Wristwatch

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch intended to allow a user to combine the use on the same wrist of a watch of a given type, in particular a classic watch, with either a watch of another type, in particular a connected watch, or with one or more decorative elements.

[0002] It is known that classic timepieces, while appreciated by many enthusiasts for some of their intrinsic qualities, such as their "fine mechanics", their sophistication or simply their sentimental value, are not able to deliver to their users the latest technological innovations on the market, particularly in the field of electronics or communication.

[0003] Furthermore, it has been observed that watch straps, whether for classic, mechanical, or digital watches, are increasingly considered by users to possess aesthetic value in their own right, making it appealing to match them to their outfits, which are likely to change throughout the day. However, changing a watch strap is a complex operation that typically requires specialized tools, considerable skill, and dexterity, making it a problematic and particularly daunting task.

[0004] Document DE20115025U1 discloses a wristwatch with a system consisting of snap-on means comprising a receiving part and a locking part.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a user with a means enabling them, easily and quickly, firstly, to exchange their wristwatch for another and secondly, to attach to a watch worn on their wrist either a second watch, in particular a smartwatch, or a jewelry-type module. The present invention thus relates to a wristwatch according to claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, each second end of each part of the bracelet can be attached to a secondary element which can for example be a watch, in particular a connected type, an activity tracking module, a piece of jewelry, etc.

[0007] A connecting element may be interposed between said second end of each part of the bracelet and the secondary element, this connecting element being, firstly, fixed to said secondary element by said connecting means and being, secondly, fixed to said second end of the bracelet by quick removable connecting means.

[0008] According to the invention, the snap-on means suitable for joining two parts may include a receiving part, disposed on one part, and a locking part, disposed on the other part, which will be able to join together by a movement in the same direction and to separate from each other by a movement in the opposite direction after the actuation of a control member disposed on the locking part.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving part may be in the proximal part of the connecting element and the locking part may be at the end of a part of the bracelet.

[0010] Conversely, in another implementation mode, the locking part may be in the proximal part of the connecting element and the receiving part may be at the end of a part of the bracelet.

[0011] The lateral sides of the locking part may have openings through which control buttons are passed transversely. These buttons will be mounted to slide transversely in said locking part and will bear against the base of two sliding rods ending in two lateral bolts capable of moving outwards into a locking position under the action of elastic means and into an unlocking position under the action of the control buttons.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, not part of the claimed invention, the connector element may include a locking part, and it shall be hollowed out, substantially in its middle, by a cavity opening towards the inside of the bracelet and which shall cross transversely said connector element, the proximal part of the connector element forming a protuberance of small width ending in two symmetrical angular sides joining its lateral sides, the interior of the connector element containing control means capable of actuating the movement of two bolts, the latter being capable of occupying two positions, namely a locking position in which they will be extended when no stress is exerted on the control means, and a retracted position when the latter are actuated.

[0013] Finally, the distal part of the receiving part may include a transverse pin which will be intended to take place in said transverse cavity when the connecting element is placed on the receiving part, so that when the control means are not used, the bolts of the locking part will come into contact with the pin, locking the connecting element in position on the receiving part, thus ensuring the connection of the bracelet with the connecting element.

[0014] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention, by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the attached drawing in which: there figure 1 is a partial top view of a watch of the so-called classic type, according to the prior art, the figure 2 is a schematic top view of a watch according to an embodiment of the present invention, the figure 3 is a partial top view of a first embodiment of a watch according to the invention, the figure 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of a snap-on locking element on a connector element of the watch according to the invention, the figure 5 is a top view of a third embodiment of a snap-on locking element on a connector element of the watch according to the invention, the figure 6 is a partial top view of a second embodiment of a watch according to the invention, the figure 7 is a schematic view of three examples of embodiments of a watch according to the invention, the figure 8 is a profile view of the first example of the watch shown on the figure 7 , there figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the watch depicted on the figure 8 , there figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a variant of the snap-on mechanism implemented on the watch, not forming part of the claimed invention, in a position prior to snapping, the figure 11 is a side view of the snap-fit ​​mode shown on the figure 10 in a position prior to the click, the figure 12 is a side view of the snap-fit ​​method shown on the figures 10 And 11 , once the aforementioned snap-fit ​​has been achieved.

[0015] We have schematically represented on the figure 1 a classic type wristwatch, following the prior state of the art.

[0016] This wristwatch 1' includes a case 3 which has on two opposite sides a pair of lugs 5, between which are arranged a first end 7a of the two parts of a bracelet 7.

[0017] These ends 7a are wound around a spring-mounted telescopic axis 9, the two ends of which come to rest in two opposite cavities 11 of the lugs 5, so that the lugs 5 and said telescopic axis 9 constitute means of connecting the two parts of the bracelet 7 with the case 3.

