Patent Application
20250176677
The present invention relates to a clasp with deployant buckle for a timepiece bracelet and to a bracelet as such comprising such a clasp. It also relates to a wristwatch comprising such a clasp.
In the state-of-the-art, a clasp with deployant buckle for a bracelet of a timepiece is generally disposed between two strands of this bracelet so as to always remain secured to the ends of these two strands. Such a clasp occupies two positions: a closed position, provided for the wearing of the timepiece, in which the bracelet and the clasp extend over the perimeter of the wrist by having an overall length that makes it possible to secure the timepiece, and an open position which makes it possible to increase the length of the bracelet and of the clasp, by separating the two ends of the two strands of the bracelet, without detaching them from the clasp, to allow the hand to pass through and the watch to be removed. In this open configuration of the clasp, the two strands of the bracelet are not separated, which minimizes the risk of dropping the watch.
In this context, such a clasp of the state-of-the-art comprises two blades fitted to be movable in rotation respectively at the two ends of a central blade, and that can be folded down onto this central blade, and a pushbutton device making it possible to unlock the clasp for the latter to switch from the closed position to the open position.
However, one of the drawbacks of such a clasp lies in the significant bulk that it has because of the complex assembly of the parts of which it is composed, notably comprising an actuation and locking mechanism, superposed blades, these components often being disposed under a cover, even under the bracelet, for an aesthetic reason. Such a bulk consequently considerably alters the comfort associated with the wearing of the timepiece. Furthermore, this bulk additionally has a significant and negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the clasp and therefore of the timepiece.
The present invention aims to mitigate these drawbacks linked to the state-of-the-art.
To this end, the invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, that can occupy a closed position designed to hold the bracelet around the wrist of its wearer and an open position suitable for removing the bracelet from the hand of its wearer, wherein it comprises a central blade, at least one intermediate blade fitted to be movable in pivoting via a first end on an end of the central blade, and at least one end blade fitted to be movable in pivoting by a first end on a second end of the intermediate blade and comprising an element for receiving a bracelet strand on a second end, and wherein the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade are fitted together in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp without forming any overthickness in the direction at right angles to the clasp.
The clasp can comprise an elastic holding device for stabilizing the closed position of the clasp.
In the closed position of the clasp, the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade, and the at least one end blade, do not generate any overthickness of the clasp by a vertical superpositioning.
In the closed position of the clasp, the central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade occupy a configuration such that their top surfaces form a continuous surface.
The at least one intermediate blade can comprise two parallel branches which come to be positioned on either side of the central blade in the transverse direction in the closed position of the clasp, and the at least one end blade can likewise comprise two parallel branches which come to be positioned on either side respectively of the parallel branches of the at least one intermediate blade, in the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp.
The central blade, the at least one intermediate blade and the at least one end blade can have a substantially equal maximum thickness or average thickness.
The maximum thickness of the clasp, in closed position, even its average thickness, can be less than or equal to 3.5 mm, even less than or equal to 3 mm, even less than or equal to 2.8 mm.
The length of the at least one intermediate blade and of the at least one end blade can be substantially equal.
The central blade can comprise a set back portion for housing, without overthickness, a transverse branch of the intermediate blade in the closed position of the clasp.
The clasp can comprise an elastic holding device which comprises through-slits produced in the central blade.
The clasp can comprise two intermediate blades fitted to pivot on the same central blade and two end blades, respectively fitted to pivot on each intermediate blade, forming a symmetrical structure relative to a transverse median plane of the clasp.
The invention relates also to a bracelet, wherein it comprises two bracelet strands fixed to a clasp as described previously.
In the closed position of the clasp, the top surface of at least one bracelet strand can come into continuity with the top surface of the clasp.
The invention relates also to a timepiece, notably a wristwatch, or jewelry, wherein it comprises a bracelet as described previously.
The invention relates also to a bracelet for a timepiece comprising such a clasp with deployant buckle. It also relates to a timepiece as such comprising such a clasp.
Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention given as a nonlimiting example and represented in the attached drawings, in which:
In the following description, reference numerals that are identical designate parts that are identical or that have similar functions.
The adjectives “top” and “bottom” will be used respectively to designate parts or surfaces oriented on the side visible to a user wearing the clasp or the bracelet comprising the clasp, and the opposite parts or surfaces oriented toward the wrist of a user wearing the clasp or the bracelet comprising the clasp.
In addition, by convention, the term longitudinal direction will be used for any direction aligned with the length of the bracelet arranged on the wrist, including for the clasp of the bracelet. The transverse direction will be the direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction, in the plane of the bracelet or of the clasp. The vertical direction will be at right angles to the preceding two, oriented from the bottom part to the top part of the bracelet or of the clasp.
