Patent Grant
10470532
This application claims priority of Swiss patent application No. CH00346/16 filed Mar. 15, 2016 and of European patent application No. EP16160333.7 filed Mar. 15, 2016, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet, particularly suited to a bracelet equipped with a multi-fold clasp for a wrist watch, arranged between two ends of the bracelet in order to form therewith an endless connector the length of which can vary between two sizes. It also relates to a clasp and to a bracelet as such, incorporating such an adjusting device, and to a wrist watch as such comprising such a clasp or bracelet.
There are several solutions to attaching the two strands of a watch bracelet around the wrist of its wearer. In all cases, this attachment is provided with a main means of adjusting the length of the bracelet, so as to tailor it to the circumference of the wrist of its wearer.
One common solution in the prior art is to provide an intermediate element of the clasp type, arranged between the two strands of the bracelet, and which always remains secured to the ends of these two strands. Such a clasp occupies two positions: a closed position, intended for the wearing of the watch, in which the bracelet and the clasp extend around the circumference of the wrist exhibiting a total length that allows the wrist watch to be held in place, and an open position that allows the length of the bracelet and of the clasp to be lengthened by parting the two ends of the two strands of the bracelet, without detaching them from the clasp, so as to allow the hand to slip through and the watch to be removed. In this clasp-open configuration, the two strands of the bracelet are not disconnected, thereby minimizing the risk of the watch falling. The length of each strand of bracelet is chosen to correspond to the circumference of the wrist of the wearer when the clasp is in the closed position.
In all cases it is important to allow convenient adjustment of the length of the bracelet, which is easy and effective to use.
At the same time, it is also important to guarantee the esthetic integrity of the bracelet, notably through the harmonious continuity of the structure and appearance of the bracelet, even when the latter is of relatively complex structure, all the way to the ends of the strands, for example to a clasp. In particular, the components that contribute to the adjusting of the length of the bracelet must not alter the esthetic appearance of the bracelet.
Thus, the overall objective of the present invention is to propose a solution that allows the length of a bracelet to be adjusted, notably that allows comfortable adjustment of the length of a bracelet while at the same time ensuring the esthetic integrity thereof.
As a secondary consideration, the invention aims to meet all or some of the following additional objectives:
To this end, the invention relies on a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet, which comprises:
More specifically, the invention relies on a bracelet which comprises a succession of two links, each one respectively comprising three link elements and two link elements, these link elements being joined together in an articulated manner by at least one transverse pin, the bracelet thus being made up of five link elements juxtaposed in parallel across the width of the bracelet, the two link elements of the second link being interposed between two link elements of the first link and offset longitudinally with respect to said three link elements of a first adjacent link, and wherein the bracelet comprises at least one device for adjusting the length of the bracelet, comprising:
The invention also relates to a wrist watch which comprises at least one device for adjusting the length of the bracelet and/or at least one bracelet which is/are as defined hereinabove.
The invention is more precisely defined by the claims.
These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set out in detail in the following description of one particular embodiment given by way of nonlimiting illustration with reference to the attached figures among which:
To simplify the description, we shall by convention use the terms “longitudinal direction” for the direction along the length of a strand of the bracelet and “transverse direction” for the perpendicular direction, in the plane of a strand of the bracelet (across the width thereof). The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the first two directions, oriented perpendicular to the plane of the bracelet. Furthermore, we shall use the term “link element” for an elementary component of a bracelet and the term “link” for a group of link elements joined together and arranged at the same longitudinal level of a bracelet.
The invention relies on a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet. This adjusting device is aimed at allowing the user to have available, for each initial length of the bracelet as set by a conventional first main means of adjustment (means of adjustment distinct from the second means of adjustment according to the embodiment of the invention), a determined additional length differing by a fixed small amount from the length initially adjusted, so as to allow this user easily, with no skill or special tool, to switch from one bracelet length to the other. The difference between these two lengths is chosen to take account of the differences in wrist circumference according to the ambient heat and/or according to the effort that the wearer of the bracelet is performing with his or her arm and which causes the wrist to swell. Thanks to such an adjusting device, it is possible easily to switch from one of the determined lengths to the other, according to whether the bracelet is constricting the wrist or, on the other hand, not holding firmly enough around the wrist, without modifying the main initial adjustment (by the separate first means of adjustment) of the length of the bracelet. This is important, particularly but not exclusively, for a watch bracelet.
