Bracelets, bag charms, and accessories

Abstract

This enables the provision of bracelets, bag charms, and accessories that enhance the appeal of the items. [Solution] The bracelet 1 is an accessory that incorporates a component (IC tag 35) having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data through communication by a predetermined device (smartphone 5), and is equipped with a cover (communication wave reflecting cover 32) that covers the component having the electronic recording medium in an openable and closable state, the cover being made of a material that can block communication by the predetermined device, enabling communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when open, and blocking communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when closed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to bracelets, bag charms and accessories used as personal ornaments and decorative items. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, as accessories, for example, the palm bracelet described in Patent Document 1 used as a personal ornament and bag charms used as decorative items have been widespread. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2018-505011 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In recent years, portable electronic devices such as smartphones and smartwatches have become widespread, and the mere decorative function of conventional accessories such as bracelets and bag charms has made it impossible to fully appeal to the attractiveness of such articles.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bracelet, a bag charm and an accessory that can enhance the attractiveness as an article. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The bracelet according to a first aspect of the present invention incorporates a member having an electronic recording medium.

[0007] The bag charm according to a second aspect of the present invention incorporates a member having an electronic recording medium.

[0008] The member having an electronic recording medium of the present invention allows data relating to an individual to be read and written by a predetermined device

[0009] An accessory in a third aspect of the present invention is an accessory incorporating a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data by communication using a predetermined device, and further comprising a cover that covers the component having the electronic recording medium in an openable and closable manner. The cover of the present invention is made of a material that can block communication by the aforementioned predetermined device.

[0010] Preferably, the accessory of the present invention is an accessory incorporating a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data by communication using a predetermined device, the accessory comprising a cover that covers the component having the electronic recording medium in an openable and closable state, the cover being made of a material that can block communication by the predetermined device, enabling communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when open, and blocking communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The bracelets, bag charms, and accessories of this invention make it possible to enhance the appeal of the items. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing a communication unit of a bracelet according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an assembled perspective view showing the closed state of the cover of the communication unit of the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an assembled perspective view showing the cover open state of the communication unit of a bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to use the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a bracelet according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a bag charm according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment>

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a bracelet according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a communication unit of the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing a state where a cover of the communication unit of the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention is closed. FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view showing a state where a cover of the communication unit of the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention is open. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a method of using the bracelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] <Configuration of Bracelet According to First Embodiment> In FIG. 1, the bracelet 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a chain body 2 and a communication unit 3.

[0016] The chain body 2 includes a main decorative ring 21, left sub decorative rings 22L, 23L, 24L, a left male fastener 25L, right sub decorative rings 22R, 23R, 24R, and a right female fastener 25R.

[0017] The communication unit 3 includes a frame body 31, a communication wave reflective cover 32, communication wave transmissive covers 33 and 34, and an IC tag 35.

[0018] In the chain body 2, the left side of the main decorative ring 21 is connected to the left sub decorative ring 22L. The left sub decorative ring 22L is connected to the left sub decorative ring 23L. The left sub decorative ring 23L is connected to the left sub decorative ring 24L. A left hooking side fastener 25L is welded and fixed to the left sub decorative ring 24L.

[0019] The right side of the main decorative ring 21 is connected to the right sub decorative ring 22R. The right sub decorative ring 22R is connected to the right sub decorative ring 23R. The right sub decorative ring 23R is connected to the right sub decorative ring 24R. A right receiving side fastener 25R is welded and fixed to the right sub decorative ring 24R.

[0020] The left hooking side fastener 25L adopts a spring ring type fastener, and is composed of an annular spring ring main body 25aL, a spring inserted into the hollow tube of the spring ring main body 25aL, and a sliding pin 25bL which is also accommodated in the hollow tube and slides.

[0021] For the left hooking side fastener 25L, a gap is formed between portions of the spring ring main body 25aL by moving the sliding pin 25bL, and by inserting the right receiving side fastener 25R into this gap, the left hooking side fastener 25L and the right receiving side fastener 25R are connected to each other.

[0022] The lower side of the main decorative ring 21 is connected to the U-shaped portion 31c of the frame main body 31 of the communication unit 3.

