Abstract: A boxed traveling item including a casing, a cover hinged to one side of the casing and having a transverse sliding groove and a retaining hole at one end of the transverse sliding groove, a traveling item hinged to the casing by a hinge and received in a storage chamber inside the casing, and torsional springs mounted on the hinge between the casing and the traveling item to automatically lift the traveling item from the storage chamber when the cover is opened, the traveling item having a hooked retainer rod at the free end, which is moved along the transverse sliding groove and hooked into the retaining hole when the cover is opened.
Abstract: A watch case (M) including a caseband (1) and a back cover (4) which can be engaged with and clamped in the caseband by imparting a rotational movement to the back cover (4) through a predetermined angle (.OMEGA.) around an axis of closure (O--O'). The back cover (4) and the caseband (1) include wall portions (16, 24) of complementary undercut forms the peripheral profile of which comprises four sections (38, 48) in circular arc form each centered on a center (C.sub.c, C.sub.f) separated from the axis of closure (O--O') . The sections (38, 48) are connected among themselves by a reentrant section (40, 52). Each back cover section (48) is associated with a caseband (1) section (38).
Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. A integrated circuit is provided which combines the capability to control clock functions, actuate the animation feature, synthesize speech and drive a dynamic speaker to provide overall control of the animation from a single actuation. Firmware incorporated in the integrated circuit includes means to selectively vary the message and comment in order to provide enhanced animation and novelty.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 15, 1994
Date of Patent:
August 8, 1995
Assignee:
Sounds Fun, Inc.
Inventors:
Harold D. Pierce, Stephen C. Jacobsen, William B. Lee
Abstract: A watch case is made of gold with a caseband-bezel (11) hollowed-out in order to diminish the weight of gold as much as possible. To avoid dents in the caseband-bezel the hollow (26) is filled with metal, for example brass, which also serves as a casing ring (10) to secure the movement (13) to the case. The installation of such casing ring in the caseband hollow is possible only if the ring is made in at least four segments (1, 2, 3, 4 ) which are placed side-by-side and which are held in place by means guided in a groove (6) formed in the ring.
Abstract: The present invention discloses a timer capable of sounding a prescribed time and further capable of functioning as a calendar, a watch or a thermometer frequently used every day life by a simple method.A hollow main body (1) is constituted by a plurality of square or rectangular side plates (3) with the same pattern connected to each other so as to form a polygonal cube frame and lids (4, 4a, 4b) having a configuration corresponding to that of the upper and lower openings of the polygonal cube frame. A pair of ON-contacts (5, 5) each in the shape of a stick are mounted at each inner surface of a time setting device (2) containing a spherical conductor (6) displaced within the frame with a reduced and almost the same pattern a that of the frame along with a connecting portion of a side plate (7). Thus, the timer is constituted in a manner such that the side plate (7) of the frame and time setting device are parallel each other.
Abstract: A hollow main body(1) is constituted by a plurality of square or rectangular side plates(3) with the same pattern connected to each other so as to form a polygonal cube frame and lids(4,4a,4b) having a configuration corresponding to that of the upper and lower openings of said polygonal cube frame. Two ON-contacts(5,5) in the shape of a stick are mounted at each inner surface of a time setting device(2) containing a spherical conductor(6) displaced within the frame with the reduced and almost the same pattern with that of said frame along with a connecting portion (8). Thus, the timer is constituted in a manner that the side plates of said frame and time setting device are parallel each other. A preliminarily prescribed setting time(9) is indicated on the outer surface of said hollow main body(1).
Abstract: A water-resistant timepiece of the type including a crystal, a timepiece dial and movement assembly, and a long-life energy cell, which comprises a continuous case of plastic having: a first outer peripheral member adapted to receive said dial and movement assembly and the long-life energy cell, and further adapted to receive the crystal to form a water-resistant seal therewith; a thin substantially flat case back wall integral with the peripheral member to form an annular edge; and a peripheral groove located in the bottom of the peripheral member. A case back blank of substantially uniform thickness, having a substantially flat central portion and an integral peripheral side wall, and preferably made of stainless steel, cooperates with the peripheral groove of the case to integrally attach the case back blank to the case to complete a thin timepiece having improved water resistance, high mechanical and structural integrity, and an aesthetic appearance.
