Changeable watch bezel locking mechanism

A timepiece having a bezel that is adapted to be removeably secured to a wristwatch body is provided. A first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism are associated with a wristwatch body and bezel, respectively. The second locking mechanism associated with the bezel is secured to the first locking mechanism associated with the wristwatch body by inserting the bezel over the wristwatch body and rotating the bezel into a locked position. The bezel is removable from the wristwatch body by rotating the bezel in the opposite direction so that the bezel can be removed from the wristwatch body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention is directed to a child's watch and, in particular, to a 
child's watch that has a changeable watch bezel which is securely attached 
to a timepiece by a unique locking mechanism. 
Over the years, children's watches have been used for a variety of 
purposes. One such purpose is an amusement device for capturing the 
imagination of a child. However, the novelty of a standard watch as a toy 
will wear off quickly due to the short attention span of a child. 
Manufacturers have developed several modifications of a child's watch that 
provide amusement value to a child. One such watch provides a bezel which 
can be changed depending on the outfit or the mood of the child. However, 
a disadvantage of such watches is that the bezel easily falls off and is 
subsequently lost. Accordingly, an improved child's watch wherein bezels 
of different colors and designs can be easily changed and yet securely 
affixed to the watch is desired. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Generally speaking, in accordance with the present invention, a child's 
watch with a changeable watch bezel locking mechanism is provided. The 
watch assembly includes a timepiece having a time display, a bezel and 
locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a first locking 
mechanism associated with the watch and a second locking mechanism 
associated with the bezel. The second locking mechanism cooperatively 
associates with the first locking mechanism so that the bezel can be 
releaseably secured to the timepiece. The bezel is releaseably secured to 
the timepiece by placing it over the timepiece and twisting the bezel 
through an angular rotation of less than 90.degree. so that the first 
locking mechanism couples to the second locking mechanism thereby mounting 
the bezel to the watch. The bezel is removable by rotating the bezel in 
the opposite direction to the direction that caused the bezel to be 
secured to the watch so that the bezel can be easily disengaged from the 
watch. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved 
child's watch. 
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved locking 
mechanism for attaching a bezel to the timepiece. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a watch in which the 
locking mechanism securely attaches the bezel to the timepiece. 
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a locking mechanism 
which releaseably but securely affixes a bezel to a timepiece. 
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious 
and will in part be apparent from the specification. 
The invention accordingly comprises the features of the construction, 
combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified 
in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention 
will be indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a watch assembly, generally indicated at 12, 
including a bezel 14 and a wristwatch body 16. Wristwatch body 16 includes 
a conventional digital time display 18 of the type normally found in 
electronic timepiece and is formed of a molded plastic. Bezel 14 is also 
formed of a molded plastic and as explained in detail below can be made in 
numerous colors. 
The shape of wristwatch body 16 is defined by a cylinder having four chord 
shaped sections that define flat walls 20 of equal length separated by 
curved corners 22. A first locking recess 24 is formed within each of the 
curved corners 22. First locking recess 24 includes a flared entrance 
region 26, an indented region 30 and a locking bar 28 projecting out from 
indented region 30. A projection 27 is formed beneath indented region 30 
on curved corner 22 and is provided to prevent the face of the watch body 
16 from making contact with the interior of bezel 14. 
Bezel 14 is circular in shape and contains an opening 32 therein defining a 
display region. Bezel 14 includes a depending wall 25 around entire 
circumference thereof. A plurality of projections 34 are disposed on the 
inside wall 25 and define a second locking mechanism for use in 
combination with the first locking mechanism. 
Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, the interrelationship between the bezel 14, 
the wristwatch body 16 and the locking mechanism is depicted in detail. 
Specifically, when bezel 14 is to be placed upon wristwatch body 16, the 
projections 34 and the opening 32 in the bezel must be oriented at an 
angle with respect to the timepiece display in the wristwatch body. Unless 
the opening is disposed at an angle with respect to the wristwatch body 
display, the projections will not permit the bezel to be placed over the 
wristwatch body since the projections will not clear the curved corners 22 
which are disposed to have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than 
the inside diameter of the side wall of the bezel. After the bezel is 
placed over the wristwatch body, the bezel is rotated in a clockwise 
direction so that the projections 34 are brought into the entrance region 
26 of indented region 30. By continuing to rotate the bezel in a clockwise 
direction, projections 34 slide into entrance region 26, over locking bar 
28 and come to rest in locking region 30. In this manner, the bezel is 
releaseably secured to the wristwatch body. 
Reference is specifically made to FIG. 5 wherein the manner in which 
projection 34 is secured tightly within locking region 30 is depicted. 
When it is desired to remove bezel 16 from wristwatch body 14, bezel 16 is 
rotated or twisted in a counterclockwise direction so that projections 34 
continue to be rotated over locking bar 28 and out of indented recess 30 
thereby permitting the bezel to be easily removed from the watch body. 
Accordingly, by providing bezels having different colors, designs, etc., a 
child can easily replace the bezel on the wristwatch body without being 
concerned that the bezel will accidentally fall away from or be removed 
from the wristwatch body. Nevertheless, when it is intended to change the 
bezel, such changing can be effected easily thereby providing a wristwatch 
having an entirely new appearance and an enhanced play value. 
Referring specifically to FIG. 6, when it is desired to remove bezel 16 
from wristwatch body 14, bezel 16 is twisted at an angle less that 
90.degree. wherein projections 34 continue to be rotated over locking bars 
28 and out of recess 30 thereby permitting the bezel to be easily removed 
from the wristwatch body. 
This locking mechanism provides a method for safe and easy locking and 
unlocking of a bezel onto a wristwatch body. Moreover, once bezel 14 is 
locked into its position it cannot be removed without twisting it in the 
opposite direction of the locking method. 
It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those made 
apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, 
since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above process, in 
the described product and in the construction set forth without departing 
from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter 
contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings 
shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover 
all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein 
described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a 
matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.