Wrist Worn Patents (Class 368/281)
  • Patent number: 7158449
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a radio wave receiving antenna (8) for receiving radio waves, electromagnetic motors (61, 65) for driving a time display part, a battery (5), and a body case for receiving the antenna (8), electromagnetic motors (61, 65), and the battery (5). The antenna (8), electromagnetic motors (61, 65), and the battery (5) do not overlap as viewed in the viewing direction of a time display part, that is, they do not overlap two-dimensionally. By such a structure, the electronic timepiece can be thin and flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Fujimori, Joji Kitahara
  • Patent number: 7114845
    Abstract: A bracelet-style watch having a case, a wristband formed integral with the case, and three separating element is disclosed. The separating elements, located on the case and wristband, form a space between the timepiece and the wrist. The space permits air to freely enter a substantial portion of an area between the timepiece and the wrist, thereby ventilating and reducing the quantity of perspiration that collects between the timepiece and the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc
    Inventor: Scott Harold Wilson
  • Patent number: 7070322
    Abstract: A snag-free or safety instrument, such as a wristwatch, having substantially smooth and flowing contours and being free of stems and protrusions eliminates or greatly reduces the potential of state of the art wristwatches to scratch, puncture or tear the skin of persons other than the wearer whom the watch may contact, when worn in normal use and in situations involving possible close contacts as in care giving and sports activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Jean Marie Field, Clifford A. Scott
  • Patent number: 7072247
    Abstract: To provide a wrist watch capable of easily exchanging a bezel by a user per se. A wrist watch is locked in a state in which a case body packing is arranged between a main body of an inner case bodyl including a module including an electronic circuit realizing watch function and an outer case body, an upper end face of a peripheral edge of an inner face body main body is pressed by an inner wall face of a decorative bezel main body and a spring projected portion is fitted to a click hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Koremoto Takeda
  • Patent number: 7027359
    Abstract: The invention relates to watches, generally wristwatches, whose cases incorporate electronic modules for storing information that comprise an integrated circuit connected to an antenna consisting of a coil and are able to communicate by radio signals with a reading and/or writing device adapted at least to read the information contained in a memory of the integrated circuit and often also adapted to delete or modify at least some of that information and to add other information. To eliminate the drawbacks of prior art watches in which the module is inside the case (complicated fabrication or new design of the watch, increased volume thereof) or to reduce the importance of those drawbacks (attenuation and/or distortion of the signals sent and received by the coil), in the watch of the invention the electronic module (14) is housed at least for the most part in a cavity (13) in the back (3) of the case (1) open towards the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: David Apothéloz, Jacques Müller, Clément Meyrat
  • Patent number: 7006408
    Abstract: This invention discloses a wristwatch capable of storing and transmitting data of computers. The wristwatch of this invention comprises a timing indicating component, a watch case, and a watch band for fixing the wristwatch to people's wrist, wherein, said wristwatch further comprises a circuit board assembly and a USB connector assembly. The internal structure of the watch case of the wristwatch of the present invention is well sealed, so that the electricity property of the internal elements can be ensured, and the elements for storing and transmitting data of computers can be secured and protected, while the appearance of the wristwatch remains concise and natural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Zhuhai Xonix Electronic Watch Company Limited
    Inventor: Leo Chen
  • Patent number: 6991364
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a limb-mounted device that is controlled by one or more inputs disposed within reach of the fingers of a user on the same hand that is associated with the limb. The inputs may be disposed upon a retractable or removable surface so that they have an operative position, in which they are within reach of the fingers, and an inoperative position, in which they are stowed outside reach of the fingers, but in a manner otherwise convenient to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Timberland Company
    Inventor: Jong H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6990047
    Abstract: This is a watch which allows a person to be tracked by the global positioning system and also incorporates safety features to protect an individual in the event of danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Barbagiovanni, Carmela Barbagiovanni
  • Patent number: 6971789
    Abstract: A thin timepiece having a module stably fixed therein has a case integrated with a wrist band and a case back, the case having an opening portion on a front surface side thereof, a module having a housing formed of a resin and a timepiece movement held by the housing, the module being removable retained in the opening portion of the case, and a cover glass for covering the opening portion of the case. The housing has at least one two-sided supporting beam integrally formed in a side surface therof and being deformable in a planar direction of the housing, and a fitting projection protruding from each two-side suporting beam, and the module is fixed in the opening portion of the case by inserting the fitting projection into a corresponding engaging recess formed in an inner side face of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Hisao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6944098