Advantageously, the adjusting device according to the embodiment of the invention is associated with a multi-fold clasp having two or three folding leaves. In addition, advantageously, it is compatible with a complex bracelet structure, for example a bracelet formed by a collection of links joined together by transverse pins, the number of links being chosen to define an initial adjustment corresponding more or less to the circumference of the user's wrist. Each link may comprise several link elements juxtaposed in a transverse direction, for example comprising one or more center link element(s) inserted between outer link elements. Such an assembly is, for example, depicted in
One particular embodiment will now be described in detail by way of nonlimiting example, notably with reference to
The adjusting device according to this embodiment is arranged at the end of one strand of the bracelet, in the region of a clasp only a cover 2 of which has been depicted in dashed line in
As may be seen from the figures, the bracelet is made up of a succession of pairs of links 10, 11, each one respectively comprising three link elements 10a, 10b, 10c and two link elements 11a, 11b. The first link 10 therefore comprises three link elements, these being two outer link elements 10b, 10c extending along the sides of the bracelet, and one center link element 10a. These three link elements are joined together by at least one transverse pin 12 passing through through-openings of these three link elements. These latter have the same length and extend parallel in the longitudinal direction, and their two longitudinal ends are positioned at the same level. The width L10a of the center link element 10a is less than or equal to that L10b, L10c of the two outer link elements 10b, 10c, which in this embodiment have the same length. Such a first link 10 is associated, on each of its two longitudinal ends, with a second link 11 made up of two link elements 11a, 11b. These two link elements 11a, 11b constitute center link elements. They are positioned in such a way as to become interposed respectively between the link elements 10a, 10b and 10a, 10c of the first link 10. Their end is mounted on a pin 12 connecting the three link elements 10a, 10b, 10c of the first link 10, in an articulated manner, leaving the two links 10, 11 free to rotate relative to one another. The two link elements 11a, 11b of the second link 11 are substantially identical and have the same length and the same shape as the three link elements 10a, 10b, 10c of the first link 10 and their end incorporated between two link elements of the first link is substantially in the middle of the length of the three link elements 10a, 10b, 10c. Their width is substantially the same, and substantially also the same as that of the center link element 10a of the first link 10. These widths of the link elements are such that the lateral edges of all the juxtaposed link elements, which take the form of flanks in a vertical longitudinal plane, come substantially into contact, leaving no visible gap. The three link elements 10a, 10b, 10c of two successive first links 10 come into contact along their longitudinal ends. The same is true of two successive second links 11: likewise, the two link elements 11a, 11b of two successive second links 11 come into contact along their longitudinal ends. All the link elements have a rounded visible upper surface and planar lateral flanks, oriented in a longitudinal and vertical direction.
The strand of bracelet obtained is thus made up of five link elements juxtaposed in parallel across the width of the bracelet, obtained by a succession of interposed links of respectively three link elements and two link elements, the two link elements being longitudinally offset from said adjacent three link elements. This construction gives rise to an esthetic appearance that is very harmonious, notably because of the large number of mutually articulated link elements, notably of narrow center link elements. In addition, this large number of link elements makes it possible to make this bracelet very comfortable to wear because the articulated link elements closely follow the contour of the wrist. This level of comfort decreases as the size of the link elements increases and/or as the number of link elements is reduced.
The end of such a bracelet is connected to an adjusting device, particularly a comfort adjustment of its length, configured to allow a slight change in the length of the bracelet, to complement a conventional initial adjustment as explained hereinbefore.
This adjusting device according to the embodiment of the invention, more particularly visible in
As more particularly depicted in
The end link 8 has a second bore, at a second end 8j, designed to accept the second pin 9, particularly visible in
Finally, the two ends 8i, 8j of the end link 8, which respectively bear the two bores to accept the two pins 7, 9, are connected by a transverse cutout 8c of substantially semi-cylindrical shape. It additionally comprises a wall 8d in the shape of an S substantially in a central position of this cutout 8c, and the size of which is designed to be slightly smaller than the bar that forms the first pin 5, so as to be able to clip elastically onto this pin 5, when the adjusting device is in a short configuration. This wall 8d thus forms a narrowing at the entry to the housing formed by the transverse cutout 8c, the dimension of which is calculated to be slightly smaller than the corresponding dimension of the part of the pin 5 that is to engage in the housing. This wall 8d therefore acts as a means of attachment for the pin 5 when engaged elastically in this housing when the adjusting device is in the short configuration. This transverse cutout 8c additionally truncates the second end 8j of the end link, of which the two lateral parts 8a, 8b around the cutout 8e repeat the shape of half link elements 11a, 11b intersected at their center by a transverse midplane.
