U.S. patent application number 13/827341 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for jewelry piece with interchangeable rfid tag.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael K. Warren. Invention is credited to Michael K. Warren.
Application Number | 20140102136 13/827341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474136 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140102136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warren; Michael K. |
April 17, 2014 |
JEWELRY PIECE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE RFID TAG
Abstract
An apparatus for conveniently and unobtrusively carrying a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag. A jewelry piece is operatively
connected to a housing using a screw post and threaded slot. A
radio frequency identification tag and buffer ring are disposed
within the housing and enclosed by a cap.
Inventors: |
Warren; Michael K.;
(Lancaster, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Warren; Michael K. |
Lancaster |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50474136 |
Appl. No.: |
13/827341 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61713200 |
Oct 12, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 9/0061 20130101;
A44C 17/0233 20130101; G06K 19/07762 20130101; G06K 7/10009
20130101; A44C 9/00 20130101; G06K 19/0702 20130101; A44C 15/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.14 |
International
Class: |
A44C 15/00 20060101
A44C015/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for conveniently carrying a radio frequency
identification tag, comprising: a jewelry piece including a
threaded slot for receiving a screw post; a cap with a convex,
substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface, said flat
surface connected to a housing including said screw post; a radio
frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which
is disposed within said housing; and wherein said housing is
operatively connected to said jewelry piece by rotatably inserting
said screw post in said threaded slot.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer
disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer
is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio
frequency transmissions.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer
disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is formed of a
material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions
to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency
identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification
tag.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said jewelry piece is a
watch.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising at least one spacer
disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer
is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio
frequency transmissions.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising at least one spacer
disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is formed of a
material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions
to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said jewelry piece is a
bracelet.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one spacer
disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer
is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio
frequency transmissions.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one
spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is
formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency
transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency
identification tag.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cap is formed from
glass.
12. An apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag
within a jewelry ring, comprising: a jewelry ring including a
threaded slot; a bezel setting comprising a flat plate and a screw
post, wherein said bezel setting is operatively connected to said
jewelry ring by rotatably inserting said screw post into said
threaded slot; a cap comprising a convex, substantially
hemispherical surface and a flat surface including a recess, and
wherein said flat surface is connected to said bezel setting; and a
radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring
which is disposed within said recess of said cap.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one
spacer disposed within said recess of said cap and wherein said at
least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially
permissive of radio frequency transmissions.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one
spacer, said spacer disposed within the recess of said cap and
formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency
transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency
identification tag.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said radio frequency
identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification
tag.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said cap is formed from any
one of a group of materials consisting of synthetic gemstone,
natural gemstone, and glass.
17. An apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag
within a jewelry ring, comprising: a jewelry ring including a
threaded recess; a cap comprising a substantially hemispherical
portion and a threaded member portion; and a radio frequency
identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring, said buffer ring
disposed within said threaded recess wherein said threaded recess
encloses said radio frequency identification tag and said buffer
ring when said cap is rotatably inserted into said threaded
recess.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one
spacer disposed within said said threaded recess and wherein said
at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially
permissive of radio frequency transmissions.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one
spacer, said spacer disposed within the threaded recess of said
jewelry ring and formed of a material that substantially inhibits
radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio
frequency identification tag.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said radio frequency
identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification
tag.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/713,200, filed on Oct. 12, 2012, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to a RFID tag in a jewelry piece.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are used to
wirelessly identify an item. A RFID tag typically consists of a
microprocessor operatively coupled with an antenna. The
microprocessor stores a unique identification code for an item and
transmits the code via the antenna as a radio frequency signal. The
radio frequency signal is captured by a RFID reader and processed
for use. The typical RFID tag is passive, relying on an external
stimulus--such as an electromagnetic field produced by a RFID
reader--to energize the antenna and transmit the identification
code. However, some RFID tags further include a power source,
allowing the tag to actively transmit information from the
microprocessor.
[0004] RFID tags are frequently attached to or embedded in items
and used in inventory control, item tracking, manufacturing,
transportation and logistics. RFID tags have also proved useful in
human applications, such as identity verification and access
control. In human applications the RFID tags must be attached to or
embedded in an item which is carried by the human, such as an
identification card, an access badge, or a key fob. However, each
of these items are prone to loss or misplacement, damage, and
theft.