    Abstract: The timepiece comprises a body forming a case inside which is accommodated a clockwork-movement. This body comprises an upper case (1), which has a front face having first display means (16), and a lower case (2), which has a front face having second display means (26). One of the cases is mounted pivoting on the other about a pivoting axis (X) substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the cases and can occupy a closed position, in which the upper case is superposed on the lower case, and an open position, in which the upper case has pivoted sideways and lets the second display means (26) be seen. The clockwork-movement comprises respective portions (100, 200), accommodated in the upper and lower cases to drive the first and second display means, and a drive mechanism (5) ensuring a kinematic link between the two portions of the clockwork-movement. This kinematic link is interrupted when the cases are put in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Marco Rochat, Vincent Laucella
  • Patent number: 6940785
    Abstract: A timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment. The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological message and/or printed messages. The messages can be printed messages, digital messages, recordable audio messages and aromatic messages. The compartment can also contain such items has a mood sensing stone which changes color according to the wearer's mood, magnets or crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: HourPower Watches, LLC
    Inventors: Brenda Ellner, Paulette Nance
  • Patent number: 6935774
    Abstract: A wristwatch case (11) and a method of manufacturing the case, the wristwatch case comprising a wristwatch case body (1) made of titanium or stainless steel and a crown pipe (3) fixed to each other, wherein a stem hole (2) corresponding to the crown pipe (3) is formed in the wristwatch case body (1), a small diameter part is formed in the crown pipe (3), and a small diameter part corresponding to the a small diameter part of the crown pipe is formed in the stem hole (2), the method comprising the step of fitting the crown pipe (3) into the stem hole (2) in the wristwatch case body (1) to form a solid phase diffusion joining part at a portion where the small diameter parts thereof are fitted closely to each other, and to form a brazed connection part at a portion other than that where the small diameter parts are fitted closely to each other, whereby a watch external part having excellent corrosion resistance and waterproof and a large number of design variations can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Fujii, Junji Satoh, Hitoshi Uchida, Norio Hashimoto, Ryo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6905240
    Abstract: A wristwatch has a case containing a movement. The case has a strap attaching portion having a rear surface having a recessed portion. A wrist strap is attached to the case and has a case attaching portion having a rotation stop face on front surface thereof confronting the strap attaching portion of the case. The rotation stop face has a projection engageable with the recessed portion at the rear surface of the strap attaching portion to prevent rotation of the wrist strap relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Yokosuka
  • Patent number: 6891778
    Abstract: A timepiece, such as a watch, has a plurality of concentric rotating bands, viewable from both above and from the side so that a viewer may read the time without changing the orientation of the timepiece. The timepiece has an attachment mechanism that permits the removable attachment of objects, such as sculptures or other ornamental pieces to the surface of the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Zadora Timepieces, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Hohenstein, Andrew Von Zodora-Gerlof, Ron De Corte
  • Patent number: 6883961
    Abstract: An articulated watch includes two juxtaposed cases, each containing an electronic movement, and a connector for mechanically joining the two cases in an articulated manner and allowing the two movements to be connected using electrical conductors. The connector is formed of two bars that are arranged on either side of the cases. The bars include an internal channel for the passage of the electrical conductors and have ends that are mounted so as to rotate freely but are locked in translation in four holes arranged in the middle parts of the cases along two substantially parallel axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: TIMENTEL Pty Limited
    Inventor: Claude Ray
  • Patent number: 6871997
    Abstract: A watch case comprising a rotary bezel, first and second angular positioning markings, one set secured to the bezel and the other set to the case middle and elastic means in the form of a closed-loop spring tending to place the positioning markings into engagement with one another. These markings are distributed with numbers of spacings one of which is a multiple of the other and the outlines of which extend in a plane parallel to that of the bezel. Guide means are engaged with the markings having the smallest number of spacings, in order simultaneously to exert on these markings radial pressures directed toward the other markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Hartmann, Alberto Jaussi, Daniel Moille, William Passaquin
