U.S. patent application number 10/615530 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for accessory utilizing a light emitter.
Invention is credited to Maeda, Minoru.
Application Number | 20050006566 10/615530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33511894 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050006566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maeda, Minoru |
January 13, 2005 |
ACCESSORY UTILIZING A LIGHT EMITTER
Abstract
An accessory utilizing a light emitter that is capable of
detachably attaching a transparent body such as a gem is provided.
Because the transparent body is detachable and re-attachable, it is
easily possible to use a plurality of transparent bodies on one
accessory. Also, it is possible to use the accessory in a wide
variety of situations according to time, place and occasion.
Further, providing a family crest, engraved mark, trade mark,
illustration and/or the like on the accessory not only embellishes
the effect of the accessory, but also makes the accessory more
distinctive.
Inventors: |
Maeda, Minoru; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GROSSMAN & FLIGHT, LLC
20 N. WACKER DRIVE
SUITE 4220
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
33511894 |
Appl. No.: |
10/615530 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
250/214R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 15/0015 20130101;
C08L 2201/12 20130101; A44C 17/0233 20130101; A44C 27/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/214.00R |
International
Class: |
H01J 040/14 |
Claims
1. An accessory utilizing a light emitter, comprising: a
transparent body; a transparent body fixing member for receiving
said transparent body; a holding member for detachably attaching
said transparent body on said transparent body fixing member; said
light emitter, arranged near a transparent body, intermittently
emitting light upon reception of an electrical signal; a first
pulse generator for generating a first pulse signal at a relatively
short pulse interval; a photo detector for detecting light incident
on said transparent body and generating a light detection signal; a
second pulse generator for generating a second pulse signal at a
relatively long pulse interval; a signal processor for receiving
the first pulse signal, the second pulse signal, and the light
detection signal and supplying the electrical signal to said light
emitter at a predetermined timing; a circuit board for mounting
said light emitter, first pulse generator, photo detector, second
pulse generator and signal processor thereon; a board fixing member
connected to said transparent body fixing member for fixing said
circuit board; and a battery holding member connected to said board
fixing member for holding a battery, wherein said holding member of
said transparent body is an electrostatic absorption sheet.
2. (Cancelled)
3. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said electrostatic
absorption sheet comprises a synthetic resin sheet and an electrode
layer.
4. An accessory utilizing a light emitter, comprising: a
transparent body; a transparent body fixing member for receiving
said transparent body; a holding member for detachably attaching
said transparent body on said transparent body fixing member; said
light emitter, arranged near a transparent body, intermittently
emitting light upon reception of an electrical signal; a first
pulse generator for generating a first pulse signal at a relatively
short pulse interval; a photo detector for detecting light incident
on said transparent body and generating a light detection signal; a
second pulse generator for generating a second pulse signal at a
relatively long pulse interval; a signal processor for receiving
the first pulse signal, the second pulse signal, and the light
detection signal and supplying the electrical signal to said light
emitter at a predetermined timing; a circuit board for mounting
said light emitter, first pulse generator, photo detector, second
pulse generator and signal processor thereon; a board fixing member
connected to said transparent body fixing member for fixing said
circuit board; and a battery holding member connected to said board
fixing member for holding a battery, wherein said holding member of
said transparent body comprises a fixing portion made of shape
memory alloy for fixing said transparent body, a heat collecting
member body connected to said fixing portion, and a leg portion for
collecting heat from the battery and transmitting the heat to said
heat collecting member body.
5. The accessory according to claim 4, wherein a heater is provided
proximate to said fixing portion.
