U.S. patent application number 11/238848 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for reversible watch.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAG Heuer SA. Invention is credited to Yannick Chatelain, Philippe Girardin, Guillaume Tetu, Pascal Turuani.
Application Number | 20060018202 11/238848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33102862 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060018202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Girardin; Philippe ; et
al. |
January 26, 2006 |
Reversible watch
Abstract
Reversible watch, comprising a case (1) provided with a first
face (10) for displaying first time indications and a second face
(11) opposite said first face. A turning-over mechanism (20, 21,
22, 23) allows the case (1) to be turned over around a turning-over
axis (201-211; 221-231) parallel to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis
so as to display at the wearer's preference either the first face
or the second face. The turning-over mechanism comprising a
pivoting arm (20, 21; 22, 23) on each side of the case that allows
the turning-over axis to be moved back. The case (1) is connected
with the arms (20, 21; 22, 23) to be able to pivot around the
turning-over axis (201-211; 221-231). The length of the arms is
sufficient for turning over the case without the winding button or
other buttons coming into contact with other parts (17) of the
watch.
Inventors: |
Girardin; Philippe; (La
Cahux-de-Fonds, CH) ; Chatelain; Yannick;
(Villers-Le-Lac, FR) ; Turuani; Pascal; (Les Fins,
FR) ; Tetu; Guillaume; (Neuchatel, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET
SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
TAG Heuer SA
Marin-Epanier
CH
|
Family ID: |
33102862 |
Appl. No.: |
11/238848 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP04/50361 |
Mar 24, 2004 |
|
|
|
11238848 |
Sep 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
368/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G04G 17/045 20130101;
G04B 37/0083 20130101; A44C 15/0025 20130101; G04G 17/08 20130101;
G04C 21/34 20130101; G04B 37/0427 20130101; G04B 37/0436
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
368/281 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2003 |
CH |
2003CH-0556 |
Claims
1. Reversible watch, including: a case provided with a first face
for displaying first time indications and a second face opposite
said first face, at least one control element of the movement or
movements of the watch, a turning-over mechanism for turning over
said case around a turning-over axis, said turning-over axis being
parallel to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis during turning-over so as
to display at the wearer's preference either said first face or
said second face, wherein said turning-over mechanism includes a
pivoting arm on each side of the case, said arms allowing said
turning-over axis to be displaced, said case being connected with
said arms so as to allow said case to pivot around said
turning-over axis only when said arms are inclined by a
predetermined angle relative to its initial position, the length of
said arms being sufficient and their arrangement adapted to allow
said case to be turned over without said control elements colliding
with other parts of the watch during turning over.
2. The watch of claim 1, including at least one control element of
the movement or movements of the watch protruding on a first
portion of the case's periphery between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
and at least one other control element of the movement or movements
of the watch protruding on a second portion of the case's periphery
between 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock.
3. The watch of claim 1, wherein said arms allowing said
turning-over axis to be lifted above the initial plane containing
the upper face of the case in resting position.
4. The watch of claim 1, including a frame connected with the
watch's bracelet, said case being inside said frame in each of the
two resting positions, said turning-over mechanism connecting
unitedly said case with said frame during all phases of said
turning-over.
5. The watch of claim 4, said arms closing two opposite front sides
of said frame in folded-down position.
6. The watch of claim 1, said case pivoting relative to said arms
around two pivots, said turning-over axis being defined by the line
crossing said pivots.
7. The watch of claim 6, said arms being arranged so as to displace
said pivots along a single degree of freedom.
8. The watch of claim 7, said arms being capable of pivoting around
a fixed rotation axis.
9. The watch of claim 1, said case being rectangular or square, the
length of said arms being more or less equal to the width of said
case.
10. The watch of claim 1, said arms being oriented along different
directions during turning-over, said directions being oriented
along two planes parallel to one another.
11. The watch of claim 6, said turning-over axis crossing said case
through the center.
12. The watch of claim 6, each arm being connected on the one hand
to said frame to be able to pivot around said rotation axis, said
rotation axis being fixed relative to said frame, each arm being
furthermore connected in pivoting fashion with said case around
said pivots, said pivots being mobile relative to said case.
13. The watch of claim 1, said arms being each connected with said
case through at least one pivot moving in at least one slide during
turning-over.
14. The watch of claim 6, said turning-over axis defined by said
pivots crossing said case through the center along different
directions when said arms are unfolded.
15. The watch of claim 1, said case and said arms further including
two guiding slides and at least two guiding pivots, at least two
guiding pivots traveling in each of said guiding slides, so as to
maintain said case parallel to its initial resting position until
the turning-over point.
16. The watch of claim 1, said arms each including at least one
pivot traveling in one slide connected with the case, said case
including at least one pivot traveling in one slide connected to
each of said arms, the arrangement of said slides and of said
pivots allowing said case to be kept parallel to its initial
resting position until the turning-over point.
17. The watch of claim 16, including at least two pivots sliding in
at least one same of said slides, the shape of said slide being
adapted to prevent said two pivots from pivoting except in one
point corresponding to said turning-over point.
18. The watch of claim 16, including at least one other slide
connected to said case shaped like an S.
19. The watch of claim 1, said predetermined angle allowing said
case to turn over without said case touching said frame.
20. The watch of claim 6, said turning-over axis crossing said case
parallel to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock diameter of said case.
21. The watch of claim 20, said turning-over axis being fixed
relative to said case during the entire turning-over.
22. The watch of claim 1, said arms traveling in planes parallel to
one another during turning-over.
23. The watch of claim 20, said case being rectangular or square,
the length of said arms being lower than the width of said case but
greater than the sum of the half-length of the case increased by
the thickness of said control elements, so as to allow said case to
be turned over without said control elements coming into contact
with other parts of the watch during turning-over.
24. The watch of claim 20, said arms coming to lodge in folded down
position in a hollow of said case.
25. The watch of claim 20, each arm being connected on the one hand
to said frame to be able to pivot around said rotation axis, said
rotation axis being fixed relative to said frame, each arm being
furthermore connected in pivoting fashion with said case around
said pivots, said pivots being fixed relative to said case.
26. The watch of claim 20, said arms allowing said pivots to pivot
around a rotation axis connected with said frame.
27. The watch of claim 1, including: a first movement for
displaying first time indications on a first face, a second
movement for displaying second time indications on a second face
opposite said first face, control elements on both diametrically
opposed faces of said case for controlling both said movements.
28. The watch of claim 1, including: a first movement for
displaying first time indications on a first face, a second
movement for displaying second time indications on a second face
opposite said first face, wherein said first movement is of
mechanical type and in that said second movement is of electronic
type.
29. Reversible watch, including: a case provided with a first face
for displaying first time indications and a second face opposite
said first face, at least one control element of the movement or
movements of the watch on a first lateral side of said case and at
least one other control element of the movement or movements of the
watch on a second lateral side of said case opposed to said first
lateral side, a turning-over mechanism for turning over said case
around a turning-over axis, said turning-over axis being parallel
to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis during turning-over so as to
display at the wearer's preference either said first face or said
second face, wherein said turning-over mechanism comprises a
pivoting arm on each side of the case, said arms allowing said
turning-over axis to be displaced, said case being connected with
said arms so as to pivot around said turning-over axis, the length
of said arms being sufficient and their arrangement adapted to
allow said case to be turned over without said control elements
colliding with other parts of the watch during turning over.
30. Reversible watch, including: a case, a first movement for
displaying first time indications on a first face, a second
movement for displaying second time indications on a second face
opposite said first face, a turning-over mechanism for turning over
said case so as to display at the wearer's preference either said
first face or said second face wherein said first movement is of
mechanical type and in that said second movement is of electronic
type.
Description
REFERENCE DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application 2004WO-EP050361 (WO04088436) filed on Mar. 24, 2004,
claiming priority of Swiss patent application 2003CH-0556 filed on
Mar. 31, 2003, the contents whereof are hereby incorporated.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention concerns a reversible watch and a
method for turning over a reversible watch case.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] By reversible watch, one will understand a watch whose case
comprises two faces and a turning-over mechanism allowing the user
to display, according to preference, one or the other face. At
least one of the faces comprises a dial with time indications; the
opposite face bears either another dial with other time
indications, for example another time zone or complementary
functions, or a protective cover that is frequently decorated.
[0004] Reversible watches are for example known that comprise two
mechanical movements for displaying for example two time zones on
the two faces of the watch or for displaying the time on one face
and auxiliary functions, for example functions of chronograph, moon
phase, date etc., on the other face. Integrating two mechanical
movements within a single case is however costly and requires a
considerable thickness. Watches comprising a single mechanical
movement capable of displaying indications on both opposite faces
are also known; such movements, which are complex and often
produced in limited quantities, are also expensive. Watches
comprising two quartz movements head-to-tail are also known, but
they have neither the advantages nor the prestige of mechanical
movements. These watches require in particular one or even two
distinct batteries.
[0005] Different turning-over mechanisms have been conceived. For
example, watches are known in which the bracelet is turned over
with the case, so that the inner side and the outer side of the
bracelet and of the watch can thus be inverted. This solution
requires however reversible bracelets and bracelet clasps, both
sides of which must have a very highly-finished aesthetic.
[0006] Are also known watches in which the case pivots around a 9
o'clock-3 o'clock axis, i.e. an axis perpendicular to the bracelet.
The turning-over mechanism in this case takes up the space around
the case usually allotted to the time-set button and other control
elements, which implies strict aesthetic constraints for the watch
designers and manufacturers.
[0007] The most widespread reversible watches thus use a
turning-over mechanism enabling the case to pivot around a 6
o'clock-12 o'clock axis in the bracelet's plane. Patent application
FR2716353 for example describes a watch in which each end of the
bracelet is connected to the case by means of a pivot making it
possible to turn over the watch around the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock
axis. It is however necessary to remove the watch from the wrist to
make the case pivot. Similar solutions enabling a pivoting at the
level of the bracelet's fastening are described notably in the
documents GB2213612, GB2241868, EP346660, CH659167, FR2583897,
CH172421, CH138929, U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,708 and CH674291.
[0008] Different known solutions further propose to insert the case
into an external frame connected with the bracelet and to make the
case pivot relative to the frame around a pivot, along the 6
o'clock-12 o'clock axis. Examples of such watches are described in
the documents CH159446, CH176988 and EP562522 notably.
[0009] In these solutions, the case is however connected to the
external frame by a single pivot allowing a relative movement of
the case along two degrees of freedom. Such a pivot must thus be
machined with a very high precision, which makes the mechanism more
expensive. Turning over the watch requires moving the case relative
to the frame along a complex three-dimensional trajectory that is
difficult to determine, and generally requires the user to hold the
glass or glasses between his fingers, leaving finger prints.
Furthermore, the reliability of the turning-over mechanism is
problematic since the pivot can jam/shrink or even break under the
effect of even small impacts or torsions. Finally, the case and in
particular the protruding elements of the case, such as control
buttons, run the risk of coming into contact with the external
frame during pivoting, which may scratch and mark them.
[0010] Patent CH177310 describes a reversible watch comprising a
case provided with a pivot sliding in the slide of an external
frame. Turning-over the case is achieved by pivoting the case
around the pivot until it reaches a vertical position, displacing
the pivot in the slide, then completing the pivoting of the case.
In this case also the case is connected to the external frame
through a single pivot, which causes reliability problems and
machining difficulties.
[0011] Other reversible watches comprise a turning-over mechanism
allowing the case to pivot around a 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis use a
case connected with an external frame by means of two pivots on the
outer sides of the case guided in slides of the frame. Solutions of
this type have been described notably in documents CH159982 and
EP22255. In these watches, the reliability and solidity of the
turning-over mechanism is improved thanks to the connection of the
case with the frame at two points; furthermore, the handling
required for turning over is more intuitive and does not require
the glass to be touched. However, in these solutions, the case is
turned over along an axis that is in a plane parallel to the watch
and thus remains close to the bottom of the external frame. The
lateral sides of the case must thus be adapted to allow the case to
turn over without these sides touching the bottom of the external
frame. In particular, it is impossible to place control buttons or
winding buttons that are too protruding on the lateral side of the
case close to the turning-over axis, as these elements would then
risk colliding with the frame's bottom during turning-over. This
solution is thus not adapted to watches having control elements on
two opposed lateral sides, notably watches comprising
simultaneously protruding control elements on a first portion of
the periphery of the case between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and
protruding control elements on a second portion of the periphery of
the case between 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock.
[0012] FR766809 describes notably a reversible watch comprising a
turning-over mechanism allowing the case to pivot around a 6
o'clock-12 o'clock axis. The case is connected to two rods parallel
to one another and articulated relative to the watch case. The
watch is turned over by lifting simultaneously the two rods and
then turning over the case relative to an axis connected with the
two rods. It is necessary to turn over the case by orienting the
watch's lateral side that is free of any winding buttons towards
the frame; the case could not be turned over if it has control
elements on both lateral sides, for example at both 3 o'clock and 9
o'clock.
[0013] Furthermore, the case can pivot around the axis of the
turning-over axis even when the rods are only partially raised. The
case and the winding button at this occasion risk coming into
contact with the frame 21, which could scratch or even damage
them.
[0014] Finally, in most of the described solutions, a large portion
of the slides are apparent at least during certain turning-over
steps, which is not very aesthetic and especially risks them being
exposed to dust or skin particles that can in certain cases block
them and prevent the watch from turning over. Finally, the slides
are wearing parts that cannot, or only with difficulty, be replaced
when inaccuracies arise in guiding the case.
[0015] It is thus an aim of the present invention to propose a new
reversible watch provided with a turning-over mechanism that avoids
the flaws of the prior art turning-over mechanism.
[0016] In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to
propose a turning-over mechanism that is sufficiently rigid and
reliable and which allows cases provided with protruding control
elements on one or several sides of the case to be turned over
without these control elements or other parts of the case becoming
damaged during turning-over.
[0017] It is another aim of the present invention to propose a
turning-over mechanism in which the number of mobile parts is
reduced in order to lower the manufacturing cost, to reduce the
space requirements and to improve reliability.
[0018] It is another aim of the present invention to propose a
reversible watch capable of offering a greater number of
functionalities and displays on both faces of the watch than the
prior art reversible watches.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] According to the invention, these aims are achieved notably
by means of a reversible watch and a method comprising the
characteristics of the independent claims of corresponding type,
preferred embodiments being furthermore indicated in the dependent
claims.
[0020] In particular, these aims are achieved by means of a
reversible watch comprising a case provided with a first face for
displaying first time indications and with a second face opposite
to said first face, at least one element for controlling the
watch's movement or movements protruding on a first portion of the
case's periphery between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and at least one
other element for controlling the watch's movement or movements
protruding on a second portion of the case's periphery between 6
o'clock and 12 o'clock, a turning-over mechanism for turning over
said case around a turning-over axis, said turning-over axis being
parallel to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis during turning-over, so
as to display at the wearer's preference either said first face or
said second face. According to the invention, the case is connected
to pivoting arms so as to be able to pivot around a turning-over
axis connected with the external frame; their length and
arrangement are adapted to turn over the case without the control
elements coming into contact with other parts of the watch during
turning-over.
[0021] These aims are also achieved by means of a reversible watch
comprising a case provided with a first face to display first time
indications and with a second face opposite to said first face, at
least one element for controlling the watch's movement or
movements. A turning-over mechanism allows the case to be turned
over a turning-over axis, said turning-over axis being parallel to
the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis during turning-over, so as to display
at the wearer's preference either said first face or said second
face. According to the invention, the turning-over mechanism
comprises an arm pivoting on each side of said case. The arms allow
the turning-over axis to be displaced. The case is connected to the
arms to as to allow the case to turn over around the turning-over
axis only when the arms are included by a predetermined angle
relative to the initial position. The length of the arms is
sufficient and their arrangements adapted to allow the case to be
turned over without the control elements or other parts of the case
colliding with other parts of the watch during turning-over.
[0022] This solution has the advantage of displacing the case's
turning-over axis during turning-over. It is thus possible to bring
it in a more favorable position, allowing voluminous watch cases or
those provided with protruding control elements on one or several
faces to be turned over without the case or control elements
touching other parts of the watch during turning-over.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention will be better understood with the aid
of the description of embodiments illustrated by the attached
figures, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a view from above of a reversible watch
according to a first embodiment of the invention, in folded-down
position with a hand indicator on the visible face.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the reversible watch
according to the first embodiment of the invention, in folded-down
position with a hand indicator on the visible face.
[0026] FIG. 3 to 10 show different perspective views of the watch
according to the first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
different successive positions during turning-over.
[0027] FIG. 11 to 14 show different perspective side views of the
reversible watch according to the first embodiment of the
invention, illustrated in different successive positions during
turning-over, in order to show in particular the slide mechanism
used in the first embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 15 to 18 show different perspective views of the
reversible watch according to a second embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in different successive positions during
turning-over.
[0029] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a watch case
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a view from above of a reversible watch
according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this position,
also illustrated in FIG. 2, the watch's face 10 comprising a hand
indicator 100 is visible on the upside of the watch, the other face
11 with an alphanumerical display 110 visible notably in FIG. 10
being turned in the direction of the wearer's wrist. To simplify
the figures, the display elements (hands or liquid crystal display)
and the bracelet are represented only in the resting positions
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10.
[0031] The watch comprises a case 1 containing the watch's
movements and mounted in a frame 17 by means of a turning-over
mechanism 2 described further below. A bracelet 13 is fastened to
the frame 17 through horns 171. The movement controlling the hands'
position can be wound up and/or reset by means of a winding button
16 on one of the lateral sides of the case 1. Other control
elements, here push-buttons 14, 15, allow other functions of the
watch to be controlled, notably functions displayed on the watch's
other face, as will be described further below. The control
elements 14, 15, 16 are distributed on two opposed lateral sides of
the case and thus occupy both the portion of the case's periphery
between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and the position comprised between
6 o'clock and 12 o'clock. The control elements are protruding,
which allows an easier handling on both sides of the case 1.
[0032] The turning-over mechanism of this first embodiment
comprises a pivoting arm 20 and 21 which, in folded-down position,
covers the two opposed front faces of the frame 17. In the
illustrated embodiment, the case is rectangular or square and the
length of the arms is more or less equal to the case's width. The
arms can unfold in the manner illustrated in the FIGS. 3 to 10 by
pivoting in two vertical planes (i.e. perpendicular to the bottom
170 of the frame 17) around rotation axes 200 respectively 210
connected to the frame 17. The angle of rotation achieved by the
arm 20 relative to its initial position is indicated in the figures
by the reference .alpha.. The two rotation axes 200 and 210 of the
two arms 20 and 21 are parallel to one another and connected to
diametrically opposed positions of the frame 17.
[0033] The case 1 is connected to the two pivoting arms 20 and 21
through two pivots 201, 211 defining one turning-over axis. It can
thus be turned over around the turning-over axis 201-211 when the
arms are unfolded. In resting position, in order to display one of
the faces 10 or 11, the arms 20, 21 are held by balls mounted on
springs (not represented) engaged in holes 28 on the inner sides of
the horns 171. A slight vertical force on the case 1 is sufficient
to release the balls and free the arms to unfold them in order to
turn over the case.
[0034] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 10, the arms 20 and 21 enable
the pivots 201-211, and thus the turning-over axis, of the case 1
to be raised and aligned above the initial plane containing the
upper face of the case in resting position. In this embodiment, the
turning-over axis 201-211 thus moves by pivoting the arms 20, 21
around the rotation axis 200-210 during turning-over. The necessary
handling for lifting the case 1 is thus intuitive and does not
require complex movements. During all the turning-over phases, the
arms 20-21 unitedly connect the case 1 with the frame 17.
[0035] The length of the two arms 20, 21 and the distance between
the rotation axes of the arms 200-210 and the case's turning-over
axis 201-211 are sufficient to allow the case to turn over without
the control elements 14, 15, 16 or any other parts of the case 1
coming into contact with the frame 17 or with other parts of the
watch. It is thus possible to switch the displayed face 10 or 11
when the arms are unfolded without risk of marking, scratching or
even damaging the control elements 14, 15, 16 or the case 1. As
illustrated notably in FIGS. 3 to 9, the two arms 20, 21 remain
parallel with opposed orientations during turning-over.
[0036] As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 11c and 11d
representing a view of the inner side of the arm 21, respectively a
cross-section of this arm along the axis Xld, the two arms 20, 21
each comprise a first slide 202 (not represented) respectively 212
in the shape of an A, as well as a pivot 201 (not represented)
respectively 211. The pivots 201 respectively 211 move in second
slides 250 respectively 260 in the shape of an S machined in
slide-holders 25 respectively 26 connected to the two front sides
of the case 1. Inversely, the slide-holders 25 respectively 26 each
bear two guiding pivots 251 (not represented) respectively 261
moving in first slides 202, 212.
[0037] The case 1 being connected to the external frame 17 by the
two arms 20, 21 directed along opposed directions, it is displaced
vertically, blocked in horizontal position and raises the two arms
20, 21. By lifting the case 1, the pivot 211 moves in the S-shape
slide 260 connected with the case and simultaneously the two pivots
261 move in the A-shaped slide 212. In the same manner, the pivots
251 move in the slide 202 of the arm 20 whilst the pivot 201 moves
in the slide 250 connected with the slide-holder 25.
[0038] The particular A-shape of the guiding slides 202, 212 as
well as the lack of alignment of the two pivots 201 and 211 allow
the case 1 to be kept horizontal, i.e. parallel to its initial
resting position, in all positions with the exception of the
turning-over point illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The two pivots
201 respectively 211 are incapable of pivoting simultaneously,
except when they are aligned in the turning-over axis, positioned
at 6 o'clock and at 12 o'clock. In this particular position, the
two pairs of guiding pivots 251 and 261 find themselves in the
circular portion of the slide 202 respectively 212. The
slide-holder 26 can then pivot around the pivot 211, the two
guiding pivots 261 being also free to turn in the circular portion
of the first slide 212. The slide-holder 25 performs a same
turning-over movement around the pivot 201.
[0039] The case 1 can thus, in this particular position only, turn
freely around the horizontal turning-over axis 201, 211. In all the
other positions of the arms 20, 21, the turning-over is blocked by
the pivots 201, 211 being non-aligned and by the pairs of pivots
251, 261 being guided in their respective slides. There is thus no
friction possible between the front sides of the case 1 and the
inner side of the arms 20, 21.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the turning-over point is
reached when the angle .alpha. of inclination of the arms 20, 21 is
equal to approximately 50.degree., this value being chosen
according to the arms' length and to the case's total width to
ensure a turning over without collision in the position illustrated
in FIGS. 4 to 8 and 13 to 14. It can thus be ensured that no point
of the case 1 or of the control elements 14, 15, 16 comes into
contact with the frame 17 when the arms 20, 21 are unfolded or
folded down again.
[0041] The two pivots 201 and 211 define the turning-over axis
around which the case 1 can be turned over. As these pivots move in
the second S-shaped slides 250, 260, the turning-over axis defined
by the line connecting the two pivots 201, 211 crosses the case 1
through the center along different directions when the arms 20, 21
are unfolded.
[0042] The non-rectilinear S-shape of the second slides 250, 260
allows the friction forces exerted against the pivots 201, 211 to
be controlled. In particular, this shape allows the reaction force
exerted by friction against the slides during unfolding and folding
back of the arms 20, 21 to be varied in order to achieve a more
intuitive elastic unfolding and folding-back effect. The
turning-over mechanism could also function, in a less comfortable
fashion, with rectilinear second slides 250, 260.
[0043] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the position of the slides
and of the pivots on the case and the arms can be inverted.
Furthermore, the "legs" of the A-shaped slides 202, 212 could be
enlarged inwards so as to ensure a contact at a single point of the
pivots 251, 261 and thus reduce friction.
[0044] In order to turn over the case and display the watch's other
face, the watch wearer thus lifts the case 1 to disengage the
spring balls from the holes 28, then pivots the arms 20-21 by
50.degree. (in this example) until the turning-over position
illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8 and 13 to 14. In this position, the
case 1 can pivot freely around the turning-over axis 201-211, while
being guided by the guiding pivots 251, 261, between the two
opposed horizontal positions illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The
watch wearer then pushes the case 1 back to fold the arms 20 and 21
and reach the second resting position illustrated in FIG. 10, with
the second face 11 visible. The case 1 is held in this position by
balls on springs (not represented) engaged in other holes 28 on the
inner sides of the horns 171.
[0045] Slides 250, 260 united with the case 1 are wear parts. In a
preferred embodiment, the slide-holders 25, 26 can thus be replaced
without having to replace the entire case. They are thus preferably
mounted or screwed on the front sides of the case 1 by screws
engaged in holes 24; the slide-holders 25, 26 can also hide screws
(not represented) allowing the case 1 to be opened for servicing or
for replacing the battery.
