Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Displays or display device details
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-04
2001-08-21
Miska, Vit (Department: 2859)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Displays or display device details
C368S236000, C368S276000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278664
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to timepieces, and in particular to a timepiece with a decorative, changeable display.
2. Description of the Related Art
Decorative timepieces are not new. Numerous timepieces have been developed with ornamental displays, casings and other parts. However, unlike the present invention, many timepieces' ornamental appearances cannot be readily altered after manufacture and assembly.
The prior art includes the Takano et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,512. Although this invention discloses a clock with a separate decorative cover sheet, the cover sheet is not readily removable.
The prior art also includes the Schiavolini U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,102, which discloses a clock having an interchangeable decorative member. However, unlike the present invention, the decorative member shown in the '102 patent is attached to a removable frame which in turn is attached to the clock. The partially transparent member and frame are placed over or above the clock's hands.
Others have designed different decorative timepieces. However, such timepieces generally are more complicated in construction and, therefore, more expensive to manufacture and more difficult to use. The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the previous decorative timepieces. Heretofore there has not been available a timepiece with an interchangeable display with the advantages and features of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally comprises a timepiece including a supportive structure, a face subassembly and a clock mechanism. In the present embodiment, the supportive structure is a cabinet subassembly including a pair of sides, a top, and a bottom which form an enclosure. A backing is positioned in the enclosure and mounted to the supportive structure. The backing includes a front or outer surface and a rear or inner surface. A first opening extends through the backing, and a second opening or finger hole also extends through the backing. A plurality of seats are attached near respective corners of the backing's outer surface. In the primary embodiment, markings (e.g. numerals or other markings) appear on the backing's outer surface. In a modified embodiment, markings appear on a display, as discussed below. A compartment is formed in the rear of the enclosure.
The face subassembly includes a decorative display which can be mounted to and removed from the backing to provide different ornamentation. Different displays promote versatility and a sense of newness as the timepiece takes on entirely different looks. The display can be changed, for example, with the seasons, to announce holidays, or to “grow” with a child. The display includes a front or outer surface, and an inner surface. The display can be painted, drawn upon, covered in fabric or otherwise decorated. Markings may appear on the display. The display and supportive structure can assume various shapes including, for example, rectangular, circular, triangular, or an oval.
The display can be of a shape to cover the entire backing or a portion thereof. A circular opening extends through the the display. Connectors are attached to the display's inner surface.
The display can be removably attached to backing's outer surface by positioning thereon. A coupling force is created between the backing's seats and the display's connectors, holding the display in place.
The display can be removed by inserting one's finger from the backing's rear surface through the finger hole and pushing with sufficient force to break the couple between the seats and the connectors. Additional displays may then be positioned on the backing.
The clock mechanism includes a motor mounted on the backing's rear surface with a shaft extending therefrom through the backing's first opening. The shaft will also extend through the display's opening when it is positioned on the backing. Hands are mounted on an end of the shaft. A power source supplies power to the motor.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The principle objects and advantages of the present invention include: providing a timepiece with an ornamental display that can be readily changed; providing such a timepiece that is versatile for different decorative needs; providing such a display that can be covered in fabric, painted, drawn upon or otherwise decorated; providing such a display that can be easily removed without the need for any special tools; providing such a timepiece which also serves as a storage compartment for additional displays; providing such a timepiece which is relatively simple to manufacture; providing such a timepiece that keeps accurate time; and providing such a device which is particularly well adapted for the intended usages thereof.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
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Huffman Ann C.
Huffman Gary
Brown Mark E.
Miska Vit
Shughart Thomson & Kilroy P.C.
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