CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a watch device, and in particular, to a thermally
sensitive watch device having a watch band and housing that change the color, colors
and, or print designs when exposed to predetermined temperature thresholds or ranges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A variety of watches exist that perform functions in addition to telling time, such
as changing the color of the watch face or changing color based on elevated body temperature.
These known devices, however, employ complicated technology to effectuate color changes,
such as polarized lenses or electronics. There are also known devices, such as films
and bands, that change color based on temperature and use liquid crystal or ultraviolet
light technology that can be difficult to incorporate into a device without changing
its overall structure. These known watches and devices typically only undergo a single
color change and not overall design changes on the device when exposed to predetermined
temperature conditions. The color changing technology currently used is therefore
not practical, too complicated or limited in application for use with existing watches.
None of the devices or techniques known effectuate a change in color or design in
or on a watch band or watch body using thermochromic pigments, hydrographics or immersion
printing, or a combination of these technologies.
[0005] For instance,
U.S. Patent No. 5,028,792 ("the '792 Patent") discloses photochemical systems that effect visible color changes
involving a process in which a photoacid is formed upon irradiation of a nitro-substituted
aromatic aldehyde with ultraviolet light and wherein proton transfer to a dye causes
the dye to undergo a visible color change.
[0006] U.S. Patent No. 5,914,197 ("the '197 Patent") discloses an ultraviolet active wristband that changes color
reversibly from clear to any visible color (violet, blue, red, orange, yellow...)
when exposed to an ultraviolet source. The wavelength interval of the ultraviolet
source is [250 nm-400 nm]. The active chemical is a photochromic substance such as
spiropyrans, spiroxazines.
[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,569,919 ("the '919 Patent") discloses a reversibly discoloring ink composition which changes
color reversibly and instantly in response to irradiation with light of a given wavelength
distribution. The discoloring composition has fine particles comprised of one or more
rare earth oxides represented by the general formula M.sub.2 O.sub.3, wherein M is
Ho, Nd, or Pr, and a light-transmissive base material having the fine particles dispersed
therein. In an embodiment, a color changing decorative layer formed of the reversibly
discoloring ink is printed on the upper layer of a dial plate or other wristwatch
part.
[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,714,488 ("the '488 Patent) discloses a watch that includes a color changing feature that
is created by using two polarized lenses, one of which is stationary, the other of
which would rotate around a central axis. The presence of the two polarized lenses
would create a display of color on the face of a watch that would change depending
on the orientation of one lens to the other. With the top polarized lens attached
to the watch mechanics, the lens would rotate slightly and with each movement the
color of the entire face would slowly turn into another color as it changes through
the entire color spectrum cycle.
[0009] U.S. Patent No. 7,009,915 ("the '915 Patent) a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively
changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog
display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical
effects and patterns. The novel configuration of the present invention is achieved
by utilizing a single micro-control unit (MCU) to drive both a core analog movement
and a color-changing LCD display.
[0010] U.S. Patent No. 7,275,288 ("the '288 Patent) discloses one-piece and two-piece watchbands that may be quickly
and easily installed on a watch of the wearer's choice and may just as easily be removed
and replaced with another watchband to provide color and style coordination with other
items of the wearer's chosen wardrobe.
[0011] U.S. Patent No. 8,593,911 ("the '911 Patent) a wristwatch having a housing, a movement lodged in the housing,
a watch glass above the housing, a fluid pump driven by the movement for pumping a
fluid and at least one channel through the glass, arranged so that the fluid circulated
by the pump reaches the channel, in order to sequentially color various portions of
the glass for displaying time indications.
[0012] U.S. Patent No. 8,998,484 ("the '484 Patent) discloses a method for forming a watch strap part that includes
the steps of: placing an insert plate within a mold; and injecting a moldable material
into the mold around the insert plate so as to at least partially embed the insert
plate and form a body of the watch strap part with the insert plate defining a floor
of a recessed portion formed in the body of the watch strap part. The recessed portion
is configured to receive a decorative insert that is securely attached to the insert
plate and provides a decorative appearance.
[0013] U.S. Publication No. 2005/0270910 ("the '910 Publication") discloses a timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment.
The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological message and/or printed
messages. The messages can be printed messages, digital messages, recordable audio
messages and aromatic messages. The compartment can also contain such items as a mood-sensing
stone which changes color according to the wearer's mood, magnets or crystals.
[0014] U.S. Publication No. 2012/0017472 ("the '472 Publication") discloses shoes which are made of, or coated with, color-changeable
materials, and which can be used on watches.
