A watch with a removable band

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wristwatch (100) comprising: a watch case (1) including a bezel (2), a crystal (3), and a base plate (4) and defining a volume arranged to house a movement (60); and a band (30) fitted through the watch case, partially located within the volume, and movably mounted so as to slide within the bezel (2). The band (30) comprises a first mounting portion (10) connected to a first end of the band (30) and a second mounting portion (20) connected to a second end of the band (30). The first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) are movably mounted relative to the bezel (2) and located within the volume. The band (30) comprises a connecting portion (40) located within the volume, the connecting portion (40) being attached to the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to the field of watch cases.

[0002] Currently, the watch case is integral with one end of the band and is connected to the band by spring bars that engage holes provided in the lugs. These lugs are integral with the watch case and are generally applied to the case at a bezel or molded integrally with the case if the case is made of plastic or a material that can be extruded or machined from a block of material. There are numerous lug arrangements, either paired or central, that allow for the attachment of the band. For example, European Patent No. 0703512 describes a watch case with a bezel that has two pairs of integral lugs located on either side of the bezel.

[0003] The present applicant has come up with the idea of ​​proposing a new concept for a watch case with a flexible outer shell. This concept is the subject of a patent application entitled "Deformable Watch Case," filed on the same day as the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The production of such a watch case presents problems with regard to the placement of the band and its connection to the case. In fact, the outer surface of the latter does not define a fixed baseline and, moreover, does not have a mechanical structure that allows it to withstand the mechanical stresses, particularly tensile forces, that the band may cause, making it less suitable for attaching the band to the case itself. Furthermore, applying lugs to rigid elements of the frame results in the connection point of the band being far away from the outer periphery of the case. This presents other problems, particularly with regard to ergonomics and comfort.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution that allows the connection of bands to new types of watch cases, but which can also be adapted to more conventional watch cases, i.e. rigid shells, with a considerable degree of comfort and adaptability not found in prior art watch cases.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the invention is a wristwatch comprising: a watch case including a bezel, a crystal, and a base plate and defining a volume within which the movement is located; a band that is fitted through the watch case, is partially located within the volume, and is movable so as to slide within the bezel.

[0006] This type of watch can be adapted to different wrist types and different ways of wearing the watch, for example by sliding the watch case along the band. It also allows for increased comfort by avoiding any contact between the protruding parts of the watch case and the user's wrist. Finally, this type of band attachment is particularly robust, as it does not require attachment elements such as external spring bars between the band and the watch case.

[0007] The band includes a connecting portion located within the volume. The connecting portion may be different from the main portion of the band that is adapted to encircle the wrist and may facilitate attachment of the watch case to the band and / or movement of the watch case relative to the band. For example, the connecting portion may include abutment means and / or an enlargement or excess thickness for the main portion of the band. This main portion may consist of a single strand or two strands.

[0008] Advantageously, the bezel is arranged to allow the band to slide and comprises two through-slots located on either side of the watch case, i.e. on either side of the bezel, which through-slots are preferably parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the band when laid flat.

[0009] Advantageously, the bezel comprises at least one abutment surface around each of said through-slots, and the connecting portion comprises an excess thickness and / or an enlargement arranged to abut said abutment surface. An embodiment of this type simply makes it possible to limit the movement of the watch case relative to the band.

[0010] The band comprises a first mounting portion coupled to a first end of the band and a second mounting portion coupled to a second end of the band, the first and second portions being movably mounted relative to the bezel, the first and second mounting portions being located within the volume, and one of the connecting portions being attached to the first mounting portion and the other being attached to the second mounting portion.

[0011] Preferably, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion differ from the connecting portion and / or the main portion of the band, for example in shape, size or material.

[0012] Advantageously, the bezel comprises at least one abutment surface around each of the through slots, and each of the first and second attachment portions comprises or defines an excess thickness, an enlargement, and / or a protrusion arranged to abut against the abutment surface. In that case, the band can comprise a main portion, two attachment portions, and a connecting portion made up of one or more elements, such as one or more arms. An embodiment of this type simply makes it possible to limit the movement of the watch case relative to the band.

[0013] Advantageously, the connecting portion is arranged to allow at least one degree of freedom between the first and second mounting portions. Preferably, the connecting portion allows two or three degrees of freedom. The first mounting portion can thus be movable relative to the second mounting portion, which can in particular limit the forces or friction that can be applied to prominent bones of the wrist, thereby making it possible to provide a watch with even greater comfort and fit.

