Gravity actuated miniature switch for watch having switch actuator magnetic retaining structure

Abstract

A switch device for use in a wristwatch. The device comprises a switch housing and a cavity defined within the switch housing. The cavity has a side wall with at least a portion thereof being arcuately extending, a top wall and a bottom wall. A spherical displaceable element, of magnetically attractable material, is located for movement within the cavity. The side wall, top wall and bottom wall are spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit free displacement of the displaceable element therebetween. At least one magnetic element is associated with the cavity and located in a portion of the side wall whereby to retain the spherical displacement element thereto by magnetic attraction when the spherical element is displaced thereagainst in the cavity. The spherical element, when retained by the magnetic element, is dislodged therefrom by an external force created by a predetermined movement of a wearer's arm to release the spherical element in the cavity by gravity. Switch contact means is provided in the arcuately extending portion of the side wall and actuable by the spherical displaceable element when in contact therewith and when the wristwatch is in a particular position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.