[0023] In FIG. 2, the frame main body 31 of the communication unit 3 is formed in a plate shape from a material that reflects communication waves (electromagnetic waves for communication, which are NFC communication waves in the first embodiment, the material is stainless steel in the first embodiment). A thick plate portion 31a having a large front-rear thickness is provided on an upper portion (front side in FIG. 2), and the lower side of the thick plate portion 31a serves as a thin plate portion 31b.

[0024] A U-shaped portion 31c through which the lower side of the main decorative ring 21 passes is provided on an upper surface of the thick plate portion 31a.

[0025] A groove 31d is formed on the upper part of the left front edge of the thin plate portion 31b, passing through the middle section and towards the bottom. A groove 31e is formed on the upper part of the right front edge of the thin plate portion 31b, passing through the middle section and towards the bottom.

[0026] A groove 31f is formed on the lower part of the left edge of the back surface of the thin plate portion 31b, running from the top through the middle section. A groove 31g is formed on the lower part of the right edge of the back surface of the thin plate portion 31b, running from the top through the middle section. A rectangular through-hole 31h is formed near the top of the thin plate portion 31b.

[0027] The communication wave reflective cover 32 is formed in a U-shape by press-forming a plate of a material (stainless steel in the first embodiment) that reflects communication waves (electromagnetic waves for communication, NFC communication waves in the first embodiment), and comprises a front portion 32a, a bottom portion 32b, and a rear portion 32c.

[0028] The inner surface of the front section 32a is the same size as the front of the thin plate section 31b. The inner surface of the bottom section 32b is the same size as the bottom of the thin plate section 31b. The inner surface of the back section 32b is the same size as the back of the thin plate section 31b.

[0029] On the left and right sides of the upper edge of the front portion 32a, inwardly folded locking pieces 32d and 32e are formed. On the left and right sides of the upper edge of the rear portion 32c, inwardly folded locking pieces 32f and 32g are formed. A heart-shaped decoration 32h is formed in the center of the front section 32a.

[0030] The front-facing communication wave-transmitting cover 33 is formed in a box-half shape using a mold from a material that transmits communication waves (transparent polycarbonate in the first embodiment). The back side of the front-facing communication wave-transmitting cover 33 is a recess 33a.

[0031] The front-facing communication wave-transmitting cover 33 is bonded and fixed to the front side of the penetration portion 31h of the frame body 31 using ultraviolet-curing adhesive.

[0032] The communication wave-transmitting cover 34 on the rear side is formed in a box-half shape using a mold from a material that transmits communication waves (transparent polycarbonate in the first embodiment). The front side of the communication wave-transmitting cover 34 on the rear side is a recess 34a.

[0033] An IC tag 35 is bonded and fixed to the recess 34a using an ultraviolet-curing adhesive. The IC tag 35 uses a component (an NFC tag in the first embodiment) that has an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data through communication (NFC communication in the first embodiment) by a predetermined device (a smartphone in the first embodiment).

[0034] The communication wave-transmitting cover 34 on the back side is bonded and fixed to the back side of the penetration portion 31h of the frame body 31 using ultraviolet-curing adhesive.

[0035] In the assembled state shown in Figures 3 and 4, the communication unit 3 has its locking pieces 32d, 32e, 32f, and 32g of the communication wave reflecting cover 32 inserted into the grooves 31d, 31e, 31f, and 31g of the thin plate portion 31b of the frame body 31, respectively, so that the communication wave reflecting cover 32 can slide relative to the frame body 31.

[0036] <Method of using the bracelet according to the first embodiment> When the communication unit 3 is not performing communication, such as when the bracelet 1 is normally worn, the communication wave reflection cover 32 is slid to its uppermost position relative to the frame body 31, as shown in Figure 3.

[0037] In this state, the locking pieces 32d, 32e, 32f, and 32g of the communication wave reflecting cover 32 come into contact with the upper ends of the grooves 31d, 31e, 31f, and 31g of the thin plate portion 31b of the frame body 31, respectively, preventing further upward sliding of the communication wave reflecting cover 32.

[0038] As a result, the front portion 32a of the communication wave reflective cover 32 covers the front of the thin plate portion 31b, and the back portion 32b of the communication wave reflective cover 32 covers the back of the thin plate portion 31b. Therefore, the front-side communication wave transparent cover 33, the back-side communication wave transparent cover 34, and the IC tag 35, which are fixed to the through portion 31h of the frame body 31, are covered by the frame body 31 and the communication wave reflective cover 32, which reflect communication waves, and communication with the outside of the communication unit 3 is blocked.

