EP0351705A1 - Watch case covered by a cap fastened to the middle part - Google Patents

Watch case covered by a cap fastened to the middle part Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0351705A1
EP0351705A1 EP89112742A EP89112742A EP0351705A1 EP 0351705 A1 EP0351705 A1 EP 0351705A1 EP 89112742 A EP89112742 A EP 89112742A EP 89112742 A EP89112742 A EP 89112742A EP 0351705 A1 EP0351705 A1 EP 0351705A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
bezel
projections
box according
watch case
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP89112742A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Laurent Grosjean
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
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Publication of EP0351705A1 publication Critical patent/EP0351705A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • 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
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
    • G04B37/225—Non-metallic cases
    • G04B37/226—Non-metallic cases coated with a metallic layer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle-bezel constituting a first element of the case, a crystal fixed to the middle-bezel and a cap entirely covering the bezel and extending at least partially along the flank presented. by the middle, the cap constituting a second element of said box.
  • Patent CH-A-558,040 describes a watch case comprising a protective cap made of extra hard material.
  • the cap is held in place by screws perpendicular to the plane of the case, passing through the middle of the bezel and taking in threaded studs attached under the cap.
  • the cap has a fairly complicated cross section due to the presence of tapped studs.
  • the middle-bezel must be made in a special shape to be adapted to the cap which surmounts it.
  • Patent CH-A-517,963 (US-A-3,242,664) describes a watch case coated with a metal carbide cap made of an annular part surrounding the crystal and two diametrically opposed ears covering the attachment horns a bracelet. The annular part and the ears are brazed respectively on the box and on the horns. This construction requires special tools to fix the cap on the watch case and it will be observed that once the cap has been fixed, the latter is non-removable at least using simple tools.
  • the housing described in US-A-4 396 298 contains an electronic module for displaying the time.
  • This housing has a bottom, an elastic part interposed between the bottom and the module and a cover.
  • Elastic bars engaged in bottom flanges hold the module in the bottom of the box. The same bars are used to fix the cover on the bottom.
  • the bracelet is attached to the box by means of ears lifted at the bottom. This construction is complicated and requires several folded parts and stamped.
  • the lid is not strictly speaking a cap, but rather a constituent part of the box.
  • the patent CH-B-352 966 shows, for its part, not a cap made of metal as in the present invention, but of plastic material, the inner side of this cap being covered with a thin metallization. Besides that this is an expensive construction, it should be mentioned that the outer parts of the cap, made of soft material, are subject to rapid deterioration (scratches, etc.).
  • the watch case according to the invention in addition to meeting the generic definition given above, is characterized by the fact that the first element is made of plastic, that the second element is made of a metal sheet shaped to match the relief of the bezel and the middle part which it surmounts and that protrusions are formed on one of the elements, said protrusions being capable of cooperating with the other of the elements when the cap is put in place, on the middle-bezel to ensure the attachment of said elements to one another and the fixing of said cap on said middle-bezel.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a first embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a section along line II-II of FIG. 1 assuming the cap assembled to the middle part of the bezel
  • FIG. 3 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a first variant of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a second variant of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 5 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a second embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a view according to arrow VI of FIG. 5.
  • the watch case 1 of FIG. 1 essentially comprises a middle part-bezel 2, a crystal 3 fixed to the middle part-bezel and a cap 5 capable of entirely covering the bezel part 15 of the middle part-bezel 2, this cap extending at least partially along the flank presented by the middle part 16 of the middle part-bezel 2.
  • the middle part-bezel comprises two pairs of horns 9 and 10 between which the half-bracelets 6 are articulated respectively and 7.
  • the half-bracelet 6 is articulated around a bar 8 threaded in holes 11 and 12 made in the horns 9.
  • the half-bracelet 7 is articulated around a bar 18 threaded in holes 19 and 20 practiced in the horns 10.
  • the cap 5 is made of a metal sheet shaped so as to match the relief of the bezel 15 and the side of the middle part 16 which 'she overcomes.
  • the shaping of the cap may comprise several stages, for example a preliminary stamping followed by a stamping. From these operations came the cap 5 with its bore 25, the curve of its bezel and the vertical walls covering the sides of the middle.
  • the thickness of the sheet was chosen here at 0.3 mm, but other thicknesses more or less could also be suitable.
  • the middle-bezel is made of plastic, which leads to a very cheap watch and produced in large series. But the feeling of cheapness can just disappear if the middle-bezel is dressed by the cap made according to the invention.
  • the "Swatch" watch registered trademark
  • the middle-bezel which would be covered with a cap giving this watch a new aesthetic appearance without changing its famous shape and without significantly modifying its cost price.
  • a cap made of steel sheet, possibly colored changes the aesthetic appearance of the watch by giving the impression that this watch is made of metal and this without changing anything in its shape.
  • the invention is finally characterized by the presence of projections on one of the elements, these projections cooperating with the other of the elements to ensure the attachment of said elements to each other.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 it is the cap 5 which carries projections in the form of legs 50.
  • the legs 50 cooperate with corresponding housings 51 of the middle part 16 to fix the cap 5 on the middle-bezel 2.
  • Figure 2 which is a section along line II-II of Figure 1 assuming the cap mounted on the middle-bezel, clearly shows that the cap 5 is hooked to the middle part 16 by folding the legs 50 in the housings 51. It will be understood that to moor the cover two legs 50 are at least necessary, located diagonally.
  • the example in Figure 1 shows four legs, which ensures better hold of the cap.
  • the crystal 3 and the middle part 2 are made of materials which can be welded to one another.
  • the middle-bezel can, for example, be made from one of the materials usually designated by ABS (acryl butadiene styrene), ASA (acryl styrene acryl-ester) or SAN (styrene acryl nitrile).
  • the glass is made of a transparent acrylic resin (PMMA) commonly known under the registered trademark "plexiglass". The glass can be fixed in several ways to the middle part. One way among others will now be explained briefly.
  • the crystal 3 comprises a lip 22 of cylindrical shape, engaged in a groove 24 of the middle part 16.
  • This ring 26 is formed during the ultrasonic welding of the lens to the middle part, the welding which causes the materials at the end of the lip 22 and the bottom of the groove 24 to merge.
  • the lens 3 also has a heel 28 covering the edge of the lens 15. Another heel 30 carried by the glass keeps the dial 31 in place.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a first variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the middle part-bezel 2 has no housing and the tabs 52 of the cap 5 are very simply folded under the bottom 4 of the middle-bezel .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a second variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the cap 5 carries projections or lugs 55 already folded before the cap is introduced on the middle.
  • the side of the middle part 16 has grooves 53 whose section is dimensioned to allow the legs 55 to pass.
  • FIG. 4 further shows that the legs 55 extend with play under the bottom 4 when the cap 5 is fully inserted into the middle-bezel 2.
  • This flat element can be a spring washer, a washer having a radial slot that is wide enough to allow the washer to contract and be inserted under the legs.
  • the flat element 54 could be a plate having as many indentations as there are legs on the cap. This plate, once in place, is turned from material to come and lock the plate, in the manner of a bayonet closure.
  • FIG. 5 A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • the middle part-bezel 2 which carries projections and the cover 5 which is arranged to cooperate with these projections.
  • the middle part 16 is provided with at least two bosses 57 advantageously made in one piece with the middle part. Each boss cooperates with an opening 56 made in the cap 5 and is notched in said opening to fix the cap on the middle part.
  • the bosses can be used to give a particular aesthetic touch to the watch, for example by the choice of the color used to manufacture the middle part.
  • the cap described in the above examples could, if need be, dress a bezel without the latter being modified in its general dimensions with a view to such a covering. In most cases, however, it is preferable to reduce the radial dimensions of the middle part somewhat so that the dress watch has the same appearance as that which it presented without the cap. In this case, the cover could not be extended to the bottom of the middle as shown in FIG. 5, this cover stopping against a flange forming part of the middle.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

