Band clasp with a device for adjusting the band length for a comfortable fit.

Abstract

To provide a clasp with a device for adjusting the length of a band, preferably in a quick and simple manner, without opening the clasp, permitting an immediately comfortable setting.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a clasp 100 for bands comprising a device for adjusting the length, where the adjustment device comprises a pivotally arranged member 105, where the member 105 can be activated by a user to activate the length adjustment. Preferably, the pivoting element is part of a clasp cover 118. Preferably, the pivoting element is articulated through axes that correspond to shafts of pushers 132 of a clasp-locking mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clasp for a band, particularly for a wristwatch band, the clasp having a device for adjusting the length of the band without opening the clasp, preferably in a quick and simple manner, to allow for an immediate and comfortable setting. The present invention also relates to a folding clasp and a wristwatch provided with such a clasp.

Background Art

[0002] Wristwatch bands typically have means for adjusting the length of the band. For example, in the case of a leather band or a plastic band, one free end of one of the two strands of the band has a series of holes distributed along the longitudinal extension of the band. The free end of the other strand of the band has a connecting device such as a pin clasp, which is used to join the two strands by inserting a pin into the hole corresponding to the desired length. In the case of a metal link band, the length of the band is adjusted by removing links from one or both strands of the band or adding links to the strands. However, in either case, the possible adjustment of the useful length of the band is very coarse, and the circumference of the wearer's wrist may be between two adjacent adjustments.

[0003] In the state of the art, there are clasps for wristwatches that can finely adjust the length of the band. Such fine adjustment is desirable in order to accurately fit the length of the band to the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch. On the other hand, as mentioned in Patent Document 1, the size of the wearer's wrist can change, for example, with changes in temperature.

[0004] Many clasps with mechanisms for fine-tuning the length are known to be state-of-the-art. These mechanisms include a blocking or locking device or component to prevent unintentional or accidental lengthening and / or shortening. Many clasps are particularly aimed at preventing unintentional lengthening, as the risk of unintentional shortening is low. On the other hand, the possibility of quickly shortening the band without having to activate a release mechanism, and therefore without opening the clasp, is even more desirable for the wearer, as this allows the band to be tightened around the wrist easily and at any time. For example, a user can tighten a wristband around their wrist at any time by applying pressure to the strands of the band in the appropriate direction using their free hand. Patent Document 2 shows a clasp that can finely shorten the length of a band by applying force to the strands of the band attached to a movable part. However, this clasp includes a locking device with teeth to securely hold the movable part in a predetermined position. To lengthen the band, the user must open the clasp and press down on the support surface to release the teeth and move the movable part in the direction corresponding to lengthening the band. The clasp structure shown in Patent Document 2 is relatively simple compared to other clasps that have a mechanism for fine-tuning the band length. Nevertheless, it may be desirable to further reduce the complexity of the mechanism and the number of parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2361523 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2875747 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 3170420 [Patent Document 4] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 707483 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 2,596,186 [Patent Document 6] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 700230 [Patent Document 7] European Patent Application Publication No. 1908366 [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application Publication No. 0913106 [Patent Document 9] European Patent No. 0913106 [Patent Document 10] International Publication No. 2019 / 166671 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] One objective of the present invention is to use the basic components of a clasp and assign functions to these components in fine adjustment. For example, one or more components already present in the clasp can be used as components of the fine adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing the number of parts in the clasp. In any case, one objective is to have as many functions as possible that are fulfilled by the components that are part of the clasp.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to avoid and limit the presence of several separate, conspicuous, and / or visible activation members for the wearer of the clasp, given that clasp closing mechanisms generally already require components of an actuating member, such as a pusher, to open the clasp. Another objective is to implement a clasp with a simple appearance that does not suggest an elaborate mechanism.

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to facilitate length adjustment not only in the direction of shortening the band, but in both directions, while minimizing the risk of accidental and unintentional changes in length.

[0009] Several patent documents, for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, disclose a fine-tuning clasp having an activation member configured to pivot when activated by the user. Patent Document 7 discloses a clasp with a fine-tuning device having a rack located on the clasp cover. None of these clasps achieve the above objective.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to use a locking mechanism similar to that disclosed in Patent Document 8. In this clasp, the two parallel legs of the extended arms are configured to move toward each other to disengage the locking member in order to allow the clasp to be opened.

[0011] One objective of the present invention is to provide the wearer of a wristwatch with a function that allows them to instantly adjust the watch to a comfortable length at any time without having to open the clasp or remove the watch from their wrist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to a clasp having a device for fine-tuning the useful length of a band, and to a clasp that can extend the useful length.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a clasp having a device for adjusting the useful length of a band, the device for adjusting the useful length comprising a movable part and a support, the movable part being configured to be displaceable relative to the support when adjusting the length, the device comprising an activation member configured to be pivotable relative to the support, one of the movable part and the activation member comprising a locking member and the other comprising an indexing member, the locking member being intended to be positioned at the notches of the indexing member in order to determine a discrete and stable value of the band length.

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wristwatch having a clasp according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] In one embodiment, the movable part is housed in the support.

[0016] In one embodiment, the clasp comprises a cover having at least two parts or formed by at least two parts, one of the two parts being the activation member and the other being the support.

[0017] In one embodiment, the activation member is configured to be activated by lifting the upper wall of the cover and / or at least a part of the upper wall of the cover. The upper wall of the cover preferably comprises an outer surface that can be seen by the wearer of the wristwatch having the clasp.

