EP0791865B1 - Pocket and table timepiece with a suspension and support device - Google Patents

Pocket and table timepiece with a suspension and support device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0791865B1
EP0791865B1 EP19970100773 EP97100773A EP0791865B1 EP 0791865 B1 EP0791865 B1 EP 0791865B1 EP 19970100773 EP19970100773 EP 19970100773 EP 97100773 A EP97100773 A EP 97100773A EP 0791865 B1 EP0791865 B1 EP 0791865B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
case
suspension
hinge
ring
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
EP19970100773
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0791865A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Pantet
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
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Publication date
Priority claimed from CH00207/96A external-priority patent/CH690206A5/en
Priority claimed from FR9601296A external-priority patent/FR2744538B1/en
Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Publication of EP0791865A1 publication Critical patent/EP0791865A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0791865B1 publication Critical patent/EP0791865B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B37/1446—Means for suspending pocket-, or other types of watches, e.g. on small chains
    • 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
    • G04B37/1406—Means for fixing the clockwork pieces on other objects (possibly on walls)
    • G04B37/1413—Separable means
    • 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 a pocket watch and table, comprising a watch case and a device suspension and support mounted on said box and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation allowing to put the watch selectively in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device keeps the box in an upright position or inclined relative to said surface, the suspension and support comprising two connected parts mutually by the joint, namely a first piece mounted on the periphery of the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension, the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first piece at an acute angle by relative to the second in the table position.
  • the invention also relates to a device for suspension and support intended to be mounted so removable on a watch case and provided with means suspension, said device comprising a hinge allowing you to selectively put the watch in a hanging position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a surface substantially horizontal, said device maintains the box in an upright or tilted position relative to said surface, the device comprising two parts interconnected by the joint, namely a first part intended to be fixed to the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension, the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first piece at an acute angle by relative to the second in the table position.
  • the publication EP-A-0 290 935 illustrates, in its Figures 2 and 6, a pocket watch equipped with a suspension and support device which includes three rooms.
  • the first part is a receptacle provided with a cavity, in which the watch case is retained by elastic wings, and an upper stem having a spherical housing open laterally.
  • the second room is a suspension support having a ball joint which engages removably in said spherical housing.
  • the third piece is a separate easel having a ball joint analog and a shoulder which can rest on the back of the first piece to keep the watch in position tilted on a table, when this third piece is put in place of the second.
  • the existence of three parts one of which must always be removed from the device represents a major drawback for users, especially since the bridge is too bulky for the user is constantly carrying it.
  • Swiss Patent No. 323,379 describes a watch from the genre defined in the preamble, which can sometimes be suspended, sometimes arranged in easel.
  • Its suspension device and support includes three pieces, the first of which forms an annular frame in which the box of watch is pivotally mounted on a disposed axis horizontally.
  • This frame has a rigid handle prominent backwards and upwards.
  • a second flat part is articulated at one of its ends on the handle and at the other end on a third piece belonging to a key chain.
  • the device plays the role of an easel resting on the table by the third piece and by the articulation of the second part on the first.
  • this mount abuts on the second part away from the joint to stay in a tilted back position. We then return the swivel watch so that its dial appears on the side of the joint.
  • the present invention aims to improve a watch of the kind indicated in the preamble, in particular its suspension and support device, so that can move the watch from one position to another in a very simple way, without wear, and so that the assembly can be manufactured at low cost and present small footprint, especially without presenting protruding or annoying elements on the watch case and on the suspension and support device mounted on the box.
  • a particular purpose is to allow to climb this device in a removable manner on a box of watch, so that you can sometimes mount this box on a other support, for example to use it as a wristwatch.
  • a watch according to the invention is characterized in that the box has a groove continuous or discontinuous on its periphery and in that the first piece is hung on the box so removable and has an open ring extending along of the periphery of the box substantially in a plane middle of the box, said ring being elastic in its plan to hang by elasticity to the box and comprising hooking means arranged to engage in said throat.
  • a suspension and support device is characterized in that the first part has an open ring arranged to extend the along the periphery of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane to hang on the box removable way.
  • the first piece of the latter can remain hung in permanently in the watch case, so without using it.
  • the second part can be suspended in a known manner, for example from a loop or a carabiner, and the first piece with the watch is suspended from it simply by the joint, who can play freely if necessary.
  • To go to table position just rotate the joint until the two pieces come up against one against the other and lay the second piece flat on one horizontal surface. These movements do not cause any wear.
  • the watch can also be used with another support.
  • the configuration of the elastic hooking means will be preferably adapted to the configuration of a groove peripheral provided on a watch case of standard production, for example plastic molded so that the device can be found entirely in the median plane of the watch and turns out so compact when the watch is put in a poached.
  • the assembly In the table position, the assembly can rest on a horizontal surface only by the second piece, which is preferably flat, so that it does not not risk scratching this surface as could an easel.
  • the first piece and the second piece abuts against each other to proximity to the joint thanks to a shoulder created on one of said parts by a recess in the thickness of this part between the joint and said shoulder.
  • This system has the advantage of avoiding any stops protruding which could be annoying on one or the other pieces.