La boîte de montre (1) comporte une carrure-lunette (2) faite en matière plastique recouverte d'une coiffe (5) fait en métal. La coiffe est une feuille métallique mise en forme pour épouser le relief de la lunette (15) et de la carrure (16) qu'elle recouvre. La coiffe est fixée à la carrure-lunette par des pattes (50) repliées dans des logements (51) portés par la carrure-lunette.The watch case (1) comprises a middle-bezel (2) made of plastic covered with a cap (5) made of metal. The cap is a metal sheet shaped to match the relief of the bezel (15) and the middle part (16) which it covers. The cap is fixed to the middle part of the bezel by lugs (50) folded into housings (51) carried by the middle part of the bezel.

Description

La présente invention est relative à une boîte de montre compor­tant une carrure-lunette constituant un premier élément de la boîte, une glace fixée à la carrure-lunette et une coiffe recouvrant entièrement la lunette et s'étendant au moins partiellement le long du flanc présenté par la carrure, la coiffe constituant un second élément de ladite boîte.The present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle-bezel constituting a first element of the case, a crystal fixed to the middle-bezel and a cap entirely covering the bezel and extending at least partially along the flank presented. by the middle, the cap constituting a second element of said box.

On a souvent proposé une boîte de montre recouverte par une coiffe.We have often proposed a watch case covered by a cap.