6. An accessory utilizing a light emitter, comprising: a
transparent body; a transparent body fixing member for receiving
said transparent body; a holding member for detachably attaching
said transparent body on said transparent body fixing member; said
light emitter, arranged near a transparent body, intermittently
emitting light upon reception of an electrical signal; a first
pulse generator for generating a first pulse signal at a relatively
short pulse interval; a photo detector for detecting light incident
on said transparent body and generating a light detection signal; a
second pulse generator for generating a second pulse signal at a
relatively long pulse interval; a signal processor for receiving
the first pulse signal, the second pulse signal, and the light
detection signal and supplying the electrical signal to said light
emitter at a predetermined timing; a circuit board for mounting
said light emitter, first pulse generator, photo detector, second
pulse generator and signal processor thereon; a board fixing member
connected to said transparent body fixing member for fixing said
circuit board; and a battery holding member connected to said board
fixing member for holding a battery, wherein said holding member of
said transparent body comprises a fixing portion for fixing said
transparent body, a heat collecting member body connected to said
fixing portion, and a leg portion for collecting heat from the
battery and transmitting the heat to said heat collecting member
body, wherein said fixing portion, said heat collecting member body
and said leg portion are formed integrally.
7. The accessory according to claim 6, wherein a heater is provided
proximate to said fixing portion.
8. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein
said holding member of said transparent body is an elastic member
for attaching said transparent body into said transparent body
fixing member by an application of pressure.
9. The accessory according to claim 8, further comprising a pin
member for pressing said transparent body outwardly.
10. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, further
comprising a heat collecting member for collecting heat from the
battery, and aromatic material for emitting a fragrance by the
application of the heat from said heat collecting member.
11. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, further
comprising a light scattering portion disposed between said
transparent body and said light emitter.
12. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein
the battery is a rechargeable battery.
13. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein
said accessory is a finger ring.
14. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein
said light emitter is a LED, CCD or liquid crystal.
15. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein at
least one of a family crest, an engraved mark, a trade mark, and an
illustration is provided on the rear surface of said accessory.
16. The accessory according to any of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein
said light emitter is used in an accessory body attached to a human
body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an accessory utilizing a
light emitter. More particularly, the present invention relates to
an accessory capable of fixing a transparent body detachably
utilizing a light emitter.
[0003] 2. Related Background of the Invention
[0004] As accessories, rings, earrings, pendants, and the like that
utilize gems, imitation doublets, and the like (to be referred to
as "accessory bodies" hereinafter) are known. These accessories
exhibit unique colors and brilliance when light is transmitted,
refracted, or reflected in the accessory bodies, thereby giving
aesthetic stimulation to those who see them.
[0005] However, these accessories cannot provide their unique
colors and brilliance unless light is incident onto the accessory
bodies from the outside.
[0006] The color of a conventional accessory is uniformly
determined according to the gem to be used and its arrangement, and
the number of kinds of colors depends on combinations of gems used.
For this reason, there is no originality in visual stimulation, and
the degree of freedom of design is low.
[0007] Furthermore, when a gem is used as an accessory body, it is
difficult to work, resulting in an expensive accessory.
[0008] In addition, since a gem is usually fixed to an accessory in
a non-detachable manner, it is impossible to enjoy one accessory
with many kind of gems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
accessory body that utilizes a light emitter and is capable of
detachably attaching a transparent body such as a gem. By
detachably attaching the transparent body, it is easily possible to
change a plurality of transparent bodies on one accessory. Also, it
is possible to use the accessory in a wide variety of situations
according to time, place and occasion. Further, by providing a
family crest, engraved mark, trademark, illustration and the like
on the accessory, not only embellishment effect but also
discrimination effect can be obtained.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
accessory which can provide a color and brilliance unique to its
accessory body even if no light is incident onto the accessory body
from the outside.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an accessory which has originality in aesthetic stimulation
and a high degree of freedom in design.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an accessory which can be easily worked and is relatively
inexpensive.