[0018] In one embodiment, the activation member is integrated with the clasp cover and / or forms an integral part of the clasp cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, the clasp comprises a pivot axis that enables the activation member configured to pivot relative to the support.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pivot axis forms part of at least one actuating member of the clasp closing mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment, the at least one actuating member comprises at least one pusher connected to the pivot axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the actuating member is configured to move linearly relative to the support device along an orthogonal axis and / or coaxially or parallel to the pivot axis of the activation member. This movement is preferably effected by the actuating member when the actuating member is activated to open the clasp.

[0023] In one embodiment, the linear movement of the actuating member is a translational movement. This displacement preferably follows the longitudinal axis of the actuating member or an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In one embodiment, the clasp comprises an actuation member configured to open the clasp by the actuation of the actuation member, the actuation member comprising and / or comprising a pivot shaft for the actuation member of a device for adjusting the useful length.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clasp comprises at least one elastic element, preferably a biasing means, such as one or more springs, configured to bias the activation member and the support device toward each other and / or to resist the pivoting of the activation member relative to the support device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the elastic element is located within the housing of the support and acts on a rod or screw fixed to the upper wall of the cover, or at least a portion of the wall, the upper wall preferably forming part of the activation member.

[0027] In one embodiment, the housing of the resilient element comprises a hole or bore disposed in the support, the hole or bore preferably extending substantially radially and / or upward.

[0028] In one embodiment, the activation member comprises a pair of side holes and a top plate or wall, each of the side holes functioning as a pin support and / or pivot guide for the activation member. The lateral holes are preferably extending transversely and preferably positioned through the lugs or lateral extensions of the activation member. These lugs are preferably extending substantially longitudinally and radially, for example, to a plane of symmetry of the clasp (if such a plane of symmetry exists). The lugs are preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the top plate of the cover and / or the top plate of the activation member.

[0029] In one embodiment, the activation member is a clasp-type element of the cover that connects the sides of the cover.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ear portion or extension portion forms part of the side wall and / or extension portion of a support that forms the cover and / or part of the cover.

[0031] In one embodiment, the support preferably has a pair of side holes aligned with and / or coaxial with the side holes of the starting member, each of which functions as a guide for a pivot shaft for the starting member, and preferably the side holes of the support and the side holes of the starting member form a bearing for the pivot shaft.

[0032] In one embodiment, the movable part includes a carriage that houses the locking member, so that the locking member can move translationally in order to cooperate with an indexing member located on the upper wall.

[0033] In one embodiment, the upper wall of the cover is segmented into several continuous parts or segments in the longitudinal direction, and the activation member forms a segment or part of the upper wall.

[0034] In one embodiment, the support preferably comprises two side walls equipped with guide rails configured to allow the moving portion to slide.

[0035] In one embodiment, the side wall of the support and the extended portion and / or lug portion of the operating member together form at least a portion of the side wall of the cover. Preferably, the projection is positioned as an extended portion of at least a portion of the side wall of the support. Preferably, the outer surface of the projection and the side wall of the support together form at least a portion of the outer side wall of the cover, so that it can be seen, for example, by the user attaching the clasp.

[0036] In one embodiment, the clasp is a foldable clasp comprising a foldable arm pivotably connected to the support and / or the activation member.

[0037] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the starting member relative to the support coincides with the axis of rotation of the support and / or the starting member relative to the folding arm.

[0038] The clasp is preferably configured to allow length adjustment without the need to open the clasp and / or remove the watch from the wrist. Thus, the clasp makes it possible to instantly adjust the band to a comfortable length in any environment by simplifying the actions required to shorten and / or lengthen the band.

[0039] Other aspects of the present invention, as well as preferred embodiments and modes, are set forth in the claims and the following description.

[0040] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from reading the following description of preferred embodiments and descriptions given merely as non-limiting examples, and from referring to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in the closed position. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from below of the clasp shown in Figure 1, which is in the open position. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show exploded perspective views of the clasp. [Figure 4A] This is a translucent top view of the clasp in Figure 1, showing the positions of cross-sections AA and BB in Figures 4B to 4D and Figure 4E, respectively. [Figure 4B] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in its resting position. [Figure 4C] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in its resting position. [Figure 4D] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in its activated position. [Figure 4E] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 4A. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in the closed position. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view from below of the clasp shown in Figure 5, which is in the open position. [Figure 7A] Figures 5 and 6 show exploded perspective views of the clasp cover. [Figure 7B] Figures 5 to 7A show a perspective view of the clasp's operating member, seen from below. [Figure 8A] Figures 5 to 7A are semi-transparent top views of the clasps. [Figure 8B] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the resting position. [Figure 8C] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the starting position. [Figure 8D] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 8A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the starting position. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view from below of the clasp in Figure 9, which is in the open position. [Figure 11] Figures 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views of the clasp cover. [Figure 12A] Figures 9 to 11 are semi-transparent top views of the clasps. [Figure 12B] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 12A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the resting position. [Figure 12C] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 12A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the starting position. [Figure 12D] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 12A, showing the fine adjustment mechanism in the starting position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The illustrated clasp corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the illustrated clasp is of the folding clasp type and is intended to be particularly suitable for watch bands. The band may be of any type, such as being made of a flexible plastic material, leather, or an assembly of metal links.

