Racing Tachymeter

Abstract

A tachymeter device for indicating the average speed of a moving object and a watch equipped with such a tachymeter device comprise a timer and an activator for manually starting the timer when the object passes a start mark and stopping the timer when the object passes a predefined distance from the start mark. They comprise a housing, a scale for indicating the average speed of the moving object and a pointer for indicating on the scale a measured average speed, the measured average speed being derived from said predefined distance and the time covering said predefined distance measured by the timer. The scale is designed as a scale part removably arranged on the housing. The scale part is selected from a set of scale parts including a plurality of different scale parts each having a scale with a speed indication for indicating a speed range corresponding to a different predefined distance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tachometer device with a speed scale and a pointer movable along the speed scale to indicate the speed of a moving object such as a car or a boat according to the preamble of patent claim 1. In particular, the present invention relates to a racing tachometer device for racing cars. [Background technology]

[0002] Stopwatches and watches with tachometer function are used to measure and indicate the average speed of a moving object such as a vehicle, motorcycle or boat based on the distance covered over a time interval. They contain a scale indicating speed units, for example, in kilometers per hour, miles per hour or nautical miles per hour. The stopwatch is started when the moving object passes a start marker and is stopped at a second marker after a known distance has been covered by the moving object. A pointer indicates the resulting average speed on the scale. Furthermore, it is difficult to identify when the vehicle has reached a predefined distance from the start mark. Therefore, the stopping of the timer may be inaccurate, which may cause glitches in the speed indication.

[0003] It is known to equip wristwatches with tachymeter devices. For example, DE 10 2007 005 592 A1 discloses a wristwatch with a circular speed scale displayed on the bezel of the watch. A first speed scale includes three concentric rows of speed sections for covering a speed range between 125 km / h and 178 km / h, which is used to indicate speed on a race course. A second speed scale, arranged concentrically inside the first scale, covers a speed range between 140 km / h and 260 km / h, which indicates speed on a test course. A push button is used to start a timer when a vehicle passes a start mark and to stop the timer when a second marker, located at a defined distance after the start mark, is reached by the vehicle. A pointer rotating around the central axis of the scale indicates the average speed of objects on the first and second scales. The third scale is placed inside the two average speed scales to indicate which of the three concentric rows of the first speed scale should be used to read the average speed. As a result, the watch face is cluttered with markings that are difficult to read and difficult to distinguish. Speed ​​readings derived from this watch can easily be inaccurate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 10 2007 005 592 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tachometer device which reliably reflects the average speed of a moving object, covers a wide range of speed indications, covers a wide range of defined distances, facilitates accurate speed readings, allows for easy handling of the device, and provides instantaneous average speed readings for various predetermined distances.

[0006] These and other objects are achieved by a tachymeter device according to independent claim 1 and by a watch according to independent claim 10. Advantageous features and preferred embodiments of the tachymeter device and the watch according to the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims 2 to 9.

[0007] According to the invention, a tachometer device for indicating the average speed of a moving object comprises a timer and an activator for manually starting the timer when the object passes a start mark and for stopping the timer when the object passes a predefined distance from the start mark. The timer measures the time required for the moving object to cover the predefined distance. Furthermore, the tachometer device comprises a housing, a scale on the housing for indicating the average speed of the moving object, and a pointer for indicating the measured average speed on the scale, the measured average speed being derived from the predefined distance and the time required by the moving object to cover said predefined distance, measured by the timer. The scale on the housing of the tachometer device according to the invention is designed as a scale part removably arranged on the housing. Furthermore, the scale part is selected from a set of scale parts including a plurality of different scale parts, each having a scale with a speed display part for indicating a speed range corresponding to a different predefined distance. The set of scale parts comprises a tachometer device. A user of the device can select the scale part corresponding to the predefined distance covered by the moving object.