[0014] Advantageously, each of the first and second mounting parts is mounted on the bezel so as to be translatable and rotatable. This type of watch allows for comfortable wear by adapting to all types of wrist shapes, and allows for wrist movement through the mobility of the first and second mounting parts. In particular, the friction and / or force of the lugs against the wrist or wrist bones can be limited or offset.

[0015] Advantageously, the watch according to the invention comprises an axis passing through the first mounting portion and through the second mounting portion, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion being arranged so as to be translatable at least along this axis. Preferably, the axis passes through the centers of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. This axis may be parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the band when laid flat. For example, the first mounting portion and / or the second mounting portion may also be translatable along another axis perpendicular to this longitudinal axis.

[0016] Advantageously, the connecting part is an element attached to the band, preferably comprising at least one flexible and / or resilient arm. This attached connecting part allows for a wide selection of connecting parts adapted to any type of watch case. For example, the connecting part can comprise a cable or a portion of a cable and / or a flexible or resilient arm. This type of connecting part allows for greater freedom of movement of the first and second attachment parts relative to the bezel, thereby enabling adaptation to different wrist morphologies.

[0017] Alternatively, the connecting portion may be formed in a single piece with the band, which may provide a simpler and more robust band. For example, the connecting portion may be manufactured together with the band by molding or overmolding. Finally, the connecting portion of the band may comprise one element, two elements, or more elements of the same or different shapes.

[0018] Advantageously, the first and second attachment portions are elements attached to the band. In that case, the connecting portion is arranged to attach or connect the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion. This embodiment therefore leaves a wide flexibility in the choice of band, in particular its material. The connecting portion, the first attachment portion, and the second attachment portion, which are made of two elements, can form an eyelet that defines the opening.

[0019] Alternatively, the band, first mounting portion, second mounting portion, and connecting portion are formed as a single piece. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, and connecting portion formed as a single piece can form an eyelet defining an opening, preferably positioned to be superimposed on the movement. Additionally, the eyelet can define an enlarged portion positioned to abut against an abutment surface.

[0020] Advantageously, the bezel is deformable or flexible. Thus, not only can the assembly formed by the first and second attachment portions and the connecting portion move relative to the bezel, but the bezel itself can also deform to provide maximum comfort and fit to its wearer. Systems for wearing a band that is not attached to the case, such as those described above, do not limit or only slightly limit deformation of the case. Attachment of the band to the bezel or case actually adversely affects the flexibility of the latter's deformation.

[0021] Advantageously, the watch case comprises a container arranged to house the watch movement, the connection being arranged between the container and the base plate, it being noted that the volume defined by the bezel, the crystal and the base plate can be adapted in particular to accommodate the connection and the movement without interference.

[0022] Advantageously, the container is arranged to be at least partially supported by the connecting portion, which may make it possible to further increase the comfort of the watch as well as its visibility.

[0023] Another unclaimed aspect of the invention is a wristwatch comprising: a watch case including a bezel, a crystal, and a base plate defining a volume in which the movement is located; a band that is fitted through the watch case, is partially located within the volume, and is movably fitted so as to slide within the bezel.

[0024] In addition, a watch of this type may comprise one or more of the additional features previously described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a watch case according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a watch case according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a watch case according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 shows a perspective view of a wristwatch according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and comprising a watch case according to FIG. 2; [Figure 5] 10 shows a perspective cross-sectional view along the frontal plane of a wristwatch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view along the sagittal plane of the wristwatch according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 5. [Figure 7]10 shows a profile cross-section of a wristwatch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As mentioned above, the invention is particularly suitable for watch cases with a flexible shell, but can also be adapted to rigid watch cases. As will be understood below, the invention makes it possible to house any type of mechanical, electromechanical or fully electronic movement by means of a container, but also to envisage mounting via a case ring, depending on the sealing criteria that must be met.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the band comprises a connecting portion that is movable and / or slidable relative to the watch case and that is introduced through the watch case, and a main portion that is arranged to encircle the wrist. In another aspect of the invention, the attachment portions of the band can be movable and / or attached by the connecting portion, preserving their mobility at least one relative to the bezel of the watch case and / or the other.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a watch case 1, comprising a band 30 passing through the watch case 1 and also comprising a mounting part connected by a connecting part and movably mounted relative to the bezel and the watch case.

[0030] The watch case 1 is shown in perspective with a cutout to show the interior of the watch case 1. The watch case 1 comprises a bezel 2, also called case 1, closed by a crystal and a base plate, not shown in Figure 1. The crystal and base plate are conventionally located on opposite sides of the case 1, with the crystal attached to the top surface of the case 1 and the base plate attached to the bottom surface of the case 1.