[0005] One solution to the problem of loss, damage, and theft of
RFID items associated with human applications has been borrowed
from use in animal inventory control and tracking--injection of an
RFID tag under the skin. However, many people find this solution
highly objectionable. There is thus a need felt in the art for a
convenient but non-objectionable means for a human to carry an RFID
tag for use in human applications such as identity verification or
access control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present disclosure is best understood from the following
detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the
various features of the drawings are not necessarily to scale. On
the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are
arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like numerals denote
like features throughout specification and drawing.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a jewelry piece with an
interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of a jewelry piece
with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again
exploded as in FIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable
radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of
the command module in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a
jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency
identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a
jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency
identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a
jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency
identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description. In the
description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal,"
"vertical,", "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as
well as derivative thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not
require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a
particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and
the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0015] In FIGS. 1 through 6, like items are indicated by like
reference numerals and, for brevity, descriptions of a component or
structure are not repeated.
[0016] The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a
piece of jewelry connected with an interchangeable radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag. The apparatus is provided to enable a
user to conveniently and unobtrusively carry a RFID tag with a low
probability of loss or damage to the tag.
[0017] In some embodiments, the jewelry piece is a ring. However,
other jewelry pieces would be suitable for use in accordance with
the present disclosure. Specifically, the present disclosure could
be used to connect an interchangeable RFID tag with watches,
pendants, brooches, earrings and other body piercing jewelry,
necklaces, bracelets, amulets, medallions, hairpins, and any
suitable jewelry pieces.
[0018] There are generally three types of RFID tags: active,
passive, and battery-assisted passive. In some embodiments of the
present disclosure uses a passive tag, which is generally cheaper
and smaller than active or battery-assisted passive tags because it
requires no independent power source. A passive tag uses the radio
energy transmitted by a RFID reader as its power source. However,
any type of RFID tag would be suitable for use with the present
disclosure. Use of an active or battery-assisted passive RFID tag
requires the addition of an independent power source such as a
battery to the disclosed apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a jewelry piece 100
with an interchangeable RFID tag in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the exterior of
the apparatus with all component pieces assembled. Viewing the
exterior, a user or viewer of the apparatus sees a cap 2, a housing
14, and a ring 16, which are described in further detail below.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of an example of a
jewelry piece 100 with an interchangeable RFID tag in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates
how constituent pieces of the apparatus are fitted together in the
illustrated embodiment.
[0021] Cap 2 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation
gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Cap 2 is
often formed as a "cabochon" having a convex, substantially
hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In the alternative, the
cap can have a concave surface and a flat surface. The shape of cap
2 can vary, employing any suitable gemstone cutting techniques. Cap
2 is connected to housing 14 by cement, glue, solder, or other
suitable adhesive.
[0022] Below cap 2 is a RFID tag 6 which may be of any suitable
type and configuration but is illustrated as a RFID wafer. RFID tag
6 is disposed within a buffer ring 8. In some embodiments, buffer
ring 8 is composed of a ferrite material. Buffer ring 8 is disposed
within housing 14. RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and the inner
diameter of housing 14 are sized to minimize movement of the RFID
tag 6 during use of the apparatus.
[0023] In some embodiments, the jewelry piece 100 includes one or
both of a top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 to further minimize
movement of RFID tag 6 during use. In some embodiments, top spacer
4 and bottom spacer 10 are composed of a material that does not
substantially inhibit radio frequency transmission such as plastic
or glass. A material does not substantially inhibit radio frequency
transmission if the transmission range is not notably reduced by
using that material. Materials that do no substantially inhibit
radio frequency transmission, such as glass and plastic, are
substantially permissive materials.
[0024] In some embodiments, top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 are
composed of materials which inhibit radio frequency transmission,
such as most metal alloys, as a way to limit the range of enclosed
RFID tag 6. For example, if RFID tag 6 is readable from a distance
of three feet from a jewelry piece 100 without top spacer 4 or
bottom spacer 10, but it is desired that RFID tag 6 only be
readable at a distance of six inches from jewelry piece 100, then
one or both of top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 composed of a
material which inhibits radio frequency transmission can be added
to the jewelry piece 100 to reduce the effective reading range of
RFID tag 6.
