WRIST-WORN WATCH DEVICE INCLUDING POWER RESERVE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

A wrist-worn watch device includes a time keeping circuit that is powered by a first battery disposed in the body of the watch device. A larger, secondary battery is also disposed in the body of the watch device. The secondary battery is not used to power the time keeping circuit, but rather can be recharged through a connector disposed on a first wrist strap portion, and can be used to recharge the battery of a portable electronic device through a connector on the second wrist strap portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable electronic devices, and, more particularly, relates to a wrist-worn time keeping device including

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the last decade “smart phone” devices have become increasingly common. These devices, in addition to providing cellular telephony functionality, also operate substantially as a general purpose computing device that can run application programs, store data, acquire and play media files, and many other tasks. Accordingly it is common for people to carry the phone device with them most of the time. Since these devices are powered by rechargeable batteries, it is not unusual for the battery charge to get low at times and places where there isn't access to a way to recharge the phone battery.

One way this problem has been addressed is with a portable “power pack,” which is a device that includes, typically, a large capacity rechargeable battery that can be used to recharge a phone battery or provide power to other portable devices. However these portable battery packs tend to be bulky, and inconvenient to carry. Since they serve no other purpose, it is not uncommon for a person to forget to bring their portable battery back when they go somewhere. Sometimes a person may plan to not be away for very long, and end up being away longer a expected, without having a way to recharge their phone battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a wrist-worn watch device including power reserve for portable electronic devices that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that are capable of providing power to recharge a battery of a portable electronic device such as a cellular telephone device.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a wrist-worn watch device that includes a body. The body has an internal volume and an external face on which a visual time keeping indicator disposed. The time indicator is controlled by a time keeping circuit that is also disposed in the internal volume of the body. A primary battery is also disposed in the internal volume of the body that exclusively powers the time keeping circuit. A secondary battery is also disposed in the internal volume of the body, with a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is a machine readable storage memory device. The watch device further includes a first wrist strap portion that is coupled to the body at a proximal end of the first wrist strap portion by a first coupling. The first wrist strap portion includes a first electrical connector having a first mechanical arrangement that is disposed at a distal end of the first wrist strap portion, and that is electrically connected to the non-volatile memory and the secondary battery through the first coupling. The watch device further includes a second wrist strap portion that is coupled to the body at a proximal end of the second wrist strap portion by a second coupling. The second wrist strap portion includes a second electrical connector having a second mechanical arrangement that is disposed at a distal end of the second wrist strap portion and that is electrically connected to the non-volatile memory and the secondary battery through the second coupling.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of retaining pins extending perpendicularly from the first wrist strap portion at the distal end on an inward-facing side of the first wrist strap portion. The watch device can further include the second wrist strap portion having a plurality of retaining holes arranged along a length of the second wrist strap portion configured to receive and retain the pair of retaining pins at an outward-facing surface of the second wrist strap portion.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first connector being configured as a micro-USB B-plug connector.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first connector and second connector having different mechanical and electrical arrangements.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention provides that the non-volatile memory comprises removable memory card.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention provides a solar power source that provides electric power only to the time keeping circuit and primary battery.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention provides that the first coupling comprises a first protrusion at a first end of the body that fits within a cavity formed by a first support member at the proximal end of the first wrist strap portion, and the second coupling comprises a second protrusion at a second end of the body that fits within a cavity formed by a second support member at the proximal end of the second wrist strap portion.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention provides that the plurality of electrical contacts are disposed at a bottom of each of the first and second protrusions at the first and second ends, respectively of the body, and that the plurality of contacts of the first protrusion mate with a corresponding contact on an end of the first wrist strap portion and the plurality of contacts of the second protrusion each mate with corresponding contact on an end of the second wrist strap portion.

“In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a novel and efficient wrist watch device that include a power source that can be charged, and subsequently used to recharge the batter of a portable electronic device. Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a watch device100, in accordance with some embodiments. In general the watch device includes, in addition to a time keeping system, a reserve battery that is not used to power the time keeping system, and is instead used to recharge or otherwise provide power to a portable, battery powered device, such as a cellular telephone device. As such, the reserve battery is disposed inside a body of the watch device, and can itself be recharged from an external source. Furthermore, the watch device can include data storage capability to store data that can be access by the portable electronic device. For example, picture files can be transferred from the portable electronic device to the watch device, which can then be used to transfer the picture files to a general computing device.