[0031] A first mounting portion 10 comprising at least one first lug, e.g., two first lugs 11 in Figure 1, is located within the volume defined by the bezel 2, the crystal, and the base plate. In addition, a second mounting portion 20 is also located within the volume and comprises at least one second lug, e.g., two second lugs 21.

[0032] Each mounting portion 10, 20 is arranged to allow attachment of one end of the band 30. For example, as known to those skilled in the art, a pin can be passed into each end of the band and engage with the first lug or the second lug. Alternatively, any other type of system for attaching the band 30 to the first mounting portion 10 and the second mounting portion 20 can be considered. The bezel 2 can be provided with through slots facing each other and arranged to allow the introduction of the ends of the band 30 into the interior, i.e., the interior volume, of the bezel 2.

[0033] The first mounting portion 10 and the second mounting portion 20 are movably mounted within the volume, i.e., they can move relative to the bezel 2 along at least one degree of freedom. For example, the band defines an axis A passing through the first and second mounting portions or through the first and second lugs (along axis y in FIG. 1 ), and the first mounting portion 10 and / or the second mounting portion 20 can be moved at least along this axis A, for example by translational movement.

[0034] Preferably, the mounting portions 10, 20 may have other degrees of freedom relative to the bezel 2, such as height (along axis z in FIG. 1) and / or lateral displacement (along axis x in FIG. 1). In addition, the mounting portions 10, 20 may be rotatable about pivot point B relative to the case 1 and relative to each other.

[0035] The first mounting portion 10 and the second mounting portion 20 are connected to one another by an attached connecting portion, preferably a connecting portion comprising two elements of the embodiment of Figure 1. The connecting portion 40 of Figure 1 comprises two flexible arms, e.g., cable or chain portions. The connecting portion 40, the first mounting portion 10, and the second mounting portion define an opening 35 that can accommodate a watch movement (not shown).

[0036] The elements of the connecting portion may be made of any suitable material, for example titanium, in particular grade 5 titanium, which may make it possible to limit the elongation of the assembly when tension is applied to the band 30, in order to avoid damaging the case 1 and the bezel 2, particularly in the case of watch cases whose outer shell is flexible.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination, the elements of the connecting portion can be elastic, i.e., they can be made of an elastic material or comprise an elastic portion, such as a spring (not shown). The elements of the connecting portion 40 can be permanently or removably attached to each of the first and second mounting portions 10 and 20, for example, by loops or scaffolding on the bodies of the first and second mounting portions 10 and 20.

[0038] Due to the connecting portion 40 of the band 30, the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are articulated to one another, i.e., they are connected one to the other in at least one degree of freedom. Thus, movement of the first attachment portion 10 can occur relative to the second attachment portion 20, but this movement is limited by the characteristics of the connecting portion 40, such as its length, its flexibility, or its elasticity.

[0039] Thus, extension, pivoting, or height offset movement of the first and second attachment portions (along axis z in FIG. 1) can be permitted, but can be limited by connecting portion 40 to a length of, for example, a few millimeters to 1 cm.

[0040] Movement of the first and second mounting portions can also be limited by abutment portions. For example, if the bezel 2 is sufficiently rigid, its inner surface can be provided with abutment portions arranged to limit movement of the first mounting portion 10 and / or the second mounting portion 20 towards the exterior of the bezel 2. The abutment portions can be located adjacent to or around through-slots (not shown) in the band.

[0041] 2 shows another embodiment of the invention that is identical to the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 , except that connecting portion 40 comprises a single cable or flexible arm that is slidably mounted on each of first mounting portion 10 and second mounting portion 20. Thus, the relative movement of first mounting portion 10 and second mounting portion 20 can be easily limited, for example, to the length of connecting portion 40, while still allowing movement in several degrees of freedom. In addition, connecting portion 40 surrounds or bounds opening 35.

[0042] Optionally, the connecting portion 40 can be attached to the bezel or base plate by one or more scaffoldings 50 onto which the connecting portion 40 can be slidably mounted. Alternatively, or in combination, the scaffoldings can be in the form of a winder (not shown), allowing the length of the connecting portion 40 to be increased when a load is applied to the band, resulting in movement of the first mounting portion 10 and / or the second mounting portion 20 towards the exterior of the bezel 2. The winder can be equipped with return means, allowing the length of the connecting portion 40 to be decreased when the load is removed. This type of connecting portion can be used with bands in the form of a single loop, i.e., having a single strand.

