Waterproofing Patents (Class 368/291)
  • Patent number: 11960248
    Abstract: A Dewar device for mechanical and/or functional components of a watch, the device being provided with a bracelet and a casing including an enclosure wherein a case of the watch can be disposed so that a crystal of the case is arranged opposite a crystal of all the elements of the casing defining this enclosure and at least one fastening device fastening the watch case in the enclosure of the casing by keeping it remote from all the elements of the casing defining this enclosure, the Dewar device including a device for actuating at least one push button by rotating a pivoting bezel of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Antoine Ummel, Serge Droz
  • Patent number: 11947318
    Abstract: A Dewar device for mechanical and/or functional components of a watch, this device including a wristlet, a case including a chamber wherein a case of the watch is capable of being disposed in such a way that a glass of this case is arranged facing a glass of a set of elements of the case defining this chamber, at least one fastening device fastening this watch case in this chamber of the case while maintaining it distant from all of the elements of the case defining this chamber, and a device for actuating at least one push button by the angular movement of a free end of at least one lever element of this device relative to the case, this at least one lever element having another end movably fastened to this case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Antoine Ummel, Serge Droz
  • Patent number: 11803158
    Abstract: A closing/opening system for a case of a timepiece is defined particularly in first and second parts of the case. The system includes a device for producing a mechanical connection, particularly a bayonet connection between these first and second parts and a device for creating a friction torque between these first and second parts. The device for creating a friction torque includes tightening faces to cooperate with one another when closing/opening the case and which are defined in the first and second parts. The system further includes a tightening element in one of these two tightening faces. The tightening element generates a constant friction torque during a course of travel of one of the two parts relative to the other when closing/opening the case of the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierry Vuille, Enzo Agustoni, Joel Allimann, Francois Erdemli
  • Patent number: 11768469
    Abstract: A water-resistant watch case of a diving watch, includes at least one back mounted on a lower side of a middle part, and a crystal mounted on an upper side of the middle part. The crystal includes an annular peripheral surface to be fastened with an amorphous metal gasket on an inner annular surface that is complementary in shape, on the upper side of the middle part. The annular peripheral surface of the crystal is inclined towards the inside of the watch case at a determined angle less than 90° relative to a central axis perpendicular to a plane of the watch case to distribute stresses between the crystal and the middle part due to the water pressure during a dive. The annular peripheral surface and the inner annular surface are conical in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Cedric Kaltenrieder, Gregory Kissling, Yves Winkler
  • Patent number: 11585748
    Abstract: An assembly (1) for measuring a relative humidity level inside a watch (2), the watch (2) provided with a movement (10) and a device (4) for determining the humidity level present in the enclosure (9) of a case (3) of this watch (2). The determination device (4) includes a receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c) for receiving at least one acoustic signal from a timepiece component (11) of said movement (10), and a control unit (7) connected to said receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c). The control unit (7) is configured to run a model for evaluating a water vapour content of a gaseous fluid contained inside the enclosure (9) based on the at least one acoustic signal received by the receiver module (6a, 6b, 6c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Dominique Dubugnon, Cédric Blatter
  • Patent number: 11449010
    Abstract: A water-resistant watch case of a diving watch, includes a back mounted on a lower side of a middle part, and a crystal mounted on an upper side of the middle part. The crystal includes an annular peripheral surface mounted by a first portion of an annular gasket made of amorphous metal on an inner annular surface that is complementary in shape, on the upper side of the middle part. A second portion of the gasket on the first portion of the gasket maintains the crystal against the middle part. The annular peripheral surface of the crystal is inclined towards the inside of the watch case at an angle less than 90° relative to a central axis perpendicular to the plane of the watch case to distribute stresses between the crystal and the middle part due to the water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Cedric Kaltenrieder, Gregory Kissling, Yves Winkler
  • Patent number: 11294333
    Abstract: A rotary bezel equipped timepiece includes a glass frame that holds a windshield member, a rotary bezel so provided as to be rotatable relative to the glass frame, a resin member attached to the outer circumferential surface of the glass frame, and a gasket disposed between the resin member and the inner circumferential surface of the rotary bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriaki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 11150606
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a locking device capable of blocking the translation of a valve or of a control member in the position the closest to the central axis of the case. The locking device includes a blocking element capable of undergoing translational displacement along a radial axis between a locking position and an unlocking position, where the member is respectively blocked or free to move in translation, a part mounted such that it can move in rotation about the central axis of the case and intended to be set in rotation by a user, drive device linking the angular displacement of the part mounted such that it can move in rotation to the translational displacement of the blocking element between the locking and unlocking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Philippe Loetscher, Gregory Kissling
  • Patent number: 10928780
    Abstract: A push button device including a device for adjusting the angular orientation of the push button head with respect to the watch case, wherein the angular orientation adjustment device includes a friction ring disposed concentrically around the central shaft inside the tube, the friction ring rotates integrally with the central shaft and is free in translation with respect to the central shaft, the friction ring includes an external friction surface in friction contact with an internal wall of the tube, and wherein the central shaft includes a device for actuating the latter in rotation, making it possible to pivot the push button against the frictional forces generated by the friction ring, in order to adjust the angular orientation of the push button head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventor: Philippe Loetscher
  • Patent number: 10684648
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a water tight submersible electronic device, such as a dive computer or a dive watch, comprising a case, a bezel, and glass through which a display can be viewed. The glass, case and bezel can all be different materials. The bezel is affixed to the case, in a permanent or removable manner, and has an opening for the glass and an electronic display. The electronic display is positioned under the glass and within the electronic device. For example, the glass is separated from and locked to the bezel by at least a locking ring, a shock absorber and/or a gasket. As such the glass can be free floating so that it and the bezel can deform under pressure without being damaged or causing damage to each other while maintaining a water tight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Panu Perko, Mikko Sepänniitty, Tapio Savolainen
  • Patent number: 10466651
    Abstract: Watch glass (1) including a first element (2) made of a first material and a second element (3) made of a second material different from the first, more elastic than the first material, the second element (3) includes a skirt (3b) in its lower part, and the two elements (2, 3) are fixed to each other so that the first element (2) is oriented toward the exterior of a watch and the skirt of the second element (3) is adapted for the assembly of the watch glass (1) to a watch middle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: MONTRES TUDOR SA
    Inventors: Gregory Schmidt, Frank Vernay
  • Patent number: 10458552
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve seat having a hole configured as a flow path, a valve body configured to open/close the flow path due to relative movement with respect to the valve seat, an opening member having a first surface fixed to one of the valve seat and the valve body, a second surface configured to separate away and abut the other one of the valve seat and the valve body, a third surface which intersects the first and second surfaces, and an opening penetrating the first and second surfaces, a fixing member that fixes the first surface to the one of the valve seat and the valve body, and an inclined portion, which makes an interval between the one of the valve seat and the valve body and the first surface long in a direction from the opening to the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yukimasa Ishida, Kenji Ochiai, Taiki Hanagami, Daisuke Noguchi, Hironori Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10412846
    Abstract: An electronic device and a housing structure thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a transparent member; a metallic housing surrounding a boundary of the transparent member, and forming a lateral outer appearance of the electronic device; and a non-metallic absorption member arranged inside the metallic housing. The non-metallic absorption member is arranged to face a side surface of the transparent member. The metallic housing comprises a protection portion arranged adjacent to the boundary of the transparent member. An interlace between the non-metallic absorption member and the protection portion, which faces the transparent member, is disposed inward relative to a first virtual extension line virtually extending along an external surface of the transparent member. An inner surface of the protection portion facing the non-metallic absorption member includes a surface inclined at a preset angle with respect to a front or rear direction of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hai Phan Thanh, Linh Ngo Van, Anh Nguyen Tuan, Cuong Nguyen Xuan, Doan Tran Van
  • Patent number: 10345760
    Abstract: A device case includes a resin case body having an opening which is disposed on a viewing face of the case body and a step which is disposed on an interior of the opening and protruding further to the interior than an inner face of the opening. The device case further includes a windproof member having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the opening of the case body and larger than an inner diameter of the step; and an adhesive section bonding and fixing the windproof member at a position to seal the opening of the case body. The adhesive section has higher flexibility than the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eri Kayano
