Modular electronic badge

A modular electronic message badge has a detachable lamp unit which contains a light bulb associated with an interchangeable lens cover. A power pack unit provides one protected enclosure for receipt of electronic components or circuitry, and another portion defining a chamber, which opens to the exterior of the power pack unit for receipt of a battery. Introduction and removal of a battery from the chamber automatically switches on and off the electronic circuitry protectively enclosed within the power pack unit without requiring that such unit be opened. The lamp unit is physically attached to the power pack unit for support thereon and electrically connected therewith so that the light bulb is powered by an output of the electronic circuitry. The lens cover may be partially transparent and provided with a selected message or design. The cover is backlighted by the lamp to display the message intermittently, under the control of the power pack unit.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
This invention concerns a modular electronic badge which can illuminate an 
associated design or slogan, or otherwise highlight same. More 
specifically, it concerns an electronic message badge which can be worn or 
carried by a user, and which has an automatic on/off switching function 
achieved by direct manipulation of a battery received within a chamber of 
a power pack unit. 
In the field of novelty items, low cost and uniqueness are desirable 
features. However, in general, the lower the cost of manufacture, the 
lower the perceived quality (and hence, value) of the item. Additionally, 
the life span of a novelty item may not only be reduced by the initial low 
quality or inexpensive construction of the product, but also by 
obsolescence of the message which it conveys. 
Typical electronic novelty items are battery operated for portability and 
convenience. Many of such items require the user to open and close a 
housing to change the battery. Examples of such prior devices are 
disclosed by Fenton (U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,976) and Reimann (U.S. Pat. No. 
4,215,388). If the novelty item is made of inexpensive plastics or the 
like, such opening and closing tends to wear out the housing or a hinge 
thereof such that it eventually fails, which renders the product useless. 
Batteries which power both the Fenton and Reimann devices are retained 
within enclosed housings of such device, which housings must be opened to 
gain access to the batteries. 
Further, many battery-operated novelty items, including those of both 
Fenton and Reimann cited above, require an electrical switching system to 
engage or disengage their operation. In a manner analagous to the wearing 
out of hinges while introducing and removing batteries as noted above, 
electrical switches can wear out and ultimately fail. Such failure also 
renders the product useless. 
As noted above, if a novelty item is constructed so as to convey only one 
specific non-changeable message, the entire novelty device may become 
obsolete whenever the particular message stated is no longer of interest 
to the user. Moreover, the cost to a manufacturer of such products with 
limited, unchangeable messages is undoubtedly higher since each such item 
must be custom made in accordance with market predictions of interest in 
various slogans which may be associated with the novelty items. In 
addition to such higher manufacturing costs, retailers are also required 
to maintain a higher volume of inventories to provide the variety of 
messages which may be demanded by consumers. 
It is a general object of the present invention to recognize and overcome 
numerous of such drawbacks of prior novelty items. More specifically, it 
is an object of the present invention to provide a battery-operated device 
having a housing which permits introduction and removal of a battery from 
such housing without requiring the opening thereof. Such a feature 
protects electronic components enclosed within such housing from dust, 
dirt, and physical contact which can erode their performance and cause 
their failure. If electronic components are continuously protected within 
a housing constructed in accordance with the present invention, their 
effective lifetime will not be shortened by dirt and physical contact 
which they would otherwise be subjected to if they were exposed each time 
a battery was replaced (such as in the devices of Reimann and Fenton) or 
an electrical switch actuated. 
A further object of this invention is to obviate the need for electrical 
switches which are frequently used for actuation of prior devices, so that 
the failure problem of such switches is eliminated. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a relatively high 
quality novelty message item or badge which may be marketed with a variety 
of messages at modest cost, but without the usual higher manufacturing 
costs or inventory costs associated with providing a plurality of 
different single message novelty items. 