  • Patent number: 6857775
    Abstract: A bracelet-style watch having a case, a wristband formed integral with the case, and three separating element is disclosed. The separating elements, located on the case and wristband, form a space between the timepiece and the wrist. The space permits air to freely enter a substantial portion of an area between the timepiece and the wrist, thereby ventilating and reducing the quantity of perspiration that collects between the timepiece and the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Harold Wilson
  • Patent number: 6853605
    Abstract: An electronic watch (100) has a contactless data communication function. The case (101) of the electronic watch is constructed from metal or other conductive material, and is formed in an annular shape with a dial-side opening (101A) and a back-side opening (101B). A gap (101G) is disposed on one part of the case (101) in the circumferential direction as an insulation part, and an insulation material (109) is located and fixed inside this gap (101G). Because the occurrence of an eddy current can thus be prevented, a drop in communication function can be suppressed even though an annular conductive member is used in the case or other structural parts. Furthermore, because the strength of the case can be improved and the seal or water resistance can be easily assured, the reliability of the electronic watch can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Teruhiko Fujisawa, Akira Washizawa
  • Patent number: 6840665
    Abstract: A balance watch, a combination of two watches, one measuring hours, the other measuring minutes and/or seconds. Each watch is worn on a separate wrist simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Paul John Castro
  • Patent number: 6826120
    Abstract: A child's wristwatch type device featuring simple safety and security communications capability. The device will allow a child to call one of several preset numbers, including 911, with a single push of a button, thereby providing peace of mind for both parents and child. The device is unique in that a child cannot run up a large phone bill with call to friends, as they might tend to do with a ordinary cell phone. The invention essentially comprises a wristwatch like housing with a matching lid attached along the backside by spring loaded hinge means. A wireless telephone means with retractable antenna is mounted in the base housing, along with a rechargeable battery. In the closed position, a digital clock and small speaker is exposed on the top side of the lid for providing voice or ringer sound. When the lid is open, a circular cover plate forms the top surface of the base housing and has several push buttons, a microphone, and an ON/OFF switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Lindy Decker, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 6824304
    Abstract: To provide a thin type timepiece having antimagnetic performance and waterproofness. A case side wall includes therein a movement. A case back lid is fixed to the case side wall by raised portions. Further, the case back uses a two-layer clad material of a soft magnetic material and a non-magnetic material, and the soft magnetic material is disposed on the movement side of the case back lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeru Miyama
  • Patent number: 6799887
    Abstract: A device for protecting a wristwatch being worn on a user's wrist. The device slips around and secures itself over the watch body and watch band. A cover flap is provided to removably cover the watch face. A secured storage pocket is also provided, allowing the user to store small items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Chadwick Kinney
  • Patent number: 6799886
    Abstract: Watch case comprising a casing (10), a turning bezel (14-2) outside of said casing, said turning bezel comprising at least one portion of magnetic material (2), an organ (11) inside of said casing, placed so as to be able to be controlled by the magnetic field of said magnetic portion, said organ (11) comprising a concentric ring (4) to said turning bezel and equipped with at least one magnetic portion, so as to be able to be driven in rotation by the magnetic field of said organ during its rotation, and wherein said organ is of the analogue type and can take an infinite number of distinct positions according to the angular position of the turning bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: TAG-Heuer SA
    Inventors: Jean-Daniel Carrard, Francois Burgener, Olivier Steiner
  • Patent number: 6788623
    Abstract: To provide a wrist watch having a small rim width while ensuring the strength of a glass rim. A movement with hands and a dial plate is assembled into a barrel from a side of a glass rim. A water-proof packing is arranged between a glass rim and the barrel. Machine screws are mounted inside the water-proof packing to fix the barrel and the glass rim together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Isao Ajiro, Nobukazu Oomori
  • Patent number: 6788621
    Abstract: The case (2) includes means (4a, 4b; 24, 25) for attaching a wristband (3) to a wrist and means for connecting a flexible support (11) of a keyboard (13, 23) with keys (14, 15) connected inside the case (2) to a data processing unit (29) controlling a display device (16, 16a, 16b) allowing characters, supplied by the processing unit (29), to be displayed on a dial (7) of the case (2), the electric power for the electronic components of the assembly being provided by a power source (10). The case is characterized in that the flexible support (11) for the keyboard (13, 23) is connected on one side of the case (2) and its length substantially corresponds to the size of the wrist outline, and in that the wristband (3) totally covers the keyboard (13, 23) while being provided with fixed attachment means (4b, 24) diametrically opposite the means for connecting the keyboard (13, 23) and removable attachment means (4a, 25) located in proximity to said connection to the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Meylan, Jean-Jacques Born
