JP2023537535A - Illuminated Gemstone Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly is provided that includes a gemstone holder and a battery housing. The gemstone holder includes a bezel portion that provides a mount for receiving a gemstone, and a shaft portion that includes an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft includes first and second electrically conductive portions. The battery housing includes a battery power supply and a plurality of apertures, a first aperture of the plurality of apertures configured to permit engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a first connector within the housing. and a second of the plurality of holes is configured to enable engagement of the end portion of the shaft with a second connector within the housing. The assembly further includes a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate the gemstone. Engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the first connector completes the electrical circuit between the battery power source and the LED, whereas engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the second connector completes the electrical circuit. Not completed.

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for illuminating gemstones. In particular, the invention may relate to assemblies for illuminating diamonds.

Both natural and synthetic diamonds, as well as some other gemstones, are well known to luminesce when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Emitted luminescence is either fluorescence, i.e. light emitted by the stone while under irradiation, or phosphorescence, i.e. light emitted by the stone after the irradiation has ceased, or both. may be a combination of

The type of luminescence emitted by a gemstone is sometimes used to aid in its identification. Additionally, it is known to illuminate gemstones to produce luminescence for purely aesthetic purposes. For example, US Pat. No. 6,200,000 describes setting a gemstone in a mount that includes a UV light source coupled to a power supply. A UV light source illuminates the gemstone, making it glow and providing an attractive optical effect. Mounts may include jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, automobiles, and the like.

It is also known to provide earrings, especially ear studs, containing gemstones illuminated by colored LED light sources. For example, US Pat. No. 6,200,000 describes illuminated ear studs for pierced ears. The ear stud consists of a bezel with an LED embedded in the acrylic gemstone, an elongated shaft that passes through the ear and connects to the bezel, and a battery power source for receiving the shaft behind the ear. including. Electrical connectivity occurs once the shaft is received into battery power, thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the stone. The battery housing acts as a clasp to hold the ear stud to the ear.

Alternatively, twisting, pulling, or pushing the bezel against the battery power provides selective electrical connectivity (i.e., turns the LED on and off), thereby allowing the user to are known to allow ear studs to be worn without illumination.

However, conventional illuminated ear studs (or studs for use with other types of piercings) are often too heavy for the user to wear comfortably. Additionally, users may find it difficult or awkward to push, pull or twist the bezel and/or battery housing into place to turn the LEDs on and off. If the battery power source also serves as a clasp for the ear stud, the stud can be lost if the shaft and battery housing are not properly connected. In addition, the electrical connection between the LED and the power supply may not be robust enough and become damaged with long-term use to the extent that the LED no longer operates to illuminate the gemstone. Sometimes. Finally, the battery power source may not be replaceable and/or rechargeable, thereby limiting the life of the illuminated ear stud.

The above problems with conventional illuminated ear studs are particularly problematic when the gemstone on the stud is a natural or synthetic gemstone such as diamond, rather than a cheap man-made stone. In this case, it is particularly desirable for the ear stud to provide a reliable and robust connection between the stud and the power supply housing, and for the battery power supply to be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The above problems may also apply when the gemstone to be illuminated is incorporated into other items of jewelry, fashion items or accessories.

In one aspect, an assembly is provided that includes a gemstone holder and a battery housing. The gemstone holder includes a bezel portion that provides a mount for receiving the gemstone and a shaft portion that includes an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft including first and second conductive portions. The battery housing includes a battery power source and a plurality of holes, a first of the plurality of holes configured to permit engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a first connector within the housing. and a second hole of the plurality of holes is configured to permit engagement of the end portion of the shaft with a second connector in the housing. Also included in the assembly is a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate the gemstone. Engagement of the shaft end portion with the first connector completes the electrical circuit between the battery power supply and the LED, and engagement of the shaft end portion with the second connector does not complete the electrical circuit.

A first hole and a second hole of the plurality of holes may be provided on the same side or different sides of the housing.

The shaft portion and bezel portion may include complementary profiles that interconnect such that torque applied to the bezel portion is transmitted to the shaft.

The end portion of the shaft may include threads and the first and second connectors may be threaded connectors.

The end portion of the shaft may engage the first and second connectors using one of a snap fit, bayonet fit, or friction fit.