[0046] It will be observed that the described device allows the
case 1 to be turned over easily without having to remove the
bracelet 13. It will also be observed that the larger portion of
the different slides is hidden by the arms 20, 21, the
slide-holders 25, 26 and the case 1 in all positions, notably in
the resting positions, so that the risk of obstruction is
considerably reduced.
[0047] The reversible watch of the invention advantageously
comprises two distinct movements 12, 19 (FIG. 19) lodged one
against the other in the case 1. The first movement 12 is a
mechanical movement with manual or automatic winding, allowing the
time and possible supplementary functions, for example a
chronograph, to be displayed by means of hands 100 on the watch's
first face 10. The second movement 19 is an electronic movement,
for example a quartz movement, allowing other indications, for
example a second time, the date etc., to be displayed on the liquid
crystal display 110 of the second face 11. The watch thus combines
the advantages of a hand indicator with those of an alphanumerical
display, as well as the advantages of a mechanical movement
(prestige, operating without battery) with those of a quartz
movement.
[0048] A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
15 to 18. This second embodiment has the advantage of not requiring
slides in the case 1, which allows use of a slimmer case. The
slides are furthermore fragile elements, liable to become blocked
in the case of mechanical shocks or obstruction through dust or
skin particles for example. This embodiment has however the
inconvenience that it does not entirely exclude the risk of contact
between the case or the control elements and the frame, as will be
seen further below.
[0049] The watch according to the second embodiment of the
invention is represented in FIG. 15 in folded down position with
the face 10 comprising an analog hand indicator 100 visible from
above. It comprises a case 1 connected in articulated fashion with
an external frame 17 by means of two arms 22, 23. The arms are
articulated relative to the frame 17 around rotation axes 220, 230
(FIG. 12) one opposite the other, approximately at 6 o'clock and at
12 o'clock. The case 1 is capable of pivoting relative to the two
arms 22, 23 around a turning-over axis defined by the two pivots
221, 231.
[0050] In this embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 in
particular, the two arms 22 and 23 remain at all time parallel to
one another. The case 1 illustrated is square or rectangular; the
length of the two arms 22, 23 is lower than the length of this
case, but sufficient for allowing the case to turn over when the
arms are entirely unfolded perpendicularly to their initial
position, without the control elements 14, 15, 16 or other portions
of the case coming into contact with the frame 17. The length of
the two arms 22, 23, must thus be sufficient for the distance
between the rotation axes 220, 230 and the turning-over axis 221,
231 to be sufficient to the sum of the half-length of the case
increased by the thickness of said control elements.
[0051] The turning-over axis, defined as the line crossing the two
pivots 221, 231, crosses the case along a fixed direction parallel
to the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock diameter but different from this
diameter. Since the case 1 is fastened to the arms 22, 23 by axes
without slides, the angle between this turning-over axis and the
case 1 remains constant during the entire turning-over. The
connection between the arms 22, 23 and the case is thus more rigid
than in the first embodiment.
[0052] In the resting position illustrated in FIG. 15 with the
analog face 10 visible and in FIG. 18 with the numerical face 11
visible, the arms 22, 23 come to lodge in folded down position in a
hollow of the case 1. The turning-over mechanism is thus almost
hidden in folded down position.
[0053] In order to turn over the case 1 and chose the face 10 or 11
to display, the watch wearer lifts the case 1 from the resting
position illustrated in FIG. 15 to release the balls on springs
from the holes 28, then pivots the two arms 22, 23 in a vertical
plane until the case 1 is sufficiently far away from the frame 17
to allow the case to rotate without colliding. The case can then
pivot easily around the turning-over axis 221, 231 to choose the
visible face 10 or 11 to display. The arms then continue their
rotation by 180.degree. to fold back in the other resting position
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0054] As compared with the first embodiment, the control elements
14, 15 and 16 can possibly in this second embodiment come into
contact with the bottom of the frame 17 if the case is turned over
too fast or too late, i.e. when the angle .alpha. traveled by the
arms 22, 23 is considerably different from 90.degree.. Indeed,
since the two pivots 221, 231 are always aligned, a turning-over is
possible at any point. Furthermore, the case 1 does not remain
horizontal during all phases of the displacement.
* * * * *