Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Displays or display device details
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-10
2001-07-17
Miska, Vit (Department: 2859)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Displays or display device details
C368S232000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262947
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of timepieces and more particularly, to a timepiece with a changeable dial face which can easily and conveniently alter the overall appearance of the timepiece.
THE PRIOR ART
The prior art related to timepieces includes the following United States Patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,130 to Sato et al. shows a clock with a pair of dial pieces which are laterally operably pivoted on a stationary shaft. In the closed position, the two dial pieces define a single time display face. When a driving motor is operated, the dial pieces are moved apart to an open position revealing a small group of statues which are normally hidden when the dial pieces are in the closed position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,130 to Grupp et al. shows a timepiece in which a field-effect or charge-effect optical shutter allows a decorative design, which is placed against the backface of the timepiece, is uncovered or masked depending on the change of state of the optical shutter.
Despite the various developments in the prior art, there remains a need for a timepiece in which the dial face can be easily changed without resorting to electrical motors or electrical devices of any kind.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a timepiece with an easily changeable dial face.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece with a changeable dial face in which the dial face can be altered by rotating a bezel.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece with a changeable dial face in which the dial face can be altered by sliding a button.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece with a changeable dial face in which the dial face can be altered by pushing a button.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece having a plurality of changeable dial faces which are individually selectable.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece with a changeable dial face which can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece with a changeable dial face which comprises a relatively small number of component parts, each of which can be manufactured in volume at a relatively low cost resulting in a relatively low unit cost.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly hereinafter.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a timepiece with a changeable dial face which includes a rotatable bezel mounjited on the housing. A storage area inside the housing contains a plurality of folded or crumpled sector elements. The sector elements each have an apex which is attached to a curved spring-like wire and a base which is attached to the housing. Rotating the bezel causes elements in the bezel to push the wires out of the storage area and catises the wires and the sector elements to cover a conventional solid dial face which is mounted in the housing thereby changing the appearance of the dial face. The sector members may have various indicia formed thereon.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the rotating bezel is replaced by a sliding button and/or by a push button.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, multiple assemblies of wire members and sector elements are mounted one above the other and above a conventional dial face.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the solid dial face and/or the housing are made of a transparent material.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4660992 (1987-04-01), Paul et al.
patent: 4941137 (1990-07-01), Kikuchi
patent: 5161130 (1992-11-01), Sato et al.
patent: 5168479 (1992-12-01), Lima
Malina Bernard
Malina & Wolson
Miska Vit
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