[0008] The tachometer device according to the invention can be easily adapted to measure average speeds at various different predetermined distances. A scale portion corresponding to a predetermined distance can be simply removed from the housing and another scale portion corresponding to another predetermined distance can be attached to the housing. In this way, the tachometer device can be used, for example, for different race courses for cars or motorcycles, for different regatta courses for boats or for different race courses for horse racing. Advantageously, each speed display of the scale portion covers typical average speed values ​​for each of the different predetermined distances of an individual moving object. Also, the distance of the speed display portions from each other can be adjusted so that the extension of the scale corresponds to the size of the scale portion and there are no overlapping speed display portions. In this way, the measured average speed can be easily and accurately read off the scale portion.

[0009] Thus, in one embodiment of the tachymeter device of the present invention, each graduation of the set of graduations can correspond to a known track defining a different predetermined distance for each of a plurality of different graduations, and the speed indicia on the graduations for a predetermined track covers a range of typical average velocities of moving objects for said predetermined track. Preferably, the distance of the speed indicia on the graduations is selected such that the graduations cover only one row of indicia, keeping the graduations uncluttered and easy to read.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the tachemeter device, the speed indications on the scale for said predefined track range from the average speed of the slowest moving object on said track to the average speed of the fastest moving object on said track. For example, the predefined tracks and their corresponding scales used with the tachemeter device are racing tracks for vehicles, and the tachemeter device is used to measure the average speed of vehicles on different predefined tracks. In this case, the speed indications on the scale for the predefined racing tracks may range from the average speed of the slowest vehicle on a wet racing day on said track to the average speed of the fastest vehicle on a dry racing day on said track. Furthermore, the scale preferably indicates a recorded speed for said predefined track achieved by a moving object such as a vehicle. In this way, the performance of the moving object can be easily compared with past speed results by such moving object. Optionally, the scale also indicates the slowest speed of the moving object for said predefined track.

[0011] Preferably, the distance of the speed indicia on the scale is selected so that the scale covers only one row of indicia, keeping the scale uncluttered and easy to read.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the tachymeter device according to the invention, the graduations of the set of graduations are designed as a circular bezel of a watch, and the speed indications on the bezel for indicating the speed ranges are displayed on the circular surface of the bezel. The bezel representing the particular graduations can be attached to a housing of the watch which serves as the housing of the tachymeter device.

[0013] The distance between the speed indicators on each bezel is adapted to the range of typical average speeds of a given track, so that the speed indicators can cover only a part of the circular surface of the bezel or the entire surface. In an advantageous embodiment of the tachymeter device, the speed indicators of the scale cover less than half of the circular surface of the bezel, for example about 1 / 3 of the circular surface. For example, when the bezel is attached to a watch, the scale is arranged only on the lower part of the watch. In this way, the individual scales for the different parameters provided by the watch, for example time, date, seconds and average speed, are located in different areas on the watch. The user can quickly and reliably read the values ​​of the different parameters and can easily identify, in particular, the average speed measured by the tachymeter device.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the tachymeter device according to the invention, each graduation of the set of graduations corresponds to a loop track, the length of the loop track defining a predetermined distance for said graduation of said loop track. A start mark is defined as a position on the loop track represented by a corresponding graduation. For example, the start mark can be defined as a position of a person standing on the loop track and looking at the moving object. A stop mark for stopping the timer corresponds to the start mark after the moving object has completed one revolution on the loop track. The stop mark is therefore also indicated by the position of a person standing on the loop track and looking at the moving object after it has completed one revolution on the loop track. Such graduations allow the average speed of successive laps of the moving object on the loop track to be easily determined and different average speed values ​​to be compared.

