EASY ACCESS AND MULTI-VIEW JEWELRY BOX

Abstract

A jewelry box and method of storing jewelry is described herein which affords the user a multi-perspective view of the jewelry. The method and box provide a simple means of placing, retrieving, and replacing the desired jewelry without requiring fine dexterity. Rods of the jewelry box readily accommodate user's having conditions such as arthritic immobility or long ornamental finger nails. The present jewelry box is quick and easy to use, while promoting tangle free necklace storage. Fine jewelry chains are protected from tarnish and readily accommodated next to bulky bead-like strands.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jewelry boxes, and more particularly to easy and efficient storage of necklaces and bracelets.

Conventional jewelry boxes, such as the jewelry boxes in FIGS. 1A and 1B, provide hooks 110 and short pegs 160, respectively, on which to hang necklaces, bracelets, or other chain-like jewelry. Necklaces 130 stored in these configurations can only be viewed from the front, and if more than one necklace 131, 132, 133, 134 is hung on a given hook 110 or peg 160, the back necklace 134 is difficult for the jewelry box user to view without removing at least one necklace, such as the one in front 131. These jewelry boxes 100, 150 only afford unobstructed views of the front most piece of jewelry, such as the front piece 131 shown in FIG. 1A. The pegs 160, likewise only provide an unobstructed view of a front necklace 161. Bulky jewelry, such as a string of large precious stones or pearls may be quite difficult to hang in conventional jewelry boxes.

Placement, retrieval, and replacement of necklaces in conventional jewelry boxes, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B require tedious and intricate manipulation by the user. Some health conditions, such as arthritis, or cosmetic conditions, such as long artificial fingernails can make the necessary manipulations to use the jewelry box for necklace storage, retrieval and replacement impossible or impractical.

Another type of conventional jewelry box 200, such as the one shown in FIG. 2, provides a pocket 210 in which dangling jewelry 220, such as necklaces, clump together. The storage method provided in a jewelry box with a pocket such as 210, promotes inter-tangling of the stored jewelry. The view afforded by such a jewelry box, is frontal and only partial since part of the jewelry is within the pocket. While the serrated blades 230 keep the necklaces separated at one end, the other end will clump in the pocket, limiting the number of necklaces which can be stored in such a conventional box and remain tangle-free. Fine motor skills and intricate manipulation is also required for removal and replacement of necklaces on the serrated blade 230 of box 200. Temporary conditions, such as wet nails, make it difficult to use necklace storage in conventional jewelry boxes, such as 200, 100, and 150.

It is desirable to provide a jewelry box which provides efficient storage, retrieval and replacement of jewelry and multi-viewing of the jewelry without removal. In addition, tangle free necklace storage is always desirable. Ready accommodation of fine chain, pearls, and larger strung beads in the same easy efficient storage is desirable. And further, efficient ease of use for a wide range of users is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses some of the shortcomings of jewelry boxes discussed above and provides additional benefits as well.

One aspect of the present invention is to enable efficient placement, removal and replacement of necklaces.

Another aspect of the present invention is to readily permit front and side viewing of dangling jewelry without removal from the jewelry box.

Another aspect of the present invention is to permit viewing of necklaces and bracelets side by side while both necklaces and bracelets are dangling and tangle free.

Another aspect of the present invention is to be user friendly, readily manipulated by one with impaired finger dexterity, arthritis, long finger nails, or other manipulation challenge.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a means for necklace storage which promotes tangle free display and storage.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide necklace storage in a jewelry box which can readily accommodate varying sizes of necklace such as chains as well as strings of large beads, shells, stones, crystals or the like.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide storage with inhibits tarnishing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B shows conventional jewelry boxes which provide hooks and short pegs, respectively, for necklace storage;

FIG. 2 shows a conventional jewelry box in which dangling jewelry, such as necklaces, clump together in a pocket;

FIGS. 3A-3B show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the closed and open position, respectively;

FIGS. 4A-4D shows a back, necklace side, bracelet side, and top side, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B show front views of two embodiment of the present invention, A) shows a left and right door embodiment while B) shows a single door embodiment;