An LED may be housed within the bezel portion and may be configured to illuminate a gemstone that is attached to the outer surface of the bezel portion after the electrical circuit is completed.

The LEDs may be housed within the battery housing and the elongated shaft may include light guides that guide the light to the bezel portion.

The platform may be rigidly connected to the shaft distal to the end portion.

The platform may define a complementary profile of the shaft portion.

The shaft may define a bore therethrough for receiving the conductive pin. The pin may be connected to the LED at a first end and may be configured to connect to the first or second connector at a second end.

Conductive pins may have a non-stick coating.

LEDs may be configured to emit ultraviolet light after the electrical circuit is completed. Gemstones may be selected to glow after illumination with ultraviolet light.

The LED may be a 3.4V LED.

A first connector may be electrically connected to a first PCB within the housing. A second connector may be attached to a second PCB within the housing.

The first and second PCBs may be flexible PCBs.

The first and second PCBs may be connected by a flexible portion.

The housing may include a frame therein for holding battery power.

The sides or regions defining the first aperture may be marked with one or more of indicia, raised portions, or recessed portions.

The housing may consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. Each portion may include opposing faces.

The battery may be a cell battery.

The battery may be a rechargeable battery.

A gemstone may be a natural diamond.

The assembly may be a stud for drilling. The assembly may be a stud for ear piercing.

The stud may be the front or display portion that contains the gemstone and the LED. LEDs may be configured to emit ultraviolet light. The stud may include a rear portion containing a battery configured to power the LED. The stud may be configured such that the LED illuminates the diamond when the front and rear portions are assembled with the rear portion in a first orientation and the rear portion in a second, different orientation. In some situations, the LED may be configured not to illuminate the diamond when the front and rear portions are assembled.

In a further aspect, a gemstone holder is provided that includes a bezel portion that provides a mount for receiving the gemstone, and a shaft portion that includes an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft having first and second electrically conductive conductors. Including part.

In another aspect, a battery housing is provided that includes a battery power source and a plurality of holes. A first of the plurality of holes is configured to allow engagement of the shaft end portion with a first connector in the housing, and a second of the plurality of holes is configured to enable engagement of the housing. configured to allow engagement of the end portion of the shaft with a second connector within. Engagement of the shaft end portion with the first connector completes an electrical circuit between the battery power source and an LED electrically connected to the shaft, and engagement of the shaft end portion with the second connector completes the electrical circuit. Do not complete the electrical circuit.
battery housing

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an illuminated ear stud according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a top view of an illuminated ear stud according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bezel portion and shaft portion of the ear stud; FIG. 10 is a top view of the bezel portion showing an alternative configuration; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the bezel portion and the shaft portion; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the bezel portion and the shaft portion; Figure 5b is a close-up of the bezel head of Figure 5a; The bezel portion and shaft portion are shown disassembled into bezel, electronics and base subassemblies. Further details and configurations of the subassemblies are shown. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the battery portion of the ear stud; 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery portion of FIG. 8 assembled with the shaft portion in on and off positions; FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery portion of FIG. 8 assembled with the shaft portion in on and off positions; FIG. Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the assembled ear stud of Figures 9a and 9b; FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative battery portion; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ear stud of Figure 10 shown without a battery housing; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative battery portion; Fig. 3 shows an alternative battery portion assembled with the bezel and shaft portion; 4 shows an exemplary electrical circuit for use with ear studs. Fig. 3 shows the electrical connection between the shaft portion and the battery portion; Fig. 3 shows the electrical connection between the shaft portion and the battery portion; 1 illustrates exemplary active and passive printed circuit boards. 10A-10B show alternative bezel and shaft portion configurations; 10A-10B show alternative bezel and shaft portion configurations;

Described herein is an assembly that includes a gemstone holder and a battery housing. The gemstone holder includes a bezel portion that provides a mount for receiving the gemstone and a shaft portion that includes an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft including a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. . The battery housing includes a battery power source and a plurality of holes. A first hole of the plurality of holes is configured to permit engagement of the shaft end portion with the first connector within the housing, and a second hole of the plurality of holes is configured to enable engagement of the shaft end portion with the first connector. configured to allow engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the second connector within. Also included in the assembly is a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate the gemstone. Engagement of the shaft end portion with the first connector completes the electrical circuit between the battery power supply and the LED, and engagement of the shaft end portion with the second connector does not complete the electrical circuit.

In one example, the assembly includes illuminated studs for piercing (optionally ear piercing), as described with reference to FIGS. 1-15. Although ear studs are referenced herein, the studs described are not limited to use with standard earlobe piercings and other types of ear piercings (e.g., helix, cartilage) (rook, tragus, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the ear studs described herein may be used with other types of facial and body piercings (eg, nose, eyebrow, lip and abdominal piercings).

Although the following description of the inventive assembly relates to exemplary illuminated ear studs, in further examples the assembly may include or be included within other items of jewelry, fashion items and accessories. It will be understood that These include bracelets, rings, pendants, brooches, hair clips, buttons, cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, watches, necklaces, lockets, sunglasses, smartphone cases or add-ons, display and storage cases, handbags, luggage, clothing, headwear , shoes, etc.

1 and 2 show side and top (ie, plan) views, respectively, of an exemplary illuminated ear stud. A stud generally has three parts: a bezel part 100 to which one or more gemstones 10 such as natural or synthetic diamonds are attached; a battery part 300 configured to house a battery power supply; and a shaft portion 200 connected to the bezel portion 100 and configured to be selectively connectable to the battery portion 300 . In use, the bezel portion 100 may be worn on the front or viewing side of the user's ear, and the shaft portion 200 passes through a pierced hole in the user's ear (eg, passes through the earlobe). Sometimes, the battery portion 300 is connected to the shaft portion 200 behind the user's ear.

FIG. 3 shows bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200 of an exemplary ear stud. One end of shaft portion 200 is connected to bezel portion 100 as described in more detail below, while the other distal end of shaft portion 200 may terminate in threads 210 .

In one non-limiting example, bezel portion 100 may have a diameter of approximately 5.5 mm and/or a height of approximately 5 mm. Although the shape of the illustrated bezel portion 100 is substantially cylindrical, it will be appreciated that the bezel portion may be shaped in different ways, for example as a cube. Similarly, the diameter and other dimensions of the bezel portion may vary as desired within the constraints of a particular application.

In another non-limiting example, shaft portion 200 may have a length of approximately 14 mm. Shaft portion 200 may have a diameter of about 1 mm. However, the length and diameter of the shaft portions may differ as desired within the requirements of the drilling (or other application) in which the stud is to be used. It will be appreciated that if the inventive assembly is used with other jewelry and/or fashion/accessory items, as noted above, the shaft and bezel may be sized according to the requirements of the particular application. deaf. The shaft may be long enough to extend through the hole in the battery housing without separating the bezel housing and battery housing from each other, for example, if the assembly is not used for drilling.

As best shown in FIG. 4, one or more gemstones 10, such as natural or synthetic diamonds, can be set or attached to the top surface 110 or other outer surface of the bezel portion 100. be. Illustrated in FIG. 4 from left to right are a 0.2 carat stone, a 0.5 carat stone, and a 7×0.015 carat pave arrangement mounted on the bezel top surface 110 . is. It is understood that other sizes, combinations of sizes, and single or multiple ashlar or rubble arrangements may be provided elsewhere on top surface 110 or bezel portion 100 as desired. be.

Stone 10 may be mounted substantially flush with top surface 110 or may be raised from top surface 110 or other outer surface of bezel portion 100 . Stone 10 may be attached to or within bezel portion 100 by a variety of methods, such as adhesive means, clips, brackets, etc., as is known in the art. For example, translucent epoxy or silicone may be used to secure the stone in place while still allowing illumination of the stone by LEDs. In a further example, a diffuser (not shown) may be placed between the LEDs 120 and the bezel top surface 110 or other outer surface to ensure uniform illumination of the stone or stones mounted within the bezel. may be provided in

5a and 5b are cross-sectional views along mutually orthogonal lines AA and BB of FIG. 3, respectively, showing both exemplary bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200. FIG. Shaft portion 200 includes shaft 220 defining longitudinal bore 225 . The bezel portion includes a bezel head 130 to which the stone 10 is attached. The interior of bezel head 130 is configured to receive LED 120 and associated printed circuit board 125 therein. Bezel head 130 also defines a light path 140 through which light from LED 120 travels to illuminate stone 10 .

LED 120 may be configured to be powered by a battery source to selectively emit one or more colored UV or infrared (IR) light. In one example, the LED can be a 3.4 volt (V) LED that emits UV light (ie, light within the wavelength range of 100 nm to 400 nm). If the LED 120 is configured to emit UV light, the stone 10 may glow when illuminated, as discussed above.

Bezel head 130 is configured to prevent light leakage from LED 120 . As discussed above, the bezel head 130 directs light emitted from the LEDs 120 to the stones 10 mounted within the bezel head 130, providing light containment within the bezel head 130. Or provide a guide 140. It will be appreciated that in instances where UV emitting LEDs are utilized, light containment within the bezel head 130 may be important for safety reasons.

6 and 7 illustrate additional components and configurations of bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200 and connections therebetween, which are described in more detail below.

The LED 120 and associated PCB 125 are received on (FIG. 7) or within (FIG. 6) a platform or base 230 . The interior of bezel head 130 (forming the bezel subassembly) is configured to receive platform 230 with LED 120 and PCB 125 attached to and/or supported on the platform. Platform 230 also acts as a grounding element. LED 120 and PCB 125 are electrically and physically connected to conductive pins 240, thereby forming an electronic subassembly. Pin 240 is configured to pass through a hole in platform 230 and be received within bore 225 of shaft 220 . Accordingly, shaft portion 200 includes first and second electrically conductive elements or portions.

As best shown in FIG. 6, threads 210 may be integrally formed with shaft 220 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, threads 210' and shaft 220' may comprise two separate elements configured to attach to each other. For example, the inner diameter of shaft 220' may include threads (not shown) configured to align with the upper portion of threads 210'. Alternatively, threads 210' and shaft 220' may be attached via adhesive means, soldering, press fitting, or the like. Where shaft 220 ′ and threads 210 ′ are separate elements, conductive pin 240 may be insulated from shaft portion 220 ′ and connected to thread portion 210 ′, thus making contact with battery portion 300 . Sometimes allows the formation of electrical circuits. In the following description, references to shaft 220 and threads 210 may also apply to alternative shaft portion 220' and thread portion 210'.

Although threading offers a good approach to the connection between shaft portion 200 and battery portion 300 for secure retention and user experience, alternative forms of connection (e.g. clamps, clips, It will be understood that a snap fit, bayonet fit, friction fit, etc.) may be envisaged.

A platform or base 230 is rigidly attached to shaft 220, for example by molding, welding, or adhesive means, thereby forming a base subassembly. Platform 230 is configured to allow torque applied to bezel head 130 by a user to be transmitted to threads 210 of shaft 220 through platform 230 . To this end, as shown in both FIGS. 6 and 7, the platform or base 230 fits into corresponding complementary profiles within the bezel head 130 (not shown) (e.g., , shaped to define a cam 235 such as a shaped corner), thereby allowing the transmission of torque. This "cam" structure can take on many possible non-circular or "keyed" shapes, such as squares, triangles, circles with flat sides, and the like.

The torsion connection between bezel head 130 and platform or base 230 is then rigidly connected to shaft 220 and threads 210 to studs while protecting the electrical connections between LED 220, PCB 225 and conductive pins 240. Provides a high degree of torsional strength. This also allows the user to apply sufficient twisting force to form a robust electrical connection between the bezel portion 100, the shaft portion 200 and the battery portion 300, as described in more detail below. do.

Essentially, the interiors of the bezel head 130 and platform or base 230 to which the LED 120 and LED PCB 125 are mounted/received are mutually molded to prevent the bezel head 130 and platform or base 230 from rotating relative to each other. or configured. In other words, once platform 230 is received within bezel head 130 , torsional forces (torques) applied to bezel head 130 are transferred to platform 230 and thus to shaft 220 and shaft threads 220 . . This force is transferred to platform 230 and shaft 220 rather than LED 120 , PCB 125 and conductive pin 240 .

In this example, the diameter of shaft 220 should be small enough (approximately 1 mm) to allow shaft 220 to pass through a pierced hole in the user's ear (or elsewhere). However, the diameter of shaft 220 must also be large enough to accommodate conductive pin 240 and threads 210 therethrough. Additionally, the diameter of the conductive pin 240 should be large enough so that the pin 240 does not deform when connecting with the battery portion 300 . To maximize the wall thickness of shaft 220 and the diameter of pin 240 , in one example, a chemical non-stick coating is provided on the outer surface of pin 240 . This coating provides good insulation while being very thin.

As described above, the modular arrangement of the bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200 to the bezel, electronics and base subassemblies, without the need to change the remaining components for each variation, Allows different stone sizes and setting types to be accommodated.

Figures 8-12 show two embodiments of the battery portion 300, 300' of the ear stud.

In the embodiment 300 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery portion 300 includes a battery 310, a lower housing 320, an upper housing 325, a frame 330, a printed circuit board (PCB) 340, and threaded contacts 350 (threaded contacts). In an alternative embodiment 300' shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the battery portion 300' includes a battery 310, a lower housing 320', an upper housing 325', a frame 330', a passive printed circuit board 340', Includes active PCB 345', and threaded contact 350'.

In one example, threaded contacts 350, 350' may be soldered to PCB 340, 340', 345' to provide a robust mounting method that does not require fasteners. A soldered attachment creates an electrical connection and also provides precise positioning that may be more difficult to achieve using other methods. If shaft 220 does not terminate in a threaded portion as discussed above with reference to FIGS. Contacts or connectors 350 , 350 ′ may be correspondingly configured to receive end portions of shaft 220 .

In both embodiments 300, 300', the battery 310 may comprise a button or coin cell battery, and the frame 330, 330' is designed to hold the battery 310 and associated PCB 340, 340', 345' in place. configured to Lower housing 320, 320' and upper housing 325, 325' are configured to be joined together to form a unit with battery 310, frame 330, 330' and PCB 340, 340', 345' therein. be done. Lower housings 320, 320' and upper housings 325, 325' may be joined together by threaded connections, snap-fit connections, screws, or the like. Ideally, the lower housing 320, 320' and the upper housing 325, 325' may be joined so that they can be separated by the user to replace or recharge the battery 310. Alternatively, the housing may be sealed during manufacture.

In both embodiments 300 , 300 ′, a pair of threaded contacts 350 , 350 ′ are connected to PCBs 340 , 340 ′, 345 ′ and configured to receive threads 210 or other attachment of shaft 220 . . Once the threads 210 are received in one of the threaded contacts 350 , 350 ′, the conductive pins 240 are received within the bores 225 of the shaft 220 and extend therefrom to form the respective PCB 340 . , 340', 345' (electrically or physically, or both electrically and physically).

In both embodiments 300, 300', each of the upper housing 325, 325' and the lower housing 320, 320' includes a hole for receiving the shaft 220. The holes in the upper housing 325, 325' and the lower housing 320, 320' may be arranged so that they are not aligned with each other. In alternative embodiments, the battery portion may be configured such that both holes are provided on the same side or face of the housing.

One hole (e.g., holes in upper housing 325, 325') allows conductive pin 240 to complete an electrical circuit between battery 310 and LED 120, while the other hole (e.g., holes in upper housing 325, 325') The holes in the lower housing 320, 320') do not complete the electrical circuit.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, when shaft 220 is twisted into hole 360 in upper housing 325 and received by a threaded contact or connector 350, conductive pin 240 is positioned at the first position on PCB 340. positive metal battery contact 355 . This contact allows power from battery 310 to be passed to LED 120 , thereby illuminating gemstone 10 mounted on bezel head 130 . (If shaft 220' and thread 210' form two separate portions, PCB 340 may include two positive contacts 355 that engage shaft portion 220' and threaded portion 210', respectively. A third metal contact (not shown) may be provided on the PCB 340 that wraps around the battery 310 to contact the negative terminal.)

However, as further shown in FIG. 9b (housings 320, 325 are shown in the same orientation as in FIG. 9a, but rotated by 180 degrees), shaft 220 is inserted into a hole (not shown) in lower housing 320. When twisted in and received by a second threaded contact or connector 350 , the conductive pin 240 does not make contact with the positive contact 355 on the PCB 340 . Battery 310 therefore does not power LED 120 and stone 10 is not illuminated. In this sense, the second threaded connector 350 may be considered "blank" and may not include any conductive elements.

The upper 3 housing 25 and/or the lower housing 320 have indicia to indicate to the user which hole to insert the shaft 220 into depending on whether the user wants the stone illuminated by the LED 120 or not. , color, shape, embossed, recessed or raised portions, or the like. FIG. 9c shows the assembled ear stud, bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200, shaft 220 is inserted into a hole in upper housing 325 and stone 10 attached to bezel 130 is illuminated by LED 120. inserted in a first position (left) and in a second position (right) where the shaft 220 is inserted into a hole in the lower housing 320 and the stone 10 attached to the bezel 130 is not illuminated by the LEDs. be.

10, 11 and 12, there are two PCBs 340', 345' within housings 320', 325'. As in the embodiment of FIG. 8, each PCB 340 ′, 345 ′ has a threaded contact or connector 350 ′ attached thereto, each configured to receive a threaded portion 210 of shaft 220 . be. One of the PCBs 340' is a passive PCB that acts as the negative battery contact. This passive PCB 340 ′ does not provide electrical connectivity between battery 310 and LED 120 and its associated PCB 125 . A second PCB 345' is an active PCB that includes a positive battery contact 355' thereon. Accordingly, the housings 320', 325' accommodate therein two sets of substantially identical and symmetrical opposing components (ie, the PCBs 340', 345' and the threaded connectors 350').

As described above with reference to Figures 9a, 9b and 9c, the user inserts the shaft 220 into the first hole in the housing when it is desired to power the LED with a battery to illuminate the stone. However, the shaft 220 may be inserted through a second hole in the housing when it is desired that the stone attached to the bezel head remain unlit. In other words, the stud portion may be assembled with the battery portion in a first orientation to illuminate the stone, and the stud portion may be assembled in a second, different orientation to wear the stud without illuminating the stone. may be assembled with the battery portion in

Figure 11 shows the assembled ear stud of Figure 10 with the housings 320', 325' omitted for clarity. Shaft 220 is shown in a first position where shaft 220 is inserted into a hole in upper housing 325' and threaded portion 210 of shaft 220 is inserted into a second position. It is twisted and connected to a threaded contact 350' on the active PCB 345'.

Figure 12a shows the housings 320', 325' with the lower housing 320' facing upwards (left) and the upper housing 325' facing upwards (right). The outer surface of upper housing 325' indicates that when the user desires stone 10 to be illuminated by LED 120, shaft 220 should be twistedly connected to battery portion 300' through a hole in upper housing 325'. It can be seen to include a raised shape 370' that is shown to the user. It will be appreciated that the illustrated shape 370' representing a cut diamond gemstone may be replaced by other shapes or indicia. However, the raised (or recessed) shape is advantageous in that the user can determine which side or region of the housing is the "positive" or "active" side by touch. .

Figure 12b shows the assembled stud with the shaft 220 inserted into the upper housing 325'.

The ear studs described above are configured so that the user may turn the LED on or off by removing the battery portion from the shaft portion, inverting it, and then reconnecting the battery portion to the shaft portion. be. Alternatively, the user may turn the LED on or off by disconnecting the battery portion from the shaft portion and reconnecting the shaft portion to a different area on the same side of the battery portion. This design avoids the need for the user to precisely position the battery housing relative to the bezel portion by pulling, twisting, or the like. Additionally, the on/off switch has no requirement to increase the size, weight, and complexity of the ear stud. Accordingly, the ear studs of the present invention are more compact (ie, smaller) and lighter than conventional illuminated ear studs.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary circuit design showing how the LEDs on the bezel portion are driven by the battery and associated PCB or PCBs. The circuit design shown may be applied to both the FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 embodiments.

Driving a 3.4V UV LED as described above is electrically complex and requires very specific battery types and circuitry arrangements. This circuit design may differ from standard LED circuits because the battery provides 1.2V, but the LED requires 3.4V. Specialized circuitry may be used to achieve this step up in voltage. Studs act as switches and connectors for this new circuit design.

When replacing the cell battery with a rechargeable battery, this configuration may be adapted by replacing the battery and drive circuitry. However, since all of the drive circuitry is housed within the battery portion, either switching completely to rechargeable technology, or offering both non-rechargeable and rechargeable options It is possible. Another variation of the housing containing the charging connection may be used in rechargeable battery designs.

The electrical configuration shown here allows a very compact assembly without any wires. In manufacturing, the PCB board shown in FIG. 10 is manufactured using FlexPCB technology (i.e., a thin insulating polymer film to which conductive circuit patterns are fixed and a thin polymer coating is typically applied to protect the conductive circuits). PCB).

Figures 14a, 14b and 14c show further details of the electrical connections between shaft 220, conductive pins 240 and active PCB 345'. These figures show the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, but the following discussion may also apply to the embodiment of FIG.

In use, the user holds the bezel head 130 and inserts the shaft 220 through the bore (or other surface). Next, depending on whether the user wants the stone 10 in the bezel head 130 to be illuminated by the LEDs 120, the user can thread the threads 210 of the shaft 220 into one of the holes in the housings 320', 325'. , bring the battery portion 300 close to the shaft 220 and twist the bezel head 130 (or battery portion 300).

Figure 14a shows the threads 210 of the shaft 220 fully engaged with the threaded contacts 350' of the active PCB 345'. Conductive pins 240 connected to LED 120 and LED PCB 125 pass through bore 225 of shaft 220 and emerge from the end of threads 210 . Conductive pin 240 contacts central pad 355 ′ of active PCB 345 ′ (this contact is not passive PCB 340 ′), thereby completing an electrical circuit and allowing battery 310 to power LED 120 . , thus illuminating the stone 10 attached to the bezel head 130 .

14b shows a partially exploded view of active PCB 345', shaft 220, conductive pin 240, threaded contact 350' and platform 230. FIG. LEDs, LED PCBs, and bezel heads are omitted for clarity.

It can be seen that conductive pins 240 emerge from bores in shaft 220 at both the upper platform end and the lower PCB end. A central pad 355' is shown with an outer pad 356' which forms a ground and a threaded contact 350' is connected to the outer pad. In use, conductive pin 240 contacts central pad 355' to complete an electrical circuit to power an LED (not shown).

As discussed, and as shown in the example of Figure 14c, the central pad 355' is not provided on the passive PCB 340'. Secondary passive PCB 340' (if present) provides attachment points for threaded contacts 350' (ie, "blanks") that are used when the studs are in the "off" position. Passive PCB 340' also provides a contact for battery negative terminal 357'. In a further example, where there is an active PCB and a passive PCB, the PCBs may be connected via a single wire.

In this particular example, when the user does not want the stone 10 to be illuminated, the user may screw the shaft 220 into the opposite side of the housings 320', 325' and the threads 210 of the shaft 220 ( It will be appreciated that they are received by identical threaded contacts 350' attached to the passive PCB 340' (eg, by soldering). However, since passive PCB 340' does not include contact pads 355', the electrical circuit between LED 120 and battery 310 is not completed. As previously discussed, one or both sides of the housing 320', 325' are preferably controlled by touch only, which side is "active", "positive" or "on" and which side is "on". may be marked to indicate to the user whether is "passive" or "off."

15a and 15b show alternative configurations of bezel portion 100 and shaft portion 200. FIG. FIG. 15a shows conductive pins that terminate in an audio jack connector 380 through which they may be connected to the PCB in the battery portion 300. FIG. FIG. 15b shows a configuration in which the LEDs are located within the battery portion 300 and illumination to the bezel head is provided by fiber optic cables (or other light guides) within the shaft 200. FIG. It will be appreciated that if the shaft portion does not terminate in threads, connectors attached to PCBs (PCBs) may be suitably configured to receive the end of the shaft portion, i.e., may not be threaded. Will. Of course, the "active" and "passive" connectors may not be identical and may be connected to the ends of the shaft portions in different ways.

It will be appreciated that various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments described herein and elements of the described embodiments may be combined or substituted for each other.

The assembly described herein has the following non-limiting configurations: body temperature sensing to change LED effect, other bio/body sensing to change LED effect, UV sunlight exposure sensing to change LED effect, 1 person Synchronized LED pulses/patterns across different jewelry items on people/different people, Synchronized LED pulses/patterns based on music (environment (e.g. music festival) or via personal music source) Multiple LEDs behind the Harvey setting to generate a dynamic pattern of light, LEDs as a nighttime safety configuration, LEDs as notifications via smartphones (via Bluetooth or other communication), LEDs (via Bluetooth or LEDs as notifications via loved ones (via other communications); as notifications when LEDs are in physical proximity to matching jewelry or activation technology or persons with certain set criteria (e.g. dating profile) LEDs, clothing styles, make-up, LEDs that change color to match the mood, flashing LEDs used to send messages (like Morse code) or activate some external object or action or transaction It may be further configured to provide one or more of the sequences.To this end, the assembly may include one or more sensors.Used to provide the above configuration Sometimes the assembly may take the form of a stud, optionally an ear stud, or may take the form of one or more of the jewelry items, fashion items and accessories discussed above.

WO2006/090378A2 U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,882 B2

Claims (24)

a gemstone holder;
a battery housing;
a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate the gemstone;
an assembly,
The gemstone holder comprises:
a bezel portion providing a mount for receiving said gemstone;
a shaft portion including an elongated shaft;
the elongated shaft includes first and second conductive portions;
The battery housing is
battery power;
a plurality of holes;
A first of the plurality of holes is configured to permit engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a first connector in the housing, and a second of the plurality of holes is configured to enable engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a first connector in the housing. a hole configured to permit engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a second connector in the housing;
Engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the first connector completes an electrical circuit between the battery power source and the LED, and engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the second connector. does not complete said electrical circuit,
assembly. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hole and the second hole of the plurality of holes are provided on the same side or different sides of the housing. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft portion and the bezel portion include complementary profiles that interconnect such that torque applied to the bezel portion is transmitted to the shaft. The assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the end portion of the shaft includes threads and the first and second connectors are threaded connectors. 4. Any one of claims 1-3, wherein the end portion of the shaft engages the first and second connectors using one of a snap fit, bayonet fit or friction fit. Assembly as described in section. 6. The LED of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the LED is housed within the bezel portion and configured to illuminate a gemstone mounted on the outer surface of the bezel portion after completion of the electrical circuit. Assembly as described. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the LEDs are housed within the battery housing and the elongated shaft includes a light guide for guiding light to the bezel portion. 7. The assembly of Claim 6, wherein the shaft portion includes a platform for mounting the LED, the platform rigidly connected to the shaft distal to the end portion. 9. The assembly of Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the platform defines the complementary profile of the shaft portion. The shaft defines a bore therethrough for receiving a conductive pin, the pin connected at a first end to the LED and at a second end to the first or second connector. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to: 11. The assembly of Claim 10, wherein said conductive pins have a non-stick coating. 12. Any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the LED is configured to emit ultraviolet light after completion of the electrical circuit, and the gemstone is selected to emit light after illumination with ultraviolet light. Assembly as described in section. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LEDs are 3.4V LEDs. 14. Any of claims 1-13, wherein the first connector is electrically connected to a first PCB within the housing and the second connector is mounted to a second PCB within the housing. or the assembly of claim 1. 15. The assembly of Claim 14, wherein the first and second PCBs are flexible PCBs, optionally connected by a flexible portion. The assembly of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the housing includes a frame therein for holding the battery power supply. 17. Any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the side surfaces defining the first aperture are marked by one or more of indicia, raised portions or recessed portions. assembly. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, each portion including opposing surfaces. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said battery is a cell battery and/or said battery is a rechargeable battery. The assembly of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the gemstone is a natural or synthetic diamond. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly is a stud for piercing, optionally an ear piercing stud. The stud is
a forward portion comprising the gemstone and the LED, the LED configured to emit ultraviolet light;
a rear portion containing the battery configured to power the LED;
The stud is configured such that the LED illuminates the diamond when the front and rear portions are assembled with the rear portion in a first orientation and the rear portion is in a second, different orientation. oriented so that the LED does not illuminate the diamond when the front portion and the rear portion are assembled;
Assembly according to any one of claims 1-21. a bezel portion providing a mount for receiving the gemstone;
a shaft portion including an elongated shaft;
the elongated shaft includes first and second conductive portions;
Gemstone holder. battery power;
a plurality of holes;
a battery housing,
a first of the plurality of holes configured to permit engagement of a shaft end portion with a first connector in the housing; a second of the plurality of holes; is configured to enable engagement of an end portion of the shaft with a second connector in the housing;
the battery housing wherein engagement of the end portion of the shaft with the first connector completes an electrical circuit between the battery power source and an LED electrically connected to the shaft; configured such that engagement of the end portion of the shaft with a connector does not complete the electrical circuit;
battery housing.

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