EP0341583B1 - Table-clock - Google Patents

Table-clock Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0341583B1
EP0341583B1 EP89108095A EP89108095A EP0341583B1 EP 0341583 B1 EP0341583 B1 EP 0341583B1 EP 89108095 A EP89108095 A EP 89108095A EP 89108095 A EP89108095 A EP 89108095A EP 0341583 B1 EP0341583 B1 EP 0341583B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clock
zone
back cover
convex surface
center
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89108095A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0341583A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre-André Noirjean
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
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Application filed by Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority to AT89108095T priority Critical patent/ATE75059T1/en
Publication of EP0341583A1 publication Critical patent/EP0341583A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0341583B1 publication Critical patent/EP0341583B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/03—Alarm signal stop arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1473—Supports and feet for supporting the clockwork

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to table clocks of the type whose case has rounded shapes and is arranged to be able to occupy two positions of stable equilibrium, a first in which the dial is hidden, and a second in which the dial is visible, the pendulum then being supported on the back of the case.
  • a clock of this type is described in the utility model DE 1 833 188.
  • the case of this clock has a crystal and a bottom in the shape of a hemispherical cap.
  • This clock has a ballast mass in its lower part, so as to ensure a stable equilibrium position when it rests on its bottom.
  • the contact region in this second position of stable equilibrium is flattened in its main embodiment. This characteristic is considered here as advantageous, because the aim is to ensure a stable equilibrium position, in which the clock is brought back quickly whatever the initial position in which it is placed on the cap serving as its bottom. The clock thus produced therefore has great stability.
  • Document CH-A-4141/72 also discloses a kind of clock having an outer casing whose general shape is that of a body of revolution.
  • the case has two flats, one of which is parallel to the plane of the dial. These two flats define two positions of stable equilibrium in which the dial is visible.
  • it is necessary to apply a force such that the resultant defined by this force and the weight of the clock is on a straight line leaving the bearing surface.
  • An object of the present invention is to produce, unlike the first document mentioned, a very mobile clock around a single stable equilibrium position where the dial is visible.
  • the clock described in this first document has a chunky and heavy appearance.
  • Another object of the present invention is to produce a part having a lighter shape.
  • the clock shown has a housing 10 with a crystal 12, a bezel 14 and a bottom 16. Inside this housing are display means comprising a dial 18 and hands 20, as well as a movement causing the hands 20. This movement is powered by a battery 22. It includes an alarm function, controlled by a gravitational switch schematically represented at 24.
  • the slightly curved glass 12 is fixed to the bezel 14.
  • the latter are both of circular shape.
  • the outer contour of the profile of the bezel 14 is approximately in a quarter of a circle.
  • the edge of this bezel 14 rests contiguously against the edge of the bottom 16.
  • the latter is in the shape of a cap, that is to say having a curved and convex surface.
  • the shape of this background will be defined more precisely below.
  • the housing 10 thus defined therefore has rounded shapes which make it pleasant to see and to touch.
  • the bottom 16 In section perpendicular to the dial, by the axis "12h” - “6h", corresponding to the profile view of FIG. 2, the bottom 16 has a first arc 26, the center 01 of which is at the front of the dial 18, below the axis passing through its center. This arc 26 is connected to the edge of the bottom 16, on the twelve o'clock side, by a second circular arc 28 of small radius, centered at the right of the edge of the bottom 16, in order to ensure the connection to the bezel 14.