A particular embodiment of a clasp with deployant buckle will now be described in detail in a nonlimiting manner.
As represented in
The clasp 1 can occupy a closed position, represented by
Such a clasp 1 comprises a central blade 10, on which two intermediate blades 20, respectively at the two ends 11 of the central blade 10, are arranged to be movable by pivoting. More specifically, a first end 21 of each intermediate blade 20 is arranged to be movable in rotation at an end 11 of the central blade 10, via a transverse axis, not represented.
The central blade 10 additionally comprises a set back portion 15 in its top surface, in its central part according to the embodiment, intended to receive a transverse part 23 arranged at the second ends 24 of each intermediate blade 20 in the closed position of the clasp, as will be detailed hereinbelow.
According to the embodiment, the set back portion 15 of the central blade is equipped with an elastic holding device for keeping the intermediate blades 20 in the closed position of the clasp, such that this position is stable. The clasp cannot be opened accidentally.
The intermediate blades 20 have a U form, comprising two parallel branches 22, linked by the transverse branch 23 at their second end 24, opposite their first end 21 linked to the central blade 10. This construction is such that the two parallel branches 22 come to be positioned in a direction that is substantially longitudinal, on either side of the central blade 10 in considering the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp. In this closed position, the transverse branch 23 of an intermediate blade 20 comes to be housed in the set back portion 15 of the central blade 10. For that, it has a reduced thickness, so as to be able to be housed in the recess formed by the set back portion 15, without inducing an overthickness of the clasp. In other words, the thickness of the transverse branch 23, added to the thickness of the central blade 10 at its set back portion, is substantially equal to the thickness of the central blade 10 outside of the set back portion 15, and substantially equal to the thickness of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blades 20.
The clasp 1 additionally comprises end blades 30, comprising two parallel branches 32, comprising a first end 31 fitted to be movable in rotation at the second end 24 of an intermediate blade 20, via a transverse axis, which is not represented. These end blades 30 additionally comprise a means for receiving the end of a bracelet strand 2 at their respective second ends 34. Advantageously, a bracelet strand 2 is fitted to be movable in pivoting relative to an end blade 30, at this second end 34. This fitting can be removable. Any known mechanical solution can be implemented for the fixing of the bracelet strand 2.
This construction is such that the two parallel branches 32 of an end blade 30 come to be positioned in a substantially longitudinal direction, on either side of the parallel branches 22 of an intermediate blade 20, in considering the transverse direction, in the closed position of the clasp.
The invention offers the advantage of allowing a strong reduction of the bulk of the clasp in the closed position, as is shown in
Also, optimally, the length of the intermediate blade 20 and of the end blade 30 is chosen so as to correspond to half the length of the central blade 10. In addition, the widths of these three blades, measured in the transverse direction, are such that the total width of the clasp corresponds to the width of the bracelet strand 2. Finally, the thickness of each blade 10, 20, 30, measured in the vertical direction, is minimized.
According to the embodiment, the widths of the blades of the clasp are such that they are fitted in the transverse direction, with lesser play, that is to say without leaving visible space between them, in the closed position of the clasp. In addition, the thicknesses between the blades are also of the same order of magnitude. They in fact have a substantially equal maximum thickness or average thickness. It is thus possible to form a top surface of the clasp, in the closed position, which is continuous. Advantageously, this surface is curved, to follow the form of the wrist.
In addition, this top surface of the clasp in the closed position preferably comes into continuity with the top surface of the bracelet strand 2 linked to the clasp. In this closed position, the ends 11 of the central blade 10, the first end 21 of the intermediate blade 20, and the second end 34 of the end blade 30 come to be positioned aligned in the transverse direction. These ends thus come into contact with the bracelet strand 2 fixed to the end blade 30. This geometry allows the clasp to give the impression that it is a part of the bracelet, and not a distinct clasp. Indeed, its top surface forms an overall continuous surface, and the thickness likewise remains substantially constant, and/or continuous. The solution thus makes it possible not only to minimize the bulk of the clasp but also to achieve a particularly interesting unique aesthetic result. To support this effect, it is possible to choose the same material, even similar materials, between the clasp and the bracelet strand.
In the central part of the clasp, the two transverse branches 23 of the two intermediate blades 20 come into contact with one another, to ensure a continuity between the two symmetrical sides of the clasp, and, by extension, between the two bracelet strands. The set back portion 15 of the central blade 10 therefore has a length corresponding to the length of the two transverse branches 23 to be housed.
It appears thus that, in closed position, the clasp can have a minimized thickness, scarcely greater than that of a bracelet strand 2. Notably, the maximum thickness of the clasp, in closed position, is less than or equal to 3.5 mm, even less than or equal to 3 mm, even less than or equal to 2.8 mm, for example of the order of 2.6 mm. This maximum thickness is located at the center of the clasp. On the sides, it is narrower, has a thickness which approximates that of a bracelet strand, for example less than or equal to 1.5 mm, even less than or equal to 2 mm.
