US3361973A - Radio alarm and timing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 2, 1968 H. E. WYSONG RADIO ALARM AND TIMING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11, 1964 fad/0 67/17/17 ATTORNEYS Jan. 2, 1968 H. E. WYSONG 3,361,973

RADIO ALARM AND TIMING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zed/k United States Patent 6 3,361,973 RADIO ALARM AND TIMING APPARATUS Harry E. Wysong, Kent, Ohio, assignor of one-half to Guy M. Showalter, Kent, Ohio Filed Dec. 11, 1964, Ser. No. 417,738 11 Claims. (Cl. 325-396) This invention is concerned with clock operated devices. In particular the invention is concerned with the use of a conventional clock as the timing mechanism for energizing a further electrically energized device. The invention is also concerned with the combination of a conventional clock or watch with a conventional battery powered portable radio, whereby such a radio may be quickly, easily and inexpensively converted into a clock radio, which may be combined into a single package or in which the combination is affected by a simple plugin arrangement, and wherein, in either case, the function of either clock or radio is left unimpaired for regular use.

The present invention is susceptible of a myriad of applications, several of which will be set forth hereinafter. Further devices constructed in accordance with the invention are characterized in the fact that they may be constructed economically from conventional readily available items.

An excellent example of use of the invention is in the formation of a clock-radio combination. Because of this the invention will be described in terms of such a device, this combination being novel in and of itself. Other uses, hovewer are contemplated as being within the purview of the inventive concept herein disclosed.

The concept of combining a timing device, such as a clock with a radio from which the timing device is separable is known, Patents 2,771,559-560 being examples thereof. However, such devices as are shown rely on expensive clock, and connector arrangements and further unless the clock arrangement is carried with the person, and conventional A.C. power is available, the arrangement is useless.

It is also known to use a clock or watch as a timing device, examples of such use are found in US. Patents 327,919, 2,585,018, 1,261,411 among others. In each case the watch or clock modification is expensive or complicated whereas, as will be seen the present invention contemplates a simple conveniently made arrangement wherein the time for operation of the radio is easily selected and wherein the watch or clock structure is virtually unaffected for normal use.

Basically the invention contemplates the use of a clock watch crystal both as a rotatable insulating medium and the time setting medium, the crystal carrying an electrical contact, which contact is engaged by the hour hand of the watch or clock to close an electrical circuit including a battery and a radio, the crystal being bodily rotated to select the start-stop cycle of the energized device.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to produce an inexpensively constructed clock radio.

A further object of the invention is to produce an inexpensively constructed reliable timing device.

Another object of the invention is to utilize the clock or watch crystal as an adjustable carrier for an electrical contact, means being provided wherewith the crystal may be easily manually rotated to select the operation period of the timed device.

A further object of the invention is to produce a clock radio manufactured of separable units wherein the operation of each unit is substantially unaffected when the units are separated.

An additional object of the invention is to produce a clock radio which can be manufactured of conventional clock and portable radio units which require simple, easily made modification.

These and other objects of the invention most specifically refered to herein, but none the less inherent, therein, are accomplished by the combination of a portable selfpowered radio, and a conventionally operated clock, electrical power circuit means between the radio power source, the clock and the radio receiving circuit including switch means placing the clock unit in said electrical power circuit as a timing device, said clock means including a rotatable crystal and electrical contact means carried by the crystal and contacting the clock hour hand at a given selected position of the crystal carried contact to complete the electrical power circuit to energize the radio receiving circuit at and for selected periods of time. The timing device, per se, comprises a clock or watch mechanism, including a rotatable crystal, a conductive contact arm carried by the crystal and connected to a source of power; one end of said contact being engageable by the hour hand of a watch to close an electrical circuit through the watch mechanism and means in engagement with or carried by the crystal whereby same may be conveniently manipulated without removal or in any way disturbing continuity of the timepiece.

The mode and structure for carrying out the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description thereof in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view of the basic electric circuit comprising the combination of battery powered radio and a watch.

FIGURE 2 is a modification of the circuit shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view showing a basic clock or watch modification and switch means.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view somewhat enlarged taken along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURES 5a and 5b are views through electrical contact means taken generally along the line 55 of FIG- URE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 but showing a further modification of a watch or clock.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURES 8 and 9 are further views similar to FIG- URES 6 and 7 showing additional modification incorporating the basic concept involved herein, while FIG- URES 9 and 10 are front and side views, the latter partly in section showing a further use of the invention.

FIGURES ll, 12 and 13 are illustrative of a combination of the radio and watch mechanisms in a common case or package arrangement.