  • Publication number: 20040145975
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable electronic instrument, such as a wristwatch (1), including a case (2) enclosing an electronic module (6) and a display device (5), a crystal (3) fitted onto the case (2), an electric power supply source (4) housed in the case (2) and powering the electronic module (6) and the display device (5), and an antenna (20) for receiving and/or transmitting radio-frequency signals electrically connected to the electronic module (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: David Barras, Jean-Philippe Rebeaud, Francois Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 6765846
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus for use in a wristwatch radio communication device equipped with, for example, a PHS is provided. The antenna apparatus includes a loop conductor and a feed. The loop conductor has a given length and connects electrically at one end to a ground plate installed in the wristwatch radio communication device. The feed is disposed between the other end of the loop conductor and the ground plate. This provides a higher horizontal pattern average gain both during conversation and waiting times of radio communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Saitou, Isamu Nagano, Hiroshi Haruki
  • Patent number: 6762976
    Abstract: There is disposed a middle comprising a metallic inner middle (20) in which a movement (30) is housed, and a metallic outer middle (21) covering at least a part of the inner middle, and an elastic shock absorber (35) disposed between the inner middle and the outer middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Tamaru, Ryo Fujita, Susumu Tosaka
  • Patent number: 6761479
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for securing a back cover (6) to a middle part (28) of a watchcase (26), the back cover (6) having a screw thread (8) on its outer periphery, the device being characterized in that it includes an intermediate element (1) including a resilient blocking element (4) and a metal element (2) concentric to the resilient blocking element (4), this intermediate assembly being forcibly driven into the lower part of the middle part (28) of the watch (26), and the back cover (6) being screwed onto the metal element (2) so that, when the back cover (6) is completely screwed onto the metal element (2), the metal element (2) can be pivoted by sliding on the resilient blocking element (4) to a stop point from which the resilient blocking element (4) can in turn pivot by sliding on the middle part (28) of the watch (26), allowing the alignment of the back cover (6) to be adjusted with respect to the vertical 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Clément Meyrat, Jacques Müller
  • Publication number: 20040130973
    Abstract: The presentation device comprises, as component parts, a basis member, such as plate (10), and several further members (12) constituted by rod-like parts (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) adapted to be removably affixed to the plate (10). These rod-like parts are provided with grooves (24a, 24b) having a lateral opening (31) through which decorative pieces (25), such as gemstones, may be introduced. When the presentation device is assembled, it allows to obtain an exact visualization of the appearance of a watchcase with its gemstones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Andre Hartje
  • Patent number: 6758594
    Abstract: A wrist band comprising a band for the wrist having a major longitudinal axis along a substantial portion of the length of the band and having two ends, the two ends each having a minor axis which is disposed at an angle to the major longitudinal axes, the ends further forming a substantially perpendicular intersection with the minor axes, the band being adapted to connect to an object to be attached between the ends to be worn at the wrist, whereby the angle between the minor axes at the ends is less than 180°. In another embodiment, the band has an approximate frusto-conical shape when worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Yang
  • Patent number: 6746148
    Abstract: The invention concerns a structural component made of hard material for a wristwatch, characterized in that it includes a hole fitted with an inner threading which is integral with said component, said threading being directly obtained by injection and thus without removing any material of said component for example by machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignees: Montres Rado SA, Comadur S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Christophe Guerry, Olivier Bucher
  • Patent number: 6745069
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic wrist-worn device, such as a heart rate monitor, a sportsman's watch or a diving computer, and its control method. The outside of the casing of the device comprises a bottom surface to be placed against the wrist, a top surface (304), and a side surface (308) between the bottom surface and the top surface (304). On the top surface (304) of the casing there is provided a first display (306) connected to the control electronics. On the side surface (308) of the casing there is provided a second display (400, 402, 404; 406) connected to the control electronics. The best viewing angle of the first display (306) and the best viewing angle of the second display (400, 402, 404; 406) are at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Nissilå, Pertti Puolakanaho