[0043] Generally, a clasp equipped with a device for fine-tuning the useful length of a band comprises at least two parts configured to move longitudinally relative to one another. Each of the two parts comprises mounting members for the first and second strands of the band, respectively. The relative displacement performed by the two parts causes the mounting members to move closer together or further apart from each other, and thus shortens or lengthens the useful length of the band.

[0044] In this description, one of two parts that are movably positioned relative to the other is referred to as the “movable part,” and the other part is referred to as the “support,” “support device,” or “frame.” Since the movement is relative, the identification of the “movable part” is a matter of arbitrary convention. Generally, the smaller of the two parts is called the movable part, and the other part often includes a mechanism for opening and closing a clasp, for example, in the form of a hinged blade. Alternatively, in the context of this invention, the “movable part” can be referred to as the “first movable part,” and the “support” can be referred to as the “second movable part,” and the first and second movable parts are capable of relative displacement in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Typically, the movable part and the support cooperate, firstly, by an indexing member such as a series of notches, racks, and / or teeth, and secondly, by a locking member or blocking structure such as a claw, tooth, or lock, which is intended to cooperate with the indexing member to determine a discrete value of useful length.

[0046] The difference in length between these discrete values ​​is determined by the spacing between the notches of the indexing member. The spacing between the notches is generally shorter than the spacing between two holes in a band strand used with a pin clasp, or the distance defined by the links of a metal band, which is why the length adjustment device of the present invention allows for fine adjustment and / or precise adjustment of the band length. In one embodiment, the distance between consecutive notches is 0.4 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less, for example, between 0.05 and 1.5 mm.

[0047] The discrete and stable values ​​correspond to specific positions determined by the positions of the notches in which the locking member is held, and as a result, that position relative to the indexing member is stabilized, locked, and / or stopped by the interaction between the locking member and the rack in the absence of external forces.

[0048] The clasp shown in Figures 1 to 4E comprises a cover formed from at least two main parts: a frame or support 103 and a lid 105. A feature of the illustrated embodiment is that a locking member 106 is attached to the movable part 102, while an indexing member 107 is attached to the activation member 105 of the fine adjustment device. This member 105 is articulated to the support 103.

[0049] Figures 5 to 12B show an embodiment in which the two structures, namely the indexing member and the locking member, are reversed in arrangement, i.e., the locking member is attached to the support 203 via the activation member 205, while the indexing members 207 and 307 are attached to and thus integrated with the movable parts 202 and 302. Generally, it is preferable that the indexing member is integrated with a structure attached to either the support (or activation member) or the movable part, depending on the circumstances. The locking member is located on the other of the two structures, so that the two structures can cooperate.

[0050] The clasp 100 shown in Figures 1 to 12B has, in addition to being a device for fine-tuning the useful length of the band, the conventional "clasp" function described in detail in Patent Documents 9 and 2, both published under the name of the present applicant.

[0051] The following briefly describes these conventional functions of a clasp using an example of clasp 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4B. Clasp 100 is intended to connect to the two strands of band 111 and 112 in a known manner. Clasp 100 has a base 1 that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the band and is slightly curved in at least part of its length to better conform to the shape of the wearer's wrist.

[0052] The terms "lengthwise direction of the band," "longitudinal direction of the band," "orthogonal," "transverse direction," "radial direction," "vertical direction," "top," "bottom," "down," and "up" are known to those skilled in the art. The definitions shown on page 9, line 13 to page 10, line 13 of Patent Document 10 apply to this document.

[0053] The clasps shown in Figures 1 to 12B are substantially symmetrical and therefore have a plane of symmetry extending along the length of the band.

[0054] The terms "bottom" and "top" generally refer to the bottom and top of the clasp shown in Figure 4B, respectively.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the base 1 of the folding clasp comprises two integrated longitudinal members 2 spaced apart by transverse spacers 3 located at the first ends of the longitudinal members 2. A mounting member, intended to connect to the free end of the band, is firmly connected to the transverse spacers 3 by a rod or bar 117 (Figure 4B). In this description, the mounting member supported by the transverse member 3 corresponds to a second mounting member intended to connect to a second band strand 112, and the first mounting member 116 is connected to the movable portion 102 as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting member is located on a cover 118 firmly connected to the first end of the base 1. The cover 118 is shaped to form the extensions of covers 103, 105 when the clasp is closed, and as a result the clasp has a uniform and / or compact appearance as a whole, as can be seen in Figures 1, 5, and 9.

[0056] A folding arm 5, consisting of two leg portions 6 and 7, is attached to the opposite end of the longitudinal member 2 in a conventional manner. The opposite ends of the arms 6 and 7 each have a cylindrical portion 10 with a hole 11.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the folding arm 5 comprises first and second tip portions, the folding arm being pivotably connected to the base at or near the first tip portion, and pivotably connected to the support 103 and / or the starting member 105 at or near the second tip portion.

[0058] A pair of holes 11 are provided to ensure the assembly of the folding arm 5 and the covers 103 and 105, with bushings 135 interposed between them and two lateral pushers 132, each integrally formed with a rod 134 that engages with the corresponding hole 11.

[0059] The spring 136 is sandwiched between the covers 103 and 105 and the pusher 132, respectively, and exerts a restoring force on the latter that tries to separate them from each other.

