HK1189775B - Adjustable link - Google Patents

Description

Adjustable chain link

Technical Field

The invention relates to an adjustable chain link for a chain, comprising at least one first half-link and at least one second half-link, which are movable relative to one another in one direction and together form an assembly (ensemble) in which the two links cannot be separated.

The invention also relates to a chain comprising at least two chain bands.

The present invention relates to the field of adjustable fastening devices, in particular for articles to be worn on the human or animal body. The invention relates in particular to a fastening device for chains, belts, straps, harnesses and similar articles, in particular in the field of jewellery, leather products or even saddles.

Background

Chains, necklaces, waist belts, shoulder straps and similar articles are usually secured in an adjustable manner in a predetermined position which allows an accurate repositioning and which can be adjusted by the user through the mutual cooperation of the fingers with one of the holes or by hooking the pin on a rack or similar device. The constant tightening of the retaining position using friction does not provide the possibility of accurate repositioning.

Fastening with an adjustable length, for example between two predetermined positions, is often required to take account of climatic or morphological factors or the comfort of the user.

Document CH 699067 in the name of ELFIX PRODUCTION SA discloses a device for precisely adjusting the length of a chain integrated in a clasp cover, comprising means for marking in two predetermined positions, which comprise a spring-ball button held to a cross-bar connected to one end of the chain and arranged to cooperate with a perforation provided in the clasp cover.

Document EP 0737427 in the name of THE SWATCH GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVICES AG and document CH 695656 in the name of WERTHANOR SA disclose an adjustable link for a watch strap or bracelet, wherein the adjustment is carried out by actuating an unlocking button to change from one length marking position to another.

Document FR 2670995 in the name of the pearllat COLOMB discloses a rod which extends in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the end of which is engaged in the link part at a predetermined marked position by means of a spring rod or by means of a stud cooperating with a hole provided in the rod. Tools must be used in order to change from one location to another. These marking means extend laterally and require a large space. They are also visible and detract from the overall aesthetics of the chain.

These known devices, which act laterally, generally require tools to effect the adjustment and are always visible.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a more compact solution than the solutions of the prior art, acting in the longitudinal direction of the chain, using an adjustable structure that does not require specific tools, wherein the adjustable structure remains hidden and comprises return means for returning the adjustable links to the shortened position.

The invention therefore relates to an adjustable link for a chain, comprising at least one first half-link and at least one second half-link, which are movable relative to each other in one direction and form an inseparable assembly, characterized in that:

the first half link comprises at least one connecting and blocking element, or is assembled fixedly or in a manner that is displaceable in a limited manner in the direction, which extends in the direction and comprises a blocking device,

the second half-link comprises complementary locking means or is assembled fixedly or in a manner that is limited in movement in said direction,

-the locking means and the complementary locking means together define at least two locking positions holding the first half-link immovably relative to the second half-link, the positions being discrete and spaced apart from each other in the direction,

-said locking means and/or said complementary locking means are movable, under the action of a force greater than a given value exerted in said direction against elastic return means respectively contained in said complementary locking means and/or said locking means, to allow a relative change of position of said first half-link and said second half-link in said direction.

According to a feature of the invention, said at least one first half-link and said at least one second half-link are guided in relation to each other via the mutual cooperation of guide means and complementary guide means and form a non-separable assembly via the mutual cooperation of stop means and complementary stop means, said connecting and locking means comprising at least one finger extending in said direction and comprising locking means having a substantially radial elastic return with respect to said direction and being movable between a closed position (position replie) and an extended position, said second half-link comprising at least one channel extending in said direction and arranged to allow the passage of said finger in only one of said closed or extended positions of said locking means; said second half link further comprising a complementary locking means adjacent said channel, arranged to cooperate with said locking means in at least one locking position in the other of said deployed or folded positions of said locking means; the locking means and the complementary locking means together define at least two of the discrete spaced apart locking positions in the direction.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the first half-link and the second half-link form a frame around a central body that incorporates the entire adjustment mechanism; at least said first half-link or said second half-link comprises at least one guide formed by at least one finger comprising a stop means and carrying at least one locking means, which locking means comprises at least one elastic O-ring connector mounted in a groove of said finger and cooperating mutually against at least one complementary locking means formed by a rib carried by said central body, said rib defining on each side of said rib a lateral groove in which said connector can stop on one or the other side of said rib.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the first half-link and the second half-link form a frame around a central body that incorporates the entire adjustment mechanism; said adjustable link comprises at least one elastic blocking member formed by a flat wedge spring in the shape of a single or double arrow, comprising at least one elastic slit, at least one corner fastening portion for said first half-link and an elastically deformable front portion opposite said at least one slit, which front portion comprises at least one adjustment corner cooperating with an adjustment notch of said second half-link of a plurality of adjustment notches carried by said second half-link, the change from one notch to the other being able to be effected by compression of said wedge due to a pulling or pushing force exerted in said direction.

