TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED JEWELRY FOR PERSONAL APPLICATIONS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of pending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/735,275 filed Dec. 17, 2024, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some novel embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Disclosed, in one embodiment, is a jewelry system, comprising a piece of jewelry (also referred to as a jewelry piece) pre-configured to an initial temperature relative to an ambient temperature of an environment in which the piece of jewelry will be presented; and a suspension subsystem connected to the piece of jewelry for suspended presentation in the environment, and to enable contact of the suspended piece of jewelry with a tactile surface (e.g., skin of the wearer) while in the environment, wherein contact with the tactile surface over a contact time imparts a current temperature of the piece of jewelry to the tactile surface thereby causing a continuing change (e.g., up or down) in the current temperature of the piece of jewelry over the contact time.

Suspension is intended to include attachment of a jewelry piece to an article of clothing or suspension of the jewelry piece according to a suspension subsystem which can be an ornamental necklace-type suspension subsystem where the jewelry piece may not be attached directly to an article of clothing, but is suspended by the suspension subsystem on the article of clothing and/or in tactile contact to skin of the wearer. Thus, a heated (e.g., preheated) jewelry piece can impart warmth to the clothing or the tactile contact point of the skin. Alternatively, a one-time cooled jewelry piece thereafter suspended by the suspension subsystem can impart coolness to the clothing or the warming tactile contact point of the skin until such time as the respective temperatures of two locations (e.g., jewelry piece and tactile contact location), the cooled jewelry piece and the tactile contact point, change to approach equalization at some final temperature, if allowed to remained in contact.

Alternatively disclosed is a jewelry method for configuring a jewelry piece to an initial temperature relative to an ambient temperature of an environment in which the jewelry piece will be presented, attaching the jewelry piece to a suspension subsystem for suspended presentation in the environment, enabling contact of the suspended jewelry piece with a tactile surface while in the environment, and, enabling temperature changes of the jewelry piece while in the environment to be imparted to the tactile surface according to a span of time over which the contact remains.

In yet an alternative embodiment, disclosed is a jewelry configuration that can be infused with a coolant (e.g., gas and/or liquid), and then worn, to physically assist wearers (users) who may be overly-sensitive to hot and/or humid environments. The jewelry arrangement can be constructed of an arrangement of single or multiple (interconnected) wearable jewelry pieces (containers) for receiving and holding a cooling substance (e.g., water, a gel, gas, etc.) that is pre-cooled or provides a cooling effect under gas expansion, and yet retains or slowly loses the cooling attribute over time until the user chooses to “refresh” the jewelry from a warmer temperature to a cooler temperature for further wearable cooling as desired. The cooling jewelry can be considered for use as a cooling function in excessively warm/hot geographical environments and indoor work environments.

It is also within contemplation of the disclosed techniques that a warming function can be realized in colder or cooler geographical and/or outdoor/indoor work environments of users by providing a warming function such that the warming jewelry can provide a more comfortable environment to the wearer as the warming-jewelry is being worn.

The components and liquid-holding and/or chemical-holding containers (also, optionally constructed as one or more jewelry pieces) of the jewelry can also be designed with an outward appearance that presents as appealing, the adornments as many types of jewelry do when the user wears jewelry.

Additionally, the disclosed jewelry minimizes the noticeability of the jewelry as containing a cooling capability (e.g., fluid/chemical subsystem of containers and tubal interconnections between such containers to enable filling/refilling of the jewelry containers when introducing fluid thereinto, or emptying the fluid therefrom).

The jewelry can be designed for wear by the user as an outwardly-noticeable piece/set of jewelry such as necklace, as wrist jewelry, head-worn jewelry, ankle jewelry, etc., and as many other types of ornamental jewelry suitable for modification and benefiting according to the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, specific jewelry can be designed for wear by the user as an undercover or non-outwardly noticeable piece of jewelry such as necklaces, wrist jewelry, ankle jewelry, and as many other types of non-noticeable jewelry suitable for modification according to the disclosed embodiments.

In yet another embodiment, an ornamental jewelry system is provided, which comprises one or more jewelry pieces interconnected using a suspension system, where one of the jewelry pieces is configured to generate a cooling effect (e.g., pre-cooled prior to installation), and an eye-glass frame comprising a frame control module which enables wireless communication of the configuration parameters (e.g., monitor and control parameters, data, temperatures, trending information as to the lifetime of the cooling capability of a specific jewelry piece) when in situ cooling in a warmer environment. In support of such capability and functions, the particular jewelry system can comprise a control module which receives the configuration parameters and ambient data, which can be used to determine if a different suspension system and associated jewelry piece functions should be employed to provide a suitable and enjoyable experience for the user (e.g., wearer).