FIG. 6A-6C show exemplary single door embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 7 A-7E show the ease with which a user is able to remove and replace necklaces in a jewelry box in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as defined by the claims, may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The description is meant to be read with reference to the figures contained herein. This detailed description relates to examples of the claimed subject matter for illustrative purposes, and is in no way meant to limit the scope of the invention. The specific aspects and embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3B show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the closed and open position, respectively. FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising two side doors, 310 and 320, a top 330, and a set of drawers 340 between the two side doors. FIG. 3B shows the jewelry box opened. The top 330 is raised, exposing side compartments 315 and 325. Side doors 310 and 320 are open exposing first rod 350 and second 360 and third 365 rods. Also shown in this open position are two of three pivotal mounts 380 and 385. FIG. 3B shows pivotal mounts 380 comprising a right angled U-shape bracket 382 with a pin passing the bracket and the rod, where the rod is free to pivot about the pin in the horizontal plane and is prevented from rotating vertically with the bracket. This pivotal mount is merely exemplary and various suitable substitutes can be substituted by one of ordinary skill, in keeping within the scope and spirit of the invention. First, second and third fasteners are present but not shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. All three rods are shown pivoted in the horizontal plane off a right angle from the back 390 of the box 300. Although not shown, any of the rods, need not be cylindrical, for example, a half-pipe could be used. Other rod configurations permitting ease of removal and replacement are possible in accordance with the present invention. Additional examples include a triangular, square, or I-beam cross-section.

FIGS. 4A-4D shows a back side 490, necklace side 410, bracelet side 420, and top side 430, respectively, of an embodiment of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment. As can be seen from FIGS. 4A-4D, the top side 430 covers the side compartments 415 and 425. The height 450 of the back 490 and sides 410, 420 are between 11 and 15 inches, in accordance with the present invention and dependent upon an embodiment thereof. The width 452 of the side and depth of the top 453 is in a range of 6 to 9 inches, in accordance with the present invention and depending on the embodiment thereof. The width of the side doors is in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 inches, in accordance with the present invention and depending on the embodiment thereof.

The back side 490 of box 400 has three parts, a back of a necklace door 412, and a back of a bracelet door 422, and a main back 492. These backs of the doors 410 and 420 are each secured to the main back 492 of the box 400 by hinges which enable the doors to open up such that the side of the door is parallel or nearly parallel to the back of the box, as later described and as shown in FIG. 7B, which further contributes to the ease of jewelry manipulation for the box user and to multiple viewing perspectives.

FIGS. 5A-5B show front views of two embodiments of the present invention, A) shows a left and right door embodiment 500 while B) shows a single door embodiment 510. A two door embodiment in accordance with the present invention opens as shown in FIG. 3A. In contrast, FIG. 5B opens, according to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B. Rods in accordance with a two door embodiment may mount to the back of a side door of the jewelry box. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, three rods can be mounted within a single door compartment in a single door jewelry box. The rods in a one door jewelry box may extend from a back or a drawer side of the jewelry box.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of exemplary grooved rods 650, 660 in an exemplary single door embodiment 600 in accordance with the present invention. A third rod mounted vertically beneath rod 650 or 660 can provide another post for bracelets, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, any of the rods in any of the embodiments may be grooved or notched to restrict movement of the jewelry hanging on the rod in the axial direction. In yet another embodiment, the rods may be covered with anti-tarnish material or other cloth. The doors and drawers, such as 310, 320 and 340, respectively, in FIG. 3A, may also be lined with cloth or anti-tarnish material.

The doors in accordance with the present invention may comprise more than one set of hinges 640, 642, 644, such as the hinge positions shown in FIG. 6A. The door 610, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A has a front 616, a side 612, and a back 614 each divided by a set of hinges. Rods 650 and 660 extend from the back of the door 614 and fasten 633, 635 to the front of the door 610. A rod fastening mechanism in accordance with the present invention may be a magnet and metal combination. A fastener 672 for securing the door to the box may also be magnetic.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary single door jewelry box embodiment 601 with the door 615 in an open position. Two front rods are shown 650, 655, vertically displaced, while a third rod is behind the top rod. In the particular embodiment of 601, a single set of hinges 644 connect the side door to the back of the box 690. Door fastener 672 is shown, while rod fasteners, such as 633 and 635 in FIG. 6A, are not shown.

In yet another embodiment, shown for example in FIG. 6C, the pivotal mounts are mounted to a side piece adjacent to the drawers 640 and the rods 650, 660 extend parallel to the back of the box, 690. Door 617 has three sets of hinges 640, 642, 644 and fastens to the front of the jewelry box 603 via fastener 672. Given the three sets of hinges, the door can be open front 616 first about hinge set 640, or as a unit 615 about hinge set 644. Rod 660 is shown covered in tarnish resistant material.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7A-7B, a rod, in accordance with the present invention accommodates jewelry forms from fine chains to bulky beads. A single door embodiment of the present invention, such as the example of FIG. 6A, enables the user to get a close full view of necklaces and bracelets in a dangling orientation and adjacent to each other. Viewing multiple sides of each jewelry piece side by side. The rods, in accordance with the present invention, readily accommodate wide bands, such as solid bracelets or watches.

