WO2001091978A2 - Multi-purpose equipment - Google Patents
Multi-purpose equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001091978A2 WO2001091978A2 PCT/US2001/017255 US0117255W WO0191978A2 WO 2001091978 A2 WO2001091978 A2 WO 2001091978A2 US 0117255 W US0117255 W US 0117255W WO 0191978 A2 WO0191978 A2 WO 0191978A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- purpose equipment
- housing
- module
- electronic device
- tool
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
- G04G21/02—Detectors of external physical values, e.g. temperature
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F1/00—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
- G01C17/00—Compasses; Devices for ascertaining true or magnetic north for navigation or surveying purposes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
- G04G17/08—Housings
Definitions
- This invention relates to modular multi-purpose equipment comprising a combination of tools, electronic and/or mechanical devices, and other accessories.
- Hand-held tools or devices that can perform multiple functions are not new.
- One category of such devices is multi-tools, i.e., pliers in combination with multiple folding tools, such as knife blades, screwdrivers, bottle cap and can openers, and the like.
- the TOUGHTM tool multi-tool pliers by Imperial Schrade Corp. (disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791 ,002)
- the PSTTM multi-tool by Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,272) are representative of the state of the multi- tool art. While quite suitable for the functions that they are designed to perform, these types of tools do not provide sufficient flexibility to integrate non-tool accessories.
- Another category of devices known in the art comprises wrist-worn devices that include multiple functions, such as a digital watch, an electronic compass, a barometer, an altimeter, or the like.
- the VectorTM wrist-top computer by Suunto see http://www.suuntousa.com
- the model ATC1200-1 V Forester wrist-top computer by Casio see http://www.casio.com
- the wrist-worn devices of the prior art are deficient in that they do not provide sufficient flexibility to offer electronic functions in combination with other useful devices, such as tools or accessories.
- operation of the wrist-worn electronic devices of the prior art is complicated, requiring reliance on a printed manual to access and/or use many of their features.
- Mclntosh U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,376, is an example of such efforts.
- Mclntosh discloses a multipurpose pocket knife/light that includes folding tools, a flashlight, a mechanical compass, a temperature gage, a whistle, and a storage compartment.
- Mclntosh is deficient in that its design cannot accommodate a wide variety of combinations and configurations of devices, it is not particularly attractive, and has no electronic device capabilities.
- the present invention comprises multi-purpose equipment including a modular housing, a multi-function module for containing an electronic or mechanical device, a tool pod having multiple tools pivotally attached thereto, and an accessory compartment for removably containing any one of a variety of different accessories, such as a disposable lighter, bandages, a first aid kit, bicycle tire removal tools, a pen or pencil, or coins, for example.
- the overall shape of the modular housing is reminiscent of a cellular telephone.
- the multi-function module is preferably cylindrical and is selectively removable to and from a module-receiving cavity formed on the upper portion of the front face of the housing.
- the module is preferably tethered to the housing via a lanyard, and the tool pod is located on one side of the housing and preferably includes a plurality of tools pivotally attached to swing out laterally from the housing.
- a major feature of the present invention is the removable module which is adapted to contain a mechanical and/or electronic device having the following features, singly or in combination: a mechanical compass, an electronic compass, a global positioning system receiver, a clock, a thermometer, an altimeter, a wireless phone, a stud finder, a tape measure, a beacon, an alarm, a two-way radio, a calculator, a computer, a laser measuremenl/range finder, a golf scoring card, a tire gauge, and an electronic map.
- any one or more of the components of the present invention such as the tool pod, the flashlight, or the multi-function module could be simplified or even omitted.
- the invention could include more than one of a particular component, such as the inclusion to two tool pods, for example.
- the lanyard according to the present invention preferably includes two looped cords.
- Both the housing and the multi-function module of the present invention include a lanyard catch, through which one of the lanyard loops may be passed and attached thereto.
- One of the loops is preferably large enough to allow the multi-function module to pass therethrough, so that the lanyard can be attached to the catches on the housing and module at the same time.
- This functionality allows the lanyard to be used in multiple configurations: (1) tethered to both catches at the same time; (2) tethered to the catch on the multi-function module only; and (3) tethered to the catch on the housing only.