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a relatively high 
quality and long-lasting apparatus embodying all of the foregoing 
desirable features as well as additional features, while still being made 
at relatively low cost and from light-weight material which can be 
unobtrusively worn by a user. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelty device 
which includes electronic circuitry which causes a light to flash for 
drawing attention to the message being displayed, or otherwise produces 
audible tones or sounds performing such function. 
The features and teachings of the present invention may be embodied in a 
variety of constructions and embodiments. For example, in accordance with 
one form of the present invention, an electronic apparatus may be provided 
which has a first housing having electronic circuitry enclosed therein, 
the first housing defining a chamber which opens to the exterior of such 
first housing; and a second housing having an electrical load enclosed 
therein, the second housing being adapted for physical and electrical 
association with the first housing, whereby the electrical load may be 
driven by the electronic circuitry. 
In still another construction in accordance with the teachings of the 
present invention, a modular electronic badge may be provided, comprising: 
a power unit defined by a housing having (a) a first portion for enclosing 
electronic components, (b) a second open portion for receipt of a battery, 
(c) first electrical contact means for supplying power to a battery 
received within the second portion to the electronic components, and (d) 
second electrical contact means which supply an electrical output from the 
electronic component to the exterior of the housing, whereby introduction 
and removal of a battery in and out of the second open portion 
automatically switches power on and off between the battery and the 
electronic components; and such modular electronic badge further having a 
lamp unit adapted for attachment to the exterior of the power unit housing 
for physical support of such lamp unit, and for operative association with 
the second electrical contact means, wherein the lamp unit includes an 
electric light received within it and controlably powered by the 
electronic components associated with the power unit. 
In yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the present 
invention, and including further features thereof, a battery-operated 
modular electronic novelty badge is provided, comprising a power pack unit 
adapted to be worn by a user, having electronic circuitry protectively 
enclosed within it, and defining a chamber which opens up to the exterior 
of the power pack to permit introduction and removal of a battery without 
having to open the power pack unit; electrical contact means, associated 
with the power pack unit, for electrically connecting a battery received 
within the chamber with the electronic circuitry, and for providing 
electrical output from the electronic circuitry; and a lamp unit having an 
electric light, the lamp unit being adapted to be physically supported by 
the power pack unit and operatively associated with the electrical contact 
means so that the electric light is controlably powered by the electronic 
circuitry, whereby introduction and removal of a battery from the power 
pack unit automatically switches on and off power from such battery being 
transferred between the electronic circuitry and the electric light. 
These and numerous other teachings and features of the present invention 
will be better understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon 
studying the complete disclosure of this invention, which is further found 
in the remaining portion of the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a modular electronic badge includes a 
substantially rectangular and planar (i.e., relatively flat profile) 
housing 10 which slidably receives and engages a flat-pack battery 12. 
Battery 12 may comprise any standard flat-pack type battery, such as the 
Polaroid "pola-pulse", model number P-100 or P-500, which is a 6-volt 
battery having the approximate dimensions of 3.0 inches by 3.675 inches by 
0.15 inches. Battery 12 has a negative pad 14 and a positive pad 16 
located on one planar side thereof for defining electric terminals. First 
electrical connection means, defined by illustrated elements such as 
inner-connecting wires 18 and 20, connect the battery terminal pads with 
electronic circuitry enclosed within first portion 22 of first housing 10. 
As more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, first housing 10 has a back member 
11 and a smaller front member 13 which frictionally engage battery 12 
between them. A curved bottom portion 15 also assists in engaging the 
battery. Connecting wires 18 and 20 may be associated with front member 13 
so as to also connect directly with pin members 28 and 30 (discussed more 
fully below). 
Electronic circuitry or components may be protectively received in portion 
22 enclosed near the top of first housing 10. Such components may include 
a variety of elements such as a conventional integrated circuit chip 24 or 
a capacitor 26. A minimum of space is needed in such a first portion for 
purposes of receiving a simple circuit sufficient to provide function or 
functions as discussed below. 
