WO2000017713A1

WO2000017713A1 - Watch winding and storage device and method of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2000017713A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/022122
Authority: WO
Inventors: George F. Kabouchy; Roy P. Foerster
Original assignee: Time Innovations Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-09-23
Filing date: 1999-09-23
Publication date: 2000-03-30
Also published as: AU6160999A

Abstract

The device for storing and winding a watch has a watch chamber (22) rotatably connected to a housing. A securing member (34) is positioned adjacent the watch band (31) with the securing member and watch releasably positioned within the watch chamber. The inner surface of the watch chamber (22) has a surface selected to avoid scratching a watch. The securing member (34) presses against the inner surface of the watch chamber (22) thereby protecting the watch band and face. A motor rotates the watch chamber. The motor is controlled by control circuitry to provide an initial duration of rotation to wind the watch followed by periodic rotation duration to maintain the watch in a properly wound state. The watch chamber may be of an appropriate material for protecting the watch from harmful magnetic flux. Further, the chamber may provide a heater to lower the relative humidity. The watch chamber also provides protection from dust and other environmental pollution.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

WATCH WINDING AND STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD

OF USING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED

RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX" Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The field of the present invention is the mechanical arts and electronic control of the same. More specifically, the field relates to a watch storage device for storing and winding self-winding wrist watches .

Background Art Wrist watches may be generally categorized as either electric or non-electric. Non-electric wrist watches have a spring mechanism which must be kept wound for the wrist watch to operate. These non-electric wrist watches are typically wound in one of two ways. First, the wrist watch may have a watch stem which may be repeatedly turned to tighten the watch's spring mechanism. Alternatively, other non-electric watches are self winding. A self-winding watch has an internal mechanism which when subjected to physical stimulus, acts to wind the watch's spring. A person wearing a self-winding watch will typically partake in sufficient physical motion to cause the self-winding watch to keep the self-winding watch in an operational state. However, if the watch is left immobile, then the spring will unwind, causing the watch to fail to accurately keep time and finally stop.

If the spring in the self-winding watch is allowed to totally unwind, the next time the watch is worn the wearer will have to reset the correct time and date. Resetting is particularly difficult when the watch has a perpetual calendar, as many investment quality watches do. Further, the wearer will have to manually wind the watch. Not only is allowing the watch spring to deplete annoying, but doing so may also harm the delicate internal mechanisms of the watch. For example, the intricate and tiny gears associated with a watch mechanism may gum up or enable deposits of dust to accumulate. For example, oil may congeal when the gears stop rotating. Such gumming up and accumulations may not only contribute to the necessity for additional cleanings, but may even cause unnecessary wear on the self-winding watch. Such wear may lead to premature mechanical failure and replacement. In addition, manually winding the watch may cause damage to the delicate stem mechanism of the watch.

The need for a device and method to store and to wind a self-winding watch has been long felt in the field. For example, Patent No. 2,860,534 issued November 18, 1958 provided a rotating drum wherein the drum had radially disposed partitions, each which could retain a self-winding watch. Once the watch or watches were inserted into the partitions, a motor was activated to rotate the drum. The watches thereby continuously turned to accomplish winding of the watches. In particular, the rotating drum device was designed to be hung in a watchmaker's wall to assist the watchmaker in regulating the self-winding watch.

However, just as allowing the spring to totally unwind is harmful to the self-winding watch, also, keeping the spring at a fully wound condition for an extended period of time may also prove harmful to the self-winding watch. For example, causing the selfwinding watch spring mechanism to be fully wound for an extended period of time may cause a permanent deformation to the spring, causing the spring mechanism to have a shorter useful winding time. Further, the constant tension from a fully wound spring mechanism on the delicate watch winding parts may provide unnecessary wear and tear on the watch mechanisms, leading to premature replacement and repair.

In using the rotating drum, the watchmaker would have to, chose whether to continuously operate the drum or stop the drum and risk one or more of the watches completely unwinding. For example, if the watchmaker were to leave for a weekend or other extended period, the watches would either have to be allowed to completely unwind or would be continuously wound for the entire period of absence by the watchmaker. Either way, the self-winding watches were subjected to stress with the increased possibility of damage or premature wear.

Patent No. 2,863,345 also addressed a watch winding machine. This watch winding machine comprised modified parts from a portable record player. Watches were placed adjacent to stands positioned on the turntable and the turntable rotated at about 45 RPM. The watches then were subjected to rapid reversals of movement thereby causing the internal mechanism of the watches to wind their springs. For optimal use, the watch winding machine was tilted at an angle of about 45 degrees.

Although more physically attractive than the device of the '345 patent, the watch winding machine was still a large and bulky machine that sat on a specially designed stand. Further, the watch winding machine whipped the watches around at 45 revolutions per minute, which could easily damage the delicate mechanisms of self-winding watches. Also, the watch winding machine was manually activated and then remained in the on state until manually turned off. Thus, watches wound on the spinning turntable would be held at their fully wound state for extended periods of time. As discussed above, the watches were thereby subjected to the problems associated with over winding.

Patent No. 2,926,519 discloses another mechanism for winding self-winding watches. In operation, a carrier is slowly rotated by a watch clock about an axis . Once the carrier reaches the dead center upright position relative to the axis, the carrier is allowed to fall, thereby operating to agitate the watch winding mechanism so as to rewind the spring of the watch. Such agitation of the delicate watch mechanism seems likely to damage the watch. Even if this falling motion did not harm the self-winding watch, the repeated falling and jarring of the watches would be noisy and annoying to anyone near the mechanism. Further, as with other previous devices, the mechanism is on continuously once activated, thus potentially over winding the watches .

This device was also designed with the carrier removable so the watches could be placed in a safe for evenings and weekends. Of course, with the carrier placed in a safe for an extended period of time, the watches completely unwind, thereby risking the annoyance and damage associated with stopped self-winding watches. Too, the mechanism of the '519 patent is bulky and unattractive. Combined with the periodic noise made by this device, it is unsuitable for many uses.

Patent No. 4,057,958 also has a device that continuously winds a watch, but at a user selected speed. Thus, if too fast a speed is selected, the watch will over-wind and be subjected to the dangers of overwinding. If a too slow speed is selected, the watch will either unwind and be subjected to the risks associated with an unwound watch, or the watch will stay at such an unwound state that it will unwind soon after being removed from the watch winder.

Patent No. 5,608,693 discloses a non-linear vibration device which can be used to wind self-winding watches. However, this device provides a periodic sharp acceleration in two or more directions intended to simulate wrist action. Such a periodic motion would be accompanied with an annoying noise. Indeed, this device even has an enclosure where it is suggested the walls be lined with a sound absorbing material to provide sound deadening for the motor, coupling, and spring noise. A winder that has such a violent movement is likely to be hard on a delicate watch. Also, this repeated periodic noise limits the utility of the non-linear vibration device. Further, this device is controlled only through an on/off switch. Therefore, once activated, the device continues stimulating the self-winding watch. As the device is designed to bring a watch to full tension within three hours, an already wound watch would be subjected to stimulation long after it is fully wound. Such over winding is associated with various repair and operational risks to a self-winding watch. In recent years there has been an increased interest in owning investment quality wrist watches. These investment quality wrist watches not only represent a substantial financial investment for their owners but provide a sense of joy and accomplishment. In light of the substantial investment made in these watches, it is critical they be properly maintained so these watches hold or escalate their value. Further, any repair work on these watches not only affects their value, but is extremely time consuming and expensive. Therefore, owners of investment quality wrist watches are anxious to maintain their watches in a condition for optimal performance.

Those that possess such fine quality watches may desire to display the watches in an attractive storage device. Any such device would preferably protect the watch from environmental hazards such as dust, physical shock, excess humility or magnetic flux.

Prior devices for winding self-winding watches are unattractive, noisy, allow the watch to completely run down or continue winding the watch after it is already in a fully wound state. Further, the watch may be exposed to the environment, where it attracts dust and may be subjected to other environmental abuse. Thereby a need exists for a novel watch storage and winding device as provided herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a watch winder and storage device that is physically attractive and produces a level of noise that allows its use in a wide range of environments. Further, it is an object of the present invention that the watch winder bring a self-winding watch to a wound state without over or under winding the watch. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is not only easy to use, but provides environmental protection for the watch as well.

Therefore to overcome the disadvantages in the prior art and meet the objectives listed above, a novel watch storage and winding apparatus and method of using the same is herein presented. The device for storing and winding a watch has a watch chamber rotatably connected to a housing. A securing member is positioned adjacent the watch band with the securing member and watch releasably positioned within the watch chamber. The inner surface of the watch chamber has a surface selected to avoid scratching a watch. The securing member presses against the inner surface of the watch chamber thereby protecting the watch band and face. A motor rotates the watch chamber. The motor is controlled by control circuitry to provide an initial duration of rotation to wind the watch followed by periodic rotation duration to maintain the watch in a properly wound state. The watch chamber may be of an appropriate material for protecting the watch from harmful magnetic flux. Further, the chamber may provide a heater to lower the relative humidity. The watch chamber also provides protection from dust and other environmental pollution.

The watch storage and watch winding device thereby advantageously maintains the watch in a properly wound state. The watch is neither allowed to completely unwind nor is it continuously wound after already in a fully wound state. Further, the watch storage winding device may be easily positioned in an attractive housing for elegantly displaying investment quality watches. Watches are thereby displayed and protected from vibrations, magnetic flux, dust, and other environmental hazards. Additionally, the watch storage and winding device provides minimal noise thereby allowing the watch winding and storage device to be used in a residence and is even quiet enough for use in sleeping quarters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings :

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a watch winding device made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the device of FIG. 1 with the housing removed.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are an electrical schematic for the circuits providing motor control for the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 diagramatically demonstrates how FIGS. 4 and 5 correspond. FIG. 7 is a flow chart defining steps in a method of watch winding in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a watch resilient pad made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top view of a plurality of watch storage and winding devices electrically and physically interconnected in accordance with the present invention .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a new wrist watch winding device 10 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The watch winding device 10 is for personal home use to keep at least one watch 30 in a properly wound state. As will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the winder 10 may also be used commercially in stores or the like to maintain, store, and display wrist watches. The winder 10 may also be used to transport watches.

The watch winder 10 generally has an axially rotatable watch chamber 22 which is rotated by a motor 40. The duty cycle of the motor 40 is controlled by electronic circuitry on circuit board 50. The operator of the watch winder 10 controls watch winder activities using controls 14. A removable watch mounting device in the form of a watch resilient pad 34 is inserted within the watch band 31 of the watch 30. The resilient pad 34 and the watch 30 are inserted into the watch chamber 22 in a manner that protects the watch band and the watch face .

In operation, when the watch 30 is in the chamber 22, the on/off switch is activated, thereby permitting rotations to begin. The watch is rotated for an initial duration to bring the watch to a properly wound state.

Thereafter the watch is periodically rotated to maintain the watch at a proper state of winding, neither over or under winding the watch.

Considering now the watch chamber 22 in more detail. The watch chamber 22 comprises two concentrically positioned tubes. An outer chamber tube 74 is made of a magnetic substance, preferably steel, providing both physical protection and magnetic radiation protection for the watch 30. Thereby the watch 30 is protected from any magnetic flux emanating from the motor 40, circuit board 50, or an outside magnetic source.

An inner chamber tube 72 is concentrically positioned within the outer chamber tube 74. This inner chamber tube 72 is preferably made from a plastic material to avoid scratching the watches inserted in the chamber. As best shown in FIG. 2, the inner chamber tube 72 is longer than the outer chamber tube 74 thus allowing a portion of the inner chamber tube 72 to protrude from both sides of the outer chamber tube 74. The end surfaces of the outer chamber tube 74 have a chamfered surface 76. This chamfered surface provides an angled interface between the outer chamber tube 74 and the inner chamber tube 72.

The inner chamber tube 72 rests upon front idler rollers 36 and 37 and rear idler rollers 38 and 39. The front idler rollers 36 and 37 are attached to the front support 54. The rear idler rollers (not shown) are attached to the back support 56. The idler rollers are attached to their respective supports in a manner that allows the idler rollers to freely rotate. Although two pairs of idler rollers are used, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional pairs of idler rollers may be used to provide additional support to the watch chamber 22. The idler rollers roll on the protruding portion of the inner chamber tube 72. The chamfered surface 76 of the outer chamber tube 74 assists in longitudinally aligning the watch chamber 22. The watch chamber 22 thereby is rotatably connected to the front support 54 and the back support 56. A belt 48 is positioned around the outer tube 74 of the watch chamber 22. The outer surface of the outer chamber tube 74 is of a texture such that the belt 48 does not slip across the tube's surface. The belt is also retained on pulley 80 which is attached to motor 40. When activated, the motor 40 rotates the pulley 80 which in turn causes the belt 48 to rotate. The belt 48 grips the outer chamber tube 74 sufficiently to cause the watch chamber 22 to rotate about the idler rollers .

The pulley 80 and the outer chamber tube 74 have a relationship that enables several rotations of the motor to only partially rotate the watch chamber. The rotational speed of the motor in the preferred embodiment is thereby reduced such that the watch chamber 22 rotates at about 7-10 rotations per minute. Those skilled in the art readily recognize that other speeds may be selected consistent with the invention presented herein, and that other means to couple the motor to the watch chamber may be used.

Batteries 42 or a power plug 44 supply electrical energy to the motor 80. The motor 40 is connected to the housing base 52 with the motor support 86. Thereby the motor is secured in a manner that allows the pulley 80 to provide tension to the belt 48, thereby increasing the adhesive relationship between the belt 48 and the outer chamber tube 74. Motor control is provided by electrical circuits on the circuit board 50. Circuit board 50 is physically mounted to the top rails 58 and 59. Board screws 60 attach the circuit board 50 to the top rails 58 and 59 with spacers 62 providing physical and electrical insulation between the top rails 58 and 59 and the circuit board 50. Controls 14 are mounted on the circuit board 50 near the front end of the watch winder 10. Controls include: an indicator light 64 which indicates that the motor control system is operational; an on/off switch 66 which turns the entire watch winder 10 on and off; a rotation control 68 to set how long the watch chamber rotates each period; and finally, there is a direction control 70 which selects if the watch winder rotates clockwise or counter clockwise.

The indicator light 64 is designed to illuminate when the on/off switch is in the "on" state.

Additionally, the indicator light may have alternate circuitry 93 that permits the indicator light to blink when the device is in an "on" state and being powered by batteries. With the alternate circuitry 93, the light is steadily illuminated when the device is operating from an external power source, and is blinking when operating from batteries. Thereby users are readily aware when the device is operating from battery power and may therefore monitor for a low battery condition. Referring again to FIG. 1, the watch winder 10 has a front cover 16. The front cover 16 connects to the housing 12 of the watch winder 10 through hinges 26. In a similar hinged manner, a back cover 18 attaches to the housing 12. With the front cover in its lowered position as shown in FIG. 1 the watch chamber 22 is accessible. The front cover may be made of any appropriate material, either metallic or plastic. Preferably the front cover 16 is made of a clear plastic so that the watch 30 is visible even when the front cover 16 is closed. Alternatively, the cover 16 may have an optical window 92 that permits the viewing of a watch within the watch chamber 22 when the cover 16 is closed. Preferably, the optical window is about 2 1/2" in diameter has a magnifying effect, for example, 3X, to allow for easier watch viewing and identification. In a similar manner the back cover 18, when opened, allows access to a second watch chamber. The back cover preferably also has an optical window (not shown) . Those skilled in the art will recognize the second watch chamber is not necessary, but is provided as a convenience. Referring to FIG. 8, the pad 34a, in its uncompressed condition is a cylindrical block, which is circular in cross section throughout its axial length. The pad 34a has a circumference suitably dimensioned to be compressible received within the band of the watch 30. The pad 34a has a longitude suitably dimensioned to be compressibly and frictionally retained within the inner chamber tube 72. The pad 34a is composed of a suitably compressible material, which is preferably a thermo-plastic foam material . Due to the compressibility, watches of many sizes and shapes are accommodated using a single pad. Those skilled in the art will recognize that pad 34 may take various physical shapes and remain consistent with the present invention.

For example, FIG. 8 also shows pad 34b in the shape of a spherical block, sized to be compressibly and frictionally retained within the inner tube 72. As with pad 34a, pad 34b is compressibly received within a watch band.

As seen in FIGS . 1 and 3 , to use the watch winder 10, the resilient pad 34 is removably placed within the circumference of the watch band 31. The resilient pad 34 is compressed and placed inside the circumference of the watch band 31 and the compression released. The watch is thereby frictionally held securely to the resilient pad 34. As the watch band is acting to compress the circumference of the center portion of the pad 34, the circumference of the uncompressed areas of the pad 34 are larger than the compressed areas. These areas of raised foam rubber act to protect the watch band from contacting the inner chamber tube 72 as the watch and watch pad 34 are inserted into the inner chamber tube 72. Even if the watch 30 does contact the surface of the inner tube 72, the watch will not be scratched as the inner tube 72 is composed of a scratch inhibiting material such as a plastic.

The watch pad 34 is longitudinally sized to snugly fit within the inner chamber tube 72. The watch pad and watch are inserted into the inner chamber tube 72 preferably with the face of the watch 30 facing the cover. Most preferably, the longitudinal dimension of the resilient pad 34 is presented crosswise to the interior of the inner chamber tube 72 thereby wedging the pad 34 within the inner chamber tube 72. In such a manner, the watch face is visible for aesthetic purposes and is also provided optimal protection. The resilient pad 34 is thereby the mounting device that enables the watch to be safely and securely mounted within the watch chamber 22. Advantageously, the resilient pad 34 not only mounts the watch as indicated, but cushions the watch against physical vibration, and protects the watch from contacting the walls of the watch chamber 22. However, as the walls of the inner tube are plastic, if the watch does contact the walls, the watch will not be scratched.

The watch chamber 22 may be divided by an internal separator 90 into two compartments, each which may hold at least one watch. The first compartment is accessed from the front cover 16, while the second compartment is accessed from the back cover 18. As discussed, the covers may have an optical window 92 providing a visualization port into the watch chamber. The optical window 92 preferably has a magnifying quality, such as 3X, to allow a viewer to more easily see and admire a watch stored in the watch chamber.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the watch winding and storage device 10 has a resister 91 positioned within the housing. The resister 91 is selected to be approximately 150 OHM and capable of dissipating about two watts of power. When a 12 volt DC signal is applied to the resister 91, the resister 91 dissipates approximately one watt of power. As the resister 91 is connected to the power input directly, the resister 91 is dissipating power whenever power is applied to DC plug 44.

As shown in FIG. 1, the normal operating configuration for the watch storage and winding device 10 is with the housing 12 in place, and the front and back covers 16 and 18 closed. So configured, the heat dissipated by the resister 91 is accumulated and warms the watch chamber 22. The one watt power dissipated within the device is used to raise the internal temperature of the unit sufficient to stop condensation on any watch held within the watch chamber 22. It has been found that resister 91 raises the internal temperature of the unit by about 10 degrees, which has been found sufficient to stop potential condensation. Thereby a watch held within the watch chamber 22 is protected from the damaging effects from humidity. Not only does the watch winding and storage device 10 protect watches from condensation, but the device additionally protects the watches from dust and other environmental pollutants. As seen in FIG. 1, the covers have extensions which form a protective interface with the front plate 54. Thereby, when the watch 30 is within the watch chamber 22, the watch is protected from humidity, magnetism, shock, dust and other environmental hazards. However, the watch may still be readily viewed through the optical window 92. As a watch owner may own several wrist watches, it may be desirable that several watch storage and winding devices be connected together for storage or display purposes. Referring to FIG. 2, the watch winding and storage device 10 has a power plug 44 for receiving DC electrical power. The power received from plug 44 is not only used to power resister 91 and the electric circuit board 50, but also passes power through to plug 44' as shown in FIG. 3. Again referring to FIG. 2, the watch winding device has coupler 88 and coupler 89 positioned to assist in physically interconnecting multiple watch winding and storage devices. Referring now to FIG. 9, a watch winding device 10a is shown physically and electrically connected to a watch winding device 10b. Watch winding and storage device 10a has a power transformer 97 which connects to any available alternating current power. Those skilled in the art recognize that transformers are readily available to couple with popular voltages and frequencies. The output from transformer 97 provides a 12 volt DC signal which is received into power plug 44a. Power received on plug 44a is used to power device 10a and is interconnected to pass through power plug 44a' .

Power interconnect 95 is a male to male power coupler which connects the power coupler 44a' to 44b. In such a manner, power is now provided for the watch winding and storage device 10b. Therefore, the single power transformer 97 powers both watch winding storage device 10a and watch winding and storage device 10b. In a similar manner, additional watch winding and storage devices may be electrically interconnected. To provide physical coupling, watch winding and storage device 10a has couplers 88a and 89a and watch winding and storage device 10b has couplers 88b and 89b.

Each coupler is a member having a socket recess with the recess sized and shaped for receiving a coupling rod 96. The coupling rod has a diameter, for example, one- quarter inch, sized to be received into the socket within each coupler. Thereby, the coupling rod 96 is inserted into coupler 89a of device 10a and into coupler 88b of device 10b. Thereby devices 10a and 10b are physically coupled. Preferably no more than 10 watch winding and storage devices are physically and electrically coupled together.

Turning now to the control system controlling the watch winder rotation which is in accordance with the present invention. The watch winder 10 has an on/off switch 66 that manually controls when the watch winding device is activated. Optionally, an interlock may be provided (not shown) so that, even if the on/off switch 66 is in an "on" state, the watch chamber will not rotate if either the front cover 16 or back cover 18 is open.

The winding sequence is best described while referring to FIG. 7. As shown in box 150, the direction of rotation is selected with the direction control switch 70. Also using the controls 14, the rotation duration for each period is set using the rotation control 68. The rotation control 68 allows any one of 10 rotation durations to be set. The rotation duration is selectable at .5 minute increments from .5 minute to 5 minutes for each duration. Of course, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other rotation times may be selected or a continuous rotation control input could be used, either analogue or digital. Indeed, many variations of the winding cycles are consistent with the present invention. Those skilled in the art- will recognize that typical wrist watches require about 900 to about 1200 turns per day for optimum winding.

Once the direction and rotation duration has been set in block 150, the covers are closed and the power switch activated pursuant to block 152. The rotation sequence is now started with the rotation initiated in the selected direction. The present embodiment rotates the watch chamber at approximately 7-10 rotations per minute. The watch chamber 22 is initially rotated for 40 minutes as shown in block 156. After 40 minutes the rotation is ended as shown in block 158. Block 160 indicates that a periodic rotation is started every 80 minutes. Thereby every 80 minutes the periodic rotation is started in the selected direction as indicated in block 162. The periodic rotation continues for the duration selected on the rotation control 68 as shown in block 164. After the duration for periodic rotation has expired, the rotation is ended and the program continues with block 158. The rotation sequence continues with the watch chamber 22 being rotated for the selected duration time every 80 minutes . However, if the power switch is turned off as indicated in 166, the watch chamber 22 ends rotation as shown in block 169. If the power switch is turned back on, the entire rotation sequence begins anew at block 152.

In the watch winding device 10, the watch winder will initially rotate the watch about 320 times (40 minutes at about 8 rotations per minute) . Thereafter the watch will be rotated about 4 to 40 times every 80 minutes. This allows an adjustment of about 180 turns per day to about 1800 turns per day, thereby accommodating the winding needs of a wide variety of watches. The initial about 320 rotations will bring a typical self-winding watch to a fully wound or nearly full wound state. Thereafter the watch spring is thus allowed to unwind for a period of time, and then the watch is rotated for several rotations to bring the watch back to the desired state of tension.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other periodic durations, periods, initial rotation durations and other rotation speeds will meet the objectives of the present invention. For example, after the initial 40 minute winding, the preferred embodiment may have a wait time different than the period for the periodic rotation. Here, the wait time only after the initial duration is indicated to be 100 minutes. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the electric schematic for the circuits on circuit board 50. Although this embodiment will be detailed below, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that several alternatives exist to implement this or similar electronic circuitry. For example, similar functionality may have been implemented using a microprocessor and memory configuration.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between FIGS. 4 and 5. The electrical lines identified as A-F on FIG. 4 correspond to the electrical lines A' - F' on FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows that FIGS. 4 and 5 may be physically aligned to allow easy reading of the entire schematic for the circuit board 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the electric schematic will be described. An oscillator 101 provides 249 pulses per second on the oscillator output line 107.

The oscillator output 107 provides input to the 13 stage counter 109. The 13 stage counter reduces the 249 pulses per second on the oscillator output line 107 to one pulse per minute on the 13 stage output 111. This 13 stage output 111 provides the primary timing signal for the remaining circuitry.

The 13 stage output 111 is an input to the U3 decade counter 113 and the U4 decade counter 115. U3 provides output lines 141 which indicate in Binary Code Decimal (BCD) how many minutes the watch chamber has been rotating. U3 also provides output line 117 which pulses every 10 minutes. The output line 117 acts as a gating signal to decade counter 115 thereby gating every 10th pulse received from the 13 stage output line 111. Thusly, decade counter 115 counts in increments of 10 minutes. Line 119 therefore pulses at 40 minutes, and line 133 pulses initially at 100 minutes. However, the pulse received on line 133 is fed back into decade counter 115 on the preset pin 142. The preset pin 142 presets the decade counter 115 to the value set on pins 134. The input pins 134 to decade counter 115 provide for a preset allowing for counts of less than 10. For example, in the circuit, pin 4 is shown high with pins 3, 5 and 6 grounded. Thus, the decade counter 115 is preset to decimal 2 so the first pulse on pin 2 with gating on pins 10 and 7 will cause the decade counter 115 to indicate a 2. Thereby the decade counter 115 follows the sequence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 before advancing to the next decade. When the decade is advanced, line 133 receives a pulse. Thus, after the first 100 minutes, line 133 pulses thereafter every 80 minutes .

When the power switch 129 is moved from off to on, or either of the reset switches on the covers are closed 103 and 105, a reset signal is sent to the circuit. The reset 147 resets the 13 stage oscillator 109, both decade counters 113 and 115 and the JK flip flops 121 and 123. With the JK flip flops 121 and 123 reset, the motor control line 131 activates the motor drive switch 125. The motor drive switch, acting through the direction control 127, drives the motor 40. After 40 minutes of rotation a pulse is received on the pulse line 119 into JK flip flop 121. When the pulse is received on line 119 by JK flip flop 121, the "set" signal is removed from JK flip-flop 123 and it rests with the next pulse on clock line 111. This toggles motor control line 131 to turn off the motor drive switch 125. The motor is thereby stopped and rotation ends. Although the motor has stopped, the counters continue counting. After 100 minutes has elapsed, a period pulse is received on line 133. The period pulse on line 133 is received by JK flip flop 123 thereby toggling output 131 to turn the motor drive switch 125 back on.

Since the sending of the period pulse corresponds with the decade count of decade counter 113, the motor switch activates when the BCD output lines 141 indicate zero. Therefore, the output of BCD lines 141 indicate the number of minutes that the motor drive switch 125 has been activated. Switch 135 has four position settings corresponding to BCD values of 1, 2, 4 and 8. These inputs are accepted by comparator 137. The comparator 137 compares the sum of the values as set by switch 135 to the output from the BCD output lines 141 to determine when the chamber has been rotated for the appropriate number of minutes. For example, if the switch 135 is set to have a BCD input of 5 (1 and 4) into the comparator 137, when the BCD output lines 141 equal BCD 5 (1 and 4), the comparator sends a rotation complete signal on line 143. This signal toggles motor control line 131 to turn off the motor control drive switch 125 thus ending rotation. Thereafter, period pulses will be received on line 133 every 80 minutes, thereby causing the watch chamber to rotate for the duration indicated on switch 135. Thus, the watch chamber 22 is rotated every 80 minutes for a set duration.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device for winding a watch, the watch having a face -and a band, the watch winding device comprising: a housing; a watch chamber having an inner surface with the watch chamber rotatably connected to the housing; means for rotating the watch chamber; controller means for activating and de- activating the rotating means so that the watch is not over wound or under wound; a mounting means positioned adjacent the watch band and placed within the watch chamber, the mounting means pressing against the inner surface of the watch chamber; wherein the watch is releasably held within the watch chamber.

2. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the housing has an aluminum frame. 3. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the watch chamber is a metal or plastic tube .

4. A watch winding device according to claim 1 where the watch chamber has a plastic tube within a metal tube.

5. A watch winding device according to claim 1 where the means for rotating is an electric motor and belt.

6.- A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the means for rotating includes a gear drive .

7. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the means for rotating includes idler rollers . 8. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the mounting means is a resilient pad.

9. The watch winding device of or according to claim 8 where the resilient pad is made of a foam rubber . 10 A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the watch chamber can accommodate a plurality of watches.

11. Watch winding device according to claim 1 where the watch chamber has two ends with each end able to accommodate a watch and a divider separates the watch chamber into two compartments, each compartment configured to receive a wrist watch.

12. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the housing further comprises a cover.

13. A device for winding a watch according to claim 12 wherein opening the cover stops the rotating means .

14'. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 wherein the controller means activates rotation of the watch chamber for an initial duration and at the end of the initial duration the controller stops the rotation.

15. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the controller means periodically activates the rotating means for a time duration, the duration being less than the period, thereby rotating the watch chamber for the duration each period.

16. A watch winding device according to claim 15 where the time duration is selectable.

17. A watch winding device according to claim 1 where controller means further comprise means to select a direction of rotation.

18. A method for winding a watch the method comprising: positioning a watch within a rotatable watch chamber ; rotating the watch for an initial duration to substantially fully wind the watch; stopping the rotation for a watch unwinding duration to permit the watch to become partially unwound; and rotating the watch periodically for a time duration, the time duration being less than the period, thereby rotating the watch chamber for the time duration each period.

19. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the time duration is selected to return the watch to an optimally wound condition.

20. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the watch unwinding duration is about 100 minutes . 21. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the period is about 80 minutes.

23. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the initial duration is about 40 minutes.

24. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the time duration less than the period is selectable in the range of about .5 to about 5 minutes.

25. A mounting device for a watch winder, the watch winder having an axially rotatable chamber, the mounting device comprising: a watch resilient pad in the form of a block, the block having a circumference dimension and a longitude dimension, the watch resilient pad being composed of a suitably compressible material; wherein the circumference is suitably dimensioned to frictionally retain a wrist watch, the wrist watch tending to compress the watch resilient pad in the circumference dimension, and the longitude is suitably dimensioned so that the longitudinal dimension of the watch resilient pad is frictionally received crosswise within the watch chamber, thereby wedging the watch resilient pad within the watch chamber.

26 The watch winder of claim 25 wherein the watch resilient pad is a cylindrical or spherical block.

27. The watch winder of claim 25 wherein the watch resilient pad is composed of a foam rubber material. 28. A watch winding device for winding a watch, comprising : a housing; a watch chamber rotatably connected to the housing and suitably sized to receive the watch; means for rotating the watch chamber; controller means for activating and deactivating the rotating means by: a) rotating the watch for an initial duration to substantially fully wind the watch; b) stopping the rotation for a watch unwinding duration to permit the watch to become partially unwound; and c) rotating the watch periodically for a time duration less than the period.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 23 December 1999 (23.12.99); original claims 1-28 replaced by new claims 1-27; (6 pages)]

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device for winding a watch, the watch having a face and a band, the watch winding device comprising: a housing; a watch chamber having an inner surface with the watch chamber rotatably connected to the housing; means for rotating the watch chamber; controller means for activating and de- activating the rotating means so that the watch is not over wound or under wound; a mounting means positioned adjacent the watch band and placed within the watch chamber, the mounting means pressing against the inner surface of the watch chamber; wherein the watch is releasably held within the watch chamber.

2. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the housing has an aluminum frame. 3. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the watch chamber is a metal or plastic tube.

6. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the means for rotating includes a gear drive .

7. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the means for rotating includes idler rollers . 8. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the mounting means is a resilient pad. 9. The watch winding device of or according to claim 8 where the resilient pad is made of a foam rubber. 10 A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 where the watch chamber can accommodate a plurality of watches.

14. A device for winding a watch according to claim 1 wherein the controller means activates rotation of the watch chamber for an initial duration and at the end of the initial duration the controller stops the rotation.

18. A method for winding a watch the method comprising: positioning a watch within a rotatable watch chamber; rotating the watch for an initial duration to substantially fully wind the watch; stopping the rotation for a watch unwinding duration to permit the watch to become partially unwound; and rotating the watch periodically for a time duration, the time duration being less than the period, thereby rotating the watch chamber for the time duration each period.

22. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the initial duration is about 40 minutes.

23. A method for winding a watch according to claim 18 where the time duration less than the period is selectable in the range of about .5 to about 5 minutes.

24. A mounting device for a watch winder, the watch winder having an axially rotatable chamber, the mounting device comprising: a watch resilient pad in the form of a block, the block having a circumference dimension and a longitude dimension, the watch resilient pad being composed of a suitably compressible material; wherein the circumference is suitably dimensioned to frictionally retain a wrist watch, the wrist watch tending to compress the watch resilient pad in the circumference dimension, and the longitude is suitably dimensioned so that the longitudinal dimension of the watch resilient pad is frictionally received crosswise within the watch chamber, thereby wedging the watch resilient pad within the watch chamber.

25 The watch winder of claim 24 wherein the watch resilient pad is a cylindrical or spherical block.

26. The watch winder of claim 24 wherein the watch resilient pad is composed of a foam rubber material. 27. A watch winding device for winding a watch, comprising: a housing; a watch chamber rotatably connected to the housing and suitably sized to receive the watch; means for rotating the watch chamber; controller means for activating and deactivating the rotating means by: a) rotating the watch for an initial duration to substantially fully wind the watch; b) stopping the rotation for a watch unwinding duration to permit the watch to become partially unwound; and c) rotating the watch periodically for a time duration less than the period.