Cap and timepiece device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to unique hats with timepieces for synergistic purposes.

[0003] 2. Information Disclosure Statement

[0004] The following patents describe hats or other articles which include timepieces:

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,668 describes a holder for securing timepiece to an article, such as a backpack, tent, bicycle, or ski coat for example. In a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises a base which is securable to a watch case, and a cover to shield the watch case when it is attached to the base. In one embodiment, the watch case is secured to the base by an elastic strap which is of a width and thickness to fit between the pins of the watch case and the body of the watch case. The cover can comprise a flexible band which is moveable from an open position to a closed position, and which can be locked in the closed position. Rings may be provided at opposing ends of the base to connect the base to an article. A belt may be fed through the rings to assist in connecting the holder to the article.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,011 describes a display unit such as a digital or analog watch that is held in a wedge-shaped member to the top of footwear by a second tongue held, for example, with hook and loop fasteners, to the top of a sneaker or shoe. In another embodiment, the display unit can be held to the top of footwear by the laces of the footwear, which are threaded through a series of pairs of openings in the bottom of the display holder.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,932 describes a simple, inexpensive reliable an unobtrusive method of attaching a watch or other timepiece to anything with an edge without damaging the item the watch is attached to. The device is merely twisted onto the edged item (i.e. cap, sleeve, pocket, book, etc.) and placed at the proper angle. The attaching device is a spiral type of apparatus that is attached or molded into the back of the watch. The device is springy enough to open, yet rigid enough to hold the timepiece in place when twisted onto the intended item.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,045 describes an apparatus designed to automatically measure the total moving time, split times, time lag, and the like of each of a plurality of moving objects, and determine the arriving order of each moving object. Every time a plurality of moving objects, e.g., runners or vehicles, pass through each predetermined point, pieces of information such as total running/moving times, split times, time lags, and arriving orders are transmitted, in units of moving objects, to the respective moving objects or a transmission/reception unit arranged at each predetermined point. When moving objects pass through a predetermined point, and their moving times exceed passage times set in units of moving objects, an excess time is informed to each moving object.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,462 describes an invention that provides a rigid construction hat defining shell mounting a timepiece for ease of visibility by an individual to minimize accidental injury in the typical wearing of a wristwatch. The timepiece is removeably mounted relative to a bottom surface of the brim via magnetic means and includes illumination means to provide light to four quadrants of the timepiece through the fiber optic cables.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,526 describes a timepiece composed of a sheet on the surface of which any suitable patterns or characters can be printed, and a timepiece driving section fixed to the back of the sheet, said sheet having a cut out section the contour of which substantially corresponds to that of a time display section of said timepiece driving section. Various designs can simply be applied to the sheet of said timepiece through a printing process. On the other hand, when said sheet is shaped or cut off into a certain configuration, the resulting timepiece can be used in various applications such as wrist watch, table-clock, wall-clock and the like.

[0011] Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is a timepiece, which has a unique orientation of its face for unusual positioning and reading. It includes a main housing, two strap attachment mechanisms and a faceplate with an abnormal orientation relative to the two strap attachment mechanisms. The main housing has a front and a back, and contains a functional timekeeping means for timely driving at least an hour hand and a minute hand. The front of the main housing is adapted for presenting a timepiece face (e.g., glass or plastic) and faceplate. The back is substantially flat.

[0013] The front of the main housing has an imaginary centerline extending outwardly from the main housing. There are two strap attachment mechanisms connected to the main housing, one of the two strap attachment mechanisms being centered about the imaginary centerline at a first end of the imaginary centerline, and the other of the two strap attachment mechanisms being centered about the imaginary centerline opposite the other one, at a second end of the imaginary centerline.

[0014] A faceplate is located in said the housing face, and has at least a twelve symbol located thereon, wherein the twelve symbol is located about 90 degrees from the centerline. There is also a time hands driving shaft connected to and extending from the timekeeping means through the faceplate. An hour hand and a minute hand are functionally connected to the driving shaft.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the strap attachment mechanisms are symmetrical and directly opposite one another along the imaginary centerline. The strap attachment mechanisms may be any known or available strap attachment mechanisms. For example, the strap attachment mechanisms may be pairs of protrusions with strap pins. Alternatively, the strap attachment mechanisms may be selected from the group consisting of slotted receivers, flexible loops, inflexible loops and clamping strap attachments. The timepiece may be attached to any type of strap, e. g., a leather, cloth, plastic or metal strap, expandable, elastic, hooked, buckled or otherwise.

