Jewelry with movable carriage

Abstract

An article of jewelry includes a bezel having spaced apart side walls defining a channel region and a carriage having first and second opposed setting faces received in the channel region and movable both longitudinally and rotatably to first and second positions presenting, respectively, the first and second setting faces. In one instance, the carriage has opposed follower members slidable in opposed longitudinally extending slots of the bezel. In another instance, the bezel has a laterally extending support bar attached to the sidewalls at an end of the channel region. A hollow carriage is movable longitudinally on the bezel from a first location with a first transverse end member adjacent the support bar to a second location with the second transverse end member adjacent the support bar and rotatable about the support bar at the first and second locations to present, respectively, the first or second setting faces.

Description

[0001] The present application is related to co-pending Provisional Application Serial No. 60/372,551 of Joy Gibson and Jan Brassem, filed Apr. 11, 2002, entitled “Ring Movements”, based on which priority is herewith claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to jewelry with movable components and, more particularly, to such jewelry which utilizes a carriage which is longitudinally and rotatably movable relative to a bezel to selectively present setting faces holding different bright finish surfaces or fashion accessories.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The basic concept of providing movable settings for jewelry enabling the selective display from time to time of different display items, for example, gems, bright surfaces, insignias, and the like, is well known and examples of this concept can be found in the patent archives. In this regard, jewelry holders of various constructions, for example, rings, pendants, and the like which provide a rotatable setting enabling the presentation, as desired, of different gems or display items, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,122 to Burgard, Pat. No. 5,787,731 to Ebara, Pat. No. 5,353,608 to Berkowitz, and Pat. No. 4,726,200 to Carter. In another instance, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,084 to Lampert, an article of jewelry is provided with a reciprocally movable gem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,456 to Kirsch, Jr. discloses an article of jewelry in the form of a ring incorporating a pivotal mounting for a gem which incorporates cantilevered weights which alter the positioning of the gem depending upon the orientation of the hand of the wearer.

[0006] Various and sundry other constructions utilizing such concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,878 to Adell with respect to earrings, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,595 to Viot et al. disclosing a unique clasp for necklaces and the like which enables the replacement of an ornamental article, and Pat. No. 885,057 to Barney which relates especially to bracelets and neck chains.

[0007] It was with knowledge of the foregoing state of the technology that the present invention has been conceived and is now reduced to practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention, then, relates to an article of jewelry which includes a bezel having opposed spaced apart side walls defining a channel region between the side walls. A carriage having first and second opposed setting faces is received in the channel region and selectively movable both longitudinally and rotatably to a first position presenting the first setting face and to a second position presenting the second setting face. In one instance, the bezel has first and second longitudinally extending slots in the opposed side walls, respectively and the carriage has opposed, laterally projecting, follower members slidably received in the first and second longitudinally extending slots, respectively. In another instance, the bezel has first and second longitudinally extending slots in the opposed side walls, respectively, and a laterally extending support bar is attached to the sidewalls at an end of the channel region. The carriage includes first and second transverse end members and an intermediate space located between the first and second setting faces and extending between the first and second transverse end members, the support bar extending freely through the intermediate space. With this construction, the carriage is movable longitudinally relative to the bezel from a first location at which the first transverse end member is adjacent the support bar to a second location at which the second transverse end member is adjacent the support bar, the carriage being rotatable about the support bar when at the first location to present the first setting face or at the second location to present the second setting face.

[0009] A primary feature, then, of the present invention is the provision of an item of jewelry with movable components.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of such an item of jewelry which utilizes a carriage which is longitudinally and rotatably movable relative to a bezel to selectively present setting faces bearing different bright finish surfaces or fashion accessories.

[0011] Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of such an item of jewelry which includes a locking mechanism for firmly holding the carriage in a first position in one instance and in a second position in another instance.