[0060] The pusher 132 is configured to act on the legs 6 and 7 to bring them closer together when operated by a user who wishes to open the clasp 100. When the legs 6 and 7 are brought closer together, the claws 8 of the legs 6 and 7 are released and inserted into complementary recesses 9 of the base 1, as described in detail in Patent Document 9.

[0061] Washers 137 may also be provided to define stable support surfaces on both sides of the spring 136.

[0062] As already mentioned, the device for adjusting the useful length of the band according to the present invention preferably relates to covers 103, 105, which consist of a lid 105 and a support 103.

[0063] The cover 105 has a plate 126 that forms at least a portion of the upper wall of the cover. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4B and Figures 5 to 12B, the cover forms the entire upper wall 126 of the cover. Two lateral through holes 127 are positioned preferably toward the first end of the cover 105, preferably toward the lateral lugs 125, and are positioned to extend along the substantially orthogonal axis of the cover. The upper wall 126 has an outer surface 115 visible to the wearer of a watch with a clasp (Figure 1).

[0064] The support 103 extends substantially longitudinally and has two side walls 151 joined to each other by two transverse spacers 148, 149. The walls 151 are preferably slightly curved along at least a portion of their length, as with the base 1. The support 103 has two lateral extensions or projections 141 toward the first end, each of which has a through hole 143. When the clasp 100 is assembled, each cylinder 133 of the two actuators 131 passes through the lateral through holes 127, 143 in the cover 105 and the support 103, respectively. Thus, the pair of holes 127, 143 together form a pair of bearings for the two pivot shafts formed by the two cylinders 133. Since the holes 127, 143 are laterally located on both sides of the support and cover 105, there is a bearing for each of the lateral actuators 131, each having a pusher 132, as described above.

[0065] The cover-support assemblies 103 and 105 are hinged to the folding arm 5 by the rod 134 of the actuarial member, as described above. The cover 105 is also hinged to the frame 103 so that the cover 105 can pivot relative to the frame 103, with two cylinders 133 forming a pivot axis.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4E, the compression coil spring 145 is located within a housing 140 formed by a hole in a projection of the frame 103. Two screws 146 are also positioned inside the two springs and through a through-opening 144 provided in the frame 103 for this purpose, along the extension of the housing 140. The ends of the screws 146 are secured to screw holes 147 provided in the cover 105. Each spring 145 is supported on one side by the head of the screw 146 into which the spring is fitted, and on the other side by a shoulder created in the spring housing, thereby returning the cover 105 toward the support 103. When there is no force acting on the cover 105 so that it can be pivoted to push the cover 105 away from the support 103, the assembly formed by the support 103 and the cover 105 has the appearance of a conventional clasp cover, as shown in Figure 1.

[0067] Each side wall 151 of the support 103 has a guide rail 152 on the inside of the wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail 152 comprises two longitudinal flanges formed on the upper and lower edges of the inner surface of each side wall 151, respectively.

[0068] The rail 152 preferably extends substantially longitudinally and has the same curvature as the side wall 151. Towards the first or rear end of the side wall, the rail 152 is closed to generate a stopper 150 for the movable portion 102 in a direction corresponding to shortening the length of the band (Figures 2 and 4C).

[0069] The adjustment device comprises a movable portion 102 in the form of a carriage for insertion into and / or between the guide rails 152. For this purpose, the carriage has two side walls or sides 153 held together by a transverse frame 157. The inside of the sides 153 further serves as a housing for a spring bar, which in the illustrated embodiment functions as a first mounting member 116. For this purpose, holes 160 are provided on both sides of the sides 153, thereby allowing the spring bar 116 to be mounted in a conventional manner.

[0070] The trolley frame 157 has a housing 154 for a locking member 106. The housing 154 is open at the top and is positioned so that the locking member 106 can move linearly and translationally along a substantially radial axis, i.e., in the axial direction of the opening of the housing. Inside the housing are two springs 104 sandwiched between a support surface at the bottom of the housing 154 and a support surface positioned on the locking member 106. Thus, these springs bias the locking member 106 upward in the assembled clasp in a direction corresponding to the direction of the cover 105. A screw or nail 155 fixed in a hole 156 in the locking member prevents the locking member from coming out of the housing. One end of the nail protrudes from the rear surface of the locking member and forms a plug 158 intended to fit into a groove 159, preferably substantially vertical, located in the housing 154 of the frame 157 (Figure 4C). Unlike the housing 154, the groove is not open at the top, so as shown in Figures 4B to 4D, when the locking member 106 is inside the housing 154, it forms a limiting portion on the movement of the locking member 106.

[0071] When assembling the clasp 100, the assembled movable part 102 is simply inserted into the open guide rail 152 through the second end of the frame 103. The teeth 109 of the locking member 106 have an inclined surface (or sliding surface) that contacts the transverse spacer 148 when a longitudinal force is applied to the movable part. The reaction force exerted on the inclined surface by the transverse spacer attempts to push the entire locking member 106 downward toward the bottom of its housing 154 against the spring 104, so that the member can pass beneath the transverse spacer 148.

[0072] In contrast, once the movable part 102 is inserted, the rear surface (or blocking surface) of the teeth 109, which are positioned to abut against the transverse spacer 148, prevents it from moving out of the guide rail 152 based solely on longitudinal forces. Thus, the asymmetrical shape of the teeth of the locking member is used to facilitate the assembly of the movable part, as described above, but also to allow the band to be shortened without the need to activate the starter member 105, as will be described later. The transverse spacer 148 is at the same height as the teeth of the movable part 106, and as a result forms a stopper for the movable part 106 in the direction in which the band extends.

