. More specifically, a first end 21 of each intermediate blade 20 is rotatably arranged on the end 11 of the central blade 10 via a horizontal axis (not shown).

[0030] The central blade 10 additionally comprises, in its central part according to this embodiment, a setback portion 15 on its upper surface which is intended to receive a transverse part 23 arranged at the second end 24 of each intermediate blade 20 in the closed position of the clasp as will be described later.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the setback portion 15 of the central blade is provided with an elastic retaining device which holds the intermediate blade 20 in the closed position of the clasp so that the closed position of the clasp is stable. The clasp cannot be accidentally opened.

[0032] The intermediate blade 20 has a U-shape, including two parallel branches 22, which are connected by a transverse branch 23 at a second end 24 opposite to the first end 21 connected to the central blade 10. The structure is such that the two parallel branches 22 are positioned substantially longitudinally on either side of the central blade 10 in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp. In the closed position, the transverse branch 23 of the intermediate blade 20 is received in the setback portion 15 of the central blade 10. For this reason, the transverse branch 23 has a reduced thickness so that it can be received in the recess formed by the setback portion 15 without causing an excess thickness of the clasp. In other words, the thickness of the transverse branch 23, added to the thickness in the setback portion of the central blade 10, is substantially equal to the thickness of the central blade 10 outside the setback portion 15 and substantially equal to the thickness of the parallel branch 22 of the intermediate blade 20.

[0033] The clasp 1 additionally comprises an end blade 30 comprising two parallel branches 32, the first end 31 of which is adapted to be pivotally movable to the second end 24 of the intermediate blade 20 via a transverse axis, not shown. These end blades 30 additionally comprise means for receiving an end of a bracelet strand 2 at its respective second end 34. Advantageously, the bracelet strand 2 is adapted to be pivotally movable at said second end 34 relative to the end blade 30. This adaptation may be removable. For the fastening of the bracelet strand 2 any known mechanical solution is possible.

[0034] This configuration is such that, in the closed position of the clasp, the two parallel branches 32 of the end blade 30 are positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction, on either side of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blade 20 in the transverse direction.

[0035] The invention offers the advantage of allowing a strong reduction in the bulk of the clasp in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 3. Indeed, according to this embodiment, the three blades 10, 20, 30 of the clasp are fitted or connected to one another in the transverse direction. The blades are not overlapped in the vertical direction, except for the transverse branch 23 of the intermediate blade 20, which is of small thickness and is housed in the setback portion 15 of the central blade. Due to this configuration, this overlap does not cause any excess thickness, as mentioned above. Thus, in the closed position of the clasp, the blades 10, 20, 30 do not generate any excess thickness of the clasp 1, contrary to what is obtained with conventional configurations that include a vertical overlap of at least two blades, also including the bracelet or the clasp cover. All the blades and parts of the clasp are thus fitted exclusively in the transverse direction, preferably without any overlap in the vertical direction, except for the central closure part. Thus, the overall maximum thickness of the clasp in the closed position corresponds to the maximum thickness of the thickest blade of the clasp. The closed position of the clasp does not increase the thickness compared to its fully deployed position.

[0036] Also, optimally, the length of the intermediate blade 20 and the end blade 30 is selected to correspond to half the length of the central blade 10. In addition, the width of these three blades, measured in the transverse direction, is such that the overall 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.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the width of the blades of the clasp is such that, in the closed position of the clasp, they are adapted transversely with less play, i.e. without leaving any visible space between them. In addition, the thickness between the blades is of the same order of magnitude. The blades in fact have substantially the same maximum or average thickness. This makes it possible to form a continuous upper surface of the clasp in the closed position. Advantageously, said surface is curved so as to follow the shape of the wrist.

[0038] In addition, the upper surface of the clasp in the closed position is preferably continuous with the upper surface of the bracelet strand 2 connected to it. In the closed position, the end 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 are positioned in transverse alignment. The ends are thus in contact with the bracelet strand 2 fixed to the end blade 30. The shape makes it possible to give the clasp the impression of being part of a bracelet, rather than a distinct clasp. In fact, the upper surface forms a continuous surface as a whole, the thickness of which likewise remains substantially constant and / or continuous. The solution therefore makes it possible not only to minimize the bulk of the clasp, but also to achieve a particularly interesting and unique aesthetic result. To support the effect, it is possible to choose the same or similar materials between the clasp and the bracelet strand.

[0039] 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. For this reason, the setback portion 15 of the central blade 10 has a length that corresponds to the length of the two transverse branches 23 that it has to accommodate.

[0040] The clasp appears to have a minimized thickness in the closed position, slightly greater than the thickness of the bracelet strand 2. In particular, the maximum thickness of the clasp in the closed position is 3.5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2.8 mm or less, for example around 2.6 mm. Said maximum thickness is located in the middle of the clasp. At the sides, the thickness narrows and has a thickness approximating that of the bracelet strand, for example 1.5 mm or less, or 2 mm or less.

[0041] All the blades of the clasp may be presented in the same material. In a variant, different materials may be chosen. The material may be a metal, such as titanium, steel or gold. Alternatively, the material may be a ceramic and / or carbon-based composite and / or other material.

[0042] As mentioned above, the clasp is preferably provided with an elastic retention device for maintaining its closed position. The closed position of the clasp is selected to be sufficiently stable to prevent accidental opening. According to one embodiment, the retention device relies on the use of an elastic element, which allows the clasp to open or close by opposing an elastic acting force exerted by its actuation. In the rest state, the elastic acting force of the elastic element acts to maintain the clasp in its closed position.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the retention device is formed by simple slits 16, formed in the thickness of the central blade at the setback portion 15. More specifically, in the illustrated example, four slits 16 are formed, arranged symmetrically with respect to the center point of the central blade 10. Each slit 16 extends transversely from the lateral end of the setback portion 15, then extends longitudinally forming a quadrant and stops at the thickest part of the central blade 10. The function of these four slits 16 is to give the central blade 10 the property of elastic deformation in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, in order to be able to form an elastic retention device of the clasp. These slits 16 are through slits extending over the entire thickness of the central blade. Of course, other retention devices may be implemented, for example based on independent elastic blades or on other elastic retention systems. As a variant, the structure of the clasp may ensure the maintenance of its closed position, which is considered sufficiently stable, in which case the elastic retention device is no longer essential, and is therefore optional.

[0044] The operation of the clasp 1 according to the invention is described below. From the open, i.e. spread, position of the clasp 1, the intermediate blade 20 pivots around the end 11 of the central blade 10. This movement continues until the transverse branch 23 is housed in the hollow portion 15 of the central blade 10. On reaching this position, an elastic force is exerted on the central blade 10, which then exerts an elastic return force tending to maintain the intermediate blade 20 in its closed position. For this purpose, the central blade 10 may include, in the slit 16, a slight protruding flank 17 which cooperates with a corresponding shape 27 arranged on the inner side of the parallel branch 22 of the intermediate blade 20. Thus, when the parallel branch 22 faces the side of the central blade 10, the corresponding shape 27 puts weight on the protruding flank 17, which is elastically deformed. This results in a transverse elastic force being exerted on the corresponding shape 27 of the intermediate blade 20, which contributes to maintaining both in the closed position. Thus, the combination of slit 16, protruding side 17 and corresponding feature 27 forms a resilient retainer for the clasp.

[0045] The end blades 30 pivot around the second end 24 of the intermediate blade 20 until they are level and parallel to the intermediate blade 20. Preferably, an abutment 28 is provided to define the final position of these end blades 30. According to an embodiment, said abutment 28 is formed by a pin arranged on the outer side at the first end 21 of the parallel branch 22 of the intermediate blade 20. The inner side of the parallel branch 32 of the end blade 30 includes a cavity 38 in which said pin is received when the abutment position is reached. It is noted that the position of the end blades 30 is essentially stable in the closed position of the clasp. There is no obligation to provide a complementary retention device to keep the two intermediate 20 and end 30 blades distinct from each other.

[0046] The opening of the clasp 1 is performed by the reverse action of exerting a force sufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic retaining device, and then unfolding the different blades relative to one another.

[0047] In a variant, an assembly formed by a first blade of the type of central blade 10, a second blade of the type of intermediate blade 20 and a third blade of the type of end blade 30 can be used to form a clasp of smaller thickness than that described by way of example. The clasp may comprise only a single assembly as described above, instead of two as in the symmetrical structure of the embodiment described.

[0048] Additionally, the three blade assembly may have a different shape than that described above, so long as the three blades are at least partially overlapped in the transverse direction, rather than vertically, in the closed position, so as not to create any excess thickness in the vertical direction and to not create a thick clasp in the closed position.

[0049] Advantageously, the three blades 10, 20, 30 are rigid blades.

[0050] The invention relates to any bracelet incorporating said clasp 1. The bracelet may be a watch bracelet. The clasp may be used more generally for any object that is fastened to the wrist or elsewhere. The object may be, for example, a submersible diving accessory, such as a depth gauge or a submersible diving computer, or a piece of jewellery. The bracelet may be of any type, for example made of soft plastic material, made of leather or formed by an assembly of metal links.

[0051] The invention finally relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, including such a bracelet or such a clasp.

Claims

1. A clasp (1) for a bracelet, the clasp can occupy a closed position designed to hold the bracelet around the wearer's wrist and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the wearer's hand, the clasp (1) The central blade (10) and On the end (11) of the central blade (10), there is at least one intermediate blade (20) that is rotatably adapted via a first end (21), The intermediate blade (20) includes at least one end blade (30) on its second end (24), which is rotatably fitted by its first end (31), and which includes an element at its second end (34) that receives the bracelet strand (2), The central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) are assembled transversely in the closed position of the clasp without forming any thickness excess in a direction perpendicular to the clasp. Clasp (1).

2. In the closed position, the total maximum thickness of the clasp corresponds to the maximum thickness of the thickest blade of the clasp among the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the end blade (30). The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

3. The clasp includes an elastic retaining device for stabilizing the closed position of the clasp, The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

4. 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 create any thickness excess of the fastener (1) due to vertical overlap, or the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) are combined substantially exclusively in the transverse direction without overlap. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

5. In the closed position, the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) are configured such that the upper surfaces of the central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) form a continuous surface. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

6. The at least one intermediate blade (20) includes two parallel branches (22) positioned on both sides of the central blade (10) in the transverse direction in the closed position, and the at least one end blade (30) includes two parallel branches (32) positioned on each side of the parallel branches (22) of the at least one intermediate blade (20) in the transverse direction in the closed position. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

7. The central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) have substantially the same maximum thickness. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

8. The maximum thickness of the clasp in the closed position is 3.5 mm or less. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

9. The length of the at least one intermediate blade (20) and the length of the at least one end blade (30) are substantially equal. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

10. The central blade (10) includes a setback portion (15) for accommodating the transverse branch (23) of the intermediate blade (20) without exceeding its thickness in the closed position. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

11. The fastener includes an elastic retaining device, which includes a through slit (16) formed in the central blade (10), The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

12. The clasp includes two intermediate blades (20) adapted to pivot on the central blade (10), and two end blades (30) adapted to pivot on each intermediate blade (20), forming a symmetrical structure with respect to the transverse median plane of the clasp (1). The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

13. A bracelet comprising two bracelet strands (2) fixed to a clasp (1) as described in claim 1.

14. In the closed position of the clasp, the upper surface of at least one bracelet strand (2) is continuous with the upper surface of the clasp. The bracelet according to claim 13.

15. A watch comprising the bracelet described in claim 13 or 14.

16. The central blade (10), the at least one intermediate blade (20), and the at least one end blade (30) have substantially the same average thickness. The fastener (1) according to claim 1.

17. The maximum thickness of the clasp in the closed position is 3 mm or less. The fastener (1) according to claim 8.

18. The maximum thickness of the clasp in the closed position is 2.8 mm or less. The fastener (1) according to claim 8.

19. The clasp includes an elastic retaining device for stabilizing the closed position of the clasp, The fastener (1) according to claim 2.

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