The invention also relates to a chain comprising at least two chain bands, characterized in that: the chain comprises at least one adjustable link attached to the chain strap via an attachment means.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first variant of an adjustable link according to the invention locked in a first extended position.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of the adjustable link of fig. 1 locked in the closed position.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the adjustable link in fig. 1 in a deployed position.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the adjustable link in fig. 1 along section AA of fig. 2, in the deployed position.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the adjustable link in fig. 1, along the section BB in fig. 2, in the deployed position.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the adjustable link in fig. 1 in the closed position.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the adjustable link in fig. 1 along section AA in fig. 2, in the closed position.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the adjustable link in fig. 1, along the section BB in fig. 2, in the closed position.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a half link of the adjustable link in fig. 1, shown with the locking fingers in the assembled position, and with complementary guide means retained to the other half link, arranged to be inserted into the guide means visible on the face carrying the locking fingers.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic partial view similar to fig. 5, according to a variant of the invention with a specific screen.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a chain comprising adjustable links according to the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic partial view similar to fig. 5 of a variant according to the invention with movability in the direction of the curve.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of a variant of the invention.

Fig. 14 shows a view similar to fig. 5 of a variant of the invention with a special locking device.

Fig. 15 shows a partial view similar to fig. 14 of another variant of the invention with a specific complementary locking device.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic partial longitudinal section of a detail of the working mechanism of the screen according to the invention, in a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the adjustable links, with the mechanism in the closed position of the adjustable links.

Figure 17 shows the mechanism of figure 16 in the deployed position of the adjustable links.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic top view of another variant of the adjustable link of the invention locked in the deployed position.

Figure 19 shows a view similar to figure 18 with the same adjustable links locked in the closed position.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic side view of the adjustable link lock in fig. 18 in a deployed position.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic exploded top view of the adjustable link in fig. 18.

Fig. 22 shows, in a similar manner to fig. 21, an intermediate assembly step of the adjustable link in fig. 18, with an intermediate screen pre-assembled on the two flanges and retained thereon by an intermediate pin.

Fig. 23 shows a schematic side view of a detail of the adjustable link in fig. 18, comprising two transverse pins cooperating with the side flange springs in the unconstrained state shown in solid lines and in the elastically deformed state shown in broken lines.

Figures 24 and 25 show a schematic exploded perspective view of a further variant of the adjustable link of the invention, which comprises a central body with respect to which the two half-links are individually movable.

Fig. 26 is a schematic side view of the variant of fig. 24 and 25 in a position of minimum size, which corresponds to fig. 27, fig. 27 being a top cross-section on a plane parallel to the adjustment direction and passing through the axis of the adjustment member contained in the adjustable link.

Figure 28 is a section along the plane AA of figure 27 in the position of minimum size adjustment.

Figure 29 is a section along the plane AA of figure 27 in the position of maximum size adjustment.

Figure 30 is a section along the plane CC of figure 27 in the position of maximum size adjustment.

Fig. 31 is a detail of a multiple adjustment variant with a plurality of ribs corresponding to a same number of pairs of adjustment positions.

Fig. 32 is a detail of a multiple adjustment variant with a plurality of connections corresponding to a same number of pairs of adjustment positions.

Fig. 33 is a top view of a detail of a further variant of the adjustable link according to the invention, with a resilient wedge spring (cam-restart).

Figure 34 shows a longitudinal section of the link of figure 33.

Fig. 35 shows a variant of the wedge spring of fig. 33.

Detailed Description

The invention also relates to an adjustable link 1 for a chain 10.

The present invention relates to the field of adjustable fastening devices, in particular for articles to be worn on the human or animal body. The invention relates in particular to fastening devices for chains, necklaces, waistbands, shoulder straps, harnesses and similar articles, in particular in the field of jewellery, leather products or even saddles.

These items vary in size or specific shape but operate in a similar manner and are referred to below by the single term "chain".

As shown in fig. 2, the adjustable link 1 comprises at least one first half-link 2 and at least one second half-link 3, which first half-link 2 and second half-link 3 are arranged to be movably assembled relative to each other in the direction of movement D via mutual cooperation of a guide means 21 and a complementary guide means 31.

The invention described herein is intended for a simplified, non-limiting example of two complementary half-links that are movable relative to each other; of course, it is also possible to manufacture an adjustable link according to the invention comprising more elements that are movable relative to each other.

The direction of movement D may be rectilinear, as shown in particular in fig. 1 to 10, or curvilinear, as shown in fig. 12, which is advantageous for chains with a small radius of curvature, in particular for women or children.

Since the stop element limits the travel of the first half link 2 and the second half link 3 relative to each other, either directly or relative to at least one intermediate element, such as the screen 5 or the central body 100 according to a variant of the invention described below, the first half link 2 and the second half link 3 together form an assembly that cannot be separated.

According to the invention, the first half link 2 comprises at least one connecting and blocking element 23, or is assembled with at least one connecting and blocking element 23 either fixedly or in a manner that is limited in terms of movement in the direction D. The connecting and locking piece 23 extends in the direction D and comprises a locking device 24.