  • the pocket and table watch shown in Figures 1 and 2 consists of a classic watch 1 and a suspension and support device 2 on which the watch 1 is removably mounted.
  • Watch 1 has a circular box 3 from which a crown emerges 4, the front face of the watch comprising a glass 5 through which the time indicated can be read by conventional display elements 6.
  • the structure and the material of the box 3 can be any, but it preferably a molded material synthetic.
  • a continuous groove 7 with a V profile, arranged substantially in the median plane 8 of the box 3, extends along the periphery 9 of the box, except in the area crown 4.
  • Watches like this are sold by Swatch AG, Biel (Switzerland) under the POP SWATCH brand and are intended to be mounted removably on a bracelet via hooking members engaging in the groove 7.
  • the suspension and support device 2 is illustrated more particularly by Figures 3 to 5. It essentially comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 which are connected by a hinge 13 axis 14.
  • parts 11 and 12 are rigid and metallic, but we could make them by other materials, especially synthetic materials.
  • the first part 11 in the form of an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery 9 of the box 3, opposite throat 7 so as to engage elastically in this throat.
  • the lateral opening 15 of this ring is intended to leave room for the crown 4 (FIG. 1), so that the crown is opposite the joint 13.
  • Watch 1 is thus fixed without play, by "clipping", in the suspension device and support 2.
  • the second part 12 of the device 2 has the general shape of a substantially flat ring and rectangular, but it could also appear under the shape of a hoop or a plate pierced with a hole serving as a means of suspension.
  • one end of the part 12 has two tabs 24 pierced with a transverse hole, these two legs being placed on either side of a protrusion 25 of the central part 16 of the part 11.
  • This protuberance 25 is also pierced with a hole which is aligned with those of the legs 24.
  • We place in these three holes a joint pin in the form a screw 26 engaged in a cylindrical tubular nut 27.
  • articulation 13 is located nearby of the median plane 8 of the box 3, which therefore tends to stay vertical when the watch is suspended. In this position, the two parts 11 and 12 extend substantially in the same shot 8, so that the watch is little cumbersome, especially when put in a pocket of a garment.
  • the other end of the part 12 is shaped to form a suspension member constituted by a more thin cylindrical bar shape 28, allowing to hang the carabiner 40 from a suspension chain 41. The carabiner is held in a centered position on the part 12 by the thicker adjacent parts 29 of this piece.
  • part 12 On the rear face of part 12, i.e. its face opposite to the front face of watch 1, it is provided a recess 31 formed in the thickness of each of the 24 legs to create a shoulder next to it not protruding 32 which may abut against the base part 16 of part 11 when the part 12 is pivoted towards back to put the watch in its table position.
  • the two pieces form an acute angle and the flat front face 33 of the part 12 serving as a base can rest on any horizontal surface 34, as shown in Figure 2.
  • Exhibit 11 and the watch 1 are then kept in an upright position, slightly tilted back, so that their center of gravity lies approximately above the center of part 12.
  • the flat and rectangular shape thereof ensures good stability of the assembly. Crown 4 and the 12 o'clock position of the watch face are then directed upwards, while they are directed towards the bottom when the watch is suspended.
  • throat 7 could be discontinuous, the first part 11 then having hooking members configured accordingly.
  • the room 11 could have two arms of unequal length, or even one arm. Instead of the two shoulders 32, one could provide a single shoulder or other element forming a stop, and this on any of the two parts 11 and 12.
  • the device for suspension and support according to the invention allows wear the watch under certain circumstances as a watch pocket or as a pendant, and in others circumstances of placing it on a piece of furniture, especially during at night or at the office.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une montre de poche et de table, comportant une boíte de montre et un dispositif de suspension et de support monté sur ladite boíte et pourvu de moyens de suspension, ledit dispositif comportant une articulation permettant de mettre la montre sélectivement dans une position de suspension et dans une position de table dans laquelle, lorsque la montre est posée sur une surface sensiblement horizontale, ledit dispositif maintient la boíte dans une position dressée ou inclinée par rapport à ladite surface, le dispositif de suspension et de support comportant deux pièces reliées mutuellement par l'articulation, à savoir une première pièce montée sur la périphérie de la boíte et une seconde pièce sensiblement plane et pourvue d'un organe de suspension, les deux pièces butant l'une contre l'autre pour arrêter la première pièce sous un angle aigu par rapport à la seconde dans la position de table.The present invention relates to a pocket watch and table, comprising a watch case and a device suspension and support mounted on said box and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation allowing to put the watch selectively in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device keeps the box in an upright position or inclined relative to said surface, the suspension and support comprising two connected parts mutually by the joint, namely a first piece mounted on the periphery of the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension, the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first piece at an acute angle by relative to the second in the table position.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif de suspension et de support destiné à être monté de manière amovible sur une boíte de montre et pourvu de moyens de suspension, ledit dispositif comportant une articulation permettant de mettre la montre sélectivement dans une position de suspension et dans une position de table dans laquelle, lorsque la montre est posée sur une surface sensiblement horizontale, ledit dispositif maintient la boíte dans une position dressée ou inclinée par rapport à ladite surface, le dispositif comportant deux pièces reliées mutuellement par l'articulation, à savoir une première pièce destinée à être fixée à la boíte et une seconde pièce sensiblement plane et pourvue d'un organe de suspension, les deux pièces butant l'une contre l'autre pour arrêter la première pièce sous un angle aigu par rapport à la seconde dans la position de table. The invention also relates to a device for suspension and support intended to be mounted so removable on a watch case and provided with means suspension, said device comprising a hinge allowing you to selectively put the watch in a hanging position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a surface substantially horizontal, said device maintains the box in an upright or tilted position relative to said surface, the device comprising two parts interconnected by the joint, namely a first part intended to be fixed to the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension, the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first piece at an acute angle by relative to the second in the table position.

