EP3717972B1 - Ergonomic housing with multiple compartments - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of portable accessories, in particular so-called "connected" watches and bracelets, that is to say equipped with electronic circuits capable of sending/receiving data via a wireless telecommunications network to devices third-party electronic devices with complementary means of communication. It relates, more particularly, to a compound casing comprising multiple compartments to accommodate different mechanisms and functionalities, whether complementary or not, the casing being shaped to present portability ergonomics without slipping or rotation around a user's wrist.

State of the art

For several years now, we have known a boom in so-called "connected" devices, equipped with data communication functionalities via wireless communication networks, whether mobile telecommunications networks (4G and 5G in particular), or even mobile networks. wireless data communications according to the communication protocols governed by the standards of the IEEE 802.11 group (Wifi protocols) or Bluetooth. These "connected" devices make it possible in particular, associated with sensors and other suitable electronic beacons, to monitor in real time various physiological parameters, the position of their wearer and to record this data and/or transmit it automatically or on demand. via a so-called wireless communication network to an additional receiver device (mobile telephone, data server, computer, etc.).

These “connected” devices notably commonly take the form of bracelets or wristwatches, which are then commonly called “connected watches”.

One of the main drawbacks of these devices lies in their large size and their low autonomy. Indeed, the more the functionalities are numerous the relative arrangement of the various sensors and the electronic structure which underlies their operation is itself also complex and energy-intensive, requiring batteries of large dimensions to ensure normal operation over a period of at least 24 hours.

However, this large bulk is detrimental to the ergonomics of these devices as well as to their design. Indeed, the integration of many functions, most often in connected watches, involves the use of a single large and thick box, potentially uncomfortable and unstable when worn on a user's wrist depending on the dimensions of the latter. this. This can prove to be troublesome in use, as in the use of conventional watches.

Indeed, if folding back the forearm and simultaneously turning the wrist are movements carried out instinctively by the wearer of a wristwatch, the movement of rotation of the wrist is however not always easy, or even possible. This is often the case when the hand of the member wearing the watch (or the bracelet) is busy holding a tool or the steering wheel of a car, for example, or even conversely during major movements of the member, as in sporting activities (shopping, sailing, horse riding, for example). Depending on the case, the display of the watch is not correctly visible to the eye of the user because the watch turns around the wrist and/or slides around it.

The simultaneous or consecutive display of several functions may also require the user to manipulate the connected device with his free hand, which is of course not practical or even dangerous when driving for example.

To overcome this drawback, connected devices and wristwatches have been proposed in the prior art, for example in WO 2013/153275 A1 Where US 2015/0115870 , comprising several independent sections articulated and electrically connected to each other. However, these devices do not provide adequate ergonomics in that they do not conform correctly to the geometry of the wearer, nor do they provide the latter with the opportunity to choose and adapt the choice and the number of functionalities that he desired at a given time or period.

We also know of publications US 2016/026156 and EP 0 189 372 a watch with a case comprising two compartments. However, these two compartments occupy a large area and result in significant bulk. In addition, the second compartment described in the document US 2016/026156 is not provided as removable and independent of the first compartment since it is intended to house one or more functions intended to cooperate electronically with the device housed in the first compartment.

Finally, to date there is also no watch case making it possible to supplement the basic functionalities of the watch with another function independent of the main mechanism, in particular an additional storage or sensory function. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a case for any device intended to be worn on the wrist by a user, which allows ergonomic and stable carrying of said device and makes it possible to permanently associate at least two distinct functionalities, where appropriate not functionally dependent on each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a box providing great versatility of possible uses, providing users of the device incorporating this box with flexibility and a choice of combinations of multiple functions where appropriate.

Another object of the invention is to allow the design of a housing with unique and durable aesthetics hosting several functionalities, independently of the lifespan or of the particular aesthetics of each of these functionalities.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a box as defined in the claims.

The present invention aims to create a case whose thickness does not exceed that of conventional wristwatch cases, in which in particular a conventional mechanical or electronic standard movement and its associated display can be mounted in the usual way in the first compartment and who in at the same time provides a second compartment that can accommodate any desired functionality: storage, power battery, second electronic mechanism (access control badge, monitoring of physiological data, GPS, etc.), and if necessary to adapt this second functionality depending on the needs of the moment.

The case of the invention also makes it possible, through the relative angular positioning of the two compartments, to provide a “natural” positioning ergonomics of the case on the wrist of a user and a wedging of the latter capable of preventing any rotation of the case. In addition, this wedging provided by the respective orientation of the compartments advantageously makes it possible, when the first compartment receives a mechanism associated with a display, to present said display in the most favorable position around the wrist to allow it to be read by bending simply the forearm, this position being perfectly stabilized.

