US20140260424A1

US20140260424A1 - Jewelry piece with interchangeable rfid tag

Info

Publication number: US20140260424A1
Application number: US14/179,097
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael K. Warren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

An apparatus for conveniently and unobtrusively carrying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A RFID tag is disposed within a channel defined by a jewelry piece and covered with a decorative element or cap. The RFID tag is a passive-, battery-assisted passive-, or active-type RFID tag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/827,341, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application additionally 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 in FIG. 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.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of an example of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are schematic cross-sectional views of an example of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

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.
In FIGS. 1 through 6, like items are indicated by like reference numerals and, for brevity, descriptions of a component or structure are not repeated. Materials describing the manufacture of a component in one description can be used to manufacture that component in each embodiment unless specifically stated otherwise.
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. The active RFID tags embodied in this disclosure are additionally capable of low- or reduced-power modes. In this disclosure, an RFID tag is not necessarily limited to any specific operating frequency. An RFID tag useable with the present invention may also operate with either regulated or unregulated frequencies.
FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a jewelry piece 100 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 a cap 2, a housing 14, and a ring 16, which are described in further detail below.
FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of an example of a jewelry piece 100 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.
Cap 2 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Cap 2 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 of cap 2 can vary, employing any suitable gemstone cutting techniques. Cap 2 is connected to housing 14 by cement, glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive.
Below cap 2 is a RFID tag 6 which may be of any suitable type and configuration but is illustrated as a RFID wafer. RFID tag 6 is disposed within a buffer ring 8. In some embodiments, buffer ring 8 is composed of a ferrite material. Buffer ring 8 is disposed within housing 14. RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and the inner diameter of housing 14 are sized to minimize movement of the RFID tag 6 during use of the apparatus.
In some embodiments, the jewelry piece 100 includes one or both of a top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 to further minimize movement of RFID tag 6 during use. In some embodiments, top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 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 spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 are composed of materials which inhibit radio frequency transmission, such as most metal alloys, as a way to limit the range of enclosed RFID tag 6. For example, if RFID tag 6 is readable from a distance of three feet from a jewelry piece 100 without top spacer 4 or bottom spacer 10, but if it is desired that RFID tag 6 only be readable at a distance of six inches from jewelry piece 100, then one or both of top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 may comprise a material which inhibits radio frequency transmission, which may be added to jewelry piece 100 to reduce the effective reading range of RFID tag 6. In some embodiments, the range of RFID tag 6 may be limited by the structure of RFID tag 6 or may be limited by programming. Also, spacers may not be necessary to limit the range but may be desired nonetheless to immobilize the contents of jewelry piece 100.
The unit formed by cap 2, RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and housing 14, when connected, is referred to as a command module 20. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, command module 20 is fully interchangeable, meaning a first command module connected to ring 16 can be removed and replaced with a second command module.
Housing 14 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. Housing 14 is sized to fit within a receiving area 18 of ring 16. Housing 14 is connected to ring 16 by a screw post 12, which is a threaded member that is rotatably inserted into a threaded slot 22 in ring 16.
Ring 16 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. In some embodiments, ring 16 may be formed from various insulating materials such as ceramic, nylon, acrylic, Lexan, Lucite, or the like, which provide non-radio wave interference properties, allow for low cost of production, low weight, improve esthetics, and can be easy to remove in an emergency.
In some embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material is given the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through chemical vapor deposition of a metal coating on the exterior surface of the ring. In other embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material is given the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through ionic beam subsurface deposition of metal below the exterior surface of the ring. Such embodiments have the advantage of appearing as metal rings while having minimal RF interference due to their ceramic construction.
Ring 16 includes a receiving area 18 and threaded slot 22 for receiving housing 14 and screw post 12, respectively. Housing 14 and ring 16 can be formed from the same material or different materials.
FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again exploded as in FIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates how the constituent components of jewelry piece 100 are fitted together. In the illustrated embodiment, RFID tag 6 is disposed within buffer ring 8, which in turn is disposed within housing 14 along with top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10. Cap 2 is adhered to housing 14 to form command module 20. Command module 20 is operatively connected to ring 16 via a screw post 12 (not visible in FIG. 3) rotatably inserted into threaded slot 22.
Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, cap 40 comprises a top 42 connected to a threaded member 44 which can be rotatably inserted into a threaded recess 46 on ring 48. Top 42 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Top 42 is adhered or mounted to threaded member 44. A RFID tag 6 is disposed within a buffer ring 8, which is then disposed within threaded recess 46. Cap 40 seals RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8 within the threaded recess 46 when rotatably inserted into the threaded recess 46. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side of RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, ease of access to an enclosed RFID tag provides another means of interchangeability. In some embodiments, rather than changing out the entire command module 20, a user can unscrew cap 40 from ring 48 to remove cap 40, permitting access to and exchange of the enclosed RFID tag 6.
In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 5, the command module 20 is affixed to a modified ring 52 via a retaining clip 50. Retaining clip 50 is shaped to fit about the bottom of housing 14, and has a bulbous protrusion 56 on one side. Retaining clip 50 can also be a standard “C” clip. Once retaining clip 50 is connected to housing 14 using adhesive or simple friction, the entire command module 20 is slid into position, mounted on modified ring 52. The bulbous protrusion 56 is fitted into a groove 54 on modified ring 54, and command module 20 snaps into place on modified ring 52 where it is held by the union of bulbous protrusion 56 and groove 54. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be disposed within command module 20, on either side of RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 6, a hollow cap 60 is used to hold the RFID tag instead of the previously-described housing. As with previously-described cap 2, hollow cap 60 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also, hollow cap 60 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 cap 60 has a recess formed in the flat surface to hold an RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8. In the illustrated embodiment, RFID tag 6 is disposed within buffer ring 8, which is then disposed within hollow cap 60. Hollow cap 60 is then affixed to a bezel setting 62 or similar plate, which has a screw post 66 that is rotatably insertable into a threaded slot 68 in ring 64. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side of RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers can be either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.
In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 7, a ring 72 has a channel 74 through its top portion. In some embodiments, the channel 74 is cylindrical and includes a notch 76 cut the full circumference of the channel 74. Channel 74 is sized to hold RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. Notch 76 is sized to hold bottom retainer 78 in place. Bottom retainer 78 is formed from a flexible material, such as semi-rigid plastic, so it can be inserted and removed from notch 76. The diameter of bottom retainer 78 is larger than the diameter of channel 74 but smaller than the diameter of notch 76, allowing bottom retainer 78 to be held in place when inserted into notch 76. With bottom retainer 78 inserted into notch 76, buffer ring 8 and RFID tag 6 are disposed within channel 74 and sealed in place by cap 79.
Cap 79 may be connected to ring 72 by cement, glue, solder, or another adhesive. As with cap 2, cap 79 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also, cap 79 defines a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In an alternative embodiment, cap 72 may define a concave surface and a flat surface.
In some embodiments, bottom retainer 78 is formed from a material that is substantially permissive of radio frequency transmission and cap 79 is formed from a material that substantially inhibits radio frequency transmissions. In this embodiment, the effective transmission range of RFID tag 6 is greatly limited.
In some embodiments, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a jewelry piece 89 comprises an annular body 82 having a channel 74 with a protruding edge 83 that retains elements disposed within channel 74. When disposed within channel 74, cap 86 is prevented from exiting channel 74 by protruding edge 83. Cap 86, RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, battery 84, and bottom retainer 78 are loaded from inner side 87 of channel 74 and retained on outer side 88 of channel 74 by protruding edge 83. In some embodiments, channel 74 may be cylindrical and include a notch 76 cut the full circumference of channel 74. Channel 74 may be sized to hold RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. Notch 76 is sized to hold bottom retainer 78 in place. Bottom retainer 78 is formed from a flexible material, such as a semi-rigid polymer, so it can be inserted and removed from notch 76. The diameter of bottom retainer 78 is larger than the diameter of channel 74, but smaller than the diameter of notch 76, allowing bottom retainer 78 to be held in place when inserted into notch 76. With bottom retainer 78 inserted into notch 76, buffer ring 8 and RFID tag 6 are disposed within channel 74 and held in place by cap 86. As with cap 2, cap 86 may be formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also, cap 86 may define a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface. In alternative embodiments, cap 86 may define a concave surface and a flat surface. In some embodiments, bottom retainer 78 may be replaced with a retaining clip such as retainer clip 50 described above. In some embodiments, battery 84 is omitted and RFID tag 6 may comprise a passive-type tag. In other embodiments, spacers (not shown) are used to ensure RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and battery 84 remain immobilized during use. In some embodiments, additional RFID tags are disposed within channel 74; multiple RFID strips are used to increase functionality or security of jewelry piece 89.
Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, a ring 90 comprises two raised edges 92 defining a channel 94. A printed RFID strip 96 and decorative cover 104 are disposed within channel 94. In some embodiments, a battery 102 may also be disposed within the channel and operatively connected to RFID strip 96. Ring 90 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal (gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or other materials suitable for forming jewelry, e.g., carbon fiber or titanium alloys. In some embodiments, ring 90 may be formed from various insulating materials such as ceramic, nylon, acrylic, Lexan, or the like, which provide non-radio wave interference properties, allow for low cost of production, low weight, improve esthetics, and can be easy to remove in an emergency.
In some embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material is given the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through chemical vapor deposition of a metal coating on the exterior surface of the ring. In other embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material is given the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through ionic beam subsurface deposition of metal below the exterior surface of the ring. Such embodiments have the advantage of appearing as metal rings while having minimal RF interference due to their ceramic construction.
Ring 90 comprises an inner surface 106, an outer surface 108 defined by the top surfaces of raised edges 92, and a channel bottom surface 110. In some embodiments, ring 90 is annularly shaped. RFID strip 96 comprises a flexible substrate or semiconductor which includes at least one memory chip 98 and an antenna 100. In some embodiments, RFID strip 96 includes at least one RFID tag which may be of any suitable type and configuration such as a RFID wafer. In some embodiments, RFID strip 96 includes a printed, flexible CMOS integrated circuit. In some embodiments, battery 102 may be constructed from flexible materials, such as a flexible lithium or graphene battery. In some embodiments, additional RFID strips are disposed within channel 94; multiple RFID strips are used to increase functionality or security of ring 90.
Decorative cover 104 is dimensioned to fit into channel 94, and formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. In some embodiments, decorative cover may be formed from a thermo-reactive material which changes color based on temperature. Decorative cover 104 may take many shape suitable for decorative and functional purposes. In some embodiments, decorative cover 104 may be connected to raised edges 92 by cement, glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive. In other embodiments, decorative cover 104 may be connected to raised edges 92 by friction fitting. In further embodiments, an exterior surface 112 of decorative cover 104 may be seated flush with outer surface 108 of ring 90. In yet further embodiments, decorative cover 104 may be formed over RFID strip 96 and battery 102. In many embodiments, decorative cover 104 is operatively connected to battery 102 and comprises solar power cells to charge the batter 102 with solar-generated electricity. In some embodiments, decorative cover 104 includes LED panels which are configured to display information to a user. For example, the panels may be configured to display messages regarding the status of the system, such as “OOS” indicating the system is out of service or “Low Bat” indicating the battery power is about to run out of power. As another example, LED panels may be configured to display various parameters to a user such as time, date, temperature, or user's pulse.
RFID strip 96 may be disposed on top of channel bottom surface 110, with battery 102 disposed above and operably connected to RFID strip 96. Decorative cover 104 is disposed above battery 102 and, in many embodiments without a battery 102, above RFID strip 96. In some embodiments, spacers (not shown) are used to ensure RFID strip 96 and/or batter 102 remain immobilized during use. Referring to FIG. 9D an assembled jewelry piece 91 includes an RFID strip 96 and battery 102 disposed between raised edges 92, channel bottom surface 110, and decorative cover 104. Exterior surface 112 of decorative cover 104 sits flush with outer surface 108 of ring 90.
In some embodiments, a plurality of nanocapacitors may be applied to the surface of or integrated with the material forming ring 90. In some embodiments, the nanocapacitors are graphene nanocapacitors. In some embodiments, the nanocapacitors are formed as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013/0224394, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. The nanocapacitors are configured to absorb ambient energy, such as solar energy or thermal energy from the user, and convert it to electrical energy to be used by RFID strip 96.
In each of the embodiments presented above a sealant may be used between components to create a sealed chamber containing the RFID tag. For example, in the jewelry piece 100 presented in FIG. 1, a sealant may be used between cap 2 and housing 14. As another example, a sealant may be used between the decorative cover 104 and ring 90 of jewelry piece 91 presented in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D. In some embodiments, the sealant may be silicon-based, in other embodiments the sealant may be an epoxy sealer.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion or all of the exterior surface of the jewelry piece is finished with a scratch resistant coating such as certain ceramics, diamond chemical vapor deposition, or the like. Further, in some embodiments, each component disclosed above which includes at least one exterior surface of the jewelry piece is formed from ceramic, glass, gemstone, carbon fiber composite, solar cell, LED screen, diamond chemical vapor deposition, or any combination thereof.
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.
As yet another advantage of the invention, the jewelry piece with interchangeable RFID tag may be an entirely covert means of carrying information. As will be known to those skilled in the art, RFID transceivers and their associated circuitry are capable of securely storing a substantial amount of information. As disclosed above, this circuitry may also monitor and provide real-time information such as time, date, temperature, or user's pulse. The information contained in the RFID tag may be carried within the jewelry piece and is thus be concealed from public view.
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

What is claimed is:

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

a jewelry piece having an annular body, said annular body having a channel therethrough, said channel having a notch configured to receive a bottom retainer and a protruding edge configured to retain a cap;

a radio frequency identification tag, wherein said cap, said radio frequency identification tag, and said bottom retainer are disposed within said channel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a buffer ring, said buffer ring configured to receive said radio frequency identification tag and disposed within said channel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said channel is substantially cylindrical.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is a passive-type radio frequency identification tag.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a battery disposed within said channel and operatively connected to said radio frequency identification tag.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is an active-type radio frequency identification tag.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said radio frequency identification tag is a battery-assisted passive-type radio frequency identification tag.

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

9. The apparatus of claim 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.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cap is formed from glass, ceramic, gemstone, carbon fiber composite, or any combination thereof.

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

a jewelry ring comprising a pair of raised edges defining a channel;

a radio frequency identification strip disposed within said channel; and

a decorative cover disposed within said channel.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, said jewelry ring having an outer surface defined by the exterior surface of said raised edges, and said decorative cover having an exterior surface, said decorative cover disposed within said channel such that said exterior surface of said decorative cover is aligned flush with said outer surface of said jewelry ring.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said radio frequency identification strip is a passive-type radio frequency identification strip.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a battery disposed within said channel and operatively connected to said radio frequency identification strip.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said radio frequency identification strip is an active-type radio frequency identification strip.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said radio frequency identification strip is a battery-assisted passive-type radio frequency identification strip.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said radio frequency identification strip comprises a memory chip and an antenna disposed on a flexible substrate.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said radio frequency identification strip an antenna comprising at least one nanocapacitor.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said radio frequency identification strip comprises a power source including at least one nanocapacitor.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said radio frequency identification strip comprises a memory chip and an antenna disposed on a flexible substrate.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein portions of said flexible substrate comprise a ceramic.

22. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second radio frequency identification strip disposed within said channel.

23. The apparatus of claim 11, said decorative cover comprising at least one LED panel for displaying information to a user.

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

an annularly-shaped jewelry ring comprising a pair of raised edges defining a channel, said jewelry ring having an outer surface;

an active-type radio frequency identification strip comprising a memory chip and an antenna disposed on a flexible substrate, said active-type radio frequency identification strip disposed within said channel;

a battery, disposed within said channel and operatively connected to said active-type radio frequency identification strip; and

a decorative cover having an exterior surface and disposed within said channel such that said exterior surface is aligned flush with said outer surface.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, said decorative cover comprising at least one LED panel for displaying information to a user.