[0016] The present invention is also directed to a cap-type hat with a timepiece connected thereto. The cap includes a skull-covering portion adapted to fit atop a human head, the skull-covering portion having a base perimeter and having a rear cutout at back portion thereof. There is also a cap strap extending across the rear cutout. In its extreme, the rear cutout extends forward to the front, and the only skull-covering portion is the visor, and the circumferential band of the visor is the strap. Hence, by definition, “caps” of the present invention shall include visors.

[0017] There is a timepiece connected to the cap strap, wherein the cap strap simultaneously and synergistically is functional as a holding strap for the cap to enhance fittage to a human head, and is functional as a timepiece strap.

[0018] In most preferred embodiments, the cap strap is an adjustable strap. For example, the cap strap may be an elastically expandable strap. Alternatively, the cap strap is a two piece strap and has adjustment means for varied length connection of each of the two pieces of the strap. For example, it may be an insertable flex-buckle adjustment means. In the alternative, the adjustment means may be a plurality of orifices located on a first strap piece and at least one orifice-insertable protrusion on a second strap piece. The adjustment means could alternatively be a buckle on a first strap piece and a plurality of buckle holes on a second strap piece; or, it could be a clamp receiver buckle located on one of said two strap pieces, or any other known or available means.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the present invention cap with timepiece has a timepiece that includes two straps attachment mechanisms connected to a main housing, the two strap attachment mechanisms are at opposite ends of the main housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a conventional prior art wristwatch type timepiece;

[0022]FIGS. 2, 3, and <b>4</b> each show front or partial front views of various embodiments of present invention timepieces having unique twelve o'clock orientation relative to the strap attachment means;

[0023]FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a present invention cap with timepiece;

[0024]FIG. 6 shows a partial view of an alternative embodiment strap with timepiece as a cap component;

[0025]FIGS. 7, 8, <b>9</b>, and <b>10</b> show rear perspective and rear views of various other embodiments of present invention caps with timepieces;

[0026]FIGS. 11 and 12 show alternative timepiece attachments for attaching timepieces to caps to create present invention embodiments; and,

[0027]FIG. 13 illustrates a cap of the present invention that is a visor type cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a conventional prior art wristwatch <b>10</b>. Wristwatch <b>10</b> includes a wrist strap <b>30</b>, and a timepiece <b>11</b>. Timepiece <b>11</b> includes a main housing <b>12</b>, with a faceplate <b>7</b>, and an hour hand <b>5</b>, a minute hand <b>6</b>. The main housing contains functional timekeeping means inside (not shown, but well within the purview of the artisan), which is connected to a driving shaft <b>9</b>, which operates the hands <b>5</b> and <b>6</b>, to present time. There is also a date presentation <b>16</b> and a reset and/or wind-up stem <b>8</b>, as shown. Main housing <b>12</b> has two strap attachment mechanisms <b>24</b> and <b>25</b> opposite one another, and, in this case, symmetrical. Mechanisms <b>24</b> and <b>25</b>, respectively, each have two protrusions <b>21</b>, <b>21</b>′ and <b>22</b>, <b>22</b>′. These protrusions are adapted to receive strap pins <b>27</b> and <b>28</b>, to removably attach the timepiece <b>11</b> to the strap <b>30</b>. The strap <b>30</b> has two pieces <b>31</b> and <b>32</b>, and they may be connected to one another by any available connecting means, or they may together form a single strap, e.g., an elastic or expandable strap.

[0029] Note that 12 o'clock is positioned on faceplate <b>7</b> in alignment with the strap pieces <b>31</b> and <b>32</b> and strap attachment mechanisms <b>24</b> and <b>25</b>. This is normal for a watch, because the arm on which it is worn is brought in front of the wearer to tell time, wherein the thumb typically faces the stomach. This presents the 12 o'clock position furthest away from the wearer with the hours in an upright, readable fashion. The present invention timepieces, on the otherhand, discard this conventional wisdom to present a timepiece with a different orientation and with its own benefits for a user.