[0013] In order to achieve these objects, according to the present
invention, there is provided an accessory utilizing a light
emitter, comprising:
[0014] a transparent body;
[0015] a transparent body fixing member for receiving said
transparent body;
[0016] holding member for detachably attaching said transparent
body on said transparent body fixing member;
[0017] said light emitter, arranged near the transparent body, for
intermittently emitting light upon reception of an electrical
signal;
[0018] first pulse generator for generating a first pulse signal at
a relatively short pulse interval;
[0019] photo detector for detecting light incident on said
transparent body and generating a light detection signal;
[0020] second pulse generator for generating a second pulse signal
at a relatively long pulse interval;
[0021] signal processor for receiving the first pulse signal, the
second pulse signal, and the light detection signal and supplying
the electrical signal to said light emitter at a predetermined
timing;
[0022] a circuit board for mounting said light emitter, first pulse
generator, photo detector, second pulse generator and signal
processor thereon;
[0023] a board fixing member connected to said transparent body
fixing member for fixing said circuit board; and
[0024] a battery holding member connected to said board fixing
member for holding a battery.
[0025] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not to be considered as limiting the present invention.
[0026] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an accessory
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the accessory shown
in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the
accessory shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a electrode layer;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic arrangement of an
accessory according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical circuit
which can be applied to the accessory according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a timing chart of a second pulse signal of the
second pulse generator according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G are timing charts of
input and output signals of a signal processor according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 9 shows an output signal table of electrical signals
output to the signal processor according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an
accessory according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view showing an
accessory according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 11B is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 13A and B are a schematic sectional views showing an
accessory according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 14A is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing an aromatic
material;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an accessory such as a
finger ring.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Embodiment 1
[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an accessory
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2
is a schematic sectional view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1, and
FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the accessory
shown in FIG. 1. In these figures, the accessory 100 basically
comprises the transparent body 1, a transparent body fixing member
2 for receiving the transparent body 1, holding member 200 for
detachably attaching the transparent body 1 on the transparent body
fixing member 2, a board fixing member 3, a circuit board 4, and a
battery holding member 5.
[0048] The surface of the transparent body 1 is cut into, e.g., a
polyhedron, so that internal light is satisfactorily reflected,
refracted, or diffused by the whole surface. The transparent body 1
may or may not be colored. The transparent body 1 is fixed to the
transparent body fixing member 2 of, e.g., plastic, which does not
allow light to pass therethrough.
[0049] A holding portion 2a for holding the transparent body 1 is
formed on the upper portion of the transparent body fixing member
2, and the transparent body 1 is held thereon through an adhesive
or claw (not shown). A coupling portion 2b having female threads on
its inner surface is formed on the lower portion of the transparent
body fixing member 2 to mount the board fixing member 3.
Furthermore, a flange 2c is formed at the central portion of the
transparent body fixing member 2. A switch 4a fixed on the circuit
board 4 is depressed by the flange 2c. A switch 2d is fixed on the
surface of the transparent body fixing member 2 and is connected to
the circuit board 4 by a lead wire.
[0050] For the holding member 200 of the transparent body 1, for
example, an electrostatic absorption sheet can be used. The
electrostatic absorption sheet 200 includes a synthetic resin sheet
201 as a dielectric material and an electrode layer 202 provided
integrally on the rear side of the synthetic resin sheet 201 by
means of, for example, printing. The electrode layer 202 has a
positive electrode 203 and a negative electrode 204 and connected
to a battery 6.
[0051] For the synthetic resin sheet 201, polyvinyl fluoride,
polyvinylidene fluoride and the like which have excellent
dielectric property can be used. In order to improve an
adhesiveness to printing ink, the rear surface of the synthetic
resin sheet 201 is roughened. To the thus roughened rear surface of
the synthetic resin sheet 201 conductive ink is printed with a
predetermined pattern thereby forming the electrode layer 202
disposed the positive electrode 203 and the negative electrode 204
alternately.
