Apparatus for praying the rosary and method of use

Abstract

An apparatus for praying the rosary and method of use are disclosed. In one form, an apparatus includes a crucifix shaped housing including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads. The electronics include a sequence timer housed within the crucifix shaped housing and operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate each luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads. A conductor is provided and includes a first end, a second end, and a length between wherein the first end is coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end is coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing. The conductor is electrically coupled to the sequence timer to conduct the electronic signal. The apparatus further includes a medallion positioned along the conductor and operable to separate the conductor into an upper portion including a loop portion and lower portion including a pendulum portion. A first series of five (5) luminescent beads are electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the pendulum portion. Each of the five (5) luminescent beads is operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal. A second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads are electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop portion, each of the fifty-four (54) luminescent beads and operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates to praying the rosary, and more particularly to an apparatus for praying the rosary and method of use.

BACKGROUND

Rosary beads and crucifixes are constructed from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, gold, silver, bone, pearl, coral and precious stones, as well as other natural and man made materials. Rosaries are often constructed with various combinations of materials. Beads today are commonly held together using string, cord, chain, or metal wire.

The rosary is essentially a tallying device, known in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Historically rosary beads have been used for manually progressing through a prayer sequence by holding a bead in hand and moving from one bead to the next when a prayer is finished. A person with arthritis may have a difficult time holding the individual beads for an extended time during prayer in order to keep track of their place in the prayer sequence. If a person sits the rosary down or drops it, the person's place in the prayer sequence is lost. A better method of keeping track of a prayer sequence is needed. However, the traditional appearance of a rosary should remain in order to preserve religious tradition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the invention, as well as methods, operation and functions of related elements of structure, and the combinations of parts and economies of manufacture, will become apparent upon consideration of the following description and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of the specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for praying the rosary according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a luminescent rosary including a crucifix shaped housing according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of an luminescent rosary for praying the rosary according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An apparatus for praying the rosary and method of use are disclosed. In one form, a crucifix shaped housing including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads is provided. The apparatus includes a sequence timer housed within the crucifix shaped housing and operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate each luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads. A conductor is also provided and includes a first end, a second end, and a length between. The first end is coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end is coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing. The conductor is electrically coupled to the sequence timer to conduct the electronic signal. The apparatus further includes a medallion positioned along the conductor and operable to separate the conductor into an upper portion including a loop portion and lower portion including a pendulum-like portion. A first series of five (5) luminescent beads are electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the pendulum portion, each of the five (5) luminescent beads operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal. A second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads are also electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop portion, each of the fifty-four (54) luminescent beads operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal. The apparatus includes a power switch accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and a power source operable to power the electronics.

In another form, a method of operating a luminescent rosary for praying is disclosed. The method includes providing a rosary having a crucifix shaped housing made of plastic and including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads. The luminescent rosary includes a processor operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the at least one of the plurality of luminescent beads and a speaker coupled to the processor and operable to output an audio signal. A memory is coupled to the processor and operable to store information associated with providing the electronic signal and the audio signal. A conductor includes a first end, a second end, and a length between. The first end is coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end is coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing. The conductor is operable to conduct the electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the plurality of luminescent beads. The rosary further includes a medallion having an aperture formed along an interior portion of the medallion providing passage of each end of the conductor through the medallion. The aperture is formed to combine the first and second ends of the conductor to couple the crucifix shaped housing at a distance from the medallion and the aperture further includes an upper portion separating the first and second ends of the conductor to form a loop including the conductor. The rosary further includes a first series of five (5) luminescent beads coupled to the conductor and positioned between the medallion and the crucifix shaped housing with each luminescent bead operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal. A second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads is coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop. Each luminescent bead is operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal. A battery compartment accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing is provided and operable to store a battery and a power switch accessible along the rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and the battery to power the electronics. The method further includes illuminating a first luminescent bead of the series of five (5) luminescent beads for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds, and sequentially illuminating a second luminescent bead, a third luminescent bead, and a fourth luminescent bead within the series of five (5) luminescent beads, each luminescent bead is illuminated for a period of approximately fourteen seconds (14). The method further includes illuminating a fifth luminescent bead of the series of five (5) luminescent beads for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds.