[0015] In yet a further embodiment of the tachymeter device according to the invention, the attachment for releasably attaching the scale to the housing is realised by a first attachment on the housing and a second attachment on the scale, which engage with a form-fit or friction-fit when the scale is attached to the housing. For example, the form-fit of the attachments can be realised by a clip connection, where the edges of the two attachments flexibly engage with each other. Furthermore, the form-fit can be realised by a threaded or bayonet connection between the attachments. The friction-fit can be realised, for example, by a press fit, which creates a frictional force between the attachments to keep them engaged.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the tachymeter device of the present invention, the set of graduations includes a number of individual graduations corresponding to a number of predetermined racing tracks that establish a racing series of a certain moving object over one year. For example, the set of graduations includes a graduation for each of the race tracks of a Formula 1 racing series of race cars in a given year. A user of the tachymeter device participating in some of the races of the Formula 1 series can easily change the tachymeter device to the predetermined track length of each race of the series by selecting and attaching the graduation corresponding to the predetermined race track on the housing of the device. For example, the set of graduations can include individual graduations corresponding to the GP series in Monaco, Great Britain, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, etc. The set of graduations provides an individual graduation corresponding to each of the 23 GP races, which may differ in the predetermined track length, the average minimum speed indication and the average maximum speed indication, and the lap record indication.

[0017] A user can simply watch a race from a gallery or platform at the race course and determine the average speed for each lap of the racing track by activating a timer. The average speed for each lap, the average speed for a series of laps, or the average speed for the entire race can be determined by a tachymeter device.

[0018] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a tachymeter device as described above. The wristwatch comprises at least a housing, a clock face, preferably of round shape, a time scale for the time of the day, and a pointer for indicating the time on the time scale. The elements of the tachymeter device can be realized as an integral part of the wristwatch, except for the scale, which is attached to the housing of the watch. For example, a pointer for indicating the average speed on the scale is an additional pointer of the wristwatch, which can move around the central axis of the wristwatch in the same way as the pointer of the clock. Furthermore, the wristwatch can comprise a timer and an activator for the timer, which can be used as a timer and an activator of the tachymeter device.

[0019] The watch according to the invention can be easily adapted for use in determining the average speed of a moving object on tracks of different predetermined distances by simply replacing the scale. The measured speed is clearly shown in a clearly defined area on the watch and does not interfere with other indications, such as the time indication.

[0020] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following drawings, which serve merely to illustrate and should not be construed as limiting: the features of the invention that become apparent from the drawings should be considered as part of the disclosure of the invention both in themselves and in any combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a tachymeter device having a first scale according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the tachymeter device of FIG. 1 in an assembled state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the second scale portion of the tachymeter device of FIG. 1;

[0022] In the following description, certain terminology is used for convenience and is not intended to limit the invention. The terms "right", "left", "up", "down", "under" and "above" refer to directions in the figures. The terms include those explicitly mentioned as well as their derivatives and terms with similar meanings. In addition, spatially relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", etc., may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a tachymeter device for indicating the average speed of a moving object according to the invention, used in combination with a wristwatch. The wristwatch comprises a housing that also serves as the housing 1 of the tachymeter device. The housing 1 essentially comprises a circular planar shape, the surface 2 of which can be used as an area for a clock face of a time scale and for a pointer (not shown) indicating the time on the time scale. The pointer can rotate around the central axis of the clock face, as is commonly known. Alternatively, the flat shape may comprise a display for a digital time display. The housing 1 comprises two pairs of extensions 3, the two pairs of extensions 3 being arranged on opposite sides of the housing. The pairs of extensions serve as attachments for a wristband.

[0024] The tachymeter device further comprises a timer and an activator 4 for manually starting and stopping the timer. Three activators 4 are shown in the figure. Any of these activators can be selected as the activator for the time of day, while the others can serve other functions of the watch. The timer can be an integral unit of the watch or can be used only to determine the average speed by the tachymeter device. The scale 5 comprises a scale 6 with a speed display showing the average speed of a moving object. A pointer 13 is arranged on the surface 2 of the watch dial for showing the measured average speed on the scale 6. The pointer is preferably arranged to rotate around the central axis of the watch dial, like the pointer of a watch.

