Method for opening a watch case and apparatus for practicing such method
AssigneeSMH Management Services AG
InventorMarc-Andre Miche
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In order to open the watch case (1) by extraction of the crystal (2) such case is secured in an enclosure (3) after its stem and crown have been removed. Next, a suction cup (4) is applied to the crystal, such suction cup being maneuverable from outside the enclosure by means of a handle (40). By means of a pump controlled by a lever (37) the enclosure is subjected to a predetermined overpressure, following which a pulling force (A) is exerted on the suction cup until extraction of the crystal. The overpressure being the same at both the exterior and interior of the case, no displacement of air is brought about and hence no damage to the watch mechanism when the crystal is separated from the case.
Claims7
A method for opening a watch case by extraction of the crystal including the following steps:
- the watch case is secured in an enclosure,
- a suction cup is applied to the crystal,
- the interior of the enclosure as well as the interior of the watch case are subjected to the same predetermined overpressure,
- a pulling force is exerted on the suction cup until extraction of the crystal,
- normal pressure is reestablished within the enclosure in order to remove the watch case relieved of its crystal.
An apparatus for opening a watch case by extraction of a crystal, said apparatus including a stand in which a pump is housed, an enclosure surmounting the stand and into which a duct communicating with the pump opens out, the enclosure including a securing arrangement for the watch case, said enclosure being surmounted by a detachable cover blocking an upper portion of said enclosure, said cover being provided with a valve and a stem, said stem being slidingly mounted through the cover and, at a stem end within the enclosure, bearing a suction cup capable of being applied against the crystal to be extracted from the case.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.