[0015] Based on the foregoing, it appears that no single prior art reference or combination
of references resolve the issues noted with the background devices. No reference found
discloses a thermally activated color changing watch device having a thermochromic
pigment coating or hydrographic immersion printing that causes the watch to change
colors or design when exposed to an ambient temperature that exceeds a predetermined
temperature threshold and returns it to its natural color when the ambient temperature
drops below the threshold without complicated or impractical electronic, polarizing,
liquid crystal, ultraviolet or photoacid technology. It is therefore desirable to
have such a color and, or design changing watch device that employs thermochromic
pigment coating and, or hydrographic immersion printing to effectuate color and design
changes on a watch. As there are no watch devices such as these known, there exists
a need for such a watch device. It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the
aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention
is directed. The instant invention addresses this unfulfilled need in the prior art
as contemplated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
watch device that changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to an
ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature and returns to the first color
when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined temperature.
[0017] It is also an object of the instant invention to provide a watch device that changes
color from a first color on the surface of the watch band and, or watch face frame
when exposed to an ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature and returns
to the first color when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined temperature.
[0018] It is another object of the instant invention to provide a watch device that produces
a select design on the surface of the watch band and, or watch face frame when exposed
to an ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature.
[0019] It is an additional object of the instant invention to provide a watch device having
a thermochromic pigmentation coating that changes the color of the watch band and,
or watch face frame when exposed to an ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature
and returns to a base color when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined
temperature.
[0020] It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a watch device having
a hydrographic or immersion printing that changes the design displayed on the watch
band and, or watch face frame when exposed to an ambient temperature above a predetermined
temperature and returns to the base color when the ambient temperature falls below
the predetermined temperature.
[0021] It is yet another object of the instant invention to provide a watch device having
a hydrographic or immersion printing and thermochromic pigmentation coating that changes
the color and design displayed on the watch band and, or watch face frame when exposed
to an ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature and returns to the base
color when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined temperature.
[0022] In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a watch, wristwatch
or watchband (collectively the "watch") having a thermochromic pigmentation coating
that changes the color displayed on the watch when exposed to a temperature exceeding
a predetermined temperature threshold. The watchband and, or watch face frame changes
color when exposed to temperatures at or exceeding the temperature threshold and returns
to their base color when the temperature experienced by the watch falls below the
threshold temperature. The watch preferably changes colors when exposed to temperatures
exceeding 31° C (87.8° F). The threshold temperature may be set at a different level
without departing from the scope and spirit of the instant invention. The watch may
be coated with one or more thermochromic pigmentation paints or thermochromic substances
to effectuate the color change when exposed to an ambient temperature that exceeds
a predetermined threshold temperature.
[0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a watch, wristwatch or watchband
(collectively the "watch") having a hydrographic or immersion printed design and thermochromic
pigmentation coating that changes the design and color displayed on the watch when
exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. The watchband
and, or watch face frame changes color when exposed to temperatures at or exceeding
the temperature threshold and returns to the base color when the temperature experienced
by the watch falls below the threshold temperature. The watch preferably changes colors
when exposed to temperatures exceeding 31° C (87.8° F). The threshold temperature
may be set at a different level without departing from the scope and spirit of the
instant invention. The watch may be coated with one or more thermochromic pigmentation
paints or substances and hydrographic immersion printed design to effectuate the color
and design change when exposed to an ambient temperature that exceeds a predetermined
threshold temperature
[0024] In an additional aspect, the present invention provides a watch, wristwatch or watchband
(collectively the "watch") having a hydrographic or immersion printed design and thermochromic
pigmentation coating that gradually reveals a variety of colors and patterns, such
as zebra or camouflage, as the watch is exposed to temperatures that approach and
exceed a predetermined temperature threshold and returns to a base color when the
ambient temperature falls below the threshold temperature. The watch preferably begins
to change colors when exposed to temperatures at and then exceeding 31° C (87.8° F).
The threshold temperature may be set at a different level without departing from the
scope and spirit of the instant invention.