[0039] When the communication unit 3 of the bracelet 1 communicates with a predetermined device (a smartphone in the first embodiment) (NFC communication in the first embodiment), the communication wave reflection cover 32 is slid to its lowest position relative to the frame body 31, as shown in Figure 4.

[0040] In this state, the locking pieces 32d, 32e, 32f, and 32g of the communication wave reflecting cover 32 come into contact with the lower ends of the grooves 31d, 31e, 31f, and 31g of the thin plate portion 31b of the frame body 31, respectively, preventing further downward sliding of the communication wave reflecting cover 32.

[0041] As a result, the front portion 32a and the rear portion 32b of the communication wave reflecting cover 32 are removed from the front communication wave transparent cover 33, the rear communication wave transparent cover 34, and the IC tag 35, which are fixed to the penetration portion 31h.

[0042] As a result, the front-side communication wave-transmitting cover 33, the rear-side communication wave-transmitting cover 34, and the IC tag 35 are electromagnetically exposed from the communication wave-reflecting cover 32, which reflects communication waves, enabling communication with the outside of the communication unit 3.

[0043] The following explanation of communication between the communication unit 3 of the bracelet 1 and a predetermined device, a smartphone 5, will be given using Figure 5.

[0044] In Figure 5, User 4 is wearing the bracelet 1. When a person other than User 4 communicates with the communication unit 3 of the bracelet 1 using a smartphone 5, User 4 slides the communication wave reflecting cover 32 to its lowest position relative to the frame body 31 (see Figure 4).

[0045] After this, a person other than user 4 operates smartphone 5 to launch a dedicated application for communicating with communication unit 3, and then operates the dedicated application to communicate with IC tag 35. In this case, the communication wave-transmitting covers 33 and 34 allow communication waves from smartphone 5 and IC tag 35 to pass through.

[0046] Through communication between the smartphone 5 and the IC tag 35, display data is read from the IC tag 35, converted into a communication wave, and transmitted to the smartphone 5. The user 4's profile screen 52 is then displayed on the smartphone 5's display screen 51. The profile screen 52 displays the user 4's photo image 53, the user 4's name as a text image 54, the user 4's age as a text image 55, the user 4's job title as a text image 56, and so on.

[0047] <Configuration and Effects of the First Embodiment> The configuration and effects of the first embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The bracelet 1 of the first embodiment incorporates a component (IC tag 35) having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device (smartphone 5).

[0048] Furthermore, the bracelet 1 of the first embodiment is an accessory incorporating a component (IC tag 35) having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data through communication by a predetermined device (smartphone 5), and includes a cover (communication wave reflecting cover 32) that covers the component having the electronic recording medium in an openable and closable state, the cover being made of a material that can block communication by the predetermined device, enabling communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when open, and blocking communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when closed.

[0049] According to the bracelet 1 of the first embodiment, since it incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device, communication with the predetermined device becomes possible. For example, as shown in Figure 5, it becomes possible to display the profile screen 52 of user 4 on a predetermined device (smartphone 5) owned by a person other than user 4 of the bracelet 1, thereby providing a bracelet 1 that is more appealing as an item.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the bracelet 1 of the first embodiment, by closing the cover (communication wave reflection cover 32), communication between the predetermined device and the member having the electronic recording medium is blocked, thus preventing unintended communications by the user, such as communication with a third party.

[0051] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, NFC communication waves were used as the communication waves, but it is also possible to use communication waves other than NFC communication waves, such as infrared communication waves.

[0052] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, stainless steel was used as the material that reflects communication waves for the frame body 31 and the communication wave reflecting cover 32 of the communication unit 3. However, other materials, such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum alloy, may be used as the material that reflects communication waves. In addition, radio wave absorbing material may be used as the material that blocks communication for the frame body 31 and the communication wave reflecting cover 32 of the communication unit 3.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, an NFC tag was used as the component having an electronic recording medium, but various other components, such as RFID tags, can be applied as the component having an electronic recording medium.

