WO2015179445A1

WO2015179445A1 - Wearable device and method for using same

Info

Publication number: WO2015179445A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/031635
Authority: WO
Inventors: James KERNAN
Original assignee: Q Designs, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-05-19
Filing date: 2015-05-19
Publication date: 2015-11-26

Abstract

A wearable device to be worn by a human for charging a battery of a portable electronic device. The device can include a connector for electrically coupling to the data port of the portable electronic device and carries a battery electrically connected to the connector. When the connector is coupled to the data port of the portable electronic device the battery carried by the device can charge the battery of the portable electronic device. A method for charging a battery of a portable electronic device is provided.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE

AND METHOD FOR USING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to wearable devices and, more particularly, to wearable battery devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, glasses, watches and computers have proliferated. Many of such devices operate on batteries, which have a limited life before requiring a charge. Battery chargers for portable electronic devices have been provided. There is a need, however, for a wearable battery charging device, particular such a wearable device that is aesthetically pleasing or fashionable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of a wearable device of the present invention mounted on a wrist of a human.

[0005] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0006] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 in a partially opened position.

[0007] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 in a more fully opened position.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a schematic, plan view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 illustrating some of the internal components of the device. [0009] FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of the battery of the wearable device of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a plan view of one embodiment of a circuit board of the wearable device of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled to a smart phone for charging during use of the smart phone.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 8, of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled to a smart phone for charging.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled by one embodiment of a charging cable device to a wall outlet for charging.

[0014] FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled by the charging cable device of FIG. 10 to a wall outlet for charging and coupled to a portable electronic device for permitting charging of the portable electronic device.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled by the charging cable device of FIG. 10 to a portable computer for charging.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 1 coupled by the charging cable device of FIG. 10 to a portable computer for charging and coupled to a portable electronic device for permitting charging of the portable electronic device.

[0017] FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the wearable device of the present invention in a partially opened position.

[0018] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the wearable device of FIG. 14 in a more fully opened position.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a schematic, plan view of the wearable device of FIG. 14 illustrating some of the internal components of the device.

[0020] FIG. 17 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the wearable device of FIG. 14 in an open position and illustrating some of the internal components of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In general, the wearable device 21 of the present invention is a battery recharging device for use in recharging electronic devices, for example portable electronic devices that are powered by one or more batteries. Examples of suitable portable electronic devices that can be charged with device 21 include mobile phones or radios, mobile devices or phones, smartphones, tablets, portable computers, laptops, cameras, GPS navigator or device, handheld electronic gaming devices, mobile digital media players, wearable computers, head mounted displays, media glasses, and other portable electronic devices. Wearable device 21 can be of any suitable type, including a bracelet, a necklace, an anklet, a belt, a belt buckle, a broach, a tie clip, an erring, a device attachable to an article of clothing, a glove, a head wearable device such as a hat or cap, an article of jewelry, or any combination of the foregoing. Device 21 can include any device worn by a human, either directly on the body of the human or on an article of clothing worn by the human. The device 21 can be configured to be attachable to the exterior of the article of clothing worn by the human.

[0022] In one embodiment, wearable device is a bracelet 21 for attachment around the wrist of a human hand, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Bracelet 21 can be of any suitable size and shape, and in one embodiment is circular or annular in shape so as to extend entirely around the wrist. It is appreciated that bracelet can be other than a complete circle or annulus, and instead can be C- shaped so as to have an opening for placement of the bracelet 21 around the wrist of the user. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the bracelet is formed from a housing or body 22 that is movable between a first or open position, as shown in FIG. 4, for placing the bracelet on the wrist of the user, and a second or closed position, as shown in FIG. 2, for retaining the bracelet on the wrist of the user. In one embodiment, bracelet 21 includes a cylindrical body formed with an inner circular surface 23 for engaging the wrist of the user and an outer circular surface 24 that is opposite the inner surface 23. It is appreciated the opposite surfaces 23, 24 can be other than circular. The inner surface can have a diameter ranging from 5.9 to 8.3 inch or in one embodiment approximately 6.93 inch and the outer surface can have a diameter ranging from 7.8 to 10.3 inch or in one embodiment approximately 9.05 inch. First and second side surfaces 26 and 27 can extend between the surfaces 23, 24, and in embodiment each extend orthogonal to the inner and outer surfaces 23, 24 so as to be parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the body 22 has a thickness measured between inner and outer surfaces 23 and 24 ranging from 0.12 to 0.47 inch or in one embodiment approximately 0.31 inch. In one embodiment, the body 22 has a width measured between first and second side surfaces 26 and 27 ranging from 0.39 to 0.79 inch or in one embodiment approximately 0.65 inch.