- a whistle having an aperture for attachment to one of the cords may also be provided.
- One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-function electronic device having a display, contained within the multi-function module, that includes time and date, alarm, stopwatch, compass, altimeter, barometer and a thermometer functions (or modes). Four buttons are preferably provided for displaying and using the available functions.
- the multi-function electronic device is programmed so that a user of the device, after learning the operation of any one mode, can operate the device without the use of a printed manual. This is accomplished, in part, by programming the device so that any feature can be accessed by pressing no more than one button at a single time.
- the housing of the present invention is specifically designed for easy and inexpensive modification at the manufacturing level.
- the primary structural components of the housing comprise a spacer sandwiched between front and rear plates.
- the multi-function module is retained by a module-receiving cavity attached to the front plate.
- the spacer defines the shape and thickness of the accessory compartment and the tool pod.
- changing the thickness or configuration of the accessory compartment and/or the tool pod is a simple matter of using a differently sized spacer.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof, shown with the module removed, with the lanyard attached to both the housing and the module, and some of the tools partially unfolded;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view thereof;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged left side view of a tool pod;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged top view thereof;
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, shown with the module removed;
- FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the printed circuit board of the module
- FIG. 9 is a front view of a stud finder module, an alternative embodiment of the multi-function module.
- FIG. 10 is a front view of a global positioning system receiver module, another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module.
- FIG. 1 1 is a front view of a combination range finder and calculator module, another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module;
- FIG. 12 is a front view of a wireless telephone module, another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module
- FIG. 13 is a front view of a radio transmitter/transponder module, another alternative embodiment of the multi-function module;
- FIG. 14 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the LCD face of the multifunction module, shown in default mode, displaying time and alarm;
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying time and date;
- FIG. 16 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying time and year;
- FIG. 17 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying the time and date set function;
- FIG. 18 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying the alarm set function;
- FIG. 19 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying the stopwatch function;
- FIG. 20 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in default mode, displaying time and alarm information and the "low battery” indicator;
- FIG. 21 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in compass mode, displaying direction and declination;
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in compass mode, displaying the compass set function;
- FIG. 23 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in altitude mode, displaying altitude, rate of ascent descent and time;
- FIG. 24 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in altitude mode, displaying the altitude set function;
- FIG. 25 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in barometer mode, displaying absolute barometric pressure, temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in English units
- FIG. 26 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in barometer mode, displaying absolute barometric pressure, temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in metric units;
- FIG. 27 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in barometer mode, displaying sea level barometric pressure, temperature and rate of change in barometric pressure in English units;
- FIG. 28 is a front view of the LCD face of the multi-function module, shown in barometer mode, displaying the barometric pressure set function.
- reference numeral 10 generally refers to a preferred embodiment of the multi-purpose equipment of the present invention.
- Equipment 10 comprises a housing 12 and a multi-function module 14 positioned on the housing.
- housing 12 is substantially identical for all embodiments discussed herein.
- multi-function module 14 may differ according to the particular function desired.
- module 14 may contain a mechanical or analog device, such as a mechanical compass (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.
- a mechanical or analog device such as a mechanical compass (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.
- Housing 12 has an attractive appearance, somewhat pronounced of a cellular telephone. It includes a front face 1 1 , a back face 23, a top 3, a bottom 5, and sides 7 and 9. Sides 7 and 9 are preferably tapered inwardly from top 3 to bottom 5. Front face 1 1 includes an upper portion 82 and a lower portion 84.
- module 14 is substantially cylindrical in shape and fits within a substantially cylindrical module-receiving cavity 21 (see FIG. 3) located on upper portion 82 of front face 1 1. It may be appreciated that module 14 is centrally and prominently located on a major portion of front face 1 1 of housing 12. In addition, as will become more clear hereinafter, module 14 is removable by hand, as may be desired by the user, from module-receiving cavity 21. When module 14 is in place within module-receiving cavity 21 , as shown in FIG.1, the display screen of the electronic or mechanical device housed in module 14 (not shown in this view) is protected since it is face down.
- equipment 10 is designed to provide and house multiple devices, tools and accessories in a compact assembly that can be hand-held and stored safely in a coat or pants pocket, in a bag, or clipped to a person's belt.
