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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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.

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

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the magnetically permeable band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2a is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing an exemplary connection between a primary winding and a lead wire.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a bead disposed on the magnetically permeable band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bead from FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the power module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a jewelry apparatus including a charging station.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the charging station of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of the charging station of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the power module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the power module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the bead of FIG. 1.

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.

FIG. 12b shows another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 12a showing the beads on each assembly wirelessly communicating with one another.

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.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary circuit diagram for the wireless network used in the jewelry apparatus of FIG. 12c.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of exemplary programming logic that can be used for the circuit diagram of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary circuit diagram for an embodiment of a “timed” bead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.