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EP0791865A1 - 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
EP0791865A1
EP0791865A1 EP97100773A EP97100773A EP0791865A1 EP 0791865 A1 EP0791865 A1 EP 0791865A1 EP 97100773 A EP97100773 A EP 97100773A EP 97100773 A EP97100773 A EP 97100773A EP 0791865 A1 EP0791865 A1 EP 0791865A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
box
suspension
articulation
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP97100773A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0791865B1 (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
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
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
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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 and table watch, comprising a watch case and a suspension and support device mounted on said box and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation making it possible to selectively place the watch in a position of suspension and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device maintains the box in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the suspension and support device comprising two connected parts mutually by the articulation, namely a first part mounted on the periphery of the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension member, the two parts abutting one another to stop the first part under an acute angle to the second in the table position.
  • the invention also relates to a suspension and support device intended to be removably mounted on a watch case and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation making it possible to selectively place the watch in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device maintains the case in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the device comprising two parts connected to each other by the joint, namely a first part intended to be fixed to the box and a second substantially planar part and provided with a suspension member, the two parts abutting one another to stop the first part at an acute angle with respect to the second in the table position.
  • the publication EP-A-0 290 935 illustrates, in FIGS. 2 and 6, a pocket watch equipped with a suspension and support device which comprises three parts.
  • the first part is a receptacle provided with a cavity, in which the watch case is retained by elastic wings, and with an upper stem having a spherical housing open laterally.
  • the second part is a suspension support having a ball which removably engages in said spherical housing.
  • the third piece is a separate easel having a similar ball joint and a shoulder which can rest on the back of the first piece to keep the watch in an inclined position 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 to carry it constantly on him.
  • Swiss Patent No. 323,379 describes a watch of the kind defined in the preamble, which can sometimes be suspended, sometimes arranged as an easel.
  • Its suspension device and support comprises three parts, the first of which forms an annular frame in which the watch case is pivotally mounted on an axis arranged horizontally.
  • This frame has a rigid handle protruding rearward and upward.
  • a second flat part is articulated at one of its ends on the handle and at the other end on a third part belonging to a key ring.
  • the device plays the role of an easel by resting on the table by the third part and by the articulation of the second part on the first.
  • this mount abuts on the second part at a distance from the articulation to remain in a position inclined towards the rear.
  • the pivoting watch is then returned 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 the watch can be moved from one position to another in a very simple manner, without wear, and so that the assembly can be manufactured at low cost and has a small footprint, in particular without presenting protruding or annoying elements on the watch case and on the suspension and support device mounted on the case.
  • a particular object consists in making it possible to mount this device in a removable manner on a watch case, in order to sometimes be able to mount this box on another support, for example to use it as a wristwatch.
  • a watch according to the invention is characterized in that the box has a continuous or discontinuous groove on its periphery and in that the first piece is removably attached to the box and has an open ring extending the along the periphery of the box substantially in a median plane of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane to cling by elasticity to the box and comprising hooking means arranged to engage in said groove.
  • a suspension and support device is characterized in that the first part comprises an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane for catching to the box removably.
  • the first part of the latter can remain permanently attached to the watch case, therefore without wearing it.
  • the second part can be suspended in a known manner, for example from a loop or a carabiner of a chain, and the first part with the watch is suspended from it simply by the joint, which can play freely. 'it must.
  • To switch to the table position simply rotate the joint until the two pieces abut against each other and lay the second piece flat on a 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 preferably be adapted to the configuration of a peripheral groove made on a watch case of current manufacture, for example made of molded plastic, so that the device can be entirely in the median plane of the watch and is therefore compact when the watch is put in a pocket.
  • 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 risk scratching this surface as could do an easel.
  • the first part and the second part abut against each other near the joint by means of a shoulder created on one of said parts by a recess formed in the thickness of this part between the joint and said shoulder.
  • This system has the advantage of avoiding any protruding stop which could be troublesome on one or the other of the parts.
  • 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 comprises a circular box 3 from which a control crown 4 emerges, the front face of the watch comprising a crystal 5 through which the time indicated by conventional display members 6 can be read.
  • the structure and the material of the box 3 can be any, but it is preferably a molded plastic part.
  • a continuous groove 7 with a V-shaped profile, disposed substantially in the median plane 8 of the box 3, extends along the periphery 9 of the box, except in the area of the crown 4.
  • Watches of this kind are sold by the company Swatch AG, Bienne (Switzerland) under the POP SWATCH brand and are intended to be removably mounted on a bracelet by means of hooking members engaging in the groove 7.
  • the suspension and support device 2 is illustrated more particularly by FIGS. 3 to 5. It essentially comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 which are connected by an articulation 13 with an axis 14.
  • the parts 11 and 12 are rigid and metallic, but they could be made of other materials, in particular synthetic materials.
  • the first part 11 in the form of an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery 9 of the box 3, facing the groove 7 so as to engage elastically in this groove.
  • the lateral opening 15 of this ring is intended to leave room for the crown 4 (FIG. 1), so that the crown is located opposite the articulation 13.
  • the first part 11 there is a basic 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 they can be separated to mount or dismount 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 clamped together.
  • the watch 1 is thus fixed without play, by "clipping", in the suspension and support device 2.
  • the second part 12 of the device 2 has the general shape of a substantially flat and rectangular ring, but it could also be in the form 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 tabs being placed on either side of a protuberance 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.
  • a hinge pin is placed in these three holes in the form of a screw 26 engaged in a cylindrical tubular nut 27.
  • the articulation 13 is located near the median plane 8 of the box 3, which therefore tends to remain vertical when the watch is suspended. In this position, the two parts 11 and 12 extend substantially in the same plane 8, so that the watch takes up little space, in particular when it is put in a pocket of a garment.
  • the other end of the part 12 is shaped to form a suspension member constituted by a thinner part in the form of a cylindrical bar 28, making it possible to hang the carabiner 40 from a chain of suspension 41. The carabiner is held in a centered position on the part 12 by the thicker adjacent parts 29 of this part.
  • the two parts 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 FIG. 2.
  • the part 11 and the watch 1 are then held in an upright position, slightly inclined backwards, so that their center of gravity is approximately at above the center of the part 12.
  • the flat and rectangular shape of the latter ensures good stability of the assembly.
  • the crown 4 and the 12 o'clock position of the watch face are then directed upwards, while they are directed downwards when the watch is suspended.
  • the groove 7 could be discontinuous, the first part 11 then having hooking members configured accordingly.
  • Part 11 could have two arms of unequal length, or even a single arm.
  • the suspension and support device according to the The invention makes it possible to wear the watch in certain circumstances as a pocket watch or as a pendant, and in other circumstances to place it on a piece of furniture, in particular overnight or in the office.