[0025] In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter,
the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages
and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is front elevational view of the thermally activated color watch device illustrating
the watch device before undergoing a color change in accordance with the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the thermally activated color watch device illustrating
a gradual color change in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the thermally activated color watch device illustrating
a full color change in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the thermally activated color and print watch
device illustrating the watch device before undergoing a color and print design change
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the thermally activated color and print watch
device illustrating a gradual color and print design change in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the thermally activated color and print watch
device illustrating a full color and print design change in accordance with the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is flow diagram of the thermally activated color and print watch device illustrating
the change from colorless to color revealed in sunlight or ultraviolet light and the
transitioning back to colorless without light.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of the thermally activated color and print watch device showing
the molecular composition and absorption of UV radiation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] With reference to the drawings in which like reference designators refer to like
elements, FIGS. 1 to 8 depict the preferred and alternative embodiments of the instant
invention which is generally referenced as a thermal watch device, color changing
watch device, color and print design changing watch device and, or by numeric character
10. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the thermal watch device 10 of the instant invention is
a watch that changes from a base color to at least one different color when exposed
to an ambient temperature that exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. With
reference to FIGS. 4-6, the color and print design changing watch device 10 may change
from a base color to at least one or more different colors and a print design that
are displayed when exposed to an ambient temperature that exceeds a predetermined
temperature threshold. The watch preferably changes colors and, or designs when exposed
to temperatures exceeding a temperature threshold of approximately 31° C (87.8° F),
but this temperature threshold may be higher or lower without departing from the scope
and spirit of the instant invention. The temperature thresholds may be set anywhere
between 10°C to 69°C or levels therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, the colors
and, or printed designs on the watch 10 may undergo a plurality of color and, or design
changes at different predetermined temperature thresholds.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the watch 10 includes a watchband 12, a watch face 15,
watch face frame 16 with a thermochromic pigmentation coating 14 on the watchband
12 and watch frame 16. The watchband 12 includes a surface 13 having the thermochromic
pigmentation coating 14 painted, embossed, imprinted or otherwise applied thereto.
The watch face frame 16 has a surface 17 having a thermochromic pigmentation coating
18 painted, embossed, imprinted or otherwise applied thereto. The thermochromic pigments
in the coatings, 18 14 begin to change color when exposed to a temperature that is
equal to or slightly above a predetermined temperature threshold, such as 31°C, as
shown in FIG. 2. Once the ambient temperature is above or sufficiently above the threshold
temperature, the watchband surface coating 14 and watch face frame surface coating
18 completely change to the desired color, as shown in FIG. 3. In an alternative embodiment,
the surface coatings 14 and 18 may change to different colors or change to additional
colors at different temperature thresholds above the initial temperature threshold.
The pigments in the watchband surface coating 14 and watch face frame coating 18 begin
to return to their original color when the ambient temperature reaches or begins to
fall below the threshold temperature. The surface coating14 and 18 undergo a complete
return to the original color when the ambient temperature the watch is exposed to
is completely below the threshold temperature, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the watch device 10 the may reveal at least one different
color and a print design when exposed to a temperature above a temperature threshold.
Still referring to FIGS. 4-6, watchband 12 and frame 16 have at least one thermochromic
pigmentation coating 14, 18 and preferably a plurality of coatings 14, 18 on the surfaces
13, 17, respectively, with different thermochromic pigments that change to different
colors and a hydrographic or immersion printed design 20 that is revealed when exposed
to a temperature at, near or exceeding the threshold temperature, respectively, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. To make the watch device 10 with a design 20 and color pigment
coating(s), the design is first printed on the watchband surface 13 and watch face
frame surface and on the watchband 12 and watch frame 16. Once the coatings 14, 18
are applied to the watchband surface 13 and watch face frame surface 17, the printed
design or pattern 20 becomes visible and revealed and the pigments in the coatings
14, 18 change color when the ambient temperature the watch 10 is exposed to reaches
or exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold or thresholds.
[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 4-6, the watchband 12 and frame 16 include surfaces 13,
17 having the thermochromic pigmentation coating 14 painted, embossed, imprinted or
otherwise applied thereto over the hydrographic or immersion printed design 20 that
have pigments that begin to change color and reveal the printed design 20 when exposed
to a temperature that is equal to or slightly above a predetermined temperature threshold,
such as 31 °C, as shown in FIG. 5. Once the ambient temperature is above or sufficiently
above the threshold temperature, the watchband surface coating 14 and watch face frame
surface coating 18 completely change to the desired color and reveal the imprinted
design, as shown in FIG. 6. In an alternative embodiment, the surface coatings 14
and 18 may change to different colors or change to additional colors at different
temperature thresholds above the initial temperature threshold. The pigments in the
watchband surface coating 14 and watch face frame coating 18 begin to return to their
original color and hide the printed design 20 when the ambient temperature reaches
or begins to fall below the threshold temperature. The surface coating14 and 18 undergo
a complete return to the original color when the ambient temperature the watch is
exposed to is completely below the threshold temperature, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the watch device 10 of the instant invention includes
coatings 14, 18 with thermochromic pigments, which are there mochromic micro-capsules
in a powder pigment form. The pigments are specially designed for use in non-aqueous
based ink systems that can be used to formulate non-aqueous based flexographic, UV
screen, offset, gravure and epoxy ink formulations. For aqueous applications, the
instant invention 10 preferably uses thermochromic slurries. Thermochromic powders
are colored below a specific temperature, and change to colorless or to another lighter
color as they are heated through the temperature range. The instant invention 10 may
use coatings 14, 18 having pigments of a variety of different colors and activation
temperatures or thresholds.