[0052] The board fixing member 3 is formed of a conductive material
such as a metal. A first coupling portion 3a having male threads on
its surface is formed on the upper portion of the board fixing
member 3, and is threadably engaged with the transparent body
fixing member 2. A second coupling portion 3b having female threads
on its inner surface is formed on the lower portion of the board
fixing member 3 so as to mount the battery holding member 5. A
holding portion 3c for holding the circuit board 4 is formed
between the coupling portions 3a and 3b.
[0053] The light emitter A, the signal processor B, the first pulse
generator C, the second pulse generator D, and the photo detector E
that will be described in more detail below are assembled on the
circuit board 4 with integrated circuits by use of miniature plana
mounting print wiring technique. The light emitter A and the photo
detector E are arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board.
For this reason, light can be emitted toward the transparent body
1, and external light can be detected. Electronic parts
constituting the signal processor B, the first pulse generator C,
and the second pulse generator D are arranged on the lower surface
of the circuit board. Furthermore, a contact member 4b for a
battery 6 is formed on the lower surface of the circuit board
4.
[0054] The battery holding member 5 also serves as a battery lid,
and is formed of a substantially disk-like conductive material. For
this reason, a coupling portion 5a having male threads is formed on
the peripheral surface of the battery holding member 5, and is
threadably engaged with the board fixing member 3. A projection 5b
is formed on the upper surface of the battery holding member 5 to
constitute a contact for the battery 6. The battery 6 is clamped
between the contact member 4b formed on the lower surface of the
circuit board 4 and the projection 5b to supply power to the
electronic parts assembled on the circuit board 4. Since a groove
5c is formed on the lower surface of the battery holding member 5,
the battery holding member 5 can be easily attached/detached.
[0055] The accessory 100 according to the first embodiment is
constructed as mentioned above, the operation of which is explained
as follows.
[0056] In FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery holding member 5 is first
removed from the board fixing member 3, a battery is inserted into
the bottom portion of the board fixing member 3 and then the
battery holding member 5 is closed to accommodate the battery 6. By
tightening the screw of the first coupling portion 3a, the
transparent body fixing member 2 is attached to the board fixing
member 3. At this time, a switch 4a is closed. Then, current from
the battery 6 is supplied to the electrode layer 202 having the
positive electrode 203 and the negative electrode 204 and the
electrostatic attractive force caused by the electrode layer 202
will fix the transparent body 1 to the transparent body fixing
member 2.
[0057] When removing the transparent body 1, the screw of the first
coupling portion 3a is released to open the switch 4a. This will
stop the application of current to the electrode layer 202 and
eliminate the electrostatic attractive force. Therefore, the fixing
and releasing of the transparent body 1 can be performed easily by
the open/close operation of the switch 4a. It should be noted that
the power switch is not limited to the switch 4a but it is possible
to provide it to the outside of the accessory 100, such as the
portion of the switch 2d. In this case, the fixing and releasing of
the transparent body 1 can be performed by means of the outside
switch without releasing the screw of the first coupling portion
3a.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows the basic structure of the accessory 100
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The
present invention basically comprises a light emitter A, a signal
processor B, a first pulse generator C, a second pulse generator D,
and a photo detector E. The disclosure of the U.S. Pat. No.
4,973,835 is incorporated herewith by reference.
[0059] The light emitter A is arranged on or near a transparent
body 1, and is connected to the signal processor B. The signal
processor B is connected to the first pulse generator C, the second
pulse generator D, and the photo detector E.
[0060] One or a plurality of light-emitting members A may be
arranged, and a light-emitting element such as an LED may be used.
The light emitter A externally emits light through the transparent
body 1. The first pulse generator C generates a first pulse signal
having a relatively short pulse interval, and the second pulse
generator D generates a second pulse signal having a pulse interval
at least longer than the first pulse signal. The photo detector E
detects light incident from the transparent body 1, and generates a
light detection signal. These signals are supplied to the signal
processor B and are subjected to predetermined signal
processing.
