EP0549979B1 - Articulated bracelet, particularly for watches - Google Patents

Abstract

The bracelet (1) according to the invention includes an inner chain (2) composed of articulated links (4), including a central part (8) from which project two lateral arms (14). The bracelet (1) also includes a plurality of decorative elements (6), slipped onto the inner chain (2), and means for blocking each decorative element (6) on the chain (2). According to the invention, the blocking means each comprise a blocking element (38) positioned on the chain (2), which comprises two projecting parts (42) extending laterally beyond the arms (14) and each decorative element (6) comprises a passage (58) equipped with a shoulder (60) which bears against the projecting parts (42) when this element (38) is arranged on the chain (2) and when the decorative element (6) is slipped on the said chain. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a link bracelet, in particular for a watch, and more particularly a bracelet comprising an internal chain of links on which decorative ceramic elements are threaded.

Document FR 2 633 164 already discloses a bracelet comprising an inner chain composed of articulated links on which decorative elements are threaded.

The chain links each have a central part from which two lateral arms protrude and are interconnected by a hinged device which includes the nesting of the central part of a link between the arms of the following link. The central part and the arms of each link are provided with holes intended to receive connection pins which pivotally connect the links one after the other. Furthermore, the bracelet comprises a plurality of decorative elements arranged side by side threaded on the inner chain and partially surrounding the latter. The connecting pins protrude from the two lateral sides of the inner chain and cooperate with slides provided respectively in the inner lateral portions of the decorative elements. This first embodiment has the drawback of not blocking the decorative elements with respect to the internal chain and leading to problems of articulation of the bracelet when the decorative elements move relative to the bracelet.

According to a second embodiment described in this document, the end of the connecting pins cooperate with through bores made in the lateral parts of the decorative elements to retain or block the decorative elements on the internal chain. Blocking of decorative elements on the interior chain prevents any movement of the elements relative to the chain so that any joint problem is avoided.

Although the construction of the means for retaining or blocking the decorative elements on the internal chain using the connection pins is in itself effective, it nevertheless has certain drawbacks.

Indeed, the execution of the through holes in the decorative elements almost excludes the possibility of choosing hard materials such as ceramic, currently very fashionable, if one wishes not to increase the price of the bracelet prohibitively by making costly operations of machining or molding of decorative elements.

In addition, these holes remain apparent externally after mounting the bracelet and adversely affect the overall aesthetics of the bracelet which goes against the purpose generally sought in the manufacture of bracelets, that is to say making the bracelet the as attractive as possible for the consumer.

The invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by providing a link bracelet construction comprising decorative elements, which allows in particular the use of hard materials for the production of decorative elements without considerably increasing the price. cost of the bracelet, on the one hand, and without affecting its aesthetic appearance, on the other.

To this end, the invention relates to a bracelet as defined by claim 1 of the patent.

According to another aspect of the invention, the latter also relates to a bracelet as defined by claim 9 of the patent.

The preamble of claims 1 and 9 is based on the embodiment of the bracelet shown in FIG. 1 of document FR 2 633 164.

Thanks to these characteristics, a bracelet is produced comprising a chain of links on which a plurality of decorative elements are threaded and in which these elements are held in place on the internal chain by means which are not visible from the outside of the bracelet and which therefore in no way detract from its aesthetic appearance.

It will also be noted that, advantageously, the decorative elements are only provided with a passage to be threaded onto the internal chain so that they can be produced directly by injection or by subsequent pressing and sintering. The use of any hard material, such as ceramic or the like, can be envisaged without requiring expensive machining operations.