[0054] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, a smartphone was used as the predetermined device for communicating with the component having an electronic recording medium (IC tag 35), but other devices such as tablet PCs and smartwatches can also be used as the predetermined device.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, transparent polycarbonate was used as the material that transmits communication waves for the communication wave-transmitting covers 33 and 34. However, other materials such as other synthetic resins like polyvinyl chloride, cloth, paper, glass, etc., can also be used as the material that transmits communication waves.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> Figure 6(a) is a front view showing the main parts of a bracelet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment using Figure 6(a), the same components as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] <Bracelet configuration according to the second embodiment> In Figure 6(a), the bracelet 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of a chain body 2 and a communication unit 7.

[0058] The communication unit 7 consists of a cloth storage bag 71 that transmits communication waves and an IC tag 35. The storage bag 71 is attached to the chain body 2 with the IC tag 35 inside.

[0059] The IC tag 35 communicates with a designated device (for example, the smartphone 5 shown in Figure 5) via the fabric of the storage bag 71. <Configuration and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The configuration and effects of this second embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The bracelet 6 of the second embodiment incorporates an electronic recording medium (IC tag 35) that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device (smartphone 5).

[0060] According to the bracelet 6 of the second embodiment, since it incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device, it becomes possible to provide a bracelet 6 that can communicate with a predetermined device and enhance its appeal as an item.

[0061] <Third Embodiment> Figure 6(b) is a perspective view showing a bag charm and a part of a bag according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment using Figure 6(b), the same components as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] <Configuration of the bag charm according to the third embodiment> In Figure 6(b), the bag charm 8 according to the first embodiment of the present invention consists of a strap 9 and a communication unit 3 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0063] The strap 9 consists of a decorative strap body 9a, a receiving fastener 9b, and a hanging fastener 9c.

[0064] The strap body 9a is threaded through the U-shaped portion 31c of the communication unit 3. A decorative portion 9d is formed at one end of the strap body 9a, and a decorative portion 9e is formed at the other end of the strap body 9a.

[0065] A receiving fastener 9b is attached to one end of the strap body 9a, and a hanging fastener 9c is attached to the other end of the strap body 9a.

[0066] On the other hand, the bag 10 to which the bag charm 8 is attached has handles 10b and 10c sewn onto the top surface of the bag body 10a.

[0067] When attaching the bag charm 8 to the handle 10b of the bag 10, the receiving fastener 10b and the hanging fastener 10c of the strap 9 are separated, the strap body 9a is passed through the handle 10b of the bag 10, and then the receiving fastener 10b and the hanging fastener 10c are connected.

[0068] <Method of using the bag charm according to the third embodiment> When the communication unit 3 is not performing communication, such as when the bag charm 8 is normally attached, the communication wave reflecting cover 32 is slid to its uppermost position relative to the frame body 31, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the IC tag 35 is blocked from communicating with the outside of the communication unit 3.

[0069] When the communication unit 3 of the bag charm 8 communicates with a predetermined device (a smartphone in the third embodiment) (NFC communication in the third embodiment), the communication wave reflection cover 32 is slid to its lowest position relative to the frame body 31, as shown in Figure 4.

[0070] As a result, the IC tag 35 is electromagnetically exposed from the communication wave reflective cover 32 that reflects communication waves, enabling communication with a predetermined device outside the communication unit 3.

[0071] <Configuration and Effects of the Third Embodiment> The configuration and effects of this third embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The bag charm 8 of the third embodiment incorporates an electronic recording medium (IC tag 35) that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device (smartphone 5).

[0072] Furthermore, the bag charm 8 of the third embodiment is an accessory incorporating a component (IC tag 35) having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data through communication by a predetermined device (smartphone 5), and includes a cover (communication wave reflecting cover 32) that covers the component having the electronic recording medium in an openable and closable state, the cover being made of a material that can block communication by the predetermined device, enabling communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when open, and blocking communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium when closed.

[0073] According to the third embodiment of the bag charm 8, since it incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device, it becomes possible to communicate with the predetermined device. For example, it becomes possible to display the user's profile screen on a predetermined device owned by a person other than the user of the bag charm 8, thereby providing a bag charm 8 that enhances the appeal of the item.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the bag charm 8 of the third embodiment, by closing the cover (communication wave reflecting cover 32), communication between the predetermined device and the component having the electronic recording medium is blocked, thereby preventing unintended communications by the user, such as communication with a third party.

