US 6,185,799 B1Granted

Folding fastener for a strap

AssigneeMontres Rolex S.A.

InventorJacques H. Gay

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Abstract

The folding fastener for closing a strap contains a lockable, two-part folding clasp. A first strap half (7) is fixed to a first clasp part (1) and a second strap half (9) to a closure cover (5). A second clasp part (2) connects in rotary manner the first clasp part (1) to the closure cover (5). The clasp parts (1, 2) are substantially rigid with respect to longitudinal extension and/or bending. The locking mechanism comprises two claws (4.1, 4.2), which are fixed to the second clasp part (2) and two corresponding shapes (1.1, 1.2) on the first clasp part (1). In the locked state the claws (4.1, 4.2) engage over the shapes (1.1, 1.2) and consequently form the positive, reversible connection between the first clasp part (1) and the second clasp part (2). The folding fastener combines security with esthetics and requires no soldered joints.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A folding fastener for closing a strap comprising a first strap half and a second strap half, having a lockable folding clasp which comprises

a first clasp part and a second clasp part, a closure cover and a locking mechanism, the first strap half being fixed to the first clasp part, the second strap half being fixed to the closure cover and the second clasp part connecting the first clasp part pivotally to the closure cover, wherein the clasp parts are substantially rigid with respect to longitudinal extension and/or bending under the application of external forces encountered in normal use of said clasp and wherein the locking mechanism comprises
at least one claw which is fixed or shaped on the second clasp part, and at least one corresponding shape on the first clasp part, said shape being resilient under the application of external forces encountered in normal use of said clasp, wherein in the locked state the at least one claw engages the at least one corresponding shape and thus brings about a positive, reversible connection between the first clasp part and the second clasp part.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.