- a tool pod 16 having a plurality of tools 106 (e.g., knife, can opener, scissors, etc.) pivotally mounted therein.
- tools 106 e.g., knife, can opener, scissors, etc.
- the details of tool pod 16 will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- a flashlight 22 Located in lower portion 84 of front face 1 1 is a flashlight 22 which preferably comprises an LED 158 and a button 156 for actuating the LED 158.
- a longitudinally formed accessory compartment 8 Centrally located and accessible from the top 3 of housing 12 is a longitudinally formed accessory compartment 8 that is designed to accommodate disposable lighter 32 (see FIG. 4).
- housing 12 On rear face 23 of housing 12 is a belt clip 20 to permit the entire unit to be easily mounted on one's belt.
- multifunction module 14 could be adapted contain a mechanical compass, a electronic compass, a global positioning system receiver, a clock, a thermometer, an altimeter, a wireless phone, a stud finder, a tape measure, a beacon, an alarm, a two-way radio, a calculator, a computer, a laser measurement/range finder, a golf scoring card, a tire gauge, and an electronic map.
- Tool pod 16 could easily be modified to include different groups of tools.
- Accessory compartment 18 could shaped to accommodate a variety of accessories, both removable and fixed. In less expensive models, any one or more of the components of equipment 10, such as tool pod 16, flashlight 22, or multi-function module 14 could even be omitted.
- housing 12 and module 14 serve as the basic foundation for a wide variety of applications.
- multi-function module 14 houses a mechanical or analog compass is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and will now be described.
- housing 12 includes a module cavity 21 (FIG. 3) in which multi-function module 14 is stowed when not in use as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, module 14 is secured to module cavity 21 by means of two flanges 23 and 25 which are inserted and rotated into bayonet slots 27 and 29, respectively, that are formed on the rim of cavity 21.
- a mechanical compass 172 having an outwardly facing display 174 is contained within module 14.
- Display 174 can be viewed when module 14 is removed from module cavity 21 and inverted. When module 14 is stowed in cavity 21 , display 174 is enclosed between module cavity 21 and module 16, and is therefore protected from damage.
- flashlight 22 preferably includes a rubberized button 156 that, when depressed, activates an LED 158.
- LED 158 is preferred, however, because of its combination of low power consumption and intensity.
- LED 158 is powered by a 3 volt dry cell battery 182, which is removably secured to a battery housing 188 located in multi-function module cavity 21.
- a lanyard 34 (see FIG. 3) may be provided to prevent multi-function module 14 from becoming lost.
- Lanyard 34 includes two cords 36 & 37, which are both fastened to a retainer 39, forming loops 41 & 43 in cords 36 & 37, respectively.
- Cords 36 & 37 are formed of woven nylon but could, alternatively, be formed of any suitable material.
- Retainer 39 is preferably formed of flexible plastic or rubber. Two lanyard catches 1 7
- FIG. 2 & 19 are provided on housing 12 and module 14, respectively, for attaching lanyard 34.
- Loop 41 is preferably large enough to allow module 14 to pass therethrough, so that lanyard 34 can be attached to both catch 1 7 and catch 19 at the same time. This feature allows lanyard 34 to be used in multiple configurations: • tethered to both catches 17 & 19 at the same time, thereby tethering module 14 to housing 12 (see FIG. 3);
- a whistle 38 having an aperture 45 for attaching whistle 38 to cord 36 or 37 may also be provided.
- FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of equipment 10 for the purpose of showing the shape and relationship of the internal parts of housing 12 and describing the modular construction of housing 12.
- Tool pod 16 and accessory compartment 18 are sandwiched between a front plate 136 and a back plate 74, which are separated by spacer 28.
- Spacer 28 is roughly L-shaped, including a wall 31 and a floor 35 that is orthogonal to wall 31. Spacer 28 accommodates tool pod 16 atop floor 35.
- Wall 31 , floor 35, tool pod 16 front plate 136, and back plate 74 define the bounds of accessory compartment 18.
- wall 31 and floor 35 each respectively include a gripping surface 13 and 15 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that helps the user to grip equipment 10 when held in his or her hand.
- Accessory compartment 18 can be used to accommodate a number of different items.