[0075] <Fourth Embodiment> A bag charm according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. <Configuration of the bag charm according to the fourth embodiment> A bag charm according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention consists of a strap 9 shown in Figure 6(b) and a communication unit 7 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0076] The storage bag 71 for the communication unit 7 (see Figure 6(a)) is attached to the strap 9 (see Figure 6(b)) with the IC tag 35 (see Figure 6(a)) inside.

[0077] The IC tag 35 communicates with a designated device (for example, the smartphone 5 shown in Figure 5) via the fabric of the storage bag 71. <Configuration and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> The configuration and effects of this fourth embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The bag charm of the fourth embodiment incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device.

[0078] According to the bag charm of the fourth embodiment, since it incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a predetermined device, it becomes possible to provide a bag charm that can communicate with a predetermined device and enhance the appeal of the item.

[0079] In the first to fourth embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, a bracelet or bag charm was used as the accessory to which the present invention is applied. However, other items such as badges, headbands, brooches, etc., can also be used as accessories.

[0080] As described above, the components and means constituting the bracelet, bag charm, and accessory of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Depending on the intended use of the bracelet, bag charm, and accessory, the shape of each part can be changed, only the necessary components and means can be used, or other devices and means can be added as appropriate.

[0081] For example, the opening and closing mechanism of the communication wave reflection cover 32 of the communication unit 3 is not limited to a sliding type; a hinged door type may also be used.

[0082] As a variation of the first and third embodiments, a component having an electronic recording medium (IC tag 35) may be fixed to the main body of the accessory, and a lid-type cover made of a material that can block communication by a predetermined device (smartphone 5) and covers the component (IC tag 35) in an openable and closable state (for example, by opening to the side or sliding to the side) may be attached to the main body of the accessory via a hinge, a pivot shaft, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the accessory of the present invention may be applied to something like a locket-type pendant. In addition, perforated parts may be used in various parts of the accessory (for parts that do not block communication, transparent or semi-transparent glass or synthetic resin can be used as is. For parts that block communication, this can be achieved by coating a thin film of metal such as gold or silver onto the transparent or semi-transparent glass or synthetic resin material).

[0084] Furthermore, instead of configuring each component or means as separate entities, they may be configured as components or means that integrate multiple functions.

[0085] Furthermore, the structure, materials, connections between components, chemical substances, etc., of the present invention can be modified in various ways without altering the essence of the invention.

[0086] Furthermore, the materials can be freely selected from options such as paper, metal, plastic, FRP, and wood.

[0087] Furthermore, it is possible to combine two or more components into one, or conversely, to construct one component from two or more other components and connect them.

[0088] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely four of the best possible forms or forms that come close to them at present.

[0089] <Definition, etc.> The bracelet, bag charm, and accessory in this invention may be any type of bracelet, bag charm, or accessory that incorporates a component having an electronic recording medium capable of reading and writing personal data using a predetermined device. An example of a component having an electronic recording medium in the present invention is an NFC tag. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Bracelet 2 Chain body 3. Communication Unit 21 Main decorative ring 22L, 23L, 24L Left-side sub-decorative ring 25L Hanging fastener 22R, 23R, 24R Right-side sub-decorative rings 25R receiving fastener 31 Frame body 32 Communication wave reflective cover 33, 34 Communication wave transparent cover 35 IC tags 25aL pull ring body 25bL sliding pin 31 Frame body 31a Thick plate section 31b Thin plate part U-shaped part 31c 31d, 31e, 31f, 31g Groove 31h Penetration 32a Front section 32b Bottom part 32c back part 32d, 32e, 32f, 32g locking piece 32h decoration 33a, 34a recesses 4 users 5. Smartphone 51 Display screen 52 Profile screen 53 Photo Images 54, 55, 56 Text Images 6 Bracelets 7. Communication Unit 71 Storage bag 8 Bag Charms 9 straps Strap body 9a 9b Receiving fastener 9c Hanging fastener 10 bags 10a Bag body 10b, 10c handle

Claims

1. A bracelet incorporating a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data using a designated device.

2. A bag charm incorporating a component having an electronic recording medium that allows reading and writing of personal data using a designated device.

3. An accessory incorporating a component having an electronic recording medium that can read and write personal data via communication using a specified device, The member having the electronic recording medium is covered by a cover that can be opened and closed, The cover is made of a material that can block communication by the predetermined device, and when open, it allows communication between the predetermined device and the member having the electronic recording medium, and when closed, it blocks communication between the predetermined device and the member having the electronic recording medium.

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