The electronic circuitry or components received in portion 22 may typically 
comprise a conventional flashing circuit, the details of which do not form 
an essential feature of this invention and hence for the sake of brevity 
are not repeated here. The flashing circuit may be established with 
virtually any variety of on/off duty ratios. A ratio of 1:5, for example, 
provides an effective balance between saving battery power and displaying 
a message. Such a flashing circuit may be comprised of individual 
electrical components known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
Alternatively, conventional integrated circuit chips are available to 
equivalently perform the same function, but are not preferred because 
static electricity typically associated with clothing worn by a user, or 
any other stray charges, may cause damage to such chips. A circuit 
comprising individual components is not as subject to such damage. 
In addition to flashing circuits, the electronic circuitry or components 
may include integrated circuit elements which generate audible tones or 
sounds, such as a CMOS melody chip. For example, these may include a 
variety of commercially available chips, such as CIC 3830, CIC 3850, or 
CIC 285. Similarly, a simple speech chip may be utilized, such as the 
ERSO-CIC-5601. 
First housing 10 slidably engages battery 12 by providing a second portion 
defining a chamber which opens to the exterior of the housing. In the 
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the friction fit space between back member 11 
and front member 13 define such a second portion. Clip 26 completed by 
curved bottom portion 15 cooperates with the remainder of the illustrated 
structure to receive and frictionally engage battery 12. 
As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, whenever battery 12 is 
slidably placed into the chamber defined by housing 10, polarity pads 14 
and 16 thereof may eventually when properly positioned make contact with 
the first electrical contact means (previously described), which 
automatically cuts on electronic circuitry received within portion 22 of 
housing 10. Similarly, it is further apparent that even slight 
displacement of the battery such that pads 14 and 16 thereof do not come 
into such alignment with electric lines 18 and 20 causes power to 
electronic components 24 and 26 to be interrupted, automatically cutting 
off operation of same. Therefore, movement of battery 12 into and out of 
the chamber portion defined by housing 10 automatically provides an on/off 
switching function for a modular electronic badge in accordance with the 
present invention, without requiring any external switching mechanisms 
which can become worn and inoperative. Also, it is not necessary to open 
any portion of first housing 10, and thereby expose any of the electrical 
components protectively enclosed within, in order to manipulate the 
battery. 
Pin elements 28 and 30 (comprising upright rigid members) extend from 
housing 10 to function as a second electrical contact means, providing 
output from the electrical components received within portion 22 of 
housing 10 to a second housing or lamp unit 32. Second housing 32 may 
enclose an electric light, such as conventional incandescent bulb 34. As 
is understood without the necessity of illustration, lead wires extend 
from such bulb to facilitate application of power to the bulb from a power 
source. 
Second housing 32 further defines a plurality of openings (not shown in 
FIG. 2, but illustrated in FIG. 3) which are adapted to receive upright 
rigid members 28 and 30 therein. Mounting of unit 32 on such rigid members 
provides physical support for second housing 32, while also providing for 
the transfer of electrical power to bulb 34 from the electrical components 
and battery associated with first housing 10. The specifics of such 
connections are discussed further below with reference to FIG. 3. 
FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged and top view of second housing 32, which 
comprises a lamp unit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, 
lamp unit 32 may be detachably associated with housing 10. Pins 28 and 30 
are received in openings 36 and 38, respectively, defined by second 
housing 32. As may be seen from FIG. 1, pins 28 and 30 are actually 
diagonally disposed with respect to each other; hence, openings 36 and 38 
are likewise diagonally disposed. Openings 36 and 38 comprise a selected 
pair of openings which matingly engage pins 28 and 30, and establish a 
particular orientation for housing 32 with respect to housing 10. 
Additional openings, not illustrated, are present in a back portion 39 of 
housing 32. Mating of pins 28 and 30 with selected pairs of such openings 
permits alternative orientations for housing 32 relative housing 10. In 
one preferred embodiment, four such openings may be defined in squared 
relationship relative one another on back 39 of housing 32, thereby 
permitting selected rotation of housing 32 with respect to housing 10 at 
90 or 45 degree intervals. 
Spring-loaded contacts 40 and 42 are associated with openings 36 and 38 so 
as to complete a series electrical connection for lamp 34 with the 
electrical output from the electronic circuitry contained within portion 
22 of housing 10. Of course, remaining openings of housing 32 which are 
not illustrated in FIG. 3 also would have such contacts associated 
therewith for similar purpose of powering lamp 34. Lamp 34 may comprise an 
incandescent bulb, LED, or any similar and equivalent lighting means. 
As is illustrated, lamp 34 is received within housing 32. One side of 
housing 32 generally opposing lamp 34 is sealed by a transparent member 
44. Lamp 34 may be partially surrounded by a conventional reflector 
element (not illustrated) for the purpose of directing its light towards 
member 44. On the face of transparent member 44 may be found an overlay 
member 46, which may comprise black solar-resistive plastic. Such plastic 
appears to be opaque whenever it is not backlighted. Whenever backlighted, 
however, differential portions thereof permit the light from behind to be 
visible. 
Transparent member 44 and face member 46 associated therewith may 
collectively comprise a removable lens which may be frictionally fit with 
lamp unit 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The differential portions of 
overlay face 46 may establish a design, printed subject matter, or the 
like, which matter is displayed or highlighted whenever light is supplied 
from behind by lamp 34. Since the lens itself may be interchanged with 
other lenses, the message, logo, or design displayed by a modular 
electronic badge constructed in accordance with this invention may be 
readily changed. Hence, some of the high manufacturing and inventory costs 
discussed above may be reduced, if not eliminated. 
With respect to use of a modular electronic badge constructed as 
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, first housing 10 may be concealed behind an 
article of clothing so that pins 28 and 30 protrude therefrom, with second 
housing 32 being subsequently mounted on the pins. Broken line 48 of FIG. 
3 is intended to represent an exemplary article of clothing, such as a 
shirt or jacket, worn by a user of the badge. Inasmuch as pins 28 and 30 
have a relatively small diameter, and carry substantially low voltages, 
first housing 10 may be concealed within or behind such article of 
clothing with virtually no danger or inconvenience. Lamp unit 32 may be 
mounted on pins 28 and 30 protruding from such clothing. Hence, only lamp 
unit 32, with its flashing message or the like, is visible to someone 
perceiving this embodiment of the invention being worn or employed in such 
manner by a user. 
Furthermore, a user may easily control on/off switching of the electrical 
operation of the modular electronic badge when so worn by simply 
manipulating the battery through the article of clothing so that the 
battery is slightly displaced from one side or the other to switch on or 
off the electronic components, as desired. No other electrical switch need 
be actuated through the clothing, and the badge need not be removed from 
behind the clothing to effect such switching. 
Alternatively, it may be desired to provide a modular electronic badge 
which does not require that pins be secured through ones clothing. In such 
instance, housing 10 may readily be provided with some other means, such 
as connectors for a chain or necklace or the like so as to be worn around 
the neck, wrist, torso, etc. of a user. 
FIG. 4 illustrates yet another variation which may be utilized in 
accordance with the features of this invention to avoid any need for pins 
to be stuck through ones clothing. FIG. 4 illustrates a variation of 
housing 10, shown in intended relationship with the cross-section of a 
standard shirt with a front pocket. Shirt 50 has a pocket 52 which is 
generally rectangular in shape and has an opening across its upper side. 
Since FIG. 4 represents a cross-section of such a shirt, it is understood 
that the upper lip 54 of pocket 52 actually wraps around on either side 
thereof to rejoin shirt 50, and thereby define an open slit across the top 
of pocket 52. 
Housing 10 is replaced with a modified first housing 56, which has two 
bifurcated planar sections. Battery 12 and portion 22 for receiving 
electronic components are provided as before. First portion 22, the second 
portion generally defining a chamber for receiving battery 12, and the 
first electrical connection means associated therewith are all generally 
incorporated as part of a first planar section 57 of housing 56, which 
section 57 is substantially received within pocket 52. 