- compartment 18 removably receives a conventional disposable lighter 32 (such as a Bic ® or Scripto ® brand disposable lighter).
- a conventional disposable lighter 32 such as a Bic ® or Scripto ® brand disposable lighter.
- compartment 18 is formed by spacer 28, front plate 136, back plate 74, and equipment pod 16.
- a lid 30 covers compartment 18 and lighter 32 (when stored therein) and ean be flipped upwardly to remove or replace lighter 32.
- lighter 32 When contained within compartment 18, lighter 32 is protected from moisture and damage.
- lighter 32 is designed to be removable in order to keep flames and heat away from equipment 10 and to allow for easy and inexpensive replacement of lighter 32.
- a refutable built-in lighter (not shown) could be provided.
- Tool pod 16 is affixed within spacer 28 and includes a plurality of tools 106 (see
- Tools 106 pivot approximately 180 degrees from the stowed position (shown in FIGS. 4-6) to a fully extended and locked position (not shown).
- tool pod 16 in a preferred embodiment includes a housing 98 having a planar floor 100 and two opposing upright walls 102 and 104, between which tools 106 are stowed.
- the pivoting and locking features of tool pod 16, including tool lock 120 (including a leaf spring and a transverse slot), are similar in structure and operation to the pivoting and locking features used in the TOUGHTM tool multi-function pliers, manufactured by the Imperial Schrade Corp., and therefore, will not be described in detail herein.
- Such features are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,781 ,950 the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.
- Tools 106 may comprise many different combinations of implements, all of which are well-known in the art. Examples of such tools could include: a knife blade
- Tool pod 16 also preferably includes a corkscrew 1 12 having a worm 114 welded to an arm 1 16, which is pivotally attached to the exterior side of wall 102.
- Corkscrew 1 12 is pivoted 90 degrees counter-clockwise for use.
- Recessed portions 1 19 and 121 formed in wall 102 and back plate 74 (see FIG.
- front plate 136 and back plate 74 are formed of metal, for durability, but obviously could be formed of any durable material.
- a belt clip 20 is preferably provided and attached to the rear of back plate 74 to allow equipment 10 to be secured to the belt of a person carrying equipment 10.
- Clip 20 is preferably made of high-impact plastic which may be color coordinated with other parts of equipment 10.
- Clip 20 may be affixed to back plate 74 by any convenient means, such as rivets of adhesives.
- Module cavity 21 is preferably affixed to front plate 136.
- housing 12 provides significantly more flexibility at the manufacturing level than equipment of the prior art. Modification of housing 12 to accommodate tool pods of different widths, a differently-shaped accessory compartment, or omission of either of these parts is simply a matter of substituting a spacer of a different width and/or shape. Other modifications could include the omission of module cavity 21 and multi-function module 14.
- Multi-function module 214 comprises an electronic compass 215 that includes the capability of displaying a variety of information, including time, date, stopwatch, temperature, direction, absolute and relative barometric pressure, and altitude above sea level.
- Module 214 may optionally include a signal mirror 217 incorporated into housing 112 which is formed of a reflective material, such as polished steel.
- Compass 215 is operated by four buttons 310, 312, 314, and 316 (see FIG. 14 - only buttons 312 & 314 are visible in FIGS. 7 & 7A). As will be described in greater detail herein, the functions and operation of electronic compass 215 represents a marked improvement over similar devices in the prior art.
- the primary components of electronic compass 215 comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) 228 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 232 (see FIG. 8).
- LCD 228 is a conventional backlit, disk-shaped display commonly used in wristwatches.
- the backlight color is preferably selected to be amber (orange) in order to provide optimum visibility at night. Of course other backlight colors, such as red or green, for example, could be used.
- FIG. 8 A block diagram showing the basic structure of PCB 232 is shown in FIG. 8.
- PCB 232 includes several modules that provide the information described above. Time, date and stopwatch information is generated in clock/timer module 280.
- Directional information (compass) is provided by a magnetic sensor/coil module 282.
- Barometric pressure information is provided by a pressure sensor module 284.
- Temperature is provided by an electronic temperature sensor module 286.
- Modules 280, 282, 284 and 286 are all readily-available electronic components.
