Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Cases – Wrist worn
Patent
1990-10-30
1994-06-07
Roskoski, Bernard
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Cases
Wrist worn
368281, 368276, G04B 3700
Patent
active
053196163
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Timepieces and, more generally, pieces of jewelry of various appearances are today found in the market, but they do not allow any subsequent modification of their appearance by the user. In other words, once a decision to buy a determined type of wristwatch is made, the user will always be "tied" by this decision. If it is desired to wear a piece displaying a truly different appearance, e.g. because it is more adapted to the taste of the moment, to fashion, to the style of dress, or for any other reason such as the search for new combinations of the appearance using one's own creativity, the only resort will be a new purchase which in turn will sooner or later be subject to the same problem. To this day, this kind of problem is not resolved in a satisfactory manner.
Timepieces comprising a movement which is accomodated in a container-type enclosure and a annular member to which the container is removably fixed by pressure engagement are already known. However for reasons of space requirement and aesthetics, the annular member receiving the container generally fulfills a decorative function simultaneously with a supporting function.
In the case of wristwatches, the annular supporting member of the container is provided with connecting means for the bracelet. These means are relatively space-consuming and, above all, they have a nonsymmetrical shape, so that it is difficult to conceive a set of pieces having a plurality of different supports and a single container, and thus to provide a practical and adaptable assembly.
On the other hand, assemblies of elements are known which comprise a wristwatch casing, a set of exchangeable decorative pieces, and/or a set of bracelet elements, such that the appearance of the watch can be modified at will.
However, in these known assemblies, the heterogeneity of the components remains visible, such that the pursued aim, namely to obtain a modifiable aesthetic which still retains an unitary value, is not attained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objects of the present invention are on one hand, to bridge this gap and on the other hand, to enable the user to vary almost indefinitely the appearance of the piece of jewelry or in particular, of the timepiece, with respect to both its shape and its colors and without any tools.
In order to attain these objects, a first alternative embodiment of the piece of jewelry, in particular the timepiece, of the invention includes a fixed central element accommodated in a container. The container is removably fixed by pressure engagement to an annular member, wherein the annular member is a support having an external side. Rigid retaining elements are provided on the external side of the support and a removable decorative fitting is disposed on the support and has a side which cooperates with the retaining elements of the support. The decorative fitting is secured on the support by the container to conceal the external side of the support. In and a second alternative embodiment the piece of jewelry comprises a central element removably fixed in a support, rigid retaining elements provided on an external side of the support, a removable decorative fitting formed of a plurality of rigid elements disposed side by side adjoiningly located on the support, and retaining elements disposed on the plurality of rigid elements for engaging the retaining elements of the support to secure the decorative fitting on the support, with the decorative fitting concealing the external side of the support.
These characteristics may take different and multiple shapes, as will appear hereinafter in the description of several embodiments. However referring primarily to the first embodiment examples of the object of the invention are illustrated in the attached drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an enlarged axial cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of a timepiece;
FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of the timepiece of FIG. 1 without the container;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support pertaining
REFERENCES:
patent: 3585794 (1971-06-01), Klingenberg
patent: 4757485 (1988-07-01), Man
Be & Joy SA
Roskoski Bernard
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