[0073] Figures 4B to 4D show the longitudinal cross-section AA (Figure 4A) of the clasp 100, and further illustrate the operation of the length adjustment device by showing the locking member 106 and the indexing member 107 in longitudinal cross-section.

[0074] In the configuration shown in Figure 4B, the activation member formed by the cover 105 is in a resting position, in which case it is pressed against the support 103 by the influence of the spring 145 (Figure 4E). The cover 105 has a recess 163, preferably a transverse recess 163, on its underside, and when the cover 105 is folded over the support, the transverse spacer 148 is housed therein.

[0075] Even in the resting position, the user can shorten the useful length of the band by applying force to the first strand of the band 111 so as to push the movable part 102 in the direction of arrow P in Figure 4B. In this case, the inclined surface of the teeth 109 of the locking member 106 is pressed against an inclined surface of the indexing member 107 in a manner complementary to the notches. This cooperation between the sliding surfaces generates a reaction force, which, due to the inclination of the complementary surfaces, has the effect of pushing the locking member 106 into its housing 154. Therefore, since movement in this direction is not prevented, the movable part 102 can move in the direction of arrow P in Figure 4B, and thus the watch band can be shortened to, for example, the shortest position (not shown) where the movable part 102 abuts against the closed end 150 of the guide rail 152. In this position, the teeth of the locking member 106 are preferably located in the last portion of the notches of the indexing member 107, which is closest to the first ends of the support-cover assemblies 103 and 105.

[0076] The cooperation between the carriage and the indexing member, formed by the movable part 102, does not completely prevent movement in the shortening direction, but it should be noted that the carriage is elastically held in one of a series of stable positions corresponding to discrete lengths, thanks to the springs 104 and 145, as well as the shape of the teeth 109 and the notches on the rack. In the resting position, these shapes allow for complementary contact, and the nature of these shapes and / or complementarity allows for stabilization of the resting position and adjustment of the force necessary to move in the shortening direction.

[0077] To extend the band, the clasp 100 shown in the figure requires activation of the activation member 105. Due to the shape of the back of the teeth and the corresponding contact side of the teeth of the indexing member 107, the movable part 102 does not move due to the reaction force when a tensile force is applied to the first strand of the band 111. In fact, since the contact surfaces are substantially vertical, such a tensile force generates a reaction force substantially opposite to the tensile force, thereby preventing the movable part 102 from moving.

[0078] A user wishing to extend the band can pivot the cover 105 counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 4D. To do this, the user can pass their fingertips under the cover 105 toward the free end (or second end) 162 of the cover, thereby lifting the cover. As a result of this pivoting, the indexing member 107 disengages from the teeth 109 of the locking member 106, the cooperation between the teeth of the movable part 102 and the indexing member ceases, and the movable part 102 is then completely disengaged. In this activated position (Figure 4D), the band can be extended, for example, by pulling the first band strand, and thus by moving the movable part 102 in the opposite direction to arrow P in Figure 4B. Of course, in this released position, the movable part 102 can slide freely in both directions as defined by the guide rail, and therefore the band can also be shortened by lifting the activated member, as indicated by the bidirectional arrows P / T in Figure 4D.

[0079] The locking member 106 is held in its housing 154 by its plug 158 as described above, and its movement is restricted by the extent of a vertical groove 159 positioned in the housing 154 to define a stopper. The housing 154 further includes a guide rail, which can be seen in Figure 3, to substantially limit the movement of the locking member 106 to radial translation, enabling cooperation with the indexing member as described above.

[0080] Figure 4E shows that a spring 145 positioned on the screw 146 is compressed between the flange formed by the housing 140 of the screw 146 and the head of the screw 146. Thus, it pushes the screw and cover 105 downward toward the resting position. In the absence of any (slight) force applied by the user to lift the cover / activator member 105, the spring 145, as well as the spring 104, holds the indexing member 107 and the teeth 109 of the movable part 106 in the cooperative and / or locked positions. The housing 140 is large enough so that the screw 146 can follow the rotational movement of the cover 105 to which it is attached when the fine adjustment mechanism is activated. Furthermore, it can be noticed that the range of pivot of the activation member 105 relative to the support or frame 103 is limited by the structural elements of the clasp so as to allow sufficient lifting to enable the aforementioned release without exposing too much of the movable part 102. For example, it is considered sufficient for the frame 103 and the operating member 105 to pivot freely to move at an angle of 0.1 to 30°, preferably 0.1 to 20°.

[0081] The clasp 200 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8D differs from the first embodiment mainly in that, firstly, an indexing member 207 is positioned on the movable part 202 and a locking member 209 is positioned on the activation member 205, and secondly, the activation member 205 is part of the cover of the support-cover assembly.

[0082] In Figures 5 to 12D, the same reference numeral may be used if the geometric shape and / or general function of the structural element is substantially similar to or identical to the corresponding element of the clasp according to the first embodiment.

[0083] The starting member 205 is pivotably positioned relative to the support 203 of the cover by an operating member 131 (Figure 3). These elements are identical in principle to those described in relation to the first embodiment and are no longer shown in Figure 7A. Each of the operating members 131 is integrated with a shaft or cylinder 133, and its rotational bearing is formed by coaxial lateral holes 243 and 227 located in the support 203 and the starting member 205, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 243 and 227 are located in a pair of lateral extensions 241 of the support 203 and a pair of lateral lugs 225 of the starting member, respectively. The lateral extensions 241 are located as extensions or parts of the side wall 151 of the support 203.

[0084] The support 203 has a pair of side walls 151 and at least a portion of the upper wall of the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, two plates 221 and 223, which are integral with the side walls 151 of the support 203, form a portion of the upper wall of the cover.

[0085] Between the two plates 221 and 223, the upper wall has an opening 224 in the form of a transverse window. In the assembled clasp, the transverse plate 222 of the starter member 205 covers the opening 224 and completes the upper wall of the cover. Thus, the upper wall of the cover is formed by three plates 221-223, with the plate 222 of the starter member positioned between the two transverse plates of the support 203, i.e., between the front 223 and the rear 221, and the two plates being integral with the upper wall of the cover. At least one of these transverse plates is required to secure the side wall 151 of the support 203. Thus, one or both of plates 221 and 223 replace the crossbars 148 and 149 of the first embodiment.

[0086] The spacing between the extended portions 241 is narrower than the spacing between the front portions of the two side walls 151, resulting in a niche that allows the lugs 225 of the starter member to be positioned on the extended portions of the side walls 151, and thus, as can be seen in Figure 5, a uniform appearance can be given to the cover in the resting position of the starter member.

[0087] As in the case of the clasp according to the first embodiment, a housing 140 is positioned on each projection of the side wall 151 of the support 203, each housing containing a screw 146 and a spring, the end of each screw passing through a hole 144 at the top of the housing and fixed into a screw hole 147 on the underside of the plate 222 of the activation member 205. The spring 145 is fitted onto each of the screws 146 to press the activation member 205 toward the resting position where the activation member 205 is positioned on the support 203, in particular into the opening 224.

[0088] The movable part 202 has a pair of sides 153, which serve to accommodate the spring bar 116 that constitutes the first mounting member for the first strand of the band 111, and also serve as a slide shoe to allow the movable part 202 to slide within two side rails 152 located on the inner surface of the side wall 151. The movable part 202 further comprises a plate 270 having an indexing member 207 on its upper side. The indexing member 207 may be, for example, in the form of serrations or a series of notches. A hole 256 is located in the plate 270. When the clasp is assembled, the end of the nail 255 housed in the movable part 202 passes through the hole 256 and cooperates with a limit groove 248 located in the upper wall plate 223 to form a limit stop (Figure 8B).

[0089] An asymmetrical, tooth-shaped locking member 209 is positioned on the underside of the plate 222 of the starting member 205. The inclined side of this tooth is visible in Figure 7B, while the substantially vertical blocking side of the tooth is hidden in this figure. A recess 266 is positioned on the underside of the plate 222, specifically on the underside of the tooth 209, for the purpose of allowing the tooth 209 to be positioned in the last notch of the indexing member at its shortest position. At that time, the recess receives the free end of the nail 255 at the end of its movement. In the shortening direction, the end stop for the movable part is formed by a stop surface 250 positioned on the support 203 (Figure 6). The frame 257 of the movable part is positioned to abut against these surfaces.

[0090] Finally, the starting member 205 includes a gripping member 264 in the form of an overhang at the free end 262 of the starting member 205. In addition, a recess 265 is formed in the top plate 223 of the support 203, and as a result, when the plate 222 is placed on the support 203 in its resting position, a slot 267 remains (Figure 8B).

[0091] The operation of the fine adjustment mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 8B and 8C. In the resting position of the starter member 205, the teeth 209 face the indexing member 207 and are consequently positioned and held, preferably elastically, in the notches of the indexing member 207. The inclined sliding surface of the teeth 209 and the notches of the indexing member allow for a reduction in the useful length. As shown by arrow P in Figure 8B, when the user pushes the first strand of the band 111, the inclined surface of the notches of the indexing member 207 exerts a force on the inclined surface of the teeth 209. Due to their cooperative shape, this pushing force generates a vertical force, causing the starter member 105 to rotate counterclockwise around the pivot axis formed by the shaft 133 of the actuator member 131, attempting to lift the wall 222 of the starter member 105. The spring 145 (Figure 8D) is positioned to push the starting member 205 toward the resting position by the action of the screw 146 on member 205, but its elasticity enables this lifting. This causes the teeth to move to the next notch like a ratchet, and the movable part 202 can move in the direction of arrow P in Figure 8B. The user can continue to shorten the band in this way until the movable part 202 is in the left movable end position (not shown) in Figures 8B and 8C. This position is reached when the free end of the nail 255 is positioned in the recess 266 of the tooth 209.

[0092] To extend the useful length, simply pulling the first band strand is insufficient. This is because, in the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces of the teeth 209 and the indexing member 207, which are biased toward each other, are positioned to create a blocking section. In the illustrated embodiment, these surfaces are vertical. Pulling in the longitudinal direction has the effect of pressing the two vertical surfaces toward each other without displacing them, as described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0093] Next, in order to lengthen the band, it is necessary to lift the starting member 205, as shown in Figure 8C, to release the teeth 209 from engagement with the indexing member 207. The user can conveniently and comfortably lift the tab 264 and start the starting member by inserting their fingertip, such as a fingernail, into the slot 267 formed by the recess 265. In the position shown in Figure 8C, the movable part 202 can move freely in both longitudinal directions determined by the rail 152.

[0094] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 9 to 12D. The clasp 300 shown in Figure 9 has an upper wall 126 formed by an activation member 305 and has the same or identical appearance as the first embodiment (Figure 1). The difference from the first embodiment is that, as in the second embodiment 200, an indexing member 307 is positioned on the movable portion 302 and a locking member 309 is positioned on the activation member 305. A transverse spacer 348, which functions as a stopper, is positioned to pass below the movable portion 302 and connect the lower edge of the side wall 151 of the frame 303. Finally, a transverse member 349 connecting the side wall 151 of the frame comprises a rail 371 positioned to receive the plate 370 of the movable portion 302. The rail 371 has two longitudinal edges intended to guide the plate 370 so that it can move substantially only along its longitudinal direction. This movement can be slightly curved due to the curvature of the frame 303, as mentioned in relation to the first embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 371 has an inverted "L" shape, forming a rim that prevents the plate from moving radially. A similar and alternative method (not shown) for guiding the movement of the plate 370 of the movable part 302 would be an opening in the form of a slot in the crossbar 349.

[0095] The crossbar 349 has a sliding surface 372 between the rails 371 so that the plate 370 can slide when adjusting the length. It should also be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 349 also functions as a stopper for the movable portion 302 in the direction of shortening the useful length.

[0096] The movable portion 302 has an overall "T" and / or stirrup appearance, with a right-angle frame 357 connecting two sides 153, the two sides being able to slide substantially in two longitudinal directions between rails 152, and mounting members 116 being attached to two opposite holes 160 (Figure 11) on the sides 153. A plate 370 having an indexing member 307 on its upper surface is firmly connected to the frame 357, for example, by being formed integrally with the indexing member 307. End stoppers are formed by nails, screws, or bolts 355 inserted into holes on the lower side of the frame 357, so as to form a projection 373 on the lower side of the frame (Figure 12B). In the direction extending the band, this projection abuts against a transverse spacer 348, preferably a recess 374 provided in the spacer 348.

[0097] The operation of the fine adjustment mechanism for the useful length of clasp 300 will be explained with reference to Figures 12B and 12C.

[0098] In Figure 12B, teeth 309, which are located on the underside of the cover 305 and constitute a locking member, can be seen. In the illustrated embodiment, these teeth are asymmetrical, as in the case of the locking member in the previous embodiment. The teeth 309 are positioned downward within the notches of the indexing member 307. The notches of the indexing member 307 have an asymmetrical shape that is complementary to the shape of the teeth. With the starter member 305 in the resting position, the user can shorten the useful length by pushing (in the direction of arrow P) the strands of the band 111 attached to the first mounting member 116, which forms part of the movable portion 302. The inclined sliding surfaces of the teeth 309 and / or the notches of the indexing member 307 generate a substantially vertical reaction force that acts on the spring 145, and as a result, when the indexing member 307 moves with the movable portion 302 in the direction of arrow P, the starter member (corresponding to the cover) 305 is lifted. As tooth 309 moves to the next notch, cover 305 returns to its resting position. To extend the useful length, simply pulling the first strand of band 111 is insufficient. In fact, due to the substantially vertical locking surfaces of the teeth and notches facing each other, pulling the strand does not cause any relative movement between the indexing member 307 and tooth 309. However, the user can activate the starter member 305 by lifting the cover, preferably by pulling it upward by its free edge 162. By disengaging the locking member 309 and the indexing member 307, as shown in Figure 12C, displacement of the movable portion 302 in both longitudinal directions becomes possible (double-headed arrows P / T), thereby allowing the user to lengthen the band 111, preferably by pulling it, or shorten it by pushing it.

[0099] All clasps 100, 200, and 300 can be adjusted without having to open the clasp and / or even remove the watch from the wrist. Thus, the user can adjust the usable length while wearing the watch with this clasp on their wrist. The usable length can be shortened simply by pushing one of the two band strands toward the clasp without activating the actuation member of the fine-tuning device. As far as extending the band length is concerned, activating the actuation member is very easy; it only requires lifting. Since the actuation member is integrated with and / or forms part of the cover, particularly the upper and outer walls of the cover, the actuation member is easily accessible, grasped, and activated manually using the fingertips, for example, as described. Thanks to these features, the band length can be quickly and easily adjusted to the size of the watch wearer's wrist, finely and precisely, anywhere and / or in any situation. This is the functionality of being able to instantly adjust to a comfortable length, implemented by the clasps of the present invention.

[0100] Note the difference in the clasp 100 according to the first embodiment. In this case, the locking member 106 is movable relative to the movable part 102 due to the presence of its housing 154 and the elastic return member 104. Therefore, when shortening by pushing the first band strand, the cover and / or starter member 105 is not necessarily forcibly lifted against the force of the elastic return member 145 to allow movement of the movable part. The presence of two return members 104 and 145, respectively, located on the movable part 102 and the support 103, allows shortening without forcibly displacing the starter member, for example, by pushing the band strand connected to the movable part. In one embodiment, the two return means 104 and 145 have different return forces. Preferably, the return force of the return member 145 acting on the starter member 105 is greater than that of the return member 104 acting on the locking member (and optionally the indexing member) located on the movable part 102.