- Modules 280, 282, 284, and 286 each send information to processor 288 that converts the information from each module and displays it on LCD 228.
- Processor 288 also changes the information displayed on LCD 228 in response to inputs from buttons 310, 312, 314, and 316 (see FIG. 14).
- power for PCB 232 and LCD 228 is preferably provided by a 3 volt dry cell battery (not shown) that is removably secured within module 214 by a threaded cover 248.
- An o-ring may be provided between the battery and cover 248 to seal out moisture.
- Cover 248 is opened and closed by means of a generally rectangular slot 250, which can be opened with a coin or flat head screwdriver, for example.
- Multi-function module 214 may optionally include a small dish-shaped bubble level (not shown), which would preferably be embedded in compass 215.
- a bubble level would aid in the calibration of electronic compass 215 in altimeter mode, which will be discussed in detail herein, as well as improving the accuracy of compass 215 in compass mode.
- multi-function modules 14 and 214 comprising mechanical (analog) and electronic (digital) compasses, respectively, represent only two examples of the many possible devices that may be included as part of equipment 10 of the present invention.
- Other possibilities include, for example, a stud finder module 414 (FIG. 9), a global positioning system (“GPS") module 514 (FIG. 10), a range finder and calculator module 614 (FIG. 1 1), a wireless phone module 714 (FIG. 12), and a radio transmitter/transponder module 814 (FIG. 13).
- Stud finder module 414 could include sensors (not shown) to detect both metal and wood (density) that would be displayed by indicator lights 416 and 418, respectively.
- GPS module 514 (FIG. 10) provides current position information, such as latitude and longitude, which is displayed on an LCD 516.
- Two buttons 518 and 520 would allow the user to cycle up and down through display modes.
- a set button 522 acts to store the current position in memory.
- a memory recall button 528 displays waypoints stored in memory. Buttons 524 and 526 respectively turn module 514 on and off.
- Range finder/calculator module 614 (FIG. 1 1) provides information regarding the distance between module 614 and an object or surface, as well as calculator functions. Such information is displayed on an LCD 616.
- Module 614 includes front-mounted sensor 615 which may include a laser light (not shown) to identify the surface to which distance is being measured.
- a mode button 618 allows the user to switch from English to metric units in range finder mode and to switch between range finder mode and calculator mode.
- a read button 626 causes the current distance to be fixed on LCD 616.
- a set button 628 is used to calibrate sensor 615.
- a memory input button 622 stores distance readings or calculated numbers in memory.
- a memory recall button 620 recalls numbers stored in memory.
- Two operation buttons 632, 630 provide addition and multiplication functions.
- An "equals" button 624 displays the results of an addition or multiplication operation.
- Wireless phone module 714 (FIG. 12) is laid out and functions much like a conventional flip-type cellular telephone.
- Module 714 includes an LCD 724, keypad 718, buttons 720 and 722 for respectively initiating/answering and terminating a call, buttons 728 and 730 for scrolling through stored telephone numbers, and button 726 for scrolling through the various modes provided by module 714.
- Such modes could include, for example, an electronic phone book, a log of incoming and outgoing calls, options, and other features commonly found on conventional wireless telephones.
- Radio transponder/transmitter module 814 (FIG. 13) includes an antenna 818 contained within a lid 816 that pivots about a hinge 817.
- Module 814 preferably includes a send button 820 for sending a beacon or distress signal and a reset button 822.
- Module 814 is targeted for use in a marine environment.
- multi-function modules 14 and 214 several ofthe above-noted modules, for example, range finder and calculator module 614, are preferably designed to be removable from housing 12. However, other modules, such as wireless phone module 714, need not be removable, and therefore, could be permanently attached to housing 14 and would include therefore a hinged lid 716 which provides access to the functional features of module 714.
- Such multi-function module embodiments could otherwise resemble the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7.
- the layout of LCD face 308 is designed to allow the user to quickly recognize and use the information displayed thereon.
- four buttons 310, 312, 314 and 316 are provided to allow the user to navigate through the numerous functions available. Information relating to such functions is displayed in one of four display zones 301, 302, 303, and 304, as well as a direction ring 326.
- LCD 228 includes four modes: time and date, compass, altitude, and barometer.
