CA2388795A1 - Unique wristwatch and decorative saddles - Google Patents

Abstract

A novelty wristwatch casing of a rectangular wedge shaped design including an enlarged digital display positioned in a vertical mode thereby eliminating t he usual manner of all wrist watches and that being the need to twist ones arm or wri st to view the present time; including the additional features is the watches ability to display attractive and ornamental designs on the top side of the watch by means of an easily attachable and detachable watch saddle; additional saddles with the ability to glow in a darkened environment without the aid of power, and a saddle with a picture frame to hold and display a wearer's loved one, pet, or just their favorite picture.

Description

r TITLE OF INVENTION
21 ~.Centuty Digital wristwatch and decorative saddles NAMES OF THE INVENTORS
Schielke; Kelly, Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada Stephenson; Dale, Hope, B.C., Canada FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wristwatch of particular design, fimctions and added decorative features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. Wristwatches have been worn for decades by men, women and children throughout the world.
The watches come in all sizes, shapes, and colors and just till the last twenty five years or so there 1 S has been another technology used in wrist watches which involves digital display crystals. Instead of the usual round, square, or oval shaped analog faces, the digital display is in numeral form making telling of time quicker and easier to determine the exact time. All existing wristwatches of today have one thing in common, and that is to view the time on the watch facing, the wearer must twist their arm or wrist in order to view. This is not natural but a way that custom has developed over many years by the watch manufacturers. Many watches of today have added features to enhance their appearance by adding a ring of decorative material around the outer circumference of the watches facing or decorative wrist bands that can be interchangeable to increase their appearance and mufti uses The top facing of the watch which has a plastic or glass shield displayed over the numbers for protection usually involves the whole area thereby leaving little room for a decent size ornamental display or logo. In reference to the following U.S.
patents, we can determine what is available in the wristwatch industry.
U.5. References U.S.# 4,825,427-Wollinan-April 25189 U.S.#D380,690-Riley-July 8197 U.S.#5,638,342-Kartsotis-June 10/97 U.S.#D361,274-Houlihan-Aug.lS/95 379,314-Houfhan-May 20!97 U.S.#D360,589-Houlihan-July 25/95 U.S.#D382,818-Houlihan-Aug. 26/97 U.S.#5,914,913-Shriqui-July 22/99 U.S.#D423,372-Le Marquand-04/ 2512000 U.S.#D386,429-Brodman-Nov.lB/97 ,a. ' :1~,,~, :II I

What is presently needed is a wristwatch that is capable of viewing the digital time display in a more natural angle than presently available and a more practical way of displaying larger ornamental designs and colors. Wristwatch fashions are as important as their time telling means and a method of providing the demands of the consumer in regards to practicality, variety and choice of fashion is a huge factor in choosing a watch.
SLrMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the present invention overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks which are characteristic of the present day technology that has changed little in past decades. The above references although relate to the design of wristwatches and ornamental designs do not have the features and uniqueness' of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the modified wrist watch with its wedge shaped casing which allows the facing of the digital numeral display to be in a new vertical position instead of the old fashion way of being parallel to the wearer's wrist therefore making viewing of time easier without twisting the arm and wrist. Because of the sloping wedge shaped design and the viewing numeral display being on the vertical side facing the wearer, the complete top surface area of the watch can be used to mount a decorative saddle, whereby easily changed to many saddles with different designs, logo's, colors, and functions including a method of having the saddle figurine outline illuminated without the use of an internal power source. Also capable of becoming a portrait holder for 2d favorite picture of family, friends, pets, or just favorite photo.
Numerous features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skills in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but none the less illustrative embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanied drawings.

2 i ,~,......v~ ~ I~~t ~'i BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 is the first embodiment of the standard wristwatch that dominates the watch industry as a whole. The time piece facing is directed away from the user's wrist when the watch is worn, thereby the user must twist his arm and wrist in order to view the time.
Figure 2 is a drawing of the new 21 ~' Century wedge shaped watch case design with a vertical faceplate for viewing the enlarged digital numeral display, to be viewed by the user without the usual twisting of the arm and wrist and viewed from a natural angle.
Figure 3 is the view of an aluminous tape material made from the latest technology in non toxic coatings and flee firm radiation elements. Also serves as a added weather proof sealant over the existing control buttons that are concealed under the saddle.
Figure 4 is view of a decorative saddle that mounts on top of the wedge shaped watch casing and has the same sloping feaxure so as to fit tightly. The large surface is capable of designs of many features or characters, including logo's, and many attractive colors. Can be made from plastics or light metal materials.
Figare 5 is a drawing of the rear view of figure 2 the wedge shape watch frame, showing the functional push button that activates the illumination of the front digital display, and can incorporate othez buttons for other fimctions such as a stop watch or divers needs.
Figure 6 is a view of completed wristwatch with easy to read digital numbers including decorative saddle in place along with a wristband. Functions equally well on either wrist.

3 .-~: ; ~i DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing of fig.lwhich shows the first embodiment of the standard wristwatch design that dominates the wristwatch industry as a whole. The timepiece facing is directed away from the user's wrist when the watch is worn. The user must twist their arm and wrist S in order to view the time.
The preferred embodiments of a wristwatch will now be described with reference to figure 2 through figure 5.
A first embodimern idemified by reference number 1 of figure 2, will be described with reference to figure 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A second embodiment identified by reference number 9 of figure 4, will be described with references to figure 4 and 2.
Third embodiment will be described with reference 7 of figure 3 to figure 2 and figure 5.
In reference to figure 2 the wristwatch exterior frame ref. 1 is a hollow rectangular wedge shaped design made of hard plastics or metal going from a deeper thickness at the front to a sloping degree of thinness at the back which is capable of housing proper electronic components to act as a timing devise. Width of ref. 1 can be that of a standard wristwatch, or any other preference.
The front of ref.l figure 2 is a vertical faceplate re~ 2 that has the capability to display large digital numbers ref. 3 to be viewed by the wearer of the watch without the usual twisting of the arm and wrist which is the standard practice of all other wristwatches. The digital display is protected by a plastic or glass shield. Standard watchbands or ornamental bands ref.l2 used in the watch industry are attached to ref. 1 in the normal pin fashion. On each side of ref.l are two dimple indents ref.4 which act as a retainer in securing a watch saddle ref.9 over top of ref.l.
Ref.l of fig.2 and fig.5 has incorporated in its design a compartment lid ref.6 that houses the power battery for the unit, and ref.5 mini recessed control buttons that can be functioned by using a standard pen tip to press them in. In reference to figure 5, we see the smaller sloping back side of re~ 1 which has the added feature of a small protruding spring loaded push button re~8, when pushed in to activate the internal circuit of re~ 1 to illuminate the digital number display re~ 3 when viewing in darkening environment.
When ref.8 is released the illuminating circuit is disconnected therefore saving battery power. This

4 . , . a , ..".~;~.~n~.titi -~ il~.

location makes easy access to operate the illumination control button. This area of ref. 1 figure 5 can also incorporate other functional buttons beside ref.8 that may include button controls for digital number discounting perhaps used in water divers watches and also to have the fiuiction of being able to be a stop watch or even an alarm watch.
Figure 3 shows a thin layer of special aluminous tape material ref.7 made from the latest technology in non-toxic coatings and free from radiation elements. The sticky back from the tape is the same size as the surface of ref.l and is adhered to ref.l's top surface hereby covering ref. 6 battery lid and ref. 5 control buttons. Ref. 7 now along with its main fi~nction also becomes a moisture and dust protector for the tottery lid and control buttons and can be peeled back to have occasional excess for battery replacement and for adjusting time setting functional buttons. The main purpose of the illuminating tape ref. 7 figure 3, is to coincide with special designed watch saddles ref.9 figure 4 that have designs, logos, figurines of different nature that have their perimeter features perforated with tiny mini-holes through the watch saddle surface, and once the saddle has been positioned and secured on re~ 1 the natural or artificial light penetrates through the perforated holes causing the illuminating tape to absorb the penetrating light only where the holes have been accrued, and when observed in a darker environment the figurine or logo outline becomes illuminated without the necessity of battery power from the watch. The illuminating ability of the tape is capable of decades of use without deterioration and can be recharged just by passing into natural or artificial lighting for a few seconds of exposure to continue glowing for several hours.
The watch saddle ref. 9 figure 4 is a very important integral part of this unique wristwatch. It is made of hard plastic or light gage metal of various colors such as gold, silver, turquoise, and bronze.
The saddle is the same wedge shape as ref.l watch casing itself and is slightly larger in order to fit precisely over the watch casing thereby covering the top and both sides of ref.l with smooth edging features. The saddle ref. 9 has dimples re~ 10 protruding inward along its two sides that match the dimple indents re~ 4 on ref.l in figure 2 and figure 5. This combination of dimple matching secures the saddle in its proper place. To remove the saddle to exchange for another ornamental design the wearer just pry's either side of the saddle away from the surface and lifts up. Incorporated in each unique saddle re~ 9 we can find many designs, logos, and ornamental features since imagination has no limit. For example a designed colorfi~l butterfly with out stretched wings can be either stamped in the molding of the watch saddle, or separate models of the product can be produced in various sizes and colors by plastic mold and rubber injection or metal die castings and attached to the saddle S

~.i ~ ~ i.lr 1 ~, giving it a three dimensional appearance. Many of the watch saddles to be available will have a choice also in ornamental designs in glow in the dark material. Since the total surface of the watches top ref. 1 can be used for a design of choice, large figures can be implemented. Also for those who really want admiration of their choice of watch saddle, figurines or designed logos can be made to extend beyond the watch size by producing the figures separately again using the mold and die casting method since it is attached to the watch saddle and that in turn is attached to the watch frame ref.l. The watch saddle also has the capability to perform a function of become a picture frame holder for the wearer's favorite picture of family, pet , or just favorite picture for friends to admire. The mini picture will slide into a grooved framework of the watch saddle and is covered by a layer of clear plastic for protection. Outer frame may have luminous glow features to represent a picture frame. A hardcover book or display case with layers of clear plastic to store and display the many watch saddles that the watch wearer may have accumulated giving storage protection and easy access for just the right occasion. The watch saddle is designed to be interchangeable with all models of this unique wristwatch, and can be exchanged with others or purchased for gifts knowing 1 S it will fit properly and is a gift to remember.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modification may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (18)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED AS DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A wristwatch comprising;
a preferably wedge shaped rectangular body casing capable of holding in its interior, electronic circuits to produce accurate time.
Adaptable to all available watchbands using the standard pin attachments or any other proper means of attachment therefore fits comfortably on either wrist of the wearer.

2.The wedge shaped casing of claim 1 has indented dimples on its sides to act as retainer holder for added feature to be incorporated on it's top exterior surface.

3 The wedge shaped casing of claim 1 has control buttons and battery access lid hidden on its top surface leaving a clean and non cluttered top, front and sides of the unit making replacement of battery without the removal of watch from the wrist.

4. The watch casing described in claim 1 has digital number time display in a vertical mode facing the wearer of the watch enabling them to view the time through a convex lens which amplifies the digital number display without twisting arm and wrist to view like all other existing wristwatches.

S.The wedge shaped watch casing described in claim 1 and the face of claim 4 being in a vertical mode on the thicker end of the wedge shape, thus leaving the total top of claim 3 available for ornamental designs sloping away from the wearer thereby giving a more attractive and fuller view of the ornamental design since that is the reason people wear rings, watches or jewelry and that is so others may enjoy it also.

6. An aluminous tape material capable of glowing in dark environment when activated by light of natural or artificial means attached to the topical surface of claim 3 and thereby concealing the battery access lid and time setting control buttons also protecting the battery access lid and time control functions from moisture and dust.

7. Back thinner end of wedge shaped casing claim 1 has added feature of a push button to activate the illumination of the front vertical digital display claim 4 to view the time in a darkening environment, along with optional buttons for stop watch, alarm, and discounting numbers for sky, and water divers.

8. An embodiment in form of a detachable watch saddle made from such materials as hard plastic or light gage metal which contains a top and two sides mounting on top of claim 1 and being a fractional larger in size covering the aluminous tape material of claim 6 and the sides of claim 1.

9. The detachable watch saddle of claim 8 also contains indented dimples on each of its two sides in order to match the dimples incorporated in claim 2 to cause the dimples to meet in proper alignment thereby securing the watch frame embodiment and the watch saddle embodiment to act as one unit.

10. The surface toping of the watch saddle of claim 8 has ample room for a large display of an ornamental nature such as a butterfly with open wings or perhaps an eagle in flight. The designs can be chosen from thousands of ornamentals, logos, figurines, or favorite pictures.

11. Main function of illuminating tape of claim 6 is to coincide with specially designed watch saddle claim 8 that have designs, logos, figurines, or pictures of different nature which have their perimeters and characteristic features perforated with tiny mini holes through the watch saddle claim 8 and once saddle is positions and secured on the wedge shaped casing claim 1, the natural or artificial light penetrates through the perforated holes causing the illuminated tape of claim 6 to reflect its glowing ability back through the holes thereby illuminating the design features in a darkened environment without the aid of the watch battery power.

12. Designs can be stamped into the surface of the watch saddle claim 8 or produced in a larger design that may expand beyond the boundaries of the watch saddle cover by making the ornamental designs, figurines, or logos produced by plastic or rubber mold injection means or metal die casting and attached to the universally designed watch saddle claim 8 giving the design a three dimensional appearance and assortment of matching colors of preferred choice.

13. Watch saddle claim 8 also has available designs, logos, figurines made in glow in the dark material.

14. Watch saddle claim 8 has the ability to incorporate a picture frame holder with slide-in picture frame, plastic protective cover, and possible glow in the dark frame so the wearer can display a picture of their family member, pets, or just a favorite picture to show their friends to also admire.

15. A watch saddle claim 8 containing global positioning satellite receiving electronics that can be attached to claim 1 and feature of claim 2, thereby freeing both hands.

16. A watch saddle claim 8 containing electronic components capable of displaying video and audio features that is attached easily and quickly on to claims 1 and using feature of claim 2.

17. A watch saddle claim 8 capable of providing functions of a calculator mounted as needed onto claim 1 and claim 2 features.

18. A storage or display casing to hold the marry watch saddles available for protection and easy excess to choose for just the right occasion.