Les montres de poche traditionnelles comportent un anneau de suspension, appelé bélière et destiné à l'accrochage d' une chaínette. Cet anneau est habituellement articulé sur un élément fixe appelé pendant, qui porte la tige et la couronne de remontoir. Dans les brevets suisses No 50581 et No 121 145, il a été proposé d'incorporer cet anneau à un étrier qui peut basculer pour servir de chevalet permettant de poser la montre sur une table ou un autre meuble à la manière d'une pendulette. A l'époque, une telle montre était appelée montre-chevalet ou montre-portefeuille. Cependant, les systèmes de ce genre ont été abandonnés parce qu'ils nécessitent des organes spéciaux pour l'accrochage et le blocage en position du chevalet sur la boíte de montre. En particulier, à cause de la friction, ces systèmes s'usent et n'offrent évidemment pas les meilleures garanties de stabilité et de fiabilité à long terme.Traditional pocket watches have a suspension ring, called a bail and intended for the hanging of a chain. This ring is usually hinged on a fixed element called pendant, which carries the stem and the winding crown. In Swiss patents No 50581 and No 121 145, it was proposed to incorporate this ring into a stirrup which can tilt to serve as an easel for placing the shows on a table or other piece of furniture in the manner a clock. At the time, such a watch was called an easel watch or a wallet watch. However, systems like this have been abandoned because they require special components for hanging and locking in position of the bridge on the watch case. In particular, due to friction, these systems wear out and obviously do not offer the best guarantees of long term stability and reliability.

La publication EP-A-0 290 935 illustre, dans ses figures 2 et 6, une montre de poche équipée d'un dispositif de suspension et de support qui comprend trois pièces. La première pièce est un réceptacle pourvu d'une cavité, dans laquelle la boíte de montre est retenue par des ailes élastiques, et d'une potence supérieure ayant un logement sphérique ouvert latéralement. La deuxième pièce est un support de suspension ayant une rotule qui s'engage de manière amovible dans ledit logement sphérique. La troisième pièce est un chevalet séparé ayant une rotule analogue et un épaulement qui peut s'appuyer au dos de la première pièce pour maintenir la montre en position inclinée sur une table, lorsque cette troisième pièce est mise à la place de la deuxième. L'existence de trois pièces dont l'une doit toujours être enlevée du dispositif représente un inconvénient majeur pour les utilisateurs, d'autant plus que le chevalet est trop encombrant pour que l'utilisateur le porte constamment sur lui.The publication EP-A-0 290 935 illustrates, in its Figures 2 and 6, a pocket watch equipped with a suspension and support device which includes three rooms. The first part is a receptacle provided with a cavity, in which the watch case is retained by elastic wings, and an upper stem having a spherical housing open laterally. The second room is a suspension support having a ball joint which engages removably in said spherical housing. The third piece is a separate easel having a ball joint analog and a shoulder which can rest on the back of the first piece to keep the watch in position tilted on a table, when this third piece is put in place of the second. The existence of three parts one of which must always be removed from the device represents a major drawback for users, especially since the bridge is too bulky for the user is constantly carrying it.