[0061] More specifically, only when the signal processor B receives
the second pulse signal and does not receive the light detection
signal, it controls a light-emission timing to cause the light
emitter A to emit light based on the first pulse signal. For this
reason, when light is not incident by the transparent body 1, the
light emitter A is repeatedly turned on/off to intermittently emit
light. In this case, an ON/OFF time depends on the pulse interval
of the second pulse signal.
[0062] The circuit arrangement of the light emitter A, the signal
processor B, the first pulse generator C, the second pulse
generator D, and the photo detector E will be described below with
reference to FIG. 6. In this embodiment, four light-emitting
elements are used for the light emitter A; a 4-bit binary counter
(for example, SN74HC161 of Texas Instruments Co.) for the signal
processor B; a clock oscillator for the first pulse generator C; a
monostable multivibrator for the second pulse generator D; and a
photosensor for the photo detector E.
[0063] The first pulse generator C comprises, e.g., a NAND Schmitt
gate 11, a resistor R1, and a capacitor C1. The output terminal of
the NAND Schmitt gate 11 is connected to the signal processor B.
This output terminal is also connected to the resistor R1. The
resistor R1 is connected to the "plus(+)" terminal of the capacitor
C1. The "minus(-)" terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected to
ground. One input terminal of the NAND Schmitt gate 11 is connected
between the resistor R1 and the capacitor C1, and the other input
terminal is connected to one input terminal of an OR gate 12
connected to the clear (CLR) terminal of the signal processor
B.
[0064] The photodetector E comprises, e.g., Schmitt inverter gates
13 and 14, a photosensor P1, resistors R2 and R3, and a capacitor
C2. The output terminal of the Schmitt inverter gate 14 is
connected to the input terminal of the OR gate 12. An integral
circuit constituted by the resistor R3 and the capacitor C2 is
connected between the Schmitt inverter gate 13 and 14 and the input
terminal of the Schmitt inverter gate 13 is connected between the
resistor R2 and the photosensor P1. The line from the resistor R2
and the photosensor P1 serves as a power supply line connected to
the switch 4a and the battery 6.
[0065] The second pulse generator D comprises, e.g., a NAND Schmitt
gate 15, a diode D1, a resistor R4, and a capacitor C3. The output
terminal of the NAND Schmitt gate 15 is connected to the other
input terminal of the OR gate 12. The input terminal of the NAND
Schmitt gate 15 is connected to the signal processor B. The
resistor R4 is connected between the output terminal of the NAND
Schmitt gate 15 and the other input terminal of the OR gate 12. The
diode D1 is connected in parallel with the resistor R4. The
capacitor C3 is connected to a line for connecting the power supply
line and a line connecting the resistor R4 and the input terminal
of the OR gate 12.
[0066] The signal processor B receives the pulse signal from the
first pulse generator C, the light detection signal from the photo
detector E, and an operation stop signal from the second pulse
generator D, and outputs electrical signals to its output terminals
Q0, Q1, Q2, and Q3 at predetermined timings. These output terminals
are connected to light-emitting elements L1, L2, L3, and L4 through
resistor R5, R6, R7, and R8, respectively. For this reason, these
electrical signals are sent to the light-emitting elements L1, L2,
L3, and L4 at predetermined timings. Further, switch 2d is
connected between the signal processor B and the power supply line
through resistor Rp. The switch 2d is connected to ENP terminal in
case that a 4-bit binary counter is used for the signal processor.
For this reason, closing the switch 2d changes the input signal of
ENP terminal from low to high and its output state of the output
terminals Q0, Q1, Q2, and Q3 is maintained.
[0067] The operations of this circuit in low and high illumination
cases will be described below in turn. First, low illumination case
(i.e., a case wherein no light is incident) will be described
below. When the switch 4a is closed, the internal resistance of the
photosensor P1 is increased, and after the lapse of a time
determined by a time constant of the resistor R2 and the capacitor
C2, the output of the Schmitt inverter gate 13 goes low. Therefore,
the output of the Schmitt inverter gate 14 goes high. The interval
of high output of the Schmitt inverter gate 14 can be arbitrarily
determined by the time constant of the resistor R3 and the
capacitor C2. When the output from the Schmitt inverter gate 14
goes high, the output from the NAND Schmitt gate 11 goes high.
Thus, the first pulse generator C starts self-excited oscillation
(free running). For this reason, a pulse signal having a short
pulse interval shown in FIG. 7A is supplied to the signal processor
B.
[0068] In a steady state, since the signal processor B supplies a
low-level signal to the NAND Schmitt gate 15, the output from the
NAND Schmitt gate 15 is set at high. For this reason, a high signal
is input to the input terminal of the OR gate 12. As a result,
since the high signals are input to the input terminals of the OR
gate 12, a high signal is output. Thus, the signal processor B is
enabled, and electrical signals shown in FIGS. 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G
are supplied to the light emitter A. After the lapse of a
predetermined period of time (until 16 pulses are input to the
signal processor B), a carry signal (CR) is supplied from the
signal processor to the NAND Schmitt gate 15 (FIG. 8B), thus
inverting the signal output from the second pulse generator D. In
this case, since the signal is converted from high to low, a signal
input to the CLR terminal of the signal processor B goes low (FIG.
8C). In this manner, when the carry signal is input, the output
signal from the second pulse generator D can be changed, as shown
in FIG. 7. If pulse intervals shown in FIG. 6 are represented by T1
and T2, the signal processor B is enabled for the time interval T2,
and is disabled for the time interval T1. After the lapse of time
determined by the time constant of the resistor R4 and the
capacitor C3, the signal output from the second pulse generator D
goes to high again, and the signal processor B is enabled
again.
[0069] Even if it becomes dark and the internal resistance of the
photosensor P1 is increased, the output from the Schmitt inverter
gate 13 does not go low unless the time determined by the time
constant of the resistor R2 and the capacitor C2 has elapsed.
Therefore, the operation of the signal processor B will not be
interrupted by an ON state of the light emitter A.
[0070] FIG. 9 shows timings at which the signal processor B
supplies the electrical signals to the light emitter A in an
enabled state. In this case, the light-emitting element L1 emits
light in response to a first clock, the light-emitting element L2
emits light in response to a second clock, and the light-emitting
elements L1 and L2 emit light in response to a third clock. In this
manner, when the 4-bit binary counter is used, a large number of
combinations or patterns of light emission can be realized.
Further, present emitting state can be maintained when the switch
2d is closed in the enable state.
[0071] Under high-illumination, since the light detection signal is
supplied to the signal processor B, the internal resistance of the
photosensor P1 is decreased, and the output from the Schmitt
inverter gate 13 goes high. Therefore, the output from the Schmitt
inverter gate 14 goes low. The interval of low output from the
Schmitt inverter gate 14 can be arbitrarily determined by the time
constant of the resistor R3 and the capacitor C2. When the output
from the Schmitt inverter gate 14 goes low, the output from the
NAND Schmitt gate 11 goes low. Therefore, oscillation of the first
pulse generator C is stopped. In this case, since one input signal
of the OR gate 12 goes low, the output signal from the OR gate 12
goes low regardless of the input signal from the second pulse
generator D. Thus, the signal processor B is kept cleared. In this
case, since no pulse is input from the first pulse generator C, no
carry signal is supplied from the signal processor B to the second
pulse generator D.
[0072] Embodiment 2
[0073] In the first embodiment, the electrostatic absorption sheet
200 as a holding member of the transparent body 1 is explained.
However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, it
is possible to adopt a shape memory alloy as a holding member of
the transparent body 1.
[0074] FIG. 10A depicts the situation where the transparent body 1
is detachably attached by the tip 303 of the fixing portion 302. In
the figure, the transparent body 1 of the accessory 101A is
detachably attached to the a transparent body fixing member 2 by
means of the transparent body holding member 300 providing a shape
memory alloy.
[0075] FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, the transparent body holding member 300 comprises a
heat collecting member body 301 composed of a good conductive metal
such as aluminum or silver and unguiform fixing portion 302 made of
shape memory alloy. The fixing portion 302 is attached to the tip
portion of the heat collecting member body 301 by means of caulking
or brazing.
[0076] When the light emitter is illuminating, the battery 6 will
generate heat. The generated heat is received by the leg portion
304 disposed to contact the battery 6 and then transmitted to the
heat collecting member body 301. The heat is further transferred to
the fixing portion 302 made of shape memory alloy. The shape memory
alloy has a property of bending when heated. Therefore, the tip 303
of the fixing portion 302 is bent inwardly and will fix the
transparent body 1. On the other hand, when the switch 4a is
opened, the battery 6 will not generate heat. Then, the temperature
of the fixing portion 302 returns to the ambient temperature and
the fixing portion 302 will move to the extended position as shown
by the dashed line in FIG. 10B. This enables the release of the
transparent body 1.
[0077] For the shape memory alloy, nonferrous type shape memory
alloy such as Nickel-Titanium alloy or Copper alloy, and ferrous
type shape memory alloy such as Iron-Platinum alloy,
Iron-Nickel-Cobalt-Titanium alloy, Iron-Palladium alloy and other
kind of shape memory alloy can also be applied. The shape of the
fixing portion 302 is not limited to that depicted in FIGS. 10A and
10B, but various other shapes can also be used.
[0078] Since the constructions and operations of the light emitting
section in the second embodiment (and in the following embodiments)
is same as that in the first embodiment, the explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0079] Embodiment 3
[0080] FIG. 11A depicts the states where the transparent body 1 is
detachably attached by the fixing portion 306 of the transparent
body holding member 305. In the figure, the transparent body 1 of
the accessory 10A' is detachably attached to the a transparent body
fixing member 2 by the means of the holding member 305.
[0081] FIG. 11B is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
100A' according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, the transparent body holding member 305 comprises a
heat collecting member body 301 made of a good heat conductive
metal such as Aluminum or Silver and an unguiform fixing portion
306 made of the same metal as that of the heat collecting member
body 301.
[0082] As in the same manner in the second embodiment, the heat
from the battery 6 is received by the leg portion 304, which is
disposed to contact the battery 6, and is transmitted to the heat
collecting member body 301. This heat will expand the fixing
portion 306 so as to fix the transparent body 1. On the other hand,
when the switch 4a is opened, the battery 6 will not generate heat.
Then, the temperature of the fixing portion 306 returns to the
ambient temperature and the fixing portion 302 will contract to the
original size. This enables to release the transparent body 1.
[0083] Embodiment 4
[0084] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein a heater 310 is provided adjacent to the heat collecting
member body 301 and the fixing portion 302. When the heat
generation is insufficient, it is possible to provide compensating
heat by using the heater 310. In addition, by providing a switch
311 on the outside of the transparent body fixing member 2, the
heater 310 can be heated or cooled by operating the switch 311
on/off, thereby enabling the transparent body to be hold or
released. The heater can also be provided near the fixing portion
306 of the holding member 305.
[0085] Embodiment 5
[0086] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the situation where the transparent
body 1 of the accessory 100C is detachably attached by means of a
spring type elastic member 400. As shown in FIG. 13A, by pressing
the transparent body 1 downward, the elastic member 400 is spread
outwardly. Then, the bottom portion of the transparent body 1 is
pressed to reach to the flange 2c, a top portion 401 of the elastic
member 400 fixes the side of the transparent body 1, as shown in
FIG. 13B. On the other hand, the transparent body 1 may be released
by pressing the battery holding member 5 upwardly. Pin 402 slidably
disposed through the circuit board 4 presses the bottom of the
transparent body 1. This operation releases the transparent body 1
from the transparent body fixing member 2. Preferably, the battery
holding member 5 can be formed by the material which has an
appropriate elasticity capable of bending upon pressing. Since the
elastic member 400 can be manufactured by metals or plastics,
plastics are preferably used for the elastic member 400 to avoid
injury to the transparent body 1.
