Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap tighteners – Accordion straps
Patent
1998-06-05
2000-09-19
Knight, Anthony
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap tighteners
Accordion straps
24 71J, 24265WS, A44C 524
Patent
active
061193151
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The invention relates to fasteners more particularly intended to equip a fastener having a clasp for a watch strap in accordance with the claims.
Fasteners having a folding, snap-on clasp with or without an articulated, folding arm are known. In exemplified manner, EP 509,938 describes a folding clasp comprising two folding arms articulated to the ends of a central cover or stretcher. Each arm has a concavity permitting a locking by compressing said concavity on a rod or pin of the central cover. This notching device must be accurately manufactured in order to function correctively. It has proved disadvantageous that the limited elasticity, one-piece arms and the concavities lose their flexibility under the effect of a repeated compression.
EP 115,740 discloses another tuning fork-system, folding, snap-on clasp, which as a more stable construction and has large friction surface in order to bring about the notching of the folding arms. Mention is made of the significant force necessary for opening or closing the watch strap. This constitutes another disadvantage, because the user can damage his nails on activating the groove.
A third disadvantage relates to the reliability and security of known fasteners having a folding, snap-on clasp. The locking forces are difficult to regulate and have a risk of the clasp opening in an untimely manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution to these problems by creating a generally applicable folding clasp, e.g. for a wrist-watch, which has a particularly compact construction compatible with known, proven manufacturing methods. This object is achieved by the invention, as defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described relative to the attached drawings, wherein show:
FIGS. 1a to 1c A perspective view of a detail of a preferred embodiment of a folding clasp.
FIGS. 2a & 2b An exploded view of a detail of two preferred embodiments of a folding clasp.
FIGS. 3a & 3b A diagrammatic plan view of a detail of the opening/closing mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a folding clasp.
FIGS. 4a & 4b A diagrammatic view of a detail of a security system of the locking of a preferred embodiment of a folding clasp.
FIGS. 5a & 5b A diagrammatic view of a detail of the opening/closing mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a folding clasp.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a, 2b show a perspective, exploded view of a detail of preferred embodiments of a folding clasp. Said folding clasp comprises at least one folding arm 1, 2 articulated in an opening/closing plane 00' with respect to base plate 3. Said at least one folding arm 1, 2 is detachable about at least one articulation axis with at least on hinge pin 1.5, 2.5. Preferably, the clasp has two folding arms 1, 2 detachable about two articulation axes with two hinge pins 1.5, 2.5. Whilst remaining within the scope of the invention, it is obviously possible to have a clasp with only one folding arm.
The folding clasp is characterized by a locking means 4 arranged on the base plate 3. FIGS. 2a and 2b make a distinction between two preferred embodiments of a folding clasp. A first embodiment according to FIG. 2a show a locking performed essentially by a mobile part 4.5 of the locking means 4 with at least one inclined end face 1.1, 2.1 of said at least one folding arm 1, 2 folded down onto the base plate 3. This locking will be described in greater detail relative to FIGS. 3a and 3b. Another embodiment according to FIG. 2b also shows an initial locking performed by a guide part 4.3 of the locking means 4 with at least one cylindrical rod 1.40, 2.40 of said at least one folding arm 1, 2 folded down onto the base plate 3. This initial locking will be described in greater detail relative to FIGS. 5a and 5b. Said two lockings are complimentary. In particular, the initial locking is optional and it is possible, whilst remaining within the scope of the invention, to manufacturing a clasp wi
REFERENCES:
patent: 2532840 (1950-12-01), Gaun
patent: 4546522 (1985-10-01), Gygax
patent: 4928359 (1990-05-01), Gagnebin
patent: 5187838 (1993-02-01), Fontana
patent: 5305617 (1994-04-01), Fontana
patent: 5579559 (1996-12-01), Ferrario
patent: 5699590 (1997-12-01), Erard et al.
Knight Anthony
Sandy Robert J.
Vacheron & Constantin S.A.
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