Le brevet suisse No 323 379 décrit une montre du genre défini en préambule, qui peut être tantôt suspendue, tantôt disposée en chevalet. Son dispositif de suspension et de support comprend trois pièces, dont la première forme une monture annulaire dans laquelle la boíte de montre est montée de manière pivotante sur un axe disposé horizontalement. Cette monture comporte une anse rigide proéminente vers l'arrière et vers le haut. Une deuxième pièce plate est articulée à l'une de ses extrémités sur l'anse et à l'autre extrémité sur une troisième pièce appartenant à un porte-clés. Dans la position dite de table, le dispositif joue le rôle d'un chevalet en reposant sur la table par la troisième pièce et par l'articulation de la deuxième pièce sur la première. Comme ladite articulation se trouve alors en avant du plan de la monture annulaire, cette monture bute sur la deuxième pièce à distance de l'articulation pour rester dans une position inclinée vers l'arrière. On retourne alors la montre pivotante pour que son cadran apparaisse du côté de l'articulation.Swiss Patent No. 323,379 describes a watch from the genre defined in the preamble, which can sometimes be suspended, sometimes arranged in easel. Its suspension device and support includes three pieces, the first of which forms an annular frame in which the box of watch is pivotally mounted on a disposed axis horizontally. This frame has a rigid handle prominent backwards and upwards. A second flat part is articulated at one of its ends on the handle and at the other end on a third piece belonging to a key chain. In the so-called position of table, the device plays the role of an easel resting on the table by the third piece and by the articulation of the second part on the first. As said joint is then in front of the plane of the ring mount, this mount abuts on the second part away from the joint to stay in a tilted back position. We then return the swivel watch so that its dial appears on the side of the joint.

Cette construction connue est relativement compliquée, notamment à cause du montage pivotant de la boíte de montre. De plus, on ne peut pratiquement pas porter la montre dans une poche de vêtement, à cause de l'anse saillante par rapport au plan médian de la boíte et de la monture annulaire.This known construction is relatively complicated, in particular because of the pivoting mounting of the watch case. In addition, we can hardly wear the watch in a garment pocket, because of the handle projecting from the median plane of the box and of the ring mount.

La présente invention vise à perfectionner une montre du genre indiqué en préambule, en particulier son dispositif de suspension et de support, de façon qu'on puisse faire passer la montre d'une position à l'autre d'une manière très simple, sans usure, et de façon que l'ensemble puisse être fabriqué à faible coût et présente un faible encombrement, notamment sans présenter d'éléments saillants ou gênants sur la boíte de montre et sur le dispositif de suspension et de support monté sur la boíte. Un but particulier consiste à permettre de monter ce dispositif d'une manière amovible sur une boíte de montre, afin de pouvoir monter parfois cette boíte sur un autre support, par exemple pour l'utiliser comme montre-bracelet. The present invention aims to improve a watch of the kind indicated in the preamble, in particular its suspension and support device, so that can move the watch from one position to another in a very simple way, without wear, and so that the assembly can be manufactured at low cost and present small footprint, especially without presenting protruding or annoying elements on the watch case and on the suspension and support device mounted on the box. A particular purpose is to allow to climb this device in a removable manner on a box of watch, so that you can sometimes mount this box on a other support, for example to use it as a wristwatch.

Dans ce but, une montre selon l'invention est caractérisée en ce que la boíte présente une gorge continue ou discontinue sur sa périphérie et en ce que la première pièce est accrochée à la boíte de manière amovible et comporte un anneau ouvert s'étendant le long de la périphérie de la boíte sensiblement dans un plan médian de la boíte, ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s'accrocher par élasticité à la boíte et comportant des moyens d'accrochage agencés pour s'engager dans ladite gorge.For this purpose, a watch according to the invention is characterized in that the box has a groove continuous or discontinuous on its periphery and in that the first piece is hung on the box so removable and has an open ring extending along of the periphery of the box substantially in a plane middle of the box, said ring being elastic in its plan to hang by elasticity to the box and comprising hooking means arranged to engage in said throat.

De même, un dispositif de suspension et de support selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que la première pièce comporte un anneau ouvert agencé pour s'étendre le long de la périphérie de la boíte, ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s'accrocher à la boíte de manière amovible.Likewise, a suspension and support device according to the invention is characterized in that the first part has an open ring arranged to extend the along the periphery of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane to hang on the box removable way.

Ainsi, tant que l'utilisateur désire utiliser la montre avec son dispositif de suspension et de support, la première pièce de ce dernier peut rester accrochée en permanence a la boíte de montre, donc sans user celle-ci. Dans la position de suspension, la seconde pièce peut être suspendue de manière connue, par exemple à une boucle ou un mousqueton d'une chaínette, et la première pièce avec la montre lui est suspendue simplement par l'articulation, qui peut jouer librement s'il le faut. Pour passer à la position de table, il suffit de faire pivoter l'articulation jusqu'à ce que les deux pièces butent l'une contre l'autre et de poser la seconde pièce à plat sur une surface horizontale. Ces mouvements ne causent aucune usure.Thus, as long as the user wishes to use the shows with its suspension and support device, the first piece of the latter can remain hung in permanently in the watch case, so without using it. In the hanging position, the second part can be suspended in a known manner, for example from a loop or a carabiner, and the first piece with the watch is suspended from it simply by the joint, who can play freely if necessary. To go to table position, just rotate the joint until the two pieces come up against one against the other and lay the second piece flat on one horizontal surface. These movements do not cause any wear.

Par ailleurs, comme le dispositif de suspension et de support est amovible par rapport à la montre, la montre pourra aussi être utilisée avec un autre support. La configuration des moyens élastiques d'accrochage sera de préférence adaptée à la configuration d'une gorge périphérique ménagée sur une boíte de montre de fabrication courante, par exemple en matière plastique moulée, si bien que le dispositif peut se trouver entièrement dans le plan médian de la montre et s'avère donc peu encombrant quand la montre est mise dans une poche. Dans la position de table, l'ensemble peut reposer sur une surface horizontale uniquement par la seconde pièce, qui est de préférence plate, de sorte qu'elle ne risque pas de rayer cette surface comme pourrait le faire un chevalet.Furthermore, as the suspension and support is removable from the watch, the watch can also be used with another support. The configuration of the elastic hooking means will be preferably adapted to the configuration of a groove peripheral provided on a watch case of standard production, for example plastic molded so that the device can be found entirely in the median plane of the watch and turns out so compact when the watch is put in a poached. In the table position, the assembly can rest on a horizontal surface only by the second piece, which is preferably flat, so that it does not not risk scratching this surface as could an easel.

De préférence, dans la position de table, la première pièce et la seconde pièce butent l'une contre l'autre à proximité de l'articulation grâce à un épaulement créé sur l'une desdites pièces par un évidement ménagé dans l'épaisseur de cette pièce entre l'articulation et ledit épaulement. Ce système a l'avantage d'éviter toute butée saillante qui pourrait être gênante sur l'une ou l'autre des pièces.Preferably, in the table position, the first piece and the second piece abuts against each other to proximity to the joint thanks to a shoulder created on one of said parts by a recess in the thickness of this part between the joint and said shoulder. This system has the advantage of avoiding any stops protruding which could be annoying on one or the other pieces.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront dans la description suivante d'une forme de réalisation préférée, présentée à titre d'exemple uniquement et en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue frontale d'une montre selon l'invention, dans sa position de suspension;
  • la figure 2 représente la montre de la figure 1 dans sa position dite de table;
  • la figure 3 est une vue arrière du dispositif de suspension et de support de la montre de la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3, et
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne V-V de la figure 3.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment, presented by way of example only and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a watch according to the invention, in its hanging position;
  • 2 shows the watch of Figure 1 in its so-called table position;
  • FIG. 3 is a rear view of the suspension and support device for the watch in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, and
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line VV of FIG. 3.

La montre de poche et de table représentée aux figures 1 et 2 se compose d'une montre classique 1 et d'un dispositif de suspension et de support 2 sur lequel la montre 1 est montée de manière amovible. La montre 1 comporte une boíte circulaire 3 d'où émerge une couronne de commande 4, la face avant de la montre comportant une glace 5 à travers laquelle on peut lire l'heure indiquée par des organes d'affichage classiques 6. La structure et la matière de la boíte 3 peuvent être quelconques, mais il s'agit de préférence d'une pièce moulée en matière synthétique. Une gorge continue 7 à profil en V, disposée sensiblement dans le plan médian 8 de la boíte 3, s'étend le long de la périphérie 9 de la boíte, sauf dans la zone de la couronne 4. Des montres de ce genre sont commercialisées par la société Swatch AG, Bienne (Suisse) sous la marque POP SWATCH et sont destinées à être montées de manière amovible sur un bracelet par l'intermédiaire d'organes d'accrochage s'engageant dans la gorge 7.The pocket and table watch shown in Figures 1 and 2 consists of a classic watch 1 and a suspension and support device 2 on which the watch 1 is removably mounted. Watch 1 has a circular box 3 from which a crown emerges 4, the front face of the watch comprising a glass 5 through which the time indicated can be read by conventional display elements 6. The structure and the material of the box 3 can be any, but it preferably a molded material synthetic. A continuous groove 7 with a V profile, arranged substantially in the median plane 8 of the box 3, extends along the periphery 9 of the box, except in the area crown 4. Watches like this are sold by Swatch AG, Biel (Switzerland) under the POP SWATCH brand and are intended to be mounted removably on a bracelet via hooking members engaging in the groove 7.

Le dispositif de suspension et de support 2 est illustré plus particulièrement par les figures 3 à 5. Il comprend essentiellement une première pièce 11 et une seconde pièce 12 qui sont reliées par une articulation 13 d'axe 14. Dans cet exemple, les pièces 11 et 12 sont rigides et métalliques, mais on pourrait les réaliser en d'autres matières, notamment en matières synthétiques. La première pièce 11 à la forme d'un anneau ouvert agencé pour s'étendre le long de la périphérie 9 de la boíte 3, en regard de la gorge 7 de façon à s'engager élastiquement dans cette gorge. L'ouverture latérale 15 de cet anneau est destinée à laisser place à la couronne 4 (figure 1), de sorte que la couronne se trouve à l'opposé de l'articulation 13. On distingue dans la première pièce 11 un partie de base 16, située à l'opposé de l'ouverture 15 et raccordée à l'articulation 13, et deux bras latéraux 17 et 18 qui sont légèrement flexibles dans le plan de l'anneau afin qu'on puisse les écarter pour monter ou démonter la boíte 3 dans la pièce 11, les deux bras 17 et 18 servant ensuite d'organes d'accrochage dans la gorge 7 pour maintenir la boíte 3 serrée entre eux. Près de l'extrémité libre 19, 20 de chaque bras 17, 18, il est prévu une petite butée saillante 21, 22 destinée à s'appuyer sur le fond de la gorge 7 afin de garantir un positionnement précis de la boíte 3 dans la pièce 11. On obtient ainsi un blocage aussi bien longitudinal que transversal, car une extrémité de chaque butée 21, 22, du côté de l'ouverture 15, bute contre une extrémité correspondante de la gorge 7. La montre 1 est ainsi fixée sans jeu, par "clipsage", dans le dispositif de suspension et de support 2. La seconde pièce 12 du dispositif 2 a la forme générale d'un anneau sensiblement plat et rectangulaire, mais elle pourrait aussi se présenter sous la forme d'un arceau ou d'une plaque percée d'un trou servant de moyen de suspension. Pour son raccordement à la pièce 11 par l'articulation 13, une extrémité de la pièce 12 présente deux pattes 24 percées d'un trou transversal, ces deux pattes se plaçant de part et d'autre d'une protubérance 25 de la partie centrale 16 de la pièce 11. Cette protubérance 25 est également percée d'un trou qui est aligné avec ceux des pattes 24. On place dans ces trois trous une cheville d'articulation sous la forme d'une vis 26 engagée dans un écrou tubulaire cylindrique 27. On notera que l'articulation 13 se trouve à proximité du plan médian 8 de la boíte 3, laquelle tend donc à rester verticale quand la montre est suspendue. Dans cette position, les deux pièces 11 et 12 s'étendent sensiblement dans le même plan 8, si bien que la montre est peu encombrante, en particulier lorsqu'on le met dans une poche d'un vêtement. Du côté opposé à l'articulation 13, l'autre extrémité de la pièce 12 est conformée pour former un organe de suspension constitué par une partie plus mince en forme de barreau cylindrique 28, permettant d'accrocher le mousqueton 40 d'une chaínette de suspension 41. Le mousqueton est maintenu en position centrée sur la pièce 12 par les parties adjacentes plus épaisses 29 de cette pièce.The suspension and support device 2 is illustrated more particularly by Figures 3 to 5. It essentially comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 which are connected by a hinge 13 axis 14. In this example, parts 11 and 12 are rigid and metallic, but we could make them by other materials, especially synthetic materials. The first part 11 in the form of an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery 9 of the box 3, opposite throat 7 so as to engage elastically in this throat. The lateral opening 15 of this ring is intended to leave room for the crown 4 (FIG. 1), so that the crown is opposite the joint 13. In the first part 11, a distinction is made a base part 16, located opposite the opening 15 and connected to the articulation 13, and two lateral arms 17 and 18 which are slightly flexible in the plane of the ring so that we can move them apart to go up or dismantle the box 3 in part 11, the two arms 17 and 18 then serving as hooking members in the groove 7 to keep the box 3 tight between them. Near the free end 19, 20 of each arm 17, 18, it is provided with a small projecting stop 21, 22 intended for lean on the bottom of the groove 7 in order to guarantee a precise positioning of the box 3 in room 11. We thus obtains both longitudinal and transverse, because one end of each stop 21, 22, of the side of opening 15, abuts against one end corresponding of the groove 7. Watch 1 is thus fixed without play, by "clipping", in the suspension device and support 2. The second part 12 of the device 2 has the general shape of a substantially flat ring and rectangular, but it could also appear under the shape of a hoop or a plate pierced with a hole serving as a means of suspension. For its connection to the part 11 by articulation 13, one end of the part 12 has two tabs 24 pierced with a transverse hole, these two legs being placed on either side of a protrusion 25 of the central part 16 of the part 11. This protuberance 25 is also pierced with a hole which is aligned with those of the legs 24. We place in these three holes a joint pin in the form a screw 26 engaged in a cylindrical tubular nut 27. Note that articulation 13 is located nearby of the median plane 8 of the box 3, which therefore tends to stay vertical when the watch is suspended. In this position, the two parts 11 and 12 extend substantially in the same shot 8, so that the watch is little cumbersome, especially when put in a pocket of a garment. On the side opposite to joint 13, the other end of the part 12 is shaped to form a suspension member constituted by a more thin cylindrical bar shape 28, allowing to hang the carabiner 40 from a suspension chain 41. The carabiner is held in a centered position on the part 12 by the thicker adjacent parts 29 of this piece.

Sur la face arrière de la pièce 12, c'est à dire sa face opposée à la face avant de la montre 1, il est prévu un évidement 31 ménagé dans l'épaisseur de chacune des pattes 24 afin de créer à côté de lui un épaulement non saillant 32 qui pourra buter contre la partie de base 16 de la pièce 11 lorsqu'on fait pivoter la pièce 12 vers l'arrière pour mettre la montre dans sa position de table. Dans cette position, les deux pièces forment un angle aigu et la face avant plane 33 de la pièce 12 servant de socle pourra reposer sur n'importe quelle surface horizontale 34, comme le montre la figure 2. La pièce 11 et la montre 1 sont alors maintenues dans une position dressée, légèrement inclinée en arrière, si bien que leur centre de gravité se trouve approximativement au-dessus du centre de la pièce 12. La forme plate et rectangulaire de celle-ci assure une bonne stabilité de l'ensemble. La couronne 4 et la position 12 heures du cadran de la montre sont alors dirigées vers le haut, tandis qu'elles sont dirigées vers le bas quand la montre est suspendue.On the rear face of part 12, i.e. its face opposite to the front face of watch 1, it is provided a recess 31 formed in the thickness of each of the 24 legs to create a shoulder next to it not protruding 32 which may abut against the base part 16 of part 11 when the part 12 is pivoted towards back to put the watch in its table position. In this position, the two pieces form an acute angle and the flat front face 33 of the part 12 serving as a base can rest on any horizontal surface 34, as shown in Figure 2. Exhibit 11 and the watch 1 are then kept in an upright position, slightly tilted back, so that their center of gravity lies approximately above the center of part 12. The flat and rectangular shape thereof ensures good stability of the assembly. Crown 4 and the 12 o'clock position of the watch face are then directed upwards, while they are directed towards the bottom when the watch is suspended.

On peut envisager de multiples modifications ou variantes de la réalisation décrite ci-dessus sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Par exemple, la gorge 7 pourrait être discontinue, la première pièce 11 ayant alors des organes d'accrochage configurés en conséquence. La pièce 11 pourrait avoir deux bras d'inégales longueurs, ou même un seul bras. Au lieu des deux épaulements 32, on pourrait prévoir un seul épaulement ou un autre élément formant une butée, et ceci sur n'importe laquelle des deux pièces 11 et 12. Dans toutes ces variantes, le dispositif de suspension et de support selon l'invention permet de porter la montre dans certaines circonstances comme montre de poche ou comme pendentif, et dans d'autres circonstances de la poser sur un meuble, notamment durant la nuit ou au bureau.We can consider multiple modifications or variants of the embodiment described above without leaving of the scope of the invention. For example, throat 7 could be discontinuous, the first part 11 then having hooking members configured accordingly. The room 11 could have two arms of unequal length, or even one arm. Instead of the two shoulders 32, one could provide a single shoulder or other element forming a stop, and this on any of the two parts 11 and 12. In all these variants, the device for suspension and support according to the invention allows wear the watch under certain circumstances as a watch pocket or as a pendant, and in others circumstances of placing it on a piece of furniture, especially during at night or at the office.

