Multifunctional timepiece module with application specific printed circuit boards

US7406003B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Timex Group B.V. · NL

Inventors

• Wolfgang Burkhardt · Ansbach, DE
• Louis M. Galie · Leander, US
• Michel Plancon · Watertown, US
• Helmut Zachmann · Remchingen, DE
• Herbert Schwartz · Wurmberg, DE
• Roland Burghausen · Niefern, DE
• Gerhard Stotz · Eisingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 2003
• Grant date: Jul 29, 2008
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05K3/225
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electronic device that includes functionality to perform at least two functions, a first of which may be timekeeping and the other of which is at least a function other than the first function. The electronic device comprises a multilayered module comprising a frame having a frame surface; at least two physically separable printed circuit boards, the first of which includes means related to at least the timekeeping and the second of which includes means related to at least the function other than timekeeping, wherein the first printed circuit board is intermediate the frame surface and the second printed circuit board; a battery compartment dimensioned for receiving a battery, wherein the battery compartment is asymmetrically positioned within the module thus creating a region above the first printed circuit board and proximate the battery compartment; and wherein the second printed circuit board is securable within the module and in the region; wherein the functionality of the electronic device can be changed and/or modified by a removal of the second printed circuit board and a replacement with another printed circuit board having means at least in part different from and/or i…