Abstract: A tanning-enabled wristwatch having a watch head assembly and a watch band for suspending the watch head assembly around the wrist of a user. The watch head assembly includes a watch compartment having a time keeping mechanism and a display or other indicator device for conveying a time value to a user. The watch head assembly also feature a unique housing for supporting said watch compartment such that the housing extends below said watch compartment in a predetermined relationship. The housing is made from a material which is capable of transmitting ultraviolet light through the housing. The housing is also formed with a surface configuration for redirecting ultraviolet light impinging upon a top surface of the housing to an area beneath the watch compartment.
Abstract: In an electronic apparatus case, the cover thereof mounted on one side of the case body through the intermediary of a hinge member so that the cover can be opened and closed by the same. Further, a substantially T-shaped lock member is rotatably mounted on the other side of the case body and, at the same time, an elongated lock hole is formed on the side of the cover corresponding to the lock member, so that the cover can be secured in position by allowing the head section of the lock member to pass through the lock hole of the cover and rotating the lock member by 90.degree..
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 18, 1992
Date of Patent:
June 21, 1994
Assignee:
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A watch having a face and a case of circular profile surrounding the face. The case includes a circular raceway and a plurality of separate decorative inserts, each in the shape of a linguistic element, e.g., a letter of the alphabet or a symbol, e.g., a heart, denoting a word or a concept. The raceway is disposed under a transparent bezel immediately adjacent the periphery of the case. The inserts are arranged to be slidably mounted in the raceway in any predetermined order to establish a predetermined message, e.g., a person's name, so that the message carried by the insert can be slid about the entire circumference of the case to be displayed at any orientation. The inserts are held in a predetermined orientation, i.e., their tops are directed radially away from the center of the watch so that the message is readily readable irrespective of its location along the periphery of the watch.
Abstract: Annular support 19, provided on its upper side with circular beads 5 and 6, removably supports fitting 20. The latter is formed of a profiled ring 21, of rigid ring 22, and of the piece of fabric 23 which is stretched onto ring 22. The rim of container 24 secures fitting 20 on support 19.
Abstract: An electronic device with multiple functions has a base case provided with an input key unit on an upper surface and a plurality of openable cases which are openably mounted on the base case so as to be freely open and closed. The base case has an arced guide thereon. The openable cases are arranged so as to be stacked on the base case when closed. One of the openable cases has a moving member which is movably engaged with the arced guide for connecting the openable case to the base case. The openable cases each are provided with an electro-optical display unit on a rear surface. The openable cases except the outermost openable case each are provided with an input key unit on an upper surface.
Abstract: An automatic rocking device including a container with a curved base and having accommodated therein a timepiece, a power supply device, a delay circuit and an automatic rocking mechanism. When the motor gets power supply, it drives the mechanism to reciprocate along the axis of gravity of the container to cause the container to lose equilibrium and rock.
Abstract: A wristwatch case includes a caseband (12) which receives a movement (2) surmounted by a dial (3). A crystal (5) and a back cover (6) are secured to the caseband as well as first (7) and second (8) bracelet strands. The back cover entirely covers over the underside of the caseband and includes first (9) and second (10) integrally formed wings. Such wings cover over entirely the outer sides (11) exhibited by the caseband and which are found situated between the bracelet strands. The back cover is preferably made of ceramic material.
Abstract: An alarm clock structure configured of a simulation train structure is provided with the alarm in electrical communication with a cassette tape to effect actuation of the cassette tape and its play for simulation of various train audio reproductions, wherein the organization may optionally be provided with a chamber within the locomotive portion of the structure in electrical communication with the alarm of the clock to effect heating of a container therewithin to project simulation steam and smoke from the structure.