[0023] Body or housing 22 can be formed or manufactured from any suitable material, including plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, carbon fiber, a textile or any combination of the foregoing. In one embodiment, body or housing 22 is formed from first and second portions 22a and 22b, which can be identical in size and shape. For example, each of the body portions 22a, 22b can be semicircular in shape, or can have any other complementary arcuate shapes that when joined together or closed form a cylindrical body with a central opening 28 through which the wrist of the use extends. Each of the body portions 22a, 22b can be substantially rigid, so as to retain a shape while in use on the wrist of the user. In one embodiment, each of the body portions 22a, 22b is substantially inflexible. The wearable device can be water resistant, and in this regard can be provided with a special adhesive agent applied around the interior of the components so as to encapsulate them and the surrounding enclosure to create a water resistant seal. In addition, or alternatively, the interior components can be enclosed in a silicon or rubber like material to create a water resistant seal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b are pivotably coupled to each other so that the portions 22a, 22b pivot from their closed position, for example shown in FIG. 2, to their opened position, for example shown in FIG. 4. Each of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b can have a first end 31 that are pivotably coupled together by any suitable mechanism such as a hinge 32. Each of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b can have a second end 33, which come together or join when the body 22 is in its closed position. The second end 33 of first housing portion 22a can have an end surface 36 and the second end 33 of second housing portion 22b can have an end surface 37, each of which in one embodiment can be planar and orthogonal to side surfaces 26, 27. The respective end surface 36, 37 of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b can abut flush with each other when the body is in its closed position.

[0025] Any suitable locking or latch mechanism 41 can be provided for locking or securing the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b together when the body is closed, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the locking or latch mechanism 41 is a suitable pin and socket mechanism which can have a protuberance or pin 42 extending from end surface 37 of the second housing portion 22b and a recess or socket 43 provided in the end surface 36 of the first housing portion 22a for receiving the pin 42. The pin 42 and socket 43 can lockably secure together in any suitable manner, and in embodiment the pin 42 engages the socket 43 in a friction fit for securing the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b together in a closed condition. In one

embodiment, pin 42 is a conventional male connector for connecting to a data and charging port of a smartphone or other portable electronic device. For example, pin 42 can be the conventional male connector or charging pin utilized in coupling to the data and charging port of an iPhone or iPad, a similar male connector utilized in coupling to the data and charging port of a Samsung, Nokia or other known smartphone, or any other suitable power connector for an electronics device. Socket 43 can be of a suitable or complementary size and shape for snugly receiving the charging pin 42, and in one embodiment receives with a snap or friction fit the entirety of the charging pin 42.

[0026] Housing or body is preferably formed with at least one internal cavity for carrying the various electronic components of the wearable bracelet or device 21. In one embodiment, first housing portion 22a has a first internal cavity 46 and second housing portion 22b has a second internal cavity 47 extending the length of the respective housing portion (see FIG. 5). In this regard, for example, each of the housing portions 22a, 22b can have inner and outer walls for forming respective inner and outer surfaces 23, 24, first and second side walls for forming respective first and second side surfaces 26, 27, and end walls for forming respective end surfaces 36, 37.

[0027] A battery is carried by body 22, and in one embodiment is carried within the body, for example in the at least one cavity of the body 22. In one embodiment, a battery 51 is carried within first and second internal cavities 22a, 22b, and includes a first battery portion 51 a in first internal cavity 22a and a second battery portion 5 lb in second internal cavity 22b. Each of the battery portions has opposite ends, and a length extending between such ends. Each of the battery portions can be of any suitable size and shape, and in one embodiment each portion is arcuate or curved in shape and formed from an inner arcuate surface 52 and an opposite outer arcuate surface 53. In one embodiment, inner surface 52 is concave, for example along its entire length, and outer surface is convex, for example along its entire length. In one embodiment, each of surfaces 52 and 53 is a continuous curve. It is appreciated that one or both of the battery portions can be formed from a plurality of linear segments that are incline relative to each other of form a curved battery portion. Each of the battery portions 51 a, 5 lb can have a curve that approximates, or is equal to, the curve of the respective body housing portion 22a, 22b, and a width and thickness that is slightly less than the curve and thickness of the respective body housing portion so as to permit the battery portion to fit within the respective internal cavity 46, 47. In one embodiment, each of the battery portions has a thickness ranging from 0.12 to 0.31 inch and in one embodiment approximately 0.24 inch, and a width ranging from 0.39 to 0.79 inch and in one embodiment approximately 0.55 inch. In one embodiment, the first battery portion 51a has a length that is approximately 50% or approximately 60% of the length of first internal cavity, and the second battery portion 51b has a length that is approximately equal to or approximately 90% of the length of second internal cavity 47. In one embodiment, the first battery portion 51a has a length measured along its arc ranging from 1.2 to 3.2 inch and in one embodiment approximately 2.19 inch. In one embodiment, the second battery portion 51b has a length measured along its arc ranging from 3.0 to 4.2 inch and in one embodiment approximately 3.17 inch.