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

Abstract

The watch case (3) has attached to it a suspension and support frame (3) fitted with means for suspension (12,40,41). The suspension part of the frame (12) is hinged (13) which enables the watch to be selectively suspended from the cord (41) or to be placed on a flat surface where it can be supported by bending the frame part (12) around the hinge (13).

Description

La présente invention concerne une montre de poche et de table, comportant une boîte de montre et un dispositif de suspension et de support monté sur ladite boîte 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 boîte 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 boîte 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 and table watch, comprising a watch case and a suspension and support device mounted on said box and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation making it possible to selectively place the watch in a position of suspension and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device maintains the box in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the suspension and support device comprising two connected parts mutually by the articulation, namely a first part mounted on the periphery of the box and a second substantially flat part and provided with a suspension member, the two parts abutting one another to stop the first part under an acute angle 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 boîte 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 boîte 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 boîte 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 suspension and support device intended to be removably mounted on a watch case and provided with suspension means, said device comprising an articulation making it possible to selectively place the watch in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, said device maintains the case in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the device comprising two parts connected to each other by the joint, namely a first part intended to be fixed to the box and a second substantially planar part and provided with a suspension member, the two parts abutting one another to stop the first part at an acute angle with respect 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 chaînette. 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 boîte 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 attachment of a chain. This ring is usually articulated on a fixed element called pendant, which carries the stem and the winding crown. In Swiss patents No 50581 and No 121 145, it has been proposed to incorporate this ring into a stirrup which can tilt to serve as an easel allowing the watch to be placed on a table or other piece of furniture in the manner of a clock. At the time, such a watch was called an easel watch or a wallet watch. However, systems of this kind have been abandoned because they require special members for hooking and locking the bridge in position 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 boîte 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 FIGS. 2 and 6, a pocket watch equipped with a suspension and support device which comprises three parts. The first part is a receptacle provided with a cavity, in which the watch case is retained by elastic wings, and with an upper stem having a spherical housing open laterally. The second part is a suspension support having a ball which removably engages in said spherical housing. The third piece is a separate easel having a similar ball joint and a shoulder which can rest on the back of the first piece to keep the watch in an inclined position 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 to carry it constantly on him.

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 boîte 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 of the kind defined in the preamble, which can sometimes be suspended, sometimes arranged as an easel. Its suspension device and support comprises three parts, the first of which forms an annular frame in which the watch case is pivotally mounted on an axis arranged horizontally. This frame has a rigid handle protruding rearward and upward. A second flat part is articulated at one of its ends on the handle and at the other end on a third part belonging to a key ring. In the so-called table position, the device plays the role of an easel by resting on the table by the third part and by the articulation of the second part on the first. As said articulation is then in front of the plane of the annular mount, this mount abuts on the second part at a distance from the articulation to remain in a position inclined towards the rear. The pivoting watch is then returned 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 boîte 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 boîte et de la monture annulaire.This known construction is relatively complicated, in particular because of the pivoting mounting of the watch case. In addition, you can hardly wear the watch in a pocket of clothing, because of the protruding handle relative to the median plane of the box and the annular frame.

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 boîte de montre et sur le dispositif de suspension et de support monté sur la boîte. Un but particulier consiste à permettre de monter ce dispositif d'une manière amovible sur une boîte de montre, afin de pouvoir monter parfois cette boîte 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 the watch can be moved from one position to another in a very simple manner, without wear, and so that the assembly can be manufactured at low cost and has a small footprint, in particular without presenting protruding or annoying elements on the watch case and on the suspension and support device mounted on the case. A particular object consists in making it possible to mount this device in a removable manner on a watch case, in order to sometimes be able to mount this box on another support, for example to use it as a wristwatch.

Dans ce but, une montre selon l'invention est caractérisée en ce que la boîte présente une gorge continue ou discontinue sur sa périphérie et en ce que la première pièce est accrochée à la boîte de manière amovible et comporte un anneau ouvert s'étendant le long de la périphérie de la boîte sensiblement dans un plan médian de la boîte, ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s'accrocher par élasticité à la boîte 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 continuous or discontinuous groove on its periphery and in that the first piece is removably attached to the box and has an open ring extending the along the periphery of the box substantially in a median plane of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane to cling by elasticity to the box and comprising hooking means arranged to engage in said groove.

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 boîte, ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s accrocher à la boîte de manière amovible.Likewise, a suspension and support device according to the invention is characterized in that the first part comprises an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane for catching to the box removably.

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 boîte 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 chaînette, 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 watch with its suspension and support device, the first part of the latter can remain permanently attached to the watch case, therefore without wearing it. In the hanging position, the second part can be suspended in a known manner, for example from a loop or a carabiner of a chain, and the first part with the watch is suspended from it simply by the joint, which can play freely. 'it must. To switch to the table position, simply rotate the joint until the two pieces abut against each other and lay the second piece flat on a 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 boîte 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 device is removable with respect to the watch, the watch can also be used with another support. The configuration of the elastic hooking means will preferably be adapted to the configuration of a peripheral groove made on a watch case of current manufacture, for example made of molded plastic, so that the device can be entirely in the median plane of the watch and is therefore compact when the watch is put in a pocket. 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 risk scratching this surface as could do 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 part and the second part abut against each other near the joint by means of a shoulder created on one of said parts by a recess formed in the thickness of this part between the joint and said shoulder. This system has the advantage of avoiding any protruding stop which could be troublesome on one or the other of the parts.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront 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 the 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 boîte 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 boîte 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 boîte 3, s'étend le long de la périphérie 9 de la boîte, 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 comprises a circular box 3 from which a control crown 4 emerges, the front face of the watch comprising a crystal 5 through which the time indicated by conventional display members 6 can be read. The structure and the material of the box 3 can be any, but it is preferably a molded plastic part. A continuous groove 7 with a V-shaped profile, disposed substantially in the median plane 8 of the box 3, extends along the periphery 9 of the box, except in the area of the crown 4. Watches of this kind are sold by the company Swatch AG, Bienne (Switzerland) under the POP SWATCH brand and are intended to be removably mounted on a bracelet by means of 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 boîte 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 boîte 3 dans la pièce 11, les deux bras 17 et 18 servant ensuite d'organes d'accrochage dans la gorge 7 pour maintenir la boîte 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 boîte 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 boîte 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 chaînette 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 FIGS. 3 to 5. It essentially comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 which are connected by an articulation 13 with an axis 14. In this example, the parts 11 and 12 are rigid and metallic, but they could be made of other materials, in particular synthetic materials. The first part 11 in the form of an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery 9 of the box 3, facing the groove 7 so as to engage elastically in this groove. The lateral opening 15 of this ring is intended to leave room for the crown 4 (FIG. 1), so that the crown is located opposite the articulation 13. In the first part 11, there is a basic 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 they can be separated to mount or dismount 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 clamped together. Near the free end 19, 20 of each arm 17, 18, there is provided a small projecting stop 21, 22 intended to rest on the bottom of the groove 7 in order to guarantee precise positioning of the box 3 in the part 11. A blocking is thus obtained both longitudinally and transversely, since one end of each stop 21, 22, on the side of the opening 15, abuts against one end corresponding to the groove 7. The watch 1 is thus fixed without play, by "clipping", in the suspension and support device 2. The second part 12 of the device 2 has the general shape of a substantially flat and rectangular ring, but it could also be in the form of a hoop or a plate pierced with a hole serving as a means of suspension. For its connection to the part 11 by the articulation 13, one end of the part 12 has two tabs 24 pierced with a transverse hole, these two tabs being placed on either side of a protuberance 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. A hinge pin is placed in these three holes in the form of a screw 26 engaged in a cylindrical tubular nut 27. It will be noted that the articulation 13 is located near the median plane 8 of the box 3, which therefore tends to remain vertical when the watch is suspended. In this position, the two parts 11 and 12 extend substantially in the same plane 8, so that the watch takes up little space, in particular when it is put in a pocket of a garment. On the side opposite to the articulation 13, the other end of the part 12 is shaped to form a suspension member constituted by a thinner part in the form of a cylindrical bar 28, making it possible to hang the carabiner 40 from a chain of suspension 41. The carabiner is held in a centered position on the part 12 by the thicker adjacent parts 29 of this part.

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 the part 12, that is to say its face opposite to the front face of the watch 1, there is provided a recess 31 formed in the thickness of each of the tabs 24 in order to create, next to it, a non-protruding shoulder 32 which may abut against the base part 16 of the part 11 when the part 12 is pivoted backwards to put the watch in its table position. In this position, the two parts 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 FIG. 2. The part 11 and the watch 1 are then held in an upright position, slightly inclined backwards, so that their center of gravity is approximately at above the center of the part 12. The flat and rectangular shape of the latter ensures good stability of the assembly. The crown 4 and the 12 o'clock position of the watch face are then directed upwards, while they are directed downwards 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.It is possible to envisage multiple modifications or variants of the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the groove 7 could be discontinuous, the first part 11 then having hooking members configured accordingly. Part 11 could have two arms of unequal length, or even a single arm. Instead of the two shoulders 32, one could provide a single shoulder or another element forming a stop, and this on any of the two parts 11 and 12. In all these variants, the suspension and support device according to the The invention makes it possible to wear the watch in certain circumstances as a pocket watch or as a pendant, and in other circumstances to place it on a piece of furniture, in particular overnight or in 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, it will be appreciated that it is sometimes possible to remove watch 1 from the suspension and support device in order to mount it on a bracelet equipped with appropriate attachment means, in order to make it a wristwatch.

Claims (10)

Montre de poche et de table, comportant une boîte de montre (3) et un dispositif de suspension et de support (2) monté sur ladite boîte, ledit dispositif comportant une articulation (13) 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 (34), ledit dispositif maintient la boîte dans une position dressée ou inclinée par rapport à ladite surface, le dispositif de suspension et de support (2) comportant deux pièces (11 et 12) reliées mutuellement par l'articulation (13), à savoir une première pièce (11) montée sur la périphérie de la boîte et une seconde pièce (12) sensiblement plane et pourvue d'un organe de suspension (28), 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, caractérisée en ce que la boîte (3) présente une gorge continue ou discontinue (7) sur sa périphérie et en ce que la première pièce (11) est accrochée à la boîte (3) de manière amovible et comporte un anneau ouvert s'étendant le long de la périphérie de la boîte (3) sensiblement dans un plan médian (8) de la boîte, ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s'accrocher par élasticité à la boîte et comportant des moyens d'accrochage (17, 18, 21, 22) agencés pour s'engager dans ladite gorge (7).Pocket and table watch, comprising a watch box (3) and a suspension and support device (2) mounted on said box, said device comprising an articulation (13) enabling the watch to be selectively placed in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (34), said device maintains the case in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the suspension and support device (2) comprising two parts (11 and 12) connected to each other by the articulation (13), namely a first part (11) mounted on the periphery of the box and a second part (12) substantially planar and provided with a suspension member (28), the two pieces abutting one another to stop the first piece at an acute angle to the second in the table position, characterized in that the box (3) has a groove continuous or discontinuous (7) on its periphery and in that the first part (11) is hooked to the box (3) removably and comprises an open ring extending along the periphery of the box (3) substantially in a median plane (8) of the box, said ring being elastic in its plane to hang by elasticity on the box and comprising hooking means (17, 18, 21, 22) arranged to engage in said groove (7). Montre selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'une couronne de commande (4) de la montre est placée dans l'ouverture (15) dudit anneau.Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that a control crown (4) of the watch is placed in the opening (15) of said ring. Montre selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens d'accrochage (17, 18, 21, 22) sont agencés pour se bloquer longitudinalement et transversalement dans la gorge.Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that said attachment means (17, 18, 21, 22) are arranged to lock longitudinally and transversely in the groove. Montre selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens d'accrochage comportent deux butées saillantes (21, 22) qui butent contre deux extrémités de la gorge (7) pour assurer le blocage longitudinal.Watch according to claim 3, characterized in that said attachment means comprise two stops projections (21, 22) which abut against two ends of the groove (7) to ensure longitudinal locking. Montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l'articulation (13) est disposée à proximité du plan médian (8) de la boîte.Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation (13) is arranged near the median plane (8) of the case. Montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la seconde pièce (12) est une plaque ou un anneau de forme sensiblement plate, ayant une extrémité raccordée à la première pièce par l'articulation (13) et une extrémité opposée conformée pour former l'organe de suspension (28).Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (12) is a plate or a ring of substantially flat shape, having one end connected to the first part by the joint (13) and an opposite end shaped to form the suspension member (28). Dispositif de suspension et de support (2) destiné à être monté sur une boîte de montre (3), ledit dispositif comportant une articulation (13) 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 (34), ledit dispositif maintient la boîte dans une position dressée ou inclinée par rapport à ladite surface, le dispositif comportant deux pièces (11 et 12) reliées mutuellement par l'articulation (13), à savoir une première pièce (11) destinée à être fixée à la boîte (3) et une seconde pièce (12) sensiblement plane et pourvue d'un organe de suspension (28), 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, caractérisé en ce que la première pièce (11) comporte un anneau ouvert agencé pour s'étendre le long de la périphérie de la boîte (3), ledit anneau étant élastique dans son plan pour s'accrocher à la boîte de manière amovible.Suspension and support device (2) intended to be mounted on a watch case (3), said device comprising an articulation (13) making it possible to selectively place the watch in a suspension position and in a table position in which, when the watch is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (34), said device maintains the case in an upright or inclined position relative to said surface, the device comprising two parts (11 and 12) connected to each other by the joint (13) , namely a first part (11) intended to be fixed to the box (3) and a second part (12) substantially planar and provided with a suspension member (28), the two parts abutting one against the other for stopping the first part at an acute angle with respect to the second in the table position, characterized in that the first part (11) has an open ring arranged to extend along the periphery of the a box (3), said ring being elastic in its plane to hang on the box in a removable manner. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la première pièce (11) et la seconde pièce (12), dans la position de table, butent l'une contre l'autre à proximité de l'articulation (13) grâce à un épaulement (32) créé sur l'une desdites pièces par un évidement (31) ménagé dans l'épaisseur de cette pièce entre l'articulation (13) et ledit épaulement (32).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 near the joint (13) by means of a shoulder (32) created on one of said parts by a recess (31) formed in the thickness of this part between the articulation (13) and said shoulder (32). Dispositif selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que la seconde pièce (12) est une plaque ou un anneau de forme sensiblement plate, ayant une extrémité raccordée à la première pièce par l'articulation (13) et une extrémité opposée conformée pour former l'organe de suspension (28).Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second part (12) is a plate or a ring of substantially flat shape, having one end connected to the first part by the articulation (13) and an opposite end shaped to form the suspension member (28). Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que, dans la position de suspension, ses deux pièces (11 et 12) s'étendent sensiblement dans un même plan (8), dans lequel se trouve aussi l'articulation (13).Device according to claim 9, characterized in that, in the suspension position, its two parts (11 and 12) extend substantially in the same plane (8), in which the joint (13) is also located.
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
CH20796 1996-01-26
CH00207/96A CH690206A5 (en) 1996-01-26 1996-01-26 pocket watch and table with hanger and support.
CH207/96 1996-01-26
FR9601296 1996-02-02
FR9601296A FR2744538B1 (en) 1996-02-02 1996-02-02 POCKET AND TABLE WATCH WITH SUSPENSION AND SUPPORT DEVICE

Publications (2)

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

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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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DE (1) DE69701047T2 (en)

Cited By (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 A multipurpose clock
CN114815567A (en) * 2022-06-17 2022-07-29 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

Citations (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
EP0290935A1 (en) 1987-05-11 1988-11-17 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Device for fastening a watch case to a support

Patent Citations (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
EP0290935A1 (en) 1987-05-11 1988-11-17 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Device for fastening a watch case to a support

Cited By (3)

* 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 A multipurpose clock
CN114815567A (en) * 2022-06-17 2022-07-29 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
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

Also Published As

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DE69701047T2 (en) 2000-08-03
DE69701047D1 (en) 2000-02-10
EP0791865B1 (en) 2000-01-05

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