DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates a field of horology. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an analog timepiece. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for switching dial plate of the analog timepiece to display time in ante meridiem and post meridiem symbols.

BACKGROUND

Generally, timepiece or watch is configured to display time in civilian time - utilizing two twelve hour periods with Ante Meridiem [AM] or Post Meridiem [PM] indication. Some of the digital watches may also indicate time in military or railway time format utilizing 24-hr period.

Conventional analog watches like wall clock, wrist watch are configured to indicate time in 12 hour format, where hour hand makes two turns a day. Such analog watches may have a dial plate divided into twelve segments or inscribed with twelve symbols. The time can be read in such analog timepiece on the basis of an hour symbol pointed by the hour hand. However, unlike the digital timepieces or watches, the drawback with analog timepiece is that a person or user cannot distinguish the before-noon (AM) and the after-noon (PM) at a glance. This is because, hours and minutes are displayed by exactly the same numerals, in both, before-noon hours and after-noon hours.

Considering the above factors, some analog watches or timepieces are provided with an hour hand making a single turn a day in order to display the time in a twenty four hour format. Such analog watches may have a dial plate inscribed with twenty four hour inscriptions. However, since the display area available within a timepiece such as but not limiting to a wrist watch, watch or similar portable watch is small and dividing it into twenty-four segments or inscribing twenty four symbols would render some practical difficulties including number of components in the watch casing. Moreover, twenty four hour inscription on dial plate would make it difficult for the user to read the time. It is therefore preferable to preserve the conventional hour hand turning around on a twelve numeral basis and in addition to that, distinguish the before-noon hours and the after-noon hours in a sure and easy way.

Eventually, several mechanisms for switching the time display to distinguish the before-noon and the after-noon have been developed. In one such art, a dial changing mechanism was used in the watch for moving the dial plate, wherein the movement of the movable dial plate is effected by means of a cam which is adapted to engage directly with pallets carried by the dial plate. In this mechanism, another cam on the same spindle as the first cam engages with two springs carried by the movable dial plate, so as to tension the springs alternately to affect the movement of the dial plate.

However, the existing mechanisms involves more number of components to be accommodated in the watch mechanism. Thus, the overall system would be complex, and thickness of the watch or timepiece may have to be increased.

The present disclosure is proposed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of mechanism and device as disclosed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a mechanism for switching a dial plate of an analog timepiece between a first position and a second position. The mechanism comprises a first provision defined in the dial plate, the first provision includes a pair of detents. The mechanism also includes an actuation unit disposed in the first provision. The actuation unit comprises, a driving wheel connectable to at least one operating gear of the analog timepiece, such that, the driving wheel makes one rotation for twenty four hours, and a flexible arm coupled to the driving wheel. The flexible arm rotates along with the driving wheel and contacts one detent, of the pair of detents in the first provision at a time at predetermined time intervals to operate the dial plate between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the dial plate includes symbols representing before noon hours and after noon hours.

In an embodiment, the first position corresponds to symbols representing before noon hours and the second position corresponds to symbols representing after noon hours.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating gear of the analog timepiece is at least one of an hour hand operating gear, and a day wheel operating gear.

In an embodiment, the predetermined time interval corresponds to twelve hour time interval.

In an embodiment, the pair of detents are defined opposite to each other on an inner periphery of the first provision.

In an embodiment, the flexible arm includes a head portion which contacts one detent of the pair of detents at the predetermined time intervals. The flexible arm is configured to deflect and gain energy when the head portion contacts the one detent of the pair of detents to switch the dial plate between the first position and the second position. Further, the flexible arm is adapted to override the one detent of the pair of detents after switching the dial plate between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the dial plate is defined with a second provision having one or more indexing grooves.

In an embodiment the mechanism comprises a locking unit configured in the second provision. The locking unit includes a jumper spring to facilitate indexing of the dial plate between the first position and the second position. Further, one end of the jumper spring is connectable to a rigid member in the analog timepiece, and another end of the jumper spring is adapted to reside in one or more indexing grooves.

In an embodiment, the another end of the jumper spring is adapted to reside in one of the one or more indexing grooves corresponding to the first position and the second position of the dial plate.

In an embodiment, the jumper spring is adapted to hold the dial plate in the first position or the second position after indexing.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The above-mentioned aspects, other features and advantages of the disclosure will be better understood and will become more apparent by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a movement of an analog timepiece employed with a mechanism for switching a dial plate to display the time in AM and PM format, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates an assembled front view of the movement of FIG. 1.

FIG.3 illustrates schematic view of different stages of operation of the mechanism of FIG.2 for switching the dial plate to display time in AM and PM format, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS.4A- 4H illustrates magnified views of each stage of operation of the mechanism of FIG.2, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.5A and FIG.5B illustrates exemplary front views of the timepiece or watch indicating time in AM and PM with the application of the mechanism of FIG.1, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

The present disclosure, discloses a mechanism for switching dial plate of an analog timepiece to display time in AM and PM format. In an embodiment, time display between AM and PM implies before-noon time period and after-noon time period. With such an indication, the present disclosure aims to help the user of timepiece or watch to easily recognize if the time is before-noon (AM) or after-noon (PM) without any discrepancies. Unlike the known arts, the present disclosure achieves its objective with less number of additional components coupled with the existing components of the timepiece. Hence, in order to make it convenient for the user to identify if the time displayed is AM or PM, the present disclosure provides separate indications of AM and PM. In one mode, the timepiece displays time in AM or before-noon i.e. from one AM to twelve noon and in second mode the timepiece displays time in PM or after-noon i.e. from one PM (13:00 hers) to twelve AM (24:00 hr).

In an embodiment, the timepiece or watch comprises a dial with twelve openings. A dial plate also referred as number indication plate may be provided below the dial. The dial plate has inscriptions or symbols representing time in one to twenty four hours, such that the numbers one to twelve and thirteen to twenty four will be selectively displayed in the twelve openings of the dial at a given point of time.

To selectively display AM time and PM time, the present disclosure discloses a mechanism provisioned in the timepiece. The mechanism includes actuation unit and locking unit for operating the time display plate between AM and PM positions. The dial plate is provisioned with two provisions in the form of a first provision and a second provision. The first provision comprises two detents opposite to each other on inner circumference, and is configured to accommodate an actuation unit. The actuation unit is configured to actuate the movement of dial plate between a first position and a second position. The second provision accommodates locking unit for locking the dial plate.

The actuation unit comprises a driving wheel, which may be part of gear train of the timepiece. The gear train of the timepiece is configured to rotate the hour, minute, second hand and other functional features such as day, date and calendar. In an embodiment, the driving wheel may be coupled to an operating gear in the timepiece, and such operating gear may be one of a gear operating day indication wheel, date and calendar indicators. The driving wheel rotates in clockwise direction at a speed of one rotation per twenty four hours. However, the driving wheel may also be configured to rotate in anti-clockwise direction and the direction of rotation of the driving wheel should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. Further, the actuation unit comprises a flexible arm configured in the driving wheel. In an embodiment, the flexible arm is connected to the driving wheel. The flexible arm may be driven by the driving wheel in such a way that, the flexible arm also rotates along with the driving wheel at the same speed of one rotation per twenty four hours in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction as per direction of the driving wheel. Further, the locking unit of the mechanism comprises a jumper spring accommodated in a second provision to position the dial plate at a predetermined angle.

During the operation of the mechanism, as the driving wheel rotates, the flexible arm connected to the driving wheel also rotates, and comes in contact with one detent of the one or more detents in the first provision of the dial plate at a time at predetermined time intervals. The flexible arm, upon contact, deflects and gains energy to drive the dial plate in counter-clockwise direction. In an embodiment, the dial plate is driven in a direction opposite to the direction of the driving wheel. At this stage, the jumper spring deflects and move from one indexing groove to other in the second provision. Thus, the jumper spring allows the dial plate to rotate in counter-clockwise direction for a pre-determined angle and firmly holds the dial plate in that position. In an embodiment, the time is switched from AM to PM and thirteen to twenty four digits are indicated on the watch dial.

Further, after completion of predetermined time interval, for example twelve hours, when the time is AM or before-noon, the flexible arm of the mechanism comes in contact with the opposite detent in first provision of the dial plate again. In an embodiment, the arm deflects and gains energy to drive the dial plate in clockwise direction. Further, the jumper spring deflects and move to the previous indexing groove. Thus, the jumper spring allows the dial plate to rotate in clockwise direction for a pre-determined angle and firmly holds the dial plate in that position. Thus, the dial plate is indexed to indicate time in AM from one to twelve on the watch dial.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the term flexible arm referred herein above and below indicates an arm or a member which is made of a flexible material such as metallic material, polymeric material, composite material and the like. The flexible arm is adapted to deform under the application of load, and regain its shape and configuration upon removing the load. Further, the term jumper spring referred herein above and below is a resilient member which is made of a rigidly flexible material which withstands a predetermined load, and regains its originality upon removal of the load. Furthermore, the term movement of the analog timepiece referred herein above and below is a mechanism of a clock or watch and made of many moving parts. This movement may also be referred to as module.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure.

FIGS.1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating exploded perspective view and assembled front view a movement of an analog timepiece employed with a mechanism (100) for switching dial plate (103). The dial plate (103) may be switched between a first position and a second position in the watch movement to display the time in both AM and PM format. In an embodiment, the timepiece is an analog wrist watch or a wall clock comprising watch dial, and the mechanism (100) may be enclosed in a casing. The mechanism (100) comprises a dial plate (103) also referred to as time display plate with inscription or symbols from one to twenty four representing time in before noon hours and after noon hours. Although the dial plate (103) has inscriptions from 1 to 24, at a given point of time twelve numbers are up for display through a dial (107) of the watch (106) [as shown in FIG.4A and FIG.4B]. The time is displayed in AM (before-noon) or PM (after-noon). During AM, numbers 1 to 12 are displayed through the dial (107) and during PM, numbers 13 to 24 are displayed through the dial (107). To achieve this, the mechanism (100) is put into application.

Further, in the watch movement, a battery may be provided as a power source and connected to a motor such as stepper motor [not shown] through an electronic circuit. The rotation of rotor in the stepper motor may be transmitted through a set of gear trains to rotate the hour, minute, second hands and also the other functional indicators such as day, date, calendar. The mechanism (100) comprises an actuation unit (A) including a driving wheel (101) and flexible arm (102) accommodated in a first provision (103a) of the dial plate (103). The driving wheel (101) may be a part of gear train of the timepiece (106) [as shown in FIG.5A and FIG.5B] or may be coupled to one of the operating gears of the timepiece. The gear train of the timepiece (106) may be configured to rotate the hour, minute, second hand and other functional features such as day, date and calendar. In an embodiment, the driving wheel (101) may be used or couple to the wheel which may be used for driving day, date and calendar indicators. The driving wheel (101) rotates in clockwise direction at a speed of one rotation per twenty four hours. However, the driving wheel (101) may also be configured to rotate in anti-clockwise direction and the direction of rotation of the driving wheel (101) should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. Further, flexible arm (102) is coupled to the driving wheel (101). In an embodiment, the flexible arm (102) may also be referred to as finger. In an embodiment, the flexible arm or finger (102) is connected to the driving wheel (101) or may be integrally formed on the driving wheel (101). The flexible arm (102) includes a head portion (102a) and a body portion (102b), and may be driven by the driving wheel (101) in such a way that, the flexible arm (102) also rotates along with the driving wheel (101) at the same speed of one rotation per 24 hours in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction as per direction of the driving wheel (101).

In an embodiment, the dial plate (103) may be considered to be a part of the mechanism (100). The dial plate (103) may be placed and held with the aid of a spring clip (104) at the centre. In another embodiment, the spring clip (104) may not be placed at the centre of the timepiece, but can still perform its function of holding the dial plate (103). The dial plate (103) may be printed or inscribed with symbols representing time in before noon hours and after noon hours. As an example, the symbols may be numerical symbols indicating 1 to 24 hour marks, or roman numbers.

The mechanism (100) further comprises a locking unit (L) with jumper spring (105) positioned in second provision (103b) of the dial plate (103) to facilitate indexing of the dial plate (103) between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the dial plate may be indexed by rotating the same at a pre-determined angle. The second provision (103b) may be defined with one or more indexing grooves (109) in bottom side of a periphery. In an embodiment, each of the one or more the indexing grooves (109) may be in the form of crest and a trough forming a “V”-shaped or “U” shaped groove. The jumper spring (105) is configured such that one end (105a) of the jumper spring (105) is connectable to a rigid member [not shown] in the analog timepiece, and another end (105b) of the jumper spring is adapted to reside in one or more indexing grooves (109). The another end (105b) may be configured in predetermined shape corresponding to shape of the one or more indexing grooves (109), and is adapted to reside in one of the one or more indexing grooves (109). The jumper spring (105) allows the rotation of the dial plate (103), and after a pre-determined angle of rotation, the jumper spring (105) locks the dial plate (103) to firmly hold its position.

The indication of time in AM and PM format may be achieved by movement of the dial plate (103) between two positions- a first position and a second position. In an embodiment, the first position corresponds to symbols representing before noon hours and the second position corresponds to symbols representing after noon hours.

Referring now to FIG.3, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating schematic view of different stages of operation of the mechanism (100) for switching time display between AM and PM. As shown in FIG.3, operation of the mechanism (100) may be depicted in eight different stages. One should note that the FIG. 3 is an exemplary configuration included for the purpose of explanation, and the same should not be considered as limitation.

During the operation of the mechanism (100), the driving wheel (101) rotates in a clockwise direction causing the flexible arm (102) connected to the driving wheel (101) rotates in the same direction i.e. clockwise direction. In an embodiment, the driving wheel (101) and the flexible arm (102) may be configured to rotate in anti-clockwise direction. The head portion of the flexible arm (102) comes in contact with one of the oppositely placed detents (108a and 108b) in the first provision (103a) of the dial plate (103) at predetermined time intervals. As an example, the predetermined time interval is every twelve hours of watch operation. The flexible arm (102), upon contact with the detent (108a), deflects and gains energy to drive the dial plate (103) in counter-clockwise direction. In an embodiment, the dial plate (103) is driven in a direction opposite to the direction of the driving wheel (101). The dial plate (103) rotates in anti-clockwise direction. At this stage, the jumper spring (105) deflects and move to different indexing groove (109). Thus, the jumper spring (105) allows the dial plate (103) to rotate in counter-clockwise direction for a pre-determined angle and firmly holds the dial plate (103) in that position. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle may be in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees for example 15 degrees. In an embodiment, the time is switched from AM to PM and 13 to 24 digits are indicated on the watch dial (107).

Further, after completion of twelve hours, when the time is AM or before-noon, the head portion (102a) flexible arm (102) of the mechanism (100) may come in contact with opposite detent (108b) in the first provision (103a) of the dial plate (103) again. The flexible arm (102) deflects and gains energy to drive the dial plate (103) in clockwise direction. Further, the jumper spring (105) deflects and move to previous indexing groove (109) of the one or more indexing grooves (109). Thus, the jumper spring (105) allows the dial plate (103) to rotate in clockwise direction for a pre-determined angle of 15 degrees and firmly holds the dial plate (103) in that position. Thus, the dial plate (103) is indexed to indicate time in AM from 1 to 12 on the watch dial.

FIG.4A to FIG.4H are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating magnified views of each stage of operation of the mechanism (100). The operation of the mechanism (100) has been depicted in eight stages, each stage of operation is as described below -

As shown in FIG.4A, at stage 1 of operation of the mechanism (100), driving wheel (101) rotates in clockwise direction and a head portion (102a) of the flexible arm or finger (102) of the mechanism (100) comes in contact with one of the oppositely placed detents (108a and 108b) in a first provision (103a) of the dial plate (103).

When the flexible arm (102) comes in contact with the one of the detents (108a), it deflects and gains energy, without moving the dial plate (103) and then gradually drives the dial plate (103) in counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIG.4B at stage 2.

The rotation of the dial plate (103) actuates the jumper spring (105) which deflects and move to a different indexing groove (109), thus allowing the dial plate (103) to rotate in counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIG.4C indicated as stage 3.

As shown in FIG.4D, at stage 4 of operation of the mechanism (100), the jumper spring (105) in the second provision (103b) allows the dial plate (103) to rotate in counter-clockwise direction for 15 degrees and again firmly holds the dial plate (103) in that position. Thus, the dial plate (103) indexes quickly in counter-clockwise direction for 15 degrees.

Further, after 12 hours of movement, the driving wheel (101) and flexible arm (102) rotate clockwise direction. The head portion (102a) of the flexible arm (102) or finger comes in contact with opposite detent (108b) on the dial plate (103) as shown in FIG.4E at stage 5.

Again, the flexible arm (102) deflects and gains energy, without moving the dial plate (103) and then gradually drives the dial plate (103) in clockwise direction as shown FIG. 3F indicated as stage 6.

The rotation of the dial plate (103) in clockwise direction actuates the jumper spring (105) which deflects and move to a previous indexing groove (109), thereby allowing the dial plate (103) to rotate in clockwise direction as shown in FIG.4G indicated as stage 7.

As shown in FIG.4H, at stage 8 of operation of the mechanism (100), the jumper spring (105) allows the dial plate (103) to rotate in clockwise direction for 15 degrees and again firmly holds the dial plate (103) in that position. Thus, the dial plate (103) indexes quickly in clockwise direction for 15 degrees.

This cycle repeats and the dial plate (103) indexes back and forth by 15 degrees once in every 12 hours to switch between AM and PM time indication.

FIG.5A and FIG.5B are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which illustrate front views of the timepiece or watch (106) indicating time in AM and PM upon the application of the mechanism (100). In the FIGS. 5A and 5B, wrist watch is illustrated as the analog timepiece for the purpose of illustration, and the one can employ the mechanism (100) of the present disclosure in other analog timepiece such as but not limiting to wall clock, railway clock and the like.

In an embodiment, the timepiece or watch (106) has a dial having 12 openings which are equip-spaced. Each opening may be 30 degrees apart as shown in FIG.4A and FIG.4B. The dial may be placed right above the dial plate (103).

In an embodiment, from 12 midnight to 12 noon (before-noon time), the numerals from 1 to 12 printed on the dial plate (103), are seen through these openings as shown in FIG.5A which is referred to as time in AM. At 12 noon, after completion of 12 hours (after-noon time), the mechanism (100) is configured to switch the dial plate (103) and indexes by 15 degrees to stay in that position for next 12 hours with the aid of jumper spring (105). During these 12 hours that is from 12 noon to 12 midnight (PM time or after-noon time), the numerals from 13 to 24 are seen through the openings as shown in FIG.5B. Again at 12 noon, the dial plate (103) indexes back by 15 degrees causing the display of numerals from 1 to 12 and this cycle continues.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism is simple in construction, and easy to assemble.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism involves less number of parts, and thereby consumes less space in the timepiece. This helps in reducing the overall thickness of the timepiece such as wrist watch.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Table of Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mechanism for switching dial plate
A Actuation unit
101 Driving wheel
102 Flexible arm
102a Head portion of the flexible arm
102b Body portion of the flexible arm
103 Dial plate
103a First provision
103b Second provision
L Locking unit
104 Spring clip
105 Jumper spring
105a One end of the jumper spring
105b Another end of the jumper spring
106 Timepiece or watch
107 Dial of the watch
108a and 108b Detents
109 Indexing grooves
,CLAIMS:
1. A mechanism (100) for switching a dial plate (103) of an analog timepiece (106) between a first position and a second position, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a first provision (103a) defined in the dial plate (103), the first provision (103a) includes a pair of detents (108a and 108b); and
an actuation unit (A) disposed in the first provision (103a), the actuation unit (A) comprises:
a driving wheel (101) connectable to at least one operating gear of the analog timepiece (106) such that the driving wheel (101) makes one rotation for twenty four hours; and
a flexible arm (102) coupled to the driving wheel (101), the flexible arm (102) rotates along with the driving wheel (101) and contacts one detent, of the pair of detents (108a and 108b) in the first provision (103a) at a time at predetermined time intervals to operate the dial plate (103) between the first position and the second position.

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dial plate (103) includes symbols representing before noon hours and after noon hours.

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position corresponds to symbols representing before noon hours and the second position corresponds to symbols representing after noon hours.

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operating gear of the analog timepiece (106) is at least one of an hour hand operating gear, and a day wheel operating gear.

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time intervals corresponds to twelve hour time interval.

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of detents (108a and 108b) are defined opposite to each other on an inner periphery of the first provision (103a).

7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible arm (102) includes a head portion (102a) which contacts one detent of the pair of detents (108a and 108b) at the predetermined time intervals.

8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flexible arm (102) is configured to deflect and gain energy when the head portion (102a) contacts the one detent of the pair of detents (108a and 108b) to switch the dial plate (103) between the first position and the second position.

9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flexible arm (102) is adapted to override the one detent of the pair of detents (108a and 108b) after switching the dial plate (103) between the first position and the second position.

10. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dial plate (103) is defined with a second provision (103b) having one or more indexing grooves (109).

11. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 10 comprises a locking unit (L) configured in the second provision (103b).

12. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking unit (L) includes a jumper spring (105) to facilitate indexing of the dial plate (103) between the first position and the second position.

13. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein one end (105a) of the jumper spring (105) is connectable to a rigid member in the analog timepiece (106), and another end (105b) of the jumper spring (105) is adapted to reside in one or more indexing grooves (109).

14. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the another end (105b) of the jumper spring (105) is adapted to reside in one of the one or more indexing grooves (109) corresponding to the first position and the second position of the dial plate (103).

15. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the jumper spring (105) is adapted to hold the dial plate (103) in the corresponding the first position and the second position after indexing.

16. An analog timepiece (106) comprising a mechanism (100) for switching a dial plate (103) between a first position and a second position.