[0030]FIGS. 2, 3, and <b>4</b> each show front or partial front views of various embodiments of present invention timepieces having unique twelve o'clock orientations relative to the strap attachment means. In all three of these Figures, identical parts are identically numbered. Hence, in FIGS. 2, 3, and <b>4</b>, the timepieces <b>50</b>, <b>70</b>, and <b>80</b>, respectively, each have a main housing <b>51</b>, with any conventional internal timekeeping mechanism which drives driving shaft <b>52</b>, which, in turn, rotates the hour hand <b>57</b> and the minute hand <b>59</b> to present the time (a second hand could also be included). There is a faceplate <b>53</b> in the main housing <b>51</b>, and stem <b>55</b> for resetting the time. There are two strap attachment mechanisms <b>62</b> and <b>66</b>, each having a pair of protrusions <b>61</b>, <b>63</b> and <b>65</b>, <b>67</b>, respectively, which contain an additional part for attachment to a strap. In FIG. 2, there are pins <b>71</b> and <b>73</b>; in FIG. 3, there is a rectangular ring <b>72</b> (and its opposite counterpart, not shown); in FIG. <b>4</b>, there are flexible, expandable bands <b>89</b> and <b>91</b>. In each case there is some provision for attachment of the timepiece to a strap, and changes, variations and equivalents are contemplated as within the scope of the invention herein.

[0031] There is shown an imaginary centerline <b>60</b>, which run through the centers of strap attachment mechanisms <b>62</b> and <b>66</b>. Uniquely, twelve o'clock is not in alignments therewith, and instead is about 90 degrees rotated therefrom. Thus, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the number “12”, designed as time <b>66</b>, and in FIG. 4, the number “XII”, designated as time <b>86</b>, are all rotated about ninety degree for unique orientation, as shown. This orientation enables a user to attach the timepiece on a horizontal strap attachment-oriented base with horizontal readability achieved. For example, it could be strapped to a post, and the time units would be upright for easy reading. Likewise, the timepiece could be strapped any vertical member with small enough perimeter to achieve the horizontal strapping/horizontal reading arrangement. In one preferred application, it is attached to the strap of a cap for wearing on the head, wherein people accompanying the wearer can read the time from the back, and the user can read the time when the hat is removed, e.g., just to check the time, or when the cap is set on a shelf or other resting place. By having the present invention timepiece attached to the back of a cap strap, a significant synergistic result is achieved. First, the user, e.g., a construction worker does not need to worry about vibrational or impact damage to the timepiece, as would be the case when wearing a wristwatch and hammering or drilling or jackhammering. Second, it keeps the timepiece off the wrist and thus avoids impact as when the wrist brushes or hits a solid object or vice versa. Third, it places the timepiece out of the typical work line of fire, e.g., spray paint mist, welding sparks, nail pops, etc. Fourth, it provides for a single element to perform a duel function-namely, the strap of the cap both keeps the cap on the head and supports the timepiece so that there is no need for a separate timepiece strap or other attachment.

[0032]FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a present invention cap with timepiece device <b>100</b>, as generally outlined above. The device <b>100</b> includes a cap <b>101</b> with a skull-covering portion <b>103</b>. It may include or exclude a visor, but will usually include a visor. In this embodiment, there is a single strap having a first end <b>105</b> and a second end <b>107</b>, that passes all the way around and through a strap slot shown on the left as slot <b>102</b>, and on the right as slot <b>104</b>. Alternatively, these slots could be receivers for separate strap segments which would be permanently sewn into place.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, there is a timepiece <b>106</b> attached to strap end <b>107</b> with one of the attachment mechanisms discussed above, e.g., attachment mechanisms <b>108</b> and <b>109</b> having pins located behind end <b>107</b>. In this case, strap ends <b>105</b> and <b>107</b> are removably and adjustably connected to one another with a plurality of orifices, such as orifice <b>111</b>, on one end, and a fitting protrusion <b>112</b> on the other end. With this present invention arrangement, all of the advantages set forth above are now achieved.

[0034]FIG. 6 shows a partial view of an alternative embodiment strap with timepiece as a cap component. Here, strap end <b>90</b> has a strap buckle <b>94</b> which is a squeeze-type buckle, for snap-lock/squeeze-release insertion into receiver <b>96</b> of second strap end <b>92</b>. This would be an integral part of a present invention cap, wherein timepiece <b>98</b> is located on one of the strap segments.

[0035]FIGS. 7, 8, <b>9</b>, and <b>10</b> show rear perspective and rear views of various other embodiments of present invention caps with timepieces. FIG. 7 illustrates the same cap <b>100</b> that was shown in FIG. 5, except that a different strap attachment mechanism is shown. Thus, identical parts are identically numbered. Here strap ends <b>119</b> and <b>12</b> are connected by a conventional buckle <b>125</b>, and timepiece <b>123</b> is attached thereto, as shown. Timepiece <b>123</b> has a straight twelve o'clock orientation, and these are included within the scope of the present invention caps, although the more preferred have the unique twelve o'clock orientation described above.

[0036]FIG. 8 shows another present invention device <b>110</b>. It includes a skull-covering portion <b>162</b> and visor <b>118</b>. There is a cutout <b>124</b> in the rear portion, with cutout sides <b>126</b> and <b>128</b>, as shown. Expandable strap <b>164</b> has a watch <b>148</b> attached thereto. The watch <b>148</b> has strap attachment mechanisms, such as mechanism <b>120</b> to secure it to the strap. In this case, the watch <b>148</b> could be slid onto the strap <b>164</b> during production, so that it is permanently attached, or the attachment mechanisms could render it removable, e.g., by providing a D ring with a cutout on the ring to create a removable yoke attachment.

[0037]FIG. 9 illustrates a cap device <b>110</b> as shown in the foregoing Figure, with the same parts identically numbered, except that the strap <b>120</b> is a hook and loop type strap (commonly known as Velcro) and the timepiece <b>148</b> is easily removable. Here, to adjust and affix strap <b>120</b>, strap end <b>138</b> is inserted into slot <b>133</b> and into sleeve <b>134</b>. When positioned tightly on a head, strap <b>120</b> is pressed so that the loop and hok part <b>136</b> of the strap <b>120</b> connects with the loop and hook pad <b>144</b> for secured attachment. Adjustment or opening is achieved by reversing the aforesaid process.

[0038]FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a present invention device <b>150</b>. It has a skull-covering portion <b>151</b>, a visor <b>153</b>, and a rear opening <b>158</b>. There is a first strap segment <b>157</b>, having a timepiece <b>160</b> with digital readout <b>161</b>, and a second strap segment <b>155</b>. The two segments <b>155</b> and <b>157</b> are removably connected by a teehted pinch buckle <b>156</b>, as shown.

[0039]FIGS. 11 and 12 show alternative timepiece attachments for attaching timepieces to caps to create more alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a cap strap <b>174</b> in its partial backside view. There is a watch on the backside of attachment <b>170</b>, which may be permanently or removably attached thereto, and this attachment <b>170</b> folds over the strap <b>174</b> to snap together. The front <b>171</b> is located on the front side of the strap <b>174</b>, and the flaps <b>173</b> and <b>175</b> are folded over the strap and snapped together via the snaps, such as snap female portion <b>176</b> and snap male portion <b>172</b>.

[0040]FIG. 12 shows a cap strap <b>184</b> in its partial backside view. There is a watch on the backside of attachment <b>180</b>, which may be permanently or removably attached thereto, and this attachment <b>180</b> folds over the strap <b>184</b> to snap together. The front <b>181</b> is located on the front side of the strap <b>184</b>, and the flaps <b>183</b> and <b>185</b> are folded over the strap and affix together via hook and loop attachments <b>182</b> and <b>186</b>.

[0041]FIG. 13 illustrates a cap of the present invention that is a visor type cap <b>200</b>. It includes a front visor <b>201</b> and a strap <b>203</b>. The front <b>205</b> of strap <b>203</b> is connected to the front visor <b>201</b>, as shown. The rear portion <b>207</b> of strap <b>203</b> includes timepiece <b>209</b> attached thereto via strap attachment mechanism <b>211</b>, selected from any of the strap attachment mechanisms described above.

[0042] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the timepiece itself may be molded or otherwise made with its own strap attachment mechanisms. Thus, a timepiece may have one male buckle end on one side and one female buckle end on an opposite side for fittage between two buckle parts of an existing cap strap. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.