Accordingly, the watch device can include a time keeping circuit102, which is a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical time keeping system that is commonly referred to as a “movement.” The time keeping circuit includes a time regulator that control the measurement of the passage of time. The time keeping circuit controls a time indicator104, which can be any known time indicator system, include a liquid crystal display, hands (e.g. hour and minute hands), or a combination. The time indictor can be adjusted by a time adjust assembly, which can directly move the tune indicator as indicated by line110, or cause the time keeping circuit to move the time indictor as indicated by line108. In general, the time indicator indicates a time of day, and can further include date, and other functions, as provided by the time keeping circuit102. The time keeping circuit, if it is electrically operated, can be power by a primary battery112, which can be a single non-rechargeable electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the time keeping circuit can be mechanically driven, obviating the need for the primary battery112. In some embodiments, battery112can be a rechargeable battery, and the watch device100can further include a solar power source113that provides electric energy to the battery112. The solar power source can include, for example, a light sensitive material that can be disposed on an exposed surface of the watch device, such as on the watch face. The light sensitive material produces electricity, as is well known, upon being exposed to light.

The watch device100further includes a secondary battery114that includes one or more rechargeable cells. In some embodiments a fuel gauge circuit116can be connected in series with the secondary battery114to track how much charge is in the secondary battery114. An example of a fuel gauge circuit is sold by Maxim integrated under the designation DS2782, and can provide an output that indicates the state of charge of the secondary battery114on a data line118. The information provided on data line118can be used to control a charge indicator119on the face of the watch device100along with the time indicator system104. For example, a three segment liquid crystal display can be used to indicate several level of approximal battery charge. In other embodiments and more detailed indication can be given, such as, for example, a percentage (e.g. 0%-100%). The information on line118can be accessed by the time keeping circuit102or act directly on the charge indicator119. The secondary battery114is further connected to both a first connector circuit122and a second connector circuit126. The first and second connector circuits122,126, each include a mechanical connector for electrically interfacing with another device, along with any necessary circuitry. Circuity in the connector circuits122,126can protect against, for example, electrostatic discharge, provide signal conditioning, and so on. The first connector circuit122include a female connector, such as a female Universal Serial Bus (USB) micro-B connector. A female USB micro-B connector is common for receiving a mating male connector coupled to a power source and/or computing device. Female USB micro-B connectors are commonly used on cellular telephone devices to receive electrical power to recharge a battery as well as provide access to the memory in the cellular telephone device. The male connector of the second connector circuit126can be a male USB micro-B connector, or another male connector such as, for example, that developed by Apple, Inc. under the trade name “Lighting.” Furthermore, the male connector of the second connector circuit126is extendible, meaning it can be moved between a retracted position when not in use, and an extended position for connecting to a corresponding female connector.

The first and second connector circuits122,126can be further connected to a memory device120, such as, for example, a flash memory card that can be mounted in a “slot” connector in the body of the watch device. Data lines124connect the first connector circuit122to the memory device120, as lines128connect the memory device to the second connector circuit26. Thus, the memory device can be accessed from both the first and second connector circuits122.126.

In general, the first connector circuit122connects to a device that provides power to the secondary battery114to recharge the secondary battery114. If the device connected to the first connector circuit122is a computing device, then it can access the memory in the memory device120as well. The secondary connector circuit126is designed to connect to a portable electronic device that has a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by the secondary battery114.

FIG. 2is side exploded view of a watch device200, in accordance with some embodiments. The watch device200includes a body202, a first wrist strap portion214, and a second wrist strap portion216. The first and second wrist strap portions214,216are each connected to the body and extend away from the body. The body includes a face, viewable from the top (not seen in this view), on which a time indicator is provided to indicate the time. The body defines an internal volume203in which is disposed a time keeping circuit204, and a primary battery206for powering the time keeping circuit204. The time keeping circuit204can be an electrical or electromechanical circuit that is designed to constantly adjust the time indicator to indicate the time. Further disposed in the internal volume of the body202is a memory device208, such as a micro-SD flash memory card. The memory device can be mounted on a circuit board that also includes circuitry for the time keeping circuit204, or on a separate substrate or connector. The secondary battery210is also disposed within the internal volume203, along with any circuitry (e.g. fuel gauge circuitry) that may be associated with the secondary battery. A cover212attaches to the back/bottom of the body, opposite the face, to seal the internal volume203with the time keeping circuit204, primary battery206, memory device208, and secondary battery210inside.

