THERMALLY ACTIVATED COLOR AND PRINT WATCH DEVICE

Abstract

 A watch having a watchband and watch face frame and a hydrographic printed design and thermochromic pigmentation coating over the printed design on the watchband and watch face frame 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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] N/A

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N/A

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.

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.

Drawing