The second half-link 3 comprises a complementary locking means 34 or is assembled with a complementary locking means 34, either fixedly or in a limited movement in direction D.

The locking means 24 and the complementary locking means 34 together define at least two locking positions in which the first half-link 2 is held stationary relative to the second half-link 3. These positions are discrete and spaced apart from each other in the direction D.

Under the action of a force greater than a given value exerted in direction D against the elastic return means respectively comprised in the complementary locking means 34 and/or 24, the locking means 24 and/or 34 can move to allow the relative change in position of the first half-link 2 and of the second half-link 3 in direction D. Obviously, the force exerted in direction D depends on the strength and angle of application of the resistive force exerted by the elastic return means. The elastic return means must be dimensioned so that: the user can operate the adjustable link 1 with one hand and thus with moderate force to change the adjustment position and ensure that the link remains in the user-selected position regardless of the movement of the user or his clothing.

In a particular embodiment, in particular according to fig. 18 to 23, the second half-link 3 comprises at least one recess 33, said recess 33 extending in the direction D and being arranged so as to allow the passage and retention of at least one connecting and locking member 23 in only one of these discrete locking positions. A complementary locking means 34 is preferably arranged close to this channel 33.

In the same embodiment of fig. 18 to 23, the connecting and locking member 23 comprises at least one flange (flash) 123, the flange 123 extending in a plane parallel to the direction D and comprising at least one elongated hole 135 extending in the direction D. The flange 123 comprises at least one constriction 137, the aperture 135 delimiting two chambers on either side of the constriction 137, each of which is capable of housing the pin 153 with minimal clearance. This hole 135 is made in the elastically deformable zone of the flange 123 to allow the pin 153 to pass through the constricted portion 137 when subjected to a force in the direction D exerted by the user on the half-link carrying said pin 153 against the constricted portion 137. This force is large enough to overcome the spring return force exerted on the pin 153 by the restricted portion and the hole 135. The pin 153 and the hole 135 together form the locking means 24 and the complementary locking means 34. Fig. 23 shows, in solid lines, the rest condition of the flange 123 and, in broken lines, the condition of deformation of the flange due to the force exerted in the direction D, which pushes the constricted portion 137 backwards, substantially perpendicular to the direction D, to allow the pin to pass there through.

In the preferred embodiment of fig. 23, the flange 123 comprises at least one further elongated hole 125, the elongated hole 125 extending in the direction D and comprising at least one constricted portion 127, the hole 125 defining, on either side of the constricted portion 127, two cavities, each capable of receiving, with minimum clearance, another pin 152, which is then retained on the other half-link. Similarly, a hole 125 is made in the elastically deformable region of the flange 123 to allow the pin 152 to pass through the restricted portion 127 when subjected to a force exerted in the direction D against the restricted portion 127. This force is large enough to overcome the spring return force exerted on the pin 152 by the restricted portion and the hole 125. The pin 152 and the hole 125 together form a means for assembling the first half-link 2 with the connecting and blocking member 23, the connecting and blocking member 23 comprising a flange 123 with limited mobility at discrete positions in the direction D.

Preferably, the second half-link 3 comprises, on the side opposite to the first half-link 2, at least one cover portion 90, which cover portion 90 comprises a hole 9, which hole 9 is intended to receive a pin 153 of the type described above with minimum clearance, in order to retain the flange 123 in said recess 33 in one of the discrete locking positions. This same pin 153 also forms a hinge pin for one end of the chain. The first half link 2 comprises at least one recess 33, which recess 33 extends in the direction D and is arranged to allow the connection and locking piece 23 or the flange 123 to pass through it. Like the second half-link 3, the first half-link 2 comprises, on the side opposite to the half-link 3, at least one cover 91, which cover 91 comprises a hole 9, which hole 9 is intended to receive a pin 152 with minimum clearance, in order to retain the flange 123 in the groove 33 in one of the discrete positions. The pin 152 also forms a hinge pin for one end of the chain.

Advantageously, according to the invention, in order to protect the adjustment mechanism and hide it in each adjustment position, the adjustable link 1 comprises at least one screen 5, which screen 5 is constrained between the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 and rests against at least one of said connecting and blocking members 23. Preferably, the screen 5 is retained on the connecting and blocking element 23, or on a plurality of connecting and blocking elements 23 (if there are a plurality of connecting and blocking elements 23), as in the variant illustrated in fig. 18 to 22, in which the adjustment element 23 is formed by two parallel flanges 123, by at least one pin 150 passing through the screen 5 and the connecting and blocking element 23, either directly or via a ring or tube 151.

In order to stabilise the chain, to position the screen 5 correctly on the upper part of the half-link visible to the user and to keep the adjustable link 1 and the links adjacent to it aligned to some extent with the limited angular clearance allowed by the articulation between them, the first half-link 2 and/or the second half-link 3 comprise at least one bearing surface 92, which bearing surface 92 pushes the pin 150 and/or the screen 5 against an upper lip 93, 94 contained in the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3, respectively.