Le brevet CH-A-558 040 décrit une boîte de montre comportant une coiffe de protection en matière extra-dure. Dans cette construction la coiffe est maintenue en place par des vis perpendiculaires au plan de la boîte, traversant la carrure-lunette et prenant dans des plots taraudés rapportés sous la coiffe. Ici la coiffe présente une section droite assez compliquée due à la présence des plots tarau­dés. La carrure-lunette doit être réalisée selon une forme spéciale pour être adaptée à la coiffe qui la surmonte.Patent CH-A-558,040 describes a watch case comprising a protective cap made of extra hard material. In this construction, the cap is held in place by screws perpendicular to the plane of the case, passing through the middle of the bezel and taking in threaded studs attached under the cap. Here the cap has a fairly complicated cross section due to the presence of tapped studs. The middle-bezel must be made in a special shape to be adapted to the cap which surmounts it.

Le brevet CH-A-517 963 (US-A-3 242 664) décrit une boîte de montre revêtue par une coiffe en carbure métallique faite d'une partie annulaire entourant la glace et de deux oreilles diamétrale­ment opposées recouvrant les cornes d'attache d'un bracelet. La partie annulaire et les oreilles sont brasées respectivement sur la boîte et sur les cornes. Cette construction nécessite un outillage spécial pour fixer la coiffe sur la boîte de montre et l'on observe­ra qu'une fois la coiffe fixée, cette dernière est indémontable du moins en utilisant de simples outils.Patent CH-A-517,963 (US-A-3,242,664) describes a watch case coated with a metal carbide cap made of an annular part surrounding the crystal and two diametrically opposed ears covering the attachment horns a bracelet. The annular part and the ears are brazed respectively on the box and on the horns. This construction requires special tools to fix the cap on the watch case and it will be observed that once the cap has been fixed, the latter is non-removable at least using simple tools.

Le boîtier décrit dans le brevet US-A-4 396 298 contient un module électronique pour l'affichage de l'heure. Ce boîtier comporte un fond, une partie élastique interposée entre le fond et le module et un couvercle. Des barrettes élastiques engagées dans des rebords du fond maintiennent le module dans le fond de la boîte. Les mêmes barrettes servent à fixer le couvercle sur le fond. Le bracelet est fixé à la boîte au moyen d'oreilles levées dans le fond. Cette construction est compliquée et nécessite plusieurs pièces pliées et embouties. Le couvercle ne constitue pas à proprement parler une coiffe, mais bien plutôt une partie constitutive de la boîte.The housing described in US-A-4 396 298 contains an electronic module for displaying the time. This housing has a bottom, an elastic part interposed between the bottom and the module and a cover. Elastic bars engaged in bottom flanges hold the module in the bottom of the box. The same bars are used to fix the cover on the bottom. The bracelet is attached to the box by means of ears lifted at the bottom. This construction is complicated and requires several folded parts and stamped. The lid is not strictly speaking a cap, but rather a constituent part of the box.

Les brevets CH-B-352 965, CH-B-358 039 et DE-A-2 753 447 (équivalent à US-A-4 186 552) décrivent tous une coiffe métallique mince recouvrant une carrure faite en matière plastique. Cependant dans chacun de ces documents la carrure est surmoulée en une seule opération à l'intérieur de la coiffe, ce qui rend la coiffe indémon­table une fois ladite opération effectuée. Au contraire de cela et pour les raisons qui apparaîtront par la suite, la coiffe de la présente invention est mise en place sur une carrure fabriquée à part puis accrochée à cette carrure.The patents CH-B-352 965, CH-B-358 039 and DE-A-2 753 447 (equivalent to US-A-4 186 552) all describe a thin metal cap covering a middle part made of plastic material. However, in each of these documents, the middle part is molded in a single operation inside the cap, which makes the cap impossible to dismantle once said operation has been carried out. On the contrary of this and for the reasons which will appear thereafter, the cap of the present invention is put in place on a middle part manufactured separately and then hung on this middle part.

Le brevet CH-B-352 966 montre quant à lui non pas une coiffe faite en métal comme dans la présente invention, mais en matière plastique, le côté intérieur de cette coiffe étant recouvert d'une métallisation de faible épaisseur. Outre qu'il s'agit là d'une construction onéreuse, on mentionnera que les parties extérieures de la coiffe, faites en matériau tendre, sont sujettes à détérioration rapide (rayures, etc).The patent CH-B-352 966 shows, for its part, not a cap made of metal as in the present invention, but of plastic material, the inner side of this cap being covered with a thin metallization. Besides that this is an expensive construction, it should be mentioned that the outer parts of the cap, made of soft material, are subject to rapid deterioration (scratches, etc.).