For example, various implementation configurations are possible to address the various types of environments in which the disclosed jewelry system(s) may be used to provide the desired comfort for the user. Accordingly, configurations can comprise a single manual configuration where a single thermal jewelry piece precooled or preheated can be attached to a garment worn or in direct contact with the user's skin, yet sufficiently provides the desired temperature effects to the user. In an automatic configuration, the jewelry system includes only the automatic configuration. In a mixed configuration the jewelry system can include one or more the manual configurations and the automatic configuration.

In still another embodiment, an ornamental jewelry method is disclosed, comprising receiving an ornamental necklace as a jewelry suspension subsystem, suspending a local control subsystem from the ornamental necklace, the local control subsystem configured to at least one of monitor or control temperature parameters of an ornamental jewelry piece, and receiving a remote control subsystem configured to transceive the temperature parameters of the local control subsystem and controlling the temperature of the ornamental jewelry piece.

The ornamental jewelry method can further comprise receiving an eyewear frame and mounting the remote control subsystem to the eyewear frame, and automatically establishing a secure communication link between the remote control subsystem and the local control subsystem according to a wireless communication technology. The ornamental jewelry method can further comprise wirelessly communicating between the local control subsystem and the remote control system to monitor and control settings related to the temperature of the ornamental jewelry piece. The ornamental jewelry method can further comprise configuring the ornamental necklace as a set of one or more daisy-chained conduits capable of at least one of conducting electrical power to the ornamental jewelry piece for temperature control or routing temperature controlled liquid therethrough for temperature control of the ornamental jewelry piece.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of a static personal temperature-controlled jewelry system in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of a dynamic personal temperature-controlled jewelry system in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of a personal temperature-controlled jewelry system that employs a wireless fluid circulation and temperature control in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a jewelry system in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of a jewelry system where the thermal system can piggy-back onto the backside of a necklace piece of a jewelry necklace in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement where the jewelry necklace system of FIG. 5 now utilizes a flatter volume of thermal system utilizing a piggy-back implementation in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bust-mounted jewelry necklace system styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative bust-mounted jewelry necklace system styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another alternative bust-mounted jewelry necklace system styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative method in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of a “static” personal temperature-controlled jewelry system 100 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The term jewelry system is intended to include one or more of a suspension subsystem (e.g., an ornamental necklace arrangement), one or more ornamental jewelry pieces suspended by the suspension subsystem, and suspension interconnections between any two jewelry pieces (the interconnections also referred to as conduits). The suspension subsystem is intended to encompass an attachment technique for temporarily affixing a single ornamental jewelry piece to clothing being worn by the user. In still another intended meaning, the suspension subsystem refers to one or more ornamental jewelry pieces presented in association with the suspension subsystem, which can be an ornamental necklace, yet at least one of the one or more ornamental jewelry pieces is suspended in contact with the user skin, and the remaining ornamental jewelry pieces can be suspended in contact with the clothing being worn by the user.

Tactile contact to the user can be desired as the tactile properties of the jewelry can imbue a personal and cultural experience. Moreover, tactile contact can readily indicate the temperature qualities and changes of the jewelry piece over time. (Tactile contact of jewelry can be attained using hypoallergenic materials, which have little likelihood of causing an allergic response when in contact with the skin.)

The term “static” is intended to mean that the temperature of the jewelry system 100 is configured by the user, prior to wearing, to attain a specific temperature of the static jewelry system 100. Before wearing the jewelry system 100, once the desired temperature is attained, the static jewelry system 100 can then be worn (e.g., suspended on the user in a desired place (e.g., around the neck, to or about the upper body, upper body appendages (e.g., arms, neck, abdomen, shoulder(s), etc.) and in a way (e.g., string, conduit for liquid, conduit encompassing wire(s) for electrical control, etc.))) by the user.

This “offline” static approach of temperature control, can be achieved by storing the jewelry system 100 in a “jewelry box” or container (not shown) that operates (under user control) to impart the desired temperature (e.g., warming, cooling, etc.) to the system 100 prior to being worn. The jewelry box can receive the system 100, after which the user can set the temperature desired for the jewelry system 100. Once the temperature is attained, the user can then remove and wear the jewelry system 100, to experience the desired temperature while being worn.