Another important point to emphasize is that the structure of the link bracelet according to the invention does not complicate its mounting or shortening, respectively its lengthening.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un premier mode de réalisation selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus, partiellement coupée, du mode de réalisation du bracelet selon l'invention représenté à la figure 1, ledit bracelet étant assemblé;
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2 d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus d'un maillon intérieur composant le premier mode de réalisation du bracelet selon l'invention;
• la figure 5 est une vue selon la flèche V de la figure 4;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus des moyens de blocage des éléments décoratifs sur la chaîne intérieure selon le premier mode de réalisation du bracelet selon l'invention;
• la figure 7 est une vue selon la flèche VII de la figure 6;
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 6;
• la figure 9 est une vue de face d'un élément décoratif composant le bracelet de la figure 2;
• la figure 10 est une vue selon la flèche X de la figure 9;
• la figure 11 est une coupe selon la ligne XII-XII de la figure 9;
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un deuxième mode de réalisation selon l'invention;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un troisième mode de réalisation selon l'invention;
• la figure 14 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une variante du troisième mode de réalisation selon l'invention; et
• la figure 15 est une vue de face d'un élément décoratif composant le bracelet de la figure 14.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear clearly on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration and not limitation, in conjunction with the appended drawings among which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a top view, partially cut, of the embodiment of the bracelet according the invention shown in Figure 1, said bracelet being assembled;
• Figure 3 is a section along line III-III of Figure 2 of a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 4 is a top view of an inner link making up the first embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention;
• Figure 5 is a view along arrow V of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a top view of the locking means of the decorative elements on the inner chain according to the first embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention;
• Figure 7 is a view along arrow VII of Figure 6;
• Figure 8 is a section along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6;
• Figure 9 is a front view of a decorative element making up the bracelet of Figure 2;
• Figure 10 is a view along arrow X of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 is a section along line XII-XII of Figure 9;
• Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment according to the invention;
• Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment according to the invention;
• Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of the third embodiment according to the invention; and
• FIG. 15 is a front view of a decorative element making up the bracelet of FIG. 14.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 11 we see a first embodiment of the bracelet according to the invention designated by the general reference 1. This bracelet 1 has an inner chain 2 composed of articulated links 4 all identical and on which are threaded a plurality of decorative elements 6 of which only two have been shown in FIG. 1.

Each link 4 comprises a central part 8 comprising a front edge 10 and a rear edge 12 relative to the position of the link in Figures 1 and 4. Two lateral arms 14 project from the front edge 10 of the central part. These arms 14 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, represented by the axis 16 in the drawing, and are offset laterally with respect to the width L of the central part 8. The latter has, on its rear edge 12 and substantially in its center, a recess 18 forming on either side of the latter protrusions 20. The lateral arms 14 as well as the protrusions 20 are crossed respectively by pin holes 22, 24 extending along axes of articulation 26 of a link with respect to its neighboring link.

As is particularly visible in FIGS. 1 and 5, the central part 8 of each link has a face 28 which is lowered relative to the plane M passing through the articulation axes 26 and represented by a dashed line in FIG. 5. This lowering of the face 28 forms a housing, the usefulness of which will be explained below.

It is understood that the central part 8 is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in the drawing and can have other configurations. In this regard, the central part 8 may, according to a variant, not include the recess 18. In this case, the pin holes 24 are replaced by two blind holes.

The links 4 are connected together by means of a hinged assembly device comprising, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 1, the nesting of the central part 8 between the lateral arms 14 of the following associated link when the pins 30 are placed in the holes 22, 24. These pins 30 are either driven out in the holes 22 and free in the holes 24 is free in the holes 22 and driven into the holes 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that, according to an important characteristic of this embodiment of the bracelet, the distance between the axes 26 of the holes 22 and 24 of a link is such that when the central part 8 of this link is nested and articulated between the lateral arms 14 of its neighboring link, the ends 32, 34 of the arms 14 which are opposite define a free space 36.

This free space 36 in connection with the housing formed by the lowering of the face 28 provide interlocking means for a blocking or retaining element 38 of the decorative elements relative to the internal chain 2 which is shown in Figure 1 a first time in position on chain 2 and a second time in a position in which it is ready to be placed above chain 2.

With particular reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, it can be seen that the locking element 38 has the general configuration of a C which has a central branch 40 and two lateral branches 42 forming lateral projections. The central branch 40 comprises a recess 44 in the middle part of its face extending parallel to the direction of the lateral branches 42. In the embodiment shown, the lateral branches 42 each have a cross section in the shape of a half moon, their straight parts facing each other (Figure 7).

The dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16 of the recess is substantially equal to the width L of the central part 8 of the links. In addition, the longitudinal dimension of the central branch 40 of the locking elements 28 is substantially less than the longitudinal dimension of the lowered face 28 of the links 4. As regards the thickness of the central branch 40 in the area where the recess 44 is provided, it is such that, when the blocking element is positioned on the chain 2, the thickness of the assembly does not exceed the greatest thickness E of the link 4.

Finally, according to another important characteristic of the invention, the lateral branches 42 of the locking element 38, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet, extend, in a direction perpendicular to the latter, beyond the lateral arms 14. All of these characteristics are clearly visible in Figures 1 to 3.

Referring now also to Figures 9 to 11, there is a decorative element 6 which has the general configuration of a rectangular parallelepiped having two large opposite sides 46, 48 having a generally planar face, two small opposite sides 50, 52 having a convex rounded face and two other opposite small sides respectively having a concave rounded face 54, called the front face, and a convex rounded face 56, called the rear face.