[0012] Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of such an item of jewelry in which the bezel is a component, for example, of a pendant to be suspended from a neckpiece, or of an earring, or of a pin intended for attachment to an article of clothing, or of a bracelet, or of a hairpiece, or of a belt buckle. Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate one of the embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in general terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIGS. 1 and 1A are perspective views of an article of jewelry with movable components embodying the invention illustrating different positions of those movable components;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a component of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the opposite side of the component illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross section view taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG. 6A is a cross section view taken generally along line 6A-6A in FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a detail cross section view taken generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the component illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0023] FIGS. 10 and 11 are detail cross section views, generally similar to FIG. 6A, illustrating successive positions of movable components of the article of jewelry;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a plan view of another version of the component illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0025] FIGS. 13-19 are perspective views illustrating a variety of articles of jewelry embodying the general construction illustrated in FIGS. 1-12;

[0026] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 are front elevation views of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIG. 20 with movable components embodying the invention illustrating different positions of those movable components;

[0028] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIG. 22;

[0029] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the article of jewelry illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23;

[0030] FIG. 26 is a detail cross section view taken generally along line 26-26 in FIG. 21; and

[0031] FIG. 27 is a detail cross section view taken generally along line 27-27 in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Turn now to the drawings and, initially, to FIGS. 1 and 1A which generally illustrate a perspective view of an article of jewelry, in this instance, a ring 20 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms or embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

[0033] Although for purposes of convenience, the ring 20 will be described as embodying the invention, many other jewelry items can benefit from the invention and some other of these jewelry items will be described below. To proceed with the description, the ring 20 includes a bezel 22 having opposed spaced apart side walls 24, 26 defining a channel region 28 between the side walls. The ring 20 also includes a carriage 30 having first and second opposed setting faces 32, 34 received in the channel region 28. In a manner which will become clear, the carriage 30 is selectively movable both longitudinally, that is, along the length of the channel region 28, and rotatably about a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal movement in the channel region. When rotated, the carriage 30 is moved between a first position as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 presenting the first setting face 32, for example, featuring an inscribed insignia 36 to a second position as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 4 presenting the second setting face 34, for example, on which a gem 38 is suitably mounted.

[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 5, 6, 6A, 7, and 8, the bezel 22 is seen to have first and second longitudinally extending slots 40, 42 in the opposed side walls, 24, 26, respectively. Additionally, the carriage 30 has opposed, laterally projecting, follower members 44 slidably received in the longitudinally extending slots, respectively.

[0035] The ring 20 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) includes a locking mechanism, which will now be described, for firmly holding the carriage 30 in the first position of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 in one instance and in the second position of FIGS. 1A and 4 in another instance. As seen especially well in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 6, and 6A, the channel region 28 extends between first and second ends 46, 48. Now, viewing especially FIG. 6, the bezel 22 has third and fourth longitudinally extending slots 50, 52 generally aligned with the first longitudinally extending slot 40, the third slot 50 positioned adjacent the first end 46 of the channel region 28, the fourth slot 52 positioned adjacent the second end 48 of the channel region.

[0036] Further, as seen in FIG. 6A, the bezel 22 has fifth and sixth longitudinally extending slots 54, 56 generally aligned with the second longitudinally extending slot 42, the fifth slot 54 positioned adjacent the first end 46 of the channel region 28, the sixth slot 56 positioned adjacent the second end 48 of the channel region.

[0037] Now viewing especially FIGS. 3, 4, and 9, the carriage 30 is seen to have opposed first and second laterally projecting wedge-shaped locking members 58 fittingly engageable, respectively, with the third and fifth slots 50, 54, respectively, for firmly holding the carriage in the first position (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) and with the fourth and sixth slots 52, 56, respectively, for firmly holding the carriage in the second position (FIGS. 1A and 4).

[0038] The movement which locks the carriage 30 in place relative to the bezel 22 is best seen with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In this instance, the carriage 30 has been rotated about the follower members 44 in the slots 40, 42 from one or the other of the presenting orientations seen in FIGS. 1 and 1A, through an upstanding orientation as seen in FIG. 7, to another of the presenting orientations as seen in FIG. 10 such that the locking members are aligned with the fourth and sixth slots 52, 56 (only the fourth slot is visible in FIGS. 10 and 11). At this point, it is worth mentioning that the slots 40, 50, and 52 are really one continuous slot and only separated by the lands 60 and 62. In similar fashion, viewing FIG. 6A, the slots 42, 54, and 56 are really one continuous slot and only separated by the lands 64 and 66. In any event, when the carriage 30 assumes the position shown in FIG. 10, it is then advanced in the direction of arrow 67 (FIG. 11) until the locking members 58 are received by, and fittingly engaged with, the opposed slots 52 and 56, slot 56 not being seen in this view. Of course, it will be understood that the carriage 30 can be pivoted 180° about the follower members 44 in the slots 40, 42 so that it assumes a new position with the locking members 58 aligned with the slots 50, 54 and can then be advanced longitudinally until the locking members 58 are received by, and fittingly engaged with, the opposed slots 50 and 54, again, slot 54 not being seen in this view.