Turning now to FIGURE 1, it will be seen that the basic combination which exemplifies the invention is comprised of a regular radio receiving circuit 1, preferably identical to the conventional circuit incorporated into a usual well known and often, though not necessarily, inexpensive transistorized portable radio which is powered from a D.C. power source usually a 9-volt dry cell battery. Such receivers are readily purchased on the open market being manufactured by various companies such as the General Electric Company, Westinghouse Electric Company, domestically, and also supplied under various names such as Kawa, Global, Sony from various foreign sources.

Such radios are conventionally packaged in an attractive plastic case of diminutive size and are often referred to as personal or pocket radios.

In order to modify same for use in the present invention the usual plastic or equivalent case is provided with a switch 3 interposed between the usual battery 5. In the form shown in FIGURE 1 the switch is a conventional two-position, slide-contact switch which in one position places the battery in the direct circuit via contacts 2, 4, 6 and 8 to the receiving circuit 1 via the usual volume on-ofr switch incorporated therein. An example of such a switch, which is purely conventional and need not be described in detail is switch manufactured by the Independent Electric Hardware Corporation of New York City for 1 amp. 125-volt A.C.-D.C. operation.

In its second position, the switch breaks the direct battery-radio receiver circuit and the current how will be via contacts 3, 1h, 4 and 6, thus power must be supplied through watch mechanism 7 in the manner to be explained.

The arrangement disclosed in FIGURE 2 is similar to that shown in FIGURE 1, with the exception that the switch in this case is of the plug-in type, commonly known as the jack switch. In this type of switch when the plug body 14 is inserted into a female receptacle 14' contacts 16, 18 are opened to interrupt the direct batteryradio power circuit is broken, to he completed through watch mechanism '7 via plug carried contacts 16, 22 and 24. Also, as is conventional, the ground circuit may be closed via the same jack switch though, for convenience, in the drawing the ground connection is shown as direct to the watch '7. The usual jack switch may be purchased, for example from Curtis Electric and TV. Repair, Kent, Ohio.

The two described arrangements lend themselves and the invention to slightly different combinations. The arrangement of FIGURE 1 is most satisfactory where a conventional watch and portable radio might be housed in a common casing such that the watch is semi-permanently installed in the casing to form an integrated clockradio combination, as will be described in connection with FIGURE 8, et seq.

The second arrangement lendsitseli to two convenient combinations, one where the watch would be connected, as will be described, to the male or plug end of the jack switch so that the watch and radio remain completely useable as independent units irrespective of the fact that they may be combined to form an operative clock radio unit. 1

Having described several arrangements wherein the watch mechanism can be placed in the power circuit between a conventional radio receiver circuit and the power source consideration will now be given to the watch structure which permits of its use as described,

The simplest, though not the most commercially attractive arrangement is shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. As shown in FIGURE 3 plug 14 of a jack switch is connected via leads 26, 28 to the usual wristwatch 36. One lead 28 is connected to the watch case 32 by any suitable means, such as soldering or the like. The lead 26 (see FIGURE 4) is connected via any suitable means, at 34 to contact arm 36 which in turn is carried by crystal 38. This contact arm 36 is formed of a conductive material and has its lower terminal end 42 disposed beneath the crystal and above the dial face in a position so as to be contacted by the hour hand 44. It is believed obvious that the contact end 42 can be disposed, optionally, either above or below the plane in which the hour hand 44 normally rotates.

As also shown in FIGURE 4, the crystals 3-8, which is normally manufactured of glass or a polymer material and has electrical insulating properties, is usually set in a bezel 46 by means of peripheral engagement with an annular groove 48. Usually, this engagement of crystal and bezel is great enough to create a frictional resistance to any rotational movement of the crystal 38 relative to the bezel 46. In the present invention, however, the frictional resistance to rotation of the crystal is reduced, as by reducing crystal diameter slightly, so that, although the crystal 3% is held against displacement from the bezel, nonetheless rotation of the crystal within the bezel is permitted. To facilitate this rotational movement of crystal 38, it is provided with a projection 52 extendclock dial. Thus the time at which an electrical circuit.

may be completed through conductors 26, 28 contact arm 36, hour hand 44 and case 42. may be selected at any given point on the watch dial.

Assuming then that the contact 36 is positioned at the one oclock position shown in FIGURE 1, when the hour hand 44 reaches this position the circuit will be completed, hence radio circuit 1 will be energized by battery 5 if the switches 5, of FIGURE 1 are so positioned.

