GB2309881A

GB2309881A - Connector for a watch and strap

Info

Publication number: GB2309881A
Application number: GB9602520A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sui Ming Chan
Original assignee: Chung Nam Watch Co Ltd
Current assignee: Chung Nam Watch Co Ltd
Priority date: 1996-02-08
Filing date: 1996-02-08
Publication date: 1997-08-13
Also published as: GB9602520D0

Abstract

A watch has a watch bezel (1) and a watch casing (3). One or more connection members (2) are located within a channel portion of the bezel and are held therein by the watch casing.

Description

WATCH AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF This invention relates to a watch and method of assembly thereof, and particularly though not exclusively to a wrist-watch.

According to the invention, a watch comprises a watch bezel and a watch casing, and is characterised in that one or more connection members are located within a channel portion of the bezel and are held therein by the watch casing.

Because of this construction, the assembly of the watch is considerably simplified. Preferably a pair of connection members are employed. These are preferably located at the opposite ends of a diameter in the case of a circular (or oval) watch, or at opposed sides in the case of a square or rectangular watch.

The invention will be better understood from the following nonlimiting description of an example thereof given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view showing watch parts according to one embodiment of the invention prior to assembly; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on a diametrical plane of a circular watch bezel showing a stage in the assembly, and Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 2 but showing the insertion of the watch casing into the bezel and illustrating how inserting the watch casing holds the connection members in place.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-3 mentioned above. The component parts constitute a bezel (1) having an internal annular channel (la) therein which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The bezel channel has three gaps provided in one of its walls. Two of these gaps are gaps (lob) at opposite ends of a diameter, and a third gap is indicated at (inc). This gap (inc) is provided to receive a winder or a press-button (3b) of the watch mechanism in the watch casing.

Connection members (2) have respective projecting pins or studs (2a) and also having cross brackets (2b) whereby a watch strap (4) can be attached to the connecting member (2). These connecting members have respective main body portions (2c) whose width is substantially equal to the width of each gap (lob).

As will readily be seen from the Figures, in assembling the watch, the portions (2c) of the connecting members are placed within the gaps (lob) and the studs (2a) are lodged in the adjacent portions (la) of the channel in the bezel (1).

The watch casing (3), which has an external o-ring (3a) of suitable resilient material is then inserted into the bezel and, as seen in Figure 3, is pushed downwardly into the bezel until the o-ring (3a) passes the internal rim (led) which forms part of the bezel (1). The secure lodgement of the watch casing (3) within the bezel (1) as thus described traps or locks the connection members (2) and holds them within the bezel. The watch casing is designed to be a relatively tight push fit in the bezel.

Of course it will be appreciated that watch casings of a variety of designs can readily be placed within the bezel, and relatively easily removed therefrom. As described, the watch can be assembled by gently pushing the watch casing (3) downwardly as illustrated by arrow (10) into the bezel (1).

Alternatively, one could hold the watch casing (3) and gently push the bezel (1) and its accompanying connection members and watch straps (4) upwardly to achieve the same end result. As another alternative, the watch casing (3) could be placed (inverted) on a support surface, and the bezel, with the connection members engaged therewith, and held in place for example by the fingers of the assembler, is then pushed downwardly until the rim (led) of the bezel passes the o-ring (3a). The movement of the bezel relative to the watch, or vice-versa, is a movement in a direc:ion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bezel.

It will be realised that the same principles could be adopted when assembling a watch which has a rectangular bezel and a rectangular casing.

Watches of other shapes and configurations which can be assembled by these methods are considered to be within the invention.

While the connection members (2) have been illustrated as having fluted portions (2c), it will be appreciated that connecting members of various shapes could be employed. It will be understood that the watch strap portions (4), which are conventional, are joined to the connection members (2) in any convenient manner which provides the necessary strength and flexibility.

The watch winder (3c) is received within the gap (inc) in the bezel (1).

While an analogue watch with rotary hands has been illustrated, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to the assembly and disassembly of a digital watch equally well. A digital watch is accordingly considered as within the present invention.

Claims

1. A watch comprising a watch bezel and a watch casing, characterised in that one or more connection members are located within a channel portion of the bezel and are held therein by the watch casing.

2. A watch according to claim 1 in which the bezel has an internal annular channel therein.

3. A watch according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the connection members have a pair of studs or spigots and these studs or spigots, in the assembled condition of the watch, are received in portions of the annular channel on either side of a gap within the bezel.

4. A watch according to any one of the preceding claims in which a further gap in the bezel is provided to receive the watch winder or watch control button.

5. A watch according to any one of claims 1-4 in which each connection member includes a cross bracket for connection to the end of a watch strap.

6. A watch substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated.

7. A method of assembling a watch, said watch comprising a watch casing and a bezel, and connection members locatable within recesses in the bezel and releasably engageable with the bezel, said method comprising engaging the connection members in the recesses of the bezel and then inserting the watch casing into the bezel by moving it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bezel.

8. A method according to claim 7, in which the watch casing has an external o-ring thereon. the method including pushing the watch casing into the bezel until the o-ring passes a rim of the bezel.