U.S. patent application number 14/550523 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for inductive led jewelry.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lightbulb, LLC. Invention is credited to George Brooks, Jason Dunaway, Chuck Flueck, Matthew Gelfand, Sarah Pharo, Don Shepherd, Zach Shunk.
Application Number | 20150164188 14/550523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53366907 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150164188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gelfand; Matthew ; et
al. |
June 18, 2015 |
Inductive LED Jewelry
Abstract
A jewelry apparatus including a power module, a magnetically
permeable band connected to the power module, the magnetically
permeable band including a core and a primary winding disposed
around the core, the primary winding electrically connected to the
power module. A bead can have an aperture shaped to receive the
magnetically permeable band, the bead including a secondary winding
positioned around the magnetically permeable band when the
magnetically permeable band is received through the aperture, and
at least one light source electrically connected to the secondary
winding. The core in the magnetically permeable band can include a
flexible band of magnetically permeable cores, or the core can
otherwise be flexible. The jewelry apparatus can include a wireless
transceiver either on the power module or the bead such that the
jewelry apparatus can be communicated wirelessly with other jewelry
apparatuses.
Inventors: |
Gelfand; Matthew;
(Brentwood, TN) ; Shepherd; Don; (Thompsons
Station, TN) ; Flueck; Chuck; (Franklin, TN) ;
Shunk; Zach; (Brentwood, TN) ; Pharo; Sarah;
(Thompsons Station, TN) ; Dunaway; Jason;
(Nashville, TN) ; Brooks; George; (Franklin,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lightbulb, LLC |
Franklin |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53366907 |
Appl. No.: |
14/550523 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61975418 |
Apr 4, 2014 |
|
|
|
61975384 |
Apr 4, 2014 |
|
|
|
61916450 |
Dec 16, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 15/0015 20130101;
A44C 11/002 20130101; A44C 17/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A jewelry apparatus comprising: a power module; a magnetically
permeable band connected to the power module, the magnetically
permeable band comprising a core; and a primary winding disposed
around the core, the primary winding electrically connected to the
power module; and a bead having an aperture shaped to receive the
magnetically permeable band, the bead comprising a secondary
winding positioned around the magnetically permeable band when the
magnetically permeable band is received through the aperture; and
at least one light source electrically connected to the secondary
winding.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bead further comprises: a
bobbin, the aperture located in the bobbin; and an outer bead shell
disposed on the bobbin, wherein the secondary winding and the at
least one light source are disposed on the bobbin and are at least
partially covered by the outer bead shell.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetically permeable
band further comprises a winding wrapping layer disposed around the
primary winding.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power module further
comprises a rechargeable battery and a primary printed circuit
board, the primary printed circuit board electrically connected to
the battery and the primary winding.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary printed circuit
board is configured to supply power to the primary winding via the
battery at timed intervals.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondary printed
circuit board located on the bead, the secondary winding
electrically connected to the at least one light source via the
secondary printed circuit board.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a charging station
configured to be selectively coupled to the power module, the
charging station configured to supply power to the power
module.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fabric covering
at least partially enclosing the magnetically permeable band.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetically permeable
band includes a first end and a second end, the first end fixedly
connected to the power module, the second end configured to
detachably couple to the power module.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second end of the
magnetically permeable band includes a magnetic clasp configured to
detachably couple to the power module.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a wireless
transceiver located on either the bead or the power module.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetically permeable
band is flexible.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
beads, each bead comprising a corresponding aperture shaped to
receive the magnetically permeable band; a corresponding secondary
winding positioned around the magnetically permeable band when the
corresponding aperture receives the magnetically permeable band;
and a corresponding light source electrically connected to the
corresponding secondary winding.
14. A jewelry apparatus comprising: a power module; a magnetically
permeable band connected to the power module, the magnetically
permeable band comprising a flexible band of magnetically permeable
cores connected to the power module; and a primary winding disposed
around the flexible band of magnetically permeable cores, the
primary winding electrically connected to the power module; and a
bead having an aperture shaped to receive the magnetically
permeable band, the bead comprising a secondary winding positioned
around the magnetically permeable band when the aperture receives
the magnetically permeable band; and at least one light source
electrically connected to the secondary winding.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the flexible band of
magnetically permeable cores further comprises a plurality of
ferrite beads.
16. The apparatus or claim 14, wherein the magnetically permeable
band further comprises a core wrapping layer disposed around the
flexible band of magnetically permeable cores.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the primary winding has a
first primary winding end and second primary winding end, the first
primary winding end electrically connected to the power module; and
the apparatus further comprises a lead wire electrically connected
to the power module, extending through the flexible band of
magnetically permeable cores, and electrically connected to the
second primary winding end to form a closed loop between the
primary winding and power module.