Housing 56 includes a second planar section 58 which is joined at its 
uppermost edge with first planar section 57 of housing 56. Second planar 
section 58 is provided generally parallel with and exterior to pocket 52. 
Section 58 also provides structure to which second housing or lamp unit 32 
may be attached for support, and by which electrical connection therewith 
may be made. 
Mounting pins such as 28 and 30 may be utilized with a construction as in 
FIG. 4, but are not required. Electrical wiring may be utilized in their 
stead, and housing 32 may be welded, glued or the like to section 58, 
thereby obviating any need for such mounting pins. As is well understood 
by one of ordinary skill in the art, the structure of first housing 56 of 
FIG. 4 requires that wires of the like be passed from battery 12, through 
electronic components received in portion 22, across the top joining 
portion of housing 56, and descend down through planar section 58 to a 
point where they may be physically associated with lamp unit 32 for 
providing electrical power thereto. 
The embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 may utilize a lamp unit virtually identical to 
lamp unit 32, but also omitting mounting pins in lieu of using connecting 
wires, as may be practiced with FIG. 4. 
In general, the same types of electrical components and circuits which may 
be used with the above-discussed embodiments of this invention may also be 
used with a construction as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. Therefore, such 
components, such as elements 60 and 62, are shown schematically only for 
purposes of reference. 
FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal view, in section, of a first housing 64 
(generally circular in nature), with a portion of generally circular lamp 
unit 66 (a second housing) illustrated in front of housing 64. An internal 
wall 68 of housing 64 substantially defines a separate or first portion of 
housing 64 with electronic components 60 and 62 enclosed therein. As 
discussed, a substantially sealed arrangement as illustrated may afford a 
degree of protection for such components which can prolong their lifetime 
by preventing contamination from dust, dirt, or direct physical contact. 
In essence, only required electrical connectors penetrate such enclosed 
portion, to provide electrical power from a battery to such electrical 
components, and take outputs away from such components. 
The remainder of housing 64 which is not essentially sealed off by internal 
wall 68 generally defines a chamber 70, which is adapted for receipt of 
battery 72 therein. Such battery may comprise any standard and 
commercially available battery which fits such chamber, such as an 
Ever-Ready model 539, size J. 
The solid line illustration of battery 72 in FIG. 5 shows the position of 
such battery whenever it is completely in place within chamber 70 so as to 
switch on (i.e., provide power) to electrical components 60 and 62. The 
broken line representation of battery 72 illustrates such battery 
partially removed (or partially introduced) relative chamber 70. No 
electrical power is provided to electrical components 60 and 62 whenever 
battery 72 is in such partial position. Hence, analogous to previous 
embodiments, introduction and removal of battery 72 from chamber 70 of 
housing 64 automatically provides an on/off switching function for 
electrical components received within housing 64. 
The dotted line U-shaped portion 74 of housing 64 illustrates a cut down 
back wall thereof. Such a cut-away of the housing enables ready access to 
and grasping of battery 72 for its removal or introduction relative 
chamber 70. 
Projection 76 projects from housing 64 into an edge of chamber 70, and 
provides an engagement surface for engaging a portion of battery 72 (in 
particular, notch 78 located on one upper corner thereof). First 
electrical connection means of the construction per FIGS. 5-7 may include 
spring-loaded contacts 80 and 82, which also function in cooperation with 
extended engagement member 76 in securing and holding battery 72 within 
chamber 70. As is illustrated by FIG. 5, internal projections 84 and 86 
located within housing 64 are sufficiently withdrawn from the static 
installed position of battery 72 (shown by its solid line illustration in 
FIG. 5) to permit such battery to be further pushed into chamber 70 for 
release of notch 78 from projection 76. While the battery is installed, 
spring-loaded members 82 and 80 cause battery 72 to be biased against 
engagement extension 76, and hence be held within chamber 70. 
Second housing 66 forming a lamp unit (shown only in dotted line form in 
FIGS. 6 and 7) is substantially identical to second housing 32 shown with 
earlier embodiments of the present invention. Lamp unit 66 may 
specifically be identical to lamp unit 32, or in the alternative may omit 
the openings used in lamp unit 32 in favor of direct receipt of and 
connection with electrical wires 88 and 90, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
Wires 88 and 90 may in such instance comprise second electrical connection 
means in place of pins 28 and 30 for connecting the electrical output of 
electrical components within housing 64 to points exterior to such 
housing. Since lamp unit (or second housing) 66 is shown in dotted line in 
FIGS. 6 and 7, for purposes only of illustrating its intended structural 
relationship with first housing 64 electric lines 88 an 90 are not 
specifically illustrated as connected to the leads with which they would 
normally be associated, which leads directly connect to a light bulb 
received within lamp unit 66. 
FIG. 6 is substantially a side view of housing 64. The back wall of housing 
64 appears to be partially cut away, which is intended as illustrative of 
U-shaped portion 74 (also shown in dotted line in FIG. 5). While chamber 
70 is not readily visualized from a view such as shown in FIG. 6, battery 
72 is indicated for purposes of demonstrating the size of such battery 
relative housing 64 and lamp unit 66. As is apparent from all three of 
FIGS. 5-7, both lamp unit 66 and housing 64 are relatively circular, with 
the diameter of lamp unit 66 being larger than that of housing 64. Hence, 
during use, lamp unit 66 substantially conceals the power pack or first 
housing 64 from the view of those who perceive use of the invention. 
In preferred embodiments of the construction of FIGS. 5-7, mounting and 
conductive pins such as 28 and 30 are omitted in favor of the use of 
direct electrical connections with lines 88 and 90, as discussed above, 
and alternative mounting features. Therefore, no pin arrangement is 
available to secure such a modular electronic badge to a user or clothing 
worn by the user. FIG. 6 illustrates a clasp base 92 for a safety pin type 
arrangement (not illustrated) which may be attached to the back of housing 
64. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 7, elements 94 and 96 may be 
provided on opposing sides of housing 64 so that the entire modular 
electronic badge may be worn with a chain or string (attached to elements 
94 and 96) as a necklace or the like. 
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the FIG. 5 apparatus, with the battery 
removed. Visible at the bottom of housing 64 are spring-loaded contacts 80 
and 82. For purposes of schematic illustration, contact 82 is shown as 
connecting with electrical line 90 through electrical components 98. 
Similarly, spring-loaded contact 80 is in electrical connection with 
electric line 88. 
As discussed above, lines 88 and 90 may be directly connected to leads 
associated with a light bulb received within light unit 66, during 
assembly of a construction per FIGS. 5-7. Hence, housing 64 comprises a 
power pack or power unit for providing controlled electric power from a 
battery through electrical components to a lamp received within lamp unit 
66. Similar to the FIG. 4 embodiment disclosed above, lamp unit 66 may be 
welded, glued, or the like into a specific physical relationship with 
housing 64, such as the one indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
As is well understood from the foregoing disclosure, the functional and 
structural aspects and features of the present invention provide useful 
and effective solutions to drawbacks of some prior products, noted above. 
Numerous modifications and variations of the particular exemplary 
embodiments disclosed herewith may be made and used by those of ordinary 
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of this 
invention. 
For example, a housing other than the particular circular or rectangular, 
planar embodiments shown may be utilized. Likewise, numerous other 
equivalent methods of attaching to or associating the badge with a user 
may be practiced, all of which come within the teachings of the present 
invention. 
Furthermore, the presently disclosed embodiments are by way of example 
only, and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, it 
is not essential that electrical components be disposed within a housing 
precisely in the orientations illustrated, nor that electrical 
inner-connections therebetween be achieved explicitly and only in the 
manner shown. All illustrations and language describing same are words of 
description only, and are not intended as limitations. Any and all 
modifications and variations which would occur to one of ordinary skill in 
the art come within the broader scope of the present invention, which 
scope is limited only by the appended claims.