Preferably, the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 are symmetrical with respect to a median plane P extending in the direction D, the link 1 comprising connecting and locking members 23 mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane P. The first half link 2 and the second half link 3 are also assembled into an inseparable assembly via mutual cooperation between the stop means 22 and the complementary stop means 32.

In a particular embodiment, in particular in fig. 1 to 17, the first half-link 2 comprises at least one finger 223, the finger 223 extending in the direction D, the first half-link 2 further comprising a locking device 24 elastically returning substantially radially with respect to the direction D. The locking device 24 is movable between a closed position and an open position.

The second half-link 3 comprises, in a complementary manner, at least one channel 33, this channel 33 extending in the direction D and being arranged so as to allow the insertion of a finger 223 corresponding to said channel 33 in only one of the closed or open positions of the locking means 24 of this finger 223. Of course, when there are a plurality of fingers 223 in the first half link 2, there are at least as many channels 33 on the second half link 3.

The second half-link 3 also comprises, in the vicinity of each channel 33, a complementary locking device 34, which complementary locking device 34 is arranged to cooperate, in another extended or folded position of said locking device 24, with the locking device 24 of the finger 223 corresponding to the channel 33 concerned, in at least one locking position.

As shown in fig. 5 and 8, in an economical embodiment, the fingers 223 comprise a head having a diameter greater than the diameter of the channel 33 and, at the end of the body, a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the channel 33. The head is cut and it is a slot giving it elasticity. The body may also be cut away as shown in the drawings. The locking means 24 comprises an entry cone in at least one direction and preferably in both directions of movement of the finger 223. The complementary locking position 34 comprises at least one recess with an entry ramp having a cone angle close to the cone angle of the head of the finger 223.

These ramps or entry cones enable the adjustable link 1 to be manipulated from one locking position to another without requiring excessive force.

In a variant of the invention not described in detail herein, the elastic return means are not located on the finger 223, but in the channel 33, when this finger 223 is rigid, since they are easily available to any engineer and their operation is similar but opposite.

The locking means 24 and the complementary locking means 34 together define at least two discrete spaced apart locking positions in the direction D. Fig. 15 shows a variant with a plurality of locking positions. The various positions are shown on the complementary locking means 34, it being obvious that it is equally possible to have the finger 223 with a plurality of radially movable elements, or even to combine both configurations.

In an advantageous variant embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the finger 223 comprises at least one groove in which an O-ring connector 240 or similar element made of elastically deformable material, such as rubber or similar, is mounted, the O-ring connector 240 or similar element being substantially toroidal in shape in the rest condition; the coupling 240 forms the locking means 24. This embodiment is particularly economical and allows, in particular, a miniaturization which is advantageous for chains having very small dimensions. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the second half-link 3 comprises a plurality (more than two in number) of complementary locking means 34, in which example each complementary locking means 34 is formed by a groove 340 for receiving an O-ring connector.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 1 to 17, the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 respectively comprise, in the direction D, a stop 22 and a complementary stop 32 for the inseparable assembly of the links with respect to each other, and define a maximum adjustment distance between a first closed position, in which the first bearing surface 25 of the first half-link 2 is in contact with the second bearing surface 35 of the second half-link 3, and a second distant position, in which the stop 22 is in contact with the complementary stop 32.

The illustrated construction is advantageous when blind installation is required, as shown in fig. 9. It is easy to provide the first half link 2 with the fingers 223 and then insert a threaded pin 323 (acting as the complementary guide 31) into the hole acting as the guide 21, said threaded pin 323 being screwed into the second half link 3. These pins terminate in collars forming complementary stop means 32 and are therefore very easy to assemble, which cannot be separated.

In order to change from one of the locking positions to the other, a force must be exerted on one of the half-links in the direction D relative to the other half-link, a tensile force applied to change from the position in fig. 8 to the position in fig. 5, or a compressive force applied. In order to convert this force in direction D into a force with a radial component large enough to overcome the resistance of the locking means 24, a specific profile is provided on one and/or the other of the half-links 2 and 3. Preferably, therefore, the locking means 24 and/or the complementary locking means 34 comprise at least one inclined triangular or curved ramp which allows the locking means 24 to pass from the closed position to the open position, or vice versa, under the action of a force applied in the direction D to the first half-link 2 and/or the second half-link 3 and during the relative movement between the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3.

The ramp may be tapered as shown in the embodiments of fig. 5 and 8, or may be part of a sphere as shown in fig. 14, or the like.

In the advantageous embodiment shown in the figures, the guide means 21 are bounded at one end by the stop means 22 and the complementary guide means 31 are bounded at one end by the complementary stop means 32.

In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the finger 223 and the channel 33 are distinct from the guide 21 and the complementary guide 31, respectively.

Preferably, as shown in the figures, the finger 223 is arranged close to the first bearing surface 25 of the first half link 2, and the finger 223 is adjustable in length with respect to the first bearing surface 25, for example via mutual cooperation of an internal thread and an external thread. The length adjustment may also occupy a plurality of discrete positions, for example if the threaded finger 223 comprises a collar having one or more pin holes, each of which may be indexed by a pin contained within the threaded first half link 2, the pin having one or more holes.

In a preferred embodiment, which is very strong and of moderate price, the guide means 21 or the complementary guide means 31 are formed by a hole which is complementary to the finger forming the complementary guide means 31 or the guide means 21; the fingers are adjustable in length relative to the half-link carrying them. The length adjustment may be obtained in a manner similar to that described above for the fingers 223. The figures show a preferred embodiment in which the stop means 22 or the complementary stop means 32 are formed by a collar which extends radially beyond the fingers; said collar moving into a groove coaxial with the guide 21 or the complementary guide 31; the groove includes an end having a counterbore that supports the collar, the counterbore forming a complementary stop 32 or the stop 22.

In the exemplary embodiment in the figures, the guide means 21 and the associated complementary guide means 31 are double and extend in directions parallel to each other, in order to prevent the adjustable link 1 from bending during the adjustment operation or in use. In a variant not shown in the figures, the guide means 21 and the associated complementary guide means 31 comprise at least one flat or similar portion, so as to guarantee parallelism of the movement between the surfaces orthogonal to the direction D of the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3, when the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 are far from or close to each other, regardless of whether the direction D is rectilinear or curvilinear.

As shown in the figures, and in particular in fig. 9, this type of assembly allows a very simple assembly of the half-links to each other.

Advantageously, the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 comprise a first cavity 26 and a second cavity 36, respectively, the first cavity 26 and the second cavity 36 being arranged so as to define a single cavity 4 when the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 are assembled to each other. At this point, the adjustable link 1 comprises at least one concealing element 5, which concealing element 5 is arranged to be confined in a single chamber 4 between the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3 and to conceal the entire adjustment and safety mechanism formed by the guide 21 and the complementary guide 31 or in particular the finger or pin 323, the detent 22, the complementary detent 32, the finger 223, the locking means 24, the channel 33 and the complementary locking means 34, at least on the side of the top face 6 of the assembled adjustable link 1. The screen 5 preferably has a profile complementary to the profile of the chamber 4.

Preferably, the screen 5 is also arranged to conceal the entire adjusting and safety mechanism formed by the guide 21 and the complementary guide 31, the stop 22, the complementary stop 32, the finger 223, the locking means 24, the channel 33 and the complementary locking means 34 in the direction D via the flange 51 on both side faces 7, 8 adjoining and on both sides of the top face of the adjustable link 1.

In order to ensure that the screen 5 is pressed against the inner walls of the half links 2 and 3 in the vicinity of the top face 6, the screen 5 advantageously comprises a bearing surface 54, which bearing surface 54 is arranged to co-operate with at least one complementary bearing surface 29 contained in at least one of the half links 2 or 3 in order to hold the screen 5, like a cam, against the ends of the first and second cavities 26 and 36 in the vicinity of the top face 6 of the adjustable link 1. In a simple embodiment, one of the bearing surface 54 or the complementary bearing surface 29 is inclined with respect to the other in order to produce a temporary lateral movement of the screen 5 when the adjustable link 1 is closed or opened.

Fig. 25 to 31 show a particularly advantageous variant of an adjustable chain link 1 according to the invention. The half-links 2 and 3 form a frame around the central body 100, which central body 100 incorporates the entire adjustment mechanism so that it is not visible to the user. Here, the central body 100 comprises, in a non-limiting manner, on both sides, a central groove 108 in the form of a mortise for receiving the central tenon comprised in the half-link 3 and a wide cavity 109 in the form of a notch for receiving the lateral and central studs 20, 110 comprised in the half-link 2. Of course, other configurations are conceivable, in particular one having one or more tenons on the central body 100 or one or more mortises on the half-links; these tenon-mortise embodiments properly hold the rest of the chain relative to the adjustable link 1 substantially in alignment with the central body portion 100 for the first link.

At least the first half link 2 or the second half link 3 and preferably each half link 2, 3 comprises at least one guide 23, in particular at least one finger, which has a stop 32, in particular a head or screw head 230. In the variant shown in the figures, each finger 223, 323 is screwed onto one of the half-links 2, 3 and comprises a head 230, one surface of which 230 forms said stop 32. Each half link 2, 3 carries at least one locking device 24, the locking device 24 here comprising at least one O-ring connector 240, the O-ring connector 240 being resiliently mounted in a groove of the finger 223 or 323. Each head 230 moves in a cavity 107 of the other half-link 3, 2, one wall of this cavity 107 defining a complementary end of travel stop for the stop 32. A recess 112 or similar structure is provided for receiving some of the screw heads. The connecting element 240 cooperates mutually against at least one complementary locking means and, more specifically, in the variant shown, the connecting element 240 cooperates mutually against at least one stud or rib 101 contained in the central body 100, the stud or rib 101 defining on each side a lateral groove 102, 103 in which groove 102, 103 the connecting element 240 can be stopped against said rib 101 on one or other side thereof. Each of these recesses 102, 103 thus corresponds to a specific relative position of the half-link 2 or 3 of the load-bearing connection 240 with respect to the central body 100. Fig. 31 shows a particular structure with a plurality of ribs 101, 101A, 102A, 103a … defining an equally large number of recesses 102, 103, 102A, 103a. Fig. 32 shows the opposite configuration, in which the finger 223 carries a plurality of connectors 240, said connectors 240 in turn cooperating with the same rib 101. Thus, an adjustable link 1 with a plurality of discrete positions can be produced. The model shown in fig. 25 to 30 includes three adjustment positions: the shortest position in which the two half links 2 and 3 are pushed completely inside the central body portion 100, the longest position in which the two half links 2 and 3 are as far away from the central body portion 100 as possible, and an intermediate position in which one of the two half links is pushed completely inside the central body portion 100 but the other half link is as far away from the central body portion 100 as possible. Of course, if the distance travelled by the fingers 23 attached to the half-links 2 and 3 is different, two intermediate positions may be defined instead of one, depending on whether the user moves the first half-link 2 or the second half-link 3 relative to the central body 100. Of course, the simplest movement for the user is to pull the two chain strips gripping the adjustable links and thus to perform the adjustment at the maximum distance, which also provides the advantage of symmetry of particular aesthetics. Since an adjustable link of the above type is strong, aesthetic and of moderate production cost, it can be used several times on the same bracelet. For example, using two adjustable links with a 1.5mm stroke per adjustable link, symmetrically arranged with respect to the clasp, provides a total adjustment of 3 mm.

Of course, this variant can be modified in a similar manner to that in fig. 9 to comprise only one adjustment element formed by one or more fingers 223 or 323, the other fingers 323 or 223 then being provided with only one stop collar or similar stop; the adjustment is then carried out on one side only. Although this configuration is less advantageous in terms of adjustment amplitude, it allows the bracelet to be fitted preferably on both sides of the watch case with adjustable links located only next to the corners.

In a variant, the elastic connection 240 is held between the rib 101 and another stop surface, for example another rib of the same type, as shown in fig. 31.

Preferably, each first half link 2 and second half link 3 comprises at least one finger 223 or 323; each finger comprises opposing stop means 32 which cause the adjustable link 1 to be retained.

The central body 100 completely covers the adjustment mechanism, which remains very clean. Adjustable link 1 rests on the user's wrist via the lower part of central body 100, and during adjustment, the user does not feel any discomfort, and he can conveniently carry out the adjustment with one hand with the chain or watch on his wrist.

Fig. 33 to 35 show another variant embodiment, which has the advantage of being very flat, and which is also streamlined by the central body 100. The spring latching means 24 is formed here by a preferably flat wedge spring 200, which wedge spring 200 is in the form of a single or double arrow in fig. 35.

The wedge spring 200, for example made of spring steel or similar material, is preferably symmetrical in direction D and has one or more resilient slits 201, 211. The wedge spring 200 further comprises a corner fastening portion (coin d' anchorage) 202 for the first half link 2. Fig. 33 shows the corner fastening portion 202 in a fixed position relative to the first half link 2, the corner fastening portion 202 comprising a recess or dovetail groove or similar having a complementary profile to the corner 202. The elastically deformable front portion opposite the slit or slits comprises at least one adjustment corner (203), which adjustment corner 203 cooperates with at least one adjustment notch 204 of a plurality of adjustment notches 204 carried by the second half-link 3. The change from one position to another can be produced by compression of the wedge spring 200 due to a pulling or pushing force applied in direction D. Fig. 35 shows a variant in which the corner fastening 202 is also an adjustment corner and can therefore be moved relative to the first half link 2 relative to an adjustment notch 204 carried by the first half link 2, and not like fig. 33. The ribs 101 or travel limiting studs 111 of the central body 100 advantageously limit the travel of the wedge spring 200. To facilitate disassembly, pushing a tool 205 with a V-shaped end against the wedge spring 200 tends to close the slit 201 and thus release the corner 203 from the notch 204 and thus separate the two half-links and thus completely disassemble the adjustable link 1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17, the bearing surface 54 of the screen is a journal 39, which journal 39 is carried by two ramps 37 and 38 held on the first half-link 2 and the second half-link 3, respectively, and arranged in a cruciform shape so as to move the journal 39 laterally away from or closer to in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction D when the half-links are moved closer to or away from each other.

In a variant, each flange 51 comprises a screw 53 forming a bearing surface 53, the end of this screw 53 being received in a lateral groove contained in one of the half-links, for example the second half-link 3, forming a complementary bearing surface 29 for adjusting the distance from the masking surface 5 to the top surface 6. This distance may be constant if it is parallel to direction D, or it may vary when the lateral grooves are designed to press screen 5 against the ends of first and second cavities 26 and 36 located close to top face 6 of adjustable link 1, as the positions shown in fig. 5 and 8 vary.

In another simplified variant, as shown in fig. 10, the screen 5 is arranged to conceal the mechanism on both sides of the adjustment and mounting mechanism, while the mechanism is movable.