18. A jewelry apparatus comprising: a first jewelry assembly
comprising a first power module; a first magnetically permeable
band connected to the first power module, the first magnetically
permeable band including a first core and a first primary winding
disposed around the first magnetically permeable band; and a first
bead having a first aperture shaped to receive the first
magnetically permeable band, the first bead including a first
secondary winding positioned around the first magnetically
permeable band when the first aperture receives the first
magnetically permeable band, and a first light source electrically
connected to the first secondary winding; a second jewelry assembly
comprising a second power module; a second magnetically permeable
band connected to the second power module, the second magnetically
permeable band including a second core and a second primary winding
disposed around the second core; and a second bead having a second
aperture shaped to receive the second magnetically permeable band,
the second bead including a second secondary winding positioned
around the second magnetically permeable band when the second
aperture receives the second magnetically permeable band, and a
second light source electrically connected to the second secondary
winding; and a wireless network configured to wirelessly
communicate the first jewelry assembly with the second jewelry
assembly.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: the wireless network
further comprises a first wireless transceiver and a second
wireless transceiver; the first wireless transceiver is located on
either the first power module or the first bead and the first
wireless transceiver creates a first signal; the second wireless
transceiver is located on either the second power module or the
second bead and the second wireless transceiver creates a second
signal.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second light
sources are configured to light up when the first jewelry apparatus
and the second jewelry apparatus are in proximity to one another
such that the first wireless transceiver receives the second signal
and the second wireless transceiver receives the first signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of the following patent
application(s) which is/are hereby incorporated by reference: Ser.
No. 61/975,384, filed on Apr. 4, 2014, entitled Jewelry with Radio
Frequency Technology, Ser. No. 61/975,418, filed on Apr. 4, 2014,
entitled Induction LED Jewelry; and Ser. No. 61/916,450, filed on
Dec. 16, 2013, entitled LED Jewelry.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document
or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING
APPENDIX
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to jewelry. Jewelry
can include but is not limited to necklaces, bracelets, and rings,
worn around the neck, wrists, and fingers respectively, as well as
other forms of jewelry commonly known in the art.
[0006] More particularly, this invention pertains to light up charm
jewelry. In conventional charm jewelry, a chain made of metal,
plastic, leather, faux leather, or other suitable material can be
provided and multiple beads or charms can slide onto a chain one at
a time by the user to produce different configurations and jewelry
appearances. The beads or charms can be purchased separately,
allowing the user to tailor or personalize the jewelry to their
particular liking. However, in these conventional embodiments, the
only visual effect that can be changed is the aesthetic design of
the beads themselves and the arrangement of the beads on the chain.
There are currently no lighting capabilities in conventional charm
jewelry.
[0007] There is also conventional light up jewelry. These
conventional embodiments include a chain with one or more light
sources on the chain. These light sources are generally in a fixed
location on the chain, as the light sources on the jewelry are
hardwired to a power source. The orientation of the light sources
is permanent as changing the position of the light sources would
require the jewelry to be rewired. Such embodiments do not allow
for personalization of the jewelry by the user. In other
embodiments, a light source can be located on a bead, and a
separate power source can be connected to each light source on each
bead. Such a design can be cumbersome as each bead or charm must be
turned on individually. Additionally, having a power source on each
bead for each light source can be cost prohibitive.
[0008] What is needed, then, are improvements to existing jewelry
that can help provide light up beads or charms that can be
adjustable, interchangeable, or repositionable on a piece of
jewelry.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a jewelry apparatus
including a power module and a magnetically permeable band
connected to the power module. The magnetically permeable band can
include a core and a primary winding disposed around the
magnetically permeable band, the primary winding electrically
connected to the power module. A bead can have an aperture shaped
to receive the magnetically permeable band. The bead can include a
secondary winding positioned around the magnetically permeable band
when the magnetically permeable band is received through the
aperture. The bead can also include at least one light source
electrically connected to the secondary winding. In some
embodiments, the magnetically permeable band can include a flexible
band of magnetically permeable cores.
[0010] The power module can supply an AC current to the primary
winding. The alternating current through the primary winding can
produce a changing magnetic flux through the magnetically permeable
band. A bead can slide onto the magnetically permeable band over
the primary winding. The changing magnetic flux in the magnetically
permeable band can induce a current in the secondary winding on the
bead. The current produced in the secondary winding can then power
the light source, thereby causing the light source to become
illuminated. As such, the bead can freely move along the
magnetically permeable band with the light source remaining lit.
Multiple beads can also be placed or arranged on the magnetically
permeable core such that a user can personalize the light up beads
on the jewelry.
[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a jewelry
apparatus having a first jewelry assembly and a second jewelry
assembly. The first jewelry assembly can have a first power module,
a first magnetically permeable band connected to the first power
module, the first magnetically permeable band including a first
core and a first primary winding disposed around the first core.