[0101] In one modified example of the present invention, for example, one or more spring-shaped elastic return members are provided on the movable part (according to the first embodiment), and the movable part includes indexing members (according to the second and third embodiments).

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that by simply operating the activation member, the clasp can be easily modified to allow any adjustment, including fine adjustments. For example, the cooperative surface between the locking member and the indexing member can be modified such that displacement in both directions of the movable part is prevented unless both components of the locking member and the indexing member are unlocked and / or disengaged. As described, the activation member can be substantially the cover and / or the top of the cover, or part of the upper wall, and can be located, for example, in the opening 224 in the upper wall of the cover (Figure 7A).

[0103] The clasp shown can also be adapted to allow for fine length adjustments, including lengthening, without activating the activation member at all, by following the teachings disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 10.

[0104] The activation member of the fine-tuning device is preferably positioned to pivot around an axis formed by part or all of the actuating member 131, which is intended to allow the clasp to open, and the actuating member preferably comprises at least one lateral pusher, preferably two lateral pushers.

[0105] In one embodiment, the activation member of the fine-tuning device forms, for example, a bridge, loop, or transverse connection that connects two sides of a clasp cover.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the contents of this disclosure to their own requirements and in implementing clasps, particularly watch clasps, without exceeding the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can adapt this teaching to pin clasps or composite clasps (pin clasp / folding blade). In a composite clasp, the clasp has folding blades, and at least one mounting member is in the form of a pin clasp. More generally, the length adjustment devices according to the present invention can be adapted to other types of clasps, particularly watch clasps.

Claims

1. A folding clasp (100, 200) intended for use with a watch band, the folding clasp comprising a base (2), a folding arm (5), and a cover, wherein the folding arm (5) comprises first and second end portions, the folding arm (5) being pivotably connected to the base at or near the first end portion, and pivotably connected to the cover at or near the second end portion. The folding clasp includes devices (102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 202, 203, 205, 207) for adjusting the useful length of the band, Movable part (102) and A support (103) wherein the movable portion (102) is configured to be movable relative to the support (103) when adjusting its length, A starting member (105) configured to be pivotable with respect to the support (103) and Equipped with, One of the movable portion (102) and the starting member (105) is provided with a locking member (106), and the other of each is provided with an indexing member (107), and the locking member (106) is intended to be positioned at the notches of the indexing member (107) in order to determine a discrete and stable value for the length of the band. The cover comprises at least two parts, or is formed by at least two parts, wherein one of the two parts is the activation member (105) and the other is the support (103), A folding clasp in which the activation member (105) comprises a plate (126) that forms at least a portion of the upper wall (126, 222) of the cover.

2. The folding clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation member is configured to be activated by lifting the upper wall (126) of the cover and / or at least a portion of the upper wall (126) of the cover.

3. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the activation member (105) is integrated with the cover and / or forms an integrated portion of the cover.

4. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activation member (105) comprises a pivot shaft (133) that enables it to pivot relative to the support (103), and the pivot shaft (133) forms part of at least one operating member (131) of the closing mechanism of the folding clasp.

5. The folding clasp according to claim 4, wherein the at least one operating member (131) comprises at least one pusher (132) connected to the pivot shaft (133), and the operating member (131) is configured to move translationally along a direction perpendicular to the support (103) and / or along a coaxial direction with respect to the pivot shaft of the starting member (105).

6. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an operating member (131) configured to open the folding clasp, wherein the operating member (131) comprises a pivot shaft (133) for the activation member (105) of the device for adjusting the useful length.

7. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one elastic element (145) configured to bias the activation member (105) and the support (103) toward each other and / or to resist the pivoting of the activation member (105) relative to the support (103).

8. The folding clasp according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element (145) is disposed within a housing provided on the support (103) and acts on the upper wall (126, 222) of the cover, or on a pin or screw (146) fixed to at least a portion of the upper wall.

9. The folding clasp according to claim 8, wherein the housing (140) of the elastic element comprises holes and / or bores disposed in the support (103), the holes or bores extending substantially radially and / or extending in a direction extending from the bottom to the top.

10. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the starting member (105) comprises a pair of lateral holes (127) and a top plate (126), and each of the lateral holes functions as a guide and / or bearing for the pivot shaft (133) of the starting member (105).

11. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (103) comprises a pair of lateral holes (143), each of which functions as a guide for a pivot shaft (133) for the activation member (105).

12. The folding clasp according to claim 11, wherein the lateral hole (143) of the support (103) and the lateral hole of the starting member (105) form a bearing for the pivot shaft (133).

13. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indexing member (107) is positioned on the upper wall (126), and the movable portion (102) includes a carriage for housing the locking member (106) so as to enable the locking member to move in translation in order to cooperate with the indexing member (107).

14. The folding clasp according to claim 13, wherein at least one elastic element (104) is disposed within the carriage to exert force on the locking member (106) so as to bias the locking member (106) toward the indexing member (107).

15. The folding clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper wall is segmented into several continuous parts or segments (222, 223) in the longitudinal direction, and the activation member forms a segment or part (222) of the upper wall.

16. The folding clasp according to claim 1, wherein the folding arm (5) is pivotably connected to the activation member (105).

17. The folding clasp according to claim 16, wherein the axis of rotation of the activation member (105) relative to the support (103) coincides with the axis of rotation of the support and / or the activation member relative to the folding arm (5).

18. A wristwatch comprising a folding clasp as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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