[0032] The temperature thresholds of the instant invention 10 are thermochromic pigment
activators. The activation temperature is the temperature above which the ink pigments
almost achieve its final clear or light color end point. The pigment color may start
to fade at approximately 4° C below the activation or threshold temperature and will
have a color in between colors within the activation temperature range. The color
change is reversible wherein the original color is restored upon cooling. The activation
or threshold temperature may be anywhere between 10°C to 69°C. The activation temperature
is the temperature above which the pigment has almost (>95%) achieved its final clear
or light color end point.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 8, the chemical composition and method of changing colors
are shown. The thermochromic pigments in the coating 14, 18 do not change color when
only exposed to polychromatic (white) light. The pigments 14, 18 must be exposed to
polychromatic light and UV radiation to undergo a color change. The polychromatic
light and UV radiation are absorbed by the pigment molecules which then close due
to the UV radiation. For instance, the absorption of yellow light can produce a change
in color to blue. When the UV radiation is removed, the watch 10 returns to its natural
color. The chemical in the pigments 14, 18 and wavelength may be up to 242.5 nm (MeOH)
and change to 611.0 nm (MeOH) when it changes color under UV radiation. The pigments
may comprise 1,3,3-Trimethyl-spiro[indolino-2,3'-[3H]napthth[2,1b] [1,4]-oxazin].
[0034] An aspect of the invention provides a thermally activated color and print watch device,
said watch device comprising:
a watchband;
a hydrographic printed design on said watchband; and
a coating on said watchband over said hydrographic printed design, said coating including
a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least one different color and reveals
said printed design when exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature
threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
[0035] The watch device may further comprise:
a watch face frame;
a hydrographic printed design on said watch face frame; and
a coating on said watch face frame over said hydrographic printed design, said coating
including a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least one different color
and reveals said printed design when exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined
temperature threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
[0036] Another aspect of the invention provides a thermally activated color and print watch
device, said watch device comprising:
a watchband;
a hydrographic printed design on said watchband;
a watch face frame;
a hydrographic printed design on said watch face frame; and
a coating on said watchband and said watch face frame over said hydrographic printed
designs, said coating including a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least
one different color and reveals said printed designs when exposed to a temperature
exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
[0037] Said coating may change color when exposed to temperatures exceeding 31° Celsius.
Said coating may change to a second color when exposed to a temperature exceeding
a predetermined second temperature and UV. Said thermochromic pigmentation may comprise
trimethyl-spiro. Said thermochromic pigmentation may comprise MeoH. Said thermochromic
pigmentation may comprise indolino, naphtha and oxazin.
[0038] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition,
unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations
are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.
1. A thermally activated color and print watch device, said watch device comprising:
a watchband;
a hydrographic printed design on said watchband; and
a coating on said watchband over said hydrographic printed design, said coating including
a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least one different color and reveals
said printed design when exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature
threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
2. The watch device of claim 1, further comprising:
a watch face frame;
a hydrographic printed design on said watch face frame; and
a coating on said watch face frame over said hydrographic printed design, said coating
including a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least one different color
and reveals said printed design when exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined
temperature threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
3. The watch device of claim 1, wherein said coating changes color when exposed to temperatures
exceeding 31° Celsius.
4. The watch device of claim 1, wherein said coating changes to a second color when exposed
to a temperature exceeding a predetermined second temperature and UV.
5. The watch device of claim 1, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises trimethyl-spiro.
6. The watch device of claim 1, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises MeOH.
7. The watch device of claim 1, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises indolino,
naphtha and oxazin.
8. A thermally activated color and print watch device, said watch device comprising:
a watchband;
a hydrographic printed design on said watchband;
a watch face frame;
a hydrographic printed design on said watch face frame; and
a coating on said watchband and said watch face frame over said hydrographic printed
designs, said coating including a thermochromic pigmentation that changes to at least
one different color and reveals said printed designs when exposed to a temperature
exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold and ultraviolet (UV) light.
9. The watch device of claim 8, wherein said coating changes color when exposed to temperatures
exceeding 31° Celsius.
10. The watch device of claim 8, wherein said coating changes to a second color when exposed
to a temperature exceeding a predetermined second temperature and UV.
11. The watch device of claim 8, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises trimethyl-spiro.
12. The watch device of claim 8, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises MeOH.
13. The watch device of claim 8, wherein said thermochromic pigmentation comprises indolino,
naphtha and oxazin.