  • Figure 2 shows that the other end of the arc 26 is connected to a third arc 30, of smaller radius.
  • the center 02 of the arc 30 is inside the bottom 16.
  • This arc 30 is part of a protruding zone 31 of the bottom 16, described in detail below.
  • the other end of the arc 30 is connected to a straight segment 32, itself connected to the edge of the bottom 16 by an arc of a circle 34, corresponding to the arc 28.
  • the bottom 16 has a cap shape consisting of a juxtaposition of portions of ellipsoids, cone and torus, these portions together defining a continuous curved surface. In this way, the neighboring portions are substantially tangent to each other.
  • the region adjacent to segment 32 is defined by a portion of cone 33 generated by segment 32 rotating around the axis of the needles.
  • the edge of the bottom 16, represented in FIG. 2 by the arcs 28 and 34 has the shape of a torus segment whose generating axis coincides with that of the needles.
  • the other parts of the bottom 16 are defined by a left surface which can be broken down into a plurality of portions of ellipsoids. All the portions are arranged so that they are substantially tangent to each other.
  • the protruding zone of which the arc 30 is a part is defined by a portion of a sphere whose radius is substantially less than the mean radius of the neighboring zone.
  • the ratio between these radii is typically equal to 1/3.
  • the bottom 16 of the housing 10 is constituted by a continuous surface, without sharp edges. It has in the middle of its width and in its lower half a first zone defined by a first convex surface 31 on which the pendulum rests in its second equilibrium position and a second zone defined by a second convex surface 38 and surrounding the first zone .
  • the mean radius of curvature of the first surface is less than the mean radius of curvature of the second surface.
  • the second surface 38 comprises, in its part lying between the first zone and the lower edge of the housing, a flat defined by the cone portion and adjoining a protruding zone.
  • the profile of the bottom 16 of the case is naturally closer to the dial 18 than in the section passing through the axis "12h” - “6h” of the latter. It follows that the surface of the bottom 16 is entirely within a semi-spherical surface centered in the plane of the edge of the bottom 16, at the intersection with the axis of the needles, and of equal diameter to that of the edge of this bottom, that is to say equal to the diameter of the case itself.
  • the bottom 16 thus has a relatively flat shape, which gives it elegance.
  • a first stable equilibrium position of the pendulum described is that in which the glass 12 or the bezel 14 rests on a flat support (work table, desk, night table, etc.). In this position, the dial 18 is obviously hidden.
  • the dial 18 In the second stable equilibrium position, shown in Figure 3, the dial 18 is tilted. It is located approximately in a plane perpendicular to the axis of vision of a person seated at the table on which the clock rests.
  • the clock is provided with a counterweight 36 housed in the lower part of the housing 10, more precisely at the front and above the part of the housing 10 comprising the flat, and engaged in the bezel 14, the latter being hollow.
  • Counterweight 36 thus forms a ballast for the clock.
  • This ballast is completed by the stack 22, which is the heaviest component of the clock, and which is placed behind the dial and just above the counterweight 36.
  • the latter and the stack 22 ballast the clock so that its center of gravity G is located below point 02.
  • the mass and the position of counterweight 36 are chosen so that the straight line passing through points 02 and G forms an angle of approximately 30 with a surface tangent to the ice °.
  • This angle defines the inclination of the dial in the second equilibrium position of the clock.
  • the distance between point 02 and point G defines the frequency at which the clock oscillates when it is moved away from its second point of equilibrium. The higher the frequency, the greater the distance.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Stabilization Of Oscillater, Synchronisation, Frequency Synthesizers (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Polishing Bodies And Polishing Tools (AREA)
  • Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

A miniature table clock is provided with a case having rounded contours. The back (16) of such case exhibits a protruding zone and a flattened surface proximate said zone at the mid portion of its lower half. The clock has two positions of stable equilibrium; a first in which the dial (18) is parallel to the clock support plane and facing thereto and a second in which the clock, appropriately ballasted, rests at a point of the protruding zone adjacent the flattened surface.

Description

La présente invention concerne des pendulettes de table du type dont le boîtier présente des formes arrondies et est agencé pour pouvoir occuper deux positions d'équilibre stable, une première dans laquelle le cadran est caché, et une deuxième dans laquelle le cadran est visible, la pendulette étant alors en appui sur le dos du boîtier.The present invention relates to table clocks of the type whose case has rounded shapes and is arranged to be able to occupy two positions of stable equilibrium, a first in which the dial is hidden, and a second in which the dial is visible, the pendulum then being supported on the back of the case.

Une pendulette de ce type est décrite dans le modèle d'utilité DE 1 833 188. Le boîtier de cette pendulette comporte une glace et un fond en forme de calotte hémisphérique. Cette pendulette comporte une masse de lestage dans sa partie inférieure, de manière à assurer une position d'équilibre stable lorsqu'elle repose sur son fond. En outre, selon ce document, la région de contact dans cette deuxième position d'équilibre stable soit aplanie dans son mode de réalisation principal. Cette caractéristique est considérée ici comme avantageuse, car le but recherché est d'assurer une position d'équilibre stable, dans laquelle la pendulette est ramenée rapidement quelque soit la position initiale dans laquelle elle est posée sur la calotte lui servant de fond. La pendulette ainsi réalisée présente donc une grande stabilité.A clock of this type is described in the utility model DE 1 833 188. The case of this clock has a crystal and a bottom in the shape of a hemispherical cap. This clock has a ballast mass in its lower part, so as to ensure a stable equilibrium position when it rests on its bottom. In addition, according to this document, the contact region in this second position of stable equilibrium is flattened in its main embodiment. This characteristic is considered here as advantageous, because the aim is to ensure a stable equilibrium position, in which the clock is brought back quickly whatever the initial position in which it is placed on the cap serving as its bottom. The clock thus produced therefore has great stability.

On connaît également du document CH-A-4141/72 une sorte de pendulette ayant un boîtier extérieur dont la forme générale est celle d'un corps de révolution. Le boîtier présente deux méplats dont un est parallèle au plan du cadran. Ces deux méplats définissent deux positions d'équilibre stable dans lesquelles le cadran est visible. Ainsi, pour la déséquilibrer, il faut appliquer une force telle que la résultante définie par cette force et le poids de la pendulette se trouve sur une droite sortant de la surface d'appui.Document CH-A-4141/72 also discloses a kind of clock having an outer casing whose general shape is that of a body of revolution. The case has two flats, one of which is parallel to the plane of the dial. These two flats define two positions of stable equilibrium in which the dial is visible. Thus, to unbalance it, it is necessary to apply a force such that the resultant defined by this force and the weight of the clock is on a straight line leaving the bearing surface.

Un but de la présente invention est de réaliser, au contraire du premier document mentionné, une pendulette très mobile autour d'une unique position d'équilibre stable où le cadran est visible.An object of the present invention is to produce, unlike the first document mentioned, a very mobile clock around a single stable equilibrium position where the dial is visible.

En outre, de par sa forme hémisphèrique, la pendulette décrite dans ce premier document présente un aspect trapu et lourd.In addition, due to its hemispherical shape, the clock described in this first document has a chunky and heavy appearance.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de réaliser une pièce ayant une forme plus légère.Another object of the present invention is to produce a part having a lighter shape.

Ces buts sont atteints grâce aux caractéristiques particulières que présente la pendulette de la revendication 1.These objects are achieved by virtue of the particular characteristics presented by the clock of claim 1.

Une forme d'exécution de la pendulette selon l'invention est représentée schématiquement et à titre d'exemple au dessin annexé, dans lequel:

  • la figure 1 en est une vue en élévation, face au cadran;
  • la figure 2 une vue de profil avec arrachés, et
  • la figure 3 une vue en perspective.
An embodiment of the clock according to the invention is shown schematically and by way of example in the appended drawing, in which:
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view, facing the dial;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view with parts broken away, and
  • Figure 3 a perspective view.

La pendulette représentée comporte un boîtier 10 avec une glace 12, une lunette 14 et un fond 16. A l'intérieur de ce boîtier se trouvent des moyens d'affichage comportant un cadran 18 et des aiguilles 20, ainsi qu'un mouvement entraînant les aiguilles 20. Ce mouvement est alimenté par une pile 22. Il comporte une fonction réveil, commandée par un interrupteur gravitationnel schématiquement représenté en 24.The clock shown has a housing 10 with a crystal 12, a bezel 14 and a bottom 16. Inside this housing are display means comprising a dial 18 and hands 20, as well as a movement causing the hands 20. This movement is powered by a battery 22. It includes an alarm function, controlled by a gravitational switch schematically represented at 24.