The first jewelry assembly can include a first bead having a first
aperture shaped to receive the first magnetically permeable band,
the first bead including a first secondary winding positioned
around the first magnetically permeable band when the first
aperture receives the first magnetically permeable band, and a
first light source electrically connected to the first secondary
winding. The second jewelry assembly can similarly include a second
power module, a second magnetically permeable band connected to the
second power module, the second magnetically permeable band
including a second core and a second primary winding disposed
around the second magnetically permeable band, a second bead having
a second aperture shaped to receive the second magnetically
permeable band, a second secondary winding positioned around the
second magnetically permeable band when the second aperture
receives the second magnetically permeable band, and a second light
source electrically connected to the second secondary winding.
[0012] The apparatus can include a wireless network configured to
communicate the first and second jewelry assemblies with one
another such that different users each wearing a jewelry assembly
can communicate wirelessly with one another via beads on the
respective jewelry assemblies. For instance, in one embodiment, the
first and second light sources can be configured to light up when
the two jewelry apparatuses are proximate to one another which can
indicate that a "friend" is nearby.
[0013] Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the
art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a
preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a jewelry
apparatus having a power module, a magnetically permeable band, and
one or more beads.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the magnetically
permeable band of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 2a is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
showing an exemplary connection between a primary winding and a
lead wire.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a bead disposed on the
magnetically permeable band of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bead from FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the power module of FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
jewelry apparatus including a charging station.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the charging station of FIG.
6.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of the charging station of
FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a back view of the power module of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the power module
of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the bead of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 12a shows another embodiment of a jewelry apparatus
showing first and second jewelry assemblies including a wireless
network for communicating the two jewelry assemblies, the power
modules of each assembly communicating with one another.
[0027] FIG. 12b shows another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG.
12a showing the beads on each assembly wirelessly communicating
with one another.
[0028] FIG. 12c shows another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG.
12a showing the power module of one assembly wirelessly
communicating with one or more beads of the other assembly.
[0029] FIG. 13 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the wireless
network used in the jewelry apparatus of FIG. 12c.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of exemplary programming logic
that can be used for the circuit diagram of FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 15 is an exemplary circuit diagram for an embodiment of
a "timed" bead.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts that is embodied in a wide variety of specific
contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely
illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do
not delimit the scope of the invention.
[0033] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described
herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined
herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary
skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as
"a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular
entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific
example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is
used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their
usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the
claims.
[0034] As described herein, an upright position is considered to be
the position of apparatus components while in proper operation or
in a natural resting position as described herein. Vertical,
horizontal, above, below, side, top, bottom and other orientation
terms are described with respect to this upright position during
operation unless otherwise specified. The term "when" is used to
specify orientation for relative positions of components, not as a
temporal limitation of the claims or apparatus described and
claimed herein unless otherwise specified. The term "lateral"
denotes a side to side direction when facing the "front" of an
object.
[0035] The phrase "in one embodiment," as used herein does not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can,"
"might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated
otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is
generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include,
while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements
and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally
intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any
way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more
embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without
author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or
states are included or are to be performed in any particular
embodiment.
[0036] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to
practice the invention, including making and using any devices or
systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable
scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they
have structural elements that do not differ from the literal
language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages
of the claims.
[0037] It will be understood that the particular embodiments
described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as
limitations of the invention. The principal features of this
invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing
from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures
described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the
scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.
[0038] All of the apparatuses and/or methods disclosed and claimed
herein may be made and/or executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. While the apparatuses and methods
of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments
included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that variations may be applied to the apparatuses and/or
methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method
described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and
scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and
modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be
within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined
by the appended claims.
[0039] A perspective view of an embodiment of a jewelry apparatus
10 of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The jewelry
apparatus 10 can include a power module 12 and a magnetically
permeable band 14. In FIG. 1, the jewelry apparatus 10 can further
include a fabric covering 16 at least partially enclosing the
magnetically permeable band 14. The fabric covering 16 can help
provide a soft contact with a user's body when the jewelry
apparatus 10 is being worn. The magnetically permeable band 14 can
have a variety of lengths such that the jewelry apparatus 10 can be
used for a variety of uses, including but not limited to,
bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The apparatus 10 can include one
or more beads 18 disposed on the magnetically permeable band 14.
The power module 12 can supply power to the jewelry apparatus
10.
[0040] A partial exploded view of the magnetically permeable band
14 is shown in FIG. 2. The magnetically permeable band 14 can
include a core 20. The core 20 can be made of a magnetically
permeable material, including but not limited to, ferrite, iron,
steel, etc. The magnetically permeable band 14 can also include a
primary winding 22 disposed around the core 20. The primary winding
22 can be wound around the core 20 to form a coil. In some
embodiments, the magnetically permeable core can be standard 30 AWG
magnet wire. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable band
14 can include a winding wrapping layer 24. In some embodiments,
the winding wrapping layer 24 can be a shrink wrap material that
can be placed over the primary winding 22 and heated in order to
shrink around the primary winding 22. As such, the primary winding
22 can be fixed in position on the core 20. In some embodiments,
the winding wrapping layer 24 can also provide a layer of
insulation around the primary winding 22 which can help protect the
primary winding 22 from shorting with other components of the
jewelry apparatus 10, or provide a layer of protection from the
environment and potentially harmful elements such as liquids or
dust, which can potentially affect the efficiency of the jewelry
apparatus 10.
[0041] In some embodiments, the core 20 can be rigid and formed
into a desired shape, such as a bracelet or necklace. In other
embodiments, the magnetically permeable band 14 can be flexible and
have a flexible core 20. In some embodiments, the core can consist
of a compacted magnetically permeable powder in flexible tubing. In
other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetically permeable
band 14 can include a flexible band of magnetically permeable cores
26. In some embodiments, the flexible band of magnetically
permeable cores 26 can include a plurality of ferrite beads. The
ferrite beads can be strung together to form a flexible band that
can be bent or adjusted by the user to take the jewelry apparatus
10 on and off of the user's person. A flexible magnetically
permeable band 14 can also provide an added layer of comfort as the
flexible magnetically permeable band 14 can conform to the user's
body as the jewelry apparatus 10 is being worn.
[0042] In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable band 14 can
further include a core wrapping layer 28. The core wrapping layer
28 can include a shrink wrap material that can be heated to shrink
the core wrapping layer 28 around the flexible band of magnetically
permeable cores 26. During assembly of the magnetically permeable
band 14, the magnetically permeable cores 26 can be compressed or
pushed together to help reduce gaps between the cores 26, which can
help improve the performance of the band of magnetically permeable
cores 26 as a magnetic flux passes through the magnetically
permeable cores 26. The core wrapping layer 28 can then be heated
and shrunk around the band of magnetically permeable core 26 to
help keep the magnetically permeable cores 26 compressed together.
The core wrapping layer 28 can also provide a layer of insulation
between the magnetically permeable cores 26 and the primary winding
22 to help provide electrical separation between the two
components.
[0043] In some embodiments, the primary winding 22 can include a
first end 30, shown in FIG. 5, which can be electrically connected
to the power module 12. The primary winding 22 can also include a
second end 32, shown in FIG. 2. The magnetically permeable band 14
can include a lead wire 34 which can also be connected to the power
module as shown in FIG. 5, the lead wire 34 extending through the
flexible band of magnetically permeable cores 26, as shown in FIG.
2. As such, the flexible band of magnetically permeable cores 26
can be strung together on the lead wire 34. The primary winding 22
can be wound around the magnetically permeable cores 26, and the
second end 32 can then be connected to the lead wire 34, as shown
in FIG. 2a. As such, the lead wire 34 can be connected to the power
module and the primary coil 22 to form a closed loop between the
power module and the primary coil 22. As such, when the power
module is turned on, current can be supplied through the primary
coil 22. An AC current can be produced by the power module such
that current within the primary winding 22 can alternate or vary.
The changing current within the primary winding 22 can produce a
changing magnetic flux within the core 20 of the magnetically
permeable band 14.
[0044] A detailed view of a bead 18 disposed on the magnetically
permeable band 14 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3. The bead 18 can
include an aperture 36 or hole shaped to receive the magnetically
permeable band 14. The aperture 36 allows the bead 18 to slide
freely along the magnetically permeable band 14.
[0045] An exploded view of the bead 18 from FIG. 3 is shown in FIG.
4. The bead 18 can include a secondary winding 38 disposed on the
bead 18, the secondary winding 38 positioned around the
magnetically permeable band 14 when the aperture 36 receives the
magnetically permeable band 14. At least one light source 40 can be
electrically connected to the secondary winding 38. In some
embodiments, multiple light sources 40 can be located on the bead
18. The light source 40 in some embodiments can be a light emitting
diode. In other embodiments, the light source 40 can be any
suitable lighting structure including compact fluorescent lamps,
incandescent bulbs, lamps, etc.
[0046] As previously noted above, when an AC current is supplied
from the power module to the primary winding, the varying current
through the primary winding can produce a varying magnetic flux
through the core of the magnetically permeable band. Since the
secondary winding 38 of the bead 18 is positioned around the
magnetically permeable band, the varying magnetic flux produced in
the core can thereby cause a current to be induced in the secondary
winding 38 on the bead 18. The current produced in the secondary
winding 38 can then be supplied to the light source 40 in order to
power the light source and illuminate the bead 18.
[0047] The use of induction between the primary winding on the
magnetically permeable band and the secondary winding 38 on the
bead 18 can allow the bead to slide along the magnetically
permeable band freely while remaining lit. The AC current supplied
to the primary winding allows induction in the secondary winding 38
to occur no matter where the bead 18 is located on the magnetically
permeable band.
[0048] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, multiple beads 18 can be
placed on the magnetically permeable band 14. Each bead 18 can have
a similar structure to the bead seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each bead 18
having a corresponding aperture 36 shaped to receive the
magnetically permeable band, a corresponding secondary coil 38
positioned around the magnetically permeable band when the
magnetically permeable band is received by the corresponding
aperture 36, and a corresponding light source 40 electrically
connected to the secondary winding 40. When AC current is supplied
to the primary winding, a current can be induced as previously
described in each of the corresponding secondary windings, such
that each of the corresponding light sources can light up. As such,
the beads 18 can be arranged or rearranged or personalized on the
magnetically permeable band in different orientations to the user's
preferences without having to rewire the apparatus 10. This can
help provide interchangeable light up beads or charms.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bead 18
can further include a bobbin 42. The aperture 36 can be located in
or through the bobbin 42. The bead 18 can also include an outer
bead shell 44 disposed on the bobbin 42. The secondary winding 38
and the light source 40 can be disposed on the bobbin 42 and are
partially covered by the outer bead shell 44. The outer bead shell
44 can be translucent such that light from the light source 40 can
pass through the outer bead shell 44. The outer bead shell 44 can
provide a wide variety of different aesthetic appearances for the
bead 18. The outer bead shell 44 can be a variety of colors, and
can be a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, round,
square, triangular, cylindrical, etc., or shaped to resemble a wide
variety of items, including but not limited to, animals, sports
equipment, flowers, vehicles, stars, etc. In some embodiments, the
bead 18 can also include a decorative outer covering 46 which can
help provide further aesthetic enhancement to the bead 18. In such
embodiments, the light source 40 can be positioned to shine light
through the outer bead shell 44 and between the decorative outer
covering 46. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more dangle
charms can be attached to the bead 18 to help provide aesthetic
variation between multiple beads 18.
[0050] In some embodiments, the bead 18 can further include a
secondary printed circuit board 48, the secondary winding 38 being
electrically connected to the light source 40 via the secondary
printed circuit board 48. In some embodiments, the secondary
printed circuit board 48 can be a flexible circuit board that can
be wrapped around the bobbin 42 to at least partially enclose the
secondary winding 38.
[0051] The secondary printed circuit board 48 can be beneficial
when multiple light sources 40 are used on the bead 18. The
multiple light sources can be mounted to the secondary printed
circuit 48 and the secondary winding 38 can be connected or
soldered to the secondary printed circuit board 48 to electrically
connect the secondary winding 38 to all the light sources 40, as
opposed to the secondary winding 38 having to be hard wired to each
light source 40 individually. The secondary printed circuit board
48 can also be programmed to produce a desired light
characteristic. For instance the secondary printed circuit board 48
could be programmed to cause the light source 40 to blink or light
up in timed intervals. A wide variety of programming can be
utilized to perform a variety of lighting functions.
[0052] In some embodiments, the bead 18 can also include a bead
wrapping layer 50. The bead wrapping layer 50 can include a shrink
wrap material. The bead wrapping layer 50 can then be heated to
shrink the wrapping layer 50 around the secondary printed circuit
board 48, the light source 40, and the secondary winding 48 to
enclose the secondary printed circuit board 48, the light source
40, and the secondary winding 38. The bead wrapping layer 50 can
help protect the secondary winding 38 and secondary printed circuit
board 48 from outside elements such as water and dust.
[0053] An exploded view of the power module 12 of FIG. 1 is shown
in FIG. 5. The power module 12 can include an outer case 52, and a
battery 54 disposed inside the outer case 52. In some embodiments,
the battery 54 can be a rechargeable battery such that the battery
54 does not have to be continually replaced, but can be recharged
and used again. The battery 54 can act as a power source for the
jewelry apparatus 10. The power module 12 can also include a
primary printed circuit board 56. The primary printed circuit board
56 can be electrically connected to the battery 54. The primary
printed circuit board 56 can also be electrically connected to the
first end 30 of the primary winding 22 such that power from the
battery 54 is supplied to the primary winding 22 via the primary
printed circuit board 56. The primary printed circuit board 56 can
also be programmed to control the operation of the jewelry
apparatus 10, or be programmed to operate the jewelry apparatus 10
in different modes. For instance, as previously mentioned in some
embodiments, the light sources on the beads can be configured to
blink in timed intervals. The primary printed circuit board 56 in
such an embodiment can be programmed to supply power to the primary
winding 22 in timed intervals such that induction to the secondary
winding on the bead is staggered and the light sources on the bead
appear to blink.
[0054] The power module 12 can also include a push button switch
58. The push button switch 58 can be configured to cooperate with
the primary printed circuit board 56 to effectively turn the
jewelry apparatus 10 on and off. In some embodiments, the push
button switch 58 can be configured to alternate between several
different positions, each position placing the jewelry apparatus 10
in a different mode. For instance, the push button switch 58 could
be used to switch the jewelry apparatus 10 from an on and off mode,
as well as to a blinking mode in those embodiments having such
functionality.
[0055] In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable bracelet 14
includes a first end 60 and a second end 62. The first end 60 can
be fixedly connected to the power module 12, and the second end 62
can be detachably coupled to the power module 12. As such, the user
can wrap the magnetically permeable band 14 around the user's
person and couple the second end 62 of the magnetically permeable
band 14 to the power module 12 in order to help retain the jewelry
apparatus 10 on the user's person.
[0056] The first end 60 of the magnetically permeable band 14 can
be fixedly connected to the power module 12 via by mechanical
fasteners such as screws, bolts or rivets, by adhesives such as
glues and epoxies, or by any other suitable manner which can
fixedly connect the first end 60 of the magnetically permeable band
14 to the power module 12. The second end 62 of the magnetically
permeable band 14 can include any suitable mechanism for detachably
coupling the second end 62 of the magnetically permeable band 14 to
the power module 12, including but not limited to, clasps, latches,
hook and loop assemblies, buttons, snaps, etc.
[0057] In one embodiment, the second end 62 of the magnetically
permeable band 14 can include a magnetic clasp 64 configured to
detachably couple to the power module 12. The magnetic clasp 64 can
include a finding 66 and a magnetic insert 68 shown in FIG. 2.
Referring again to FIG. 5, the power module 12 can include a
magnetic plate 70 located within the outer case 52. The power
module 12 can also include a clasp hole 72. The magnetic plate 70
can be positioned to cover the clasp hole 72 such that the finding
66 can be inserted through the clasp hole 72, and the magnetic
insert will be attracted and magnetically coupled to the magnetic
plate 70. The magnetic clasp 64 can help allow the second end 62 of
the magnetically permeable band 14 to be quickly and efficiently
coupled to and decoupled from the power module 12.
[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the jewelry
assembly 10 can include a charging station 74. The charging station
74 can be configured to selectively couple with the power module
12. The charging station 74 can be configured to supply power to
the power module 12, specifically to recharge the battery. The
charging station 74 can include a base portion 76 and a top portion
78. The top portion 78 can be shaped to receive the power module 12
such that the power module 12 can rest in the top portion 78. The
top portion 78 can also include a charging station printed circuit
board 80 that includes a positive and negative pin 82 and 84 that
can extend upward from the top portion 78 of the charging station.
As shown in FIG. 9, the underside 86 of the power module 12 can
include positive and negative contacts 88 and 90. When the power
module 12 is received by the top portion 78 of the charging station
74, the positive and negative pins 82 and 84 can make electrical
contact with the positive and negative contacts 88 and 90
respectively, such that the charging station 84 can be electrically
couple to the power module 12.
[0059] The charging station 74 can further include a power cord 92
electrically coupled to the charging station printed circuit board
80, shown in FIG. 7. The power cord 92 can be fed through a cord
hole 94 in the back of the top portion 78, shown in FIG. 8, and be
coupled to the charging station printed circuit board. The power
cord can then be selectively coupled with an alternate power source
such as a wall outlet or another electronic device to supply power
to the power module. The power cord can be any suitable cord for
connecting to an alternate power source, including but not limited
to AC power cords or USB cables.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, one example of a power module 12 as
may implemented for a jewelry apparatus 10 as described herein may
include a power source 54 such as a 3.7V battery, which in various
embodiments may be part of or otherwise coupled to a charge circuit
including a first terminal 90 coupled to ground and a second
terminal 88 coupled to the battery 54 via a charge controller 101.
The charge circuit may be effective to recharge the battery upon
connection of the first and second terminals to an external power
source. A direct current output (e.g., 3.7 Vdc) is provided from
the power source to a controller 102 which is configured to
generate drive signals in association with an adjustable frequency.
The frequency may in one embodiment be user selectable by actuation
of an external device such as for example a push button 58 on the
power module, and may be determined according to one of a plurality
of frequency modes, such as: a fixed frequency (e.g., 300 kHz); a
swept frequency (e.g., 200 kHz- 400 kHz); or powered off. The
output signals from the controller 102 having modulated frequency
output according to the user selected mode are provided to each of
first and second amplifiers 103, 104, respectively. A differential
output from the amplifiers 103, 104 is provided across a primary
coil 22 having its opposing ends coupled across the respective
amplifiers.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 11, one example of internal circuitry for
a bead 18 as disclosed herein may include a secondary coil 38
coupled across a resonant capacitor 111. In one embodiment, the
secondary inductance coil 38 and the resonant capacitor 111 have
fixed values so as collectively define an LC resonant circuit
having a resonant frequency tuned to a value such as for example
300 kHz. Upon exposure to a fluctuating magnetic field, the circuit
oscillates at its resonant frequency and an alternating current is
generated through a current limiting resistor 112. One or more
light sources 40 as shown in FIG. 11 may include a first light
source branch and a second light source branch coupled in parallel
across the output for the resonant circuit. The first branch may
include for example one or more LED's arranged in a first series
orientation, while the second branch may include for example
another one or more LED's arranged in a second series orientation,
wherein the light sources 40 make effective use of each of a
positive and a negative polarity for the received 300 kHz
sinusoidal output waveform.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, in one embodiment an
inter-jewelry apparatus communication system as disclosed herein
may comprise first and second jewelry assemblies 120 and 122
including a wireless network for communicating the two jewelry
assemblies.
[0063] In a first example as shown in FIG. 12a, first and second
transceivers may be disposed within the power modules for each of
first and second jewelry assemblies 120 and 122, respectively,
wherein wireless communication between the first and second jewelry
assemblies is provided.
[0064] In a second example as shown in FIG. 12b, first and second
transceivers may be disposed within the beads for each of first and
second jewelry assemblies 120 and 122, respectively, wherein
wireless communication between the first and second jewelry
assemblies is provided.
[0065] In a third example as shown in FIG. 12c, first and second
transceivers may be disposed within either of the beads or the
power modules for each of first and second jewelry assemblies 120
and 122, respectively, wherein wireless communication between the
first and second jewelry assemblies is provided.
[0066] Otherwise stated, a system arrangement and device
implementation is disclosed herein for a wireless powered and
coordinated inter-jewelry communication system effective to produce
desired outputs upon determining a proximity match. Each jewelry
assembly in one example may include a near field wireless power
transmitter and data transceiver, further powered by the power
source and configured to receive data from an external controller,
and one or more light sources which may be powered and coordinated
by the transceiver circuitry through a wireless inductive link.
[0067] The terms "transceiver" or "transceiver circuitry" as used
herein may unless otherwise stated refer to a device that is
configured to transmit and receive signals wirelessly, such as for
example utilizing radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) frequency,
RFID, audio or other electromagnetic signals for inter-bracelet
communication.
[0068] In one embodiment wherein transceiver circuitry is provided
within a bead for a jewelry assembly as represented in FIG. 13, a
secondary inductance coil 38 is sized and arranged alongside a
resonant capacitor 131, collectively defining an LC resonant
circuit having a resonant frequency, such that upon exposure to a
fluctuating magnetic field the circuit oscillates at its resonant
frequency and an alternating current is generated. This alternating
current is converted to DC power (Vdc) by a rectifier bridge 132
having an input end coupled across the resonant capacitor 131. A
voltage regulator 133 may be coupled to an output end of the
rectifier for power factor correction or otherwise for further
stability and increased efficiency in the DC output. A current
limiting resistor is coupled on a first end to the voltage
regulator 133 and further to receive the DC current, and on a
second end in series with a lighting source 40 such as an LED
array. The opposing end of the LED array 40 is coupled to a
collector for a switching element 135, the drain of the switching
element coupled to ground. The base of the switching element is
coupled to receive driving signals from a controller 134 associated
with the transceiver, which is further coupled to receive input
signals from transceiver antennae 136 or an equivalent carrier.
[0069] The term "controller" as used herein may refer to, be
embodied by or otherwise be included within a machine, such as a
general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed and programmed to perform or cause
the performance of the functions described herein. A general
purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative,
the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state
machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can
also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0070] The terms "switching element" and "switch" may be used
interchangeably and may refer herein to at least: a variety of
transistors as known in the art (including but not limited to FET,
BJT, IGBT, JFET, etc.), a switching diode, a silicon controlled
rectifier (SCR), a diode for alternating current (DIAC), a triode
for alternating current (TRIAC), a mechanical single pole/double
pole switch (SPDT), or electrical, solid state or reed relays.
Where either a field effect transistor (FET) or a bipolar junction
transistor (BJT) may be employed as an embodiment of a transistor,
the scope of the terms "gate," "drain," and "source" includes
"base," "collector," and "emitter," respectively, and
vice-versa.
[0071] Referring to a particular embodiment wherein the jewelry
assemblies implement wireless communication via radio frequency, an
RF transceiver may be housed within a bead or within the power
module housing. The RF transceiver may be configured to derive its
power from either the primary coil or directly from the power
source, e.g., battery.
[0072] In various embodiments, the RF transceiver antennae may be
an integral part of the bead or power module housing. The RF
antennae can be the primary coil used for powering the beads, or
alternatively can be the secondary coil within the bead.
[0073] The RF signal may be produced by modulating the primary coil
base frequency by any of a number of modulation techniques as are
known in the art, including for example pulse width modulation
(PWM), frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM) and the
like.
[0074] Exemplary RF formats as may be utilized include but are not
limited to proprietary 2.4 GHz, proprietary 300-348 MHz,
proprietary 389-464 MHz, proprietary 779-928 MHz, Zigbee 802.14.4,
Bluetooth 802.14.1, etc.
[0075] In a jewelry assembly proximity configuration as noted
herein, and further with reference to an exemplary process as shown
in FIG. 14, transceivers are programmed with matched, unique serial
numbers (for example, both transceivers could have serial number
4509837). In step 141, both transceivers continually broadcast
their serial number at set intervals (e.g., five seconds). When the
transceivers are not broadcasting their serial number, they are in
`receive` mode and waiting to receive a matching serial number
transmission (steps 142-144). If a matching serial number is
received (e.g., "yes" in response to the query in step 145), the
supervising controller (e.g., microprocessor) recognizes the match
and produces one of several outputs (step 146) such as: lighting
LEDs, producing sound, producing a flashing LED sequence, producing
a vibration, and the like.
[0076] Alternatively, the transceiver may be configured to stay in
receive mode until it receives a defined actuation such as for
example a button press from the user. The button press initiates a
`send` command and the transceiver broadcasts its serial
number.
[0077] Referring to a particular embodiment wherein the jewelry
assemblies implement infrared (IR) frequency communication, an IR
transceiver may be housed within a bead or within the power module
housing. The IR transceiver may be configured to derive its power
from either the primary coil or directly from the power source,
e.g., battery.
[0078] Exemplary IR wavelengths which may be utilized range from
930-950 nm. Exemplary carrier frequencies which may be utilized
further include 33 kHz to 60 kHz.
[0079] In the jewelry assembly proximity configuration,
transceivers are programmed with matched, unique serial numbers
(for example, both transceivers could have serial number 4509837).
Both transceivers continually broadcast their serial number at set
intervals (e.g., five seconds). When the transceivers are not
broadcasting their serial number, they are in `receive` mode and
waiting to receive a matching serial number transmission. If a
matching serial number is received, the supervising controller
(e.g., microprocessor) recognizes the match and produces one of
several outputs such as: lighting LEDs, producing sound, producing
a flashing LED sequence, producing a vibration, and the like.
[0080] In another embodiment, an RFID tag may be housed in a bead.
The powering primary coil may serve as the RFID tag power source
and receiving antennae. A controller in the power module reads
messages sent from the RFID tag via the primary coil antennae. When
powered with the appropriate resonant frequency, the RFID tag
outputs its stored ID information to the controller via the primary
coil, whereupon the controller may be configured to act on this
information accordingly.
[0081] In another embodiment, an audio microphone (input) and
speaker (output) can be housed within a bead or in the power module
housing. The audio microphone and speaker derive their power from
either the primary coil or directly from the power source (e.g.,
battery). Exemplary audio frequencies to be utilized may include 20
Hz-20 kHz. A controller located either in the bead or the power
module receives audio input from the microphone, reads the
frequency, and responds with one of several actions such as:
lighting LEDs, producing sound, producing a flashing LED sequence,
producing a vibration, and the like. A button press or equivalent
actuation on the power module or on a bead can be configured
initiate a sound output.
[0082] In one embodiment, control circuitry is provided within a
bead for a jewelry assembly to provide a `timed` bead configuration
as represented in FIG. 15, wherein the controller 154 can be
programmed to generate a desired color, pattern, or the like. An
inductance coil 38 is sized and arranged alongside a resonant
capacitor 151, collectively defining an LC resonant circuit having
a resonant frequency, such that upon exposure to a fluctuating
magnetic field the circuit oscillates at its resonant frequency and
an alternating current is generated. This alternating current is
converted to DC power (Vdc) by a rectifier bridge 152 having an
input end coupled across the resonant capacitor 151. A voltage
regulator 153 may be coupled to an output end of the rectifier for
further stability and increased efficiency in the DC output. In the
example shown, three separate lighting branches may be coupled in
parallel on respective first ends to the voltage regulator 153 and
further to receive the DC current. Each branch may include a series
circuit of a current limiting resistor 155, a lighting source 40
and a switching element 156. In one example, the lighting sources
40 collectively comprise an RGB LED matrix, wherein an LED of a
first color (e.g., red) may be coupled in series with a first
switching element 156a, an LED of a second color (e.g., green) may
be coupled in series with a second switching element 156b, and an
LED of a third color (e.g., blue) may be coupled in series with a
third switching element 156c. The switching elements 156a, 156b,
156c are coupled to receive driving signals from the controller 154
and modulate lighting intensity for the respective LED's, wherein a
desired lighting output (e.g., color, pattern) can be
generated.
[0083] Similar wireless communication between multiple light up
jewelry assemblies can used to communicate jewelry assemblies
attached to various types of items such as backpacks, stuffed
animals, hair ties, shoes, watches, purses, etc.
[0084] Thus, although there have been described particular
embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Inductive
LED Jewelry, it is not intended that such references be construed
as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *