Wristband fastening system

Abstract

To provide a lightweight, slim, and compact bracelet with a continuously adjustable tightening system attached thereto, being easy to both use and manufacture.SOLUTION: A bracelet with two strands (1 and 2) comprises a tightening system including at least one longitudinal groove (4) on one of the two strands, and at least one longitudinal projection (5) on the other strand. The material and shape of the groove and the projection are so configured that the groove and projection interlock under pressure that a user of the bracelet applies to two overlapping portions of the bracelet strands. The connection between the strands (1 and 2), preferably, can be easily separated by peeling the upper strand (2) away from the lower strand (1). The bracelet of the present invention allows the user to continuously adjust the length without any need for heavy and complex elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristband fastening system, particularly for flexible wristbands made of synthetic materials. Pertaining to rings, such as watch straps or decorative bracelets. [Background technology]

[0002] For a long time, watch straps or bracelets with buckles or deployant clasps have been known. These systems, especially those made from synthetic materials, are highly susceptible to wear and tear. It is also relatively thick and therefore not very comfortable, and furthermore, it only allows the length of the bracelet to be discontinuous. There is a problem that it can only be adjusted to discrete positions. This means that it is difficult to adjust the length of the bracelet to fit the wearer's wrist. This means that it is not possible to use a device with a magnetic fastening mechanism or clip fastening mechanism. Other technologies have been proposed, such as bracelets, which allow for flexible adjustment. However, they are often heavy, difficult to use, and / or require complex and expensive manufacturing methods. In addition, the buckle and deployant clasp are quite thick and may be It was larger than the watch it was attached to, which spoiled the aesthetic look. This can even make the watch less comfortable to wear. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention is a light, slim, compact continuous The object of the present invention is to provide a bracelet fitted with an automatically adjustable fastening system. The above object is achieved by the bracelet according to the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present invention relates to a bracelet having two bracelet strands, wherein one of the two strands is at least one longitudinal groove in one strand and at least one longitudinal groove in the other strand The material and shape of the grooves and protrusions are similar to those of the bracelet. The grooves and protrusions interact under the pressure exerted by the bracelet user on the two overlapping parts of the strand. The connection between the bracelet strands is preferably configured to interlock. By peeling the top strand away from the bottom strand without The bracelet of the present invention can be easily separated without requiring heavy and complicated components. , continuous length adjustment is possible.

[0005] The following description of preferred embodiments is given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: By reading this document, you will be able to understand other features and advantages of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 shows a bracelet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross section of the interlocking elements of the bracelet of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] The cross section of the complete bracelet in Figure 1 is shown. [Figure 4] 10 shows an embodiment of a bracelet strand with means in the grooves to increase friction between the bracelet strands. [Figure 5] 1 shows a cross section of a bracelet according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]1 shows a watch with a bracelet fitted with a fastening system according to the invention. [Figure 7] 10 shows a bracelet according to another embodiment of the present invention in which two strands are joined together to form one band. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] FIG. 1 shows two strands 1 and 2 of a wristwatch bracelet according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a watch 20 with this bracelet attached. is substantially flat and flexible and is used to secure the watch case 21 (FIG. 6). To secure the bracelet, the user presses the "lower strap" One strand, called the "top strand" 1, is connected to the other strand, called the "top strand" 2. The lower strand 1 has two grooves 4, which are , are parallel to each other and substantially the entire interaction surface of the lower strand 1 with the upper strand 2 The upper strand 2 has two projections 5 extending over the entire length. The protrusions 5 extend over substantially the entire length of the interaction surface of the upper strand 2 with the lower strand 1. preferably in a continuous manner, thereby forming two substantially The projections 5 form parallel rail sections. When pressure is applied to the groove 4, it is positioned and formed to fit into the corresponding groove 4. This secures the lower strand and the upper strand together.

[0008] In Figure 2, strands 1 and 2 are homogeneous elements, i.e., made of a single material. 1 shows in detail the cross section of the protrusion 5 and the corresponding groove 4 in the upper strand. The cross section of the protrusion 5 of the connector 2 has a rounded portion 10 called the "male housing portion." The male housing portion 10 has a neck section 11 which is narrower than the male housing portion 10. It can be seen that the strand 2 is attached via the groove 4 of the lower strand 1. The cross section of the housing further includes a round housing portion 12 called the "female housing portion." The female housing portion 12 is accessible through a neck section 13. Thus, the neck sections 11 and 13 are connected to the male and female housing sections 10 and 13, respectively. The elements 12 and 12 of the groove 4 are located between the interacting surfaces of the strands 2 and 1. Each of the dimensions of 13 is the same as or slightly larger than the dimensions of the corresponding element of projection 5 .

[0009] In one variant, the male and female housing parts have a protrusion and a screw with a neck section. Assuming there is a groove with a lock section, it can have a cross section of different shapes. It's obvious.

[0010] In the illustrated example, the protrusions and grooves are linear, but they may be curved or wavy. It is also possible to envisage a protrusion and a corresponding groove extending in the same direction.

[0011] The material of at least one of the strands 1 and 2 is When the bonded portion is pressed, the protrusion 5 interlocks with the groove 4 in a snap-fit ​​manner. The projections 5 and / or grooves are sufficiently flexible so that they can be easily displaced under pressure applied by the user. 4 allows the male housing portion 10 of the protrusion 5 to pass through the neck section 13 of the groove 4. This causes a slight elastic deformation so that the strands are perpendicular to strands 1 and 2. A connection is formed that is fixed in the direction of the arrow. This connection is nevertheless preferably Strand 2 can be easily separated by peeling it away from the underlying strand 1. "Peeling" means taking the end of the upper strand 2 and prying it onto the lower strand. The user involves pulling the upper strand 2 by gradually separating it from the land 1. This operation removes the projection 5 from its groove 4 and closes the clamping system. The number, location and size of the grooves can be determined by the desired design, material and and retention properties can be adjusted accordingly.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a cross section of the entire bracelet of Figure 1 in the fastened position. It can be seen that the projections 5 are housed in the corresponding grooves 4. The projections 5 and grooves 4 are assembled. The strands are symmetrical and lie on either side of the longitudinal mid-plane 6 of the strand. The friction between the lands 1 and 2 can prevent separation due to slippage. The cross section of the interaction surface of the lower strand 1 is slightly convex, which In the tightened position, the upper strand 2 follows the curvature of the interaction surface. In this way, the upper strand 2 is held between the interlocking groove 4 and protrusion 5. The holding force presses it against the lower strand 1, which causes strand 1 and the friction force between the two increases.

[0013] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the groove 4 of the lower strand 1 has an area 15, The surface of this region 15 is structured to increase its roughness. This structured surface increases the friction between the groove 4 and the protrusion 5 housed therein. For example, this structure can be formed on the protrusion 5 or on both the protrusions 5 and the groove. It can be formed by a series of bulges that form corrugations along the The structure may be arranged continuously over the entire length of the projections and / or grooves. , and may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0014] According to some variants, instead of the structured surface, the grooves 4 and / or the protrusions 5 are provided with other friction Countermeasures can be provided, for example by changing the dimensional configuration, e.g. It forms wavy or bulging shapes at regular intervals.

[0015] The number of protrusions 5 and the corresponding number of grooves 4 arranged on the bracelet strands 1 and 2 may vary within the context of the present invention. 5 shows that the lower strand 1 has only one groove 4, and this groove 4 The cross section of the bracelet shows that the width of the upper strand 2 is close to that of strand 1. There is a single projection 5. As above, the projection 5 and groove 4 are connected to the neck sections 11, 13 and the housing. The bracelet has elastic snap-fit ​​fastening parts 10 and 12. This is possible due to the degree of flexibility of at least one of the materials used. This is thanks to...

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, each strand is made of a plastic material. It is a homogeneous element, which allows it to be easily processed by casting, injection molding, extrusion or thermocompression. Strands can be produced using a variety of injectable polymers or vulcanized rubbers. Alternatively, different material combinations can be considered, for example: It is possible to consider using a bi-material injection process to create regions with different stiffness. For example, rigid, semi-rigid or articulated strands can be used. For example, links made of metal, ceramics or leather are used. The strand has one or more machined grooves into which the links are inserted. One strand has one or more protrusions made of a flexible material such as rubber. This is attached (e.g., bonded or overmolded) to the face of the bracelet link. (This is the case.)

[0017] It will be apparent that the positions of the grooves 4 and protrusions 5 can be reversed from those shown. That is, the protrusion 5 is on the lower strand 1 and the groove 4 is on the upper strand 2. It is possible.

[0018] Preferably, there is only one protrusion 5 for each groove 4. Alternatively, for each groove, there are and all of these protrusions 5 are mutually connected in the same groove 4. It can be made to lock.

[0019] The bracelet of the present invention comprises a watch case and a watch strap having two separate strands. The present invention is not limited to the above. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a wire harness in which the first and second strands are joined by one of their ends. connected to each other in a single piece, such as what is known as a "NATO" strap. The bracelet has a band B made of a material, and when the user wears the bracelet, the band B is made of a material similar to that shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the two ends of the band overlap, and the explanation is given with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The present invention also includes bracelets in which the same elements as those described above are used. As described above, the band has a first portion on one side thereof with at least one groove 4. On the other side of the band there is a second portion with at least one projection 5. In this case, These two portions of the band B are referred to as "first and second strands" in the bracelet of the present invention. "Do".

[0020] In addition to the advantage that the bracelet of the present invention can be continuously adjusted in length, This combines several additional advantages: the bracelet is easy to use and manufacture; , light due to the absence of additional weight for clasps or magnets; no rigid elements; and Its small size makes it comfortable for the user. In this case, maintenance is very simple and dirt accumulation can be avoided.

[0021] Also, by adapting the geometric configuration, location and / or number of protrusion / groove pairs, the insertion The force required for insertion and removal can be easily varied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0022] 1st and 2nd strands 3 Attachments 4 grooves 5 protrusions 6 Longitudinal midplane 10, 12 Housing part 11, 13 Neck compartment 20. Wristwatches 21 Watch Case

Claims

1. A bracelet having a first strand (1) and a second strand (2), When the bracelet is fastened, one side of one strand at least partially covers one side of the other strand; The bracelet comprises a fastening system having at least one groove (4) extending on the surface of the first strand in the longitudinal direction of the first strand and at least one protrusion (5) extending on the surface of the second strand in the longitudinal direction of the second strand, the protrusion (5) fitting into the groove (4) at any position along the longitudinal direction of the first strand to fix the first strand (1) and the second strand (2), thereby allowing the fastening system to continuously adjust its length; The projection (5) and the groove (4) each have a housing portion (10, 12) and a neck section (11, 13) located between the housing portion (10, 12) and the surface of the strand; the material of said protrusion (5) and / or said groove (4) is flexible so as to enable said housing portion (10) of said protrusion (5) to interlock with said housing portion (12) of said groove (4) when a user of the bracelet presses two corresponding overlapping portions of said first and second strands (1, 2), one of the first and second strands (1, 2) is in a lower position and the other of the first and second strands (1, 2) is in an upper position; The strand at the lower position of the first and second strands (1, 2) has an upper surface in which an upper edge of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof is convex, and a central portion thereof protrudes more than the edge portion, The grooves (4) or protrusions (5) of the strands in the lower position are formed on both sides of the center of the upper edge, The strand at the upper position of the first and second strands (1, 2) is configured to deform in accordance with the convex upper surface of the strand at the lower position, thereby pressing the strand at the lower position downward. Bracelet.

2. With the bracelet in its fastened position, the upper strand (2) can be peeled away from the lower strand (1) to remove the protrusion (5) from the groove (4) and unlock the fastening system.

2. The bracelet of claim 1.

3. The strands (1, 2) are homogeneous elements made of flexible material 3. The bracelet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The strands (1, 2) are made of polymer or rubber. The bracelet according to claim 3.

5. the at least one groove (4) and / or the at least one protrusion (5) are elements made of flexible material and are present on the first and / or second strand, The flexible material is a material different from the material of the strands in which the grooves and / or protrusions are located.

3. The bracelet according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first strand has two grooves (4) and the second strand has two protrusions (5); The two grooves and the two protrusions are located on either side of the longitudinal mid-plane (6) of the corresponding strand and are symmetrically arranged. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first strand has a single groove (4), The width of this groove (4) is close to the width of the first strand, The second strand has a single protrusion (5). The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. At least one of the grooves (4) and / or the protrusions (5) has one or more areas (15) with a structure or coating that increases the surface roughness. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least one surface of the groove (4) and / or the protrusion (5) has a dimensional configuration that varies at regular intervals. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. At least one of the housing parts (10, 12) of the protrusion (5) and the corresponding groove (4) has a round cross section. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first and second strands are connected to one another by one of their respective ends, thereby forming an integral band. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first and second strands are made to be integrated. The bracelet of claim 11.

13. A wristwatch or a bracelet of decorative items. The bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A bracelet according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Watches or jewelry.

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