- Each general mode includes several functions or display sub-modes (which will be described in detail herein), each displaying different information in at least one of zones
- the active mode (i.e., the mode being displayed on face 308) is indicated by an arrow 328, which is located in zone 304 and points to text corresponding to the active mode. Cycling from mode to mode is accomplished by depressing pressing mode button 312. For example, compass 220 may be cycled from time mode (as shown in FIG. 14) to altitude mode (as shown in FIG. 23) by depressing mode button 312 twice. The operation of compass 220 will now be described in detail:
- FIGS. 14-19 show face 308 in time mode.
- face 308 displays time and date information, as shown in FIG. 14.
- time mode is selected, the following information appears on face 308:
- Zone 301 displays the current time in either 12 or 24-hour format (with AM and PM indication when in 12-hour format)
- Zone 302 display cycles between date sub-display, year sub-display, or alarm time sub-display
- Zone 303 displays seconds
- Compass 220 is operated as follows when LCD 280 is in time mode: • depressing select/set button 314 cycles through alarm, year and date sub-displays
- depressing button 310 continuously for 2 seconds activates a stopwatch function (described below)
- depressing pressing button 316 continuously for 2 seconds activates a backlight (not shown) for 10 seconds
- Face 308 displays the following information in zone 302 when in time mode:
- Date display sub-mode displays the month and date in mm. dd format and the word
- Year display sub-mode displays the year in yyyy format and the word “Year” (see FIG. 16)
- Alarm display sub-mode alarm time in hh.mm format and the word “Alarm” and “AM” or “PM” if in 12-hour time mode (see FIG. 17).
- FIG. 17 shows face 308 in clock/date set function mode. Upon entry into clock/date set function, AM/PM designation flashes on zone 301. The procedure for setting time and date is as follows:
- Depressing button 310 or button 316 toggles the AM/PM designation between "AM” and “PM”.
- Depressing select set button 314 causes the hour designation to flash in zone 301.
- Depressing and releasing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the hour in one hour increments. Faster scrolling of hours can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the minute designation to flash in zone 301.
- Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases minutes in one minute increments. Faster scrolling of minutes can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the year designation to flash in zone 302.
- Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the year in one year increments. Faster scrolling of years can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the date ⁇ mm.dd) to be displayed in zone 302 and the month designation to flash. Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the month in one month increments. Faster scrolling of months can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- Depressing select/set button 314 again causes the day designation to flash in zone 302.
- Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the day in one month increments. Faster scrolling of days can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- the alarm set function of face 308 is shown in FIG. 18. Upon activation of the alarm set function, the hour designation will begin flashing on zone 302 and a box will appear around the word "Alarm".
- the procedure for setting the alarm is as follows: • Depressing and releasing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases the flashing hour designation in one hour increments. Faster scrolling of hours can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- Depressing select/set button 314 causes the minute designation to flash in zone 302.
- Depressing button 310 or button 316 increases or decreases minutes in one minute increments. Faster scrolling of minutes can be accomplished by depressing and holding button 310 or button 316.
- the stopwatch function of LCD 228 is shown in FIG. 19. As described above, the stopwatch function is activated from time mode by depressing and holding button 310 for 2 seconds. When the stopwatch function is active, face 308 displays the following information:
- Zone 301 displays "ET” and elapsed time in minutes and seconds in mm.ss format.
- Zone 302 displays current time in hh:mm format, along with "AM” or "PM” if in 12- hour time format.
- Zone 303 displays elapsed time in hours.
- Zone 304 arrow 328 rotates to indicate that the stopwatch has been started.
- the stopwatch function is operated as follows:
- Depressing button 310 starts elapsed time running, depressing button 310 again stops elapsed time, depressing button 310 a third time restarts elapsed time.
- Depressing button 316 resets elapsed time to zero.
- AM PM designation will flash and alternate between "AM” or "PM” and "LB” (see FIG. 20).
- FIG. 21 shows LCD 228 in compass mode.
- face 308 displays the following information:
- Zone 301 displays a numerical read ing from O degrees to 360 degrees, indicating the direction arrow 330 is facing (with 0 degrees equaling due North), along with a two-letter directional designation (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW).