The jewelry system 100 comprises a suspension subsystem 102, which generally, can be a single strand (or conduit) of suspension material onto which one or more jewelry pieces can be attached and then suspended at specific locations. The suspension subsystem, as an electrical conduit, can support wires suitable for carrying electrical power applied to one of the suspended jewelry pieces such that the jewelry piece can be heated while being worn in a cooler environment.

Alternatively, the electrical conduit can provide electrical power to the designated jewelry piece(s) compatible with cooling in an overly warm or heated ambient environment. In this environment, the jewelry piece or each jewelry piece can be configured with one or more thermo-electric cells which output a cooling effect when powered. Thus, the suspension system can be designed for different ambient temperature environments to provide a cooling effect to the user, or a warming effect.

It can also be the case that where multiple jewelry pieces are used for the necklace, alternate jewelry pieces can be used for different purposes. For example, of four jewelry pieces, pieces 108 and 112 can used for heating, and pieces 110 and 114 can be used for cooling. In the static implementation, the user only needs to prepare (heat or cool) each piece according to the desired temperature output, for example, all jewelry pieces for heating or all jewelry pieces for cooling.

Where the conduit of the suspension subsystem is suitable for passing a warm or cold liquid therethrough, for the desired heating or cooling effects, a flexible reservoir of the liquid can be connected to the liquid conduit suspension subsystem such that in response to user tactile sensation of ambient temperature changes, for example, the user can manually pump (squeeze the reservoir) of heated liquid through the conduit system to each liquid configured jewelry piece to warm each piece. Thus, whether the jewelry pieces are in tactile contact (to skin) or affixed to clothing, the desired warming effect will be achieved.

Alternatively, the flexible reservoir can be used to store and pump a coolant through the conduit and to the pieces when the user chooses to do so for a cooler sensation from the suspension system and jewelry pieces. When using the liquid conduit, it is to be appreciated that the conduit itself can also provide a warming or cooling sensation or effect from the liquid inside the conduit.

In an alternative implementation, the suspension subsystem comprises a set of conduit pieces 104A-E connected to jewelry pieces and supporting the overall weight of the system 100, for holding and passing fluid, and which serves to enable the jewelry system 100 to be worn at certain places on the body. Here, the suspension system 102 employs a conduit end 106, opposing conduit end 116, several jewelry pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114), and several conduit pieces 104A-E. As described herein, the entire conduit (from 106 to 116) and conduit pieces 104A-E can be configured conduct a thermal liquid, a thermal gas, electrical power, etc., for generating the temperature(s) for the wearer.

Note that as defined herein, the term “fluid” is intended to include not only the least viscous type of flowable (e.g., liquid, watery, runny, etc.) fluids that can be pumped through small diameter (e.g., 1/16 inch, ⅛ inch, 1 mm, 2 mm, etc.) conduits (also “tubes”) to carry a cooled/chilled fluid until which the thermal characteristic of the fluid lose the effects desired by the user/wearer.

In more robust (powerful pumping) systems, fluids of a more viscous nature and that can retain the temperature for longer periods of time, such as a gel, can be employed. It is within contemplation where gels can be used, that the initial cooling temperature setpoint prior to wearing, can be retained longer since the viscosity of the gel will endothermically pull heat from the surrounding environment (wearer surfaces in contact with the conduits) thereby imparting to the wearer a coolness from the jewelry system.

It is also to be understood that the disclosed jewelry systems can be designed to accommodate exothermic processes such as when wearing the jewelry in cold environments, and a warmer or heated jewelry system may be desirable to warm the wearer.

It is to be appreciated that the suspension subsystem can be configured to enable attachment (e.g., snap-in, snap-out) of a suitable ornamental jewelry piece when using the electrical conduit suspension subsystem. For example, the user can “pop-out” piece 108 and replace it (e.g., “pop-in” a “dummy” piece) with a different (non-electrical) ornamental piece that is not electrical in any way. Similarly, the user can pop-out piece 114 and replace it (e.g., pop-in a “dummy” piece) with a different (non-electrical) ornamental piece that is not electrical in any way. Thus, the suspension system 102 now supports the controller 112, the electrical piece 110, and two “dummy” pieces 108 and 114 (which can be statically cooled or warmed based on the ambient temperature and desired effects for the wearer). Thus, electrical heating (or cooling) can now be attained using only piece 110.

The end 106 and opposing end 116 can be captured (secured as a closed suspension loop) by a clasp-system 118 which ensures the jewelry system 100 is ready to be worn by suspension, for example. Either or both of conduit end 106 or/and opposing conduit end 116 can be uncapped by the user to enable the user to periodically flush the jewelry system 100 with a fluid, such as a cleaning fluid. Thus, the internal open-spaced volumes of the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can also be flushed and cleaned periodically. It can be the case, however, that the static version is a sealed system such that no fluid is allowed to be introduced into the internal conduit/piece volumes after the wearer purchases the jewelry system 100.