[0025] The unit formed by cap 2, RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and
housing 14, when connected, is referred to as a command module 20.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, command module 20 is
fully interchangeable, meaning a first command module connected to
ring 16 can be removed and replaced with a second command
module.
[0026] Housing 14 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal
(gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or any suitable material
for forming jewelry, such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys.
Housing 14 is sized to fit within a receiving area 18 of ring 16.
Housing 14 is connected to ring 16 by a screw post 12, which is a
threaded member that is rotatably inserted into a threaded slot 22
in ring 16.
[0027] Ring 16 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal
(gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or any suitable material
for forming jewelry, such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys. Ring
16 includes a receiving area 18 and threaded slot 22 for receiving
housing 14 and screw post 12, respectively. Housing 14 and ring 16
can be formed from the same material or different materials.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again
exploded as in FIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable
radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. As in FIG. 2, FIG. 3
illustrates how the constituent components of jewelry piece 100 are
fitted together. In the illustrated embodiment, RFID tag 6 is
disposed within buffer ring 8, which in turn is disposed within
housing 14 along with top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10. Cap 2 is
adhered to housing 14 to form command module 20. Command module 20
is operatively connected to ring 16 via a screw post 12 (not
visible in FIG. 3) rotatably inserted into threaded slot 22.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, cap 40
comprises a top 42 connected to a threaded member 44 which can be
rotatably inserted into a threaded recess 46 on ring 48. Top 42 is
formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like
material including glass or plastic. Top 42 is adhered or mounted
to threaded member 44. A RFID tag 6 is disposed within a buffer
ring 8, which is then disposed within threaded recess 46. Cap 40
seals RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8 within the threaded recess 46
when rotatably inserted into the threaded recess 46. In some
embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side of
RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers
can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting,
as described above.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, ease of access to an
enclosed RFID tag provides another means of interchangeability. In
some embodiments, rather than changing out the entire command
module 20, a user can unscrew cap 40 from ring 48 to remove cap 40,
permitting access to and exchange of the enclosed RFID tag 6.
[0031] In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 5, the command module 20
is affixed to a modified ring 52 via a retaining clip 50. Retaining
clip 50 is shaped to fit about the bottom of housing 14, and has a
bulbous protrusion 56 on one side. Retaining clip 50 can also be a
standard "C" clip. Once retaining clip 50 is connected to housing
14 using adhesive or simple friction, the entire command module 20
is slid into position, mounted on modified ring 52. The bulbous
protrusion 56 is fitted into a groove 54 on modified ring 54, and
command module 20 snaps into place on modified ring 52 where it is
held by the union of bulbous protrusion 56 and groove 54. In some
embodiments, one or more spacers can be disposed within command
module 20, on either side of RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring
8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive
or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
[0032] In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 6, a hollow cap 60 is
used to hold the RFID tag instead of the previously-described
housing. As with previously-described cap 2, hollow cap 60 is
formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like
material including glass or plastic. Also, hollow cap 60 has a
convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In
the alternative, the cap can have a concave surface and a flat
surface. Hollow cap 60 has a recess formed in the flat surface to
hold an RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8. In the illustrated
embodiment, RFID tag 6 is disposed within buffer ring 8, which is
then disposed within hollow cap 60. Hollow cap 60 is then affixed
to a bezel setting 62 or similar plate, which has a screw post 66
that is rotatably insertable into a threaded slot 68 in ring 64. In
some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either
side of RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more
spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially
inhibiting, as described above.
[0033] In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 7, a ring 72 has a
channel 74 through its top portion. In some embodiments, the
channel 74 is cylindrical and includes a notch 76 cut the full
circumference of the channel 74. Channel 74 is sized to hold RFID
tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. Notch 76 is sized to hold
bottom retainer 78 in place. Bottom retainer 78 is formed from a
flexible material, such as semi-rigid plastic, so it can be
inserted and removed from notch 76. The diameter of bottom retainer
78 is larger than the diameter of channel 74 but smaller than the
diameter of notch 76, allowing bottom retainer 78 to be held in
place when inserted into notch 76. With bottom retainer 78 inserted
into notch 76, buffer ring 8 and RFID tag 6 are disposed within
channel 74 and sealed in place by cap 79. Cap 79 can be connected
to ring 72 by cement, glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive.
