With Support Details Patents (Class 368/316)
  • Patent number: 9715218
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for dimming an alarm clock with three displays. An alarm clock can include three displays each positioned on a different side of the alarm clock to allow the alarm clock to be read from different vantage points. In some implementations, the alarm clock can include a front display, a right side display, and a left side display. Each display can have multiple brightness settings. Each display also can have a respective dimming button to allow a user to select a desired brightness level. In some implementations, the dimming button for the front display can serve as a master dimming button by controlling the brightness of all three of the displays, while the right side dimming button and the left side dimming button control only the brightness setting for the right side display and the left side display, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: HTI INDUSTRIES LLC
    Inventor: Ely I. Ashkenazi
  • Patent number: 9329574
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a dial; a dial ring disposed around the outside circumference of the dial; and an index marker affixed to the dial ring. The dial ring has a protruding part that protrudes to the inside in the radial direction of the dial ring; and the index marker is disposed to the protruding part. The annular member is made of plastic, and the index marker is made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomonori Momose
  • Patent number: 9109746
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for portable electronic devices provides a hands-free support for utilizing various portable electronics, such as smart phones or tablets. The mounting apparatus includes a specialized base for use with a floor, table, wall, or headboard surface. An upper assembly secures to the electronic device and can be tilted to a desired orientation. The upper assembly also includes an illuminating accessory for ease of viewing in dim lit situations and an attachable privacy curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Sandy H. Boyd
  • Patent number: 8936393
    Abstract: A clock case comprising a first plurality of upstanding, spaced-apart fins formed from flat sheets of material, each of the first plurality of fins having a plurality of slots extending vertically upward from a bottom edge; and, a second plurality of upstanding, spaced-apart fins formed from flat sheets of material, each of the second plurality of fins having a plurality of slots extending vertically downwards from a top edge. Each upwardly extending slot is configured to mate with a respective downwardly extending slot, whereby each of the first plurality of fins is interlocked with each of the second plurality of fins to form an orthogonal array of laterally extending fins and longitudinally extending fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wolf Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward O. Howard
  • Patent number: 8917580
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products for time and time management instruction are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a time instruction module; an indicia of time controlled by the time instruction module; and an input/output mechanism configured to provide a display related to time or time management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Golearn Toys, LLC
    Inventor: Jesus Cedeno
  • Patent number: 8770829
    Abstract: A clock case comprising a first plurality of upstanding, spaced-apart fins formed from flat sheets of material, each of the first plurality of fins having a plurality of slots extending vertically upward from a bottom edge; and, a second plurality of upstanding, spaced-apart fins formed from flat sheets of material, each of the second plurality of fins having a plurality of slots extending vertically downwards from a top edge. Each upwardly extending slot is configured to mate with a respective downwardly extending slot, whereby each of the first plurality of fins is interlocked with each of the second plurality of fins to form an orthogonal array of laterally extending fins and longitudinally extending fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wolf Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward O. Howard
  • Patent number: 8714814
    Abstract: A timepiece including a case including a middle part, which is closed on the top portion thereof by a bezel and on the bottom portion by a back cover, and a timepiece movement mounted against the middle part by a casing ring. The timepiece also includes a locking device for pressing the assembly including the timepiece movement and casing ring against the middle part when the case of the timepiece is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Thierry Altenhoven, Carlo Albisetti
  • Patent number: 8668379
    Abstract: Watch display assembly including a watch support element (2), characterized in that the support element (2) is arranged to rotate on two perpendicular axes (X-X; Y-Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tissot S.A.
    Inventors: Le Duy Quan Nguyen, Nicolas Allemann
  • Publication number: 20120201106
    Abstract: Watch display assembly including a watch support element (2), characterized in that the support element (2) is arranged to rotate on two perpendicular axes (X-X; Y-Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: TISSOT S.A.
    Inventors: Le Duy Quan NGUYEN, Nicolas ALLEMANN
  • Patent number: 7992830
    Abstract: The invention concerns a display support element for a bracelet and/or a wristwatch comprising: a central element for receiving a bracelet or wristband and having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wristband or bracelet, the central element being flexible along its longitudinal axis, and two lateral elements, secured to the central element so as not to hinder the flexibility thereof, the lateral elements defining, with the central element, a substantially closed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Technew S.A.
    Inventor: Sylvain Wenger
  • Publication number: 20100302913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reversible watch housing (1) against which is provided on both sides a removable member (2, 2?) including the horns (3) of said housing (1). Each member (2, 2?) is connected to the watch housing (1) by attachment means arranged so that said member (2, 2?) can be locked to the watch housing (1) respectively in a first and second stable position. The removable member (2, 2?) can also be actuated for pivoting about its centre by 180° along an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the watch housing (1) so as to move from one stable position to the other, each removable member (2, 2?) includes a bearing side (4), said bearing side (4) being maintained against a portion (5) located on the periphery of the watch housing (1), by an elastic member (6) provided inside the middle of said housing (1) and connected to the removable member (2, 2?) through an opening (7) located on the periphery of the watch housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dominique Loiseau
  • Publication number: 20080219106
    Abstract: A timekeeping device comprising a casing with an aperture for securing a timepiece and a metallic hooking loop. The loop has an integral coupling member for selectively attaching the loop to an object. The coupling member comprises a first locking member integrally formed with the loop and a second slidable locking member axially biased toward the first member, whereby when axial pressure is applied to the first member, the second member moves axially away from the first member so as to create an opening to permit coupling of the timekeeping device to an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Genender
  • Patent number: 7277360
    Abstract: An elastic assembly joined to at least one side face of one of the members to be assembled is engaged by elastic deformation with a ratchet fastening element fixedly connected to the other member to be assembled. These elastic assemblies are constituted by an elongated element. The assembly side face to which it is joined has an elongated receptacle for the reception thereof, this forming in the assembly side face a opening through which a side portion of its wall projects to lie within the trajectory of the ratchet fastening element so as to allow coupling of this ratchet fastening element, at least one of the faces of the latter being configured to hold the elongated element under elastic strain and being orientated to resolve the force exerted upon it into a component which tends to hold the assembled members in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Dufour, Claude Moënne
  • Patent number: 7261460
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable clock and clock kits for making an interchangeable wall clock that has the appearance of being a free-standing floor clock. The interchangeable wall clock includes a mounting member, an interchangeable main body portion extending from the mounting member, a clock unit, and a base member. The main body portion is connected to the mounting member and the base member with a quick-release connection mechanism to facilitate easy interchangeability. Interchangeable façades are provided for the mounting member, the base member and the clock-face substrate of the clock unit. The clock kit contains various combinations of the above-described components of the interchangeable wall clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Peter R Frey
  • Patent number: 7217031
    Abstract: A device housing with a generally semicircular clip assembly for attaching the device housing to a cylindrical object, for example tubing, is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a helical coil spring for biasing the generally semicircular clip against the device housing. In the preferred embodiment, a timekeeping device is incorporated within the device housing. The device housing with timekeeping device may be securely clipped to stethoscope tubing. Also disclosed in the present invention is an inexpensive method of placing multicolor advertising upon a device housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Dilip Bhavnani
  • Patent number: 7192183
    Abstract: Devices comprising a multi-piece housing which move from a first configuration wherein an item is at least partially disposed within a housing to a second configuration wherein more of the item is disposed outside of the housing. Upon the selective actuation of a release, at least two housing portions initially move away from each other while the item moves from the first configuration toward the second configuration, the housing portions then move back toward each other, all in a damped motion. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the item is further away from the hinge-type connection than in the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: C.C.&L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 7137733
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a startup display device which can be properly oriented for viewing by simply releasing a cover on a main body containing display contents. The device then automatically moves in two directions, first upwardly and then laterally onto one side, thereby orienting the contents therein for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hiromori Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7057977
    Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least two stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge comprises sections separated by connecting members, with each of the connecting members being sufficiently flexible to accommodate for the needed spacing constraints on each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Jacques Muller
  • Patent number: 7048433
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display assembly comprising a graphical or alphanumeric display and display source such as a clock or other timepiece; a display housing for retaining the display; self-righting means rotatably coupled to the display and display housing with a predetermined bias; a body; and a connecting means operatively engaging the display housing and body. The connecting means in the form of a Cassegrain assembly allows the display housing to swivel with respect to the body over 360 degrees through a vertical plane and horizontal plane independently. The display, when operatively coupled to the self-righting means, is automatically maintained in a substantially upright position independent of the orientation display housing, thereby allowing the display to be turned to face a viewer at any angle without repositioning the body or leveling the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Coast Merchandise Corp.
    Inventors: Dilip K. Bhavnani, Yuet Leung So, Surjit Paul Singh Soni, Carl Cetera
  • Patent number: 6942380
    Abstract: A knockdown floor clock mainly includes a clock vertically stably supported on a plurality of legs that are radially connected at upper and lower sideward projected heads to upper and lower joining units, respectively. The upper joining unit includes an upper holding tube that is upward extended from a top center of the unit and cooperates with a plurality of curved side supports located at two sides thereof to provide multiple supporting points below the clock. The use of the upper and lower joining units to radially join the legs enables the forming of a knockdown floor clock that can be easily disassembled for convenient storage or firmly assembled for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Tsuen Jer Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Andy Lin
  • Patent number: 6890682
    Abstract: A battery holding structure for an electronic timepiece has a battery frame having an opening for receiving a battery. The battery frame has a plurality of fittings each having a tapered overhang extending toward the opening for holding the battery in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Takahashi, Takayuki Satodate, Yuichi Shino
  • Patent number: 6804170
    Abstract: A multiple-display device includes at least three body members disposed in juxtaposition. At least two of the body members are movable between first and second positions. Each body member has a display-In the first position at least two of the displays are hidden and in the second position all of the displays are visible. The displays are electronic displays indicating time, date or temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: C. C. & L. Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • Publication number: 20040149865
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use with a parameter measuring device includes a stem extending from an outer casing of the parameter measuring device, where the stem includes an internally threaded opening. A mounting plate having an integral barrel formed thereon cooperates with the measuring device wherein the mounting plate abuts the outer casing and the integral barrel surrounds the stem. A mounting bar is secured to a distal end of the integral barrel wherein the mounting bar serves to attach the measuring device to an external surface. Finally, a threaded fastener is threadedly received within the internally threaded opening of the stem for securing the mounting bar and the mounting plate to the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Bond
  • Patent number: 6695468
    Abstract: Several watches (1.1-1.4) are placed in an arrangement and interconnected by connecting means (2.1-2.3). The watches (1.1-1.4) have cover glasses (11.1-11.4), dials (12.1-12.4), cases (13.1-13.4), winders (14.1-14.4) and time indicating means (15.1-15.4). The connecting means (2.1-2.3) are e.g. located on a carrier element (20) containing the dials (12.1-12.4) of all the watches (1.1-1.4). The carrier element (20) has preset breaking lines (3.1-3.3) in the form of perforations and cross-sectional reductions between the watches (1.1-1.4), so that said watches (1.1-1.4) can be separated from one another. The arrangement or watches (1.1-1.4) separated therefrom can be used as fashion accessories jewellery, pendants, etc. There are no practical limits to the design of the arrangement and its watches (1.1-1.4). The arrangement can be manufactured in a simple, advantageous manner, so that it is in particular possible to take account of rapidly changing fashions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Time-House Handels GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Gschwind
  • Publication number: 20030156500
    Abstract: A watch includes a case having a body and removable back panel for receiving a timepiece. The watch includes a clamp assembly having a grip member movably engaging support structure secured to the back panel for movement of the grip member between an open clamp position and a closed clamp position. The clamp assembly may include a jaw clip having a clip arm pivotably connected to a pair of trunnion supports. Alternatively, the clamp assembly may include a lanyard clamp housing defining an interior and a piston slidably contained in the housing interior. The piston includes a transverse opening positioned for alignment with opposite openings formed in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Lisa B. Popowich, Jonathan B. Stein
  • Patent number: 6597638
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attachment and detachment of watch straps are provided. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to attach a strap to and detach a strap from a watch having a strap attached by a compressible spring bar. In some embodiments, the invention may include a tool for attaching and detaching the strap that has a base and a blade. The base may support the watch and the blade may protrude from the base to compress the spring bar and release it from the body of the watch. The blade may have a notch for engaging the spring bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Movado Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Rene Droux
  • Patent number: 6595683
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display assembly comprising a graphical or alphanumeric display and display source such as a clock or other timepiece; a display housing for retaining the display; self-righting means rotatably coupled to the display and display housing with a predetermined bias; a body; and a connecting means operatively engaging the display housing and body. The connecting means in the form of a Cassegrain assembly allows the display housing to swivel with respect to the body over 360 degrees through a vertical plane and horizontal plane independently. The display, when operatively coupled to the self-righting means, is automatically maintained in a substantially upright position independent of the orientation display housing, thereby allowing the display to be turned to face a viewer at any angle without repositioning the body or leveling the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Carl Cetera
  • Patent number: 6584042
    Abstract: A clock structure mountable to a corner of an edifice utilizing a case. The case includes a pair of walls which closely match the orientation of the corner walls of the edifice. In addition, two wall portions extend outwardly from the corner matching walls of the clock structure to provide recesses on either side of the facade of the clock structure. A door is hingedly attached to the case and at least partially enters the recess formed by the walls of the clock structure. Likewise, a latching mechanism is located in the opposite recess and is readily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Alma C. Serafini, Stanley W. Serafini
  • Patent number: 6519207
    Abstract: An all-weather watch to be worn on the outside of one of the heavy-duty gloves of a glove wearer, such as a skier, snow boarder, hunter or motorcyclist, in cold and/or inclement weather. A length-adjustable elastic strap comprises a front strap portion which extends from the watch case and stretches to loop about at least one glove finger. A rear strap portion extends from the case and stretches outwardly to loop about the glove wrist to position the watch on the back of the glove. The rear strap portion is maintained in position by the stretching of the elastic strap, the friction between the strap and the glove and by the cinching action of the loop around the glove wrist, thus not requiring the use of a clasp or other fastener. This enables the watch to be readily removable from the glove by grasping the rear loop and stretching it to move over the glove body and thumb. Putting on and removing the watch can easily be performed by the wearer's other gloved hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jason B. Lukacsko
  • Patent number: 6443615
    Abstract: A travel alarm clock has a body 10 incorporating normal clock components and a clock face 13. Two covers 14 and 15 fit over the body 10 and are spring biassed to the position shown in the Figure. For travelling, the covers 14 and 15 are closed against a front and rear surface of the body 10, respectively. The covers 14 and 15 are held closed by a button release lock (not shown). If the lock is pressed, the covers are automatically opened to raise up the body 10 and hold it in the upright position shown in the Figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: C. C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 6356512
    Abstract: The invention concerns a subassembly intended to be mounted in a portable device enabling the reception and/or emission of radio diffused messages as well as the selection of predetermined digital information. This subassembly comprises an antenna (4) and position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) disposed an a same isolating support (30). The subassembly is realised in manner such that mutual perturbations created by the combination of the antenna (4) and the position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) are avoided. The invention further relates to a horological piece (1) comprising such a subassembly wound in a peripheral region of the watch case (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Martin, Emil Zellweger, Alexandre Pollini
  • Patent number: 6301197
    Abstract: A timing chip-engaging retainer device is disclosed which is structured to releasably and selectively engage a timing device or chip of the type worn by athletes in endurance races or other timed sporting activities so that the timing chip may be easily and quickly attached to the athlete's apparel, such as an athletic shoe, and easily and quickly detached from the athlete's apparel without cutting or otherwise harming the athlete's apparel, as is currently the practice in removing timing chips from athletic shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Chisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Abbott, John C. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6290387
    Abstract: A clock device includes a clock stand, a clock support secured on top of the clock stand, and a clock member secured in the clock support and movable together with the clock support and the clock stand for allowing the clock device to be moved to any required places or positions. The clock stand includes a rod adjustably secured on a tube for adjusting the clock member to various heights. The clock member includes a clock received and secured in a clock housing. The clock housing and the clock may then be secured to the clock support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Shun I Chen
  • Patent number: 6264148
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus that provides retailers with a highly flexible and attractive means to display their articles. The apparatus includes a collar (120) adapted to receive the article. The apparatus also includes a support member (130) adapted to releasably engage a receptor (131) in the collar (120). Finally, the apparatus includes a base (140) which is adapted to receive the support member (120). More specifically, the collar (120) has at least one receptor (132) that is not centrally located. In a further embodiment, the collar (120) receptor is geared to engage with a complimentary gear of the support member (130). In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method comprising three steps is disclosed for displaying articles. The method first mounts the article on a collar (120). The next step engages the collar (120) with a support member (130). The method then couples the support member (130) to a base (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Chippenhook Corporation
    Inventor: Paul E. Chandler
  • Patent number: 6130861
    Abstract: Behind the watch case (3; 5, 7, 9) is a retaining means (11) which is hinged at one end (17) to said case by a hinge (13) extending transversely with respect to the line of the strap (C), at a limited distance from the rear surface of said case in order to allow the strap to be passed through; said retaining means (11) can be closed against the case in order to grip the strap (which is thus easy to replace) and is positionable at a limited angle with respect to the case, such that it can be stood on a surface like a little table-top clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Unoaerre Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Simona Della Felice
  • Patent number: 5940350
    Abstract: A water-resistant clock with a plurality of double suction cups by which it may be retained on a smooth surface. A crystal is attached to the front casing with a front gasket. Three arms extend from the clock's casing, spaced apart on the clock's circumference at equal 120 degree angles. On the rear side of each arm is a double suction cup, by which the clock may be attached to a wall. Pull tabs on each suction cup make it easier to remove the suction cups, and thereby the clock, from the surface to which it is attached. The clock's rear casing is fastened to the front casing in a watertight manner. A back cover fits against a protruding rear circular gasket between the back cover and the rear casing to form a watertight seal. The rear gasket is partially covered by three outwardly extending arcuate prongs, which engage three inwardly extending arcuate prongs on the back cover, when the back cover is closed, creating a water-resistant seal that protects the clockworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5892734
    Abstract: A timepiece is constructed of a hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12). A magnet (18) is affixed to the hand assembly (16) so that the hand assembly (16) may be magnetically mounted on a ferrous metal object (28). In another version there is further provided magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) which indicate the time. Yet another version provides the hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12) with a nonmagnetic adhesive (26) by which the hand assembly (16) affixes to the ferrous metal object (28). In this same version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided. In all versions of the timepiece construction an ornamental object (20) or ornamental ferrous metal object (24) may be further provided and attached to the clock movement (10) and hands (12), and the drive shaft (14) may extend through the ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Amal Montez Flores, Melissa Kerry Dagodag
  • Patent number: 5828541
    Abstract: A hanging structure of a timer or watch and the like, wherein an annular groove is provided on the periphery of the timer, the annular groove receives a plurality of balls provided on the ends of a plurality of hanging columns, the hanging columns can slide along the annular groove and around the timer under guiding of the annular groove, a hanging ring is provided on one end of each of the hanging columns for hanging keys or a remote controller for an automobile etc., so that the timer can have the functions of a pendant watch and a key ring, the hanging ringing is attached to a chain, so that the timer can be used as a pendant watch, an object of multifunction of the structure can thus be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Chien-Dau Wu
  • Patent number: 5799911
    Abstract: A display stand for wrist watches capable of accommodating wristbands of different dimensions is provided. The display stand comprises a base portion and a support portion mounted to the base portion and having three areas of contact with the wristband of a watch and also comprises a connecting member connecting two of the contact areas to one another. The connecting member comprises a hinge-like portion that allows two of the three contact areas to move relative to one another to accommodate the dimension of the wristband and comprises means to urge these two contact areas toward their initial position. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member is a generally V-shaped resilient member whose vertex constitutes the hinge-like portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Algar Plastics (Canada) Ltd.
    Inventors: Alain Dostie, Allan Sandler
  • Patent number: 5781512
    Abstract: A watch (1) whose case (3) comprises a groove (7) on its periphery is mounted in a removable manner in a suspension and support device consisting of two parts (11 and 12) attached by a hinge (13). The first part (11) has the shape of an resilient open ring which engages in the groove of the case. The second part (12) is substantially flat and comprises suspension means opposite to the hinge (13), and a shoulder capable of stopping it at an acute angle with respect to the first part. In this case, the assembly may be placed on a table (34) or any other horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Laurent Pantet
  • Patent number: 5761157
    Abstract: A wrist watch to which an engagement structure of the present invention is applied includes a recessed body connected to a band, and a watch having a projected body formed on the rear side of a display portion. The projected body has an outer perimeter wall portion capable of fitting in an inner perimeter wall portion of the recessed body. The inner perimeter wall portion has a wall surface formed by joining circles with their centers at a second reference axis and with their diameters larger as the centers are shifted to the side of the watch portion. The outer perimeter wall portion has a wall surface formed by joining circles with their centers at a first reference axis and with their diameters smaller as the centers are shifted to the side of the recessed body. A recessed portion provided at the outer perimeter wall portion is engaged with a projected portion provided at the inner perimeter wall portion, and the watch and the recessed body are disengaged by relative rotation around the reference axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Goro Takeda
    Inventors: Goro Takeda, Takashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 5735493
    Abstract: This universal adaptor mounting bracket is used for mounting clocks to a wall panel. The bracket includes multiple mounting portions provided by offset bracket portions and/or slots, break away portions and auxiliary bracket portions suitable for mounting a variety of different clocks to the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: American Trading and Production Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Ditch
  • Patent number: 5712831
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a main plate and gear train bridge with a center wheel and pinion supported therebetween by one or more bearing members integrally formed in the main plate and gear train bridge. A plurality of springs integrally formed in said plate and bridge are used for positioning internal members of the timepiece relative to each other. Additional similar springs are used for fixing the frame structure to the casing of the timepiece. A pressing plate can be connected to the main plate and includes one or more leaf springs for fixing a back cover of the timepiece away from the frame structure. One or more of the plates or bridge can be electrically conductive for delivery of current to an internal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
  • Patent number: 5699325
    Abstract: The invention concerns a transparent scratchproof watch case closure element, characterized in that it is realized by sintering a pressed part or a injected part having a general shape similar to that of said closure element, said part being essentially formed of a powder or a mixture of powders of ceramic material and in that said closure element is transparent in the visible spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Montres Rado Sa
    Inventor: Michael Bach
  • Patent number: 5680372
    Abstract: A timepiece is constructed of a hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12). A magnet (18) is affixed to the hand assembly (16) so that the hand assembly (16) may be magnetically mounted on a ferrous metal object (28). In another version there is further provided magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) which indicate the time. In still another version an ornamental ferrous metal object (24) is provided and attached to the clock movement (10) and hands (12). In this same version the drive shaft (14) extends through the ornamental ferrous metal object (24), and the magnet (18) is also affixed to the hand assembly (16). Also in this version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided. Yet another version provides the hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12) with a non-magnetic adhesive (26) by which the hand assembly (16) affixes to the ferrous metal object (28). In this same version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Amal Montez Flores, Melissa Kerry Dagodag
  • Patent number: 5610877
    Abstract: This invention is a timepiece mounted within a case with a separate flexible backing that has a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers with upwardly turned lips at the ends thereof. The case is placed on a piece of fabric such as the sleeve of a shirt. The backing is placed on the other side of the fabric with the stem of the timepiece outwardly projecting between the fingers of the base portion. By pressing the base portion and the timepiece case together grips the fabric to mount the timepiece on such fabric. The timepiece can be removed from the fabric by simply pressing at least part of the lips outwardly to disengage the same through the fabric from the case within the timepiece is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Kathy S. Adams, Michael J. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5521888
    Abstract: A dial train of a clock is suspended by a plurality of lines. The arbors of the dial train are pivotally coupled permitting the dial train shape to change as the suspension is altered. These new features result in a dial train that is hung rather than placed which permits the dial train to be viewed and enjoyed from a completely new perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Fransen
  • Patent number: 5430694
    Abstract: The timepiece comprises a base part (1) of plastic material, at least one element (2) secured to said base part and securing means for said element onto said base part which comprise a stud (34) driven at one of its ends (40) into a through hole (32) in the base part (1). The other end (12) of the stud (34) is fitted into a hole (10) of the element (2) and is upset against the latter so as to form a rivet. Finally the base part (1) is fashioned in a manner to permit access to the driven end (40) of the stud with a tool (A) furnishing a rigid support under the stud during the riveting operation on the other end (12) of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Friedrich Perrot
  • Patent number: 5416752
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a main plate and gear train bridge with a center wheel and pinion supported therebetween by one or more bearing members integrally formed in the main plate and gear train bridge. A plurality of springs integrally formed in said plate and bridge are used for positioning internal members of the timepiece relative to each other. Additional similar springs are used for fixing the frame structure to the casing of the timepiece. A pressing plate can be connected to the main plate and includes one or more leaf springs for fixing a back cover of the timepiece away from the frame structure. One or more of the plates or bridge can be electrically conductive for delivery of current to an internal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
  • Patent number: 5327403
    Abstract: A device for indicating time comprises means arranged to display the number of equally large time increments of a predetermined size, for instance 15 minutes, remaining until a predetermined occurrence is intended to take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Anders Bond