  • Publication number: 20040095851
    Abstract: A timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment. The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological message and/or printed messages. The messages can be printed messages, digital messages, recordable audio messages and aromatic messages. The compartment can also contain such items has a mood sensing stone which changes color according to the wearer's mood, magnets or crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Brenda Ellner, Paulette Nance
  • Patent number: 6738317
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wristwatch (1) whose wristband (6) is attached to a support (3) with respect to which the case (2) can turn over to show one or other of its faces (16, 17). The support (3) includes, on the parallel inner surfaces (9) of its flanges (7), grooves (10) in which snugs (39) connected to the case can slide and pivot. Stops are provided in the grooves (10), to stop the case sliding after a first sliding travel of the snugs (39) from the ends (42) of the grooves, to define a pivoting zone of the case, before the snugs effect a second sliding travel to the other ends (42). Support surfaces (11) and a transverse recess (12) are provided on the bottom (4) of the support to prevent the case turning over except in the zone of the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services
    Inventor: Augustin Nussbaum
  • Publication number: 20040081025
    Abstract: This invention discloses a wristwatch capable of storing and transmitting data of computers. The wristwatch of this invention comprises a timing indicating component, a watch case, and a watch band for fixing the wristwatch to people's wrist, wherein, said wristwatch further comprises a circuit board assembly and a USB connector assembly. The internal structure of the watch case of the wristwatch of the present invention is well sealed, so that the electricity property of the internal elements can be ensured, and the elements for storing and transmitting data of computers can be secured and protected, while the appearance of the wristwatch remains concise and natural.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Leo Chen
  • Patent number: 6728166
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic device for generating and displaying an item of information, including a flexible body (2) shaped to be able, for example, to be secured to a user's wrist, an electronic unit (18) for generating the information, at least a display cell (20) for displaying said information, and an electric power source (22) for powering the electronic unit (18), wherein the flexible body (2) has, at at least one location on its length, an overthickness of material forming a rigid receptacle (28) in the inner cavity of which is arranged said electronic unit (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Joachim Grupp
  • Publication number: 20040071048
    Abstract: A timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment. The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological messages and/or printed messages, pictures or photographs. The apparatus has a timepiece which is pivotable relative to a backing. The backing has a removable door on its underside which is removed for placement of the message into the backing. The user can then lift open the timepiece to reveal the message in the hidden compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: HourPower LLC
    Inventors: Brenda Ellner, Paulette Nance
  • Patent number: 6712501
    Abstract: Each wristband strand (10, 20) includes at least two studs (12, 14, . . . ) extending perpendicularly to the inner surface of said strand and is each pierced in its median part by a hole (12a, 14a, . . . ) of parallel axis to the strand, each side of the middle part includes recesses (15, 17, . . . ), complementary to the studs including through passages (15a, 17a, . . . ) on the back cover side and blind holes on the crystal side. The studs are fitted into recesses, and locked with U shaped parts (18,28) engaged on the back side cover through the through passages, the holes of the studs and the blind hole. If one desires, this assembly enables a portion of the middle part located at 6 o'clock and/or 12 o'clock to be left entirely free of any attaching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Stéphane Kinkio, Steeve Gerber, Clément Meyrat
  • Patent number: 6708136
    Abstract: An electronic data system for use with sporting impliments for providing a user with an electronic device integrated into sport gloves to perform various functions unique to that particular sport. The electronic data system for use with sporting impliments includes a glove member designed for substantially enveloping a hand of a user. The glove member has a notch portion in a back side of the glove member. The notch portion is for facilitating insertion and removal of the user's hand from the glove member. The glove member has a tab portion positioned adjacent to a first side of the notch portion. A data assembly has a housing. The housing is operationally coupled to the glove member. The data assembly has a display for presenting a visual representation of information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Barbara A. Lahiff
  • Publication number: 20040032798
