Display apparatus

Abstract

A display apparatus ( 10 ) comprises a display band ( 14 ) and a control unit ( 12 ). The display band ( 14 ) is flexible and is dimension for wrapping round the wrist or other part of the user. In preferred forms, the control unit ( 12 ) includes a timing circuit and the display band ( 14 ) includes a digital time display, the apparatus thus functioning as a watch. Also preferred is the use of a malleable display band ( 14 ) allowing the apparatus to be applied to the wrist or the like without use of a buckle or catch. A variety of display bands ( 14 ) nay be used interchangeably with a single control unit

1 . A display apparatus comprising a flexible display member and a control unit provided at one end of the display member, the display member being in the form of a strip of a size suitable to be positioned around a limb of a user.  
   
   
       2 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which the display member is malleable.  
   
   
       3 . A display apparatus according to  claim 2 , in which the malleable display member is sufficiently stiff as to retain its shape without the need for a latch or other retainer.  
   
   
       4 . A display apparatus according to  claim 3 , in which the malleable display member is a strip or band of thin metal or plastic and which is initially axially straight and transversely concave.  
   
   
       5 . A display apparatus according to  claim 2 , in which the display member comprises an electro-luminescent display bonded to a malleable strip.  
   
   
       6 . A display apparatus according to  claim 5 , in which the display member comprises a rubber backing, a strip of thin steel forming said malleable strip, said electro-luminescent display, a filter layer, and an anti-moisture covering.  
   
   
       7 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which the control unit can be secured to a distal portion of the display member by a buckle or clasp.  
   
   
       8 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which controls are provided on the display member.  
   
   
       9 . A display apparatus according to  claim 8 , in which said controls are in the form of touch-sensitive areas on the display member.  
   
   
       10 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which the control unit comprises a timing circuit and the display member is adapted to display time indicia, whereby the apparatus functions as a watch.  
   
   
       11 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which the control unit comprises means for generating visual patterns on the display member, whereby the apparatus functions as an electronic bracelet.  
   
   
       12 . A display apparatus according to  claim 1 , in which the display member is removably attached to the control unit, whereby the display member can be detached and replaced with an alternative design or size to suit the individual.  
   
   
       13 . A display apparatus according to  claim 3 , in which the display member comprises an electro-luminescent display bonded to a malleable strip.  
   
   
       14 . A display apparatus according to  claim 4 , in which the display member comprises an electro-luminescent display bonded to a malleable strip.  
   
   
       15 . A display apparatus according to  claim 2 , in which the control unit comprises a timing circuit and the display member is adapted to display time indicia, whereby the apparatus functions as a watch.  
   
   
       16 . A display apparatus according to  claim 2 , in which the control unit comprises means for generating visual patterns on the display member, whereby the apparatus functions as an electronic bracelet.  
   
   
       17 . A display apparatus according to  claim 2 , in which the display member is removably attached to the control unit, whereby the display member can be detached and replaced with an alternative design or size to suit the individual.  
   
   
       18 . A display apparatus according to  claim 7 , in which the control unit comprises a timing circuit and the display member is adapted to display time indicia, whereby the apparatus functions as a watch.  
   
   
       19 . A display apparatus according to  claim 7 , in which the control unit comprises means for generating visual patterns on the display member, whereby the apparatus functions as an electronic bracelet.  
   
   
       20 . A display apparatus according to  claim 7 , in which the display member is removably attached to the control unit, whereby the display member can be detached and replaced with an alternative design or size to suit the individual.