- Zone 302 displays the current time in hours and minutes and an AM/PM designation if in 12-hour time format.
- Zone 303 displays declination reading (i.e., the angle that would be formed between the needle of a mechanical compass and a line pointing due North) and an indicator line that shows whether the declination angle is to the East or
- Ring 326 displays an arrow 31 1 which is a graphical representation ofthe numerical reading on zone 301.
- Depressing select/set button 314 causes the place holders to be replaced by a flashing numerical reading "0 00" and an arrow to appear in ring 326
- select/set button 314 is depressed to return to compass display mode.
- FIG. 23 shows LCD 228 in altimeter mode, in which face 308 displays the following information:
- Zone 301 displays current altitude above (or below) sea level in feet when in English units mode ("FT” is also displayed) or meters when in metric mode ("M” is displayed).
- the range and accuracy of the altimeter is from -500 feet to + 15,000 feet in 10 foot increments or -160 meters to +4575 meters in 5 meter increments.
- current altitude is greater than 9,999 feet, the first two numbers of the current altitude are displayed at the top of zone 301.
- Zone 302 displays the current time in hours and minutes and "AM” or "PM” if in 12- hour time format.
- Zone 303 displays the rate of change in altitude in feet per minute or meters per minute. If altitude is increasing, an upward pointing arrow is displayed. If altitude is decreasing, a downward pointing arrow (not shown) is displayed.
- FIGS. 25-26 shows LCD 228 in barometer mode, which includes the following information:
- Zone 301 displays the absolute barometric pressure in inches of Mercury (Hg) or in millibars (mbar) and the letters "AB" appear above the pressure reading.
- the usable pressure range is 10.0 Hg to 32.4 Hg or 338 mbar to 1095 mbar.
- Zone 302 displays current temperature in °F or °C, the usable temperature range being from -5 °F to + 140 °F or -20 °C to + 60 °C.
- Zone 303 displays the amount of change in pressure (in units equal to the present pressure reading in Zone 301) since the last pressure reading taken by the on-board sensor (not shown).
- LCD 228 is operated in barometer mode as follows: • Depressing and releasing button 310 toggles zones 301 , 302 and 303 between
- Zone 301 displays the relative barometric pressure (equal to the difference between the absolute barometric pressure and sea level barometric pressure) and the letters "SL" above the pressure reading.
- Calibrating the barometric pressure is accomplished as follows: • Calibrating the barometric pressure requires the user to know the actual current barometric pressure at sea level, which can be found in many weather reports.
- button 310 or button 316 is depressed to respectively increases or decreases the pressure reading until the pressure reading equals the actual current barometric pressure at sea level. Depressing select/set button 314 fixes the pressure reading and returns LCD 228 to sea level barometric pressure mode.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/296,696 US7125145B2 (en) | 2000-12-26 | 2001-05-29 | Multi-purpose equipment |
EP01950256A EP1294543A2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-29 | Multi-purpose equipment |
CA002412098A CA2412098A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-29 | Multi-purpose equipment |
AU2001271274A AU2001271274A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-29 | Multi-purpose equipment |
US11/515,754 US20070056117A1 (en) | 2000-12-26 | 2006-09-06 | Multi-purpose equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US20735300P | 2000-05-26 | 2000-05-26 | |
US60/207,353 | 2000-05-26 | ||
US25809500P | 2000-12-26 | 2000-12-26 | |
US60/258,095 | 2000-12-26 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/515,754 Division US20070056117A1 (en) | 2000-12-26 | 2006-09-06 | Multi-purpose equipment |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001091978A2 true WO2001091978A2 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
WO2001091978A3 WO2001091978A3 (en) | 2002-05-30 |
WO2001091978B1 WO2001091978B1 (en) | 2002-09-06 |
Family
ID=26902176
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/017255 WO2001091978A2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-29 | Multi-purpose equipment |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1294543A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001271274A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2412098A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001091978A2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003081173A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-02 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device and accessory |
EP1428635A1 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2004-06-16 | Nemerix SA | Knife with GPS receiver |