Par ailleurs, on conçoit qu'il est possible d'ôter parfois la montre 1 du dispositif de suspension et de support pour la monter sur un bracelet équipé de moyens d'accrochage appropriés, afin d'en faire une montre-bracelet.Furthermore, we can see that it is possible to remove sometimes watch 1 of the suspension device and support for mounting it on a bracelet equipped with means suitable attachment, to make a wristwatch.

Claims (10)

  1. Pocket and table watch, comprising a watch case (3) and a suspension and support device (2) mounted on said case, said device comprising a hinge (13) allowing the watch to be placed selectively in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (34), said device holds the case in a standing or inclined position with respect to said surface, the suspension and support device (2) comprising two parts (11 and 12) attached to each other by the hinge (13), namely a first part (11) mounted on the periphery of the case and a second substantially flat part (12) provided with a suspension means (28), the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first part at an acute angle with respect to the second part in the table position, characterized in that the case (3) has a continuous or discontinuous groove (7) on its periphery and in that the first part (11) is secured to the case (3) in a removable manner and comprises an open ring extending along the periphery of the case (3) substantially in a median plane (8) of the case, said ring being resilient in its plane in order to be secured to the case by elasticity and comprising catching means (17, 18, 21, 22) arranged to engage in said groove (7).
  2. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that a control crown (4) of the watch is placed in the opening (15) of said ring.
  3. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that said catching means (17, 18, 21, 22) are arranged to lock in a longitudinal and traverse direction in the groove.
  4. Watch according to claim 3, characterized in that said catching means comprise two projecting stops (21, 22) which abut against two ends of the groove (7) in order to assure longitudinal locking.
  5. Watch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (13) is arranged close to the median plane (8) of the case.
  6. Watch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (12) is a plate or a ring of a substantially flat shape, having one end connected to the first part by the hinge (13) and an opposite end shaped to form the suspension means (28).
  7. Suspension and support device (2) intended to be mounted in a removable manner on a watch case (3), said device comprising a hinge (13) allowing the watch to be placed selectively in a suspension position and a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (34), said device holds the case in a standing or inclined position with respect to said surface, the device comprising two parts (11 and 12) attached to each other by the hinge (13), namely a first part (11) intended to be fixed to the case (3) and a second substantially flat part (12) provided with a suspension means (28), the two parts abutting against each other to stop the first part at an acute angle with respect to the second part in the table position, characterized in that the first part (11) comprises an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery of the case (3), said ring being resilient in its plane to be secured to the case in a removable manner.
  8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first part (11) and the second part (12), in the table position, abut against each other close to the hinge (13) as a result of a shoulder (32) provided on one of said parts by a recess (31) arranged in the thickness of such part between the hinge (13) and said shoulder (32).
  9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second part (12) is a plate or a ring of a substantially flat shape, having one end connected to the first part by the hinge (13) and an opposite end shaped to form the suspension means (28).
  10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that, in the suspension position, the two parts (11 and 12) thereof extend substantially in a same plane (8) in which the hinge (13) is also situated.
EP19970100773 1996-01-26 1997-01-20 Pocket and table timepiece with a suspension and support device Expired - Lifetime EP0791865B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00207/96A CH690206A5 (en) 1996-01-26 1996-01-26 pocket watch and table with hanger and support.
CH207/96 1996-01-26
CH20796 1996-01-26
FR9601296A FR2744538B1 (en) 1996-02-02 1996-02-02 POCKET AND TABLE WATCH WITH SUSPENSION AND SUPPORT DEVICE
FR9601296 1996-02-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0791865A1 EP0791865A1 (en) 1997-08-27
EP0791865B1 true EP0791865B1 (en) 2000-01-05

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19970100773 Expired - Lifetime EP0791865B1 (en) 1996-01-26 1997-01-20 Pocket and table timepiece with a suspension and support device

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EP (1) EP0791865B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69701047T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110244547A (en) * 2019-06-19 2019-09-17 周志芳 One kind can be mostly used clock
CN114815567B (en) * 2022-06-17 2024-01-26 漳州市富存家居制品有限公司 Quartz clock with position adjustment and convenient assembly and assembly method thereof

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH50581A (en) 1909-10-28
CH121145A (en) 1926-05-03 1927-06-16 Emrich G M B H J Pocket watch case with stand.
FR678308A (en) * 1929-07-11 1930-03-21 Hour Case for clocks, travel watches and other applications
CH323379A (en) 1955-10-29 1957-07-31 Montres Busga S A Watch.
DE3400329A1 (en) * 1984-01-07 1985-07-18 Audi AG, 8070 Ingolstadt Receiving part for a watch
CH667968GA3 (en) 1987-05-11 1988-11-30

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EP0791865A1 (en) 1997-08-27
DE69701047D1 (en) 2000-02-10
DE69701047T2 (en) 2000-08-03

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