In another form, an apparatus for praying the rosary includes a crucifix shaped housing comprising plastic and including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads. The apparatus further includes a processor operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the at least one of the plurality of luminescent beads and a speaker coupled to the processor and operable to output an audio signal. A memory is coupled to the processor and operable to store information associated with providing the electronic signal and the audio signal. The apparatus further includes a conductor including a first end, a second end, and a length. The first end is coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end is coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing. The conductor is operable to conduct the electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the plurality of luminescent beads. The apparatus further includes a medallion-having an aperture formed along an interior portion of the medallion providing passage of each end of the conductor through the medallion. The aperture is formed to combine the first and second ends of the conductor to couple the crucifix shaped housing at a distance from the medallion. The aperture further includes an upper portion separating the first and second ends of the conductor to form a loop. A first series of five (5) luminescent beads are electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned between the medallion and the crucifix shaped housing. Each luminescent bead is operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal. A second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads are coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop and each luminescent bead is operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal. The apparatus further includes a battery compartment accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operable to store a battery. A power switch is provided and accessible along the rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and the battery to power the electronics.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for praying the rosary according to one embodiment of the invention. A luminescent rosary, shown generally at 10, includes a crucifix shaped housing 11 shaped in the form of a religious symbol such as a cross, crucifix, or other religious symbol for storing electronics (not expressly shown) for operating luminescent rosary 10. Crucifix shaped housing 11 may be formed from various types and/or combinations of materials including, but not limited to, plastics, wood, glass, metals, ceramics, gold, silver, bone, pearl, coral, precious stones or other natural and/or man-made materials. In one form, crucifix shaped housing 11 may be formed from non-toxic plastics using one or more plastic forming manufacturing processes such as a plastic molding, extruding, blowing processes and the like. For example, a plastic manufacturing process of injection molding or blow molding may be used to form crucifix shaped housing 11. Injection molding is a process that is used in mass production of materials and includes melted plastic material being forcefully injected into a relatively cool mold. As the plastic material hardens, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. One skilled in the art can appreciate that other methods may be employed to provide crucifix shaped housing 11 either alone or in combination with other manual or automatic fabrication methods. Additionally, various other religious shapes and dimensions may be selected for forming crucifix shaped housing 11.

Luminescent rosary 10 further includes a conductor 12 having a first end 13 coupled to a first terminal 15 of crucifix shaped housing 11 and a second terminal 16 coupled to a second end 14 of crucifix shaped housing 11. In one form, first terminal 15 and second terminal 16 electrically couple electronics stored within crucifix shaped housing 11 to conductor 12 encased in an insulative material for protecting an individual from electrical shock. Conductor 12 may be soldered to a first terminal 15 and second terminal 16 such that an electrical contact or connection is provided to electronics stored within crucifix shaped housing 11. First terminal 15 and second terminal 16 may further include a strain relief (not expressly shown) reducing the amount of strain that may be placed on conductor 12 for holding or suspending crucifix shaped housing 11 and contents stored therein.

In one embodiment, first terminal 15 and second terminal 16 may be integrated as a part of a plug (not expressly shown) allowing for removal and replacement of crucifix shaped housing 11 in the event of failure of electronics within crucifix shaped housing 11 or conductor 12 providing a modularized form for luminescent rosary 10. For example, a user may purchase one or more types of crucifix shaped housings (not expressly shown) to remove and replace crucifix shaped housing 11 as desired. In another form, a user may desire to utilize a different conductor 12 with different types of or colors of luminescent beads and as such may mix and match housings, conductors, luminescent beads, etc. as desired.

Luminescent rosary 10 further includes a medallion 17 including an aperture 18 allowing for passage of conductor 12 through medallion 17 forming an upper portion or loop 19 and a lower portion or pendulum-like portion 20. Medallion 17 may be formed from various types of materials and may include graphic illustrations such as an illustration of a young female such as ‘The Virgin Mary’. Medallion 17 allows for separation of a plurality of luminescent beads into first series 21 located along lower portion 20 of conductor 12 and a second series 22 located along upper portion or loop 19. Each luminescent bead is electrically coupled to conductor 12 and may be periodically illuminated.

First series 21 of luminescent beads includes five (5) luminescent beads including first luminescent bead 23, a second luminescent bead 24, a third luminescent bead 25, a fourth luminescent bead 26, and a fifth luminescent bead 27. Each luminescent bead within first series 21 may be provided in various colors for signifying or initiating a specific prayer. In one embodiment, first luminescent bead 23 and fifth luminescent bead 27 emit a substantially white light when illuminated. Additionally, second luminescent bead 24, third luminescent bead 25, and fourth luminescent bead 26 emit a non-white light (i.e. red, amber, orange, green, blue, etc.) when illuminated. As such, using different colored lights indicates to a user to pray or recite a different prayer when illuminated.

Second series 22 includes fifty-four (54) luminescent beads having five (5) sub-groups 28 of ten (10) luminescent beads operable to emit a non-white light when illuminated. Positioned between each first sub-groups 28 is a single luminescent bead 29 collectively illustrated as second sub-group 29 operable to emit a substantially white light when illuminated.

Crucifix shaped housing 11 further includes a speaker 30 operable to output an audio signal in association with operating luminescent rosary 10. For example, a visually impaired person may not be able to see if a bead is illuminated. As such, a luminescent rosary 10 may periodically provide an audio signal to indicate when and/or which prayer should be prayed. Such an audio signal may include a tone, title of a prayer, an/or a playback or output of the specific prayer. In another embodiment, luminescent rosary 10 may include a vibrating mechanism (not expressly shown) for a visually impaired person. For example, a vibrating mechanism may be turned on for different lengths of time indicating which prayer should be recited.

In one embodiment, crucifix shaped housing 11 may include a manual illumination button 31 to enable manual illumination each luminescent bead. For example, a user may desire to operate luminescent rosary 10 in a manual mode and at a different pace than provided by luminescent rosary 10 when used in an automatic mode. As such, a user may select manual illumination button 31 during operation of luminescent rosary 10 allowing a user to place luminescent rosary 10 in a manual mode. In one embodiment, re-activation of manual illumination button 31 for a period of time may return to an automatic mode by pressing and holding manual illumination button for a specific period (i.e. three seconds, five seconds, etc.).

Luminescent rosary 10 allows for efficient praying of the rosary and enables a user to progress through saying a series of prayers traditionally provided in a Catholic Religion. Some examples of prayers include “The Our Father”, “The Hail Mary”, and “The Glory Be To The Father”. Other prayers may also be considered including, but not limited to “The Hail, Holy Queen”, “The Let Us Pray”, “The Sign Of The Cross”, and “The Apostles' Creed”. Each prayer or combinations of prayers, may be prayed or recited before, during, or after operating luminescent rosary 10. An example of each prayer is described below.

“The Sign Of The Cross” includes reciting ‘In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.’ while forming the sign of the cross by through motioning with a user's hand.

“The Apostles' Creed” includes reciting ‘I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen’.

“The Our Father” includes reciting ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen’.

“The Hail Mary” includes reciting ‘Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen’.

“The Glory Be To The Father” includes reciting ‘Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen’.

“The Hail, Holy Queen” includes reciting ‘Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ’.

“The let Us Pray” includes reciting ‘O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries in the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise: through the same Christ our Lord. Amen’.

During use, a user activates luminescent rosary 10 though using a power switch (not expressly shown). Electronics housed within crucifix shaped housing 11 provide an electronic signal sufficient to illuminate first luminescent bead 23 for a predetermined period of time. For example, an electronic signal such as a low-voltage signal may be coupled to conductor 12 allowing current to flow to first luminescent bead 23 for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds enabling a user to recite a specific prayer. Upon illumination, first luminescent bead 23 emits a substantially white light indicating to the user that a specific prayer should be recited (i.e. ‘The Our Father’).

Upon illumination for approximately twenty-four (24) seconds, first luminescent bead 23 is extinguished using passive or active electronics housed within crucifix shaped housing 11 and/or directly coupled to first luminescent bead 23. Second luminescent bead 24 is then activated for a period of approximately ten (10) seconds. Upon illumination, second luminescent bead 24 emits non-white light indicating that a different prayer should be recited (i.e. ‘The Hail Mary’, ‘The Glory Be’, etc.) during the ten (10) seconds second luminescent bead 24 is illuminated.

Upon illumination for approximately ten (10) seconds, second luminescent bead 24 is extinguished and third luminescent bead 25 is activated. Upon illumination, third luminescent bead 25 emits non-white light indicating that a specific prayer should be recited (i.e. ‘The Hail Mary’, ‘The Glory Be’, etc.) during the ten (10) seconds third luminescent bead 25 is illuminated.

Upon illumination for approximately ten (10) seconds, third luminescent bead 25 is extinguished and fourth luminescent bead 26 is activated. Upon illumination, fourth luminescent bead 25 emits non-white light indicating that a specific prayer should be recited (i.e. ‘The Hail Mary’, ‘The Glory Be’, etc.) during the ten (10) seconds fourth luminescent bead 25 is illuminated.

Upon illumination for approximately ten (10) seconds, fourth luminescent bead 26 is extinguished and fifth luminescent bead 27 is activated. Upon illumination, fifth luminescent bead 27 emits substantially white light indicating that a different prayer should be recited (i.e. ‘The Our Father’) during the twenty-four (24) seconds fourth luminescent bead 25 is illuminated. As such, a timing sequence of (24)-(10)-(10)-(10)-(24) seconds may be used to illuminate each luminescent bead along lower portion 20 allowing a user to recite a specific prayer represented by the type of light (i.e. white, non-white, red, green, blue, etc.) being emitted.

Upon activation of each luminescent bead along first series 21, luminescent rosary 10 activates each luminescent bead of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads provided within second series 22 along upper portion 19 of luminescent rosary 10. Each bead is illuminated in a similar manner using a predetermined sequence and duration for each bead within second series 22. For example, each luminescent bead within first sub-group 28a of non-white luminescent beads are illuminated for a period of approximately ten (10) seconds allowing a user to recite, for example, ten (10) ‘Hail Mary’ prayers. Upon activating each luminescent bead within first sub-group 28 of non-white luminescent beads, first luminescent bead of second sub-group 29a is illuminated for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds indicating to a user to recite ‘The Our Father’. Luminescent beads within first sub-groups 28a-d and second sub-groups 29a-c are then sequentially illuminated in a similar manner for a predetermined period of time indicating to a user to recite a specific prayer.

Luminescent rosary 10 may also be used with other illumination periods or operating speeds and in one embodiment may be used in a manual mode of operation. For example, a user may select manual illumination button 31 allowing a user to manually step through each prayer manually illuminating beads within using luminescent rosary 10. In one embodiment, a user may select manual illumination button 31 and first luminescent bead 23 may be illuminated. For example, first luminescent bead 23 may be illuminated for as long as a user desires allowing a user to recite a prayer at the user's pace. Upon finishing a prayer or when a user desires, the user may again select manual illumination button 31 causing first luminescent bead 23, to extinguish and second luminescent bead 24 to illuminate. In this manner, a user may manual progress through each prayer of the rosary without having time constraints on making progress while maintaining, through illuminating a specific luminescent bead, a location along luminescent rosary 10. In one embodiment, a user may desire to alternate between manual mode and an automatic mode. As such, a user may continuously depress manual illumination button 31 after being place in a manual mode for a predetermined period (i.e. three seconds, five seconds, etc.) to return or place luminescent rosary 10 in an automatic mode of operation.

In one embodiment, luminescent rosary 10 may persistently illuminate each luminescent bead. For example, upon illuminating first luminescent bead 23 for a period of twenty-four (24) seconds, second luminescent bead 24 may be illuminated while first luminescent bead 23 remains illuminated. Similarly, after second luminescent bead 24 is illuminated for a period of ten (10) seconds, third luminescent bead 25 may be illuminated while first luminescent bead 23 and second luminescent bead 24 remain illuminated. Such a pattern may continue until each bead of luminescent rosary 10 is illuminated. In another embodiment, each bead within first series 21 may be illuminated until a first bead of second series 22 is illuminated. For example, upon illuminating a first bead in second series 22, each luminescent bead within first series 21 may be extinguished indicating that each prayer associated with lower portion 20 has been completed and a user may now recite prayers associated with each bead within upper portion 19. In another embodiment, luminescent rosary 10 may also simultaneously illuminate each luminescent bead. For example, a user may elect to utilize luminescent rosary 10 in a low light environment. As such, luminescent rosary 10 may be provided to simultaneously illuminate all luminescent beads.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a crucifix shaped housing of a luminescent rosary according to one embodiment of the invention. Luminescent rosary 35 includes a crucifix shaped housing 36 with a rear portion having a battery access panel 38 for accessing a battery, such as a low-voltage direct current (DC) battery and a power switch 37 for activating and/or deactivating luminescent rosary 35. Low-voltage DC batteries are well known in the art and may be provided in various shapes, voltages, sizes, etc. as needed for powering luminescent rosary 35. For example, a lithium button or circular shaped DC battery may be used to provide power to electronics and luminescent beads associated with and/or stored within crucifix shaped housing 35. Other low-voltage batteries may also be considered depending on the size, features, etc. of luminescent rosary 35.

In one embodiment, crucifix shaped housing 35 and associated luminescent beads (not expressly shown) may wall mounted to allow for several user's to view and recite prayers. In such an embodiment, crucifix shaped housing 35 and associated luminescent beads and other electronics, coupling mechanisms, etc. may be mounted to a wall and visible from a distance (i.e. 5 feet, 10 feet, 20 feet, etc.) and may be provided in an ‘oversized’ designed to be wall-mounted and not worn by a user as a conventional rosary. In this manner, multiple users may simultaneously use luminescent rosary 35. In one embodiment, an alternative power source, such as an Alternating Current (AC) power source (not expressly shown) may be used to provide power to luminescent rosary 35. Additionally, an AC-to-DC transformer or power adapter may be used to convert an AC source to a DC voltage level sufficient to power luminescent rosary 35.

Battery access panel 38 and power switch 37 either alone or in combination may be placed along other portions of crucifix shaped housing 36 and need not be only placed along a rear portion of luminescent rosary 35. For example, battery access panel 38 and power switch 37 may be placed along a side portion, along a front portion, etc. of crucifix shaped housing 36 as needed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of a luminescent rosary for praying the rosary according to one embodiment of the invention. A luminescent rosary 200 includes an electronic memory 201, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory or Electrical Eraseable/Programable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), or other type of electronic memory devices as needed. Luminescent rosary 200 further includes a sequence timer 207 and a processor 203 such as an multi-bit processor and/or controller operable to detect and control inputs and outputs for luminescent rosary 200. For example, processor 203 may provide one or more types of signals such as voltage levels sufficient to illuminate one or more luminescent beads 202 and/or audio signals sufficient to operate a low-voltage speaker 204. Though illustrated as separate components, processor 203 may include electronic memory 201 integrated as a part of processor 203 and operable to be used in association with providing luminescent rosary 200.

Luminescent rosary 200 further includes a power switch 206 operably coupled to a power source 205 such as a DC poser source for supplying power to electronics of luminescent rosary 200. During operation a user activates power switch 206 and power is applied to electronic components within luminescent rosary 200. Processor 203 is initialized if required and accesses electronic memory 201 to read information associated with providing a timing sequence for illuminating one or more luminescent beads 202 if required. For example, processor 203 may initialize one or more variables such as a duration variable, a bulb counter variable, a sequence variable, or other variables as needed. Processor 203 may access information stored within electronic memory 201 as needed and may copy, read, write and/or store information within electronic memory 201 as needed to efficiently operate luminescent rosary 200.

In one embodiment, electronic memory 201 may include a program of instructions stored within a non-volatile RAM or ROM device. One or more types of programming languages may be used including, but not limited to low-level programming or control languages such as machine code, assembly code, and the like accessible by processor 203 and used for controlling operation of luminescent rosary 200. For example, processor 203 may access a sequence of instructions for initializing and controlling outputs provided by luminescent rosary 200 including providing one or more electronic signals for illuminating specific luminescent beads 202, controlling an audio output or generating an audio signal for speaker 204, altering an operating status based on a user's interaction with luminescent rosary 200, or other types of functionalities of luminescent rosary 200. For example, processor 203 may employ a program of instructions having a control loop for monitoring and/or detecting inputs provided by a user. For example, a user may select a manual illumination button 208 to manually progress through illuminating luminescent beads 202. Processor 203 would work with sequence timer 207 to suspend automatic illumination of luminescent beads 202 and provide an electronic signal responsive to an input by a user to manually illuminate beads 202. Processor 203 may further detect if a user depressed manual illumination button 208 to return luminescent rosary 200 to an automatic mode of operation.

In another embodiment, a processor 203 may further be used in association with sequence timer 207 and a vibration mechanism (not expressly shown) for alerting an individual that a specific type of prayer should be recited. For example, sequence timer 207 may be used to determine the length of time to activate a vibration mechanism housed within a crucifix shaped housing (not expressly shown) based on a sequence of prayers to be recited and as such, may activate a vibration mechanism for a specific period of time to prompt a user to recite a specific prayer. For example, a vibration mechanism may be activated for five (5) seconds to indicate that a user should recite a first prayer. Similarly, vibration mechanism may be activated in a pulsed mode (i.e. a series of one (1) to two (2) second long vibrations) to indicate that a second prayer should be recited. Other combinations may also be employed.

Sequence timer 207 may be provided alone or in combination with processor 203. For example, sequence timer 207 may be provided as a separate timing circuit, electronic device, and/or combination or electronic components for providing timing and output signals for luminescent rosary 200. In one embodiment, sequence timer 207 may include a digital or analog timing circuit operable to be used in association with providing an electronic signal having various durations (i.e. 1-30 seconds). However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that processor 203 may provide timing for controlling outputs of luminescent rosary 200 and as such may include control logic, instructions, etc. for providing a timing sequence and/or electronic signal for luminescent rosary 200.

In another embodiment of the invention, sequence timer 207 may include one or more electronic timing circuits for outputting a timed electronic signal for luminescent rosary 50. In one embodiment, sequence timer 207 may include one or more resistive-capacitive timing circuits having component values sufficient to provide an output voltage level and duration for providing timing for illuminating portions of luminescent rosary 200. In other embodiments, one or more luminescent bulb within bulbs 202 may include a separate timing circuit coupled to a portion of each luminescent bulb of luminescent bulbs 202. For example, each bulb may include a resistive-capacitive time constant circuit, and an associated by-pass diode circuit if required, sufficient to allow for illumination of a specific bulb for a specific period of time. Other types of components may also be used and may include, filament based illuminators, light-emitting diodes, etc. for providing illumination of bulbs 202. Bulbs 202 may also be provided in a replaceable form having a screw-type socket (not expressly shown) for easy removal and replacement in the event of defect or operational failure. As such, sequence timer 207 may be integrated as a part of, or in association with, luminescent beads 202.

Note that although an embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for praying the rosary comprising:

a crucifix shaped housing including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads;

a sequence timer housed within the crucifix shaped housing and operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate each luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads;

a conductor including a first end, a second end, and a length between, the first end coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing, the conductor electrically coupled to the sequence timer to conduct the electronic signal;

a medallion positioned along the conductor and operable to separate the conductor into an upper portion including a loop portion and lower portion including a pendulum-like portion;

a first series of five (5) luminescent beads electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the pendulum portion, each of the five (5) luminescent beads operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal;

a second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop portion, each of the fifty-four (54) luminescent beads operable to be sequentially illuminated in response to the electronic signal; and

a power switch accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and a power source operable to power the electronics.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the sequence timer operable to illuminate each luminescent bead for a period of at least approximately ten (10) seconds.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising the sequence timer operable to illuminate each luminescent bead for a period no greater than approximately twenty-four (24) seconds.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a memory operably coupled to the sequence timer, the memory operable to store information associated with providing the electronic signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a speaker coupled to the processor, the speaker operable to output an audio signal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a memory operably coupled to the sequence timer, the memory operable to store information associated with providing the audio signal and the electronic signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the luminescent beads comprise light emitting elements housed within the luminescent beads and electrically coupled to the conductor.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

wherein the first series of luminescent beads includes: a first luminescent bead operable to illuminate a first color for a first period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds; and a second luminescent bead operable to illuminate a second color different from the first color and for a period of approximately fourteen (14) seconds;

wherein the second series of luminescent beads includes: five sub-groups of ten (10) luminescent beads, each luminescent bead operable to be sequentially illuminated for approximately fourteen (14) seconds; and four (4) luminescent beads each positioned between each of the five (5) sub-groups, each of the four luminescent beads operable to be illuminated after the last of luminescent bead within one of the five (5) sub-groups and for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the luminescent beads comprise glass.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crucifix shaped housing comprises plastic.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising timing means for illuminating a first luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads for approximately twenty-four (24) seconds and a second luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads for at least ten (10) seconds.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a battery housing accessible along the rear portion of the crucifix housing, the housing including an access panel for removing and replacing a battery operably associated with the power source.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the processor operable to simultaneously illuminate the plurality of beads.

12. A method of operating an luminescent rosary for praying comprising:

providing a rosary including: a crucifix shaped housing comprising plastic including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads, the electronics including: a processor operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the at least one of the plurality of luminescent beads; a speaker coupled to said processor and operable to output an audio signal; a memory coupled to the processor and operable to store information associated with providing the electronic signal and the audio signal; a conductor including a first end, a second end, and a length, the first end coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing, the conductor operable to conduct the electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the plurality of luminescent beads; a medallion including an aperture formed along an interior portion of the medallion providing passage of each end of the conductor through the medallion, the aperture formed to combine the first and second ends of the conductor to couple the crucifix shaped housing at a distance from the medallion, the aperture further including an upper portion separating the first and second ends of the conductor to form a loop including the conductor; a first series of five (5) luminescent beads coupled to the conductor and positioned between the medallion and the crucifix shaped housing, each luminescent bead operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal; a second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop, each luminescent bead operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal; a battery compartment accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operable to store a battery; and

a power switch accessible along the rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and the battery to power the electronics; and illuminating a first luminescent bead of the series of five (5) luminescent beads for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds;

sequentially illuminating a second luminescent bead, a third luminescent bead, and a fourth luminescent bead within the series of five (5) luminescent beads, each for a period of approximately fourteen seconds (14); and

illuminating a fifth luminescent bead of the series of five (5) luminescent beads for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) seconds.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

enabling a manual illumination button coupled to the crucifix shaped housing and the electronics;

detecting activation of the manual illumination button; and

sequentially illuminating at least one luminescent bead of the series of five (5) luminescent beads or at least one luminescent bead of the series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads in response to detecting activation of the manual illumination button.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

illuminating ten (10) luminescent beads of the series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads, each for a period of approximately fourteen (14) seconds; and

illuminating an eleventh luminescent bead of the series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads for a period of approximately (24) seconds.

15. The method in claim 12 further comprising:

activating a speaker operably associated with the plurality of luminescent beads; and

outputting an audio signal to the speaker in association with providing the electronic signal.

16. The method in claim 12 further comprising: determining the number of luminescent beads of the plurality of beads that have not been illuminated;

determining the next luminescent bead of the plurality of luminescent beads to illuminate;

determining a period of time to illuminate the next luminescent bead; and

providing an electronic signal of sufficient power and duration to illuminate the next luminescent bead for the determined period of time.

17. An apparatus for praying the rosary comprising:

a crucifix shaped housing comprising plastic including electronics operable to sequentially illuminate at least one of a plurality of luminescent beads, the electronics including:

a processor operable to periodically provide an electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the at least one of the plurality of luminescent beads;

a speaker coupled to said processor and operable to output an audio signal;

a memory coupled to the processor and operable to store information associated with providing the electronic signal and the audio signal;

a conductor including a first end, a second end, and a length, the first end coupled to a first terminal of the crucifix shaped housing and the second end coupled to a second terminal of the crucifix shaped housing, the conductor operable to conduct the electronic signal to sequentially illuminate the plurality of luminescent beads;

a medallion including an aperture formed along an interior portion of the medallion providing passage of each end of the conductor through the medallion, the aperture formed to combine the first and second ends of the conductor to couple the crucifix shaped housing at a distance from the medallion, the aperture further including an upper portion separating the first and second ends of the conductor to form a loop;

a first series of five (5) luminescent beads electrically coupled to the conductor and positioned between the medallion and the crucifix shaped housing, each luminescent bead operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal;

a second series of fifty-four (54) luminescent beads coupled to the conductor and positioned along the loop, each luminescent bead operable to be illuminated in response to the electronic signal;

a battery compartment accessible along a rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operable to store a battery; and

a power switch accessible along the rear portion of the crucifix shaped housing and operably coupled to the electronics and the battery to power the electronics.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a sequence timer operably associated with the memory and the processor to provide the electronic signal at preset intervals ranging between ten (10) and twenty-four (24) seconds.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first series of luminescent beads comprises:

two (2) white luminescent beads operable to be used in association with a first prayer, the two (2) white luminescent beads operable to be illuminated for a period of no more than approximately twenty-four (24) seconds; and

three (3) non-white luminescent beads operable to be used in association with a second prayer, the three (3) non-white beads operable to be illuminated for a period of no more than approximately fourteen (14) seconds.

20. The apparatus in claim 17 further comprising an overall length of approximately twenty-four (24) inches.

21. The apparatus in claim 17 further comprising:

the first series of luminescent beads including an illumination sequence of: illuminating a first luminescent bead for a period of twenty-four (24) seconds; illuminating a second luminescent bead for a period of fourteen (14) seconds; illuminating a third luminescent bead for a period of fourteen (14) seconds; illuminating a fourth luminescent bead for a period of fourteen (14) seconds; illuminating a fifth luminescent bead for a period of twenty-four (24) seconds; and

wherein the second series of luminescent beads includes an illumination sequence of: sequentially illuminating fifty (50) non-white luminescent beads in sub-groups of ten (10), each non-white luminescent bead illuminated for a period of approximately fourteen (14) seconds; and illuminating four (4) white luminescent beads for a period of approximately twenty-four (14) seconds after illuminating one of the sub-groups of ten (10) non-white luminescent beads.