[0087] Embodiment 6
[0088] FIG. 14A is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and is
basically same construction as the accessory depicted in FIG. 2.
Differences from FIG. 2 are that an aromatic material 150 is
disposed on the side of the board fixing member 3 and a heat
collecting member 151 for transferring the heat from the battery 6
to the aromatic material 150. The effect of the aromatic material
can pleasantly stimulate the sense of smell of persons near the
person wearing the accessory 100D.
[0089] As mentioned above, when the light emitter is illuminating,
the battery 6 will generate heat. The heat is received by the heat
collecting member 151 and transmitted to the aromatic material 150
so as to warm it. Then the aromatic material 150 generates an
aromatic aroma and the aroma is diffused outside of the accessory
100D through openings 152.
[0090] The aromatic material 150 has a ring shape as shown in FIG.
14B and may have cut-away portion (not shown) to enable easy
attachment to the board fixing member 3. As for the aromatic
material 150, non-woven fabric of cotton or plastics soaked with
liquid aromatic material can be used and the aromatic material may
be jelly or a solid.
[0091] Embodiment 7
[0092] FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view showing an accessory
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention and is
basically same construction as the accessory depicted in FIG. 2.
Differences from FIG. 2 are that a light scattering portion 2d is
formed at the central portion of the transparent body fixing member
2, a reflecting film 210 coats the inner surface of the synthetic
resin sheet 201 facing the transparent body 1.
[0093] In this embodiment, light emitted from the light emitter A
is satisfactorily scattered through the light scattering portion 2d
and the scattered light components are incident on the transparent
body 1. As a result, a person can experience further brilliance.
Fluorescent material may be coated instead of the reflecting film
210.
[0094] Embodiment 8
[0095] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an accessory such as a
finger ring according to the eighth embodiment. In FIG. 16, for
example, a finger ring 600 comprised of an accessory 100 is placed
on the pedestal 500 having a built-in AC adapter (not shown). The
finger ring 600 is composed of the accessory 100 accommodating a
rechargeable battery (not shown) and the ring 601 attached thereto.
By using the rechargeable battery, it is possible to minimize the
burden of opening the battery holding member 5 and changing the
battery 6. In addition, since sufficient battery power can be
supplied, it is possible to minimize the transparent body 1
reliably when using the transparent body holding member 300
providing the electrostatic absorption sheet 200 or shape memory
alloy. Although only the accessory 100 is explained in this
embodiment, this embodiment can also accommodate accessories 100A
to 100E.
[0096] The finger ring pedestal 500 provides terminals 501 which
contact with terminals (not shown) formed on the inner side of the
finger ring 600. Terminals 501 make it possible to charge the
rechargeable battery. Alternatively, it is possible to adopt
non-contact terminals which are chargeable through an
electromagnetic induction.
[0097] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above
embodiments. For example, the light emitter A, the signal processor
B, the first pulse generating means C, the second pulse generator
D, and the photo detector D need not be assembled on a single
circuit board.
[0098] Further, this invention can be applied to a sash clip, a
tiepin, a necklace, a bracelet, etc. In the above-mentioned
embodiments, light emitting elements such as LED are used as the
light emitter A, however, CCD, liquid crystal and other light
emitting member can also be used.
[0099] Still further, it is possible to provide a family crest,
engraved mark, trademark, illustration and the like on the backside
of the accessory, not only embellishing the effect of the accessory
but also making the accessory more distinctive.
[0100] From the invention thus described, it will be obvious that
the invention may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not
to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *