A watch that can be worn around the neck

Abstract

To provide a clock enabling time measurement in an automobile in safety of good driving, preferably suited for rally sports.SOLUTION: A clock 10 for time measurement comprises: a clock housing 12 for storing a time measurement unit 14; a connection element 16 attached to a clock case 12; and a neck string 20 connected to a connection element to wear the clock around a human neck. The loop size of the neck string engaged around the neck can be variably adjusted through assistance of an adjustment element 22 engaged with the neck string. A setting unit reduces the loop size of the neck string to enable holding of the clock in the manner of preventing a loss so that time measurement in an automobile, especially in rally sports, can be carried out in safety of good driving.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch that can be worn around the neck and can be used to measure time. [Background technology]

[0002] From US Pat. No. 5,629,991 and US Pat. No. 5,629,991 it is known to replace the watch strap with a lanyard so that the watch can be worn around the neck.

[0003] A watch that can be worn around the neck is ideal for a rally co-driver to communicate lap times and / or time-related information regarding cornering and / or special stages. Particularly in motorsport rallies, there is a constant need to improve driving safety and prevent injuries and / or accidents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Utility Model No. 218549961 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 20111149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate a measurement that allows time measurement in motor vehicles with good driving safety, preferably a timepiece suitable for rally sports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, the problem is solved by a timepiece having the features set out in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and in the following description, which may constitute aspects of the invention individually or in combination.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a watch for measuring time, comprising a watch housing for accommodating a time measurement unit, a connection element attached to the watch housing, and a neck strap connected to the connection element for wearing around a person's neck, wherein the loop size of the neck strap that engages around the neck can be variably adjusted by an adjustment element that engages with the neck strap.

[0008] Particularly in rally sports, a sporty and highly skilled driving style can result in high acceleration forces for vehicle occupants. When cornering, acceleration forces can occur in the transverse direction (Y direction), while during strong acceleration and braking, acceleration forces can occur in the longitudinal direction (X direction). For example, if a vehicle is traveling at high speed over the top of a hill and is lifted off the ground, acceleration forces can also occur in the direction of gravity (Z direction). It has been recognized that acceleration forces in the direction of gravity can lift a watch worn around the neck, resulting in a risk that the watch may spontaneously detach from the wearer's head. The detached watch can then damage the vehicle or the watch itself. In particular, there is a risk that a detached watch will disturb and distract the driver, which may lead to an accident.

[0009] However, the loop size of the lanyard can be changed using an adjustment element. The adjustment element can initially allow for a very large loop size so that the lanyard can easily be threaded over the wearer's head. Once the lanyard reaches the wearer's neck, the adjustment element can be used to reduce the loop size of the lanyard. In particular, the loop size of the lanyard is reduced so that the loop size is larger than the circumference of the neck but smaller than the circumference of the head. In the unlikely event that the watch is lifted from the wearer by an acceleration force in the direction of gravity, the reduced loop size means that the lanyard can be kept under the wearer's chin and will not be thrown into the interior of the vehicle. The setting element allows the loop size of the lanyard to be reduced to hold the watch in a manner that prevents loss, so that timekeeping in automobiles, especially in rally sports, is possible with good driving safety.

[0010] The time measuring unit of a watch can be designed to display the current time. In particular, the time measuring unit can fulfill the typical functions of a wristwatch. Preferably, the time measuring unit has a stopwatch function. The time measuring unit can be based on a mechanical principle for measuring time, in particular, the time measuring unit has a mechanical movement, for example, a balance and / or a winding spring, and the energy source of the movement for operating the mechanical movement can also be designed mechanically, or the energy source can additionally or alternatively be designed electrically, for example with the aid of a battery. Preferably, the time measuring unit is designed as an electronic unit, in particular as a smartwatch.

[0011] The watch housing is designed in particular for mechanical protection of the time measuring unit. Preferably, the watch housing is additionally or alternatively designed to protect the time measuring unit from environmental influences, such as moisture, dust, and / or wetness. The watch housing can completely enclose the time measuring unit, and the watch housing in particular has a substantially transparent window through which the display of the time measuring unit can be viewed. If the time measuring unit has its own display, it is also possible for the display itself to be used as part of the outer casing of the watch.

[0012] The neck strap can be designed as a cord, for example. In particular, the cord can be braided from several fibers. Preferably, the cord has a diameter of about 3 mm to 5 mm. In particular, the neck strap can have an essentially circular cross section, but it is also possible for the neck strap to have an essentially rectangular cross section. In particular, the neck strap can be made of a plastic material. For example, the neck strap has a total length of about 90 cm ± 10 cm. The maximum loop size of the neck strap can therefore be about 45 cm ± 5 cm.

[0013] In particular, the connection element can be attached to the watch housing at the position where the strap would otherwise be attached to the watch housing. With respect to the time-measuring unit's display, the connection element can be arranged at the 12 o'clock position and / or the 3 o'clock position and / or the 6 o'clock position and / or the 9 o'clock position. Preferably, the time-measuring unit can be clamped to the watch housing so that it can be rotated, in particular by hand, and the desired relative alignment of the time-measuring unit's display to the connection element can be individually set, in particular on one side only. At the same time, the connection element allows connection to the neck strap. For example, the connection element can be fastened and / or knotted to the connection element. However, it is also possible for the connection element to form a detachable or non-detachable attachment to the neck strap, for example by tightening and / or shortening. Preferably, the connection between the neck strap and the connection element can be designed so that relative movement of the watch case along the longitudinal extension of the neck strap is blocked by friction and / or a positive lock.

[0014] In particular, the adjustment element is frictionally secured to the lanyard. The applied friction force can be manually controlled to move the adjustment element along the lanyard, thereby adjusting the loop circumference. For example, the loop size of the lanyard can be maximized to secure the lanyard to the connecting element, in particular the knot. The friction fit can prevent the adjustment element from falling off. In particular, the adjustment element can surround at least a portion of the lanyard so that the adjustment element is securely secured to the lanyard in a manner that prevents loss.

[0015] The adjustment element preferably encompasses two strap sections of the neck cord arranged next to each other. One strap section may be the portion of the neck cord that connects to the connection element, and the other strap section may be the portion of the neck cord that comes from the connection element. As a result, the adjustment element can limit the loop fastened to the connection element and the loop of material fastened to the neck, and the respective loop sizes can be changed by moving the adjustment element along the two strap sections. This allows for simple and intuitive adjustment of the loop size of the neck cord intended for the neck.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that the neck strap have at least one fixed stopper for limiting the loop size that can be adjusted to a predefined minimum size using the adjustment element. The adjustment element, which can move relative to the neck strap, can rest against the fixed stopper, so that the loop size cannot be reduced below the minimum size defined by the stopper. This prevents an error in operating the adjustment element from setting the loop size too tight, which could lead to breathing difficulties for the wearer. This improves operational safety. The minimum size for the loop size intended for the neck can be, for example, 30 cm, 35 cm, or 40 cm. The stopper can be designed, for example, as a knot in the neck strap. The stopper may also be designed as a stop element attached at a predefined position to prevent movement. Since the stopper can prevent compression, it is possible to avoid predetermined breaking points on the neck strap, especially by using a plug connection that can automatically release under load, for example. This prevents the lanyard from opening unnecessarily and / or unintentionally in dangerous situations that would only arise if the lanyard opened automatically, for example under accelerations that occur in rally sports.

[0017] In particular, the adjustment element is part of a zipper fastener formed with the aid of a neck strap. When the zipper is pulled open, a larger loop size is set, and when the zipper is pulled closed, a smaller loop size is set. Additionally, a predefined minimum loop size can be specified via the length of the zipper.

[0018] The connecting element is preferably hinged to the watch housing, which means that it is not necessary to lift the neck strap to read the watch, resulting in simplified handling.

[0019] The connecting elements are particularly preferably made of titanium and / or titanium alloys and / or coated, which allows for high wear and corrosion resistance of the connecting elements, so that sliding and / or grinding of the lanyard along the connecting elements has no expected effect on the mechanical and / or optical properties of the connecting elements, thereby improving their service life.

[0020] In particular, the connecting element is designed as an eyelet or as a mechanical fastening, in particular a clip fastening element. The neck strap can be threaded through the eyelet and / or fastened to the eyelet. If the connecting element is designed as a mechanical fastening, it can be connected to a fastening partner of corresponding design, preferably one that is resistant to movement. For example, the connecting element can be clipped, screwed, pressed or clamped onto the neck strap.

[0021] The width of the watch housing tapers towards the connecting element, which is preferably laterally inclined and / or curved in order to integrate the shape of the connecting element into the shape of the watch housing. The connecting element can thus be integrated into the design language of the watch housing and does not appear as a foreign element of the watch. Instead, a harmonious appearance is obtained which creates a good visual impression.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the lanyard is designed as a flat strap. The suspension band can therefore take the form of a lanyard, also known as a "lanyard" or "keylace." The flat design of the lanyard allows it to lie flat against the wearer's body, keeping the watch out of the way when not needed.

[0023] Furthermore, labelling and / or symbols can be provided on the adjustment element and / or on the connecting element, preferably by laser engraving, which makes it possible to at least symbolically indicate that the loop size can be adjusted with the aid of the adjustment element, which facilitates handling and correct use of the setting element.

[0024] A further aspect relates to the use of a watch, as mentioned above, which can be designed and further developed for timing rally sports, in particular special stages, with the setting element making it possible to reduce the loop size of the lanyard and to hold the watch in a manner that prevents it from being lost, so that timing in cars in rally sports is possible with good driving safety.

[0025] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred exemplary embodiments, whereby the features presented below can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a timepiece; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic detail view of a second embodiment of the timepiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The watch 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be worn around a co-driver's neck to measure time during a motorsport rally. The watch 10 has a watch housing 12 in which a timing unit 14 is wholly or partially housed and / or enclosed. A connection element 16 having an eyelet 18 is hingedly attached to one end of the watch housing 12, to which a watch wristband can be attached in other ways. The connection element 16 can be disposed at the 12, 3, 6, or 9 o'clock position. A neck strap 20 is attached to the eyelet 18 and, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is designed as a cord tied to the eyelet 18. An adjustment element 22 is provided in the vicinity of the eyelet 18 and a knot that frictionally engages around two opposing strap sections of the neck strap 20.

[0028] In the position of the adjustment element 22 shown in FIG. 1 , the neck strap 20 can be guided around the wearer's head until the adjustment element 22 reaches the wearer's neck. The adjustment element 22 can then be displaced relative to the neck strap 20 so that the loop size of the neck strap 20 on the other side of the adjustment element 22, in the section of the neck strap 20 facing away from the connecting element 16, can be reduced. The loop size can be selected to be very small so that the watch 10 does not slip off the head by itself, but is held under the wearer's chin in a manner that prevents loss. The minimum loop size can be ensured using a stopper, not shown.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment of watch 10 shown in Fig. 2, eyelet 18 of connecting element 16 is significantly wider compared to the exemplary embodiment of watch 10 shown in Fig. 1, so that a flat neck strap 20 with an essentially rectangular cross section can be used as neck strap 20 instead of a cord with a round cross section. Connecting element 18 has a width and a lateral outer contour 24 such that a lateral line 26 of watch case 12 follows the outer contour 24 of connecting element 16. In particular, watch housing 12 and connecting element 16 are made of and / or coated with the same material, for example titanium or a titanium alloy, so as to create a harmonious unit with a visually appealing design language.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method of using a clock (10) for measuring time, comprising: The clock (10) a watch housing (12) for accommodating a time measurement unit (14); a connecting element (16) attached to said watch housing (12); a neck strap (20) connected to said connecting element (16) for wearing around the neck of a wearer; Equipped with The loop size of the neck strap (20) around the neck can be adjusted by an adjustment element (22) that engages with the neck strap (20); the wearer is a motorsport vehicle occupant, and the watch (10) is used by the wearer for timing purposes during a rally; The method of use includes: adjusting the loop size to be larger than the circumference of the wearer's head; passing the neck strap (20) over the wearer's head; After the neck strap (20) reaches the neck of the wearer, adjusting the loop size to be larger than the circumference of the neck but smaller than the circumference of the head; Instructions for use include:

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