In this example, the jewelry system 100 comprises five pieces of conduit (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E) and four jewelry pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114). The respective conduit pieces (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E) connect (in series) to an I-port on one side of a jewelry piece (108, 110, 112, or 114) and an O-port on the opposing side of each piece (108, 110, 112, or 114).

In other words, one end of conduit piece 104A connects to a port (I) of piece 108 and one end of conduit piece 104B connects to a port (O) of piece 108. The other end of conduit 104A opens or can be capped at suspension end 106. Similarly, the other end of conduit piece 104B connects to a port (I) of piece 110 and one end of conduit piece 104C connects to a port (O) of piece 110. Continuing, the other end of conduit piece 104C connects to a port (I) of piece 112 and one end of conduit piece 104D connects to a port (O) of piece 112. The other end of conduit piece 104D connects to a port (I) of piece 114 and one end of conduit piece 104E connects to a port (O) of piece 114. The other end of conduit piece 104E is a length terminating in a capped-off end 116 into which fluid can be introduced or from which fluid can be removed.

In this “static” approach, the jewelry system 100 can be described as a “closed system,” since the internal fluid is not cycled through the jewelry system 100 when being worn. This is in contrast to a “dynamic” approach, where the internal fluid can be cycled (pumped) through the jewelry system 100 as the user wears the suspended jewelry to provide a more evenly and comfortable temperature experience to the wearer.

In operation, when worn for a period of time, the static jewelry system 100 may gradually reach a temperature different than desired by the wearer. Thus, the user then removes the static jewelry system 100, and reinstitutes a temperature infusing process (e.g., in a compatible jewelry box, etc.) to reach the desired temperature before again wearing the static jewelry system 100.

The jewelry system 100 (e.g., about the neck (as a necklace), about an ankle (worn on an ankle), about a wrist, about the waist (e.g., a string of jewelry suspended around the waistline)) can be worn and controlled (configured) to deliver (impart) a specific range of fluid temperatures to the wearer whether the jewelry system 100 is in direct tactile contact with the skin of the wearer or whether the jewelry system 100 provides a proximate, but indirect, contact (e.g., rests on a layer of material overlaying the skin) to the wearer.

The jewelry pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can function as fluid containers (or reservoirs) such that once the jewelry system 100 is filled with the fluid at the desired temperature, the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can also emit the temperature of the fluid contained/stored inside, as the internal container fluid imparts the fluid temperature to the container shell to propagate ultimately to the wearer (e.g., directly to the skin, through an interstitial material to the skin or wearer body bio-sensor system, etc.).

Additionally, as a static system, the entire jewelry system 100 can be placed in a temperature-controlled environment at the temperature desired by the user, when the user chooses to wear the system 100 at a different location, for example. Thus, the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can be fabricated of an insulating material having a thermal retention characteristic that maintains the temperature of the liquid stored therein, and/or at least slows the change in liquid temperature over time as the user body temperature may affect a reduction in the fluid temperature as the user wears the jewelry system 100, or a rise in fluid temperature based on the environment (ambient) temperature and user body temperature changes over time.

In this embodiment, the individual pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) function as separate fluid temperature retainers, while the fluid in the conduit pieces (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E) emits the more direct temperature from the fluid to the wearer's bio-sensory system. In such an implementation, the user only needs to apply some force (e.g., squeeze the conduit, squeeze one or more of the pieces, etc.) to the jewelry system 100 to force the enclosed fluid of one or more of the pieces (108, 110, 112, and/or 114) into the conduits pieces (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E) so that the wearer experiences the desired fluid temperature from the jewelry system 100.

It is to be appreciated that alternatively, the conduit system can be a double conduit loop where the double conduit loops (folds) back on itself at the capped point 116, such that the fluid can be available in two side-by-side conduits that ultimately terminate at the opening 106.

In a more simplistic implementation of system 100, the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) are not interconnected with conduit pieces (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E), but rather pairing a necklace material such as silk, for example, for maintaining the jewelry system 100 as a suspended set of the four jewelry pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114). Thus, the jewelry pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) may not include the I-ports and/or the O-ports for fluid insertion and draining, such that now the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can be sealed with a material, fluid, temperature-retaining compound, etc., such that one, some or all of the pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) can be pre-configured to a specific temperature (cooler or warmer).

The term pairing is intended to comprise electronic pairing typically employed when connecting to a Bluetooth (BT) technology utilized in smart phones, electronic devices, and computing systems.

Accordingly, the jewelry system 100 can comprise one or more jewelry pieces, where one or more of the pieces is pre-configured to an initial temperature relative to an ambient temperature of an environment in which the piece of jewelry will be presented.

The suspension system (pieces 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E can be connected to the piece(s) of jewelry for suspended presentation in the environment, and to enable contact of the suspended piece(s) of jewelry with a tactile surface while in the environment, wherein contact with the tactile surface over a contact time imparts a current temperature of the piece of jewelry to the tactile surface thereby causing a repetitive change in the current temperature of the piece of jewelry over the contact time.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of a “dynamic” personal temperature-controlled jewelry system 200 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Here, any one of the pieces (108, 110, 112, or 114) can serve as a controller (CTLR) that operates to ensure fluid of a specific temperature is circulating through the jewelry system 200 such that the wearer experiences the desired temperature. Here, piece 112 is configured as the controller, where (cool) fluid circulation can be made to occur via the pumping or flow action imparted by controller piece 112 into the conduit sub-system. Such fluid flow or circulation control enables the fluid temperature to average out at a slower temperature reduction or slower temperature increase over the time the user wears the system 200.

This can be accomplished via a pairing (where “pairing” is defined as a process of establishing a wireless connection between the jewelry system 200 and a set of “smart” eye-ware (also, eye-glasses frame comprising computing capability for wired/wireless communications with the jewelry system 200 for processing control settings related at least to temperature of the jewelry system 200), for example. It is to be appreciated that given the controller capability with the jewelry system 200, communications can also be established via other electronic devices, such as a smart (cell) phone. In this instance, an application can be designed for download in the cell phone to enable user interaction with the system 200.

This dynamic (fluid flow) jewelry system 200 can also be configured as a sealed system; however, the dynamic aspect is realized by the controller piece 112 operating to push the fluid through the conduits and pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114) continuously, or periodically. This jewelry system 200 can also initially be chilled in a jewelry box that functions as a cooler to cool the system fluid and pieces (and piece internal fluid volumes) to the desired temperature.

The controller part of the system 200 can comprise a magnetically-coupled fluid drive system, the drive capability located external to the piece 112, and the fluid propulsion system located internal, in the conduit fluid and/or in the internal fluid volume of the piece 112, wherein fluid flow is enabled when the magnetically-coupled propulsion system in the fluid space is operated (e.g., forced to rotate, forced to pump, etc.) to force fluid flow through the jewelry system 200.

In this “dynamic” approach, the jewelry system 200 can also be designed as a “closed system,” where the ends 106 and 116 are coupled together and the internal fluid is cycled (“pumped”) through the jewelry system 200, at least when being worn. The coupling-together function of the ends 106 and 116 can be achieved using a conduit-designed clasp piece 118, (these non-primed numerals 106, 116, and 118 indicating the prior connection state such as no connection between the ends 106 and 116, connection of end 106 to an external port while other end 116 is capped, etc.), such that when the ends 106′ and 116′ are coupled respectively to corresponding ends A and B of the clasp piece 118′ (these prime annotated numerals 106′, 116′, and 118′ indicating the latter connection state shown in a larger view 120′), the closed system and suspension function can be achieved to secure suspension of the jewelry system 200 on the wearer, while enabling fluid flow within the closed system.

Optionally, the fluid pumping action can be enabled (manually, or automatically based on a fluid temperature value). For example, this pumping action can be triggered automatically when the system 200 is placed in a jewelry box “cooler”, to more quickly reduce the temperature of the internal fluid, thereby increasing the rate at which the fluid reaches the desired “wearing” temperature, and lessening the time to the next use of the jewelry system 200. Similarly, the pumping action can be manually enabled by the user before or as the jewelry system 200 is placed into a cooling container, for example, to be cooled down before wearing.

In operation, when worn for a period of time, the jewelry system 200 may gradually reach a temperature different than the temperature desired by the wearer (e.g., too warm). Thus, the user then removes the jewelry system 200, and reinstitutes the temperature infusing process (e.g., placement in a compatible jewelry box capable of the cooling operation, etc.) to reach the desired temperature before again wearing the jewelry system 200.

As before with the jewelry system 100, the jewelry system 200 (e.g., about the neck (as a necklace), about an ankle (worn on an ankle), about a wrist, about the waist (e.g., a string of jewelry suspended around the waistline)) can be worn and controlled (configured) to deliver (impart) a specific range of fluid temperatures to the wearer whether the jewelry system 200 is in direct tactile contact with the skin of the wearer or whether the jewelry system 200 provides a proximate, but indirect, contact (e.g., rests on a layer of material overlaying the skin) to the wearer.