  • Patent number: 10261476
    Abstract: Portable object comprising a frame arranged to serve as a cradle for a control stem, the actuation in rotation of which makes it possible to control at least one electronic or mechanical function of the portable object, a magnetized ring being driven in rotation by the control stem, the rotation of the magnetized ring being detected by at least one inductive sensor disposed inside a housing of the frame inside which the inductive sensor is held by elastic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Vittorio Zanesco, Pascal Lagorgette, Pascal Meyer, Damien Schmutz, Raphael Balmer
  • Patent number: 10235860
    Abstract: A location beacon assembly includes a wrist band that may be worn on a wrist. A beacon unit is coupled to the wrist band. The beacon unit is turned on when the beacon unit is exposed to water. The beacon unit selectively emits blue light. Thus, the beacon unit is visible at a maximum depth in water thereby facilitating a swimmer to be located when the swimmer is drowning. The beacon selectively emits an echolocation sound that has a frequency ranging between 10 kHz and 20 kHz. Thus, the beacon unit is audible at a maximum depth in water thereby facilitating the swimmer to be located when the swimmer is drowning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Irene Skidmore, Clayton Skidmore
  • Patent number: 10073418
    Abstract: Sub-assembly of external parts for a watch, comprising a water-resistant joint between a first and a second component, which are screwed, one on the other, the first component supports a first inclined toothing, which cooperates with a second inclined toothing of the second component, the first component or second component, or a second ring interposed between them comprises a zone which is elastically deformable under the action of a relative rotation between the first and the second component which is caused by an external force, and the deformation range of which allows compression of the elastically deformable zone allowing clearance of the teeth tips during the relative rotation and a release of this zone, allowing return to cooperation of the tips and the hollows of the teeth in a new relative angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventor: Philippe Loetscher
  • Patent number: 9618904
    Abstract: A watch case includes a case middle made of plastic or electroformed material and a crystal. The crystal or the case middle includes elbowed catches that are each insertable in a bayonet fitting in a recess of the case middle or the crystal. The case also includes a rotation stop angularly securing the case middle and the crystal in an angular position such that a part of each catch is frontally locked behind a holding surface of the case middle or of the crystal. The rotation stop is frontally snap-fitted on the case middle and/or the crystal by snap-fit fingers that cooperate with a complementary stop surface of the case middle and/or of the crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Vincent Meyer, Thierry Altenhoven, Ines Rustenberg
  • Patent number: 9323225
    Abstract: A timepiece provided with a metal case having a fitting section which is annularly provided in a lower portion of the inner circumferential surface, a metal lid body having a lid main body section which is arranged on a lower end of the case and covers a lower portion of the case and a cylindrical section which is arranged in the fitting section of the case, and a synthetic resin gasket having a gasket main body section which is arranged between the fitting section of the case and the cylindrical section of the lid body and a spacer section which forms a space between a lower end surface of the case and an upper surface of the lid main body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9176481
    Abstract: To provide a timepiece which is easy to produce, a timepiece includes a case forming a ring shape; a back cover fitted to a back side of the case, and a fixing member forming a ring shape running along the circumferential direction of an inner peripheral part of the case, and having a fixing function for fixing the back cover to the case. The case is harder than the fixing member. The fixing member is disposed between the case and the back cover, and is compressed and deformed therebetween, thereby making it possible to fulfill the fixing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Oshio
  • Patent number: 9019800
    Abstract: A sealing device for a minute-repeater mechanism, comprising a striking work control bolt which can move in an aperture of a case between a rest position and a pulled-out position. The case includes a seat for receiving in sealed abutment, in the rest position of the bolt, a first sealing gasket mounted in a sealed manner on the bolt and moveable therewith, and which is at a distance from the seat when the bolt is in a pulled-out position for operating the striking work. The case includes a chamber, one wall of which comprises the aperture, which limits the travel of a second sliding sealing gasket in which the bolt slides in a sealed manner, and which is in sealed abutment on an inner surface of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Dupuis
  • Patent number: 8699305
