Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Chronological – With electro-optical display
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-08
2001-03-06
Miska, Vit (Department: 2859)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Chronological
With electro-optical display
C368S223000, C368S240000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06198698
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
The present invention was first disclosed in the Disclosure Document filed on Sep. 25, 1998. There have been no previously filed, nor any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to watches and clocks, and, more particularly, to an illuminating, visual, time indicating device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modern fashion trends dictate an ever evolving and changing of popularity wherein the clothing and accessories that are considered cutting edge today are considered passe tomorrow. In keeping with these trends, society's strong desire to be different and its willingness to be judged by the clothes that one wears, the industry is in a constant search for new and innovative styles that will help to define the next fashion trend.
Not limited strictly to clothing, this need for innovation extends to all areas of fashion, including that of accessories. Accordingly, there is a constant need for new and innovative ideas that not only create new clothing styles, but also that innovate the fashion accessory market
In the related art, several devices are disclosed that describe a dual-hemisphere timepiece with different coloring or shading. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,864, issued in the name of Lorello, U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,002, issued in the name of Cash, U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,892, issued in the name of Lukens and U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,800, issued in the name of Blum.
Several patents disclose an apparatus for visually indicating elapsed time through a color change. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,013, issued in the name of Bik, U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,615, issued in the name of Havel and U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,876, issued in the name of Delatorre.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,341, issued in the name of Amano describes character panel of a watch separated according to color in three wedge-shaped portions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,731, issued in the name of Massaro, discloses a child's easy-to-read timepiece.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a new apparatus and method for indicating time utilizing visual and graphical as well as number recognition techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, an illuminating, visual, time indicating device that provides a functional, stylish, novel method of displaying the correct time in either a watch or clock.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an illuminating, visual, time indicating device is disclosed, incorporating a new and innovative wristwatch design that is both functional and stylistic. The electronic timepiece of the present invention incorporates liquid crystal display (LCD) or other illuminating or indicating technology to produce a watch that indicates time in an unconventional manner that is both decorative and stylistic. Incorporating a hybrid form of the hour/minute hand design commonly found on conventional timepieces, the LCD watch face of the present invention indicates the hour by illuminating the number on the watch face while indicating the minute in a pie chart like manner, filling the entire watch face in a clockwise fashion as the hour passes. The appearance of the watch conveys the time to the user at a glance while providing an outward appearance of style.
Capable of incorporation into a wall clock design as well, use of the present invention affords the user the ability to quickly and easily determine the time while also creating a conversation piece that will be sure to draw the attention and appreciation of all those that view it.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new time indication method using graphic display functions as well as colors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a quick and easy way to use time indication device.
DESCRIPTIVE KEY
10
illuminating, visual, time
indicating device
15
watch body
20
strap
25
fastening means
30
watch face
35
hour indicia
40
current hour number
45
shaded area
50
leading edge
55
first time setting means
60
second time setting means
65
clock body
70
movement direction arrow
75
battery
80
main controller
85
crystal oscillator
90
frequency dividing network
95
first output
100
lamp driver module
105
common return lead
110
second output
115
display driver module
120
pie-shaped indicating segment
REFERENCES:
patent: 3427800 (1969-02-01), Blum
patent: 3798892 (1974-03-01), Lukens
patent: 4028876 (1977-06-01), Delatorre
patent: 4312055 (1982-01-01), Noble
patent: 4702615 (1987-10-01), Havel
patent: 4759002 (1988-07-01), Cash
patent: 4885731 (1989-12-01), Massaro
patent: 5199009 (1993-03-01), Svast
patent: 5228013 (1993-07-01), Bik
patent: 5422864 (1995-06-01), Lorello
patent: 5526327 (1996-06-01), Corouga, Sr.
patent: 5638341 (1997-06-01), Amano
patent: 5694376 (1997-12-01), Sullivan
Gugliotta John D.
Miska Vit
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