[0028] The battery can be of any suitable type, and in one embodiment is a lithium-ion battery, for example a polymer lithium-ion battery, of approximately 1 ,060 mAh, which can be comprised of four separate battery cells connected in parallel to deliver a total of l ,060mAh. The battery can includes a protection circuit module, or PCM, which inhibits the battery from causing harm to a user in the event of a malfunction. In one embodiment, shown for simplicity only in FIG. 6, each battery portion is formed from a first or inner battery cell 56 and a second or outer battery cell 57, that are secured together in juxtaposition and extend the length of the battery portion. The inner and outer battery cells are wired together in series. In this regard, for example, a wire 58 extends between the battery cells 56, 57 at the free end of each battery portion, that is at the second end 33 of the housing portions 22a, 22b, and a first or inner wire 61 and a second or outer wire 62 extend respectively between the inner and outer cells at the hinged or pivotably coupled first ends 31 of the housing portions 22a, 22b.

[0029] Control circuitry 66 can be included in the wearable device or bracelet 21 for, among other things, controlling the charging of the portable electronic device being charged by the wearable device and the sequence of charging between the wearable device and the portable wearable device when the wearable device is coupled to a suitable charger. In one embodiment, the control circuitry includes a circuit board 67 with electrical components thereon, which can include a microprocessor or central processing unit, resistors, LEDs 73, activation button 74, female charging socket 76, a DC converter and a power inductor (see FIGS. 5 and 7). The control circuitry 66, including circuit board 67, can control all operations of the wearable device 21. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 66, including circuit board 67, is disposed between first battery portion 51a and socket 43 in first cavity 46 at the second end 33 of the first housing portion 22a. Circuit board 67 can be a printed circuit board. The control circuitry 66 is coupled by wires 71 to battery 51 , as shown in FIG. 5, and by wires 72 to charging pin 42. The wires or charging wires 72 extend through the length of first and second internal cavities 46, 47 and between the first ends 31 of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b.

[0030] One or more light emitting diodes 73, or LEDs, are carried by or coupled to circuit board 67 and visible on outer surface 24 of the first housing portion 22a. In embodiment, the LEDs are part of a panel or button 74 that is mounted on the circuit board 67 and extends upwardly or outwardly from the circuit board through an opening in the housing portion so as to be visible on the exterior of the bracelet 21. The button 74 is accessible from the outer surface 24 of the bracelet 21. A suitable charging port 76 is provided in the end surface 37 of the first housing portion 22a and electrically coupled or connected to the control circuitry 66, and circuit board 67, by any suitable means. The charging port 76 can be of any suitable type for charging the bracelet 21 , for example a female micro-USB port or a female Apple Lightning port.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control circuitry 66, and circuit board 67, pulls power from battery 51 and converts the power to the desired amperage and volts, and then transfers that energy to the output connecter, such as charging pin 42. The control circuitry 66, including circuit board 67, can control the LEDS 73, which can indicate the level of remaining battery life. In addition, the control circuitry 66, including circuit board 67, can monitor the temperature of the wearable device 21 , and if the temperature of the device goes above a certain predetermined threshold throttles back the charging current until the device temperature has returned to a predetermined value. The control circuitry 66, including circuit board 67, can sense when an electronics device 81 is connected to the wearable device 21 and begin auto charging that connected device 81.

[0032] In operation and use, bracelet 21 is a recharge battery device for use in recharging the battery of an electronics device 81. The battery of device 81 is a rechargeable battery. The user can wear the bracelet 21 , and when they need to charge a device 81 , for example a smartphone, they can remove the bracelet and plug it into the device 81. The bracelet 21 can be water- resistant, and is rechargeable and stylish. The device 21 can be worn around a curved portion of a human, such as around the neck, wrist or ankle of the human. The device can have a contour that approximates such curved portion of the human. Battery 51 can be curved and have such contour, and in one embodiment at least a portion of the battery has such contour along its entire length. In this regard, each of first and second battery portions can have such contour along its entire length. Each of concave inner surface 52 and concave outer surface 53 of each battery portion has a curve that approximates such contour.

[0033] The wearable device 21 can be a bracelet, such as a stylish bangle, that a user wears on their wrist. The bracelet or bangle 21 can latch on one end of the device, and pivots on the other end by any suitable means such as a hinge mechanism 32. In one embodiment, the latch mechanism 41 uses the male device connector 42, for example a suitable charging pin such as a male micro-USB or Apple Lightning connector, as a portion of the latch mechanism 41. When the user wishes to close the bracelet 21 around their wrist, the male connector 42 inserts, seats or closes into a recessed pocket 43, which for example can be a recess or socket, for securing the bracelet 21 to the user's wrist (see FIG. 1).

[0034] When the user wants to remove the device 21 from their wrist, they can simply pull at the latch area, for example pull the second ends 33 of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b away from each other, and the second ends 33 separate to allow the user to take the wearable device off their wrist. When the second ends separate, the male connector 42, for example the micro-USB or Apple Lightning connector, is pulled out of the socket 43 and exposed to the user. The user then can plug the exposed male connector 42 directly into their device 81 to charge the device 81. In this regard, the male connector or charging pin 42 can be inserted into the complementary connector 82 of the electronics device 81 , for example a computer bus and power connector such as a micro-USB port or Apple Lighting connector, provided on the device 81. Such port of the portable electronic device 81 can be referred to as a data port.

[0035] To recharge the wearable device 21 , in one embodiment the user can plug a suitable male connector on one end of a USB charging cable into the female charging port 76 of the device 21 to power the device 21. The charging port 76, as discussed above, can be of any suitable type such as a female micro-USB port or a female Apple Lightning port. The power source can include a conventional alternating current (AC) wall outlet, for example ranging from 100 to 240 volts (see FIG. 10), or any suitable USB outlet, for example a USB outlet on a computer 86 (see FIG. 1 1). A suitable USB charging cable 91 , for example as illustrated in FIG. 10, can include a male micro USB pin (not shown) on a first end 92 and a conventional USB connector 93 on a second end 94 of the cable 91. The USB connector 93 can couple to a conventional USB adapter 96, which has a first port (not shown) for receiving the USB connector 93 and conventional plugs (not shown) for inserting into a convention wall socket 97. In one embodiment, the wearable device is configured, for example by control circuitry 66 and circuit board 67, to be charged at a range of 0.5 Amps to 2.1 Amps at five volts, and in one embodiment at 1.0 Amp at five volts.

[0036] When the user plugs in the male charging connector of the USB charging cable 91 into their smartphone or other electronics device 81 , the bracelet 21 elegantly curves around the back of the device 81 , or around the entire device 81 depending on the size and shape of the device 81 (see FIGS. 8-9). Such curving of the bracelet, or other wearable device, behind the smartphone or other electronic device 81 facilitates operation of the device 81 during charging of the battery of the device 81. The device 81 can be used during charging by device 21. After plugging in the device 81 to the bracelet 21 , in one embodiment the user pushes the button 74 on top, for example the outer surface 24, of the bracelet 21 to start the charging cycle. In one embodiment, when an electronic device 81 is plugged into or electrically coupled to wearable device 21 , the battery of the electronic device 81 starts charging automatically from battery 51 of the wearable devices 21 , thus not requiring the user to push button 74 to commence charging device 81.

[0037] When the charging cycle is in progress, LEDs 73 can shine through the button 74 to signal to the user that the device 21 is charging their device. In one embodiment, the LEDS 73 on circuit board 67 shine through micro holes on the button 74. The LEDS can have several colors to explain to the user the status of the bracelet 21 in the charging cycle. For example, in one embodiment, when the user plugs the charging cable 91 into the bracelet 21 to recharge the device 21 a red light shines through the micro holes of the button 74 to indicate that the bracelet is receiving power from the charging cable 91 , which in turn is charging the rechargeable battery 51 of the bracelet 21. In one embodiment, when the bracelet 21 is 100% recharged a green light shines through the micro holes on the bracelet to signal the recharge battery 51 within the bracelet is 100% charged.

[0038] In one embodiment, when the user wants to know how much charge is left in the rechargeable battery 51 of the bracelet 21 the user can push the button 74 on the bracelet 21 once, which will cause a green LED 73 to blink to indicate how much battery life is left in the recharge battery 51. For example, in one embodiment, zero blinks by the LED 73 means that 0% battery life is remaining, one blink means 25% or less battery life is remaining, two blinks means 50% or less battery life is remaining, three blink means 75% or less battery life is remaining, and four blinks means 100% or less battery life is remaining. The user can repeat this process as many times as they wish when the bracelet 21 is on their wrist, off their wrist, charging a device 81 , or being recharged. It is appreciated that suitable different number of blinks, or colors of LEDs, can be provided for indicating the life of the device battery 51. For example, any increasing number of sequential blinks of the LEDs 73 can indicate any sequential increasing amount of battery life, or any decreasing number of sequential blinks of the LEDS 73 can indicate any sequential decreasing amount of battery life.

[0039] Control circuitry 66 can be suitably configured so that a user can charge the wearable device 21 and their smartphone or other electronics device 81 at the same time in a charging circuit (see FIGS. 1 1 and 13). In this regard, the user can attach the charging cable 91 to their bracelet 21 , and then plug the cable 91 into a power source as described above. While the bracelet 21 is being recharged the user can plug their smartphone or other electronics device 81 into the bracelet 21. When a user does this, a smart circuit provided in the control circuitry 66 passes the power from the power source through the bracelet 21 into the user's connected device 81. In one embodiment, once the connected device 81 is charged to a certain level, for example 100%, the power source then redirects or sends power back to the bracelet 21 for charging battery 51 therein. The bracelet 21 will then be charged until it reaches 100% charge, after which the control circuitry 66 stops charging the bracelet 21 so as to prevent damage to bracelet battery 51.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control circuitry can be configured to make the LEDs 73 blink to indicate the time of day.

[0041] It is appreciated that other embodiments of the wearable device 21 of the invention are contemplated. For example, a bracelet substantially similar to bracelet 21 can be provided without button 74. In such embodiment, and as discussed above, when a device 81 is the connected to the bracelet 21 the device 81 starts charging automatically from the bracelet. In one embodiment, a bracelet substantially similar to bracelet 21 can be provided in which LEDS 73 are moved to be located on the end surface 37 of body 22 above connector or charging pin 42. Hence, when the bracelet 21 is closed, for example charging pin 42 seated within socket 43 so as to connect or lock the second ends 33 of the first and second housing portions 22a, 22b together, the LEDs 73 would not be visible. Upon opening the bracelet 21 , for example by removing charging or locking pin 42 from socket 43, a pressure switch, for example or one or both of end surfaces 36, 37, would sense that the bracelet is open so as to cause LEDS 73 to cycle and show the remaining charge in battery 51 of the bracelet 21.

[0042] It is appreciated the other embodiments of the wearable device of the invention can be provided. Wearable device or bracelet 151 , illustrated in FIGS. 14-17, is substantially similar to wearable device 21 and like reference numerals have been used to describe like components of the devices 21 and 151. Battery 51 of wearable device 151 includes first and second battery portions 51 a, 51b which can be substantially identical in size, shape, characteristics or any combination of the foregoing. Providing substantially identical battery portions 51a, 51b and can simply the manufacture and reduce the cost of the wearable device of the invention. In one embodiment, each of the battery portions are wider or thicker in the center and narrow towards their opposite ends but nonetheless approximate the contour of the respective body portions 22a, 22b.

[0043] Control circuitry 66 of wearable device 151 can include a first circuit board 156 in first body portion 22a and a second circuit board 157 in second body portion 22b. Together, the circuit boards 156 and 157 of the control circuitry 66 can control all of the operation of wearable device 151. Various electrical components are included on the circuit boards, and can include a microprocessor or central processing unit. LEDs 73 can be electrically connected to one of the circuit boards, such as board 157, and visible at end 37 of the second body portion 22b. A flex circuit 158 extends through each of the body portions 22a and 22b to connect the first circuit board 156 to the second circuit board 157. Battery portions 51a and 51b are electrically coupled to flex circuit 158. Pin 42 and socket 43 are located radially inside of charging port 76. LEDs 73 are disposed opposite and face the charging port 76. [0044] Wearable device 151 includes a shutoff mechanism which turns of all of the circuitry of the device when the device is in its closed position, illustrated in FIG 16. Such shutoff mechanism can be of any suitable type. One such embodiment of the shutoff mechanism is illustrated herein and includes first and second electrically-conductive elements 161 , 162 which are in electrical contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 17, when wearable device is in its open or operational position. Each of the elements 161 , 162 are electrically connected to first circuit board 156 and when connected activate the control circuitry 66 of device 151 so as to permit electrical operation of the device 151. Insertion of pin 42 into socket 43, for example to close the wearable device 151 , serves to separate the electrically-conductive elements 161 , 162 from each other. When so separated, elements 161 , 162 serve to electrically deactivate the control circuitry 66 of device 151 so as to conserve power and reduce battery drain.

[0045] The wearable device of the present invention combines functionality, convenience, and style. The wearable device, which can be in the form of bracelet such as bracelets 21 or 151 , is unique because no wearable electronics product to date for recharging portable electronic devices has seamlessly integrated fashion and technology. It is very difficult for a view of the bracelet of the invention to tell if the bracelet is a piece of technology unless the viewer is informed or knows as such. By using unique materials such as aluminum, wood, and carbon fiber, the bracelet of the invention is able to feel and look like a luxury fashion product. The wearable device of the present invention can look and feel like a piece of jewelry, not an electronic accessory. In this regard, the bracelet or other wearable device of the invention can charge in parallel with a user's smartphone 81 or other electronics device. This functionality was achieved after considering how consumers interact with electronics. Since the majority of consumers charge their smartphones at night, a consumer can conveniently charge the bracelet or other wearable device of the invention and their phone 81 concurrently at night. This in turn makes interacting with the bracelet or other wearable device a more natural act.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A wearable device for use by a human to charge a portable electronic device having a battery and a data port, comprising a body configured to be worn by the human, a battery carried by the body for charging the battery of the portable electronic device, the body including a connector configured to electrically couple to the data port of the portable electronic device, the battery carried by the body being electrically connected to the connector so that when the connector is coupled to the data port of the portable electronic device the battery carried by the body can charge the battery of the portable electronic device.

2. The wearable device of Claim 1, wherein the body is an article of jewelry.

3. The wearable device of Claim 2, in combination with the portable electronic device, wherein the portable electronic device is a smartphone and the connector of the body is connected to the data port of the smartphone.

4. The wearable device of Claim 1, wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of a bracelet, a necklace, an anklet, a belt, a belt buckle, a broach, a tie clip and an erring.

5. The wearable device of Claim 1 , wherein the battery carried by the body is a rechargeable battery.

6. The wearable device of Claim 4, wherein the body includes a port electrically coupled to the battery carried by the body for permitting the recharging of such battery.

7. The wearable device of Claim 1, wherein the battery carried by the body is carried within the body.

8. The wearable device of Claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to be attached to the exterior of an article of clothing worn by the human.

9. The wearable device of Claim 1, wherein the battery carried by the body is a curved battery.

10. A wearable device for use by a human to charge a portable electronic device having a battery and a port, comprising a body configured to be worn by the human and having a contour for extending around a curved portion of the human, a battery carried by the body for charging the battery of the portable electronic device, the body including a connector configured to electrically couple to the port of the portable electronic device, the battery having opposite first and second ends and a length extending between the ends and the battery extending along its length through a curve that approximates the contour of the body, the battery carried by the body being electrically connected to the connector so that when the connector is coupled to the data port of the portable electronic device the battery carried by the body can charge the battery of the portable electronic device.

1 1. The wearable device of Claim 9, wherein the battery has opposite convex and concave surfaces extending between the ends, each of the surfaces having a curve that approximates the contour of the body.

12. The wearable device of Claim 9, wherein the curve extends through an angle of at least 35 degrees.

13. A method for charging the battery in a portable electronic device with a wearable battery charger worn by a human, comprising the steps of removing the wearable battery charger from the human, coupling the wearable battery charger to the portable electronic device and charging the portable electronic device with the wearable battery charger.

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein the portable electronic device is a smartphone.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the wearable battery charger is a bracelet which extends behind the smartphone when the bracelet is coupled to the smartphone for charging the smartphone.

16. The method of Claim 15, further comprising operating the smartphone while the smartphone is being charged by the bracelet.

17. The method of Claim 13, wherein the wearable battery charger is selected from the group consisting of a bracelet, a necklace, an anklet, a belt, a belt buckle, a broach, a tie clip and an erring.

18. The method of Claim 13, wherein the wearable battery charger extends around a portion of the human having a curve and wherein the wearable battery charger includes a battery that is curved along its length at a curve that approximates the curve of the portion of the human.

19. The method of Claim 13, wherein the coupling step includes coupling the wearable battery charger to a data port of the portable electronic device.