The watch device200further includes a first wrist strap portion214and a second wrist strap portion216, each having a proximal end213,215, respectively, coupled to the body202of the watch device200. At a distal end211of the first wrist strap portion214is first connector218that can be, for example, a female connector such as a female USB micro-B connector. The first connector218can be oriented such that a male connector is inserted into the first connector218generally in line with the length of the first wrist strap portion214, which is the line between the proximal213and distal end211when the first wrist strap portion214is flat. Similarly, the second wrist strap portion216includes a second connector220that can be a male electrical connector. The second connector can be moveable between a retracted position inside the distal end217of the second wrist strap216, and an extended position where the connector extends beyond the distal end217of the second wrist strap portion216. Each of the first and second connectors218,220can include connector circuitry disposed inside the respective wrist strap portions214,216. Further, the first and second connectors218,220are electrically connected by conductor elements through the respective wrist strap portions214,216from the distal ends211,217to the proximal ends213,215to connectors that pass through the sides of the body202to electrically connect with the elements inside the internal volume203. The wrist strap portions214,216can be retained on the body202by screws222,224, respectively, that pass through a transverse channel in the proximal end of each wrist strap portion, and extend into holes on opposing features that protrude from the body202.

The first wrist strap portion can further include a pair of posts or prongs222that extend from the side of the first wrist strap214that faces the wearer's wrist at or near the distal end211. The prongs222mate with, and are retained by holes formed through the second wrist strap portion216by friction or mechanical interference. By pushing the prongs222through a set of the holes in the second wrist strap portion216, the watch device200can be worn on a user's wrist. This arrangement of fastening the wrist strap portions214,216together allows clearance for the first and second connectors218,220to connect to other devices.

FIG. 3is a top plan view300of a body302of a watch device, in accordance with some embodiments. The view300shows the face of the watch device on the body, without the wrist strap portions present. On the face is a time indicator, such as a conventional hour hand and minute hand. The time indicator can also be embodied as a liquid crystal display, or a combination of mechanical hands and LCD segments. The time indicator components are controlled and operated by the time keeping circuit inside the watch body, and can be adjusted conventionally. In some embodiments it is further contemplated that a battery charge indicator306can be provided on the face of the watch device. The charge indicator306indicates an approximate charge status of the secondary battery inside the watch body302to allow a user to determine whether the secondary battery needs to be recharged, as well as an indication as to how much more the battery of another device, such as a cellular telephone device, can be recharged from the secondary battery. Further, at each end of the body302, there are two opposing lugs, such as lugs308,310that extend or protrude from the body302for retaining a wrist strap portion.

FIG. 4is a side elevational view400of the body402of a watch device, showing the location where a wrist strap portion connects to the body402, in accordance with some embodiments. The body402can include a pair of opposing lugs404,406which extend outward from the body and define a space between them in which the proximal end of a wrist strap portion is received. In each lug404,406there is a lug hole,412,410, respectively in which screws can be placed to retain the wrist strap portion. Alternatively, pins can be used in some embodiments, as is conventional. Further, in some embodiments, there can be an electrical connector408that mates with a corresponding connector in the proximal end of the wrist strap portion. The electrical connector408can allow electrical current and signals to connect to components inside the body402, such as the secondary battery and a memory device. The electrical connector408can be accessed through an opening in the body402, and resides within the body402without protruding into the space between the lugs404,406. However, as shown here, the connector408is a female connector that receives a male connector from a wrist strap portion. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the connector408can equivalently be a male connector that extends from the body402to mate with a corresponding female connector in the wrist strap portion.

FIG. 5is bottom view of a first wrist strap portion500, in accordance with some embodiments. The first wrist strap portion500include a flat strap portion502. At a distal end there are a pair of prongs504,506extend from the surface (e.g. equivalent to prongs222ofFIG. 20out of the page, as shown in the view ofFIG. 5. At the terminus of the distal end, embedded in the distal end, is a first connector508, which can be, for example, a female USB micro-B connector. Conductors512run from the first connector508to a body connector510at the proximal end of the wrist strap portion500. The body connector can mate with a corresponding connector in the body of the watch device (e.g. connector408ofFIG. 4). Thus, a device connected to the first connector508can electrically access components inside the body of the watch device, allowing charging of the secondary battery, as well as access to a memory device. Two extensions514,516are size to fit between the lugs at one end of the watch body, and receive a retaining pin to retain the wrist strap portion to the watch body. Alternatively, the extensions514,516can be ends of a transverse channel through the proximal end of the wrist strap portion to provide more bearing surface against the retaining pin.

FIG. 6is a top view of a second wrist strap portion600, in accordance with some embodiments. Like the first wrist strap portion, the second wrist strap portion600includes an elongated flat strap portion602. The second wrist strap portion also includes columns of holes604,606in pairs that correspond to the prongs (e.g.504,506), and which can receive and retain the prongs to hold the watch device onto the wearer's wrist. A retaining loop 6-8 can extend over the wrist strap to retain the portion of the first wrist strap portion that overlaps to connect with the second wrist strap portion600. A second connector610is located at a distal end of the wrist strap portion what can include an extendable male portion. The second connector610is electrically coupled to a second body connector612via conductors614in or on the second wrist strap portion600. The second body connector612mates with a corresponding connector in the body of the watch device (e.g. like408, but on the opposite side from where the first wrist strap portion connects). Further, a pair of opposing extensions616,618, like514,516, receive a retaining pin to hold the second wrist strap portions between opposing lugs of the watch body.

FIG. 7Ais side view700of an end of a wrist strap portion702that connects to the body of a watch device, in accordance with some embodiments. The portion shown here could be the proximal end of either the first or second wrist strap portions as shown inFIGS. 5-6. A retaining hole or channel704receives a retaining pin to retain the wrist strap portion between the lugs on the body of the watch device. A body connector706extends from the proximal end of the wrist strap portion to mate with a corresponding connector in the body of the watch device. The body connector706is electrically connected to a connector at the distal end of the wrist strap portion (e.g.508or610).

FIG. 7Bis a bottom view of an end of a second wrist strap portion708that connects to the a portable electronic device to recharge a battery of the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. The view in this illustration shows the side of the second wrist strap portion that will be against the wearer's wrist, normally. The second wrist strap portion708includes a plurality of retaining holes710that can be arranged in a pair of columns of retaining holes along the length of the second wrist strap portion708, and that receive and retain the prongs at the distal end of the first wrist strap (e.g.504,506). The second connector712is located at the distal end and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, as indicated by arrow718. The second connector712can be electrically connected with a body connector at the proximal end of the second wrist strap portion (e.g.612). To move the second connector712, a lever716can protrude from a channel714in which the lever716is captured. Thus, when not in use, the second connector712can be retracted, and when it needs to be used to connect to a device, it can be extended and inserted in into a mating connector of the device.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare system diagrams800,801showing a watch device806connected to a computing device802inFIG. 8A, and a portable electronic device812inFIG. 8B, in accordance with some embodiments. The diagram800,801serve to show the connectivity of the watch device806, and is not intended to necessarily represent the ordinary usage of the watch device806. The watch device806includes a secondary battery disposed in the body of the watch device, and further include first and second wrist strap portions. The first wrist strap portion is connected to the computing device802at the first connector808at the distal end of the first wrist strap portion. The first connector808can be, for example, a USB conenctor that allows power to flow from the computing device802to the secondary battery in the watch device806to charge the secondary battery (if needed). The computing device can also access a memory device inside the watch device806, to add, remove, or copy file and other data that can be stored in the memory device. Alternatively, the first connector808could be connected to a battery charger instead of the computing device802, as long as the charger has a mating connector that mates with connector808.

The watch device806, via a second connector810at the distal end of the second wrist strap, can connect to a portable, battery powered electronic device, such as a cellular telephone device812. In this arrangement, the secondary battery in the watch device806provides charge to the battery of the cellular telephone device812so that it can be recharged, or to simply power the cellular telephone device812. In addition, through an application or interface on the cellular telephone device812, the user can access the memory in the watch device806, and add, remove, or copy files and/or other data. to/from the memory in the watch device. In actual usage, the watch device would ordinarily only be connected to either the computing device/charger, or to the cellular telephone device (or similar portable electronic device).

