Adjustable length connection for bands

Abstract

To improve a connecting part used for a watch band or bracelet, which makes it easy to adjust the length of the band or bracelet. The present invention relates to an adjustable connection (10) for a band, comprising a first connection element and a second connection element (20, 50), the first connection element and the second connection element being translatably connected to each other by a telescoping adjustment mechanism, which allows for at least two independent index positions. an actuation portion (28) accessible from the outside of the adjustable coupling portion (10); a lock (30) disposed within the cavity (26) of one of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) and fixedly attached to the actuation portion; and an indexing member (58) arranged to cooperate with the lock (30), the indexing member (58) being fixedly attached to the other of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) when the first connecting element (20) is deployed in the direction of movement relative to the second connecting element (50). The first and second connecting elements (20, 50) further conceal the indexing member (58) regardless of whether the first and second connecting elements are in one or the other of the at least two index positions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable link for a watch band, particularly one that allows the length of the band (bracelet) to be adjusted for comfort. The present invention also relates to a watch with a multi-link band incorporating one or more adjustable links for adjusting the length of the band. [Background technology]

[0002] Numerous solutions have already been proposed in the prior art for stretchable clasps that allow the size of the band to be adjusted for a comfortable fit, particularly in the case of watches. This allows the length of the band to be adjusted to achieve optimal comfort depending on the situation, especially the ambient temperature. Alternatively, adjustable links have also been proposed, the length of which can be changed to make the band more comfortable to wear. These solutions have the advantage that the length of the band can be adjusted more precisely and easily by adding or removing links, rather than adjusting the length of the band at the links.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an adjustable connecting portion that can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of a band to at least two different lengths. The connecting portion includes at least two connecting elements, one of which can slide relative to the other between at least two index positions in the longitudinal direction of the band. The connecting portion also includes a locking system that locks (prevents movement of) the connecting elements at the index positions. The locking system includes a pusher attached to one of the connecting elements and connected to the lock. Activation of the pusher releases the lock from an indexing means provided on the other connecting element, allowing the two connecting elements to move relative to each other, thereby changing the length of the connecting portion.

[0004] The band with this adjustable connection has the disadvantage that the band must be removed to adjust the length, and in addition, part of the mechanism is exposed outside the connection, which detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the band.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,949,999 discloses another example of a known adjustable linkage. The linkage comprises two linkage halves, one of which carries a rod and the other of which has a longitudinal groove for receiving the rod. The groove is contoured to accommodate the rod and cooperates with a fastening means with an elastic return force incorporated in the rod to fasten the linkage in a shortened or extended configuration. The transition of the linkage from the retracted configuration to the deployed position is achieved by elastic deformation of the rod.

[0006] The band incorporating the above-mentioned link also has the disadvantage that the band must be removed to adjust its length. Furthermore, the extended link configuration creates a gap where dirt can easily accumulate. This gap is difficult to access and requires time-consuming cleaning. In addition, to hide the guiding and indexing means, an additional part is sandwiched between the two link halves, making the link more complex to manufacture, which significantly impacts manufacturing costs and reliability.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses a drawer-type adjustable link comprising a first half link housed within a second half link. The first half link has resilient detent fastening means designed to be housed within first and second cavities of the second half link to fasten the half links in their retracted and deployed states, respectively. The length of the link is adjusted by pulling one or both of the two half links in opposite longitudinal directions of the band. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the band to easily adjust the length.

[0008] Patent Document 3 discloses a connecting part that includes two half-connecting parts, and in particular, includes an elastic return means that allows the position of one half-connecting part to be adjusted relative to the other, making it possible to maintain a position selected by the user. Therefore, this connecting part does not include an actuating part for adjusting its length.

[0009] Patent Document 4 discloses a connecting part having two half-connecting parts and an adjustment means that allows fine adjustment of the length of the connecting part by cooperating with a screw passing through one half-connecting part and a screw hole located in the other half-connecting part. This connecting part does not have an operating part or an extension / retraction adjustment mechanism that can be set to at least two different index positions.