In the case of the invention, each compartment forms a host with its own functionality, and if necessary complementary to each other, as for example in the case of an electronic watch and an electric power supply battery by example. The positioning of each functionality in the different compartments is irrelevant and can be chosen by the wearer according to his needs.

• Garde-temps
• Pilulier
• Télécommande
• Balise d'identification sans-fil ou badge d'accès
• Batterie électrique
• Ornement joailler ou non
• Mémoire informatique
• Etc...

The functionalities accommodated by each compartment are multiple. We can cite by way of non-limiting example:

• timepiece
• Pill box
• Remote
• Wireless identification tag or access badge
• electric battery
• Ornament jeweler or not
• computer memory
• Etc...

Such a box composed of the one proposed by the invention thus easily makes it possible to increase both the volume of interlocking of conventional watchmaking devices and/or of complementary or individual so-called "connected" devices in order to offer maximum functionality and readability to carriers. It also makes it possible, depending on the case, to offer multiple aesthetic and functional possibilities by varying the colors and materials of the compartments and their displays, or any cover. The covers and compartments can also provide an electromagnetic shielding function if necessary, which can be activated or not depending on the position of a said compartment and/or its cover.

The case of the invention also provides the wearer with the opportunity to combine functional devices from different suppliers in the same personal object worn on the wrist, and therefore offer him greater flexibility of use.

Particular characteristics of the case which is the subject of the present invention form the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment, the angle β is between 100° and 150° relative to the extension plane P1.

The second compartment can also be fixed on an upper face or a lower face of the plate, so as to be accessible and visible to the wearer in the first case or, conversely, to be hidden in contact with the wrist of the latter in worn use of the case. .

According to a preferred embodiment, said second compartment delimits an opening closed by a cover. Where appropriate, this cover may or may not be transparent, may or may not form an electromagnetic barrier.

In addition, said cover is in an advantageous embodiment mounted pivoting or sliding on a wall of the second compartment or on the mounting plate of said second compartment.

Advantageously, the case of the invention comprises means for fixing bracelet strands, for example in the form of horns provided on the walls of the compartments and/or the mounting plate of the second compartment.

Preferably, the second compartment is removable from said plate by means of reversible fixing means. These reversible fixing means can be chosen from: snap-fastening means, means for embedding by elastic deformation, screwing means.

In another advantageous embodiment, the first and second compartments and, where applicable, said plate, comprise complementary electrical contacts arranged such that an electrical contact is established between said compartments and the devices they contain when said second compartment is mounted on the plate.

Brief description of the drawings

• Les figures 1 à 3B représentent différentes vues d'un boîtier selon l'invention dans un premier mode de réalisation ;
• Les figures 4A à 5B représentent différentes vues d'un boîtier selon l'invention dans un second mode de réalisation.

The details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• The figures 1 to 3B show different views of a box according to the invention in a first embodiment;
• The figures 4A to 5B represent different views of a box according to the invention in a second embodiment.

Embodiment of the invention

The present invention relates to a case for portable devices on the wrist such as wristwatches, connected watches and bracelets in particular.

A first embodiment of this box is shown in figures 1 to 3B . The case 1 of the invention consists of a composition of a plurality of compartments 2, 4 distinct each intended to accommodate a particular functionality, technically complementary or not, each said functionality being accessible to the user independently of the other and at least one of the functionalities being able to be modulated by removal of the box 1 as will be described by the following.

The case 1 comprises in the example shown a first compartment 2 capable of receiving a device 3, in the example shown without limitation a watch device equipped with a mechanical or electronic movement, the display 32 of which (dial, hands ) is visible through an upper opening 22 of compartment 2.

Said first compartment 2 defines a first volume of a first receptacle delimited by at least a first wall or 21 delimiting said through-opening 22, and a first bottom 23 secured or able to be secured to said first wall 21 to make said opening blind. 22. In this example, a bezel 24 is mounted on the wall 21 on an upper face of the latter opposite the bottom 23 in order to maintain a protective glass for the display 32 of the watchmaking device 3, in a well-known and conventional manner. either in watchmaking.

The bottom 23 can conventionally be formed integrally with the wall 21 or else be attached and fixed to the latter by any suitable means (notably by screwing). Such a background can also be optional for the case where the device 3 is not a timepiece device or other active device as presented here.

In accordance with the invention, the housing 1 also comprises a second compartment 4 delimiting a second volume and being advantageously removably mounted on a mounting plate 5 integral, without discontinuities, with the wall 21 or the bottom 23 of the first compartment 2. The mounting plate 5 of said box extends along or parallel to a plane P2 forming an obtuse angle β with a median plane P1 of extension of the first compartment 2. The second compartment 4 is formed by at least one second wall 41 and the where appropriate, a second bottom 42 integral with manufacture or able to be secured to said second wall 41. This second compartment 4 is dedicated to accommodating any device capable of fulfilling a second function for the benefit of the wearer of the box 1, preferably distinct, the case applicable functionally complementary to that of the first device 3 housed in the first compartment 2 of the case 1.

The angular orientation of the second compartment 4 with respect to the first compartment 2 of the case 1 is intended to provide good ergonomics for carrying the case 1 of the invention on the wrist of a user. Thus, as appears from the figure 2 , the extension of the second compartment 4 along the plane P2 offers the case 1 an ergonomic wedging configuration on the wrist of a wearer, the second compartment 4 resting on the upper plate of the wrist while the first compartment 2 and its device 3 covers a lateral rounded part of the wrist normally corresponding to the wearer's radius.

It should be noted that the second compartment 4 can be assembled on an upper surface of the plate as shown in the figures and accessible to the user on top of his wrist, or a lower surface of the plate 5 in contact with the wrist. In the first case, the second compartment 4 constitutes a visible design element of the box and its aesthetics will preferably be adapted according to that of the box 1 in its entirety. In the second case, the second compartment can be completely hidden and inaccessible in normal carrying condition by a user. The choice of positioning of the second compartment 4 may in particular depend, of course, on the functionality of which it is the host and on the need for direct physical access to this functionality if necessary.

The case 1 of the invention thus essentially comprises three sections: a first section formed by the first compartment 2, intended to cover a curved part of the wrist, a second formed by the plate 5 and the second compartment 4, which is intended to extend over most of the upper face of the wrist, and an intermediate connection section 6 between the wall 21 of the first compartment 2 and the plate 5, this connection section 6 defining the relative angulation according to the angle β of the first two . These three sections naturally form a single rigid body, which can be made of different materials such as metals, in particular steel, gold, platinum, or else of synthetic or natural plastic materials, in particular based on rubber.

The length of the first compartment may be approximately equal to that of the second compartment in order to guarantee a balance of the case 1 around the connection section 6. However, this is absolutely not compulsory and the respective dimensions of the compartments of the case 1 may vary essentially depending on the devices or functionalities that they must accommodate, provided however to respect the particular angular orientation of the compartments. Indeed, this orientation advantageously provides the case 1 thus configured with a shape adapted to naturally match the curve of the wrist of the wearer of the case 1, which provides optimal wedging which opposes rotation by sliding of the latter to the extent where the wrist is not cylindrical. This wedging effect can also be advantageously reinforced by the provision on the first wall 21 of the first compartment 2 and the wall 41 of the second compartment 4 of horns 25, 51 providing a final curvature at the free ends of the box 1 allowing the attachment of strands of bracelet, in a classic way in itself.

The angle β separating between the plane P2 and the plane P1 containing the bottom 23 of the first compartment 2 is preferably between 100° and 150° in order to offer good adaptability of the case 1 to various shapes and sizes of wrists.

Preferably, the mounting plate 5 further comprises an opening 52 of complementary shape to at least a part of the second compartment 4, in particular of the wall 41 and/or of the bottom 42 of said second compartment 4. Said opening 52 can be of any appropriate geometric shape, preferably regular, such as rectangular, circular or triangular for example. This opening 52 is advantageously provided to constitute with said plate 5 as a whole a seat for wedging the second compartment 4 vis-à-vis the first compartment 2 or quite simply a housing for fitting the second compartment 4, in particular when the latter It is placed against the wrist of the wearer in order to provide optimal comfort.

As seen on the figures 3A and 3B in particular, the second compartment 4 is removable from the mounting plate 5 by means of reversible fixing means 7, 8, which may in particular comprise snap-fastening means by elastic deformation or embedding means by elastic deformation or even screwing means for example.

In the embodiment shown, the reversible fastening means of the second compartment 4 comprise on the one hand a form of male embedding 7 delimited in the wall 41 of the second compartment by a shoulder 8, said embedding form 7 being complementary to a form of complementary female recess (not visible in the figures) in the wall 21 of the first compartment 2, and on the other hand a deformable latch 9, capable of being inserted into the opening 52 of the plate 5 to lock the second compartment 4 on the edge delimited by the opening 52 ..

The second compartment 4 can host an electronic device such as a power supply battery for the device 3 received in the first compartment. In this case, the first and the second compartments 2, 4 then comprise on their respective walls 21, 41 as well as if necessary on the plate 5 if necessary, complementary electrical contacts arranged in such a way that said electrical contacts are affixed to each other. to the others when said second compartment 4 is secured to plate 5.

The second compartment 4 can for example advantageously house any other type of electronic device such as a GPS positioning beacon, a contactless access control beacon or remote control (for example using RFID technology), or even an electronic device for monitoring of physiological parameters of the wearer.

The second compartment 4 can be formed of a removable block but does not necessarily define an internal housing accessible to the user of the box 1 to vary the content. In particular, if the second compartment 2 comprises a second electronic device such as an electric power supply battery as mentioned above, it is preferable that said battery be hermetically housed in the second compartment 4, the wall 41 of which, the bottom 42 and a possible cover 43 are sealed together around the battery.

However, according to one embodiment, the second compartment 4 can delimit a housing accessible by a second opening 42 delimited by the wall 41 and closed by a cover. The cover 43 can then be pivotally or slidably mounted on the wall 41 of the second compartment 4 or on the plate 5. In such an embodiment, the second compartment 4 constitutes an "empty box", comprising a cover 43 that can be opened to allow access to the housing internally, this housing being capable of being filled with any device or object of the user's choice. It may in particular receive, for example, an access control beacon or else a functional or update module for the device contained in the first compartment 2. It may also receive a device for diffusing an ambient or personal fragrance, essential oils or a sound diffusion device. Finally, it may also receive any type of aesthetic ornament, jeweler or not, which may for example be visible through the cover 43 advantageously provided with an optically transparent wall (of glass, synthetic material or sapphire for example.

Such an embodiment is shown for example in figures 4A to 5B , on which a box 1 comprising a second compartment 4 removable from the mounting plate 5 is associated with a cover 43 pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 5, the second compartment 4 being slidably mounted on the cover by slideways 10, 11 arranged on its wall 41 and the edges of the cover 43 respectively.

In this embodiment, the second compartment 4 can serve as a host for any functionality or device not functionally linked to the device 3 contained in the first compartment 2. The second compartment 4 can in particular serve as a pillbox for example, or even as storage for an electronic or memory card, a contactless vehicle key or a room access badge.

If necessary, the cover 43 may include electromagnetic shielding to prevent any access by wireless communication means to the contents of the housing in the second compartment 4, thus guaranteeing the confidentiality of the information contained therein or, in the case of means of payment without contact, preventing collection by a device attached to the passage near the bearer, as is presently still possible with current contactless payment cards.

The case 1 of the present invention therefore provides a versatile and economical solution for interlocking a plurality of different devices and functionalities in the same case adapted to be worn on the wrist in a comfortable and ergonomic manner, without significantly increasing the size. on the wrist compared to a conventional wristwatch, in particular a connected watch.

The box of the invention also provides the possibility of functionalizing a bracelet in several ways according to the needs of the user, without the latter having to obtain as many bracelets or devices as there are desired functionalities.

Of course, although the present invention has been described here and is shown for a box with two compartments, it is possible to extend the design of the box of the invention to more than two compartments.

Claims (11)

1. A case (1) of wrist-worn portable devices comprising a first compartment (2) delimiting a first volume suitable for receiving a first device (3), said first compartment (2) being delimited by at least one peripheral wall at a first opening (22) in said case (1), said case comprising a second compartment (4) delimiting a second volume and being able to be fixed removably to a mounting plate (5) of said case extending along or parallel to a plane (P2) forming an obtuse angle (β) with a median plane (P1) of extension of the first compartment, said plate (5) comprising an opening (52) of a shape complementary to at least part of the second compartment, said opening (52) and said plate (5) forming a seat for wedging the second compartment (4) with respect to the first compartment (2).
2. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle (β) is between 100° and 150° with respect to the extension plane (P1).
3. A case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second compartment (4) is fixed to an upper or lower face of the plate (5).
4. A case according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second compartment (4) delimits an opening closed by a cover (43).
5. A case according to claim 4, characterized in that said cover (43) is pivotally or slidably mounted on a wall (41) of the second compartment or on the mounting plate (5).
6. A case according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the cover (43) comprises or forms an optically transparent window, in particular of glass, synthetic material or sapphire.
7. A case according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises fixing means (25, 51) for bracelet strands.
8. A case according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wall of the first opening and the mounting plate (5) comprises fixing means (25, 51) for bracelet strands.
9. A case according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second compartment (4) is removable from said plate (5) by means of reversible fixing means (8, 9, 10).
10. A case according to claim 9, characterized in that the reversible fixing means (8, 9) are selected from: snap-fastening means, means for embedding by elastic deformation, screwing means.
11. A case according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first (2) and second (4) compartments and, if appropriate, said plate, comprise complementary electrical contacts arranged such that an electrical contact is established between said compartments and the devices they contain when said second compartment (4) is mounted on the plate (5).

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