FIG. 2 can further comprise an external item of personal user equipment 206 (e.g., smart phone, eyeglasses frame, handheld controller which can be pocketed, etc.), and which enables wireless communications 204 (e.g., Bluetooth, near-field communications, etc.) between the equipment 206 and the CTLR, to read the existing temperature of the CTLR piece 112, and where included, initiate a change in temperature of the temperature-changing technology operating as part of the piece 112, and/or one or more of the other pieces 108, 110, 114.

In one instance, the sup-piece 112 can further comprise a solid state thermo-electric cooling technology (e.g., by Applied Thermoelectric Solutions) where a Peltier effect is generated relative to ceramic plates: a cooling plate, and a heating plate. Such technology can also be scaled (e.g., microwatts to kilowatts) to be applied to the requirements of the system to which the technology is applied. The technology also enables “spot” cooling of specific sites on the device to be temperature controlled. Moreover, cooling is possible below the ambient temperature.

In this embodiment, no internal liquids are required to attain the desired temperature effects and the power requirements to drive (supply) the technology can be minimal for a minimal application and larger for incrementally larger cooling application. Additionally, the rate of attainable coolness is fast, and can be scaled when utilizing multiple modules in cascade arrangement for faster cooling output. However, the combination of cool temperature retaining liquids in the pieces used in combination with the chilling effects of the thermoelectric cells can provide a longer-lasting temperature effect for the wearer.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the equipment 206 can be a frame for eyeglasses, where one or more parts 208 of the frame can be designed to include data acquisition and control technology to periodically sense the temperature data of one or all of the pieces (108, 110, 112 and/or 114), process these data, and then initiate adjustment signals to all or some of the pieces to effect temperature outputs of pieces that each may need to attain a specific cooling temperature while being worn.

In support thereof, the frame 206 can further comprise a frame (remote) controller (CTLR) module 208 which enables manual and/or automatic control of the temperature outputs of one, some, or all the pieces being worn for the specific jewelry system. The module 208 can be powered by an onboard power subsystem 210 using replaceable batteries and/or a USB communication and/or charging technology for recharging the frame 206 when needed.

The module 208 can be designed into one frame arm 212 or both frame arms (the first arm 212 and a second arm 214). The power subsystem 210 can be duplicated in the second frame arm 214 to provide more power for additional temperature control in different ambient temperature environments.

The frame CTLR module 208 can further comprise one or more control buttons which enable the wearer to manually adjust the temperature output from one or more of the pieces (108, 110, 112, and/or 114). While the control settings for any given jewelry system can be programmed, settings execution can be enabled automatically and/or manually. Settings input for a given jewelry system can be received (uploaded) and stored in the Frame CTLR module 208, in and with the compatible software of a smart phone, or both. Accordingly, when a specific jewelry system is selected to be worn, the given jewelry system can be scanned for an identifying code which then enables the jewelry system to then (download) operate accordingly to previously stored settings for the jewelry system. The CTLR systems (112 and 208) are sufficiently enabled to sense the ambient temperature and then adjust the cooling capabilities of the piece(s) of a given jewelry assembly, accordingly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of a personal temperature-controlled jewelry system 300 that employs a wireless fluid circulation and temperature control in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Here, a portable controller (PCD CTLR) 302 wirelessly connects to the suspended use or resting placement of the jewelry system 300. The controller 302 need not be a piece of the jewelry system 300, but be a small portable handheld device carried in a pocket, for example, to monitor fluid temperature and control fluid flow throughout the jewelry system 300.

The controller 302 can communicate wirelessly (and/or wired) to a receiver/transceiver sub-system 304 embodied as part of the piece 108 in the (conduit) loop of the system 300, to enable fluid flow internal to the conduit pieces (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and 104E) and pieces (108, 110, 112, and 114), as well as fluid temperature monitoring and temperature control, whether the system 300 is a closed or open system.

The PCD CTLR 302 functionality can be embodied as a piece of software downloadable to a smart phone, and via which the user can sense and control fluid flow, sense and control temperature, store associated data of each, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates a jewelry piece configuration 400 in a temperature cooled jewelry system 404. The piece configuration 400 includes a piece 402, which can be the sole piece of the configuration 400, or one of multiple pieces (e.g., piece 406 and piece 408) suspended on a strand (strands) of material 410 (e.g., fiber, metal, cloth, silk, etc.) sufficient to securely wear the jewelry system 404.