[0039] The carriage 30 was earlier described as having opposed setting surfaces 32, 34, the former presenting an inscribed insignia 36 and the latter presenting a mounted gem 38. In a somewhat similar manner, FIG. 12 illustrates a modified carriage 30A which is structurally the same as carriage 30 but presenting an unmarked bright finish surface 68 of any suitable material, gold, silver, ceramic being merely typical examples.

[0040] Up to this point all of the descriptions of the invention have been limited to a ring. However, the invention may be employed with a wide variety of articles of jewelry. In one instance, for example, viewing FIG. 13, a bezel 70 and accompanying carriage 72 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a pendant 74 to be suspended from a neckpiece 76.

[0041] In another instance, for example, viewing FIG. 14, a bezel 78 and accompanying carriage 80 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a pin 82 intended for attachment to an article of clothing 84.

[0042] In still another instance, for example, viewing FIG. 15, a bezel 86 and accompanying carriage 88 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a bracelet 90.

[0043] In yet another instance, for example, viewing FIG. 16, a bezel 92 and accompanying carriage 94 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a hairpiece 96.

[0044] In a further instance, for example, viewing FIG. 17, a bezel 98 and accompanying carriage 100 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of an earring 102.

[0045] In yet a further instance, for example, viewing FIG. 18, a bezel 104 and accompanying carriage 106 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a belt buckle 108.

[0046] In still a further instance, for example, viewing FIG. 19, a bezel 110 and accompanying carriage 112 having the general features of the bezel 22 and carriage 30 are components of a watch 114.

[0047] Turn now to FIGS. 20-27 for the description of another embodiment of the invention. In this instance, the article of jewelry of novel design is illustrated as an earring 200 (FIG. 20) in which a bezel 202 has opposed spaced apart side walls 204, 206. The side walls 204, 206 define a channel region 208 between them. A carriage 210 having first and second opposed setting faces 211, 212 is received in the channel region 208 and, as will be described below, is selectively movable both longitudinally and rotatably to a first location (FIG. 21) presenting the first setting face 211 with a bright finish surface 214 thereon, for example, and to a second location (FIG. 23) presenting the second setting face 212 with a fashion accessory 216 of any desired type thereon, for example.

[0048] The bezel 202 includes a laterally extending support bar 218 attached to the sidewalls 204, 206 at an end of the channel region 208.

[0049] The carriage 210 may be thought of as a long thin box which includes first and second transverse end members 220, 222 and an intermediate space 224 located between the first and second setting faces 211, 212 and extending between the transverse end members. The support bar 218 extends freely through the intermediate space 224. With this construction, the carriage 210 is movable longitudinally relative to the bezel 202 from a first location (FIG. 22) at which the first transverse end member 220 is adjacent the support bar 218 to a second location (FIG. 21) at which the second transverse end member 222 is adjacent the support bar. As best seen in FIG. 24, the carriage 210 is rotatable in the manner indicated by arrow 226 about the support bar 218 when at the first location (with the end member 220 adjacent the support bar 218) to present the first setting face 211 or at the second location (with the end member 222 adjacent the support bar 218) to present the second setting face 212.

[0050] The earring 200 also includes a positioning mechanism for generally holding the carriage 210 in the first location (FIG. 21) in one instance and in the second location (FIG. 23) in another instance. More specifically, the channel region 208 extends between first and second ends 228, 230 as seen in FIG. 22. Further, the bezel 202 includes a laterally extending base member 232 at the second end 230 integral with the opposed side walls 204, 206 and a male positioning member 234 fixed on the base member 232 projects longitudinally into the channel region 208. Each of the transverse end members 220, 222 of the carriage has a positioning recess 236 aligned with, and for slidable reception of, the longitudinally projecting male positioning member 234 for selectively holding the carriage in either the first or second locations against movement in or out of the plane of the paper, viewing FIGS. 21 and 23.

[0051] An earring post 238 is desirably fixed on, and projects away from, the rear side of the bezel 202 for mounting on the ear of the wearer in a well known manner.

[0052] As in the instance of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, and described in relation to those figures primarily as a ring but still available in a wide variety of other articles of jewelry, the instant embodiment of FIGS. 20-27 may similarly be incorporated in a wide variety of other articles of jewelry. Thus, without being illustrated in this instance and without being limiting of the invention, the instant embodiment of FIGS. 20-27 may be incorporated into a pendant to be suspended from a neckpiece or a pin intended for attachment to an article of clothing or a hairpiece or a belt buckle.

[0053] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the specification and defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of jewelry comprising:

a bezel having opposed spaced apart side walls defining a channel region therebetween; and

a carriage having first and second opposed setting faces received in the channel region and selectively movable both longitudinally and rotatably to a first position presenting the first setting face and to a second position presenting the second setting face.

2. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel has first and second longitudinally extending slots in the opposed side walls, respectively; and

wherein the carriage has opposed, laterally projecting, follower members slidably received in the first and second longitudinally extending slots, respectively.

3. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein each of the first and second setting faces has one of a bright finish surface thereon and a fashion accessory mounted thereon.

4. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 2

including a locking mechanism for firmly holding the carriage in the first position in one instance and in the second position in another instance.

5. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 2

wherein the channel region extends between first and second ends;

wherein the bezel has third and fourth longitudinally extending slots generally aligned with the first longitudinally extending slot, the third slot positioned adjacent the first end of the channel region, the fourth slot positioned adjacent the second end of the channel region;

wherein the bezel has fifth and sixth longitudinally extending slots generally aligned with the second longitudinally extending slot, the fifth slot positioned adjacent the first end of the channel region, the sixth slot positioned adjacent the second end of the channel region; and

wherein the carriage has opposed first and second laterally projecting locking members fittingly engageable, respectively, with the third and fifth slots for firmly holding the carriage in the first position and with the fourth and sixth slots for firmly holding the carriage in the second position.

6. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a ring.

7. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a pendant to be suspended from a neckpiece.

8. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of an earring.

9. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a pin intended for attachment to an article of clothing.

10. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a bracelet.

11. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a hairpiece.

12. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a belt buckle.

13. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel is a component of a watch.

14. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 1

wherein the bezel includes a laterally extending support bar attached to the sidewalls at an end of the channel region;

wherein the carriage includes first and second transverse end members and an intermediate space located between the first and second setting faces and extending between the first and second transverse end members, the support bar extending freely through the intermediate space;

whereby the carriage is movable longitudinally relative to the bezel from a first location at which the first transverse end member is adjacent the support bar to a second location at which the second transverse end member is adjacent the support bar, the carriage being rotatable about the support bar when at the first location to present the first setting face or at the second location to present the second setting face.

15. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein each of the first and second setting faces has one of a bright finish surface thereon and a fashion accessory mounted thereon.

16. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

including a positioning mechanism for generally holding the carriage in the first location in one instance and in the second location in another instance.

17. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the channel region extends between first and second ends;

wherein the bezel includes a base member at the second end extending laterally and being integral with the opposed side walls;

wherein the base member includes a male positioning member longitudinally projecting into the channel region; and

wherein each of the first and second transverse end members of the carriage has a positioning recess aligned with and for slidable reception of the longitudinally projecting male positioning member for selectively holding the carriage in the first location and for selectively holding the carriage in the second location.

18. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the bezel is a component of a pendant to be suspended from a neckpiece.

19. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the bezel is a component of an earring.

20. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the bezel is a component of a pin intended for attachment to an article of clothing.

21. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the bezel is a component of a hairpiece.

22. An article of jewelry as set forth in claim 14

wherein the bezel is a component of a belt buckle.