[0018] We have represented as an example on the figure 2 a diagram of a wristwatch 1 according to the invention, the figure 2 intended to demonstrate the principle of this wristwatch 1.

[0019] In this example of implementation, the wristwatch 1 includes a watch case 3 which is provided with means for connecting 5, 9 with each of the first two ends of a bracelet part 7.

[0020] Unlike the wristwatch 1' of the prior art described opposite the figure 1 , the connection between the case 3 of the watch 1 and the first two ends 7a of the two bracelet parts 7 is made via a connector element 13, which is thus interposed between the case 3 and each first end 7a of the bracelet 7.

[0021] For this purpose, the connector element 13, which is shown in more detail on the figure 3 , is thus connected to both the case 3 and the first end 7a of a bracelet part 7.

[0022] In this example, this connector element 13 is connected to the housing 3 by means of connection identical to those implemented in a conventional manner described previously with regard to the figure 1 that is to say, in its distal part, the connecting element 13 is pierced with a transverse bore 15 which receives a telescopic axis 9 whose two ends fit into two respective cavities 11 of the horns 5 of the housing 3.

[0023] It is of course possible, while remaining within the scope of the present invention, to replace the spring-mounted telescopic axis 9 with two portions of axes mounted to slide in the transverse bore 15 and which, like two bolts, are able to slide in the bore 15, so as to fit into the cavities 11 of the horns 5 of the housing 3 and to be extracted from them under the action of a control element.

[0024] According to the invention, this connection between the connector element 13 and the case 3 is, on the one hand, of a type specific to the case 3 used, and on the other hand, of a permanent type, since it aims to connect, in a quasi-permanent way, the connector element 13 to the case 3. It is therefore a connection which is in principle made only once, to put the connector element 13 on the case 3 of the watch.

[0025] Conversely, the connector element 13 has in its proximal part quick-release type connection means, which are intended to join the connector element 13 to a first end 7a of one of the parts of the bracelet, easily and quickly, that is to say without requiring the use of any tool, without mechanical intervention, and without the user being forced to show dexterity.

[0026] Currently, we have used connection means of the type referred to below as "snap-fit," that is to say, means allowing two parts to be joined by a simple relative movement of the latter in a single direction, namely, in this case, a relative movement along the longitudinal axis yy' of the bracelet, in the direction of arrow F of the figure 3 .

[0027] For this purpose, the proximal part of the connecting element 13 includes a so-called receiving part 24 which is hollowed in its center by a recess 17 delimited by a transverse bottom wall 17a and by two lateral walls 17b inclined at about 45° with respect to the transverse axis xx' of the bracelet 7, and substantially in the middle of which open two housings 17c forming receiving catches, as explained below.

[0028] On either side of the recess 17, two longitudinal centering holes 19 are provided.

[0029] The receiving part 24 of the connector element 13 is intended to become attached to the first end 7a of the bracelet, and more precisely to its so-called head link 22.

[0030] For this purpose, the head link 22 is provided with a locking part 21, the distal part of which forms a boss 23 which is of complementary shape and dimensions to the recess 17.

[0031] The locking part 21 has two cylindrical centering pins 25, of complementary shape and dimensions to those of the holes 19, and which are intended to take place in these holes 19 by ensuring, when snapping, the guidance of the receiving part 24 of the connecting element 13 with said locking part 21.

[0032] The lateral sides of the locking part 21 have openings through which control buttons 27 pass transversely, which are mounted to slide transversely in the body of the locking part 21 and which bear against the base of two rods 29 which terminate on the distal side of the locking part 21 by two lateral bolts 31 which are able to move outwards in a locking position, under the action of elastic means, and inwards in the locking part 21 in an unlocking position.

[0033] For better clarity of the drawings, the control buttons 27 and the two rods 29 have been hatched on the figures 3 à 5 .

[0034] In the implementation method shown in figure 3 The elastic means consist of an encapsulated compression spring 33. Thus, when the user presses the two control buttons 27, these push the base of the two rods 29 into the lock part 21, against the force exerted by the elastic means 33, and the two bolts 31 retract into the lock part 21 in the unlocked position.

[0035] The snap-fit ​​operation of the connector element 13 and the locking part 21 is carried out by a simple longitudinal movement in the direction of the arrow. F,because the inclined shape of the side walls 17b has the effect, during this movement, of pushing the bolts 31 towards the inside of the locking element against the action of the elastic means 33, until the latter are opposite the housings 17c forming the strike plate and have taken their place in them.

[0036] Once the bolts 31 have taken their place in the strikes 17c, the two elements are then locked and can only be released by pressing the control buttons 27, ensuring the removal of the bolts 31.

[0037] In order to improve the attachment of the control buttons 27 to the two rods 29, these two elements are linked together by a diabolo-shaped connecting piece 35, the two heads of which fit respectively into correspondingly shaped slots in the control buttons 27 and the two rods 29.

[0038] It is of course possible, according to the invention, to use other means of return than the encapsulated compression spring 33.

[0039] One could thus use a spiral bending spring of the pin type 33a, as shown on the figure 4 This method of implementation is particularly interesting in that the upper part of the arms of this spiral bending spring 33a comes to rest on the two lateral bolts 31 along a transverse axis xx', which makes it easier for them to move transversely and to engage properly in the housings forming the strike plate 17c of the connecting element 13, thus avoiding any risk of jamming.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, the control button 27 and the rod 29 ending in a bolt 31, as shown in the diagram, could also be made in a single piece. figure 5 .

[0041] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 21 is secured by a plate, not shown in the figures, which closes it.

[0042] The proximal part of the locking portion 21 terminates in the head link 22, from which the various successive links 42 forming the bracelet 7 are articulated on a transverse pin 44, in a manner conventionally known in this field of technology. For this purpose, the links 42 are drilled with transverse holes 45 to receive the pins 44, as shown in the diagram. figures 3 And 6 .

[0043] Of course, in a kinematic inversion, and as represented on the figure 6 , the locking part 21 can also be made on the connector element 13 and then receives by snap-fit ​​the receiving part 24 which is secured to the head link 22 of the first end 7a of a bracelet part 7.

[0044] As is known, the links 42 following the head link 22 of the bracelet 7 are joined together, as before, by pins 44 which pass through suitable transverse holes 45 made in the successive links 42.

[0045] The present invention is particularly interesting in that it allows the user to change the bracelet 7 of his watch particularly quickly and easily, since the operation consists of simply unclipping the existing bracelet to replace it with a different bracelet, which then clips onto the connector element 13, either a more resistant bracelet if he wishes to practice a sport, or a more precious type of bracelet, which allows him in particular to match it with his outfit, and all this while keeping the same classic watch case.

[0046] It is understood, however, that the present invention is of major interest in that the connector element 13, which allows for easy and quick connection and disconnection of a bracelet with a watch case, not only allows for a quick exchange of a bracelet on a given watch, but also allows for easy connection and disconnection of this watch with a second object, hereinafter referred to as the "secondary element," which may in particular consist of a watch of another type, for example, a type complementary to the first, as well as a connected watch.

[0047] This second object or secondary element may also consist in particular of a module no longer relating to the measurement of time, such as for example an activity tracking module and in particular a heart rate monitoring device, a blood pressure monitor, a calorie expenditure control device, a pedometer etc.

[0048] This secondary element can also be purely decorative, such as, for example, a piece of jewelry.

[0049] This was thus schematically represented on the figure 7 a watch 1 whose case 3 is provided with two connector elements 13 whose receiving parts 24 are each shown in position to snap into place with a locking part 21 disposed at the first end 7a of each part of the bracelet 7.

[0050] The second ends 7b of these bracelet parts 7 are also provided with locking parts 21 intended to snap into place with the receiving parts 24 of respective connector elements 13 which are connected respectively to a smartwatch 52 (in example 1), to an activity tracking module 54 (in example 2), and to a piece of jewelry 56 (in example 3).

[0051] We have represented in more detail on the figures 8 And 9a classic type watch case 3 which we wish to match with a secondary element consisting of a connected type watch 52.

[0052] For this purpose, the classic watch case 3 is connected to two connector elements 13 by means of connection 5, 9 in particular of the type described previously, these connector elements 13 remaining in principle permanently connected to the case 3.

[0053] The receiving parts 24 of these connecting elements 13 are respectively joined to a locking part 21 disposed at the first end 7a of each bracelet part 7.

[0054] The second ends 7b of these bracelet parts, which are also each provided with a locking part 21, are likewise snapped into the receiving part 24 of a connector element 13 with which the connected type watch 52 is provided.

[0055] A friction-damping element 36 can be disposed at the end of the connector element 13, and is thus located between this connector element 13 and the watch case 3.

[0056] The user thus has the possibility to switch quickly and easily, by a simple click and click operation, from a simple classic watch to a set of dual watches for example "classic-connected" or "classic-activity tracking module" or even "classic-jewelry" etc., and this according for example to his activities, his outing programs etc.

[0057] We have represented on the figures 10 à 12 a variant of the implementation of snap-on means, not part of the claimed invention, in which a locking part 21' is disposed in the proximal part of a connecting element 13'.

[0058] Following this realization, this connector element 13' snaps onto a receiving part 24' forming a strike plate, the proximal part of which is articulated to the links 42' of a bracelet part as described previously.

[0059] More specifically, the distal part of the connector element 13' is positioned between the lugs of a classic watch case (not shown in the drawing), where it is fixed as in the previous embodiment, by means of a telescopic axis 9' which passes through this distal part and whose ends fit into cavities in the lugs.

[0060] The connector element 13', which includes a locking part 21', is for this purpose hollowed out, substantially in its middle, with a cavity 58 which opens downwards onto the figures 10 à 12 and which crosses it transversely.

[0061] The proximal part of the connecting element 13' forms a protuberance 60 of small width, about a quarter of its transverse dimension, which extends over a length of about a third of its longitudinal dimension, and terminates in two symmetrical angular sides 62 joining its lateral flanks.

[0062] The protrusion 60 is approximately half the thickness of the distal part of the connecting element 13'.

[0063] Furthermore, the interior of the latter contains control means, not shown in the drawing, capable of activating, by means of a button 27', located on the top of the connector element 13', the movement of two bolts 31'.

[0064] These are capable of occupying two positions, namely a locked position in which they are extended when no pressure is exerted on the control button 27', as shown on the figures 10 à 12 , and a retracted position when the control button 27' is pressed.

[0065] As previously stated, the locking portion 21' of the connector element 13' is designed to snap onto the receiving portion 24' forming a strike plate, the distal part of which is complementary to that of the locking portion 21' of the connector element 13'. It thus comprises a central part which is hollowed out with a housing 64 intended to receive the protrusion 60, the latter opening towards the distal part by two inclined chamfers 62' intended to receive the two angular sides 62 of the connector element 13'.

[0066] Furthermore, the distal part of the receiving portion 24' forming a strike plate has a transverse pin 66 which is intended to fit into the transverse cavity 58 when the connecting element 13' is positioned on the receiving portion forming a strike plate 24'. In this position, and as shown in the figure 12When button 27' is released, the bolts 31' of the locking part come into contact with pin 66, locking the connector element 13' in position on the receiving part forming the strike plate 24', thus ensuring the connection of the bracelet with the connector element 13'. It is understood that pressing the control button 27' will cause the two bolts 31' to retract and consequently release these two elements.

[0067] According to the present invention, it would of course be possible to use other methods of connecting the connector element with the classic watch case, depending on the specific characteristics of the latter.

[0068] It would also be possible, without leaving the scope of the present invention, to use other means of fixing or snapping the connector element with the locking part.

Claims

1. Wristwatch comprising a primary element consisting of a watch case (3) and a bracelet (7) in two parts, each part comprising a first (7a) and a second end (7b), said first end (7a) being fixed to the case (3) by connecting means (5) comprising a connector element interposed between said first end (7a) of each bracelet part (7) and the case (3), said connector element being, on the one hand, fixed to the case (3) by said connecting means (5) and, on the other hand, fixed to said first end (7a) of the bracelet (7) by quick removable connection means consisting of snap-fastening means comprising a receiving part (24) and a locking part (21), the wristwatch being characterized in that the proximal part of the locking part (21) comprises two centering pins (25) having a shape and dimensions complementary to receiving openings (19) formed in the receiving part.

2. Wristwatch according to claim 1, characterized in that each second end (7b) of each bracelet part is fixed to a secondary element (52, 54, 56).

3. Wristwatch according to claim 2, characterized in that said secondary element is a watch (52), in particular a connected watch.

4. Wristwatch according to claim 2, characterized in that said secondary element is an activity tracking module (54).

5. Wristwatch according to claim 2, characterized in that said secondary element is a piece of jewelry (56).

6. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a connector element is interposed between said second end (7b) of each bracelet part (7) and the secondary element (52, 54, 56), said connector element being, on the one hand, fixed to said secondary element (52, 54, 56) by said connecting means (5) and, on the other hand, fixed to said second end (7b) of the bracelet (7) by quick removable connection means.

7. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the snap-fastening means adapted to join two parts comprise a receiving part (24) arranged on one part and a locking part (21) arranged on the other part, which are adapted to be secured to one another by a movement having a single direction of displacement and to be separated from one another by a displacement movement in the opposite direction after actuation of an operating member (27) arranged on the locking part (21).

8. Wristwatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving part (24) is located at the proximal portion of the connector element and the locking part (21) is located at an end of a bracelet part (7a, 7b).

9. Wristwatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking part (21) is located at the proximal portion of the connector element and the receiving part (24) is located at an end of a bracelet part (7a, 7b).

10. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the lateral sides of the locking part (21) comprise openings transversely traversed by control buttons (27) mounted for transverse sliding movement in said locking part (21) and bearing against the base of two sliding rods (29) ending in two lateral bolts (31) adapted to move outwardly into a locking position under the action of resilient means (33, 33a) and into an unlocking position under the action of the control buttons (27).

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