The piece 402 can include an internal tank 412 (or volume) of fluid 414 chilled to a temperature suitable for imparting cooling comfort to the user. (Still alternatively, it can be the case that piece 402 is the only piece of this system 404, and yet which includes the capability to be cooled and then worn to impart a cool tactile touch to the wearer.) Still alternatively, multiple additional pieces 406 and 408 can each be configured with an internal fluid tank which is chilled in preparation for wearing the jewelry system 404.

In this alternative embodiment, no fluid circulation among the cooling-enabled pieces can be realized, since the strand of material 410 is not designed as tubular to enable fluid flow therethrough. Accordingly, in operation, the user chills the entire jewelry system 404 in a cooler box/bag, etc., such that each of the individual piece(s) (402, 406, and 408) can impart cooling comfort to the wearer when worn.

The piece 402 can also be constructed of an insulating material 416 which enhances longevity of the cooling temperature of the fluid 414 such that the user can enjoy the jewelry system 404 over a longer period of time. The insulating material 416 can be such quality or composition that the rate of migration/propagation of the coolness from the fluid 414 in the tank 412 of the piece 402 through the insulting material 416 to an outside location/surface 418 of the material 416 where the location 418 contacts or impart coolness to the wearer, is optimized to provide cooling comfort over time of the use of the system 404.

Note that although the piece 402 may resemble a cylinder, this is only for discussion and illustrative purposes, since the piece 402 could be more effective as a more flattened object (e.g., a rectangular volume, square volume, circular volume with two flat parallel sides (similar to a coin), an elliptical volume with two flat parallel sides, etc.) with greater contact surface area from which to impart the cooling effect to the tactile site of the wearer.

FIG. 5 illustrates a jewelry necklace system 500 having a single jewelry piece 502 suspended on a necklace 504, and which can benefit from the disclosed temperature architecture when utilizing a piggy-back implementation 506. The jewelry piece 502 is shown with a backside 508, on which a cooling piece 510 can be attached such that a cooling effect can be imparted to the wearer.

The mechanism employed to accomplish attachment to the piece 502 can be many, such as hook-and-loop technology, magnetics, clips, clamps, temporary contact tapes, and so on, such that the user can easily replace the piece 510 over a period of time in which the cooling effect becomes less effective according to the preferences of the wearer. Thus, the user can now carry multiple chilled replacement pieces to replace the prior piece 510 that has become less effective.

In an alternative implementation, the piece 510 can be “rejuvenated” such that the wearer can connect the piece 510 to a rejuvenation system 512 via a port 514 to replace the now ineffective fluid (e.g., fluid 414) with effective coolant 516. The process can be facilitated via an exchange tubing 518 that enables removal of the ineffective fluid and insertion of the effective coolant 516.

Note that while the description focuses on utilizing the disclosed architecture in environments where the use chooses to seek cooling relief amid an ambient temperature which may be warmer, the disclosed architecture applies as well where the use chooses to seek warming relief amid an ambient temperature which may be cooler.

FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement 600 where the jewelry necklace system 500 of FIG. 5 now utilizes a flatter volume of piece 602 utilizing a piggy-back implementation 604. The piece 602 is designed to be similar in shape and form to the jewelry piece 502 so as to be inconspicuous to people other than the wearer when attached to the backside 508 of the jewelry piece 502. Additionally, the piece 602 presents a greater surface area such that the wearer receives a more effective cooling experience off the contact surface 606 which interacts to the tactile surface of the wearer.

In one implementation, the piece 602 can be (custom) designed for the specific jewelry piece 502 to imitate the perimeter contours so as to appear to provide a high degree of likeness to the jewelry piece 502 in shape, color, texture, size, and surface contours. Thus, if the jewelry piece 502 happens to flip over momentarily thereby exposing the backside of the piece 502, a viewer may not notice that the piece 602 is an object not part of the actual jewelry piece 502.

As before, the piece 602 can be “rejuvenated” such that the wearer can connect the rejuvenation system 512 to the piece 602 to via a port 608 to replace the now less effective fluid (e.g., fluid 610 shown within a dashed-line box which enables insight into the interior volume of the piece 602) with effective coolant 516. The process can be facilitated via the exchange tubing 518 which enables removal of the ineffective fluid (e.g., fluid 610) and insertion of the more effective coolant 516.

Examples of coolant technologies which can be used in “rejuvenation” can also include spray-cooling or spray-chilling technology of fluids that emit coldness when expanding, such as fluids that can be sprayed on objects for a fast-chilling effect (e.g., food processing). Evaporative cooling is a reason for coldness generation and is best realized by liquids with low boiling points such as alcohol, which evaporates efficiently and quickly. The phase change requires energy, which is absorbed from the surroundings as heat. The absorption process results in a decrease in temperature as the heat is absorbed from the surrounding environment as heat, thusly, a cooling sensation.

Accordingly, in one implementation, the piece 602 can be made to release a small amount of the fluid 610 which then results in a cooling effect from the piece 602. This process can then be repeated over time by the wearer until the fluid is expended entirely, and thereafter “rejuvenated”. The wearer can also obtain the cooling effect from the jewelry by spraying the jewelry with an aerosol (propellant) coolant, such that the jewelry prices can become cold to a temperature that the wearer can withstand; thus, a customized cooling effect.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bust-mounted ornamental jewelry necklace system 700 styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The necklace system 700 comprises a necklace 702 constructed of various pieces 704 of differing shapes and sizes. The necklace 702 can be customized by increasing or decreasing the number and types of pieces 704. For example, the pieces 704 include large ornamental disks of a specific color and several spherical and near spherical pieces of similar or matching color coordination, and various sizes.

The necklace 702 can be assembled by the wearer for an optimum cooling (or warming) experience along with the desired ornamentation and shapes of the pieces 704. Some or all of the pieces 704 can have internal unfilled volumes, and some or all of which can hold a liquid of an initial temperature. Thus, the user/wearer can “prepare” the pieces prior to assembly by heating or cooling selected ones, and then assembling the pieces 704 to form the necklace 702 just prior to departure to outside conditions and to a specific inside/outside event.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bust-mounted jewelry necklace system 800 styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The necklace system 800 comprises a necklace 802 constructed of various pieces 804 of a same shape, ornamentation, and size. The necklace 802 can be customized by increasing or decreasing the number of pieces 804.

The necklace 802 can be assembled by the wearer for an optimum cooling (or warming) experience along with the desired ornamentation and shapes of the pieces 804. Some, none, or all of the pieces 804 can have internal unfilled volumes, and some or all of which can hold a liquid of an initial temperature. Thus, the user/wearer can “prepare” the pieces prior to assembly by heating or cooling selected ones, and then assembling the pieces 804 to form the necklace 802 just prior to departure to outside conditions and to a specific inside/outside event.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bust-mounted jewelry necklace system 900 styled and worn according to a customized temperature by a wearer, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The ornamental necklace system 900 comprises a double-strand necklace 902 constructed of various pieces 904 of a same shape, color, and size. The necklace 902 can be customized by increasing or decreasing the number of pieces 904.

The necklace 902 can be assembled by the wearer for an optimum cooling (or warming) experience along with the desired ornamentation and shapes of the pieces 904. Some, none, or all of the pieces 904 can have internal unfilled volumes, and some or all of which can hold a liquid of an initial temperature. Thus, the user/wearer can “prepare” the pieces prior to assembly by heating or cooling selected ones, and then assembling the pieces 904 to form the necklace 902 just prior to departure to outside conditions and to a specific inside/outside event.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a method 1000 in accordance with disclosed embodiments. At 1002, a jewelry piece is configured to an initial temperature relative to an ambient temperature of an environment in which the piece of jewelry will be presented. At 1004, the jewelry piece is attached to a suspension system for suspended presentation in the environment. At 1006, contact the suspended jewelry piece with a tactile surface while in the environment. At 1008, temperature changes of the jewelry piece while in the environment are enabled to be imparted to the tactile surface according to a contact span of time.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an alternative method 1100 in accordance with disclosed embodiments. At 1102, an ornamental necklace is received as a jewelry suspension subsystem. At 1104, a local control subsystem is suspended from the ornamental necklace, the local control subsystem configured to at least one of monitor or control temperature parameters of an ornamental jewelry piece. At 1106, a remote control subsystem is received and configured to transceive the temperature parameters of the local control subsystem and control the temperature of the ornamental jewelry piece.

The method can also further comprise receiving an eyewear frame and mounting the remote control subsystem to the eyewear frame, and automatically establishing a secure communication link between the remote control subsystem and the local control subsystem according to a wireless communication technology. The method can further comprise wirelessly communicating monitor and control settings related to the temperature of the ornamental jewelry piece, between the local control system and remote control system.

The method can further comprise configuring the ornamental necklace as a set of one or more daisy-chained conduits capable of at least one of conducting electrical power to the ornamental jewelry piece for temperature control or routing temperature controlled liquid therethrough for temperature control of the ornamental jewelry piece.

What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.