US20140102136A1 - Jewelry piece with interchangeable rfid tag - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for conveniently and unobtrusively carrying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A jewelry piece is operatively connected to a housing using a screw post and threaded slot. A radio frequency identification tag and buffer ring are disposed within the housing and enclosed by a cap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/713,200, filed on Oct. 12, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
• The present disclosure generally relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a RFID tag in a jewelry piece.
BACKGROUND
• Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are used to wirelessly identify an item. A RFID tag typically consists of a microprocessor operatively coupled with an antenna. The microprocessor stores a unique identification code for an item and transmits the code via the antenna as a radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal is captured by a RFID reader and processed for use. The typical RFID tag is passive, relying on an external stimulus—such as an electromagnetic field produced by a RFID reader—to energize the antenna and transmit the identification code. However, some RFID tags further include a power source, allowing the tag to actively transmit information from the microprocessor.
• RFID tags are frequently attached to or embedded in items and used in inventory control, item tracking, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. RFID tags have also proved useful in human applications, such as identity verification and access control. In human applications the RFID tags must be attached to or embedded in an item which is carried by the human, such as an identification card, an access badge, or a key fob. However, each of these items are prone to loss or misplacement, damage, and theft.
• One solution to the problem of loss, damage, and theft of RFID items associated with human applications has been borrowed from use in animal inventory control and tracking—injection of an RFID tag under the skin. However, many people find this solution highly objectionable. There is thus a need felt in the art for a convenient but non-objectionable means for a human to carry an RFID tag for use in human applications such as identity verification or access control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like numerals denote like features throughout specification and drawing.
• FIG. 1 is a side view of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again exploded as inFIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of the command module in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
• InFIGS. 1 through 6, like items are indicated by like reference numerals and, for brevity, descriptions of a component or structure are not repeated.
• The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a piece of jewelry connected with an interchangeable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The apparatus is provided to enable a user to conveniently and unobtrusively carry a RFID tag with a low probability of loss or damage to the tag.
• In some embodiments, the jewelry piece is a ring. However, other jewelry pieces would be suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure. Specifically, the present disclosure could be used to connect an interchangeable RFID tag with watches, pendants, brooches, earrings and other body piercing jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, amulets, medallions, hairpins, and any suitable jewelry pieces.
• There are generally three types of RFID tags: active, passive, and battery-assisted passive. In some embodiments of the present disclosure uses a passive tag, which is generally cheaper and smaller than active or battery-assisted passive tags because it requires no independent power source. A passive tag uses the radio energy transmitted by a RFID reader as its power source. However, any type of RFID tag would be suitable for use with the present disclosure. Use of an active or battery-assisted passive RFID tag requires the addition of an independent power source such as a battery to the disclosed apparatus.
• FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of ajewelry piece100 with an interchangeable RFID tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 1 shows the exterior of the apparatus with all component pieces assembled. Viewing the exterior, a user or viewer of the apparatus sees acap2, ahousing14, and aring16, which are described in further detail below.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of an example of ajewelry piece100 with an interchangeable RFID tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 2 illustrates how constituent pieces of the apparatus are fitted together in the illustrated embodiment.
• Cap2 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic.Cap2 is often formed as a “cabochon” having a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In the alternative, the cap can have a concave surface and a flat surface. The shape ofcap2 can vary, employing any suitable gemstone cutting techniques.Cap2 is connected tohousing14 by cement, glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive.
• Belowcap2 is aRFID tag6 which may be of any suitable type and configuration but is illustrated as a RFID wafer.RFID tag6 is disposed within abuffer ring8. In some embodiments,buffer ring8 is composed of a ferrite material.Buffer ring8 is disposed withinhousing14.RFID tag6,buffer ring8, and the inner diameter ofhousing14 are sized to minimize movement of theRFID tag6 during use of the apparatus.
• In some embodiments, thejewelry piece100 includes one or both of atop spacer4 andbottom spacer10 to further minimize movement ofRFID tag6 during use. In some embodiments,top spacer4 andbottom spacer10 are composed of a material that does not substantially inhibit radio frequency transmission such as plastic or glass. A material does not substantially inhibit radio frequency transmission if the transmission range is not notably reduced by using that material. Materials that do no substantially inhibit radio frequency transmission, such as glass and plastic, are substantially permissive materials.
• In some embodiments,top spacer4 andbottom spacer10 are composed of materials which inhibit radio frequency transmission, such as most metal alloys, as a way to limit the range ofenclosed RFID tag6. For example, ifRFID tag6 is readable from a distance of three feet from ajewelry piece100 withouttop spacer4 orbottom spacer10, but it is desired thatRFID tag6 only be readable at a distance of six inches fromjewelry piece100, then one or both oftop spacer4 andbottom spacer10 composed of a material which inhibits radio frequency transmission can be added to thejewelry piece100 to reduce the effective reading range ofRFID tag6.
• The unit formed bycap2,RFID tag6,buffer ring8, andhousing14, when connected, is referred to as acommand module20. In some embodiments of the present disclosure,command module20 is fully interchangeable, meaning a first command module connected to ring16 can be removed and replaced with a second command module.
• Housing14 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal (gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or any suitable material for forming jewelry, such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys.Housing14 is sized to fit within a receivingarea18 ofring16.Housing14 is connected to ring16 by ascrew post12, which is a threaded member that is rotatably inserted into a threadedslot22 inring16.
• Ring16 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal (gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or any suitable material for forming jewelry, such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys.Ring16 includes a receivingarea18 and threadedslot22 for receivinghousing14 and screwpost12, respectively.Housing14 andring16 can be formed from the same material or different materials.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again exploded as inFIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As inFIG. 2,FIG. 3 illustrates how the constituent components ofjewelry piece100 are fitted together. In the illustrated embodiment,RFID tag6 is disposed withinbuffer ring8, which in turn is disposed withinhousing14 along withtop spacer4 andbottom spacer10.Cap2 is adhered tohousing14 to formcommand module20.Command module20 is operatively connected to ring16 via a screw post12 (not visible inFIG. 3) rotatably inserted into threadedslot22.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, in some embodiments,cap40 comprises a top42 connected to a threadedmember44 which can be rotatably inserted into a threadedrecess46 onring48.Top42 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic.Top42 is adhered or mounted to threadedmember44. ARFID tag6 is disposed within abuffer ring8, which is then disposed within threadedrecess46.Cap40seals RFID tag6 andbuffer ring8 within the threadedrecess46 when rotatably inserted into the threadedrecess46. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side ofRFID tag6 disposed withinbuffer ring8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
• In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, ease of access to an enclosed RFID tag provides another means of interchangeability. In some embodiments, rather than changing out theentire command module20, a user can unscrewcap40 fromring48 to removecap40, permitting access to and exchange of theenclosed RFID tag6.
• In some embodiments, shown inFIG. 5, thecommand module20 is affixed to a modifiedring52 via a retainingclip50. Retainingclip50 is shaped to fit about the bottom ofhousing14, and has abulbous protrusion56 on one side. Retainingclip50 can also be a standard “C” clip. Once retainingclip50 is connected tohousing14 using adhesive or simple friction, theentire command module20 is slid into position, mounted on modifiedring52. Thebulbous protrusion56 is fitted into agroove54 on modifiedring54, andcommand module20 snaps into place on modifiedring52 where it is held by the union ofbulbous protrusion56 andgroove54. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be disposed withincommand module20, on either side ofRFID tag6 disposed withinbuffer ring8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
• In some embodiments, shown inFIG. 6, ahollow cap60 is used to hold the RFID tag instead of the previously-described housing. As with previously-describedcap2,hollow cap60 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also,hollow cap60 has a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In the alternative, the cap can have a concave surface and a flat surface.Hollow cap60 has a recess formed in the flat surface to hold anRFID tag6 andbuffer ring8. In the illustrated embodiment,RFID tag6 is disposed withinbuffer ring8, which is then disposed withinhollow cap60.Hollow cap60 is then affixed to a bezel setting62 or similar plate, which has ascrew post66 that is rotatably insertable into a threadedslot68 inring64. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side ofRFID tag6 disposed withinbuffer ring8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
• In some embodiments, shown inFIG. 7, aring72 has achannel74 through its top portion. In some embodiments, thechannel74 is cylindrical and includes anotch76 cut the full circumference of thechannel74.Channel74 is sized to holdRFID tag6 disposed withinbuffer ring8.Notch76 is sized to holdbottom retainer78 in place.Bottom retainer78 is formed from a flexible material, such as semi-rigid plastic, so it can be inserted and removed fromnotch76. The diameter ofbottom retainer78 is larger than the diameter ofchannel74 but smaller than the diameter ofnotch76, allowingbottom retainer78 to be held in place when inserted intonotch76. Withbottom retainer78 inserted intonotch76,buffer ring8 andRFID tag6 are disposed withinchannel74 and sealed in place bycap79.Cap79 can be connected to ring72 by cement, glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive.
• In some embodiments,bottom retainer78 is formed from a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmission andcap79 is formed from a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions. In this embodiment, the effective transmission range ofRFID tag6 is greatly limited.
• The use of RFID tags has spread to innumerable applications, and embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in numerous ways. In general use, a RFID tag is read by an RFID reader to transfer data on the tag to the reader. The RFID reader is operatively connected to a computer or other processing system and transfers data from the tag to the computer or processing system for use.
• By way of example, RFID tags can be used in a key fob to provide keyless locking and unlocking of a vehicle door. The RFID tag enclosed in the fob uniquely identifies the key associated with a given vehicle. As a driver approaches the vehicle door, a RFID reader located in the door handle, door, or elsewhere in the vehicle reads the identifying information contained on the RFID tag. A processing system uses this identifying information to determine if the key fob is associated with the vehicle and should thus be granted access to the vehicle. If the key fob is positively associated with the vehicle, the processing system sends a signal to the vehicle door to unlock.
• Additional uses of the present disclosure are included in Table 1. Table 1 assumes the implementation device (i.e.—vehicle) is equipped with a RFID reader and associated circuitry. The examples in Table 1 are provided for illustrative purposes and are in no way meant to be a full list of potential applications of the present disclosure.

• TABLE 1
  Applications of the Present Disclosure

  Keyless starting of a vehicle

  Arming or disarming a security system

  Opening, locking, or unlocking a residential or commercial door, gate,

  or equivalent

  Opening, locking, or unlocking a safe

  Enabling operation of a firearm

  Payment using credit or debit card information loaded into RFID tag

  Opening, locking, unlocking, or starting a personal watercraft, motorcycle,

  or machinery

  Enabling use of a cellular telephone

  Verifying identity at an airport or security checkpoint

  Verifying identity, license, insurance status, and vehicle registration during

  a traffic stop

• The jewelry piece with interchangeable RFID tag disclosed above has several advantages. A jewelry piece provides a convenient and unobtrusive way to carry an RFID tag and is less likely than a badge, key fob, or other RFID tag carrier to be lost or damaged. By making the RFID tag interchangeable through the various means disclosed above, the jewelry piece provides a flexibility to the user to carry with them a range of information. For example, a user can have a jewelry piece with a command module containing an RFID tag loaded with identifying information specific to their professional life, i.e. containing login information for their work computer, access information to their office, etc. That same user could then switch command modules, outfitting the jewelry piece with a second command module loaded with personal information such as identifying information for specific use at a doctor's office. In various circumstances, a user could chose to limit the data they carry within their jewelry piece so as to limit the potential for fraud and identity or information theft. Command modules could also be exchanged for purely aesthetic purposes.
• In some embodiments, an apparatus for conveniently carrying a radio frequency identification tag comprises a jewelry piece including a threaded slot for receiving a screw post; a cap with a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface, the flat surface connected to a housing including the screw post; a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposed within the housing; and wherein the housing is operatively connected to the jewelry piece by rotatably inserting the screw post in the threaded slot.
• In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a jewelry ring including a threaded slot; a bezel setting comprising a flat plate and a screw post, wherein the bezel setting is operatively connected to the jewelry ring by rotatably inserting the screw post into the threaded slot; a cap comprising a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface including a recess, and wherein the flat surface is connected to the bezel setting; and a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposed within the recess of said cap.
• In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a jewelry ring including a threaded recess; a cap comprising a substantially hemispherical portion and a threaded member portion; and a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring, the buffer ring disposed within the threaded recess wherein the threaded recess encloses the radio frequency identification tag and the buffer ring when the cap is rotatably inserted into the threaded recess.
• Although examples are illustrated and described herein, embodiments are nevertheless not limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes can be made therein by those of ordinary skill within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for conveniently carrying a radio frequency identification tag, comprising:

a jewelry piece including a threaded slot for receiving a screw post;

a cap with a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface, said flat surface connected to a housing including said screw post;

a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposed within said housing; and

wherein said housing is operatively connected to said jewelry piece by rotatably inserting said screw post in said threaded slot.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmissions.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification tag.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said jewelry piece is a watch.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmissions.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 5, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said jewelry piece is a bracelet.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmissions.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said housing and wherein said spacer is formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said cap is formed from glass.

12. An apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring, comprising:

a jewelry ring including a threaded slot;

a bezel setting comprising a flat plate and a screw post, wherein said bezel setting is operatively connected to said jewelry ring by rotatably inserting said screw post into said threaded slot;

a cap comprising a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface including a recess, and wherein said flat surface is connected to said bezel setting; and

a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposed within said recess of said cap.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said recess of said cap and wherein said at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmissions.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising at least one spacer, said spacer disposed within the recess of said cap and formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification tag.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said cap is formed from any one of a group of materials consisting of synthetic gemstone, natural gemstone, and glass.

17. An apparatus for carrying a radio frequency identification tag within a jewelry ring, comprising:

a jewelry ring including a threaded recess;

a cap comprising a substantially hemispherical portion and a threaded member portion; and

a radio frequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring, said buffer ring disposed within said threaded recess wherein said threaded recess encloses said radio frequency identification tag and said buffer ring when said cap is rotatably inserted into said threaded recess.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, further comprising at least one spacer disposed within said said threaded recess and wherein said at least one spacer is formed of a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmissions.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, further comprising at least one spacer, said spacer disposed within the threaded recess of said jewelry ring and formed of a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions to reduce the range of said radio frequency identification tag.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification tag.

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