The long sides 46, 48 and the short sides 50, 52 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet while the other two short sides 54, 56 extend in a direction perpendicular to the latter.

This decorative element 6 further comprises an oblong passage 58 provided with a shoulder 60. The passage 58 thus comprises a first part 62 of a first width L1 opening on the side of the front face 54 and a second part 64 of a second width L2, less than the first, opening on the side of the rear face 56, the height H of the passage 58 being identical in the first and second parts of the latter and substantially greater than the thickness E of the links of the chain 2. In addition, the lateral ends of the passage 58 are rounded to conform to the lateral ends of the branches 42 of the locking element and the length of the first part 62 of the passage is, according to a characteristic of the invention, equal to or substantially equal to the length of the branches 42 of the locking element.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the radii R of the front and rear faces 54, 56 of the decorative elements are identical and the length of the second part of the passage is such that the distance D separating the articulation axes 26 and the apex of the rounded rear face 56 is substantially equal to the radius R when the decorative elements are installed on the inner chain 2.

It will be noted in this regard that the structure defined above makes it possible to obtain a junction without play between the decorative elements during the pivoting of the links 4 around the pins 30.

In addition, the distance D is easily adjustable by modifying the shape of the locking element 38, for example by modifying the length of its branches 42. This principle is therefore in no way limiting in the choice of the radii of the rounded faces of the decorative element.

The decorative element 6 can be manufactured using a wide variety of materials. In the example shown, preference has been given to a ceramic element, rich in appearance and which can be sintered to sufficiently precise dimensions that it is no longer necessary to take them back, except for a polishing operation.

It will be noted that, according to the structure of the bracelet of the invention, the traction exerted on the bracelet is transferred only to the internal chain and that the decorative elements are not affected by it. This is of course particularly advantageous in the case where a fragile material such as ceramic is used for these decorative elements. The fact remains that other materials could be used, such as hard metal or simply steel, or alternating elements with different colors.

Although, in the example shown, the decorative elements completely surround the internal chain, these elements may, according to an alternative embodiment, only partially cover the chain and, for example, include only an upper part which completely covers the internal chain and two side parts which respectively cover the side edges of the chain.

To mount the bracelet which has just been described in detail, the procedure is as follows. The inner chain 2 is formed to the desired length by nesting the links 4 and connecting them to each other by means of pins 30 in a conventional manner, after which there is a first locking element 38 on the chain 2, the face of the branch 40 comprising the recess 44 being directed opposite the face 28 of the link 4. A first decorative element 6 can then be threaded through the part 62 of the passage 58. The shoulder 60 then comes to bear against the end free of the branches 42 of the locking element 38, itself being blocked on the inner chain 2 by pressing its central branch 40 against the end 32 of the branches 14 of the preceding link 4. The decorative element 6 is then retained in a correct position and the following blocking element can be arranged and the associated decorative element threaded. We proceed in the same way for the mounting of the following decorative elements until the last decorative element. According to one embodiment, each side 50, 52 of the last decorative element is provided with a hole in which penetrates one of the ends of a pin which extends laterally beyond the branches 14 of the last link 8.

Referring now to Figure 12 we see a second embodiment of a link bracelet according to the invention in which the elements identical to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, while the decorative element 6 is identical to that described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 11, the blocking element 70 has the configuration of a bar provided on one of its large faces 72 with a protruding member 74, and each link 4 forming the inner chain 2 has an opening 76 intended to cooperate with said protruding member 74. The protruding member 74 is disposed substantially in the middle part of the bar 70 and the opening 76 is provided in the lowered face 28 of each link 4. It goes without saying that, according to a variant, a reverse arrangement of the projecting member and of the opening can be envisaged.

Of course, the thickness of the bar 70 is such that, when it is placed on its associated link, the total thickness of the assembly does not exceed the greatest thickness of the link.

Referring to Figure 13 we see a third embodiment of a link bracelet according to the invention in which the elements identical to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this third embodiment, the central branch 40 of each blocking element 38 has in its middle part a projection 80 which extends between the branches 42 of the blocking element 38 and substantially set back from the ends thereof . As can be seen from the figure, the projection 80 is intended to be placed in an oblong recess 82 provided for this purpose in the central part 8 of the link 2. It will be noted that the thickness of the projection 80 is substantially equal to that of the blocking element.

In this case, the locking element 38 can easily be produced, for example by molding, from a synthetic material. This structure thus makes it possible to advantageously reduce the weight of the bracelet while retaining good rigidity of the inner chain.

According to the variant of this third embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the projecting part 80 of each blocking element comprises in its central part and over part of its thickness a groove 84 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The groove 84 is intended to cooperate with a rib 86 formed for this purpose on a wall 88 of the passage 58 of the decorative element 6 with which it is associated and this over its entire length. This groove 84, rib 86 assembly form means for centering the decorative elements 6 on the inner chain 2 and thus prevents an inesthetic lateral shift of the decorative elements with respect to each other.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with two preferred embodiments, other variants and modifications such as changes in shape or dimensions may appear to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, such as as defined by the claims.

Claims (13)

1. Bracelet (1) including an inner chain (2) made up of articulated links (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (16), each link including a central part (8) from which two lateral arms (14) project and said links being coupled together by a hinge arrangement which includes insertion of the central part (8) of a link (4) between the lateral arms (14) of the following link, said central part (8) and said lateral arms (14) being provided with holes (22, 24) for receiving pins (30) pivotally coupling said links (4) one after the other, said bracelet (1) further including a plurality of decorative elements (6) arranged side by side, strung onto the inner chain (2) and at least partially surrounding such latter, and blocking means for each decorative element (6) relative to the inner chain, characterized in that each said blocking means comprises a blocking element (38) positioned on said inner chain (2), said blocking element (38) comprising two projecting parts (42) extending laterally beyond said lateral arms (14) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet (1), each decorative element (6) comprising a passage (58) provided with a shoulder (60), said shoulder being brought to bear against said projecting parts (42) of the blocking element (38) when such latter is arranged on the inner chain (2) and the decorative element (6) is strung onto the inner chain (2).
2. Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking elements (38) are positioned on the inner chain (2) by nesting means (44, 28).
3. Bracelet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the facing ends (32, 34) of the lateral arms (14) of two successive links (4) of the inner chain bound a free space (36).
4. Bracelet according to claim 3, characterized in that each said blocking element (38) has the form of a C which exhibits a central limb (40) and two lateral limbs (42) respectively forming said projecting parts and in that said central limb (40) extends over the central part (8) of the link (4), said projecting parts fitting into said free spaces (36).
5. Bracelet according to claim 4, characterized in that the central limb (40) of the blocking element (38) as well as a portion of the central part (8) of the link onto which it is fitted each comprise a recess (44, 28).
6. Bracelet according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blocking element has a centrally located projection (80) which extends between the lateral limbs (42) for cooperating with a predetermined oblong recess (82) in central part (8) of the link (2).
7. Bracelet according to claim 6, characterized in that the blocking element comprises centrally and on one side of its thickness a groove (84) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet for cooperating with a rib (86) located on a wall (88) of the passage (58) of the decorative element (6) to which it is associated to form means of centering the decorative elements (6) on the interior chain (2).
8. Bracelet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said projecting parts (42) exhibits a cross-section having a half-moon form with their rectilinear parts facing one another.
9. Bracelet (1) including an inner chain (2) made up of articulated links (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (16), each link including a central part (8) from which two lateral arms (14) project and said links being coupled together by a hinge arrangement which includes insertion of the central part (8) of a link (4) between the lateral arms (14) of the following link, said central part (8) and said lateral arms (14) being provided with holes (22, 24) for receiving pins (30) pivotally coupling said links (4) one after the other, said bracelet (1) further including a plurality of decorative elements (6) arranged side by side, strung onto the inner chain (2) and at least partially surrounding such latter, and blocking means for each decorative element (6) relative to the inner chain, characterized in that each said blocking means comprises a blocking element (70) positioned on said inner chain (2), said blocking element (70) having the form of a bar provided on one of its large faces with a projecting member (74), in that the links (4) forming the inner chain (2) exhibit an opening (76) cooperating with said projecting member (74), and in that each decorative element (6) comprises a passage (58) provided with a shoulder (60), said shoulder being brought to bear against said end parts of said blocking element (70) when such latter is arranged on the inner chain (2) and the decorative element (6) is strung onto the inner chain (2).
10. Bracelet according to claim 9, characterized in that the blocking element has the form of a bar (70) which fits into a recess (28) provided in the central part (8) of the link.
11. Bracelet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said passage (58) exhibits an oblong cross-section.
12. Bracelet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative elements (6) completely surround said inner chain (2).
13. Bracelet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative elements (6) are of ceramic.

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