Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
  • G04G17/08—Housings

Definitions

• the present invention relates to clocks, timepieces and watches, particularly but not limited to wristwatches having a watch face which is liftable off of a watch back or backing, the watch back having an outwardly facing member for performing a useful function.
• watches which are on the market or known displaying information other than the time which is shown on the watch face. Such other information includes the date, time lapsed for a period being measured, telephone numbers, a computer output, etc. Many watches perform functions other than indicating the time of day. These include access to data bases in the circuitry of electronic watches such as an electronic directory for telephone numbers, a computer for performing mathematical computations, and the like.
• Watches are also known where the watch face is movable. There are “flip-over” watches in which the watch face if lifted off the watch back, and flipped over to reveal some artistic message or the like on the back of the watch face. It is well known to place an inscription on the back of a watch backing (the part of the watch that touches the wrist).
• U.S. Patent No. Des.285,417 shows a wristwatch which can be removed from a backing on the band, and be replaced with a toy aircraft.
• U.S. Patent No. Des.303,503 discloses a wristwatch with a calculator, the calculator having a hinged cover.
• Disclosed in U.S. Patent No. Des.339,299 is a wrist band holding a wristwatch, a calculator and a telephone index, these being hinged one on top of the other and accessible for their respective use.
• a wristwatch is hinged to provide the cover for a receptacle between the watch backing and the back side of the watch face.
• a similar device is shown in U.S.
• U.S. Patent No. 1,165,262 a watchband has adjustable spring prongs for holding different sizes of watches.
• a mounting for a watchcase is shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,219,277, where a watch face can be removably held in a watchband having a backing for the watch.
• a hinged arrangement is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,444,513, where a watch face can be rotated to reveal a different watch.
• One watch can be analog, and the other digital.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,903,250 describes a watch having a memo case disposed adjacent the watch. A display face is fixed, and the memo portion is next to it. The memo portion can be replaced with printed cards. Thus, the watch backing is really receptacle for the printed cards.
• U.S. Patent No. 5,384,756 discloses a combined identification device and wristwatch.
• the watch face is hinged over a platform holding a microfilm with the wearer's medical information. If the watch face is lifted up, panels, which are biased upwardly, reveal the microfilm.
• the microfilm is carried in one of the panels, and another panel has a lens for focusing on the microfilm.
• the watch backing itself is only, in effect, a receptacle for holding the folded panels.
• a modular watch having interchangeable elements is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,657,298.
• a rescue watch is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,663,932 where the watch assembly has a container chamber holding pressurized liquid or gas to provide air for inflating a device, or for spraying an assaulter when the rescue watch is used for self defense.
• Some of the watches described above are flip-over watches.
• Another flip-over watch which is currently on the market is called the Basculante watch.
• neither this watch nor the others described above carry any member on the backing of the watch, that is the plate upon which the watch normally sits, for performing a useful function.
• Another object is to provide a wristwatch with a backing holding a function and therapeutic member.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide on or associated with the backing of a watch, a removable and/or exchangeable functional and/or therapeutic member.
• Another object of the invention is to provide a watch for transmitting a signal to a remote place.
• a further object is to provide a watch with a secret of hidden compartment.
• Yet another object is to provide a watch with a hidden compartment having messages, such as written messages, artistic messages, scents, musical messages, visual messages, therapeutic messages or auditory messages, or to contain items such as magnets, pictures, natural or synthetic stones or the like.
• a wristwatch having a back or backing upon which the watch face (which includes the watch workings) is entirely or partially removable to render a useful device on the watch backing accessible for use.
• the useful device can be messages which can be permanent, removable, or exchangeable, and could be directly on the watch backing itself or on an appropriate disc for holding the message.
• the message can be a psychological, therapeutic message as discussed below, olfactory messages generating a particular type of aroma, auditory messages such as those produced by particular electronic chips, certain crystals or stones, pictures and the like.
• a person wearing a wristwatch of the foregoing type can gain access to the functional and/or therapeutic member easily and often without the observation of others, to obtain the desired purpose of the member.
• the watch can have a hidden or secret compartment for containing a variety of messages or for holding a variety of things.
• the face of the watch can have many shapes, and could be round, square, oval, rectangular, etc.
• the invention further involves a functional member mounted on the backing of a watch which can be relayed to a remote place.
• a functional member mounted on the backing of a watch which can be relayed to a remote place.
• Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of one embodiment of the invention showing a watch face in its closed and open positions, respectively.
• Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of another embodiment of the invention showing the watch face in its raised position in a message bearing frame having a message about to be placed in the frame, and the frame being moveable onto the watch backing, respectively.
• Figure 7 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4.
• Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9 show all four sides of the watch shown in Figure 7.
• Figure 10 is a back view of another embodiment of the invention, showing a slidable frame for holding a message, and Figure 11 shows the manner in which the message is inserted into the frame.
• Figures 12 and 13 are partially cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the invention showing the watch face in its open and closed positions, respectively.
• Figures 14 and 15 show another embodiment of the invention with a means for revealing a message across the backing of the watch.
• Figures 16 and 17 show a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and
• Figures 18 and 19 show still another embodiment of the invention with a means for revealing a push-button means for revealing a message on the backing of a watch according to the invention.
• Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the invention, where a digital picture is held on the backing of the watch.
• Figure 21 shows another embodiment of the invention having a watch face which is hinged to be removed from the watch backing, and a functional member is on the back of the watch. The back of the watch or the backing can be illuminated.
• Figure 22 shows a round watch according to another embodiment of the invention where a message bearing unit is inserted as the watch backing or as part of the watch backing.
• Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the invention having a stone embedded in the backing of the watch.
• Figure 24 shows an elevated rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 23 showing the embedded stone protruding through the rear surface of the backing so that when the watch is worn a portion of the stone contacts the wearer's wrist.
• Figure 25 shows another embodiment of the invention having a removable disc in the backing of the watch.
• the invention involves a watch having a hidden compartment located between the backing of the watch and the face of the watch, the hidden compartment having a variety of functions.
• the hidden compartment can hold a message-generating item.
• the message can be a printed psychological message.
• the messages can be beneficial to the wearer of a watch.
• Psychological studies have shown that when a person continually provides positive and informative statements to themselves throughout the day, those persons actually unleash energy to provide for change. These studies show outcomes as varied as increased concentration, athletic ability, business achievements, and well- being. When these persons spend time in this positive way, it actually reduces the distractions of daily life which interfere with brain activity. At the same time, it raises a person's level of consciousness around a desired goal. This, in turn, provides a real pathway to accomplish what these persons want. It also provides a way to increase one's feelings of power, thereby, working more intensively and efficiently.
• the watch according to some embodiments of the present invention helps people realize their own inner resources and command change.
• a watch is therefore a very important part of the items which people use.
• a watch according to some embodiments of the present invention provides a message area on the watch backing which can be hidden from others in a secret compartment, which holds a message such as a psychological message. Whenever a person wants to check the time, or even without checking the time, the person can effect movement of the watch face from the watch backing to view the message and obtain its psychological benefit.
• the message can be an inner statement which the person can look at and repeat. This message, when viewed, can constantly reinforce its benefit as the message is viewed and repeated.
• a mood sensing stone is provided on the watch for contacting with the user's skin. The stone changes color according to the user's mood which the user then can focus on changing.
• Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in its closed, and ordinary position.
• Figure 1 shows a watch assembly 1 having a watch face 3 with a first end 5 and second end 6 configured to receive a watch band.
• Watch assembly 1 further has a hinge 7 at the second end 6. Watch assembly 1 is shown in the closed position.
• watch assembly 1 is again shown with its timepiece 9 rotated about hinge 7 to its open position.
• Timepiece 7 has a rear face 11.
• Watch assembly 1 has a backing 13 which includes a recess 17.
• Recess 17 can be a secret compartment, and is bordered by a sidewall 15.
• a portion of the bottom surface of recess 17 serves as a message bearing area 19.
• the message can be a psychological message as described above.
• the message can be in any form, either by means of words, pictures, or, as described later, other means as well.
• the message can be permanent, or can be removable, or be replaceable with a different message.
• Watch assembly 21 includes a timepiece 23 which is shown pivoted to its open position about a partially shown hinge 25.
• Watch assembly 21 includes a recess or secret compartment 27 in backing 29.
• Frame 31 includes frame walls 35 in which a sheet, plate or other message bearing object 37 can be inserted.
• Figure 3 shows member 37 before it is installed in frame 31, and
• Figure 4 shows frame 31 with message-bearing member 37 installed and being moved into backing 29.
• Frame 31 can be moved so that it overlies backing 29, and is then inserted into recess 27 of backing 29.
• recess 27 and frame 31 should be such that the frame is held tightly in a semi-interference type fit, but preferably so that it can be released without difficulty in order to change member 37.
• a slot can be formed in the sidewall of base 29 so that frame 31 can be slid into recess 27 of backing 29.
• Timepiece 21 is preferably held in its closed position by a releasable latch, and a button or other release mechanism releases the latch.
• a spring or other biasing means can bias the timepiece to its open position.
• Figures 5-9 show an embodiment of the invention which can be the same as that shown in Figures 3 and 4, or can be a modification thereof. These figures show that a watch assembly according to the invention can look like an ordinary watch, be it round, oval, square, rectangular (as shown), or other symmetrical or irregular shapes, which does not reveal that it has a backing with a secret compartment for holding a message or other functional member.
• These figures show a timing apparatus 41 having a watch face 43 which is held in a casing having left side wall 45, right side wall 47, first wall 49 and opposite second wall 51.
• a watch band 53 is connected by an appropriate mechanism at walls 49 and 51. Walls 45, 47, 49 and 51 form on their inside portion, the walls of the backing which holds a functional member.
• a watch assembly 61 has a backing 63 on which a timepiece is mounted. Backing 63 can be configured to receive a watch band at both ends. The view shown could also be the front of watch assembly 61.
• Watch assembly 61 has a removable panel 65 which is slidable from the closed position shown in Figure 10, to an open position shown in Figure 11. The direction of movement of panel 65 is indicated by the arrow 66.
• Panel 65 holds a removable message having a display and can be some sort of plaque, and can be made from plastic or metal. Panel 65 can be moved from the closed position to the open position so that a plaque 67 can be selectively added or removed for viewing, or replaced by a different plaque.
• the plaques bear the types of messages discussed earlier.
• a more detailed view of a hinged watch according to the invention is shown in Figures 12 and 13.
• a watch assembly 71 has a timepiece 73 with which is pivotable about a hinge 75 and held in place in the closed position shown in Figure 13 by means of a latch assembly composed of a manually operable latch release 77 which cooperates with a locking tooth 79.
• a finger 81 connected to latch release 77 engages locking tooth 79 to releasably hold the latch in its locked position.
• latch release 77 is depressed, or slid to one side according to the details of the latch assembly, timepiece 73 can be moved to the open position.
• Watch assembly 71 has a message assembly 83 which includes a glass panel 85, a message compartment 87 for holding the plaque with the message and a rear push door 89.
• a message assembly 83 which includes a glass panel 85, a message compartment 87 for holding the plaque with the message and a rear push door 89.
• rear push door is opened or removed, and a message plaque is inserted against panel 85. The message is placed so that it can be viewed from above, that is from the direction from timepiece 73.
• Door 89 is then closed or replaced and watch assembly 71 is ready for use.
• Secret compartments can be located above door 89 or beneath timepiece 73 as shown in the drawings.
• FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the invention.
• a watch assembly 91 is shown.
• Figure 14 shows a timepiece 93 installed over and extending into base 95.
• Timepiece 93 is releasably locked in backing 95.
• a latch release 97 can be depressed or actuated in some other way, to release timepiece 93 from its locked position.
• Timepiece 93 is then removed from backing 95 and the message located in backing 95 becomes visible.
• the compartment between timepiece 93 and backing 95 can be a secret compartment.
• a watch assembly 101 includes a digital display piece 103 and another viewable item located beneath it such as a digital picture 105 shown in Figure 16.
• a digital picture 105 shown in Figure 16.
• Digital picture 105 can be an electronic image and by actuating member 107, that image is replaced by the message 109.
• Figure 18 shows a watch assembly 111 with a watch face 113 around the periphery of the front portion of watch assembly, with hands 115 operating in the normal mode. No message is visible.
• watch face 113 changes to an auxiliary mode, wherein a message is revealed inside of watch face 113. This message is not observable until member 117 is actuated as shown in Figure 19. The message is indicated at numeral 119.
• a watch assembly 121 includes a timepiece 123 which includes on its rear portion and extending into or facing a secret compartment, an electronic voice chip 125 with a speaker 127. Upon the operation of an actuating member, an audible message can be heard through speaker 127.
• a microphone assembly 129 can be provided in which the user can put his or her own message in the timepiece, and it can be listened to, and changed, as desired.
• a digital picture or some message can be provided in backing 131 and in the secret compartment.
• other messages besides audio messages can be included in timepiece 123.
• an aroma generator unit for generating an aroma "message" can be provided for the user.
• timepiece 123 can be included in backing 131, as explained earlier.
• timepiece 123 would be a cover for the messages and means for emitting the messages, in backing 131.
• FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of the invention.
• a watch assembly 141 is shown having a timepiece 143 which is hinged on a wall of backing 145.
• Backing 145 has a functional member 147 which is shown in schematic form, located in a secret compartment beneath the timepiece when the latter is in a closed condition.
• Functional member 147 can show a visual message, can emit an audible message, can emit an aroma message, can be an artistic and/or symbolic device which can be viewed for the therapeutic comfort or other beneficial advantage to the user, can emit signals (electronic, audio, visual, etc.) to indicate the whereabouts of the watch assembly or of the wearer of the watch assembly, etc.
• the back of timepiece 143 can be illuminated as indicated by the term "lit area” 149.
• Another lit area can be provided in base 145 as indicated by the numeral 151.
• Figure 22 shows a watch assembly 161 viewed from its rear direction. A removable plaque 163 bearing a message is shown removed from the rear of the watch, 40
• Plaque 163 if forming the base of the watch assembly, is dimensioned so that it is tightly held within the circular walls 165 of watch assembly 161.
• Other locking means such as a screw type arrangement, or the like can be used as well.
• a secret compartment can exist between the base and the forward part of the backing.
• FIG. 23 and 24 Another embodiment is shown in Figure 23 and 24.
• a watch assembly 171 is shown having a timepiece 173 which is hinged on a wall of backing 175.
• Backing 175 has a mood sensing stone 177 embedded in the center and located in a secret compartment.
• the rear of stone 177 protrudes through the bottom of backing 175 such that a portion of stone 177 is pressed against the wearer's skin.
• Stone 177 will change color according to the emotional state of the user, i.e. calm, angry, sad, irrational, etc.
• the wearer can check their emotional state by viewing stone 177 by flipping the timepiece 173 upward away from backing 175. The wearer can then alter their behavior if necessary to return to a more normal state of mind.
• the back of timepiece 173 can be illuminated as indicated by the term "lit area" 179.
• a watch assembly 180 is shown having a timepiece 182 which is hinged on a wall of a backing 184.
• Backing 184 includes a disc 186 containing a message, such as a visual message, i.e. a photograph, an audio message, or an aromatic message and indicated by the term "message.”
• Backing 184 includes an inner compartment 188, which can be also be a cavity, and which provides a housing for disc 186.
• Disc 186 is preferably of the same shape as inner compartment 188 of backing 184.
• a dial portion 192 is included in watch assembly 180 and can alternatively be provided with the inner compartment for housing disc 186.
• backing 184 and dial portion 192 can provide the housing for disc 186.
• backing 184, and therefore disc 186 has a substantially square shape.
• backing 184 can have a circular, oval, triangular, octagonal, square, rectangular or other polygonal shape and disc 186 would have substantially the same shape.
• the wearer can open timepiece 182 to reveal the 41-
• Disc 186 is removable and replaceable with an alternative disc 190. If the user so chooses, he or she may remove disc 186 and replace it with disc 190, which is of course just one of any number of alternative discs. It is further appreciated that disc 186 need not necessarily serve as a base for the message as described above, and alternatively the message, such as a photographic message (i.e. a photograph), can be placed directly onto and secured in backing 184.
• a free standing clock having a hinged or otherwise moveable clock section can be opened from a closed position to yield a clock back having the message bearing plaques or other functional member.
• the concept could also be employed in other such horological instruments such as lockets, pendants, rings, etc.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=29711998

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Citations (12)

Family Cites Families (7)

• 2002
  • 2002-05-31 WO PCT/US2002/017063 patent/WO2003102703A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2002-05-31 EP EP02731985A patent/EP1502162A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2002-05-31 AU AU2002303920A patent/AU2002303920A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (12)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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