Case for an electronic wristwatch module

• US 4,077,200 A
• Filed: 08/23/1976
• Issued: 03/07/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation (ON Semiconductor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation (ON Semiconductor Corporation)
• Inventors: Schneider, Mark R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Witkowski, Stanley J.
• Application Number:
  US05/716,611
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 50/23 R, 50/50 R, 50/88 R, 200/61.43, 200/329, 200/330, 200/331, 200/DIG. 2
• US Class Current: 368/69
• CPC Class Codes: G04C 3/005 Multiple switches G04C3/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 200/02 Body attached switches

Abstract

A new and improved case for electronic wristwatch modules, which case has an improved means for activating the watch display means. The new case of this invention comprises a frame for supporting a module containing a frequency standard, a frequency divider, an electro-optical display means, and switching means for operating the display means; at least one bar retained in an edge of the frame; means for biasing the bar away from the frame; and, means coupling the bar to the switching means, whereby pressure exerted on the bar operates the display means.

Claims

1. An electronic wristwatch assembly comprising:

a case for supporting a module containing a frequency standard, a frequency divider, an electro-optical display means, and switching means for operating said display means;

an elongated member having a straight longitudinal axis retained in an edge of the case;

a second elongated member having a straight longitudinal axis retained in an opposite edge of the case from the elongated member, the axis of the second elongated member being parallel to the axis of the elongated member;

means for biasing the elongated member away from the case including at least one spring disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, and disposed between the elongated member and the second elongated member; and

means for coupling the elongated member to the switching means, whereby force exerted on said elongated member causes it to move in a direction other than that direction defined by its longitudinal axis to thereby operate the display means.

2. An electronic wristwatch assembly as in claim 1 wherein a region of the surface of the elongated member extending from one end thereof to the opposite end thereof projects beyond the surface of the case.

3. An assembly as in claim 1 wherein the means for biasing includes two springs, one disposed on each side of the midpoint of the length of the elongated member.

4. An assembly as in claim 1 wherein the means for coupling the elongated member to the switching means is adjustable to thereby allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the switching means.

5. An assembly as in claim 4 wherein the means for coupling comprises a threaded screw and threads are provided in the elongated member for receiving said threaded screw.