Abstract: A clock assembly includes an enlarged planar support face for receiving a first picture thereon, wherein a secondary support surface within the first support surface mounts a secondary picture, with the clock member projecting through the first support surface and a perimeter frame work projecting forwardly of each support surface for directing visual attention therewithin. A modification of the invention includes removable dials mounted to the clock to permit mounting of clock hands with appropriate symbology relative to desired sports figures. Further, a modification of the invention provides for enclosed pocket structure for mounting and receiving a secondary picture therewithin.
Abstract: Wristwatch comprising a case (1) enclosing the watchmaking components and provided with a dial (10), a flexible strap (2) provided with rigid reinforcing elements (3) at the ends interacting with two opposite sides (5a, 5b) of the case, and a removable cover (4) mounted by slipping over the case (1), the cover being provided with a window (15) for the dial of the case and elastic locking components (16a, 16b) interacting with the case and the reinforcing elements (3) of the flexible strap (2) for mounting the cover on the case.
Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. An electrical circuit is provided with an actuation switch that may be pressed to actuate an audio speaker which emits a simulated time indicating voice in synchronism with intermittent energization of such armature to selectively move such nose between mouth open and mouth closed positions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 11, 1990
Date of Patent:
March 23, 1993
Assignee:
Sounds Fun, Inc.
Inventors:
Harold D. Pierce, Stephen C. Jacobsen, William B. Lee
Abstract: A clock having: a casing encasing a timepiece movement; and a decorative cover sheet. The cover sheet covers the casing while being folded along fold lines. A design is depicted on at least a sheet front piece. A cutout corresponding to a dial receiver portion is used as a dial. A continuity in design is provided between the dial and the cover sheet.
Abstract: In an electronic apparatus with a first case and a second case movable to opening/closing positions of the first case, there is provided electro-optical converting means at a portion of the first case which is located opposite to the second case when the second case is opened at a predetermined opening angle. The electro-optical converting means converts an electric signal obtained from a first electronic circuit employed in the first case into an optical signal. Then, an optical-electro converting means is employed at a portion of the second case which is located opposite to the electro-optical converting means when the second case is opened at a predetermined opening angle. The optical-electro converting means converts the optical signal produced from the electro-optical converting means into an electric signal.
Abstract: A programmable timing device for use in combination with an existing thermostat housing is set forth wherein the apparatus effects actuation selectively or in combination of an audible and visual display to alert an individual to a need in maintenance of an associated furnace air filter. The apparatus may be secured to a wall surface or optionally, adhesively secured to the existing thermostat housing by means of a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is provided with break-away orthogonally oriented grooves to accommodate the housing of the timing apparatus in regions of limited support wall surface area to accommodate the entire mounting bracket.
Abstract: An engine operating time measuring apparatus is provided for use with an engine having an internal magneto-type electrical generator providing an ignition voltage. The engine operating time measuring apparatus includes a housing and a pair of terminals extending outside the housing for connection with the monitored engine and extending inside the housing for connection with the time measuring apparatus. A subassembly including power supply circuitry, a clock movement drive assembly, gear train and mechanical counter for displaying the engine operating time is accurately positioned and retained in the housing cooperatively provided by a counter frame and a plurality of keying and positioning rails formed within the housing. A low torque clock movement for driving the mechanical counter is generated by a crystal-based clock motor movement assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 19, 1991
Date of Patent:
June 9, 1992
Assignee:
ENM Company
Inventors:
Nicholas G. Polydoris, Paul Mitchell, Stanislaw Kocol, James George, Stan Mazulis
Abstract: A three-handed clock has a single movement to rotationally drive the second, minute and hour hands. The rotary output of the movement is transmitted directly to the second hand and is transmitted through a transmission belt to the minute and hour hands. The use of the transmission belt eliminates the need for a gear train to drive the minute and hour hands thereby providing greater design flexibility and ease of assembly and maintenance.
Abstract: An athletic performance measuring device is provided which can be conveniently worn on the user's finger is disclosed. The device can provide a variety of functions such as lap counting and timing. An actuator is provided in the form of a thumb switch, to allow the counter/timer to be held and operated by one hand, without disrupting the athlete's performance.
Abstract: The caseband (1) of this invention is fashioned from a contoured strip (2) which includes a profile in relief elongated in the longitudinal direction of the strip. This profile may serve a purely decorative purpose but may also have functional applications for instance that of attaching a watch crystal to the caseband. In such case the profile in relief includes projections (3) which define facing slide channels (6) into which the crystal may be introduced.
Abstract: A table clock capable of changing its attitude in use.According to one embodiment of the invention, the table clock is attached with at least two pedestals which are slidably fitted on the outer periphery of the casing of the clock so that when in use, the clock can be placed on a table or desk at a desired angle of inclination according to the user's liking by moving the pedestals to desired positions, respectively.
Abstract: A clock assembly organization including a clock head removably mounted to a pedestal assembly enabling the clock to be mounted either onto a vertical or horizontal support surface by selective securement of the clock head to the pedestal assembly.
Abstract: A control component accessible from its front comprising a main body housing a control circuitry, connection terminal member fixed on the main body which is operable from a front side of the component, and slide member slidably mounted on a front wall of the main body so as to in an original position cover the connection terminal member and in a slide position expose the same to the front side of the component.
Abstract: A case for a wrist watch the caseband (12) of which bears lugs (17) and the back cover (10) of which is provided with a central rib (26) and radial ribs (28a, 28b, 28c). The peripheral end of certain radial ribs (28a, 28c) coincides with the line of extension of each lug (17).
Abstract: A case member is coupled to a plate member so as to be movable between an opening position and a closing position with respect to the plate member. A switch input section is mounted on the upper surface of the plate member. An analog display unit for displaying time with hands is arranged on the upper surface of the case member. An electrooptic data display unit for displaying data is arranged on the lower surface of the case member. An electronic circuit for driving the analog display unit and the electrooptic data display unit is housed in the case member. The switch input section on the plate member is electrically connected to the electronic circuit of the case member. Data input from the switch input section to the electronic circuit is processed thereby and is displayed on the electrooptic data display unit. When the case member is set at the closing position, only the analog display unit is exposed.
Abstract: A cap (2) is made of sintered hard metal and has on the inside a cylindrical surface (20) and a frusto-conical surface (21) that are true ground. The cap's cylindrical surface (20) is fitted with radial play around an outer cylindrical surface (9) of an underlying middle (1) and the cap's frusto-conical surface (21) has the same inclination as a subjacent frusto-conical surface (14) on the outside of the middle. The cap (2) and the middle (1) are secured to one another by a ring of deformable material sandwiched between their cylindrical surfaces (9, 20). On the outside the cap (2) is formed over its thicker main portion (18) with a trued and polished surface (22) having the same inclination as its inside frusto-conical surface (21) such as to provide the thicker portion (18) with a parallelogrammatic cross-section.
Abstract: An assembly comprising a bracelet (1) in special spring steel, adjustable by individual shaping on every wrist, and comprising a circular hole (3) in its flat central part (21). The bracelet is covered with an removable and replaceable elongated sheath consisting of a single piece of elastic fabric. A case is interlocked in the hole (3), the fabric of the sheath being interposed between the case and the bracelet, without damage to the fabric. A tension ring situated in a lateral groove (17) provided on the periphery of the case cooperates with the lower surface of the flat part (12) of the bracelet for the removable fixing of the case on the bracelet.
Abstract: In a housing there is accommodated a quartz-controlled watchwork together with a display covered by a viewing or sight window and with at least one contact serving to accomplish control functions. The contact can be actuated by the base or floor of the housing, for instance by an actuator in the form of a pusher which piercingly extends through the housing base or floor. To facilitate actuation of the contact the housing is mounted to be displaceable, against the action of a spring, in a casing or receptacle. By applying a force, such as pressure upon the viewing window the pusher and thus the contact can be actuated.