[0043] 3 shows a third embodiment that is identical to the two previous embodiments, except that here the connecting portion 40 is a rigid arm. For example, the connecting portion 40 can be formed from a single rigid segment that can be attached to the first and second attachment portions by a pivot or ball joint type mechanical connection. In FIG. 3, the connecting portion 40 is shown with two rigid segments 41 and 42 having different lengths, connected by a pivot or ball joint 43. Alternatively, the rigid segments can have the same length, and / or more than two segments can be envisioned, such as three or more rigid segments.

[0044] In addition, the rigid arm may be telescoping, i.e. made of two segments that slide one into the other, or may comprise two segments articulated to one another, at least one of which, preferably both, is telescoping. The segments of the rigid arm or connecting portion may have a flat cross section, preferably a thin thickness, so as to reduce bulk within the bezel 2.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the case 1 according to the invention as well as a cross-sectional elevation view of a wristwatch 100.

[0046] The watch 100 comprises a case 1 according to the first embodiment, comprising a bezel 2, a crystal 3 and a base plate 4, as well as a housing 60 housing the watch movement. This fourth embodiment applies to watch cases with a flexible shell, as mentioned above. The bezel 2 comprises or is made of a flexible, i.e. deformable, outer wall 2A. The band can therefore take the shape of the user's wrist for maximum comfort.

[0047] For example, the wall 2A can be made of a network of articulated elements, preferably a metal braid, or a set of meshes, which can be more or less densely intersecting to form a grid, lattice, or reticle. Alternatively, the wall 2A can be made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer. Preferably, the base plate can maintain rigidity.

[0048] This flexible wall 2A can contribute to the comfort and adaptability provided by the attachment parts 10, 20, for example connected by a connecting part 40 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, by adapting themselves to all wrist shapes and by accepting the original case and bezel shape.

[0049] The watch 100 may comprise a band 30 attached to the case 2 by means of attachment portions 10, 20 and introduced into the watch case 1 by means of a slot 2B. The band 30 may be made of leather or any other suitable material and may comprise an opening for a pin buckle or a folding buckle. In one embodiment, the band may be made of a network of articulated elements, similar to those of the wall 2A. Alternatively, or in combination, the band may be made of a single strand of elastic material and may not comprise an opening.

[0050] It should be noted that the watch 100 and band 30 can be adapted to all embodiments of the case 1 described in this description.

[0051] Additionally, while elements of the connecting portion 40 are positioned between the container 60 and the base plate 4, the container 60 may be at least partially supported by the connecting portion. For example, an exterior surface of the container 60 or a structure supporting the container 60 may be arranged to rest on the connecting portion 40.

[0052] The container 60 may be provided with the scaffolding 50 described above, or the connecting portion may be introduced, for example in a sliding manner, into a structure that supports the container 60. Support of the container 60 by the connecting portion 40 may allow movement of the container 60 in response to movement of the first and second attachment portions 10 and 20, i.e., in response to movement of the wrist.

[0053] 5 and 6 show a cross-sectional elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a wristwatch 100 according to the invention. In this fifth embodiment, the watch case 2 is equivalent to or similar to the watch case 1 of the previous embodiment.

[0054] In this fifth embodiment, the band 30 is integrally formed, i.e., the first attachment portion 10, the second attachment portion 20, and the connecting portion 40 consisting of two arms are formed in a single element, i.e., integrally with the band 30. In that case, the band 30 defines a main portion 31 suitable for encircling the wrist of a wearer, and is typically made of a flexible material, leather, rubber, or another polymer. The first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20 are therefore extensions of the band 30 relative to the main portion 31.

[0055] The band 30 is movably mounted relative to the case 1 and passes through the interior of the latter. The band 30 therefore includes an eyelet defined by a first attachment portion 10, a second attachment portion 20 and a connecting portion 40, which defines an opening 35. This opening 35 is preferably substantially superimposed on the movement 60 in order to leave a passage therethrough and / or to free up space to allow a rigid or elastic support (not shown) to be positioned between the base plate 4 and the movement 60.

[0056] Thus, the band 30 can be manufactured in a single piece, for example by weaving, cutting, punching, or molding, i.e., the band can be formed as a single element. Different materials can be used, particularly for the connecting and / or attachment portions, by overmolding.

[0057] The band 30 can be introduced through the watch case by means of the through slot 2B provided in the bezel 2, as explained above (see FIG. 6). The inner wall portion of the bezel 2 located around the through slot 2B can therefore define abutments for the eyelets formed by the band 30, in particular for the first and second mounting portions 10 and 20, which are larger than the main portion 31. In this case, these abutments make it possible to limit the relative movement between the band 30 and the watch case 1.