FIG. 9is a flow chart diagram of a method900for charging a secondary battery in a watch device, in accordance with some embodiments. At the start902the watch device is operating normally, and the user has a power source to which the user can connect the watch device at the first connector on the first wrist strap portion. The power source can be, for example, a USB charger, a computing device, or any other electrical power source that can provide an appropriate regulated voltage and current suitable to recharge the secondary battery in the watch device. In step904the power source is connected by, for example, a cable, to the first connector on the first wrist strap. In step906the secondary battery in the watch device is being recharged with electrical power from the power source. In some embodiments a charge status display on the watch device can be updated to reflect the increase of charge in the secondary battery. In step908the power source, in cases where the power source is a computing device, can access a memory inside the watch device to add, delete, or otherwise interact with files and data in the memory. For example, if the memory contains image files, those image files can be transferred to the computing device for storage, editing, etc. In step910the method900continues charging and providing data access until the cable is disconnected from the first connector and the method900ends912.

FIG. 10is a flow chart diagram of a method1000for charging the battery of a portable electronic device from the secondary battery of a watch device, in accordance with some embodiments. At the start1002, the secondary battery of the watch device is charged, at least enough to provide charge to the battery of the portable electronic device. In step1004the second connector of the second wrist strap portion can be connected to a corresponding connector on the portable electronic device. The second connector can be initially in a retracted position that the user changes to an extended position so that it can be mated with the corresponding connector of the device being charged. In step1006the secondary battery of the watch device provides a charging current and voltage to the battery of the portable electronic device. In step1008the portable electronic device can access the memory in the watch device and commence data operations, such as transferring files to the memory, loading files into memory of the portable electronic device, and so on. In step1010the method1000continues until the second connector is disconnected. The battery of the portable electronic device may become fully charged while the watch device is connected to the portable electronic device, but an occasional maintenance charge current can be provided. When the second connector is disconnected, then the method ends1012.

FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view of a wrist watch device1100, in accordance with some embodiments. The device1100includes a body1102in which is disposed a time keeping circuit, a time indicator that is driven by the time keeping circuit, a battery fur powering the time keeping circuit, and a secondary battery unconnected to the time keeping circuit that can be used to provide power to a mobile electronic device. Attached to the body1102is a first wrist strap portion1104and a second wrist strap portion1106. Each wrist strap portion1104,1106connects to the body by interfacing with a respective electrical connector. A support member1108,1110is disposed at the proximal end of each wrist strap portion1104,1106, respectively. The support members1108,1110hold onto the wrist strap portions1104,1106, and provide a coupling to the body1102, such as by pins or screws, to hold the wrist strap portions1104,1106to the body1102.

As shown here, the support members1108,1110extend from the proximal end of their respective wrist strap portion1104,1106, and are sized and shaped to receive a protruding portion1116,1118, respectively, on each end of the body. The protruding portions1116,1118generally point down, and are angle away from a vertical direction, from top to bottom of the body1102, in opposite directions. At the bottom of each protruding portion1116,1118are several separate electrical contacts that mate with corresponding contacts disposed at the proximal ends of the wrist strap portions1104,1106. Thus, for example, protruding portion1118fits into cavity1120in the second support member1110.

In the first wrist strap portion1104, for example, a connector at the proximal end which mates with first protruding portion1116is connected to several separate, corresponding conductors1114that, while shown here outside of first wrist strap portion1104, are disposed within wrist strap portion1104. The conductors1114connect corresponding contacts at the proximal end with contacts in a first connector1112at the distal end of the first wrist strap portion. The first connector1112protrudes from the distal end, generally in the same direction(i.e. not angled) with respect to the wrist strap portion1104when the wrist strap portion1104is flat/straight. A first cover1122can be used to cover and protect the first connector when the first connector is not in use. The first cover is coupled to the distal end of the first wrist strap portion at the opposing sides of the distal end of the first wrist strap portion, and is rotatable about an axis between the points where it is coupled to the distal end of the wrist strap portion1104, as indicated by arrow1124. A pair of retaining protrusions1138extend from the first cover1122, and are sized to fit into holes in the second wrist strap portion1108to hold the first and second wrist strap portions together about a user's wrist by being inserted into retaining holes1136. Likewise, the second cover1126at the distal end of the second wrist strap portions1106includes a pair of retaining protrusions1134that are inserted into retaining holes1140in the first wrist strap portion1104to further hold the two wrist strap portions together.