In another variant, not shown in the drawings, the screen 5 is not confined in the chamber 4 and rests only by a leaf spring or similar on its bottom back against the top face 6 of the adjustable link 1.

In the embodiment shown, the screen 5 is made in the form of a hollow cylindrical segment and is limited by two flanges 51.

In the preferred embodiment, the direction D is rectilinear, so it is very economical.

For fastening on a chain or a piece of jewellery or a watch, each half-link 2, 3 comprises an attachment means 9 attached to a chain strap or the like.

The invention also relates to a chain 10, which chain 10 comprises at least two chain straps and comprises at least one adjustable link 1, which adjustable link 1 is attached to the chain straps by means of said attachment means 9.

The invention thus satisfies the object specified by acting in the longitudinal direction of the chain through an adjustable mechanism without the use of any special tools, wherein the adjustable mechanism is concealed and comprises a return means for returning the adjustable link to its shortened position. The mechanism is adapted to a non-rectilinear shape and allows a very safe and simple adjustment without any risk of losing the chain.

Claims (16)

1. An adjustable link (1) for a chain (10), which adjustable link (1) comprises at least one first half-link (2) and at least one second half-link (3), which first half-link (2) and second half-link (3) are movable in relation to each other in one direction (D) and form an inseparable assembly, characterized in that:

-the first half link (2) comprises at least one connecting and locking piece (23), or at least one connecting and locking piece (23) is assembled fixedly or in a manner that is limited in movement in the direction (D), the connecting and locking piece (23) extending in the direction (D) and comprising a locking device (24),

-the second half-link (3) comprises a complementary locking means (34), or is assembled with a complementary locking means (34) either fixedly or in a limited movable manner in said direction (D),

-the locking means (24) and the complementary locking means (34) together define at least two locking positions that hold the first half-link (2) stationary with respect to the second half-link (3), said positions being discrete and spaced apart from each other in the direction (D),

-said locking device (24) and/or said complementary locking device (34) being movable, under the action of a force greater than a given value exerted in said direction (D) against elastic return means respectively contained in said complementary locking device (34) and/or said locking device (24), so as to allow a relative change of position of said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) in said direction (D).

2. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: -said second half-link (3) comprises at least one channel (33), said channel (33) extending in said direction (D) and being arranged to allow the passage of said connecting and locking member (23) so as to be retained in only one of said discrete locking positions; the complementary locking means (34) are arranged close to the channel (33).

3. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: said connecting and blocking member (23) comprising at least one flange (123), which flange (123) extends in a plane parallel to said direction (D) and comprises at least one elongated hole (135), which elongated hole (135) extends in said direction (D) and comprises at least one restricted portion (137), said elongated hole (135) defining two chambers on either side of said restricted portion (137), each capable of housing a pin (153) with a minimum clearance, said elongated hole (135) being made in an elastically deformable region of said flange (123) to allow said pin (153) to pass through said restricted portion (137) when it is subjected to a force exerted in said direction (D) against said restricted portion (137), said force being sufficiently large to overcome the elastic return force exerted on said pin (153) by said restricted portion (137) and by said elongated hole (135), the pin (153) and the elongated hole (135) form the locking means (24) and the complementary locking means (34).

4. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: said flange (123) comprising at least one further elongated hole (125), which further elongated hole (125) extends in said direction (D) and comprises at least one restricted portion (127), said further elongated hole (125) defining two chambers on either side of said restricted portion (127) of said further elongated hole (125), each chamber of said further elongated hole (125) being capable of housing a further pin (152) with minimal clearance, said further elongated hole (125) being made in an elastically deformable region of said flange (123) to allow said further pin (152) to pass through said restricted portion (127) of said further elongated hole (125) when it is subjected to a further force exerted in said direction (D) against said restricted portion (127) of said further elongated hole (125), said further force being sufficiently large, in order to overcome the elastic return force exerted on the further pin (152) by the restricted portion (127) of the further elongated hole (125) and by the further elongated hole (125), the further pin (152) and the further elongated hole (125) together forming means for assembling the first half-link (2) with the connecting and locking member (23), the connecting and locking member (23) comprising a flange (123) with limited mobility in discrete positions in the direction (D).

5. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: -said second half-link (3) comprises at least one channel (33), said channel (33) extending in said direction (D) and being arranged to allow the passage of said connecting and locking member (23) so as to be retained in only one of said discrete locking positions; -said complementary locking means (34) are arranged close to said channel (33); -the second half-link (3) comprises, on the side opposite to the first half-link (2), at least one cover (90), which cover (90) comprises a hole (9), the hole (9) of the cover (90) being intended to receive the pin (153) with minimum clearance so as to define the flange (123) within the channel (33) in one of the discrete locking positions, the pin (153) being further arranged to form a hinge pin of one end of a chain; and/or the first half link (2) also comprises at least one channel (33), the channel (33) of the first half-link (2) extending in the direction (D) and being arranged to allow the passage of the connecting and locking member (23), the first half link (2) further comprising at least one cover part (91) on the side opposite to the second half link (3), the cover part (91) of the first half link (2) comprises a hole (9), the hole (9) of the cover part (91) of the first half link (2) being intended to receive the further pin (152) with minimal clearance, so as to define the flange (123) within the channel (33) of the first half link (2) at one of the discrete positions, the further pin (152) is also arranged to form a hinge pin of one end of the chain.

6. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the adjustable link (1) comprises at least one screen (5), the screen (5) being defined between the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3) and being mounted in abutment on at least one of the connecting and locking members (23) and being retained on at least one of the connecting and locking members (23) by at least one pin (150) passing through both the screen (5) and the connecting and locking members (23).

7. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: said at least one first half-link (2) and said at least one second half-link (3) being guided in relation to each other via the mutual cooperation of the guide means (21) and the complementary guide means (31) and forming a non-separable assembly via the mutual cooperation of the stop means (22) and the complementary stop means (32), said connecting and locking element comprising at least one finger (223), which finger (223) extends in said direction (D) and comprises locking means (24), which locking means (24) have a substantially radial elastic return in relation to said direction (D) and are movable between a closed position and a deployed position; -said second half-link (2) comprises at least one channel (33), this channel (33) extending in said direction (D) and being arranged to allow the passage of said finger (223) in only one of said closed or open positions of said locking means (24); -said second half-link (3) further comprises, close to said channel (33), a complementary locking device (34), which complementary locking device (34) is arranged to cooperate with said locking device (24) in at least one locking position in the other of said extended or closed position of said locking device (24); the locking means (24) and the complementary locking means (34) together define at least two of said discrete spaced apart locking positions in said direction (D).

8. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3) respectively comprise said stop means (22) and said complementary stop means (32) for mutual retention assembly of the links in said direction (D) to define a maximum adjustment travel between a first closed position, in which the first bearing surface (25) of the first half-link (2) is in contact with the second bearing surface (35) of the second half-link (3), and a second distant position, in which the stop means (22) is in contact with the complementary stop means (32).

9. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the locking means (24) and/or the complementary locking means (34) comprise at least one ramp which allows the locking means (24) to pass from the closed position to the open position, or vice versa, under the action of a force exerted on the first half-link (2) and/or the second half-link (3) in the direction (D) and during the relative movement between the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3).

10. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the guide means (21) or the complementary guide means (31) are formed by holes complementary to fingers forming the complementary guide means (31) or the guide means (21), the fingers being adjustable in length with respect to the half-links carrying the fingers.

11. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3) comprise a first chamber (26) and a second chamber (36), respectively, the first chamber (26) and the second chamber (36) being arranged so as to define a single chamber (4) when the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3) are assembled to each other; the adjustable link (1) comprises at least one screen (5), which screen (5) is arranged to define within the single chamber (4) between the first half-link (2) and the second half-link (3) and to conceal the guiding means (21), the complementary guiding means (31), the stopping means (22), the complementary stopping means (32), the fingers (223), the locking means (24), the channel (33) and the complementary locking means (34) at least on the side of the top face (6) of the assembled adjustable link (1).

12. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) forming a frame around a central body (100), the central body (100) incorporating the entire adjustment mechanism; at least the first half-link (2) or the second half-link (3) comprises at least one connection and locking member (23) formed by at least one finger (223; 323), the finger (223; 323) comprising a stop means and carrying at least one locking means (24), the locking means (24) comprising at least one elastic O-ring connector (240), the O-ring connector (240) being fitted in a groove of the finger (223; 323) and cooperating mutually against at least one complementary locking means formed by a rib (101) carried by the central body (100), the rib defining a lateral recess on each side of the rib (101), the O-ring connector (240) in the lateral recess being capable of stopping on one side or the other of the rib (101).

13. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: each of said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) comprises at least one of said fingers (223; 323), each of said fingers comprising opposite stop means that cause said adjustable link (1) to be retained.

14. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: said first half-link (2) and said second half-link (3) forming a frame around a central body (100), the central body (100) incorporating the entire adjustment mechanism; said adjustable link (1) comprises at least one locking device (24) formed by a flat wedge spring (200) in the shape of a single or double arrow, the locking device (24) comprising at least one elastic slit (201; 211), at least one corner fastening (202) for said first half-link (2) and an elastically deformable front portion opposite said at least one slit, the front portion comprising at least one adjustment corner (203), the adjustment corner (203) cooperating with an adjustment notch (204) of said second half-link (3) of a plurality of adjustment notches (204) carried by said second half-link (3), the change from one notch to the other being able to be effected by compression of said flat wedge spring (200) due to a pulling or pushing force exerted in said direction (D).

15. Adjustable link (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that: the corner fastening portion (202) is also an adjustment corner (203) movable relative to the first half link (2) between a plurality of adjustment notches (204) carried by the first half link (2).

16. A chain (10) comprising at least two chain bands, characterized in that: the chain (10) comprises at least one adjustable link (1) according to claim 1, wherein each half-link (2, 3) comprises and is attached to a chain strap by attachment means.