Pour éviter les inconvénients énumérés ci-dessus, la boîte de montre selon l'invention, en plus qu'elle répond à la définition générique donnée plus haut, est caractérisée par le fait le premier élément est fait en matière plastique, que le second élément est fait d'une feuille métallique mise en forme pour épouser le relief de la lunette et de la carrure qu'elle surmonte et que des saillies sont formées sur l'un des éléments, lesdites saillies étant susceptibles de coopérer avec l'autre des éléments quand la coiffe est mise en place, sur la carrure-lunette pour assurer l'accrochage desdits éléments l'un à l'autre et la fixation de ladite coiffe sur ladite carrure-lunette.To avoid the drawbacks listed above, the watch case according to the invention, in addition to meeting the generic definition given above, is characterized by the fact that the first element is made of plastic, that the second element is made of a metal sheet shaped to match the relief of the bezel and the middle part which it surmounts and that protrusions are formed on one of the elements, said protrusions being capable of cooperating with the other of the elements when the cap is put in place, on the middle-bezel to ensure the attachment of said elements to one another and the fixing of said cap on said middle-bezel.

Les avantages d'une telle disposition apparaîtront clairement à la lecture de la desciption qui va suivre et à l'examen du dessin qui l'illustre à titre d'exemple et dans lequel :
la figure 1 est une vue en pespective éclatée de la boîte de montre selon l'invention et selon un premier mode d'exécution,
la figure 2 est une coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 en supposant la coiffe assemblée à la carrure-lunette,
la figure 3 est une coupe dans la boîte de montre selon l'inven­tion et selon une première variante du premier mode d'exécution,
la figure 4 est une coupe dans la boîte de montre selon l'inven­tion et selon une seconde variante du premier mode d'exécution,
la figure 5 est une coupe dans la boîte de montre selon l'inven­tion et selon un second mode d'exécution, et
la figure 6 est une vue selon la flèche VI de la figure 5.The advantages of such an arrangement will appear clearly on reading the description which follows and on examining the drawing which illustrates it by way of example and in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the watch case according to the invention and according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a section along line II-II of FIG. 1 assuming the cap assembled to the middle part of the bezel,
FIG. 3 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a first variant of the first embodiment,
FIG. 4 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a second variant of the first embodiment,
FIG. 5 is a section through the watch case according to the invention and according to a second embodiment, and
FIG. 6 is a view according to arrow VI of FIG. 5.

La boîte de montre 1 de la figure 1 comporte essentiellement une carrure-lunette 2, une glace 3 fixée à la carrure-lunette et une coiffe 5 susceptible de recouvrir entièrement la partie lunette 15 de la carrure-lunette 2, cette coiffe s'étendant au moins partielle­ment le long du flanc présenté par la partie carrure 16 de la carrure-lunette 2. Sur la figure 1, on voit que la carrure-lunette comporte deux paires de cornes 9 et 10 entre lesquelles sont articu­lées respectivement les demi-bracelets 6 et 7. Le demi-bracelet 6 est articulé autour d'une barrette 8 enfilée dans des trous 11 et 12 pratiqués dans les cornes 9. De même, le demi-bracelet 7 est articu­lé autour d'une barrette 18 enfilée dans des trous 19 et 20 prati­qués dans les cornes 10.The watch case 1 of FIG. 1 essentially comprises a middle part-bezel 2, a crystal 3 fixed to the middle part-bezel and a cap 5 capable of entirely covering the bezel part 15 of the middle part-bezel 2, this cap extending at least partially along the flank presented by the middle part 16 of the middle part-bezel 2. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the middle part-bezel comprises two pairs of horns 9 and 10 between which the half-bracelets 6 are articulated respectively and 7. The half-bracelet 6 is articulated around a bar 8 threaded in holes 11 and 12 made in the horns 9. Similarly, the half-bracelet 7 is articulated around a bar 18 threaded in holes 19 and 20 practiced in the horns 10.

Comme on le voit bien sur la figure 1, et selon une caractéris­tique de l'invention, la coiffe 5 est faite d'une feuille métallique mise en forme de façon à épouser le relief de la lunette 15 et du flanc de la carrure 16 qu'elle surmonte. La mise en forme de la coiffe peut comprendre plusieurs étapes, par exemple un étampage préliminaire suivi d'un emboutissage. De ces opérations est issue la coiffe 5 avec son perçage 25, le galbe de sa lunette et les parois verticales recouvrant les flancs de la carrure. L'épaisseur de la feuille a été choisie ici à 0,3 mm, mais d'autres épaisseurs en plus ou moins pourraient aussi convenir.As can be seen clearly in FIG. 1, and according to a characteristic of the invention, the cap 5 is made of a metal sheet shaped so as to match the relief of the bezel 15 and the side of the middle part 16 which 'she overcomes. The shaping of the cap may comprise several stages, for example a preliminary stamping followed by a stamping. From these operations came the cap 5 with its bore 25, the curve of its bezel and the vertical walls covering the sides of the middle. The thickness of the sheet was chosen here at 0.3 mm, but other thicknesses more or less could also be suitable.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la carrure-­lunette est faite en matière plastique, ce qui conduit à une montre très bon marché et fabriquée en grandes séries. Mais le sentiment de bon marché peut justement disparaître si la carrure-lunette est habillée par la coiffe réalisée selon l'invention. Ainsi par exem­ple, la montre "Swatch" (marque déposée) connue mondialement pour sa forme particulière et son prix très bas, en même temps que pour sa bienfacture, peut constituer la carrure-lunette définie ci-dessus, carrure-lunette qui serait revêtue d'une coiffe donnant à cette montre un aspect esthétique nouveau sans changer sa forme réputée et sans modifier sensiblement son prix de revient. Ainsi une coiffe faite en feuille d'acier, éventuellement colorée, change l'aspect esthétique de la montre en donnant l'impression que cette montre est faite en métal et cela sans rien changer à sa forme.According to another characteristic of the invention, the middle-bezel is made of plastic, which leads to a very cheap watch and produced in large series. But the feeling of cheapness can just disappear if the middle-bezel is dressed by the cap made according to the invention. Thus for example, the "Swatch" watch (registered trademark) known worldwide for its particular shape and its very low price, at the same time as for its craftsmanship, can constitute the middle-bezel defined above, middle-bezel which would be covered with a cap giving this watch a new aesthetic appearance without changing its famous shape and without significantly modifying its cost price. Thus a cap made of steel sheet, possibly colored, changes the aesthetic appearance of the watch by giving the impression that this watch is made of metal and this without changing anything in its shape.

Enfin, généralement, si la carrure-lunette 2 constitue un premier élément de la boîte et si la coiffe 5 constitue un second élément de cette boîte, l'invention est caractérisée finalement par la présence de saillies sur l'un des éléments, ces saillies coopé­rant avec l'autre des éléments pour assurer l'accrochage desdits éléments l'un à l'autre.Finally, generally, if the middle-bezel 2 constitutes a first element of the box and if the cover 5 constitutes a second element of this box, the invention is finally characterized by the presence of projections on one of the elements, these projections cooperating with the other of the elements to ensure the attachment of said elements to each other.

Dans le premier mode d'exécution de l'invention et comme cela apparaît aux figures 1 et 2, c'est la coiffe 5 qui porte des sail­lies en forme de pattes 50. Les pattes 50 coopèrent avec des loge­ments correspondants 51 de la carrure 16 pour fixer la coiffe 5 sur la carrure-lunette 2. La figure 2, qui est une coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 en supposant la coiffe montée sur la carrure-­lunette, montre clairement que la coiffe 5 est accrochée à la carrure 16 par pliage des pattes 50 dans les logements 51. On comprendra que pour amarrer la coiffe deux pattes 50 sont au moins nécessaires, situées diagonalement. L'exemple de la figure 1 montre quatre pattes, ce qui assure une meilleure tenue de la coiffe.In the first embodiment of the invention and as it appears in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is the cap 5 which carries projections in the form of legs 50. The legs 50 cooperate with corresponding housings 51 of the middle part 16 to fix the cap 5 on the middle-bezel 2. Figure 2, which is a section along line II-II of Figure 1 assuming the cap mounted on the middle-bezel, clearly shows that the cap 5 is hooked to the middle part 16 by folding the legs 50 in the housings 51. It will be understood that to moor the cover two legs 50 are at least necessary, located diagonally. The example in Figure 1 shows four legs, which ensures better hold of the cap.

Dans les exemples montrés en figures 2 à 5, la glace 3 et la carrure-lunette 2 sont réalisées en des matériaux soudables l'un à l'autre. La carrure-lunette peut, par exemple, être fabriqué en l'un des matériaux désignés habituellement par ABS (acryl butadiène styrène), ASA (acryl styrène acryl-ester) ou SAN (styrène acryl nitrile). La glace est réalisée en une résine transparente acrylique (PMMA) communément désignée sous la marque déposée "plexiglass". La glace peut être fixée de plusieurs façons à la carrure-lunette. Une façon de faire parmi d'autres va être expliquée maintenant de maniè­re succinte. La glace 3 comporte une lèvre 22 de forme cylindrique, engagée dans une gorge 24 de la carrure 16. L'extrémité de la lèvre 22 et le fond de la gorge 24 forment ensemble un anneau 26, cons­titué d'un alliage des matériaux de la glace 3 et de la carrure-­lunette 2. Cet anneau 26 est formé lors du soudage par ultrasons de la glace à la carrure-lunette, soudage qui provoque la fusion des matériaux de l'extrémité de la lèvre 22 et du fond de la gorge 24. La glace 3 comporte en outre un talon 28 recouvrant le bord de la lunette 15. Un autre talon 30 porté par la glace maintient en place le cadran 31.In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the crystal 3 and the middle part 2 are made of materials which can be welded to one another. The middle-bezel can, for example, be made from one of the materials usually designated by ABS (acryl butadiene styrene), ASA (acryl styrene acryl-ester) or SAN (styrene acryl nitrile). The glass is made of a transparent acrylic resin (PMMA) commonly known under the registered trademark "plexiglass". The glass can be fixed in several ways to the middle part. One way among others will now be explained briefly. The crystal 3 comprises a lip 22 of cylindrical shape, engaged in a groove 24 of the middle part 16. The end of the lip 22 and the bottom of the groove 24 together form a ring 26, made of an alloy of the materials of the glass 3 and middle part-bezel 2. This ring 26 is formed during the ultrasonic welding of the lens to the middle part, the welding which causes the materials at the end of the lip 22 and the bottom of the groove 24 to merge. The lens 3 also has a heel 28 covering the edge of the lens 15. Another heel 30 carried by the glass keeps the dial 31 in place.

La figure 3 illustre une première variante du mode d'exécution montré en figures 1 et 2. Ici la carrure-lunette 2 ne porte aucun logement et les pattes 52 de la coiffe 5 sont très simplement repliées sous le fond 4 de la carrure-lunette.Figure 3 illustrates a first variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here the middle part-bezel 2 has no housing and the tabs 52 of the cap 5 are very simply folded under the bottom 4 of the middle-bezel .

La figure 4 illustre une seconde variante du mode d'exécution montré en figures 1 et 2. Ici la coiffe 5 porte des saillies ou pattes 55 déjà repliées avant que la coiffe ne soit introduite sur la carrure. Pour permettre cette introduction, le flanc de la car­rure 16 comporte des rainures 53 dont la section est dimensionnée pour laisser passer les pattes 55. La figure 4 montre de plus que les pattes 55 s'étendent avec jeu sous le fond 4 quand la coiffe 5 est introduite à fond dans la carrure-lunette 2. Dans ce jeu est disposé alors un élément plat 54 pour verrouiller la coiffe sur la carrure-lunette. Cet élément plat peut être une rondelle à ressort, rondelle présentant une fente radiale suffisamment large pour per­mettre la contraction de la rondelle et son insertion sous les pattes.Figure 4 illustrates a second variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here the cap 5 carries projections or lugs 55 already folded before the cap is introduced on the middle. To allow this introduction, the side of the middle part 16 has grooves 53 whose section is dimensioned to allow the legs 55 to pass. FIG. 4 further shows that the legs 55 extend with play under the bottom 4 when the cap 5 is fully inserted into the middle-bezel 2. In this set is then placed a flat element 54 for locking the cover on the middle-bezel. This flat element can be a spring washer, a washer having a radial slot that is wide enough to allow the washer to contract and be inserted under the legs.

On notera ici que l'élément plat 54 pourrait être une plaque présentant autant d'échancrures qu'il y a de pattes sur la coiffe. Cette plaque, une fois mise en place, est tournée de matière à venir verrouiller la plaque, à la façon d'une fermeture à baïonnette.It will be noted here that the flat element 54 could be a plate having as many indentations as there are legs on the cap. This plate, once in place, is turned from material to come and lock the plate, in the manner of a bayonet closure.

Un second mode d'exécution de l'invention est montré aux figures 5 et 6. Dans ce mode d'exécution, c'est la carrure-lunette 2 qui porte des saillies et la coiffe 5 qui est arrangée pour coopérer avec ces saillies. A cet effet, la carrure 16 est munies d'au moins deux bossages 57 avantageusement réalisés d'une pièce avec la carrure. Chaque bossage coopère avec une ouverture 56 pratiquée dans la coiffe 5 et vient se cranter dans ladite ouverture pour fixer la coiffe sur la carrure-lunette. On appréciera que les bossages peuvent être mis à profit pour donner une touche esthétique particu­lière à la montre, par exemple par le choix de la couleur utilisée pour fabriquer la carrure-lunette.A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, it is the middle part-bezel 2 which carries projections and the cover 5 which is arranged to cooperate with these projections. To this end, the middle part 16 is provided with at least two bosses 57 advantageously made in one piece with the middle part. Each boss cooperates with an opening 56 made in the cap 5 and is notched in said opening to fix the cap on the middle part. It will be appreciated that the bosses can be used to give a particular aesthetic touch to the watch, for example by the choice of the color used to manufacture the middle part.

La coiffe décrite dans les exemples ci-dessus pourrait à la rigueur habiller une carrure-lunette sans que cette dernière soit modifiée dans ses dimensions générales en vue d'un tel recouvrement. Dans la plupart des cas cependant, on préférera réduire quelque peu les dimensions radiales de la carrure pour que la montre habillée présente le même aspect que celui qu'elle présentait sans coiffe. Dans ce cas on pourrait ne pas prolonger la coiffe jusqu 'au bas de la carrure comme cela est montré à la figure 5, cette coiffe s'arrê­tant contre un rebord faisant partie de la carrure.The cap described in the above examples could, if need be, dress a bezel without the latter being modified in its general dimensions with a view to such a covering. In most cases, however, it is preferable to reduce the radial dimensions of the middle part somewhat so that the dress watch has the same appearance as that which it presented without the cap. In this case, the cover could not be extended to the bottom of the middle as shown in FIG. 5, this cover stopping against a flange forming part of the middle.

Une modification de l'aspect esthétique de la montre, au moment de sa vente par exemple, est réalisable par l'horloger revendeur s'il dispose de coiffes en réserve. Il est en effet aisé de replier les pattes montrées en figures 1, 2 et 3 sans avoir à disposition des outils spéciaux. La solution préconisée à la figure 4 rend la coiffe encore plus facilement interchangeable puisque la coiffe possède déjà sa forme définitive au moment où elle est placée sur la carrure-lunette. Concernant le mode d'exécution présenté à la figure 5, il suffira d'enfiler la coiffe sur la carrure jusqu' à ce que les bossages 57 pénètrent dans les ouvertures 56.A modification of the aesthetic appearance of the watch, at the time of its sale for example, is achievable by the watchmaker dealer if he has copings in reserve. It is indeed easy to fold the tabs shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 without having special tools available. The solution recommended in Figure 4 makes the cap even more easily interchangeable since the cap already has its final shape when it is placed on the middle-bezel. Concerning the embodiment presented in FIG. 5, it will suffice to thread the cover over the middle until the bosses 57 penetrate into the openings 56.

Claims (6)

1. Boîte de montre (1) comportant une carrure-lunette (2) constituant un premier élément de la boîte, une glace (3) fixée à la carrure-lunette et une coiffe (5) recouvrant entièrement la lunette et s'étendant au moins partiellement le long du flanc présenté par la carrure, la coiffe constituant un second élément de ladite boîte, caractérisée par le fait que le premier élément est fait en matière plastique, que le second élément est fait d'une feuille métallique mise en forme pour épouser le relief de la lunette et de la carrure qu'elle surmonte et que des saillies (50, 52, 55, 57) sont formées sur l'un des éléments, lesdites saillies étant susceptibles de coopérer avec l'autre des éléments quand la coiffe est mise en place sur la carrure-lunette pour assurer l'accrochage desdits éléments l'un à l'autre et la fixation de ladite coiffe sur ladite carrure-­lunette.1. Watch case (1) comprising a middle-bezel (2) constituting a first element of the case, a crystal (3) fixed to the middle-bezel and a cap (5) completely covering the bezel and extending to the at least partially along the flank presented by the middle part, the cap constituting a second element of said box, characterized in that the first element is made of plastic material, that the second element is made of a metal sheet shaped for marry the relief of the bezel and the middle part which it surmounts and that projections (50, 52, 55, 57) are formed on one of the elements, said projections being capable of cooperating with the other of the elements when the cap is placed on the middle-bezel to ensure the attachment of said elements to each other and the fixing of said cap on said middle-bezel. 2. Boîte selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que le bord de la coiffe situé le long du flanc de la carrure (16) porte au moins deux saillies en forme de pattes (50) et que dans la car­rure sont pratiquées des logements (51) dans lesquels sont repliées les pattes pour fixer ladite coiffe sur ladite carrure-lunette.2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge of the cap located along the side of the middle part (16) carries at least two protrusions in the form of legs (50) and that in the middle are formed housing (51) in which the tabs are folded to fix said cap on said middle-bezel. 3. Boîte selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que le bord de la coiffe situé le long du flanc de la carrure porte au moins deux saillies (52) en forme de pattes repliées sous la car­rure.3. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge of the cap located along the side of the middle carries at least two projections (52) in the form of legs folded under the middle. 4. Boîte selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que le bord de la coiffe situé le long du flanc de la carrure porte au moins deux saillies (55) s'étendant avec jeu sous la carrure, un élément plat (54) étant disposé entre le dessous de carrure et les saillies pour verrouiller ladite coiffe sur ladite carrure-lunette.4. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge of the cap located along the side of the middle carries at least two projections (55) extending with play under the middle, a flat element (54) being disposed between the underside of the middle and the projections to lock said cap on said middle-bezel. 5. Boîte selon la revendication 4, caractérisée par le fait que l'élément plat (54) est une rondelle à ressort.5. Box according to claim 4, characterized in that the flat element (54) is a spring washer. 6. Boîte selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que le flanc de la carrure porte au moins deux saillies (57) en forme de bossage et que, dans la partie de la coiffe s'étendant le long du flanc de la carrure, sont pratiquées des ouvertures (56) dans les­quelles pénètrent lesdits bossages pour fixer ladite coiffe sur ladite carrure-lunette.6. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the side of the middle carries at least two protrusions (57) in the form of a boss and that, in the part of the cap extending along the side of the middle, openings (56) are made in which said bosses penetrate to fix said cap on said middle part.
EP89112742A 1988-07-19 1989-07-12 Watch case covered by a cap fastened to the middle part Withdrawn EP0351705A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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CH2761/88A CH674691B5 (en) 1988-07-19 1988-07-19
CH2761/88 1988-07-19