The second wrist strap portion includes a second connector1128, shown here separate from the distal end of the second wrist strap portion1106, but which is assembled into the distal end of the second wrist strap portion1106. The second connector1128includes a plurality of electrical contacts that mate with corresponding contacts in a connector of a portable electronic device. When connected to the portable electronic device, an electrical current can be provided to the portable electronic device from the secondary battery inside the body1102to recharge a battery of the portable electronic device or otherwise power the portable electronic device. The second connector1128is coupled to conductors that pass through the second wrist strap portion1106to the connector at the proximal end of the second wrist strap portion in the second support member1110to interface with corresponding contacts at the bottom of the second protrusion1118.

The second connector1128is protected by a cover1126that, like cover1122, is rotatable in the direction of arrow1132. Thus, the second connector1128can be exposed for connecting it to the portable electronic device by rotating the cover1126to expose the second connector1128. A bottom portion1130can couple to the cover1126to further protect the second connector1128when the second connector1128is not being used to connect to a portable electronic device.

FIGS. 12A & 12Bshow side profiles of the first wrist strap portion1104ofFIG. 11, having a first electrical connector1112, in accordance with some embodiments. InFIG. 12A, the cover1122is positioned to cover and protect the first electrical connector1112. The first cover1122can be attached to the distal end of the first wrist strap portion1104at the sides of the distal end of the first wrist strap portion1104, such as by a screw or pin1200. InFIG. 12B, the cover1122is rotated in the direction of arrow1124to expose the first connector1112. Thereafter, the first wrist strap portion1104can moved in the direction of arrow1202to connect with a mating connector, such as a USB connector. The first electrical connector1112is used to recharge the secondary battery in the watch device, and can also provide access to a memory device in the watch device. The second connector1128on the second wrist strap portion1106is accessed similar, by rotating cover1126to expose the second connector1128so that is can be coupled to a mating connector in a portable electronic device. However, the second connector1128provides power from the secondary battery in the body of the watch device, whereas the first connector1112is used to provide power to the secondary battery in the body of the watch device.

FIG. 13shows an exploded side view of a wrist watch device1100showing how the wrist strap portions1104,1106attach to the body1102of the wrist watch device1100, in accordance with some embodiments. First support member1108is coupled to the proximal end of the first wrist strap portion1104, and forms a cavity1306therein. The first protrusion1116fits within the cavity1306. Electrical contacts1302at the bottom of the first protrusion1116mate with contacts1304at the end side of the proximal end of the first wrist strap portion1104. The first wrist strap portion1104can be held onto the body1102by, for example, opposing screws that couple to a threaded hole such as threaded hole1303. Likewise, second protrusion1118fits into cavity1312of the second support member1110at the proximal end of the second wrist strap portion1106. Electrical contacts1308at the bottom of the second protrusion1118mate with contacts1310at the end edge of the proximal end of the second wrist strap portion1106.

FIG. 14shows a side view of a wrist watch device1100that shows how the wrist strap portions1104,1106are retained when worn by a user, in accordance with some embodiments. Retaining protrusions1134of the second wrist strap portion pass through holes in the first wrist strap portion, and retaining protrusions1138of the first wrist strap portion1104pass through holes in the second wrist strap portion1106. The material of the wrist strap portions1104,1106in which the retaining holes are located is a flexible or compliant material that is deformable and which tends to return to its original shape. The retaining protrusions1134,1138are generally post-like with a cross sectional diameter that is the same size as the diameter of the retaining holes. However, the ends of the retaining protrusions1134,1138are slightly enlarged, having a cross sectional diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the retaining holes so that, upon passing through the retaining holes, the retaining protrusions are retained by interference.

A wrist watch device has been disclosed that includes a time keeping circuit powered by a first or primary battery cell, and which further includes a secondary battery capable of recharging the battery of a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone device. The secondary battery is charged through a connector disposed at the distal end of the first wrist strap portion, by, for example, connecting to a power source (e.g. computer, power converter). The secondary battery can be used to recharge the battery of the portable electronic device through a connector at the distal end of the second wrist strap portion, is configured to mate with the power/data connector of the portable electronic device. Accordingly, the wrist watch device solves the problem of having to either carry a bulky external battery pack or a plug-in charger when travelling in order to recharge a portable electronic device. Integrating the secondary battery into the watch device allow the user to have an emergency power source in the event the battery of the user's phone, for example, become discharged, and the user does not have a separate battery power pack or power converter. The watch is small enough to be convenient to wear, and yet large enough to house a secondary battery that can provide a substantial charge.