Technical Field

The present invention relates to a package for wristwatches.

Specifically, the term wristwatch refers to a watch provided with at least one case and at least one strap associated with the case and adapted to be wrapped at least partly around the user’s wrist.

This package finds its preferred, but not exclusive, application in the field of packages for wristwatches of the modular type, that is, wherein the case and the strap are associated with each other in a removable manner.

Background Art

As is well known, wristwatches are normally sold inside special packages adapted to protect the watch from possible knocks or scratches. The packages also allow any gadgets and leaflets to be associated with the watch, such as, e.g., instructions for use, advertisements, replacement items, etc.

It is well known that such packages have a simple containing function and, more often than not, are unable to highlight the merits and features of the watches.

In addition, known packages are not very functional or practical; particularly in the case of modular watches, wherein the different components need a certain positioning within the package to promote their usability by a user.

In addition to this, the purchaser is used to throwing the package into the dustbin as in fact its function has ended. As a result, the traditional packages of known solutions generate a huge amount of waste, which results in an very negative impact on the environment.

In addition to this, there is a particular need in this area to renew packages and to constantly search for new ones in order to distinguish them more from those of competitors.

Description of the Invention

Therefore, the main aim of the present invention is to devise a package for wristwatches that is functional and practical to use.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a package for wristwatches which allows the aesthetic merits and features of the watch to be highlighted.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a package for wristwatches which can be used for additional purposes, such as e.g. as a display unit.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a package for wristwatches which allows the watch to be protected and contained by means of an easy-to- implement solution.

Still another object of the present invention is to devise a package for wristwatches which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this package for wristwatches having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a package for wristwatches, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the package for wristwatches in accordance with the present invention,

- Figure 2 is an exploded view of the package in Figure 1.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a package for wristwatches.

The term wristwatch refers to a watch A provided with at least one case B and at least one strap C associated with the case B and adapted to be wrapped at least partly around a user’s wrist.

Specifically, the case B is adapted to contain at least time signaling means. In addition, the case B has at least one lower portion, intended in use to rest on the user’s wrist, and an upper portion made at least partly of a clear material.

Preferably, the watch A comprises at least one or more crowns D associated with the case B.

Preferably, the strap C is associated with the case B in a removable manner.

As shown in Figure 1, the package 1 comprises at least one basic body 2 adapted to house at least partly at least one case B of a watch A. To this end, advantageously, the basic body 2 defines at least one housing seat 3 adapted to receive at least one part of the case B, the housing seat 3 having at least one section with a shape substantially complementary to the at least one part of the case B. This expedient allows the package 1 to stably house at least the case B of the watch A, thus promoting the insertion and removal thereof from the package 1.

Preferably, the package 1 has a substantially boxy shape. In detail, at least the basic body 2 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, preferably in a square or rectangular plan. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the package 1 may have different conformations, such as e.g. prism-shaped in a triangular plan.

Appropriately, the basic body 2 has at least one exposed surface 4 intended, in use, to remain in view, and at least one resting surface opposite the exposed surface 4.

Preferably, at least the exposed surface 4 has a substantially square or rectangular shape.

In addition, the basic body 2 has at least one lateral surface 5 substantially transverse to the exposed surface 4. Specifically, the lateral surface 5 is positioned between the exposed surface 4 and the resting surface and faces outwards from the basic body 2.

In detail, in use, the exposed surface 4 is arranged substantially horizontally and the lateral surface 5 is arranged substantially vertically.

In the context of this disclosure, the terms “upper” and “lower”, “vertical” and “horizontal” used with reference to the package 1, are meant to refer to the conditions under which the package 1 is normally used, i.e., those in which it is laid out in support of a tabletop.

The lateral surface 5 defines at least one edge 6. In other words, the lateral surface 5 has at least two faces which intersect with each other where the edge 6 is located.

Conveniently, the edge 6 of the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2 has a substantially rounded shape.

Preferably, the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2 has at least four edges 6, each edge 6 having a substantially rounded shape.

Conveniently, the housing seat 3 is formed where the exposed surface 4 is located.

As shown in Figure 1, the housing seat 3 is shaped in a substantially complementary manner to at least one part of the case B of the watch A. In the present case, the housing seat 3 has at least one perimeter surface 7 adapted to contain at least partly the case B of the watch A. In particular, the perimeter surface 7 is substantially transverse to the exposed surface 4.

The perimeter surface 7 has at least one pair of curvilinear stretches 7a opposite each other, and one pair of straight stretches 7b opposite each other and positioned between the pair of curvilinear stretches 7a.

Appropriately, the housing seat 3 is conformed to receive in support the lower portion of the case B, leaving the upper portion exposed.

For this purpose, the perimeter surface 7 of the housing seat 3 has a height substantially equal to or less than the height of the case B of the watch A.

The term “height” referring to the perimeter surface 7 of the housing seat 3 is intended to indicate a substantially vertical direction of development.

Appropriately, the housing seat 3 is arranged where the central portion of the basic body 2 is located. In this way, the basic body 2 can comprise at least one informational character applied to the exposed surface 4 and arranged side by side with the housing seat 3. This expedient allows any trademarks or informational notes concerning the watch A to be placed directly next to the latter.

Preferably, the informational character is applied to the basic body 2 by, e.g., engraving, printing, screen printing, painting, sticker application and the like.

Usefully, the housing seat 3 defines at least one accommodation 9 which is adapted to receive and house at least one crown D of the watch A. As visible from Figure 2, the accommodation 9 is obtained where one of the curvilinear stretches 7a of the perimeter surface 7 is located.

Preferably, the housing seat 3 defines at least one pair of accommodations 9, each adapted to receive a respective crown D of the watch A.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the housing seat 3 may define more or less accommodations 9 depending on the number of crowns D with which the watch A is provided.

As can be seen from Figure 1, advantageously, the basic body 2 has at least one slot 10, which is separate from the housing seat 3 and adapted to receive at least partly one strap C of the watch A which is coupleable to the case B in a removable manner. Specifically, the slot 10 is adapted to house a strap C which is separate from the case B of the watch A.

Appropriately, the slot 10 is obtained where the exposed surface 4 is located.

In the present case, the slot 10 is adapted to house at least one strap C lying on its side. Specifically, the strap C extends by length along its own longitudinal direction and by width along its own direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. In use, the strap is arranged in the slot 10 with its own length positioned horizontally and its own width positioned vertically. The slot 10 extends by a length substantially complementary to or greater than the length of the strap C, and by a width substantially complementary to the thickness of the strap C so that the latter is positionable in the slot 10 lying on its side.

As shown in Figure 1, the height of the slot 10 is less than the width of the strap C. In this way, in use, the strap C protrudes at least partly from the slot 10, thus making it easier for a user to pull it out.

Conveniently, the slot 10 is arranged side by side with the housing seat 3. The placement of the slot 10 allows the case B and the strap C of the watch A to be exposed close together.

As shown in Figure 1, the slot 10 at least partly contours the housing seat 3. In detail, the slot 10 has at least one pair of ending stretches 10a, 10b and at least one central stretch 10c positioned between the ending stretches 10a, 10b.

Preferably, the ending stretches 10a, 10b are arranged transversely to the central stretch 10c.

In addition, the slot 10 has at least one pair of curvilinear stretches lOd, each positioned between the central stretch 10c and one of the ending stretches 10a, 10b.

Conveniently, the basic body 2 has at least one pair of slots 10 each of which is adapted to house at least partly a strap C. This expedient allows a plurality of straps C, or portions of straps to be inserted into the package 1 interchangeably with each other.

In the present case, the slots 10 are arranged aligned with each other to at least partly surround the housing seat 3. In the present case, the slots 10 are aligned with each other to contour the housing seat 3.

Moreover, the ending stretches 10a, 10b of the respective slots 10 are spaced apart from the ending stretches 10a, 10b of the other slot 10. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the slots 10 can be joined to each other to make a single slot 10 adapted to accommodate a plurality of straps C.

As visible from Figure 1, the package 1 comprises at least one lid 11 associable with the basic body 2 in a removable manner to close/open it, so as to prevent/allow the access to at least one of either the housing seat 3 or the slot 10.

Preferably, the lid 11 is adapted to close/open the basic body 2 so as to prevent/allow the access thereof to the housing seat 3 and to the slot 10.

To this end, the lid 11 has, in cross section, a conformation which is substantially complementary to the basic body 2. In the present case, the lid 11 has at least one closing surface 12 facing, in use, the exposed surface 4 of the basic body 2. The closing surface 12 has a substantially square or rectangular shape.

In addition, the lid 11 also has at least one lateral surface 13. The lateral surface 13 of the lid 11 is arranged substantially transverse to the closing surface 12. Conveniently, the lateral surface 13 of the lid 11 is, in use, arranged substantially flush with the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2. In other words, the lateral surface 12 of the lid 11 is, in use, arranged in the same plane as the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2, preferably in a substantially vertical plane. As shown in Figure 2, the lid 11 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, preferably in a square or rectangular plan.

Conveniently, the lid 11 comprises at least one recess 15 arranged, in use, substantially mirroring the housing seat 3 in order to receive at least part of the case B of the watch A. Specifically, the recess 15 is cut out where the closing surface 12 of the lid 11 is located. When the lid 11 is associated with the basic body 2, the recess 15 is adapted to receive at least partly the upper portion of the case B.

Preferably, the recess 15 has a substantially square or rectangular shape.

Conveniently, at least one of either the recess 15 of the lid 11 or the housing seat 3 of the basic body 2 comprises a relief 16a, 16b adapted to receive in support at least one portion of the case B.

Preferably, the relief 16a, 16b is arranged in the substantially central position of the at least one of either the recess 15 of the lid 11 or the housing seat 3 of the basic body 2.

In addition, the relief 16a, 16b has a substantially circular conformation.

Preferably, each of the lid 11 and the housing seat 3 comprises a respective relief 16a, 16b adapted to receive in support at least one portion of the case B. Specifically, each of the reliefs 16a, 16b is adapted to receive in support the upper portion and the lower portion of the case B, respectively.

In the present case, the reliefs 16a, 16b are arranged, in use, facing each other. Conveniently, the lid 11 comprises at least one groove 14 arranged, when the lid 11 closes the basic body 2, substantially facing the slot 10, so as to receive at least part of the strap C arranged inside the slot 10. In other words, when the lid 11 is associated with the basic body 2, the groove 14 is positioned superiorly to the slot 10 to receive the portion of the strap C that protrudes from the latter. For this purpose, the groove 14 has a conformation substantially similar to the slot 10. In detail, the groove 14 at least partly contours the recess 15. Preferably, the groove 14 circumscribes the recess 15.

The groove 14 is made where the closing surface 12 of the lid 11 is located. Conveniently, the package 1 comprises coupling means 17 of the lid 11 to the basic body 2. Specifically, the coupling means 17 are configured to associate the lid 11 to the basic body 2 in a removable manner to open/close the latter. Preferably, the coupling means 17 are of the interlocking type.

Specifically, the coupling means 17 comprise at least one hollow 18 formed on one of either the lid 11 or the basic body 2 and at least one protrusion 19 formed on the other of either the lid 11 or the basic body 2. The protrusion 19 and the hollow 18 are configured to make a coupling by shape between them in order to associate the lid 11 with the basic body 2. In the present case, the protrusion 19 has a substantially complementary shape to the hollow 18 so as to fit into the latter and to associate the lid 11 with the basic body 2.

Appropriately, the hollow 18 and the protrusion 19 are arranged, in use, mirroring each other so that, when coupled, the lateral surfaces 13, 5 of the lid 11 and of the basic body 2 are arranged flush with each other.

Preferably, one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 is arranged on the exposed surface 4 of the basic body 2 at a position located between the slot 10 and the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2. Even more preferably, one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 is arranged on the exposed surface 4 of the basic body 2 in the proximity of the lateral surface 5 of the basic body 2.

Conveniently, one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 extends by at least one stretch substantially parallel to the lateral surface 13, 5 of one of either the lid 11 or the basic body 2.

Specifically, one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 extends substantially parallel to substantially the entire lateral surface 13, 5 of one of either the lid 11 or the basic body 2.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the coupling means 17 may comprise a plurality of protrusions and/or hollows, preferably arranged aligned with each other.

Appropriately, the other of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 is made on the lid 11 at a position located between the groove 14 and the lateral surface 13 of the lid 11. Preferably, the protrusion 19 is arranged on the lid 11 and the hollow 18 is formed on the basic body 2.

Appropriately, the basic body 2 comprises: at least one holding element 20 on which the housing seat 3 is made; and at least one containment element 21 defining at least one housing section 22 adapted to receive and house the holding element 20 in a removable manner.

Specifically, the containment element 21 is adapted to contain the holding element 20, the latter being adapted to hold at least the case B of the watch A.

As visible from Figure 2, the housing seat 3 is formed at the center of the holding element 20. In addition, the holding element 20 may have at least one informational character arranged on the exposed surface 4 and side by side to the housing seat 3.

Conveniently, the holding element 20 is insertable to size through the housing section 22. This expedient allows the holding element 20 to be slot into the containment element 21.

In addition, as can be seen from Figure 1, each of the containment element 21 and of the holding element 20 has their own exposed surface 4a, 4b. The exposed surfaces 4a, 4b are, in use, arranged substantially flush with each other, defining the exposed surface 4 of the basic body 2. In other words, the exposed surfaces 4a, 4b of the holding element 20 and of the containment element 21 are arranged, in use, on the same plane. In actual facts, after the holding element 20 has been inserted into the containment element 21, the respective exposed surfaces 4a, 4b make a substantially flat surface.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the housing section 22 has a substantially complementary conformation to at least the cross section of the holding element 20. In particular, the housing section 22 has at least one perimeter surface 23 which defines at least one compartment wherein the holding element 20 is insertable. The perimeter surface 23 of the housing section 22 is arranged transversely to the exposed surface 4 and to the bottom wall 24.

In addition, the containment element 21 defines at least one bottom wall 24 of the housing section 22.

Conveniently, the basic body 2 has gripping means 25 adapted to allow a user to grasp the holding element 20 and to separate it from the containment element 21. In particular, the gripping means 25 have at least one depression 26 formed at least on the exposed surface 4a of the containment element 21 where the housing section 22 is located. The depression 26 has a conformation substantially complementary to at least one fingertip of a user to enable him/her to grasp the holding element 20.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the gripping means 25 may be of a different type, such as e.g. an element projecting from the holding element 20 and adapted to be grasped by the user.

In the present case, the depression 26 is formed starting from the exposed surface 4a of the containment element 21 and/or from the perimeter surface 23 of the housing section 22.

Preferably, the containment element 21 has a pair of depressions 26 arranged opposite each other.

Preferably, the holding element 20 has, in cross section, a substantially square or rectangular shape. Similarly, the perimeter surface 23 of the housing section 22 also has, in cross section, a substantially square or rectangular shape.

As shown in the figures, the holding element 20 has at least one edge 27 of rounded shape.

Preferably, the holding element 20 has at least four rounded edges 27.

Conveniently, the housing section 22 is formed on the containment element 21 in a substantially central position.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the containment element 21 comprises at least one abutment portion 28 arranged inside the housing section 22 and adapted to receive in support the holding element 20, the containment element 21 defining at least one accessible/inaccessible containment chamber 29 by extracting/inserting the holding element 20 from/into the housing section 22, respectively.

In the present case, the abutment portion 28 has at least one abutment surface 30 detached from the bottom wall 24 and adapted to receive in support the holding element 20 to close the containment chamber 29. In addition, preferably, the containment chamber 29 is defined by at least one perimeter surface 31. The perimeter surface 31 of the containment chamber 29 is arranged transversely to the abutment surface 30 and extends between the latter and the bottom wall 24. In this case, the abutment surface 30 is arranged horizontally and the perimeter surface 31 of the containment chamber 29 is arranged vertically.

The containment chamber 29 is intended to contain additional elements of the watch A and/or elements related to the latter, such as e.g. at least one illustrative element. By removing the holding element 20, it is possible to access the containment chamber 29 to pick up or insert, e.g., the illustrative element.

Preferably, the perimeter surface 31 of the containment chamber 29 has a conformation substantially similar to the conformation of the perimeter surface 23 of the housing section 22.

Conveniently, the distance between the abutment surface 30 and the exposed surface 4 is substantially equal to the thickness of the holding element 20. This expedient makes it possible to place the exposed surface 4 of the holding element 20 on the same plane as the exposed surface 4 of the containment element 21.

Appropriately, the bottom wall 24 defines at least one concavity 32 accessible from the containment chamber 29.

Preferably, the concavity 32 is adapted to accommodate, e.g., adjusting means for the adjustment of the strap C.

As shown in Figure 2, the bottom wall 24 has at least one basin 33 arranged where the concavity 32 is located and of a conformation substantially complementary to a user’s fingertip to allow grasping the objects contained in the concavity 32. Preferably, the bottom wall 24 has at least one pair of basins 33 opposite each other.

Conveniently, at least one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 of the coupling means 17 is arranged on the containment element 21. Preferably, the hollow 18 is cut out on the containment element 21. In addition, the slot 10 is cut out on the containment element 21 to at least partly contour the housing section 22. Preferably, the slot 10 is positioned between the housing section 22 and the at least one of either the protrusion 19 or the hollow 18 of the coupling means 17.

Appropriately, the package 1 is made at least partly from a recycled material. Preferably, the package 1 is made at least partly from a recycled material derived from fishing nets.

This invention also relates to a packaging kit comprising at least one package 1, as described above, and at least one of: a watch A provided with at least one case B inserted into the housing seat 3; a watch A provided with a case B inserted into the housing seat 3 in a removable manner and at least one strap C inserted into the slot 10 in a removable manner and coupleable to the case B.

Preferably, the packaging kit comprises a plurality of straps C associable with the case B in a removable manner.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular the fact is emphasized that the package for wristwatches according to the invention allows at least one watch to be housed in a functional and practical manner.

In addition, the fact is emphasized that the package according to the invention allows the aesthetic merits and characteristics of the housed watch to be highlighted.