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a watch (10) and a band (16) fixed to its case by solely one of its ends. The band, which constitutes a spring and is shaped to be wound around the wrist, comprises several spring wires (20) and a plurality of links (22, 24) threaded on the wires. To fix the ends of the wires on the case, are provided: integral with the watch case, two horns (14) each pierced with a pair of blind holes (26) and a passage which is perpendicular to the holes and intersects them in their lower part; integral with each end of the wires, a tube (30) inserted in each of the blind holes; and a key (32) inserted in said passage and passing through notches (34) provided at that site in each of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Herve Guillaume, Robert Didier
  • Publication number: 20040008590
    Abstract: A balance watch, a combination of two watches, one measuring hours, the other measuring minutes and/or seconds. Each watch is worn on a separate wrist simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Paul John Castro
  • Publication number: 20030231557
    Abstract: To provide an intermediate support structure having both functions of a supporting function and a grounding function by a minimum size and an electronic timepiece using the same. An intermediate support structure of an electronic timepiece is constituted such that a base material is constituted by a resin and is elastically deformable, a conductive portion produced by dispersing a conductive carbon nanotube in the resin base material is included and the conductive portion is brought into contact with corresponding conductive parts at surface exposed contact portions to provide a conductive path between the two conductive parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakajima, Morinobu Endo
  • Patent number: 6655831
    Abstract: The watch case includes a middle part (2) and a removable back cover (3). The back cover (3) is held under the middle part by means of at least one rail (5), this rail having a first portion (7) arranged to be slid into a groove (9) made in the middle part (2) and a second portion (11) arranged to cap an edge (13) of the back cover (3). Without using tools, the user can remove the rail, take off the back cover and change the battery or batteries powering the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Ruffieux
  • Patent number: 6657922
    Abstract: An electronic watch comprising: a watch case with a containing concavity which is formed in a peripheral portion thereof; an antenna contained in the containing concavity; a covering member mounted to the containing concavity, to cover the antenna; and a casing member provided with a supporting member which is attached to a periphery of the watch case to hold the covering member, covering at least a portion of the covering member. The supporting member undertakes a portion of the impact caused by dropping or the like to some extent, and accordingly, the covering member is protected by the supporting member so that the welding portion of the covering member is not cracked nor destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 6648502
    Abstract: A wrist-wearable electronic apparatus has a case and a band connected to the case for attaching the electronic apparatus to a wearer's wrist. A flexible expansion chamber is provided on the wrist side of the case or the band, and a pump communicates with the interior of the expansion chamber for supplying air thereto to inflate the expansion chamber so that it can be maintained in close contact with the wearer's wrist. The pump has a pair of push-in portions on opposed lateral sides of the case or band adjacent the wrist side thereof so that the wearer can apply sideways directed forces to actuate the push-in portions to supply air to the expansion chamber. A discharge valve communicates with the interior of the expansion chamber for discharging air therefrom. The pump may be rotatably mounted to enable the wearer to position the push-in portions at desired positions to facilitate actuation thereof by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Nobukazu Oomori, Haruki Hiranuma
  • Patent number: 6646957
    Abstract: The telephone watch (1) includes a back cover (2) in which is arranged a housing (3) arranged to accommodate a SIM card (4). A cover (5) provided with a hinge (6) closes the back cover (2). Means are implemented to assure the sealing (8) of the cover (5) and to assure the locking thereof (7). The hinge (6) is arranged so as to be entirely confined within the back cover (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Martin, Dominique Dubugnon
  • Patent number: 6619836
    Abstract: The electronic watch movement components (11, 12) of the watch are mounted on a flexible printed circuit film (10), which is then incorporated in the wristband (1) by overmoulding of an insulating elastomeric material. External elements in the form of cases (2-4) are mounted in a sealed manner on the wristband to protect said components and to cover at least a display unit (20) and an electric power source (15). Decorative elements (5) similar to the cases are distributed along the wristband to imitate links. Such a wristwatch may be manufactured at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Olivier Silvant, Jacques Müller
  • Patent number: 6619835
    Abstract: A function module unit having a memory function is removably attached on one of wrist bands, while a function module unit having a sensor function is removably attached to the other wrist band. On both wrist bands, bus line wires are embedded along the longitudinal direction. Each of the bus line wires comprises a Vcc line, a serial data line, a clock data line, and a ground line. Each of these lines is provided with a connector member which is exposed on the back surface of the wrist band at a position corresponding to the function module unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Kita
  • Patent number: 6621766
    Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau