Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Astronomical
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-22
2003-06-17
Miska, Vit (Department: 2841)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Astronomical
C368S016000, C368S021000, C368S223000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06580663
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a timepiece, preferably but not exclusively, in the form of a wristwatch to be mounted on the body of a user, which indicates among other things, the signs of the Zodiac and the positions of the celestial bodies or planets, at any given time. The celestial timepiece of the present invention is structured to selectively display predetermined general information such as current local time, date and location, as well as dynamic astrological information based on the current local time and location, such that the user is aided in determining the likely outcome of a plurality of events or occurrences, based on the displayed astrological information, at any given time.
2. Description of the Related Art
The study of the sun, moon, other planets and the stars has been known and enjoyed by man since ancient times. Centuries ago, astrology and more in particular, the study of the movements of planets relative to a person's time of birth were considered to be controlling of the happenings and events during a person's life as well as the eventual outcome of a person's life. In modern times, astrology is becoming an increasing blend of both art and science. Astrologers or those involved in the interpretation of celestial or planetary movements and their impact on people around the world are consulted by people of all types and ages. Interest in astrology for purposes of determining the future and/or the outcome of various events are found not only in the curious, but even in more powerful and influential personages, including world leaders.
The determination of astrological events by the “reading” of the planetary positions and constellations of the Zodiac has historically meant long and tedious hours of calculation of the various planetary orbits and interpretation of that information. In addition, it has long been believed that in order to obtain a reliable horoscope or other pertinent astrological information a so-called “professional” involved in the computation and interpretation of such information must be consulted. While the interpretation of such astrological information is still best placed in the hands of a professional astrologer, the calculation and availability of such information is more easily accessed in contemporary times in that certain manuals have been developed, and software programs as well, to facilitate the computation of various stars and planet locations and orbits.
However, because of the increasing popularity of astrology and the belief that the determination of the outcome of future events can be predicted, there is still a need for a relatively small display assembly, such as a timepiece, which is capable of accurately presenting celestial information such as the movement and relative positions of the planets relative to a geographical location, as well as the current time and date for that locale.
Conventional techniques for displaying time are well known to all and include numerical displays, including rotating hands and the like, and digital displays. Clocks that display the phases of the moon or other features of the solar system are also known, but often are complicated in their construction. In addition, such attempts to provide celestial timepieces seem to rely more on appearance rather than substance, and consequently, are of questionable accuracy in terms of providing substantive astrological information. Further, it is believed that such known devices do not address the need for sturdiness which is typically required of a wearable timepiece.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a combined timepiece and display assembly structured and disposed to display at least a current local time and date for a particular geographical location, as well as the astrological information for that particular geographical location, in sufficient detail to permit a wearer to determine a horoscope or the likely outcome of a particular event. Any such assembly should preferably include a digital display and a representation of the signs of the Zodiac and other planetary bodies of the solar system in a movable array, and more preferably, should also incorporate a fixed depiction of the twelve “Houses” of the Zodiac, all within a casing structured and designed to be wearable in wristwatch form. It would also be preferable to package any such assembly in combination with a simplified astrological guide in order to facilitate the understanding of astrological movements and the interpretation of that information in order to arrive at a prediction for the outcome of a particular event and/or negative or positive influences for a known period of time. Any such assembly should also be accurate in terms of calculating the planetary movements and orbits to an extent sufficient to not only promote the interest of curious amateurs but to be relied upon by experienced astrological forecasters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is designed to address the needs which remain in the art and relate to a celestial timepiece assembly, which may be in the form of a wristwatch, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other digital processor assembly incorporating a display facility. Further, the celestial timepiece of the present invention may assume or be incorporated in a variety of different structural embodiments, which are preferably, but not exclusively, sufficiently small, light weight and compact to be easily carried on or by a user. By way of example only, when incorporated in a wristwatch or like structure, it may be sized and configured to be mounted on the wrist or other convenient location on the user's body. In the preferred embodiment, the celestial timepiece of the present invention is digitally operative and includes a processor or central processing unit (“CPU”), which may be in the form of a microprocessor specifically sized to be carried within a casing of a wristwatch, pocket watch, PDA or similar type of instrument. In its simplest form, the present invention may be used to maintain and display local times. In addition, the date and geographical location may be stored and possibly displayed.
More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a casing sized and configured to correspond to a substantially conventionally sized wristwatch having some type of connecting wristband or strap mounted thereon to facilitate attachment to the wrist or other convenient part of the user. The present invention further includes a display assembly having a display face mounted in an exposed position on the casing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display surface preferably comprises an annular band formed of the same rigid material as and integral with the casing and is formed of an at least partially transparent material for viewing. A cover member formed of a rigid yet clear material can be provided with the casing and disposed so as to overlie and protect the display assembly. The display assembly is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) which is clearly viewable through the cover member, if one is provided, and further, is preferably centrally disposed on the casing, at a center region adjacent to the display surface, and effectively defines a majority of the exposed surface of the casing. In order to accomplish digital activation of the display assembly, it is connected either directly or indirectly through conventional circuitry to the workings of the CPU. The CPU or processor is electronically structured and disposed to incorporate and/or to communicate with a plurality of databases, each having appropriate memory facilities for the storage and maintenance of a variety of different information. Further, the CPU and the provided databases are structured and disposed to be cooperatively responsive with one another so that the variety of different information, including certain additional information which is inputted into the CPU, can be organized and stored in various pre-determined categories. The CPU is structured and
Malloy & Malloy P.A.
Miska Vit
LandOfFree
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