As shown in FIGURE 5, the end of the contact 36 may take various forms which will determine, not only the time at which the power circuit is completed, but also the time duration during which the circuit is energized. For example, the dimension d; FIGURE 5a can be selected so that, as the hour hand 44 moves through a sector of rotation caused by the usual watch hand ratio while movement of the usual minute hand, marks off expiration of one-half hour, the circuit will be closed. Thus the radio will remain on for one-half hour after it is turned on at a preselected time. Then for example, the interval of turn on can readily be determined by the dimension or width d of contact arm 36 or its terminal end 42.

Suppose, 0n the other hand, it is desired to provide two on intervals of five minutes each within the half-hour period. If so, then the contactarm is formed of a crosssectional shape somewhat U-sliaped as shown in FIG- URE 5a so that the circuit is closed for distance 01 opened by distance d the width of centrally depressed area as and subsequently closed again for the period represented by distance d". FIGURE 5b illustrates the same operation but the contact 3!; or end 42 is provided with insulating segments 58, 62. Thus, in this case, three on dwell periods are provided.

The simplicity of the invention is believed readily apparent. By providing any conventional watch or clock with a crystal including a contact arm 3 6 carried thereby, and by completing two simple electrical connections same may be easily and simply converted to a clock mechanism adapted to control a portable radio, which, as in the case of the FIGURE 2, system, provided with a simple jack switch connection. Use of the radio is simple, switch S is moved to a clock position and the radio turned on. The contact arm is set for the desired turn on time. The operation is then as described. It disconnected from the watch or switches S are positioned to complete the battery-radio circuit, the radio can be conventionally operated.

In FIGURES 6 and 7, a further form of the invention is disclosed. In this case the crystal -56 is provided with contact arm 58 which extends downwardly into contact with a conductive bar -62 provided on the dial or face 64 of the watch mechanism 64. The inner end of the conductive member 62 contacts hour hand 64 to complete the electrical circuit. Again the width and contour of the bar member can be varied to provide the desired on intervals. Too, this arrangement provides for an extremely attractive dial.

Still another modification of the watch mechanism is disclosed in FIGURES 8 and 9. By this arrangement, the electrical connection via a wire conductor and connector at the outer surface of the crystal is avoided. As seen in FIGURE 9 the contact arm 66 is inserted within and carried by the crystal 68 again rotatably mounted in the bezel '72. The lower or inner end of the contact arm 66 is again positioned so as to be contacted by the watch hour hand 74. The outer or upper end of contact arm 66 rides against and forms and electrical connection with an annular conductive ring 76. Ring 76 is spaced from bezel 72 via an insulating washer disposed between itself and conductive ring 76. Connection of a conductor to ring 76 can be by a variety of means, from simple alligator clips to direct connection as by soldering.

It should be noted that in this arrangement the turning knob or projection as is formed as an integral part of the crystal. This arrangement is particularly advantageous Where, for example, the watch were incorporated in a common package or casing 82 with the radio. Specifically, such an arrangement is shown in FIGURE wherein a conventional battery powered pocket or personal radio 1430 is placed within a compartmented case 110 and watch 102 is also positioned in the case through wall 104 having removeable cover 1% and watch hold-down members 108. The rings 112, conductive, and 114-, insulative, respectively, are prefixed to the front wall of the case 116 adjacent opening 116 so that when watch 120 is positioned against the ring 112 the contact arm riti shown in FIG- URE 9, will engage ring '78 through which the circuit can be completed. Preferably, the switch arrangement of FIGURE 2 is provided. It will be appreciated that case 110 may be a package medium for sales purposes and display or, if desired, case 110 can be comprised of a more permanent structure for use at any time. When it is desired to use the watch without the radio, cover 1% is opened, and the watch simply removed for conventional use. Various arrangements can be provided to permit Winding and setting of the watch via the stem through the side of the package or case 110.

Where, as in the case of the arrangement of FIGURES 11 and 12 it is desired to incorporate the watch mechanism 102 in the case 110 in a more permanent relation, the arrangement shown in FIGURES 12 and 13 may be used. In this arrangement the watch 102 is positioned in the case 110 adjacent one edge thereof. The crystal contact arrangement is identical with that shown in FIG- URES 10 and 11. However the projections 68' are eliminated and instead a larger diameter, clear crystal extension 120 is laminated to crystal 68 so that, as shown in FIGURE 13, the periphery of the extension projects outwardly beyond the side of case 110. This arrangement permits of easy adjustment of crystal 63. The joinder of crystal extension 120 to the face of crystal 68 can be by any suitable fastening means, i.e., adhesive bonding, etc.

Having thus described my invention in detail it will be apparent that various changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, which modifications and changes are considered within the spirit and scope of the invention limited as it is, only as defined in the following claims, wherein:

What is claimed:

1. A clock radio combination comprising an integral self powered portable radio including a power source, circuit means from the power source to the radio receiving circuit, a watch mechanism directly interposed in said circuit means between the power source and the receiving circuit said watch mechanism including a case, a rotatable crystal carried by the case, conductive contact means carried by the crystal and movable therewith to any given position to the dial of the watch, one end of said contact means being disposed beneath the crystal for contact with the hour hand of the watch mechanism, and its opposite end being disposed outwardly of the crystal and connected to the power source, the watch mechanism being conductively connected to the receiving circuit.

2. The combination as defined in claim 1 including further, a switch means in said power circuit and having selective operating positions whereby said watch mechanism may be bypassed and said power source is directly connected to the receiving circuit.

3. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said radio, said watch mechanism and said switch are housed in a common casing.

a. The combination as defined in claim 3, wherein said common casing is provided with an opening through which the watch face may be viewed, and including further a conductive ring mounted on casing surrounding the opening, an insulating ring being secured between the conductive ring and said watch mechanism, said watch mechanism being in contact with said insulating ring, the end of the contact means outside of the crystal being disposed in an electrically conductive circuit through the conductive ring.

5. A conventional watch mechanism including a case and a crystal carried by said case, said crystal being rotatable relative to the case; electrical contact means carried by the crystal and having one end disposed beneath the crystal and in the plane of movement of the watch hour hand and its opposite end disposed above the crystal whereby an electric circuit can be completed through said Watch case, hour hand and said contact means when said hour hand contacts said contact means at any preselected position thereof and means for rotating the crystal relative to the case.

6. The combination defined in claim 5, wherein said watch case includes an insulating member fixed thereto adjacent the periphery of the face, a conductive member positioned above and against the insulating member and the end of the contact member above the crystal contacts only said conductive ring.

'7. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein the end of the contact arm disposed beneath the crystal is provided with an irregular surface configuration whereby contact of the hour hand of the watch therewith is periodic.

8. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein the end of the contact arm disposed beneath the crystal is provided with spaced insulating inserts to interrupt the conductive contact of the hour hand of the watch with said contact means.

9. A time keeping mechanism adapted for use as a timing means in an electrical circuit comprising a conductive case, hands and operating mechanism, an electrical contact connected to said case, a crystal carried by the case and rotative relative thereto, an electrical conductor carried by the crystal and insulated thereby from the case, electrical contact means connected to one end of the conductor outside of the crystal and means disposed beneath the crystal whereby said conductor may complete an electrical circuit through the hour hand of the time keeping mechanism.

10. A time keeping mechanism as defined in claim 9 wherein the means disposed beneath the crystal comprises the terminal end of the electrical conductor said end being disposed in the plane of movement of the hour hand of the time keeping mechanism.

11. A time keeping mechanism as defined in claim 9 wherein said time keeping mechanism includes a conven tional dial having hour designations thereon, said hour designations comprising conductive members and said hour hand contacts said conductive members in passing thereover, and said electrical conductive element carried by the crystal has its end disposed so as to contact the hour designations on the dial.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,148,411 7/1915 Smith 340309.l XR 3,179,891 4/1965 Sharma 325-310 XR 3,187,319 6/1965 Crawford 340-309.1

KATHLEEN H. CLAFFY, Primary Examiner. R. LINN, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A CLOCK RADIO COMBINATION COMPRISING AN INTEGRAL SELF POWERED PORTABLE RADIO INCLUDING A POWER SOURCE, CIRCUIT MEANS FROM THE POWER SOURCE TO THE RADIO RECEIVING CIRCUIT, A WATCH MECHANISM DIRECTLY INTERPOSED IN SAID CIRCUIT MEANS BETWEEN THE POWER SOURCE AND THE RECEIVING CIRCUIT SAID WATCH MECHANISM INCLUDING A CASE, A ROTATABLE CRYSTAL CARRIED BY THE CASE, CONDUCTIVE CONTACT MEANS CARRIED BY THE CRYSTAL AND MOVABLE THEREWITH TO ANY GIVEN POSITION TO THE DIAL OF THE WATCH, ONE END OF SAID CONTACT MEANS BEING DISPOSED BENEATH THE CRYSTAL FOR CONTACT WITH THE HOUR HAND OF THE WATCH MECHANISM, AND ITS OPPOSITE END BEING DISPOSED OUTWARDLY OF THE CRYSTAL AND CONNECTED TO THE POWER SOURCE, THE WATCH MECHANISM BEING CONDUCTIVELY CONNECTED TO THE RECEIVING CIRCUIT.

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