[0025] The scale portion 5 is removable from the housing 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The scale portion is selected from a set of scale portions (not shown) including a plurality of different scale portions. Each of the scale portions has a scale with a speed indicator for indicating a speed range corresponding to a different predetermined distance. The predetermined distance serves as a basis for customizing each of the scale portions to individual characteristics of a track or race course including a predetermined length. For example, the plurality of different scale portions may differ in scale range of average speed indication for a given track or course length, or scale range for different surfaces or weather conditions for a given track length, a given course length, or different race series.

[0026] The graduation portion 5 is annular and serves as a bezel for the watch. The graduations 6 are located on the upper surface of the graduation portion 5, while the graduation portion 5 is attached to the watch on the opposite lower surface. The graduation portion 5 is detachably attached to the housing 1 by a first attachment portion 7 provided on the housing 1 and a second attachment portion 8 provided on the graduation portion 5. The first attachment portion 7 has the form of a lip extending radially from the circumference of the housing 1. The lip extends over less than a quarter of the housing circumference. The first attachment portion 7 comprises two such lips extending from the housing on opposite sides of the housing. The second attachment portion 8 has the form of a lip extending radially from the inner peripheral wall of the graduation portion 5. The first attachment portion 7 comprises two such lips extending from the peripheral wall on opposite sides of the peripheral wall. The lips extend over less than a quarter of the peripheral wall. To mount the graduation part 5 on the housing 1, the graduation part 5 is placed on the housing 1 such that the lip of the second mounting part 8 is aligned with a lip-free area of ​​the circumference of the housing 1. Thus, when the graduation part 5 is placed on the surface 2 of the housing 1, the lip of the second mounting part 8 passes the lip of the first mounting part 7 and can slide downward along the housing circumference until the graduation part 5 rests on the surface 2 of the housing 1. In this position, the lip of the second mounting part 8 is positioned further from the surface 2 than the lip of the first mounting part 7. The graduation part 5 is then rotated relative to the housing 1 such that the lip of the second mounting part 8 slides under the lip of the first mounting part 7. In this position, the lip of the second mounting part 8 engages with the lip of the first mounting part 7 so that the graduation part 5 cannot be lifted further from the housing 1. The graduation part 5 rotates on the housing until a protrusion (not shown) on the graduation part 5 fits into a recess 11 on the housing 1.

[0027] This ensures that the scale portion 5 is attached to the housing 1 with a form fit. This position defines the correct mounting position of the scale portion 5 on the housing 1 for indicating the average speed of a moving object on the scale 6. The locator markings 9 on the scale portion 5 are aligned with the control markings (not shown) on a clock face, such as the 12 o'clock number on a clock face. This alignment helps to ensure correct positioning of the scale portion 5 on the housing 1. To remove the scale portion 5 from the housing 1, the scale portion 5 can be rotated on the housing to release the snap fit until the lip of the second mounting portion 8 is aligned with the lip-free area of ​​the circumference of the housing 1. In this position, the scale portion 5 can be lifted out of the housing 1.

[0028] Figures 2a and 2b show the tachymeter device in an assembled state, with the graduation 5 attached to the housing 1. Figure 2a is a three-dimensional view and figure 2b is a top view. As shown, the graduation 5 is realised as a bezel of a wristwatch.

[0029] The scale 5 is customized for a predetermined distance covered by the moving object, which in this embodiment of the scale 5 corresponds to the Silverstone International Circuit in 2022, as shown in the scale 5 in the top left area of ​​FIG. 2b, where the name 10 of the scale 5 is displayed. The predetermined distance is therefore characterized by a loop track of 3.809 km, which corresponds to 1.8508 miles. The scale 5 is also customized in this embodiment for the moving object, which is a historic saloon car of the CTCRC Pre-83 class. FIG. 2b displays the name 12 in the top right area of ​​the scale 5.

[0030] The scale 6 of the Silverstone International Circuit scale section 5 covers a range of average speed indications from 70 miles per hour (mph) up to 85 mph, which covers typical average speed results achieved in the past for this loop track, from the lowest average speed on a dry surface day to the highest average speed on a dry surface day. Furthermore, the scale 6 includes an indication LR of the lap record of the CTCRC Pre-83 class at Silverstone International Circuit, which is currently 83.8 mph. In this example, the speed indications for indicating the speed range correspond to the lowest and highest average speed results on this race course, and extend to a small portion above the lowest and highest average speed. A small portion means, for example, about 1-10%, preferably about 1-5%, of the lowest and / or highest average speed results. For example, if the lap record is 83.8 mph, the scale indications range up to about 85 mph. The distance between the speed indications on each scale section is adapted to the typical average speed range of this given race track, such that the scale 6 covers only a portion of the circular surface of the scale section 5. In this embodiment, the scale 6 covers only about ⅓ of the circular surface and shows speed indications down to 0.1 mph.

[0031] The scales are arranged on the lower half of the watch scale 5 and face 2, respectively. In this way, the remaining surface of scale 5 is free and can be used for other information such as the race track name 10 and the race series 12. The overall design of the watch face is clean and not cluttered by intertwined watch scales corresponding to different parameters.

[0032] In use, the start mark is defined by the location of the user of the tachometer device along the Silverstone International Circuit, and more specifically, may be defined as a predefined point in front of the user. When the race car of interest passes the user or the predefined point, the user starts the timer. When the race car passes the user or the predefined point again after another lap around the race course, the user stops the timer. The pointer indicates the average speed of the immediately completed lap, the average speed being derived from a predetermined distance and the time to cover said distance measured by the timer. The stop mark for stopping the timer corresponds to the start mark after the moving object has completed one lap around the race course. The user can easily tell if the race car is in a lower or higher range of average speed results, and can identify if the average speed is close to or even higher than the lap record.

[0033] The above-mentioned Silverstone International Circuit scale section 5 is only one scale section of a set of scale sections according to the present invention. Other scale sections of the set of scale sections may be customized for other race tracks longer or shorter than Silverstone International Circuit. The scale section scale corresponding to a particular race track is customized by selecting the scale range and loop record display. Other race tracks and race series may include, but are not limited to, the following circuits, which are the 23 circuits of Formula 1: [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0034] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a scale 5' for a tachometer device of the present invention. This scale is customized for the predetermined distance of the Monaco Grand Prix loop track, as indicated by the designation 10'. The length of the Monaco Circuit is 3.337 km and 2.074 miles, respectively. The speed display for indicating the speed range covers the lowest and highest average speed results on this race course and extends from 65 mph to 120 mph. The lap record LR is 102 mph. A scale of 0.1 mph units can be used, but the units in the example of FIG. 3 are minimized for clarity. The speed display is not equally spaced. The distance between 5 units in the low speed range is greater than the distance in the high speed range. Note that the scale starts at the locator mark 9 and extends counterclockwise from the lowest speed display to the highest speed display. The display in the lower half of the bezel is inverted with respect to the display in the upper half of the bezel. This is to indicate that the bezel is in a fixed position on the housing and does not need to be rotated like prior art watch bezels. The bezel has knurled edges for good grip when the bezel needs to be removed from the housing.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a scale 5'' for a tachometer device of the present invention. This scale is customized for the predetermined distance of the Brookland Grand Prix loop track, as indicated by the designation 10''. The Brookland Circuit has a length of 4.21 km and 2.61 miles, respectively. The speed display for indicating the speed range extends from 65 mph to 100 mph, covering the lowest and highest average speed results for this particular race course. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, there is a marker FL representing the fastest lap. The speed display in this embodiment extends almost the entire circumference on the bezel. The scale extends counterclockwise from the lowest speed display to the highest speed display. Again, the display in the lower half of the bezel is inverted relative to the display in the upper half of the bezel, and the bezel has a knurled edge.

[0036] In summary, the tachymeter device according to the invention is intuitive, easy to handle, and decorative. The design of each scale takes into account the length of the track, the type of race, the speed of the moving objects in a particular series, and dry or wet conditions. The design covers the slowest and fastest moving objects and indicates the current lap record. In a preferred embodiment, the tachymeter device is a circuit tachymeter, and a set of scales is designed for the various circuits of the racecourse of a racing season for racing cars. More than 95% of watch owners know how to use the timer function of their watches. All that is required is to fit the housing with the correct bezel that corresponds to a given distance, such as a racing circuit.

[0037] In the following claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfill the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Terms such as "essentially", "about", "approximately" and the like in connection with an attribute or value also specifically define the respective attribute or value precisely. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Housing 2 surface 3 Extension Pair 4. Activator 5,5',5'' scale 6 Scale 7 First mounting part 8 Second mounting part 9 Locator 10,10',10' ' indicator name 11 Snap recess 12 Race Series 13 Pointer LR Lap Record FL Fastest Lap

Claims

1. 1. A tachometer device for indicating the average speed of a moving object, comprising: a timer and activator (4) for manually starting a timer when the object passes a start mark and stopping the timer when the object passes a defined distance from the start mark; a housing (1), a scale (6) on the housing for indicating an average speed of the moving object, and a pointer (13) for indicating a measured average speed on the scale (6), wherein the measured average speed is derived from the defined distance and a time to cover the defined distance measured by the timer; the scale (6) is designed as a scale part (5, 5', 5'') that is detachably arranged on the housing (1), 1. A tachymeter device, wherein the scale portion is selected from a set of different scale portions (5, 5', 5'') each having a scale (6) with a speed indicator for indicating a range of speeds corresponding to different predetermined distances.

2. 2. The tachymeter device of claim 1, wherein each of the graduations (5, 5', 5'') of the set of graduations corresponds to a track defining a different predetermined distance for each of the plurality of different graduations (5, 5', 5''), and wherein the speed indications on the graduations for a predetermined track cover a range of typical average speeds of a moving object for the predetermined track.

3. 3. A tachymeter device according to claim 2, wherein the speed indications on the graduated portion (5, 5', 5'') for the given track range from the average speed of the slowest moving object on the track to the average speed of the fastest moving object on the track.

4. 4. A tachymeter device according to claim 1, wherein the graduations (5, 5', 5'') of the set of graduations are designed as a circular bezel of a wristwatch, in which speed indicators for indicating speed ranges are displayed on the circular surface of the bezel.

5. the distance between the speed indicators on each of the scale sections is adapted to a range of typical average speeds for the given truck; 4. The tachymeter device of claim 3, wherein the speed indicator covers only a portion of the circular surface of the bezel, less than half of the circular surface.

6. 4. A tachymeter device according to claim 1, wherein each of the graduation portions (5, 5', 5'') of the set of graduation portions corresponds to a loop track, a length of the loop track defines the predetermined distance of the corresponding graduation portion of the loop track, the start mark is defined as a predetermined position on the loop track of the graduation portion, and a stop mark for stopping the timer corresponds to the start mark after the moving object has covered one revolution on the loop track.

7. 4. A tachymeter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the speed display of the graduated portion (5, 5', 5'') of a track having a predetermined distance comprises a track record or a lap record of the track and / or an indication of the fastest lap of the track.

8. 4. A tachymeter device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting for releasably mounting the graduation (5, 5', 5'') to the housing (1) is realized by a first mounting portion (7) on the housing and a second mounting portion (8) on the graduation (5, 5', 5''), the first mounting portion (7) and the second mounting portion (8) engaging with each other in a form-fit or friction-fit manner when the graduation (5, 5', 5'') is mounted to the housing (1).

9. 4. A tachymeter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the set of graduations comprises several individual graduations (5, 5', 5'') corresponding to the number of predetermined racing tracks that establish a racing series for a certain type of moving object over the course of a year.

10. A wristwatch comprising a tachymeter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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