    Abstract: A solar cell electronic device includes a cover glass fitted into a case opening of an exterior case via a glass packing, and a solar panel disposed on the back face of the cover glass with a predetermined distance from the cover glass. The case opening has a base portion on the inner periphery thereof for mounting an outer peripheral portion of the cover glass and for positioning the solar panel in a plane direction. The glass packing includes a packing main body interposed between the case opening and the cover glass, and a flange portion that extends from an end on the base portion side of the packing main body and that is interposed between the cover glass and the base portion. The base portion has a base opening through which at least a part of the flange portion is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Hisao Nakamura, Hiroshi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 8573833
    Abstract: A timepiece, comprising first and second arms connected at one end at an acute angle, and a bar locking system located in a wedge area of the timepiece where the arms are connected at the acute angle, wherein the first and second arms are hollow such that they can house electrical components, and wherein the bar locking system is employed to attach the timepiece to a leash plug of a surfboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Eric Yang, Meghan Yang
  • Patent number: 8472285
    Abstract: A submersible device for keeping track of a swimmer's session transpired times. It includes a case which is pivotally adjustable in relation to a base, and which contains both a watertight and a ballast compartment to decrease the buoyancy of the device when in use in water. The device may include a lap counter and a proximity sensor activated by the proximity of a swimmer wearing a proximity transmitter. A high contrast liquid crystal display is used to improve visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence James Day
  • Patent number: 8444313
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an attachable timepiece, comprising: an upper chamber forming a housing for timepiece elements, the upper chamber including a front face having a time display; a lower chamber that is detachable from the upper chamber by way of a locking system; and a means for attaching the timepiece to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Eric Yang, Meghan Yang
  • Patent number: 8419269
    Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting, the timepiece is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a valve body holder fixed to the timepiece exterior assembly, a ring-shaped packing supported by the holder and elastically deformable, and a valve body movable between a valve-closed position and a valve-open position. The valve body has a valve body shaft portion, a valve body head integral with this shaft portion, and an exhaust recess formed in the valve body shaft portion. The valve body shaft portion axially extends through the valve body holder while in contact with the inner peripheral portion of the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Haruki Hiranuma
  • Patent number: 8408785
    Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece whose vent valve construction is simple, in which the vent valve is not easily erroneously opened, and in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting. A wristwatch is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a pipe, a valve body, a retaining member, and packing formed of a seal material capable of elastic deformation. The timepiece exterior assembly is equipped with the pipe establishing communication between the interior and exterior thereof. The pipe has a valve seat surface, a stopper portion, and a male screw portion. The valve body is equipped with a valve body shaft portion inserted into the pipe, and a valve body head integral with this shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Haruki Hiranuma
  • Patent number: 8333503
    Abstract: A portable timepiece has a timepiece exterior assembly with a mounting hole having seal surfaces and escape portions. A valve member has a shaft portion movably inserted into the mounting hole and a head portion connected to the shaft portion. An urging member is provided between the head portion and the assembly for urging the valve member toward the interior of the assembly. Seal members are mounted to the shaft portion in correspondence with the seal surfaces. The seal members are configured to be moved between a sealing position in which the seal members are held in contact with the seal surfaces, and an exhaust position in which the seal members are opposed to the respective escape portions. In the sealing position, the seal members define a closed space together with an outer periphery of the shaft portion and the escape portions opposed to the outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Kazutaka Imai
  • Patent number: 8333504
    Abstract: A timepiece has a valve that discharges gas from an exterior assembly and includes a casing, a valve member that moves from a closed position to an open position in accordance with an inner pressure of the assembly, an exhaust button movable into the casing, a first spring urging the button and valve member away from each other, and a second spring urging the button toward the exterior of the assembly. When an inner pressure of the assembly is greater than a force of the first spring, the valve member is moved to the open position and a portion of the gas accumulates between the valve member and the button. When the button is moved into the casing, the accumulated gas is discharged to the exterior of the assembly by which the valve member is maintained at the closed position by the spring force of the first spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshio Hozumi, Kazutaka Imai
  • Patent number: 8333502
    Abstract: A portable timepiece has a timepiece exterior assembly with a button mounting hole having seal surfaces and escape portions. An exhaust button has a shaft portion and a button portion connected to the shaft portion and configured to be pushed inward from an exterior of the assembly. An urging member is provided between the button portion and the assembly for urging the exhaust button toward the exterior of the assembly. Seal members are mounted to the shaft portion in correspondence with the seal surfaces. The seal members undergo movement between a sealing position in which they are held in contact with the respective seal surfaces with interference through axial reciprocation of the exhaust button, and an exhaust position in which the seal members are opposed to the respective escape portions. In the sealing position, the seal members define a closed space formed by the shaft portion and the escape portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Kazutaka Imai
  • Patent number: 8322916
    Abstract: A watch comprises a case, an electronic movement module inside the case, a piece of closed-cell foam inside the case, and a dielectric liquid filling the remaining voids of the interior of the case. The closed-cell foam compensates for thermal expansion of the dielectric liquid over a wide range of operating temperatures. Upon heating, the liquid expands and the foam is compressed. Upon cooling, the liquid contracts and the foam is decompressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jeremy James Patt
  • Patent number: 8235586
    Abstract: A smart card watch comprises a watch head (1) and straps (2). A timepiece device and a smart card device are provided in the watch head (1), and a card slot (126) is provided on the side of the watch head (1). People can easily carry the smart card (153) with the watch which cannot be lost easily and they can conveniently change smart cards having different functions any time and anywhere they want. The smart card has great functions and can be used and operated easily. Furthermore, the timepiece device and the smart card device are installed in separate sealed chambers, a first chamber (14) and a second chamber (15) in the watch head (1), thus the timepiece device can be well protected such that it has a prolonged endurance and an ensured working stability. Even if the backcover (13) is opened to repair the smart card device, the normal operation of the timepiece device and the water-tightness of the first chamber (14) are not affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: LAKS GmbH
    Inventors: Chen Li, Lucas Alexander Karl Scheybal
  • Publication number: 20120155230
    Abstract: A watch comprises a case, an electronic movement module inside the case, a piece of closed-cell foam inside the case, and a dielectric liquid filling the remaining voids of the interior of the case. The closed-cell foam compensates for thermal expansion of the dielectric liquid over a wide range of operating temperatures. Upon heating, the liquid expands and the foam is compressed. Upon cooling, the liquid contracts and the foam is decompressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jeremy James Patt
  • Patent number: 8096703
    Abstract: The invention comprises a timepiece including a middle part (4) and a bezel (6) capable of rotating on the middle part (4), the bezel (6) and the middle part (4) delimiting between them an annular chamber (38) in which there is arranged a sealing gasket (40) with a U-shaped profile. A compression member (42) such as an O-ring type joint with a smooth external surface is housed in the sealing gasket (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Bertrand Carrard, Clement Meyrat
  • Publication number: 20110235476
    Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting, the timepiece is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a valve body holder fixed to the timepiece exterior assembly, a ring-shaped packing supported by the holder and elastically deformable, and a valve body movable between a valve-closed position and a valve-open position. The valve body has a valve body shaft portion, a valve body head integral with this shaft portion, and an exhaust recess formed in the valve body shaft portion. The valve body shaft portion axially extends through the valve body holder while in contact with the inner peripheral portion of the packing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Haruki Hiranuma
  • Publication number: 20110235477
    Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece whose vent valve construction is simple, in which the vent valve is not easily erroneously opened, and in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting. A wristwatch is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a pipe, a valve body, a retaining member, and packing formed of a seal material capable of elastic deformation. The timepiece exterior assembly is equipped with the pipe establishing communication between the interior and exterior thereof. The pipe has a valve seat surface, a stopper portion, and a male screw portion. The valve body is equipped with a valve body shaft portion inserted into the pipe, and a valve body head integral with this shaft portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Haruki Hiranuma
  • Patent number: 7901129
    Abstract: This watch case comprises a protective casing surrounded by a middle (5) and a bezel (9). The protective casing includes a glass (3), a side wall (2) and a bottom (1). A planar peripheral surface extending along the entire edge of the inner face of the glass is in contact with a similar bearing surface on the side wall (2), at least part of which forms the width of the cross section of a pressure resistant structure having parallel lateral faces (SR) perpendicular to the bearing surface, and which extends without a gap as far as the bottom (1) of the casing. The components of the casing are secured and sealed with at least one annular seal (4) surrounding the lateral face of the glass (3) and the outer lateral face of the side wall (2) of the casing, and this seal is clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bertrand, William Passaquin
  • Publication number: 20110051571
    Abstract: A wristwatch is equipped with a timepiece exterior assembly, a valve member, a coil spring, and seal members. A pipe provided in the exterior assembly so as to establish communication between the interior and exterior thereof has seal surfaces and escape portions. The valve member is equipped with a valve member shaft portion inserted into the pipe and exhibiting a detachment preventing portion to be caught by a pipe edge portion from the outside of the exterior assembly, and a valve member head portion arranged inside the exterior assembly. The spring, which urges the valve member toward the inner side of the exterior assembly, is provided between the valve member head portion and the timepiece exterior assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Kazutaka Imai
  • Publication number: 20110051570
    Abstract: A wristwatch is equipped with a timepiece exterior assembly, an exhaust button, a coil spring, and seal members. A pipe provided in the exterior assembly so as to establish communication between the interior and exterior thereof has seal surfaces and escape portions. The button is equipped with a shaft portion inserted into the pipe and exhibiting a detachment preventing portion to be caught by a pipe edge portion from within the exterior assembly, and a button portion depressed from the outside of the exterior assembly. The spring, which urges the button in an anti-pushing-in direction, is provided between the button portion and the timepiece exterior assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Kazutaka Imai
  • Publication number: 20110051572
    Abstract: There is provided a wristwatch 1 in which a degassing valve with an exhaust button is attached to a timepiece exterior assembly, and in which the gas in the exterior assembly is allowed to escape to the exterior through pushing-in of the button. The valve is equipped with a valve casing providing communication between the interior and exterior of the exterior assembly, a valve member accommodated in the valve casing and moved from a closed position to an open position when the interior of the exterior assembly is not less than a predetermined pressure, the button accommodated in the valve casing so as to allow pushing-in, a first coil spring urging the button and the valve member away from each other, and a second coil spring urging the button toward the exterior of the exterior assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshio Hozumi, Kazutaka Imai
  • Patent number: 7520665
    Abstract: A marine instrument, such as a clock, barometer, or thermometer, has a face having indicia associated with the face, an instrument movement, and at least one hand having a direct or indirect connection to the movement and positioned to move with respect to the face, or a display connected to an electronic movement. The components are encased within a casing that is water tight to at least 12 inches (e.g. about 30 feet) of water. A vent, such as a porous plastic plug, allows the passage of air in and out of a substantially water-tight volume containing the movement, but precludes water passage up to the rated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Trintec Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brendon G. Nunes, Gregory J. T. Lowe-Wylde
  • Publication number: 20090069120
    Abstract: Embodiments of a Golf Round Pace Regulator timing device is shown and described. The timer, with a custom course specific face decal, illustrates the time allocated to each hole on the golf course to help golfers maintain a steady pace of play to complete the course in the time allotted by the golf course management. The golfer(s) are responsible for maintaining the same pace on the course as the pace of the timer's moving clock hand across the easy to read face decal. The timer solves the problem of slow play and decreased course revenue due to slow play. The timer solves the expensive customization manufacturing problem since it may be mass produced, and after manufacturing the customized course decal may be created and applied. The Timer is easy to implement and use on any golf course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ellen Mosher
  • Publication number: 20090040881
    Abstract: A wristwatch (portable apparatus) is provided with a wristwatch exterior (apparatus exterior) having a through hole, a pipe, a push button, a coil spring, and a packing in a ring-like shape. The pipe is formed by providing an outwardly arranged cylinder portion having a spring receiving face integrally with an inserting cylinder portion. The pipe is fixed to the timepiece exterior by inserting the inserting cylinder portion to the through hole, and the outwardly arranged cylinder portion is arranged at an outer portion of the timepiece exterior. The push button includes a drawout preventing member attached to a shaft portion movably penetrating the pipe for preventing the shaft portion from being drawn out from the pipe, and an operating head provided at the shaft portion. The coil spring for urging the push button to an outer side of the timepiece exterior is interposed by the operating head and the spring receiving face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshio Hozumi, Kazutaka Imai
  • Publication number: 20090010111
