WO2008120039A1

WO2008120039A1 - Watch with bracelet

Info

Publication number: WO2008120039A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/002265
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florian Strasser
Original assignee: Mgi Luxury Group S.A.
Priority date: 2007-03-29
Filing date: 2007-04-12
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: CA122414S; USD558614S1

Abstract

A wristwatch arrangement in which a hinge or pivot attachment interconnects a bracelet or wristband with a watch head. The attachment is so configured as to permit the bracelet or wristband to swivel freely to comfortably and automatically adjust more closely to the physical dimensions (e.g., curve) of a wearer's wrist.

Description

WATCH WITH BRACELET

Claim of Priority

This application claims priority from U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. [not yet assigned], filed on March 29, 2007, entitled "WATCH CASE" whose Attorney Docket No. is MOVA 0700049, and the inventor of which is Florian Strasser, and which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wristwatches and their ilk, and particularly to bracelets or wristbands and their interconnection with watch heads.

Background Art

Wristwatches have evolved considerably throughout their history. Most innovations over the years, however, have involved the timepiece, or "watch head", of the wristwatch. From the earliest mechanical analog models to battery powered digital models, consumer tastes and preferences, as well as evolving technology, has spawned a dizzying variety of available products.

Often overlooked, however, are issues relating to the wristband (often termed "bracelet") that interconnects with the watch head and supports the watch head with respect to a wearer's wrist. Stories have long been told about great discomfort experienced by wearers about their wrist, whether in terms of a too tight fit, abrasion, or other difficulties. In fact, because of a typically rigid connection between a bracelet or wristband and a watch head, optimal wearer comfort has long remained an elusive goal.

Accordingly, a compelling need has been recognized in connection with affording the wearer of a watch a greater degree of comfort, and a better physical fit of the wristband or bracelet about the wrist, than hitherto has been accomplished.

Disclosure of the Invention

There is broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wristwatch arrangement in which a hinge or pivot attachment interconnects a bracelet or wristband with a watch head. The attachment is so configured as to permit the bracelet or wristband to swivel freely to comfortably and automatically adjust more closely to the physical dimensions (e.g., curve) of a wearer's wrist.

In summary, one aspect of the invention provides a watch arrangement comprising: a watch head; a bracelet portion pivotally connected to the watch head; the watch head comprising an accommodating surface; the bracelet portion comprising an interface portion which interfaces with the accommodating surface; the interface portion and the accommodating surface cooperating with one another to afford a range of pivotal movement of the bracelet portion with respect to the watch head.

Another aspect of the invention provides a watch head for a watch, the watch head comprising an accommodating surface which cooperates with a watch bracelet portion to afford a range of pivotal movement of a watch bracelet portion with respect to the watch head.

Furthermore, an additional aspect of the invention provides a watch bracelet comprising: a bracelet portion; the bracelet portion comprising: a mounting medium for providing pivotal connection with a watch head; and an interface portion which cooperates with an accommodating surface of a watch head to afford a range of pivotal movement of the bracelet portion with respect to the watch head.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a watch with partial watchband.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the watch and watchband shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the watch of Figs. 1 and 2, but showing the watchband more fully disposed about a cross-section of a human wrist.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of an alternative watch with watchband. - A -

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and system of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 4, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, hi the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. hi other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals or other labels throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the invention as claimed herein.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, there is shown, in perspective view, a watch 100 which includes a timepiece (normally referred to as a "watch head") 102 and watchband (or bracelet) portions 104a/b each extending from opposites sides of the timepiece 102. Watch head 102, for its part, includes among other components a main body portion 106 and a crystal 108 disposed thereupon.

As shown, each bracelet portion 104a/b has associated therewith a pair of terminal links, 108a/109a and 108b/109/b, respectively, that are attached to main body portion (or "watch body") 106 of watch head 102. While a metal bracelet is contemplated and illustrated with respect to Fig. 1, it should be understood that a watchband or bracelet of an alternative material (such as leather, cloth or plastic, as well-known in the watch industry) could well be used, with a connection portion analogous to terminal links 108a/b and 109a/b extending from each end of such a watchband or bracelet and connecting to a watch head substantially as shown.