[0010] DE 10 2004 013 143 A1 discloses an adjustable connection comprising the features of the preamble of the independent claim. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent Invention No. 706086 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2759222 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2484245 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 105493 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3795027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable length connection that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0013] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable link in which the length adjustment mechanism is not visible from the outside of the link to improve the visual appearance of the band (bracelet).

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connecting portion that allows the length of the band to be easily adjusted when worn.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable connection that is less susceptible to dirt and buildup in an extended configuration.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable length connection that is reliable, economical to manufacture, and has a small number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] These objects are achieved in particular by an adjustable connection for a band, comprising a first connection element and a second connection element translatably connected to one another by a telescoping adjustment mechanism, the first and second connection elements being capable of assuming at least two independent index positions. an actuation portion accessible from outside the adjustable connection portion; a lock disposed within the cavity of one of the first and second coupling elements and fixedly attached to the actuation portion; an indexing member arranged to cooperate with the lock and fixedly attached to the other of the first and second connecting elements while the first connecting element is deployed in the direction of movement relative to the second connecting element; Equipped with. The first and second connecting elements are further adapted to conceal the indexing member regardless of whether the first and second connecting elements are positioned in one or the other of the at least two index positions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the actuator is provided on a surface extending between two sides of the adjustable connection, and is accessible (e.g., by the wearer) when the band with the adjustable connection is worn.

[0019] In one embodiment, one of the first and second connecting elements is A connecting body is disposed on the other of the first and second connecting elements and adapted to slide within a complementary shaped housing, the connecting body hiding the indexing member within the housing regardless of the selected index position.

[0020] The contour of the housing contacts the corresponding contour of the connector regardless of the selected index position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aforementioned (telescopic adjustment) mechanism comprises additional coupling means for guiding the relative displacement of the first and second connecting elements and / or absorbing mechanical stress between the first and second connecting elements.

[0022] In one embodiment, the additional coupling means is formed by at least one female element that receives a complementary male element, the male element being arranged within the connecting body of one of the first and second connecting elements and fixedly connected to the other of the first and second connecting elements.

[0023] In one embodiment, the additional coupling means are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the indexing member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the actuator is in the form of a pusher and is arranged to move from a locked position in which the lock is stationary and engaged with the indexing member to a released position in which the lock is activated and no longer engaged with the indexing member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pusher is arranged to act in a direction of unfastening perpendicular to the direction of translation of the first connecting element relative to the second connecting element, more particularly perpendicular to the general plane of the adjustable connection.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lock further comprises an opening that receives a portion of the indexing member.

[0027] In one embodiment, when the linkage is in the retracted or partially retracted configuration, the lock is traversed from one side to the other by an indexing member.

[0028] In one embodiment, one of the first and second connecting elements comprises a fastening portion, the fastening portion comprising a central portion and two side portions arranged on either side of the central portion and adapted to form two gaps for receiving the fastening portions of the lugs or adjacent connecting portions of the watch case; The central portion includes a cavity for receiving the lock.

[0029] In one embodiment, the central portion further comprises a blind hole in the axial extension of the opening in the lock, the blind hole receiving the free end of said indexing member when the linkage is in the retracted or partially retracted configuration.

[0030] In one embodiment, the indexing member is in the form of a rod provided with at least one indexing element intended to cooperate with the lock.

[0031] In one embodiment, the indexing element consists of two adjacent radial extensions, which provide three index positions.

[0032] In one embodiment, the indexing member is in the form of a notched rod with a number of notches intended to cooperate with a lock to prevent (lock) movement of the linkage in at least two index positions.

[0033] In one embodiment, the notched rod further comprises a longitudinal slot oriented in the direction of translational displacement of the first connecting element relative to the second connecting element, and a stop portion is arranged within the longitudinal slot to limit the relative displacement between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the lock comprises two blind holes located on either side of the opening (of the lock). A resilient member is located in each hole. The resilient members are preferably compression springs.

[0035] In one embodiment, the opening in the lock has a complementary contour to the indexing member to match the contour of a portion of the linkage when it is in the retracted configuration.

[0036] In one embodiment, the indexing member is rigid as a whole.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention is a watch comprising a linkage of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuation portion is on a visible surface of the watch band when the watch is being worn.

[0038] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an adjustable linkage according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the adjustable linkage in different orientations. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the adjustable linkage in a retracted configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a side view of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the adjustable linkage in an extended configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a side view of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. [Figure 13a] FIG. 13a shows one view of different cross sections according to a first operating sequence for moving the adjustable linkage from a retracted configuration to an intermediate indexed position (in which the linkage is 1 millimeter longer than its retracted configuration). [Figure 13b] FIG. 13b shows one view of different cross sections according to a first operating sequence for moving the adjustable linkage from the retracted configuration to an intermediate index position (in which the linkage is 1 millimeter longer than its retracted configuration). [Figure 13c] FIG. 13c shows one view of different cross sections according to a first operating sequence for moving the adjustable linkage from the retracted configuration to an intermediate indexed position (in which the linkage is 1 millimeter longer than its retracted configuration). [Figure 13d] FIG. 13d shows one view of different cross sections according to a first operation sequence for moving the adjustable linkage from the retracted configuration to an intermediate index position (in this position the linkage is 1 millimeter longer than the retracted configuration). [Figure 14a] 14a to 14c show different cross-sectional views of the adjustable linkage according to a second operation sequence that brings the linkage from an intermediate index position to the deployed configuration (the linkage is 2 millimeters longer than the retracted configuration). [Figure 14b] FIG. 14b shows a view of a different cross section of the adjustable linkage according to a second operation sequence that brings the linkage from an intermediate indexed position to the deployed configuration (the linkage is 2 millimeters longer than the retracted configuration). [Figure 14c] FIG. 14c shows a view of a different cross section of the adjustable linkage according to a second operation sequence that brings the linkage from an intermediate index position to the deployed configuration (the linkage is 2 millimeters longer than the retracted configuration). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of an adjustable linkage according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the adjustable linkage of FIG. 15 in a different orientation. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view along the length of the linkage when it is in the retracted configuration. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view in a plane of the linkage when the linkage is in the retracted configuration. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 17 with the link in an intermediate position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 18 with the link in the deployed configuration. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 17 with the link in the deployed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] 1-2, in a first embodiment, an adjustable linkage 10 comprises a first linkage element 20 and a second linkage element 50 that are coupled for relative translational movement to one another, allowing the linkage 10 to move from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration and adjust its length.

[0041] In one advantageous embodiment, link 10 is adaptable to fasten in at least one intermediate position between the retracted and deployed positions. This allows for fine-tuning of comfort for bands (bracelets) incorporating the adjustable link, since the circumference of the band can increase by a first value as the link moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position, and by a second value as the link moves from the intermediate position to the deployed configuration. The first and second values ​​can be, for example, 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters, respectively.

[0042] To this end, the first connecting element 20 is provided with a fastening / unfastening system, and the second connecting element 50 has a rigid index rod 58 extending in the direction of translation of the first and second connecting elements 20, 50. The fastening / unfastening system cooperates with the index rod 58 to enable the first connecting element 20 to be fastened relative to the second connecting element 50 in at least two index positions corresponding to a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration of the linkage.

[0043] The system typically comprises an actuating part 28 arranged on a surface extending between the two sides of the adjustable linkage 10 and accessible when the band comprising the adjustable linkage is fitted. The actuating part 28 is in the form of a pusher part 28 in this example. The latter comprises a lock 30 with a preferably circular opening 32, arranged to receive therein one section of an indexing rod 58 when the linkage is in the retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. 5. The pusher part 28 and the lock 30 are integral in this example, but according to a variant they could comprise two separate parts rigidly connected.

[0044] The lock 30 generates its clamping action by means of a locking element 34 arranged to cooperate with the index rod 58 so that the translation of the index rod 58 is clamped, in particular when the coupling 10 is in the retracted or intermediate position. The lock 30 is arranged in a cavity 26 located in the central part 24 of the clamping part 22. The lock 30 is formed with two blind holes 36 (FIG. 6) on either side of the opening 32. In each hole an elastic member, for example in the form of a compression spring 38, is arranged to exert a restoring force that biases the pusher 28 to the rest position. Other restoring means may be used to bias the lock and thus the pusher to the rest position, in particular by arranging a spring bar or a leaf spring in the bottom of the cavity.

[0045] Depending on whether the adjustable linkage 10 is in the retracted configuration shown in FIG. 5, the deployed configuration shown in FIG. 10, or the intermediate position shown in FIG. 13d, the indexing rod 58 is always at least partially engaged with an opening in the lock 30 that holds the latter within the cavity 26.

[0046] 3 and 4, the pusher 28, in its rest state, protrudes from the upper surface of the first connecting element 20. When the pusher 28 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the indexing rod 58, its actuating part is located substantially at the height of the upper surface of the central part 24 of the first connecting element 20. In a variant, the pusher is recessed in the body of the central part when the pusher is at rest.

[0047] The fastening portion 22 has two side portions 40a, 40b arranged on either side of the central portion 24 so as to form two gaps 39 for receiving the fastening portions of adjacent connecting portions of the lugs or band of the watch case (not shown).

[0048] In FIG. 1 , the link 10 comprises a guide means, described below, intended to guide the relative displacement of the first link element 20 and the second link element 50. The latter (second link element) is adapted to conceal the indexing member 58 and the guide means, regardless of the relative position of the first link element 20 with respect to the second link element 50. This allows for an improved aesthetic appearance of a band incorporating at least one link of this type compared to prior art solutions. For example, the first link element 20 may for this purpose comprise a connecting body 44 with an outer surface 44a that is visible from the outside of the link 10 when the link 10 is in the deployed configuration. The outer surface 44a is continuous to conceal the indexing member 58 and the guide means, whether the link is in the retracted, intermediate or deployed configuration.

[0049] The connecting body 44 is arranged to slide within a housing 57 having a shape complementary to the second coupling element 50 in which the indexing member 58 is disposed. In this example, the cross section of the connecting body 44 is substantially rectangular, although other shapes may alternatively be envisioned. The contour of the housing 57 is disposed over (substantially tangent to) the corresponding contour of the coupling portion 44 with functional play, regardless of the retracted, intermediate, and deployed configurations of the coupling portion.

[0050] The indexing rod 58 may comprise a threaded fastener 61 that screws into the bottom of the housing 57, as shown in Figure 5, for example. The connecting body 44 comprises a preferably cylindrical passage 46 that, on the one hand, extends from the cavity 26 that receives the lock 30 to the front face 45 of the connecting body 44, and, on the other hand, is aligned with the opening 32 of the lock 30 so that the lock 30 can receive a section of the indexing rod 58 through the opening 32.

[0051] 5, a preferably cylindrical blind bore 27 is located in the central portion 24 of the fastening portion. The blind bore 27 is located in the axial extension of the passage 46 and the opening 32 of the lock 30 and is adapted to receive the free end of the index rod 58 therein when the coupling 10 is in the retracted configuration, whereby the index rod 58 passes directly through the lock 30.

[0052] The index rod 58 comprises, in this example, two radial extensions 60a, 60b that extend around the entire circumference of the index rod 58 so as to form a groove between the two extensions. However, in a variant, the radial extensions may extend over only a portion of the circumference of the index rod. The locking element 34 is in the form of a flange that is located at the bottom of the opening 32 of the lock 30 so as to abut against one or other of the two radial extensions 60a, 60b. In the retracted configuration of the linkage shown in FIG. 5, the flange 34 is positioned as follows:

[0053] Depressing pusher 28 disengages rim 34 from radial extension 60b, allowing the coupling to assume the deployed configuration shown in Figure 10. To prevent first coupling element 20 and second coupling element 50 from disengaging from one another, stops 48 are located at one end of passage 46. In this embodiment, the stops are in the form of two pins located on either side of index rod 58 that abut against radial extension 60b.

[0054] 1, 2 and 12, the connecting body 44 includes first and second guide portions 49a, 49b arranged symmetrically about the passageway 46. The second connecting element 50 includes first and second complementary guide portions 68a, 68b arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the indexing rod 58 for translational movement within the first and second guide portions 49a, 49b, respectively. In this embodiment, the (first and second) guide portions of the connecting body 44 of the first fastening element 20 are in the form of holes 49a, 49b, and the complementary guide portions of the second fastening element 50 are in the form of a rod.

[0055] These guiding means 49a, 49b, 68a, 68b also make it possible to absorb stresses, in particular torsional stresses, during handling of the coupling 10 in order to change its length. The rods 68a, 68b have the advantage of ensuring a functional play between the coupling part 44 of the first coupling element 20 and the housing 57 of the second coupling element 50, and of not creating friction between the coupling part 44 and the housing 57. This prevents the appearance of scratches on the surface 44a of the coupling 44, which would be visible in the deployed configuration of the coupling.

[0056] 13a-13d show a first sequence of operations for moving the coupling 10 from the retracted configuration to the intermediate index position. In the retracted configuration of the coupling shown in FIG. 13a, the locking element 34 of the lock is biased against the radial extension 60b, preventing relative movement of the index rod 58 of the second coupling element 50 with respect to the fastening of the first coupling element 20.

[0057] It is sufficient to press the pusher 28 to disengage the flange 34 from the radial extension 60b, and then impart a translational movement to the second coupling element 50 relative to the first coupling 20, while maintaining the pressure of the pusher 28, until the locking element 34 of the lock is at the level (same depth, height position) of the groove formed between the two radial extensions 60a, 60b. At this point, the pusher 28 is released so that the locking element 34 of the lock 30 engages in the groove, and the coupling is thus fastened in an intermediate position between its retracted and deployed configurations. In this example, the coupling is about 1 mm long.

[0058] 14a and 14b show a second sequence of operations for moving the linkage from the intermediate position to the deployed configuration. To do this, the pusher 28 is simply pushed again to release the flange 34 from the radial extension, and translational movement of the second linkage element 50 relative to the first linkage 20 is imparted while maintaining pressure on the pusher 28 until the locking element 34 of the lock is positioned opposite the radial extension 60a located near the free end of the index rod 58. At this point, the pusher 28 is released so that the locking element 34 of the lock abuts the side of the radial extension 60a, fastening the linkage in the deployed configuration. In this example, the linkage is approximately 2 millimeters longer than in the retracted configuration.

[0059] 15 to 21, the index rod is replaced by an index bar 58 having a notch 62 and a fastening portion 66 screwed to the bottom of the housing 57 of the second connecting element. The notch 62 preferably has a plurality of parallel grooves spaced at regular intervals along the relative position of the first connecting element 20 with respect to the second connecting element 50, for fastening the connection in a plurality of index positions. Preferably, the notch has three grooves 63a, 63b, 63c, which are intended to cooperate with the locking element 34 of the lock 30 to fasten the connection in three index positions corresponding to the retracted, intermediate, and deployed configurations, respectively. Alternatively, these grooves could be replaced by holes or recesses of a different geometric shape.

[0060] The lock 30 has an oblong opening 32 adapted to the shape of the notch 62 so that the notch 62 can pass through the lock 30 when the coupling is in the retracted configuration, as shown in Figure 17. In this configuration, the end of the notch 62 is received in a blind hole 27 of rectangular cross section located in the central part 24 of the fastening part of the first coupling element.

[0061] 18 and 21, the passage 46 extending from the cavity 26 to the front face of the connecting body 44 preferably has a rectangular section. The notched rod 58, and in particular its notched portion 62, also has a slot or longitudinal opening 64, inside which is mounted a stop, such as a pin 67, fixedly attached to the first connecting element 20. This pin allows for limiting the relative movement of the first connecting element 20 and the second connecting element 50 by preventing them from disengaging when the connecting part 10 is in the deployed configuration, as shown in FIG.

[0062] The sequence of operation to adjust the length of the link remains the same as that described with reference to the first embodiment. In the retracted configuration shown in Figure 17, the locking element 34 of the lock is engaged in the first groove 63a located furthest from the free end of the notch. In this configuration, the stop 67 is positioned against an edge forming one of the distal ends of the longitudinal opening 64, as shown in Figure 18.

[0063] When the connection is in an intermediate position as shown in FIG. 19, the locking element 34 of the lock engages in the second groove 63b adjacent to the first groove 63a and at a distance of about 1 mm therefrom.

[0064] 20-21, when the coupling is in the deployed position, the locking element 34 of the lock is located near the free end of the notch and engages with the third groove 63c, which is approximately 2 millimeters away from the first groove 63a. With this configuration, the stop 67 moves relative to the second coupling element 50 along the longitudinal opening 64 during relative movement between the first coupling element 20 and the second coupling element 50, and moves to rest against the opposite end of the opening to prevent disengagement between the first and second coupling elements.

[0065] As in the first embodiment, connecting body 44 includes first and second guide portions 49a, 49b disposed on opposite sides of passageway 46. Second coupling element 50 includes first and second complementary guide portions 68a, 68b disposed symmetrically with respect to index rod 58 so as to be able to translate within first and second guide portions 49a, 49b, respectively.

[0066] The connector 10 is intended to be integrated into a band, particularly a watch band, so that the pusher 28 is located on the visible side of the band when worn, allowing the length of the band to be easily adjusted when worn. The band may have multiple adjustable connectors to increase the adjustable length.

[0067] Various modifications may be made to the adjustable linkage just described without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the pusher may be replaced by a knurling wheel with an integral lock, having a cylindrical opening coaxial with the axis of rotation of the knurling wheel. A locking element similar to that described above is disposed within the opening and engages or disengages with the indexing member according to the two previously described embodiments, depending on the angular position of the knurling wheel. According to another variant, the pusher could be replaced by a pull tab, allowing the lock to be actuated not in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the band, but in a direction parallel to this plane, towards the side edge of the linkage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] Adjustable linkage 10 First connecting element 20 Fastening part 22 Fastening / unfastening system central part 24 cavity 26 Blind Hole 27 Actuating part 28 (e.g., pushing part) Locke 30 aperture 32 Locking element 34 Hole 36 Elastic member 38 Gap 39 Side parts 40a, 40b Hole 42 Connector 44 Outer surface 44a face 45 Aisle 46 Opening 47 (e.g., circular, rectangular) Stop 48 (e.g., pin) First guide portion 49a and second guide portion 49b (e.g., hole) Second connecting element 50 Fastening part 52 central part 53 Side parts 54a, 54b Hole 55 Housing 57 Indexing member 58 Indexing rod (first embodiment) Indexing elements 60a, 60b (e.g. radial extension) Threaded part 61 Index bar (second embodiment) Notch 62 Grooves 63a, 63b, 63c Longitudinal opening 64 Fixed part 66 Stop part 67 a first complementary guide portion 68a and a second complementary guide portion 68b

Claims

1. An adjustable connection (10) for a band, comprising a first connection element and a second connection element (20, 50) translatably connected to each other by a telescopic adjustment mechanism, and capable of taking at least two independent index positions, The mechanism comprises: an actuation part (28) accessible from the outside of said adjustable connection part (10); a lock (30) disposed within the cavity (26) of one of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) and fixedly attached to the actuating part; an indexing member (58) arranged to cooperate with the lock (30), the indexing member (58) being fixedly attached to the other of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) when the first connecting element (20) is deployed in a direction of movement relative to the second connecting element (50); The adjustable connection (10) for a band, comprising: The adjustable connection (10) is further characterized in that the first and second connection elements (20, 50) are adapted to conceal the indexing member (58) regardless of whether the first and second connection elements are positioned in one or the other of the at least two index positions.

2. the actuation portion (28) is provided on a surface extending between two sides of the adjustable coupling portion (10), 2. The adjustable connection (10) of claim 1, wherein the actuation portion (28) is accessible when the band comprising the adjustable connection is worn.

3. One of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) a connecting body (44) disposed on the other of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) and adapted to slide within a complementary shaped housing (57), 3. The adjustable connection (10) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting body (44) conceals the indexing member (58) within the housing regardless of the selected index position.

4. 4. An adjustable connection (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mechanism comprises additional coupling means (49a, 49b, 68a, 68b) for guiding the relative displacement of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) and / or absorbing mechanical stresses between the first and second connecting elements (20, 50).

5. The additional coupling means 5. The adjustable connection (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it is formed by at least one female element (49a, 49b) arranged in the connecting body (44) of one of the first and second connection elements (20, 50) and receiving a complementary male element (68a, 68b) fixedly connected to the other of the first and second connection elements.

6. 6. Adjustable connection (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the additional coupling means are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the indexing member (58).

7. the actuation portion is in the form of a push portion (28); 7. The adjustable coupling (10) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating portion is arranged to move from a locked position in which the lock (30) is stationary and engaged with the indexing member (58), to a released position in which the lock (30) is actuated and no longer engages the indexing member (58).

8. The adjustable connection (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lock (30) further comprises an opening (32) for receiving a portion of the indexing member (58).

9. 9. The adjustable connection (10) of claim 1, wherein the lock (30) is traversed from one side to the other by the indexing member (58) when the connection is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration.

10. one of the first and second connecting elements (20, 50) comprises a fastening portion (22); the fastening portion comprises a central portion (24) and two side portions (40a, 40b) arranged on both sides of the central portion and adapted to form two gaps (39) for receiving lugs of the watch case or fastening portions of adjacent connecting portions, 10. An adjustable connection (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central portion (24) comprises a cavity (26) for receiving said lock (30).

11. 11. The adjustable coupling (10) of claim 10, wherein the central portion (24) further comprises a blind hole (27) in the axial extension of the opening (32) of the lock (30) for receiving the free end of the indexing member (58) when the coupling (10) is in a retracted or partially retracted configuration.

12. 12. An adjustable connection (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the indexing member is in the form of a rod (58) provided with at least one indexing element (60a, 60b) intended to cooperate with the lock (30).

13. 13. An adjustable coupling (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the indexing element consists of two adjacent radial extensions, said extensions providing three indexing positions.

14. 12. An adjustable connection (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the indexing member is in the form of a notched rod (58) provided with a number of notches (63a, 63b, 63c) intended to cooperate with the lock (30) to tighten the connection in the at least two indexed positions.

15. 15. The adjustable connection (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the notched rod (58) further comprises a longitudinal slot (64) oriented in the direction of translational displacement of the first connection element (20) relative to the second connection element (50), and inside the longitudinal slot (64) a stop portion (67) is arranged that limits the relative displacement between the first and second connection elements (20, 50).

16. A watch comprising an adjustable connection (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the actuation part (28) is on the visible side of the band when the watch is worn.

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