All the blades of the clasp can be presented in the same material. In a variant, different materials can be chosen. Such a material can be a metal, such as titanium, steel or gold. In a variant, this material could be ceramic, and/or a carbon-based composite material and/or another material.
As mentioned previously, the clasp is preferably provided with an elastic holding device for maintaining its closed position. This closed position of the clasp is chosen to be sufficiently stable so as not to be opened accidentally. According to one embodiment, this holding device relies on the use of an elastic element, the actuation of which against an elastic effort that it exerts allows the clasp to be opened or closed. At rest, the elastic effort of the elastic element acts on the clasp to maintain its closed position.
According to the embodiment, the holding device is formed by simple slits 16 formed in the thickness of the central blade, at its set back portion 15. More specifically, four slits 16 are produced in the example illustrated, arranged symmetrically with respect to the central point of the central blade 10. Each slit 16 extends from a lateral end of the set back portion 15, in a transverse direction, then forms a quarter circle to extend in the longitudinal direction and come to stop in the thickest portion of the central blade 10. The function of these four slits 16 is to provide the central blade 10 with a property of elastic deformation in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, which makes it possible to form the elastic holding device of the clasp. These slits 16 are through-slits, extend through the entire thickness of the central blade. Naturally, other holding devices can be implemented, for example based on distinct elastic blades, or based on any other elastic retention system. In a variant, the construction of the clasp could guarantee a maintaining of its closed position that is considered sufficiently stable, in which case the elastic holding device would no longer be mandatory. It is therefore optional.
The operation of the clasp 1 according to the invention will now be described. From the open, and therefore unfolded, position of the clasp 1, the intermediate blades 20 are pivoted about the end 11 of the central blade 10. Their movement is continued until the transverse branches 23 are housed in the hollow portion 15 of the central blade 10. To reach this position, an elastic effort is exerted on the central blade 10, which then exerts an elastic return effort which tends to keep the intermediate blades 20 in their closed position. For that, the central blade 10 can comprise a slightly protruding flank 17, at a slit 16, which cooperates with a corresponding form 27 arranged in the inner flank of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blade 20. Thus, when the parallel branches 22 come facing the flanks of the central blade 10, their corresponding forms 27 come to bear on the protruding flanks 17, which are elastically deformed. This results in a transverse elastic effort exerted on said corresponding forms 27 of the intermediate blades 20, which contributes to them being kept in closed position. The combination of the slits 16, of the protruding flanks 17 and of the corresponding forms 27 thus forms an elastic holding device of the clasp.
The end blades 30 are pivoted about the second end 24 of the intermediate blades 20, until they come to the same level as the intermediate blades 20, in parallel. Preferably, an abutment 28 is provided to define the final position of these end blades 30. According to the embodiment, this abutment 28 is formed by pins arranged on the outer flanks of the parallel branches 22 of the intermediate blades 20, at their first end 21. The inner flanks of the parallel branches 32 of the end blades 30 comprise hollows 38 in which said pins are housed when the abutment position is reached. It should be noted that the position of the end blades 30 is intrinsically stable in the closed position of the clasp. There is no obligation to provide a complementary holding device to specifically keep the two intermediate 20 and end 30 blades together.
The opening of the clasp 1 is done by reverse actuation, by exerting an effort that is sufficient to overcome the elastic effort exerted by the elastic holding device, then by deploying the different blades with respect to one another.
In a variant, the assembly formed by a first blade of central blade 10 type, a second blade of intermediate blade 20 type, and a third blade of end blade 30 type, can be used to form clasps of small thickness other than that described by way of example. A clasp can comprise only a single assembly as mentioned, and not two according to a symmetrical structure as in the embodiment described.
In addition, this assembly of three blades can have geometries other than that described, provided that the three blades are superposed, at least partially, in the closed position, in the transverse direction, and not in the vertical direction, in order not to form any overthickness in the vertical direction and not to form a clasp that is thick in closed position.
Advantageously, the three blades 10, 20, 30 are rigid blades.
The invention relates also to any bracelet incorporating such a clasp 1. It can be a bracelet of a wristwatch. Such a clasp can more generally be used for any object to be fixed to a wrist or any other part. This object can be a submarine diving accessory such as a depth meter or a submarine diving computer for example, or even a jewelry component. The bracelet can be of any type, such as, for example, made of flexible plastic material, of leather, or produced by the assembly of metal links.
The invention relates finally also to a timepiece, notably a wristwatch, which comprises such a bracelet or such a clasp.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2202015 | Mar 2022 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/055860 | 3/8/2023 | WO |