WO2004107061A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2004-12-09 | Timex Group B.V. | Method for compensating disturbances due to a step motor in an electronic compass |
US6928029B2 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2005-08-09 | Brandon Rickman | Combination tape measure and range finder |
WO2005105387A2 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-11-10 | Disetronic Licensing Ag | Key for a medical device with an additional element |
US7489111B2 (en) | 2005-12-08 | 2009-02-10 | Robert W. Wise | Holstered cordless power tool |
CN103282985A (en) * | 2011-01-12 | 2013-09-04 | 赖茵豪森机械制造公司 | Tap changer |
EP1475608B2 (en) † | 2003-05-09 | 2014-05-21 | HILTI Aktiengesellschaft | Electro-optical hand-held distance measuring apparatus |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN100447492C (en) * | 2004-04-05 | 2008-12-31 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Electronic device with lighter function |
US7797844B2 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2010-09-21 | Black & Decker | Light line generating assembly |
Citations (6)
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US4854045A (en) * | 1985-01-01 | 1989-08-08 | Wenger Sa | Modular pocketknife |
US5313376A (en) * | 1988-11-14 | 1994-05-17 | Mcintosh Kirk W | Multipurpose knife/light |
US5617597A (en) * | 1996-03-19 | 1997-04-08 | Reitz; David | Multipurpose kitchen tool |
US5790477A (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 1998-08-04 | Asulab S.A. | Portable precision clock with additonal functions |
US6144619A (en) * | 1998-11-02 | 2000-11-07 | Reisman; John P. | Flight watch with multiple timers and alarm indicating means |
US6273582B1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 2001-08-14 | Swiss Army Brands, Inc. | Compact multiple function tool |
-
2001
- 2001-05-29 CA CA002412098A patent/CA2412098A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-05-29 WO PCT/US2001/017255 patent/WO2001091978A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-05-29 EP EP01950256A patent/EP1294543A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-05-29 AU AU2001271274A patent/AU2001271274A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4854045A (en) * | 1985-01-01 | 1989-08-08 | Wenger Sa | Modular pocketknife |
US5313376A (en) * | 1988-11-14 | 1994-05-17 | Mcintosh Kirk W | Multipurpose knife/light |
US5617597A (en) * | 1996-03-19 | 1997-04-08 | Reitz; David | Multipurpose kitchen tool |
US5790477A (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 1998-08-04 | Asulab S.A. | Portable precision clock with additonal functions |
US6144619A (en) * | 1998-11-02 | 2000-11-07 | Reisman; John P. | Flight watch with multiple timers and alarm indicating means |
US6273582B1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 2001-08-14 | Swiss Army Brands, Inc. | Compact multiple function tool |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1428635A1 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2004-06-16 | Nemerix SA | Knife with GPS receiver |
WO2003081173A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-02 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device and accessory |
US7259837B2 (en) | 2002-03-26 | 2007-08-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device for releasable fastening of an accessory and accessory for such a device |
EP1475608B2 (en) † | 2003-05-09 | 2014-05-21 | HILTI Aktiengesellschaft | Electro-optical hand-held distance measuring apparatus |
WO2004107061A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2004-12-09 | Timex Group B.V. | Method for compensating disturbances due to a step motor in an electronic compass |
US6992481B2 (en) | 2003-05-29 | 2006-01-31 | Timex Group B. V. | Method for compensating for predictable generated signals in an electronic device |
EP2270427A1 (en) * | 2003-05-29 | 2011-01-05 | Timex Group B.V. | Method for compensating disturbances due to a step motor in an electronic compass |
US6928029B2 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2005-08-09 | Brandon Rickman | Combination tape measure and range finder |
WO2005105387A2 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-11-10 | Disetronic Licensing Ag | Key for a medical device with an additional element |
WO2005105387A3 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2006-02-09 | Disetronic Licensing Ag | Key for a medical device with an additional element |
US7489111B2 (en) | 2005-12-08 | 2009-02-10 | Robert W. Wise | Holstered cordless power tool |
CN103282985A (en) * | 2011-01-12 | 2013-09-04 | 赖茵豪森机械制造公司 | Tap changer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001091978A3 (en) | 2002-05-30 |
AU2001271274A1 (en) | 2001-12-11 |
EP1294543A2 (en) | 2003-03-26 |
CA2412098A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
WO2001091978B1 (en) | 2002-09-06 |
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