Links 108a/ 109a are preferably interconnected with one another via a pin in known manner, at ends thereof disposed away from watch body 106, as are links 108b/109b. Of course, each pair of links 108a/109a and 108b/109b may be conceptually interchangeable with a "monolithic" link in each case that itself would attach to watch body 106 along a length of the link, without departing from the spirit or scope of at least one embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as can further be appreciated by Figs. 2 and 3, terminal links 108a/b and 109a/b preferably connect to a lower portion of main body portion 106 via the interfacing of respective pivot portion 1 lOa/b and 11 la/b that themselves are pivotally connected to main body portion 106. The pivot connections (not shown in any greater detail) can be formed in essentially any suitably manner. For instance, watch head 102 may have extending therefrom a central block (either integral with watch head 102 or, e.g., screwed on to watch head 102) that is flanked by opposing pivot portions (such as 110a and 110b). The opposing pivot portions (such as 110a and 110b) may thus be pivotally connected to opposing ends of this block. Other pivot connections are of course broadly contemplated within the scope of the enbodiments of the present invention, and need not be restricted to the implementation just described.

Pivot portions 110a/b and 11 la/b may be substantially cylindrical as shown or may be formed from essentially any number of portions having arced or circular cross-sections that can pivotably interface with watch body 106 in the general manner described below. (Pivot portions 11 la/b are not each fully visible in Fig. 1 or the other Figures, but may preferably be substantially similar in makeup and construction to pivot portions 1 lOa/b shown by way of illustrative and non-restrictive example in Figs. 1-3.)

Preferably, watch body 106 includes concave surfaces that accommodate pivot portions 110a/b and 11 la/b in a manner to permit pivot portions 1 lOa/b and 11 la/b to enjoy free pivotal displacement over a substantial arc, limited only by physical constraints provided by the watch head 102 and pivot portions 110a/b and 11 la/b themselves (e.g., by corners on watch head 102). Two such surfaces, 106a and 106b, are illustrated in the Figures, and these interface with pivot portions 110a and 110b, respectively, in the manner just described. (Concave surfaces of watch body 106 that interface with pivot portions 11 la/b are not visible in the Figures, but are indeed preferably configured similarly to the surfaces 106a/b shown.)

A clear advantage of an arrangement as just described may be appreciated from Fig. 3. There, watch 100 is shown as being disposed about a human wrist 112, with free ends of bracelet portions 104a/b being connectable with one another in the dotted region 114 in known manner. Here, it can be seen that the terminal links 108a/b visible in the drawing can be pivoted over a considerable arc with respect to a horizontal plane defining the bottom of watch body 106 (i.e., the portion of watch body 106 disposed adjacent the wrist 112); without the intervention of the wrist 112, in fact, terminal links 108a/b (and others not shown) could well be pivoted over an arc in excess of about 90 degrees with respect to the aforementioned horizontal plane.

Preferably, as well, as appreciated from Fig. 2, pivot portions 1 lOa/b (and others) are connected to watch body 106 in such a way that lowermost portions of the arced or cylindrical shapes constituting the pivot portions are coplanar with the aforementioned horizontal plane (or, put another way, ensure that the pivot portions 1 lOa/b [and others] themselves are flush with the bottom of watch body 106). In this manner, an uncomfortable and unsightly gap between the bottom of terminal links 108a/b and a wrist 112 is greatly reduced (as might otherwise be the case in a conventional watch). Further, it will be appreciated that terminal links 108a/b could even pivot vertically above the aforementioned horizontal plane, thus affording an even greater possible arc of free movement of pivot portions 110a/b (and others) with respect to watch body 106.

Preferably, the mechanics of affording a pivot connection between pivot portions 1 lOa/b and 11 la/b and watch body 106 can be carried out in any suitable manner, such as by way of a conventional pin connection. Though there is broadly contemplated, in accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a more or less unitary wristwatch structure in which bracelet portions 104a/b are connected to watch body 106 in a manner that is inseverable to the layperson, the idea of affording interchangeable wristbands or bracelets, by way of easily severable connections with respect to a watch body, and with pivotal movement the type described heretofore, is by no means precluded.

Fig. 4 illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, a watch 200 with watch head 206 and main body portion (or watch body) 206 has mounted thereupon bracelet portions 204a/b in generally similar manner to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. However, the difference here is that pivot portions 210a/b of terminal links 208a/b are mounted such that the pivot axis 216a/b of each pivot portion 210a/b (respectively) is coplanar with with the aforementioned horizontal plane defining the bottom of watch body 106. Here, as well, an uncomfortable and unsightly gap between the bottom of terminal links 208a/b and a wearer's wrist will be greatly reduced.

To recapitulate some general features as broadly contemplated herein in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bracelet portion is preferably pivotally connected to a watch head wherein an interface portion of the bracelet portion interfaces with an accommodating surface of the watch head. The interface portion and accommodating surface cooperate with one another to afford a range of pivotal movement of the bracelet portion with respect to the watch head. This range of pivotal movement may preferably correspond to an arc of at least about ninety degrees.

Preferably, the interface portion includes a lowermost point which is coplanar with respect to a lower surface of the watch head. Put another way, the interface portion is preferably flush with the watch head so as not to protrude with respect to the watch head. Alternatively, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the interface portion acts to pivot about a pivot axis, and this pivot axis is substantially coplanar with respect to the lower surface of said the head.

The interface portion and accommodating surface each preferably comprise an arced surface, with the former preferably being convex and the latter preferably being concave. The interface portion and accommodating portion are preferably in contact with one another over a range of pivotal movement with respect to one another.

To the extent that a bracelet portion may comprise interconnected links, a terminal link connected with the watch head preferably comprises the aforementioned interface portion.

If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all patents, patent applications, patent publications and other publications (including web-based publications) mentioned and cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A watch arrangement comprising:

a watch head;

a bracelet portion pivotally connected to said watch head;

said watch head comprising an accommodating surface;

said bracelet portion comprising an interface portion which interfaces with said accommodating surface;

said interface portion and said accommodating surface cooperating with one another to afford a range of pivotal movement of said bracelet portion with respect to said watch head.

2. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein said interface portion and said accommodating surface cooperate with one another to afford a range of pivotal movement of said bracelet portion with respect to said watch head over an arc of at least about ninety degrees.

3. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein:

said watch head comprises a lower surface; said interface portion comprising a lowermost point which is coplanar with respect to said lower surface of said watch head.

4. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein said interface portion is flush with said watch head so as not to protrude with respect to said watch head.

5. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein:

said watch head comprises a lower surface;

said interface portion acting to pivot about a pivot axis;

said pivot axis being substantially coplanar with respect to said lower surface of said watch head.

6. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1 , wherein said interface portion and said accommodating surface each comprise an arced surface.

7. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein:

said interface portion comprises a convex surface; and

said accommodating portion comprises a concave surface.

8. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein said interface portion and said accommodating portion are in contact with one another over a range of pivotal movement with respect to one another.

9. The watch arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein:

said bracelet portion comprises interconnected links; and

said links include a terminal portion connected with said watch head;

said terminal portion comprising said interface portion.

10. A watch head for a watch, said watch head comprising an accommodating surface which cooperates with a watch bracelet portion to afford a range of pivotal movement of a watch bracelet portion with respect to said watch head.

11. The watch head according to Claim 10, wherein said accommodating surface acts to cooperate with a watch bracelet portion to afford a range of pivotal movement of a watch bracelet portion with respect to said watch head over an arc of at least about ninety degrees.

12. The watch head according to Claim 10, wherein said accommodating surface comprises an arced surface.

13. The watch head according to Claim 10, wherein said accommodating portion comprises a concave surface.

14. A watch bracelet comprising:

a bracelet portion;

said bracelet portion comprising:

a mounting medium for providing pivotal connection with a watch head; and

an interface portion which cooperates with an accommodating surface of a watch head to afford a range of pivotal movement of said bracelet portion with respect to said watch head.

15. The watch bracelet according to Claim 14, wherein said interface portion acts to cooperate with an accommodating surface of a watch head to afford a range of pivotal movement of said bracelet portion with respect to said watch head over an arc of at least about ninety degrees.

16. The watch bracelet according to Claim 14, wherein said interface portion comprises an arced surface.

17. The watch bracelet according to Claim 14, wherein said interface portion comprises a convex surface.

18. The watch bracelet according to Claim 14, wherein: said bracelet portion comprises interconnected links; and said links include a terminal portion which connects with a watch head; said terminal portion comprising said interface portion.