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US (1) US5034932A (en)
EP (1) EP0351705A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH02112792A (en)
KR (1) KR900002140A (en)
CN (1) CN1039490A (en)
AU (1) AU3818789A (en)
BR (1) BR8903534A (en)
CH (1) CH674691B5 (en)

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EP0869414A1 (en) * 1997-04-03 1998-10-07 Conseils et Manufactures VLG SA Watch case
WO2011061006A1 (en) 2009-11-18 2011-05-26 Endress+Hauser Gmbh+Co.Kg Capacitive ceramic pressure measurement cell
EP2835698A1 (en) 2013-08-07 2015-02-11 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Casing element with metallic glass cap
CN112612197A (en) * 2019-10-04 2021-04-06 柯马杜股份有限公司 Spring ring for snap-fitting a rotary bezel

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JP2601034Y2 (en) * 1991-11-29 1999-11-02 シチズン時計株式会社 Watch case band fixing structure
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GB2372333B (en) * 2001-02-14 2004-07-07 Terraillon Holdings Ltd Personal weighing scale
WO2005116781A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-08 Gang Hao A radio watch
US7857504B2 (en) * 2008-01-17 2010-12-28 Nike, Inc. Crystal display shielded by one or more protective guards
ITMC20090043U1 (en) * 2009-07-16 2011-01-17 Squan Di Durpetti Silvia & C Sas DECORATIVE CANOPY REPLACEABLE FOR WATCHES WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY.
CN102576213A (en) * 2010-06-21 2012-07-11 王冠国际资产公司 System and method for easy change jewelry case cover
US20140029394A1 (en) * 2011-04-14 2014-01-30 Paul Hartzband Timepiece comprising removable accessories, and method for mounting/removing said accessories
US20130021881A1 (en) * 2011-07-19 2013-01-24 Bertucci Michael H Protective guard for a watch
WO2017068474A2 (en) * 2015-10-23 2017-04-27 Yoram Ghassabian Luxury smartwatch
CN107598486B (en) * 2017-08-29 2019-11-26 惠州市好得高精密五金有限公司 A method of it is covered with gold leaf on wristwatch case

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0869414A1 (en) * 1997-04-03 1998-10-07 Conseils et Manufactures VLG SA Watch case
WO2011061006A1 (en) 2009-11-18 2011-05-26 Endress+Hauser Gmbh+Co.Kg Capacitive ceramic pressure measurement cell
EP2835698A1 (en) 2013-08-07 2015-02-11 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Casing element with metallic glass cap
WO2015018718A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-12 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Exterior casing element and a cap made of metallic glass
CN112612197A (en) * 2019-10-04 2021-04-06 柯马杜股份有限公司 Spring ring for snap-fitting a rotary bezel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH674691B5 (en) 1991-01-15
KR900002140A (en) 1990-02-28
JPH02112792A (en) 1990-04-25
US5034932A (en) 1991-07-23
BR8903534A (en) 1990-03-13
CH674691GA3 (en) 1990-07-13
CN1039490A (en) 1990-02-07
AU3818789A (en) 1990-01-25

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