Observe that the end link 8 comes in a single piece. Its two ends 8i, 8j are joined together securely, without respective motion. The end link 8 therefore forms a monolithic component. It takes the form of a one-piece component.
The adjusting device according to the invention makes it possible to effect an adjustment in length between two determined bracelet lengths. The transition from one position to the other can be obtained only deliberately, through a simple manipulation that does not require any particular skill on the part of the user. Specifically, the change in configuration of the adjusting device is obtained by simple force deliberately applied by the user to the end of his or her bracelet in the desired direction of actuation. Once placed in a chosen configuration, there is no risk of the length changing unintentionally. This adjusted length is maintained for as long as the user has not decided otherwise. The clasp can be opened and closed without the adjustment being changed. It may also be pointed out that in each of the length configurations, the height of the clasp remains unchanged which means that this device does not detract from the esthetic appearance of the bracelet.
The solution according to the embodiment is particularly well suited to a bracelet comprising articulated links and, more particularly, links comprising several link elements, these being center link elements and outer link elements as explained hereinabove. In such a structure, the width of all or some of the center link elements 10a, 11a, 11b is less than or equal to that of an outer link element 10b, 10c. More preferably still, the center link element 10a of one link has a width L10a less than or equal to the width L10b of the first outer link element 10b and/or less than or equal to the width L10c of the second outer link element 10c (
The width L8e of the cutout 8e corresponds substantially to the width L10a of a center link element 10a of a link of the bracelet, as explained hereinabove, and may therefore likewise be less than or equal to the width of at least one outer link element L10b, L10c and possibly satisfy the following condition or conditions: 1≤L10b/L8e<1.5, or even <1.3, or even <1.2 and/or 1≤L10c/L10a<1.5, or even <1.3, or even <1.2.
Furthermore, since the width L8a, L8b of the two lateral parts 8a, 8b of the end link 8 corresponds to that of the center link elements 11a, 11b, this width is advantageously substantially equal to the width of the center link element L10a (namely also L8e). Finally, the width L10b, L10c of the outer link elements 10b, 10c which are arranged against the outer flanks of the end link 8 in the continuation of the two outer link elements 6b, 6c of the adjusting link 6 corresponds more or less to the width of these two outer link elements 6b, 6c of the adjusting link 6.
However, there is nothing to stop the adjusting device described hereinabove being used with other types of bracelets comprising a different number of link elements, or even a leather or plastic bracelet for example. Likewise, it may just as well be a watch bracelet as any other type of bracelet for any object to be secured to a wrist or any other part of the body. This object may be a deep sea diving accessory such as a depth meter or a dive computer for example, or even an item of jewelry.
Furthermore, the adjusting device is particularly well suited to a clasp of the multi-fold type or of a comparable type, and generally to any bracelet which together with its clasp forms an endless connection. It can for example be adapted to a three-fold clasp comprising a central leaf to the ends of which there are respectively mounted, with the ability to pivot, a foldable first mobile leaf and a foldable second mobile leaf.
More generally, the device for adjusting the length of the bracelet as described hereinabove is advantageously associated with any folding leaf of a clasp.
Advantageously, the adjusting link and possibly at least part of the end link lies under a cover formed by the clasp, this mechanism thus remaining hidden. The visible part guarantees the esthetic integrity of the bracelet, in both configurations of the adjusting device, as explained hereinabove.
The invention also relates to a bracelet and/or a clasp that incorporates/incorporate at least one device for adjusting the length of the bracelet. A device for adjusting the length of the bracelet may be arranged at each end of the strands of the bracelet, or at just one end.
The adjusting device according to the invention may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the adjusting link may take other forms. It comprises an element which cooperates with the end link in the short configuration so as to allow the two links to catch together. In addition, the end link 8 may even take other forms. In particular, its second end 8j conforms to the design of the bracelet and may comprise several parallel cutouts 8e and any other number of parts imitating a bracelet link element.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0346/16 | Mar 2016 | CH | national |
| 16160333 | Mar 2016 | EP | regional |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3521331 | Gay | Jul 1970 | A |
| 6401307 | Wild | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 20070125123 | Sierro | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 197 29 903 | Jan 1999 | DE |
| 1 790 247 | May 2007 | EP |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Search Report and Written Opinion dated Sep. 15, 2016 issued in counterpart application No. EP16160333; w/ English partial translation and partial machine translation (12 pages). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170265606 A1 | Sep 2017 | US |