Abstract: A quiet alarm clock comprising a flat rectangular enclosure, and a motor-driven eccentric vibrator positioned within the enclosure. An electronic clock module is removably fastened within the enclosure, and includes a self-contained battery power source, switches for selectively setting time of day and alarm time and an alphanumeric clock display positioned on one wall of the enclosure for ready observation by a user. An alarm output from the clock is fed to a solid-state electronic switch that applies electrical power to the vibrator motor from a second battery power source within the enclosure. The clock module includes an operator panel positioned adjacent to the display and having the time-setting switches mounted thereon, and a hinged flap for removably covering the panel while permitting viewing of the display, whereby the clock module may be employed as a pocket watch separate from the quiet alarm.
Abstract: A clock is provided which is movable so as to maintain an indication of local time constantly in a vertically upward position. A shell bears a plurality of time indicia. A clock motor interior to the shell rotates an eccentric weight about the longitudinal axis of the shell, causing the shell to rotate and roll over a support surface. A pointer attached to the clock motor and opposite the eccentric weight points to the proper local time indicia.
Abstract: A dual mode clock and timer unit includes a housing and a plurality of displays mounted on the housing for facilitating the viewing of time-related data from different directions. The housing has top, bottom, and side surfaces defining the exterior of the housing in a generally truncated pyramidal shape. The displays are mounted on the housing side surfaces and angularly displaced from one another. Switches are mounted on the top and bottom housing surfaces and are actuable for selecting one or the other of dual clock and timer operating modes and, after one or the other of the dual modes have been selected, for causing different functions to occur in one of the modes than in the other of the modes.
Abstract: A miniature table clock is provided with a case having rounded contours. The back (16) of such case exhibits a protruding zone and a flattened surface proximate said zone at the mid portion of its lower half. The clock has two positions of stable equilibrium; a first in which the dial (18) is parallel to the clock support plane and facing thereto and a second in which the clock, appropriately ballasted, rests at a point of the protruding zone adjacent the flattened surface.
Abstract: A clock in the form of a traffic light, with time designations shown in the red, amber and green lenses. The time designations include the day of the week, hour of the day, and month and date.
Abstract: The time indicator cartridge is attachable and detachable to the main timing mechanism through an engaging stem which connects the time indicia to the timing mechanism. A set of locking lugs squeezes the bezel within the casing of the time keeping mechanism which is secured by a rear insert camming device, thereby limiting the release of the cartridge to occur only on removal of the rear casing.
Abstract: A solar powered electric clock of the type configured as a traditional 400-day clock with a torsional pendulum includes a housing in which the clockworks, dial face and hands are disposed. The housing is supported over a base by means of vertical columns. Solar cells are mounted in a top surface of the base, along with a storage capacitor. No battery is required. A radio signal receiver mechanism for setting the time in response to external radio signals can be provided and mounted in the housing or base. A pendulum drive mechanism can be mounted in the housing or base. The clockworks is driven by a motor which can be mounted in the housing or base.
Abstract: An immersible and disposable decorative wristwatch includes at least one watch strap that can be selectively joined at its ends and fitted over the wearer's wrist, and watch works of the quartz oscillator type, run by a battery. The watch strap is laminated and consists of a first ply made of a flexible and waterproof thermoplastic material, and a second ply placed over the first ply, which is also made of a flexible and waterproof thermoplastic material that is transparent over at least a portion of its surface. The second ply is disposed adjacent to the first ply and laminated thereto by means of thermoplastic welds which define at least one hollow hermetically sealed chamber, arranged between the ends of the set of plies so assembled. The watch works are housed within the chamber with the portion of same indicating the time facing the transparent portion of the second ply.
Abstract: A decorative time keeping apparatus includes a stuffed animal having an outer fabric filled with a soft stuffing material, the outer fabric formed with an opening; a hollow housing secured to the outer fabric in the opening so as to prevent escape of the stuffing, the housing including a circular recess; a clock removably secured in the recess; and a securing assembly for releasably securing the clock in the recess, the securing assembly including two diametrically opposite catches secured to the housing in the recess thereof, and two diametrically opposite latches secured to the clock and extending rearwardly therefrom for engagement by the catches, with a spring material positioned between the housing and the clock for biasing the latches into releasable locking engagement with the catches.
Abstract: An individual parking meter intended to be fitted in a vehicle so as to be visible for inspection from the outside comprises a parking time storage for storing of a prepaid parking time, a display (3) for displaying parking time information, and a switch means (7) for starting and stopping the parking meter. The parking time storage is a self-destructing disposable time storage which, after purchase of the parking meter, cannot be extended or renewed and reused. There is provided a parking zone selector (10) affecting the time consumption so that this runs in dependance on a set parking zone (9). The display (3) shows the remaining time stored in the storage (1), and thereafter the allowed parking time (8) remaining at any time in the current zone, and also the set zone (9). Preferably, the parking meter is designed as a card (6) in which the components of the parking meter are embedded.
Abstract: In a case structure for use in a wrist watch, watch parts for displaying the time for the watch user are received in a receptacle, and a band is formed integral to the receptacle to attach said receptacle to an arm of the watch user. The receptacle is made of a rigid plastic material, while the band is made of a flexible plastic material. The watch parts are attached directly to the receptacle.
Abstract: A timepiece is supported at the distal end portion of a support pole. The support pole is turnable around the opposite proximal end portion thereof which is disposed on a flat surface to define an angle between the support pole and the flat surface. A support plate is slideable along the length of the support pole for supporting the support pole on the flat surface and for effecting adjustment of the angle between the support pole and flat surface so that the timepiece can be adjustably positioned at a desired height and attitude relative to the flat surface.
Abstract: A clock has a movement with protruding nested drive shafts. A housing member has a wall and a ridge which is forwardly offset from the wall. A planar dial rests against the ridge and is formed with an aperture in register with the aperture of the wall with the nested shafts extending through the apertures. A securing device engages the front of the dial, extends through the aligned apertures and engages a fixed member of the movement thereby holding the dial against the ridge.
Abstract: A clock includes a dial, a transparent cover plate spaced apart from the dial at a certain interval to define a space between the back face of the cover plate and the front face of the dial, and hands disposed in the space and driven to move relative to the dial to indicate time. Spacers are disposed on the visible portion of the front face of the dial and protrude against the back face of the cover plate such that the spacers are contactable with the back face of the cover plate upon deformation of the dial and the cover plate to maintain a sufficient interval of the space to allow face movement of the hands.
Abstract: A clock comprising capsule in which a timepiece movement is incorporated, a install plate on which the capsule is fixedly attached, a dial disposed in front of the install plate, a transparent front cover disposed in front of the dial, and hands disposed in a gap between the front cover and the dial and driven by said movement, characterized in that projections are integrally formed on the front cover so that tip ends of the projections are made to come to close to or to abut against a front surface of the dial.
Abstract: An alarm clock in the form of a sports ball has an alarm clock assembly with a snooze-type audio alarm which is temporarily silenced when the ball is thrown against a wall. The alarm clock ball has a feasible and resilient core of a foamed plastic, such as styrofoam, and an overlying cover of a plastic material. The clock assembly is mounted within a recess in the styrofoam core and has display and button controls which are visible and accessible through an opening in the plastic cover. The clock assembly has a quiet electrical switch which controls the snooze alarm mechanism and which is operated by a normally closed deceleration switch located in the foam core. The deceleration switch has a spring-biased metal ball in normal contact with two conductive contacts. When the alarm clock is thrown against a wall, the metal ball is displaced due to its inertia on impact thus temporarily breaking contact and silencing the alarm.