La glace 12 légèrement bombée est fixée à la lunette 14. Ces dernières sont toutes deux de forme circulaire. Le contour extérieur du profil de la lunette 14 est approximativement en quart de cercle. Le bord de cette lunette 14 repose jointivement contre le bord du fond 16. Ce dernier est en forme de calotte, c'est-à-dire présentant une surface courbe et convexe. La forme de ce fond sera définie plus précisément ci-après. Le boîtier 10 ainsi défini a donc des formes arrondies qui le rendent agréable tant à la vue qu'au toucher.The slightly curved glass 12 is fixed to the bezel 14. The latter are both of circular shape. The outer contour of the profile of the bezel 14 is approximately in a quarter of a circle. The edge of this bezel 14 rests contiguously against the edge of the bottom 16. The latter is in the shape of a cap, that is to say having a curved and convex surface. The shape of this background will be defined more precisely below. The housing 10 thus defined therefore has rounded shapes which make it pleasant to see and to touch.

En coupe perpendiculaire au cadran, par l'axe "12h" - "6h", correspondant à la vue de profil de la figure 2, le fond 16 présente un premier arc de cercle 26, dont le centre 01 est à l'avant du cadran 18, au-dessous de l'axe passant par son centre. Cet arc 26 est raccordé au bord du fond 16, du côté douze heures, par un second arc de cercle 28 de petit rayon, centré au droit du bord du fond 16, afin d'assurer le raccord à la lunette 14.In section perpendicular to the dial, by the axis "12h" - "6h", corresponding to the profile view of FIG. 2, the bottom 16 has a first arc 26, the center 01 of which is at the front of the dial 18, below the axis passing through its center. This arc 26 is connected to the edge of the bottom 16, on the twelve o'clock side, by a second circular arc 28 of small radius, centered at the right of the edge of the bottom 16, in order to ensure the connection to the bezel 14.

Vu la position du centre 01, il apparaît que la moitié supérieure du fond 16 du boîtier 10 est plus mince que sa moitié inférieure. La différence d'épaisseur entre ces deux parties du fond 16 contribue à l'élégance de la pendulette dans une mesure non négligeable.Given the position of the center 01, it appears that the upper half of the bottom 16 of the housing 10 is thinner than its lower half. The difference in thickness between these two parts of the back 16 contributes to the elegance of the clock to a considerable extent.

La figure 2 montre que l'autre extrémité de l'arc 26 est raccordée à un troisième arc de cercle 30, de rayon plus petit. Le centre 02 de l'arc 30 se trouve à l'intérieur du fond 16. Cet arc 30 fait partie d'une zone protubérante 31 du fond 16, décrite en détail ci-après. L'autre extrémité de l'arc 30 est raccordée à un segment rectiligne 32, lui-même raccordé au bord du fond 16 par un arc de cercle 34, correspondant à l'arc 28. Par raccordement entre les arcs et le segment décrits, il faut entendre ici des points de passage de l'un de ces éléments à l'élément voisin avec tangente commune, c'est-à-dire sans arête vive.Figure 2 shows that the other end of the arc 26 is connected to a third arc 30, of smaller radius. The center 02 of the arc 30 is inside the bottom 16. This arc 30 is part of a protruding zone 31 of the bottom 16, described in detail below. The other end of the arc 30 is connected to a straight segment 32, itself connected to the edge of the bottom 16 by an arc of a circle 34, corresponding to the arc 28. By connection between the arcs and the segment described, we must hear here the crossing points of one of these elements to the neighboring element with common tangent, that is to say without sharp edge.

En d'autres termes, le fond 16 a une forme de calotte constituée d'une juxtaposition de portions d'ellipsoïdes, de cône et de tore, ces portions définissant ensemble une surface courbe continue. De la sorte, les portions voisines sont sensiblement tangentes les unes aux autres.In other words, the bottom 16 has a cap shape consisting of a juxtaposition of portions of ellipsoids, cone and torus, these portions together defining a continuous curved surface. In this way, the neighboring portions are substantially tangent to each other.

Plus précisément, la zone voisine du segment 32 est définie par une portion de cône 33 généré par le segment 32 tournant autour de l'axe des aiguilles. Le bord du fond 16, représenté sur la figure 2 par les arcs 28 et 34 a une forme de segment de tore dont l'axe générateur est confondu avec celui des aiguilles. Les autres parties du fond 16 sont définies par une surface gauche pouvant être décomposée en une pluralité de portions d'ellipsoïdes. Toutes les portions sont agencées de manière qu'elles soient sensiblement tangentes les unes aux autres.More precisely, the region adjacent to segment 32 is defined by a portion of cone 33 generated by segment 32 rotating around the axis of the needles. The edge of the bottom 16, represented in FIG. 2 by the arcs 28 and 34 has the shape of a torus segment whose generating axis coincides with that of the needles. The other parts of the bottom 16 are defined by a left surface which can be broken down into a plurality of portions of ellipsoids. All the portions are arranged so that they are substantially tangent to each other.

En outre, la zone protubérante dont fait partie l'arc 30 est définie par une portion de sphère dont le rayon est sensiblement inférieur au rayon moyen de la zone avoisinante. Le rapport entre ces rayons est typiquement égal à 1/3.In addition, the protruding zone of which the arc 30 is a part is defined by a portion of a sphere whose radius is substantially less than the mean radius of the neighboring zone. The ratio between these radii is typically equal to 1/3.

Ainsi, le fond 16 du boîtier 10 est constitué par une surface continue, sans arête vive. Il présente au milieu de sa largeur et dans sa moitié inférieure une première zone définie par une première surface convexe 31 sur laquelle repose la pendulette dans sa deuxième position d'équilibre et une deuxième zone définie par une deuxième surface convexe 38 et entourant la première zone. Le rayon de courbure moyen de la première surface est inférieur au rayon de courbure moyen de la deuxième surface. En outre, la seconde surface 38 comporte, dans sa partie comprise entre la première zone et le bord inférieur du boîtier, un méplat défini par la portion de cône et jouxtant une zone protubérante.Thus, the bottom 16 of the housing 10 is constituted by a continuous surface, without sharp edges. It has in the middle of its width and in its lower half a first zone defined by a first convex surface 31 on which the pendulum rests in its second equilibrium position and a second zone defined by a second convex surface 38 and surrounding the first zone . The mean radius of curvature of the first surface is less than the mean radius of curvature of the second surface. In addition, the second surface 38 comprises, in its part lying between the first zone and the lower edge of the housing, a flat defined by the cone portion and adjoining a protruding zone.

Dans toutes les sections considérées, le profil du fond 16 du boîtier est naturellement plus rapproché du cadran 18 que dans la section passant par l'axe "12h" - "6h" de ce dernier. Il s'ensuit que la surface du fond 16 se trouve toute entière à l'intérieur d'une surface semi-sphérique centrée dans le plan du bord du fond 16, à l'intersection avec l'axe des aiguilles, et de diamètre égal à celui du bord de ce fond, c'est-à-dire égal au diamètre du boîtier lui-même. Le fond 16 a ainsi une forme relativement plate, ce qui lui confère de l'élégance.In all the sections considered, the profile of the bottom 16 of the case is naturally closer to the dial 18 than in the section passing through the axis "12h" - "6h" of the latter. It follows that the surface of the bottom 16 is entirely within a semi-spherical surface centered in the plane of the edge of the bottom 16, at the intersection with the axis of the needles, and of equal diameter to that of the edge of this bottom, that is to say equal to the diameter of the case itself. The bottom 16 thus has a relatively flat shape, which gives it elegance.

Une première position d'équilibre stable de la pendulette décrite est celle dans laquelle la glace 12 ou la lunette 14 repose sur un support plan (table de travail, pupitre, table de nuit, etc.). Dans cette position, le cadran 18 est évidemment caché.A first stable equilibrium position of the pendulum described is that in which the glass 12 or the bezel 14 rests on a flat support (work table, desk, night table, etc.). In this position, the dial 18 is obviously hidden.

Dans la deuxième position d'équilibre stable, représentée à la figure 3, le cadran 18 est incliné. Il se trouve approximativement dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de vision d'une personne assise à la table sur laquelle repose la pendulette.In the second stable equilibrium position, shown in Figure 3, the dial 18 is tilted. It is located approximately in a plane perpendicular to the axis of vision of a person seated at the table on which the clock rests.

Pour assurer la stabilité de cette deuxième position d'équilibre, la pendulette est munie d'un contrepoids 36 logé dans la partie inférieure du boîtier 10, plus précisément à l'avant et au-dessus de la partie du boîtier 10 comportant le méplat, et engagé dans la lunette 14, cette dernière étant creuse.To ensure the stability of this second equilibrium position, the clock is provided with a counterweight 36 housed in the lower part of the housing 10, more precisely at the front and above the part of the housing 10 comprising the flat, and engaged in the bezel 14, the latter being hollow.

Le contrepoids 36 forme ainsi un lest pour la pendulette. Ce lest est complété par la pile 22, qui est le composant le plus lourd de la pendulette, et qui est placée derrière le cadran et juste au-dessus du contrepoids 36. Ce dernier et la pile 22 lestent la pendulette de façon que son centre de gravité G se trouve en dessous du point 02. Plus précisément, la masse et la position du contrepoids 36 sont choisies de manière que la droite passant par les points 02 et G fasse avec une surface tangente à la glace un angle d'environ 30°.Counterweight 36 thus forms a ballast for the clock. This ballast is completed by the stack 22, which is the heaviest component of the clock, and which is placed behind the dial and just above the counterweight 36. The latter and the stack 22 ballast the clock so that its center of gravity G is located below point 02. More precisely, the mass and the position of counterweight 36 are chosen so that the straight line passing through points 02 and G forms an angle of approximately 30 with a surface tangent to the ice °.

Cet angle définit l'inclinaison du cadran dans la deuxième position d'équilibre de la pendulette.This angle defines the inclination of the dial in the second equilibrium position of the clock.

Par ailleurs, la distance entre le point 02 et le point G définit la fréquence à laquelle la pendulette oscille lorsqu'on l'écarte de son deuxième point d'équilibre. La fréquence est d'autant plus élevée que la distance est grande.Furthermore, the distance between point 02 and point G defines the frequency at which the clock oscillates when it is moved away from its second point of equilibrium. The higher the frequency, the greater the distance.

On peut en outre relever que la droite passant par les points 02 et G coupe l'arc 30 à son extrémité voisine du segment 32. De la sorte, le point d'appui 40 de la pendulette en deuxième position d'équilibre stable se trouve au voisinage de la périphérie de la zone protubérante, près de sa partie inférieure. Il est ainsi proche du méplat jouxtant cette zone protubérante.It can also be noted that the straight line passing through points 02 and G intersects the arc 30 at its end close to segment 32. In this way, the fulcrum 40 of the clock in the second stable equilibrium position is found in the vicinity of the periphery of the protruding zone, near its lower part. It is thus close to the flat adjoining this protruding area.

Claims (5)

1. Table-clock including a case (10) provided with a front glass (12) and a back cover (16) in the form of a cap, an arrangement for displaying the time of day (18, 20) covered by the glass (12), and means (36) for positioning the center of gravity (G) of the table-clock, the position of said center of gravity (G) defining a single position of stable equilibrium of the table-clock when it rests on its back cover (16), this table-clock being characterized in that the back cover (16) includes a first zone defined by a first convex surface (31) completely rounded and located mainly in the lower part of said back cover (16), the table-clock resting on a part (40) of the first convex surface (31) in said position of stable equilibrium and being able to have a free pendulous motion around this position of stable equilibrium, the back cover (16) further including a second zone defined by a second convex surface (38) and including said first zone, the mean radius of curvature of the first convex surface (31) being less than the mean radius of curvature of the second convex surface (38).
2. Table-clock according to claim 1, characterized in that said convex surfaces (31, 38) form a continuously curved surface, without sharp edge.
3. Table-clock according on one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a straight line passing through the center of curvature (02) of the first zone and through the center of gravity (G) of the table-clock forms an angle of about 30° with a surface tangent to the glass (12).
4. Table-clock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the portion of the second zone included between the first zone and the lower edge of the back cover (16) is formed as a portion of a cone (33).
5. Table-clock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes a manually adjustable audible alarm arrangement and a position detecting means arranged so as to interrupt the alarm when the table-clock rests on its front face.
EP89108095A 1988-05-10 1989-05-05 Table-clock Expired - Lifetime EP0341583B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89108095T ATE75059T1 (en) 1988-05-10 1989-05-05 POSITIONABLE PENDULUM CLOCK.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1772/88A CH672570B5 (en) 1988-05-10 1988-05-10
CH1772/88 1988-05-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0341583A1 EP0341583A1 (en) 1989-11-15
EP0341583B1 true EP0341583B1 (en) 1992-04-15

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ID=4218237

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89108095A Expired - Lifetime EP0341583B1 (en) 1988-05-10 1989-05-05 Table-clock

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (1) US4884258A (en)
EP (1) EP0341583B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0249190A (en)
KR (1) KR890017588A (en)
CN (1) CN1022349C (en)
AT (1) ATE75059T1 (en)
AU (1) AU608195B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8902157A (en)
CA (1) CA1320054C (en)
CH (1) CH672570B5 (en)
DE (1) DE68901210D1 (en)
DK (1) DK166640B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2031305T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3005160T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4239626A1 (en) * 1992-11-26 1994-06-01 Digi Tech Ges Fuer Den Vertrie Clock e.g alarm or travel alarm clock, - has housing with curved surface such that clock returns to normal position when tilted to operate snooze facility
DE4407774C1 (en) * 1994-03-09 1995-04-20 Leybold Materials Gmbh Target for cathode sputtering to produce transparent, conductive layers, and method for the fabrication thereof
TW347880U (en) * 1998-04-16 1998-12-11 Shiou-Juen Lin Improved structure for clock body and joining way of panel
TW570213U (en) * 2003-06-11 2004-01-01 Vincent K Lee Liquid ornament with time-related device
FR2868851B1 (en) * 2004-04-13 2006-12-01 Neos Entpr Unipersonnelle A Re SPHERICAL CLOCK WITH LINEAR MOTION
DE202004008887U1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2005-10-20 Berendsohn Ag Table clock has conical housing lying on side with ball track around face in base driven by eccentric weight on small hand
US20060133220A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-22 Dilip Bhavnani Self-righting device
KR100928003B1 (en) * 2007-05-11 2009-11-24 이창환 Universal clock
CH714459B1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2024-06-14 Guenat Sa Montres Valgine Watch glass.
CN110058514B (en) * 2019-04-18 2024-04-12 浙江理工大学 Alarm clock capable of turning off alarm based on Brazil effect

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH4141A (en) * 1891-09-21 1892-04-15 Camille Terribilini Improved machine for making hollow gypsum and cement bricks
US2746237A (en) * 1952-08-20 1956-05-22 Gait Anderson Company Clock and casing therefor
DE1833188U (en) * 1961-02-14 1961-06-15 Ernst Moeckl FIXING DEVICE FOR SMALL CLOCKS AND TRAVEL ALARMS.
DE1173665B (en) * 1961-09-09 1964-07-09 Vaw Ver Aluminium Werke Ag Process for the extraction of aluminum
CH531738A (en) * 1968-12-31 1972-08-31 Italora Spa Alarm clock
JPS4818226U (en) * 1971-07-10 1973-03-01
DE2427904A1 (en) * 1974-06-10 1976-01-02 Hugo Hettich Alarm clock with illuminated face - has gravity switch used for connecting lamp to battery when clock is tilted
CH619122A5 (en) * 1978-02-06 1980-09-15 Paul Terraillon
US4505597A (en) * 1983-11-28 1985-03-19 Flinn Jr Jack L Novelty alarm clock
US4702614A (en) * 1986-07-08 1987-10-27 Off-The-Wall Products Baseball alarm clock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1037782A (en) 1989-12-06
AU608195B2 (en) 1991-03-21
DK229589D0 (en) 1989-05-10
DK229589A (en) 1989-11-11
ES2031305T3 (en) 1992-12-01
DE68901210D1 (en) 1992-05-21
GR3005160T3 (en) 1993-05-24
JPH0249190A (en) 1990-02-19
AU3452689A (en) 1989-11-16
CH672570B5 (en) 1990-06-15
KR890017588A (en) 1989-12-16
ATE75059T1 (en) 1992-05-15
BR8902157A (en) 1990-01-02
US4884258A (en) 1989-11-28
DK166640B1 (en) 1993-06-21
CN1022349C (en) 1993-10-06
EP0341583A1 (en) 1989-11-15
CA1320054C (en) 1993-07-13
CH672570GA3 (en) 1989-12-15

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