[0034] In some embodiments, bottom retainer 78 is formed from a
material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency
transmission and cap 79 is formed from a material that
substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions. In this
embodiment, the effective transmission range of RFID tag 6 is
greatly limited.
[0035] The use of RFID tags has spread to innumerable applications,
and embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in
numerous ways. In general use, a RFID tag is read by an RFID reader
to transfer data on the tag to the reader. The RFID reader is
operatively connected to a computer or other processing system and
transfers data from the tag to the computer or processing system
for use.
[0036] By way of example, RFID tags can be used in a key fob to
provide keyless locking and unlocking of a vehicle door. The RFID
tag enclosed in the fob uniquely identifies the key associated with
a given vehicle. As a driver approaches the vehicle door, a RFID
reader located in the door handle, door, or elsewhere in the
vehicle reads the identifying information contained on the RFID
tag. A processing system uses this identifying information to
determine if the key fob is associated with the vehicle and should
thus be granted access to the vehicle. If the key fob is positively
associated with the vehicle, the processing system sends a signal
to the vehicle door to unlock.
[0037] Additional uses of the present disclosure are included in
Table 1. Table 1 assumes the implementation device (i.e.--vehicle)
is equipped with a RFID reader and associated circuitry. The
examples in Table 1 are provided for illustrative purposes and are
in no way meant to be a full list of potential applications of the
present disclosure.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Applications of the Present Disclosure
Keyless starting of a vehicle Arming or disarming a security system
Opening, locking, or unlocking a residential or commercial door,
gate, or equivalent Opening, locking, or unlocking a safe Enabling
operation of a firearm Payment using credit or debit card
information loaded into RFID tag Opening, locking, unlocking, or
starting a personal watercraft, motorcycle, or machinery Enabling
use of a cellular telephone Verifying identity at an airport or
security checkpoint Verifying identity, license, insurance status,
and vehicle registration during a traffic stop
[0038] The jewelry piece with interchangeable RFID tag disclosed
above has several advantages. A jewelry piece provides a convenient
and unobtrusive way to carry an RFID tag and is less likely than a
badge, key fob, or other RFID tag carrier to be lost or damaged. By
making the RFID tag interchangeable through the various means
disclosed above, the jewelry piece provides a flexibility to the
user to carry with them a range of information. For example, a user
can have a jewelry piece with a command module containing an RFID
tag loaded with identifying information specific to their
professional life, i.e. containing login information for their work
computer, access information to their office, etc. That same user
could then switch command modules, outfitting the jewelry piece
with a second command module loaded with personal information such
as identifying information for specific use at a doctor's office.
In various circumstances, a user could chose to limit the data they
carry within their jewelry piece so as to limit the potential for
fraud and identity or information theft. Command modules could also
be exchanged for purely aesthetic purposes.
[0039] In some embodiments, an apparatus for conveniently carrying
a radio frequency identification tag comprises a jewelry piece
including a threaded slot for receiving a screw post; a cap with a
convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface, the
flat surface connected to a housing including the screw post; a
radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring
which is disposed within the housing; and wherein the housing is
operatively connected to the jewelry piece by rotatably inserting
the screw post in the threaded slot.
[0040] In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio
frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a
jewelry ring including a threaded slot; a bezel setting comprising
a flat plate and a screw post, wherein the bezel setting is
operatively connected to the jewelry ring by rotatably inserting
the screw post into the threaded slot; a cap comprising a convex,
substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface including a
recess, and wherein the flat surface is connected to the bezel
setting; and a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within
a buffer ring which is disposed within the recess of said cap.
[0041] In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio
frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a
jewelry ring including a threaded recess; a cap comprising a
substantially hemispherical portion and a threaded member portion;
and a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer
ring, the buffer ring disposed within the threaded recess wherein
the threaded recess encloses the radio frequency identification tag
and the buffer ring when the cap is rotatably inserted into the
threaded recess.
[0042] Although examples are illustrated and described herein,
embodiments are nevertheless not limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes can be made
therein by those of ordinary skill within the scope and range of
equivalents of the claims.
* * * * *