Wristwatch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a primary element, consisting of a watch case (3), and a bracelet 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, 9). A connector element (13) is interposed between said first end (7a) of each bracelet part and the case (3), this connector element (13) being firstly fixed to the case (3) by said connecting means (9) and secondly being fixed to said first end (7a) of the bracelet (7) by quick detachable connecting means. Figure for abstract: Fig.8.

Description

Title of the invention: Wristwatch

[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] We know in fact that so-called classic timepieces, although they are appreciated by many enthusiasts because of some of their intrinsic qualities, such as their "fine mechanics" quality, their sophistication or quite 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 noted that watch straps, whether of the classic, mechanical or digital type, are increasingly considered by users as possessing an aesthetic value in themselves, so much so that it is attractive for a user to match them to their outfit which is likely to vary throughout the day.

[0004] However, it is a fact that changing a watch strap is a complex operation which usually requires specialized tools, good know-how and good dexterity, which makes said operation problematic and particularly off-putting.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to provide a user with means enabling him, easily and quickly, on the one hand to exchange his watch strap for another and on the other hand to associate with a watch worn on his wrist either a second watch, in particular a communicating watch, or a jewelry-type module.

[0006] The present invention thus relates to a wristwatch comprising a primary element, consisting of a watch case, and a bracelet in two parts, each part comprising a first and a second end, said first end being fixed to the case by connecting means, a connector element being interposed between said first end of each bracelet part and the case, this connector element being firstly fixed to the case by said connecting means and secondly being fixed to said first end of the bracelet by quick removable connection means.

[0007] Preferably, these quick removable connection means may consist of snap-fastening means of the type capable of joining two parts.

[0008] According to the invention, each second end of each bracelet part may be attached to a secondary element which could for example be a watch, in particular a connected type, an activity tracking module, a piece of jewelry, etc.

[0009] A connector element may be interposed between said second end of each bracelet part and the secondary element, this connector 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 connection means.

[0010] According to the invention, the snap-fastening means capable of joining two parts together may comprise a receiving part, arranged on one part, and a locking part, arranged on the other part, which will be capable of joining one another by a movement whose direction of movement is unique and of separating one from the other by a movement of movement in the opposite direction after actuation of a control member arranged on the locking part.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving part may be in the proximal part of the connector element and the locking part may be at the end of a bracelet part.

[0012] Conversely, in another embodiment, the lock part may be in the proximal part of the connector element and the receiving part may be at the end of a bracelet part.

[0013] The lateral sides of the lock part may include orifices crossed transversely by control buttons which will be mounted to slide transversely in said lock part and which will come to bear on 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 an unlocking position under the action of the control buttons.

[0014] The proximal part of the lock part may include two centering pins of complementary shape and dimensions of receiving orifices made in the receiving part.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the connector element may comprise a lock part, and it will be hollowed out, substantially in its middle, with a cavity opening towards the inside of the bracelet and which will transversely pass through said connector element, the proximal part of the connector element forming a narrow protuberance ending in two symmetrical angular sides joining its lateral flanks, 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.

[0016] Finally, the distal part of the receiving part may comprise a transverse pin which will be intended to take place in said transverse cavity when the connector element is arranged 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 connector element in position on the receiving part, thus ensuring the connection of the bracelet with the connector element.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawing in which:

[0018] [Fig.l] is a partial top view of a watch of the so-called classic type according to the prior art,

[0019] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of a watch according to a mode of setting work of the present invention,

[0020] [Fig.3] is a partial top view of a first implementation variant of a watch according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig.4] is a top view of a second mode of implementation of an element snap-on lock on a connector element of the watch according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig.5] is a top view of a third mode of implementation of an element snap-on lock on a connector element of the watch according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.6] is a partial top view of a second implementation variant of a watch according to the invention,

[0024] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of three examples of the embodiment of a watch according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.8] is a side view of the first example of the watch shown in the [Fig.7],

[0026] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view of the watch shown in [Fig.8],

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view of a variant of the snap-in mode implemented on the watch according to the invention, in a position preceding the snap-fastening,

[0028] [Fig. 11] is a side view of the snap-in mode shown in [Fig. 10] in a position before the snap-in,

[0029] [Fig. 12] is a side view of the snap-in mode shown in Figures 10 and 11, once said snap-fastening has been carried out.

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically shows a wristwatch 1' of the conventional type according to the prior art.

[0031] This wristwatch 1' thus comprises a case 3 which has on two opposite sides a pair of horns 5 between which are arranged a first end 7a of the two parts of a bracelet 7. These ends 7a are wound around a telescopic axis 9 mounted on a spring, the two ends of which are placed in two opposite cavities 11 of the horns 5, so that the latter and said telescopic axis constitute means of connecting the two parts of the bracelet with the case 3.

[0032] As an example, [Fig. 2] shows a diagram of a wristwatch 1 according to the invention, intended to show the principle of the latter.

[0033] In this exemplary implementation, the wristwatch 1 comprises a watch case 3 which is provided with connecting means 5, 9 with each of the first two ends of a bracelet part 7, as described previously.

[0034] Unlike the wristwatch of the prior art described with reference to [Fig. 1], the connection between the case 3 of the watch and the two first ends 7a of the two bracelet parts is effected by means of a connector element 13 which is thus interposed between the case 3 and each first end 7a of the bracelet 7.

[0035] For this purpose, the connector element 13, which is shown in more detail in [Fig. 3], is thus connected both to the housing 3 and to the first end 7a of a bracelet part.

[0036] In the present example, this connector element 13 is connected to the housing 3 by connecting means identical to those implemented in a conventional manner described previously with regard to [Fig.l], that is to say, in its distal part, it is pierced with a transverse bore 15 which receives a telescopic axis 9 whose two ends are fitted into two respective cavities 11 of the horns 5 of the housing 3.

[0037] 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 of the housing and to be extracted from them under the action of a control element.

[0038] According to the invention, this connection 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 an almost definitive manner, the connector element 13 to the latter. It is therefore a connection that is in principle made only once to put the connector element 13 in place on the case 3 of the watch.

[0039] Conversely, the connector element 13 comprises in its proximal part connection means of the quick-engagement type which are intended to join it 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 demonstrate dexterity.

[0040] Connection means of the type referred to hereinafter as “snap-on” have currently been used, i.e. means allowing the joining of two parts by a simple relative displacement of the latter in a single direction, namely in this case a relative displacement along the longitudinal axis yy' of the bracelet, in the direction of arrow F in [Fig.3].

[0041] For this purpose, the proximal part of the connector element 13 comprises a so-called receiving part 24 which is hollowed out in its center with a recess 17 delimited by a transverse bottom wall 17a and by two lateral walls 17b inclined at approximately 45° relative to the transverse axis xx' of the bracelet 7 and substantially in the middle of which two housings 17c open forming receiving catches, as explained below. On either side of the recess 17 two longitudinal centering holes 19 are provided.

[0042] The receiving part 24 of the connector element 13 is intended to be secured to the first end 7a of the bracelet and more precisely to its so-called head link 22. For this purpose, the latter is provided with a lock part 21 whose distal part forms a boss 23 which is, for this purpose, of a shape and dimensions complementary to the recess 17.

[0043] The lock part 21 comprises two cylindrical centering pins 25 of shape and dimensions complementary to those of the holes 19 and which are intended to take place in the latter ensuring, during snap-fastening, the guidance of the receiving part 24 of the connector element 13 with said lock part 21. It will be noted that for better clarity of the drawings the control buttons 27 and the two rods 29 have been provided with hatching in Figures 3 to 5.

[0044] The lateral sides of the lock part 21 comprise orifices crossed transversely by control buttons 27 which are mounted to slide transversely in the body of the lock part and which come to bear on the base of two rods 29 which end on the distal side of the lock part by two lateral bolts 31 which are able to move towards the outside of the latter in a locking position, under the action of elastic means constituted, in this embodiment of the invention, by an encapsulated compression spring 33, as shown in [Fig. 3], as well as towards the inside of the lock in an unlocking position.

[0045] Thus, when the user presses the two control buttons 27, the latter push the base of the two rods 29 towards the inside of the lock part 21, against the force exerted by the elastic means 33, and the two bolts 31 retract inside the lock part 21 in the unlocking position.

[0046] The operation of snapping the connector element 13 and the lock part 21 is carried out by a simple longitudinal movement in the direction of the arrow F due to the fact that the inclined shape of the side walls 17b has the effect, during this movement, of pushing the bolts 31 towards the inside of the lock element against the action of the elastic means 33 until the latter are located opposite the housings 17c forming a latch and have taken place in them. Once the bolts 31 have taken place in the latches 17c, the two elements are then locked and can only be released by pressing the control buttons 27 ensuring the withdrawal of the bolts 31.

[0047] In order to improve the connection of the control buttons 27 with the two rods 29, these two elements are connected to each other by a connecting piece 35 in the shape of a diabolo, the two heads of which are respectively housed in correspondingly shaped slots in the control buttons 27 and the two rods 29.

[0048] It would of course be possible, according to the invention, to use return means other than the encapsulated compression spring 33.

[0049] It would thus be possible to use a spiral bending spring of the pin type 33a, as shown in [Fig. 4]. This latter embodiment is particularly interesting in that the upper part of the branches of this spiral bending spring 33a comes to bear on the two lateral bolts 31 along a transverse axis xx', which makes it possible to facilitate their transverse movement and their proper snap-fastening in the housings forming a catch 17c of the connector element 13, thus avoiding any risk of jamming.

[0050] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the control button 27 and the rod 29 ending in a bolt 31 could also be made in a single piece, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0051] Furthermore, the mechanism of the locking part 21 is secured by a plate, not shown in the drawing, which closes it.

[0052] The proximal part of the lock part 21 ends with the head link 22 from which the various successive links 42 forming the bracelet 7 are articulated on a transverse pin 44, in a conventional manner known in this field of technology. For this purpose, the links 42 are pierced with transverse holes 45 receiving the pins 44, as shown in Figures 3 and 6.

[0053] Of course, in a kinematic inversion, and as shown in [Fig.6], the lock part 21 can also be made on the connector element 13 then receives by snap-fastening the receiving part 24 which is secured to the head link 22 of the first end 7a of a bracelet part 7. In a known manner, the links 42 following the head link 22 of the bracelet are secured to each other, as previously, by pins 44 which pass through suitable transverse holes 45 made in the successive links.

[0054] The present invention is particularly interesting in that it allows the user to change the strap 7 of his watch particularly quickly and easily, since the operation consists of a simple unclipping of the existing strap to replace it with a different strap, which snaps onto the element connector, either a more durable bracelet if he wants to play a sport, or a more precious type of bracelet, which allows him to match his outfit, and all this while keeping the same classic watch case.

[0055] It is understood, however, that the present invention is of major interest in that the connector element 13 which makes it possible to ensure easy and rapid connection and disconnection of a bracelet with a watch case not only makes it possible to carry out a rapid exchange of a bracelet on a given watch, but also allows easy connection and disconnection of this watch with a second object, hereinafter referred to as a “secondary element” and which may in particular consist of a watch of another type, for example of a type complementary to the first, as well as a connected watch. This second object or secondary element may also consist in particular of a module no longer relating to the measurement of time, for example an activity tracking module and in particular a heart rate tracking device, a blood pressure monitor, a device for monitoring calories burned, a pedometer, etc.This secondary element can also be of a purely decorative type, such as a piece of jewelry.

[0056] [Fig. 7] thus schematically shows a classic type watch 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 arranged at the first end 7a of each bracelet part.

[0057] 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 connected watch 52 in example 1, to an activity tracking module 54 in example 2, and to a piece of jewelry 56 in example 3.

[0058] Figures 8 and 9 show in more detail a classic type watch that it is desired to match with a secondary element consisting of a connected type watch 52.

[0059] For this purpose, the case 3 of the conventional watch is connected to two connector elements 13 by connecting means 5, 9 in particular of the type described above, these connector elements 13 remaining in principle permanently connected to the case. The receiving parts 24 of these connector elements are respectively joined to a lock part 21 arranged at the first end 7a of each bracelet part 7.

[0060] The second ends 7b of these bracelet parts, which are also each provided with a lock part 21, are likewise snapped into place with the receiving part 24 of a connector element 13 with which the watch 52 is provided. A friction damping element 36 may be arranged at the end of the connector element 13 and is thus arranged between the latter and the case 3 of the watch.

[0061] The user thus has the possibility of quickly and easily switching, by a simple unclipping and clipping operation, from a single classic watch to a set of double watches, for example “classic-connected” or “classic-activity tracking module” or “classic-jewelry” etc., and this depending for example on its activities, its outing programs etc.

[0062] Figures 10 to 12 show an alternative embodiment of snap-fastening means according to the present invention, in which a lock part 21' is arranged in the proximal part of a connector element 13'. According to this embodiment, this connector element 13' snaps onto a receiving part 24' forming a catch, the proximal part of which is articulated to the links 42' of a bracelet part as described previously.

[0063] More precisely, the distal part of the connector element 13' is arranged between the horns of a conventional 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 the ends of which are fitted into cavities of the horns.

[0064] The connector element 13', which comprises a lock part 21', is for this purpose hollowed out, substantially in its middle, with a cavity 58 which opens downwards in Figures 10 to 12 and which passes through it transversely. The proximal part of the connector element 13' forms a protuberance 60 of small width, i.e. approximately a quarter of its transverse dimension, which extends over a length of approximately a third of its longitudinal dimension, and ends with two symmetrical angular sides 62 joining its lateral flanks. The protuberance 60 has a thickness substantially half that of the distal part of the connector element 13'.

[0065] Furthermore, the interior of the latter contains control means, not shown in the drawing, capable of actuating by means of a button 27', arranged on the top of the connector element 13', the movement of two bolts 31'. The latter are capable of occupying two positions, namely a locking position in which they are extended when no stress is exerted on the control button 27', as shown in Figures 10 to 12, and a retracted position when the latter is pressed.

[0066] As previously specified, the lock part 21' of the connector element 13' is intended to snap onto the receiving part 24' forming a catch, the distal part of which is complementary to that of the lock part 21' of the connector element 13'. It thus comprises a central part which is hollowed out with a housing 64 intended to receive the protuberance 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'.

[0067] Furthermore, the distal part of the receiving part 24' forming a latch comprises a transverse pin 66 which is intended to take place in the transverse cavity 58 when the connector element 13' is arranged on the receiving part forming a striker 24'. In this position, and as shown in [Fig.12], when the button 27' is released, the bolts 31' of the lock part come into contact with the pin 66, locking the connector element 13' in position on the receiving part forming a striker 24', which ensures the connection of the bracelet with the connector element 13'. It is understood that pressing the control button 27' will cause the retraction of the two bolts 31' and consequently the release of these two elements.

[0068] It would of course be possible, according to the present invention, to use other methods of connecting the connector element to the case of the conventional watch, depending on the specific features of the latter.

[0069] It would also be possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to use other means of fixing or snap-fastening the connector element with the part lock.

Claims

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, 9, 9'), characterized in that a connector element (13, 13') is interposed between said first end (7a) of each bracelet part (7) and the case (3), this connector element (13, 13') being firstly fixed to the case (3) by said connecting means (5, 9, 9') and secondly being 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 proximal part of the locking part (21) comprising two centering pins (25) of complementary shape and dimensions of receiving orifices (19) made in the receiving part (24).

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 of the connected type.

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 jewel (56).

6. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a connector element (13, 13') is interposed between said second end (7b) of each bracelet part (7) and the secondary element (52, 54, 56), this connector element (13, 13') being firstly fixed to said secondary element (52, 54, 56) by said connecting means (5, 9, 9') and secondly being 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 capable of joining two parts comprise a receiving part (24, 24'), arranged on one part, and a locking part (21, 21'), arranged on the other part, which are capable of joining one another by a movement whose direction of movement is unique and of separating one from the other by a movement of movement in the opposite direction after actuation of a control member (27, 27') arranged on the lock part (21, 21').

8. Wristwatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving part (24, 24') is partly proximal to the connector element (13, 13') and the locking part (21, 21') is at the end of a part (7a, 7b) of the bracelet.

9. Wristwatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the lock part (21, 21') is partly proximal to the connector element (13, 13') and the receiving part (24, 24') is at the end of a part (7a, 7b) of the bracelet.

10. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the lateral sides of the lock part (21) comprise orifices crossed transversely by control buttons (27) which are mounted to slide transversely in said lock part (21) and which come to bear on the base of two sliding rods (29) ending in two lateral bolts (31) which are able to move outwards into a locking position under the action of elastic means (33, 33a) and an unlocking position under the action of the control buttons (27).

11. Wristwatch according to any one of claims 7 or 9, characterized in that the connector element (13') comprises a lock part (21'), and is hollowed out, substantially in its middle, with a cavity (58) which opens towards the inside of the bracelet (7) and which transversely passes through said connector element (13'), the proximal part of the connector element (13') forming a protuberance (60) of small width ending in two symmetrical angular sides (62) joining its lateral flanks, the interior of the connector element (13') containing control means (27') capable of actuating the movement of two bolts (31'), the latter being capable of occupying two positions, namely a locking position in which they are extended when no stress is exerted on the control means (27'), and a retracted position when the latter are actuated.

12. Wristwatch according to claim 11, characterized in that the distal part of the receiving part (24') comprises a transverse pin (66) which is intended to take place in said cavity transverse (58) when the connector element (13') is arranged on the receiving part (24'), so that when the control means (27') are not activated, the bolts (31') of the lock part (21') come into contact with the pin (66), locking the connector element (13') in position on the receiving part (24'), thus ensuring the connection of the bracelet (7) with the connector element (13').

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