Combination wristwatch and bicycle computer

• US 4,780,864 A
• Filed: 03/21/1988
• Issued: 10/25/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Timex Corporation (Tanager Group BV)
• Original Assignee: Timex Corporation (Tanager Group BV)
• Inventors: Houlihan, John T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Miska, Vit W.
• Application Number:
  US07/171,056
• Time in Patent Office: 218 Days
• Field of Search: 368/10, 368/107-110, 324/160, 324/161, 324/166, 324/134, 324/670, 364/561, 364/565, 364/569
• US Class Current: 368/10
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/002 for cycles
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/484 delivered by contact-making switches
• CPC Class Codes: G04B 47/061 calculating scales for indicating relationship between quantity and time indicating or recording of quantity-time ratios G01D; meters for measuring average speed, measuring speed by chronograph G01P; slide rules and calculating wheels G06G
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/02 Detectors of external physical values, e.g. temperature

Abstract

A digital wristwatch having a case and strap also serves as a computer to display speed, distance, and pedaling cadence when temporarily attached to a holder on the bicycle handlebar. Wheel and sprocket sensors are connected to electrical terminals in the holder. The wristwatch is provided with external electrical terminals connected to a microcomputer in the watchcase which uses signals from the sensors when the watchcase is termporarily retained in the holder. The watch mode is converted to bicycle mode by actuating push buttons on the watchcase, which are accessible through windows on the holder.

Claims

1. A combination timepiece and bicycle computer for monitoring the operation of a bicycle, comprising:

a case having an electrooptical display and a timekeeping circuit disposed therein, said circuit being also responsive to external signals, said case having a plurality of first electrical terminals connected to said circuit,

a holder arranged for attachment to said bicycle, said holder having a plurality of second electrical terminals,

at least one sensor disposed on said bicycle for providing a periodic signal,

means connecting said sensor to selected second electrical terminals, and

case retaining means in said holder defining a receptacle for temporarily holding said case so that said first electrical terminals are in contact with said second electrical terminals.

2. The combination according to claim 1, and including a strap attached to said case for holding it on the wrist when worn as a watch, said holder being arranged to receive said strap for further securing said case when it is in said receptacle.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein two sensors are disposed on said bicycle and are arranged to provide a periodic signal proportional to bicycle speed and a periodic signal proportional to pedaling cadence.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said first electrical terminals include at least one socket terminal in the side of said case.

5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said case includes at least one manual actuator, and wherein said holder retaining means defines a first window surrounding said manual actuator to provide access to the manual actuator when the case is in the receptacle.

6. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said case retaining means comprises a pivotable member attached to said holder and defining a second window for viewing the electrooptical display when the case is in the receptacle.

7. The combination according to claim 6, wherein said case includes a plurality of manual actuators on the sides thereof, and wherein said pivotable member defines a plurality of windows providing access to said manual actuators when the case is in the receptacle.

8. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said first electrical terminals comprise at least two socket terminals in the side of said case and wherein said second electrical terminals comprise at least two pins protruding into said receptacle.

9. The combination according to claim 8, wherein a said first electrical terminal additionally comprises a metal caseback attached to said case and wherein a said second electrical terminal further comprises a metal contact spring in the bottom of said receptacle.

10. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said holder includes first and second pivotably connected housing parts adapted to surround a handlebar, and having means to attach said housing parts to grasp the handlebar.