    Abstract: This watch case comprises a protective casing surrounded by a middle (5) and a bezel (9). The protective casing includes a glass (3), a side wall (2) and a bottom (1). A planar peripheral surface extending along the entire edge of the inner face of the glass is in contact with a similar bearing surface on the side wall (2), at least part of which forms the width of the cross section of a pressure resistant structure having parallel lateral faces (SR) perpendicular to the bearing surface, and which extends without a gap as far as the bottom (1) of the casing. Means for securing and sealing the components of the casing comprise at least one annular seal (4) surrounding the lateral face of the glass (3) and the outer lateral face of the side wall (2) of the casing, and means (8, 5a) for radially clamping this seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A
    Inventors: Jean-Louis BERTRAND, William PASSAQUIN
  • Patent number: 7431495
    Abstract: A damping device, more particularly for a watchcase, includes a case (1) the back (7) of which has an extension provided with a groove (13) holding a gasket (14). The device further includes a support (2, 3) the lower segment (2) of which has a compression chamber (18) cooperating with the extension of the back of case (1), this extension being able to move axially, and in air-tight fashion, in this chamber (18). This lower segment (2) of the support is linked to a ring (3) against which case (1) leans in its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Richemont International S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Cretin, Laurent Morel
  • Patent number: 7403450
    Abstract: A timepiece having an external case, a sound source disposed inside the external case, an internal filter that is gas permeable and waterproof and is disposed opposite with a gap to the external case and the sound source, and a communication opening that communicates the space between the external case and the internal filter with the outside. The internal filter is a porous thin film that has a large number of small holes and assures waterproofness preventing water from passing the small holes for at least ten minutes when in contact with water at normal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20080112270
    Abstract: A water-proof watch case and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. First, a design of a case and a bottom lid is decided, and a mold according to the design is fabricated accordingly. Next, a hard plastic material is injected into the mold to form the case and the bottom lid. Next, a soft plastic material is injected at an outer rim of the case to form at least one button, and a soft plastic material is injected at a conjunction between the case and the bottom lid to form a water-proof gasket. Finally, the hard and soft plastic materials are heated to adhere the button and the water-proof gasket to the outer rim of the case and the conjunction between the bottom lid and the case respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: GLOBALSAT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Lung Yeh, Ming-Jian Su
  • Publication number: 20080049561
    Abstract: A timepiece having an external case, a sound source disposed inside the external case, an internal filter that is gas permeable and waterproof and is disposed opposite with a gap to the external case and the sound source, and a communication opening that communicates the space between the external case and the internal filter with the outside. The internal filter is a porous thin film that has a large number of small holes and assures waterproofness preventing water from passing the small holes for at least ten minutes when in contact with water at normal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki OZAWA
  • Patent number: 7234858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watch case comprising a case middle (16), a bezel (18) mounted so that it can turn on the middle and defining between them an annular chamber (36) and a gap (40) open towards the outside of the case, a glass (22) mounted in sealed fashion on the bezel, a seal (42) inserted between the bezel and the middle and arranged in said chamber (36). According to the invention said seal comprises a ring (44) of annular shape made of a material of the highly elastically deformable type, of annular shape, and the cross section of which comprises two lips (44a), one bearing against the bezel (18), the other against the case middle (16), and a compression member (48) arranged in said chamber on the side of the gap, inserted between and collaborating with said lips in order to compress them against the bezel and against the case middle, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Eterna SA
    Inventor: Willy Meier
  • Patent number: 7149153
    Abstract: In an electronic watch containing an electric battery assembly of large size, particularly a battery assembly including several batteries or accumulators (41, 42), the diameter of a removable cover (20) closing a large bottom opening of the back cover (14) of the watchcase is limited by the fact that the cover is provided with a bayonet fitting device having locking members (56) radially directed towards the interior. These locking members catch on a fixed support (22) having one or more housings for the battery assembly. They are arranged at the top of a substantially cylindrical annular portion (50) of the cover. A sealing gasket (52) is placed around this annular portion and compressed radially against a cylindrical surface (16) of the periphery of the opening in the back cover, which ensures water-resistance even if the bayonet fitting is not screwed all the way in. According to a variant, the cover can form the entire back cover of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Frédéric Meylan