[0058] In other words, a certain gap exists between the first and second mounting portions 20 and the respective portions of the bezel facing them so as to allow relative movement, e.g., translational movement, of the watch case 1 with respect to the band 30.

[0059] Other elements located inside the case can also serve as abutments, in particular the connecting portion 40 or the receptacle 60. Alternatively, or in combination, one or more scaffolds (not shown in Figures 5 and 6) can also limit the relative movement of the watch case 2 with respect to the band 30, for example by interfering with the edges of the opening 35, the first and second mounting portions 10 and 20, and / or the connecting portion 40.

[0060] 7 shows a profile cross-section of a sixth embodiment of a wristwatch 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the band 30 is fitted through the watch case 1 and threaded onto the watch case 1 via a slot (not shown). The band 30 therefore comprises a single main portion for encircling the wrist and does not comprise any attachment or connection portion. The band 30 can be positioned within the interior volume of the watch case 1 between the movement 60 and the base plate 4.

[0061] Therefore, the band 30 according to the sixth embodiment can be simplified compared to the other embodiments and can lack a connecting portion and / or an attachment portion. The watch case 1 can be translatable relative to the band 30 and / or can slide freely along the band 30. Alternatively, the band can have a connecting portion (not shown) located within the watch case and defining an abutment, enlargement, or excess thickness to limit movement of the watch case 1 along the band 30.

[0062] Alternatively, or in combination, the connecting portion may include an aperture (not shown) that receives a finger and is attached to the base plate 4, the bezel 2, or the movement 60, and the finger abuts the edge of the aperture to limit the movement of the band 30. Alternatively, or in combination, the band may include an abutment portion on the outside of the watch case.

[0063] It will be appreciated that various modifications and / or improvements apparent to those skilled in the art may be applied to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description.

[0064] In particular, the above embodiments can be combined in whole or in part. For example, the connecting part can combine a cable with a rigid arm. The connecting part can comprise one, two, three, four or more attached or single-piece elements of different lengths and / or different shapes that can allow different movements of the attached part.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to first and second mounting portions being located inside the bezel 2, but may also have first and second mounting portions located completely or partially outside the bezel 2.

[0066] The first and second attachment portions are not limited to two lugs, but may each comprise a single lug, three lugs, four lugs, or more lugs. Finally, the bezel 2 may assume any type of shape, such as oval, square, rectangular, circular, triangular, etc., with straight or rounded edges and sharp corners or curves.

Claims

1. A wristwatch (100), a watch case (1) including a bezel (2), a crystal (3), and a base plate (4) and defining a volume arranged to house a movement (60); a band (30) fitted through the watch case, partially positioned within the volume, and movably fitted so as to slide within the bezel (2); The band (30) comprises a first attachment portion (10) connected to a first end of the band (30) and a second attachment portion (20) connected to a second end of the band (30); the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) are movably attached to the bezel (2); the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) are disposed within the volume; The wristwatch (100) has a connecting portion (40) located within the volume, the connecting portion (40) being attached to the first mounting portion (10) on the one hand and the second mounting portion (20) on the other hand.

2. 2. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bezel (2) is arranged to allow the band (30) to slide and comprises two through slots located on both sides of the bezel (2).

3. 3. A wristwatch (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the bezel (2) has at least one abutment surface around each of the through slots, and the connecting portion (40) defines excess thickness, an enlarged portion, and / or a protrusion arranged to abut against the abutment surface.

4. 3. A wristwatch (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the bezel has at least one abutment surface around each of the through slots, and each of the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) has excess thickness, an enlarged portion, and / or a protrusion arranged to abut against the abutment surface.

5. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion (40) is arranged to allow at least one degree of freedom between the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20).

6. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) are each attached to the bezel (2) so as to be able to move translationally and / or rotate.

7. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an axis (A) passing through the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20), the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) being arranged so as to be translationally movable at least along this axis (A).

8. Wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting part (40) is an element attached to the band (30) and comprising at least one flexible and / or elastic arm.

9. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting portion (40) is formed in a single piece with the band (30).

10. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first mounting portion (10) and the second mounting portion (20) are elements attached to the band (30).

11. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the band (30), the first mounting portion (10), the second mounting portion (20), and the connecting portion (40) are formed from a single piece and form an eyelet defining an opening arranged to be superimposed on the movement (60).

12. Wristwatch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bezel (2) is deformable.

13. A wristwatch (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a container (60) arranged to house a watch movement and to be at least partially supported by the band (30) or the connecting portion (40).

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