FIGS. 7 A-7E show the ease with which a user is able to remove and replace necklaces in a jewelry box in accordance with the present invention. Turning first to FIG. 7A, a user easily swings the desired door 710 open, unlatches a first end of the rod 750, and pivots the rod about its mount 780. The rod may be secured by a magnet which will release the rod with just a nudge or in accordance with an alternate embodiment a button may be pushed to disengage a latch which grasps the rod. In yet another embodiment a fastener is spring loaded and compression of the spring releases the rod. In another example, a spring mounted magnetic may be used to secure the rod at end opposite the pivotal mount. In still another embodiment, the rod is held in place by friction about the pivot point and is not fastened on the opposite end, while a gentle push still rotates the rod about its pivot mount.

As shown in FIG. 7B the user reaches in and grasps a number of necklaces and lifts them off of the rod. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, all these moves require little dexterity of complex fine motor skills. In FIG. 7C, the user selects a bulky necklace, for example, and in FIG. 7D, returns the remaining necklaces to the rod 750. And finally, as shown in FIG. 7E the rod 750 is readily secured, fastened again to the front side of the door 710. When the door opens about its hinges the rod rotates on its mount remaining attached to the front of the door until the user desires to release the rod.

While specific alternatives to steps and elements of composition of the invention have been described herein, additional alternatives not specifically disclosed but known in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is understood that other applications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the described embodiment and after consideration of the appended claims and drawing.

Claims

1. A jewelry box comprising:

a back;

a top hinged to a back;

two side doors hinged to the back enclosing two side compartments, wherein when the top is lifted there is nothing covering the two side compartments, the two doors comprising a front and a side;

at least one pivotal mount on the back;

at least one fastener on a front of a door;

a rod secured in the at least one pivotal mount on the back and fastened to a front of a side door, wherein when a side door is opened, the at least one rod can be unfastened; and

a set of drawers between the two side doors.

2. The jewelry box according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one pivotal mount rotates in the horizontal plane

3. The jewelry box according to claim 1, wherein:

the fastener is a magnet and the rod comprises a metal end.

4. The jewelry box according to claim 1, further comprising:

one pivotal mount on the back on a first side;

two pivotal mounts on the back on a second side;

one fastener on a front of a side door and two fasteners on the front of the other side door; and

a rod secured in each pivotal mount on a first end and fastened to an opposing fastener on the front of a respective door.

5. The jewelry box according to claim 4, wherein:

the two pivotal mounts on the back on the second side are displaced vertically from each other by between 2 and 4 inches.

6. The jewelry box according to claim 4, wherein:

the two side doors have a height of at least 10 inches.

7. The jewelry box according to claim 4, wherein:

at least one rod is grooved along a top surface.

8. The jewelry box according to claim 1, wherein:

The rod is grooved along a top surface.

9. A jewelry box comprising:

a back;

a top hinged to a back;

a side door hinged to the back enclosing a side compartments, wherein when the top is lifted there is nothing covering the two side compartments, the door comprising a front and a side;

at least one pivotal mount on the back;

at least one fastener on a front of the door;

a rod secured in the at least one pivotal mount on the back and fastened to the front of a side door, wherein when a side door is opened, the at least one rod can be unfastened; and

a set of drawers positioned next to the side door.

10. The jewelry box according to claim 9, further comprising:

a first pivotal mount mounted within 2 inches of the top of the jewelry box;

a second and third pivotal mount are positioned horizontally from the first mount and vertically displaced from each other.

11. The jewelry box according to claim 10, wherein:

the first and second mount are parallel to each other in the horizontal plane.

12. The jewelry box according to claim 9, wherein:

the rod has a grooved top surface.

13. A method of retrieving and replacing necklaces, the method comprising:

opening a side door;

unfastening a rod;

rotating the rod on a pivotal mount in the horizontal plane past a right angle from a back of the jewelry box;

removing at least two necklaces stored on the rod;

returning an at least one necklace onto the rod;

rotating the rod back into the right angle position;

and closing the opened door.

14. A method of viewing necklaces and bracelets simultaneously in a jewelry box, the method comprising:

opening a first side door;

unfastening a first rod;

rotating the first rod on a pivotal mount in the horizontal plane past a right angle from a back of the jewelry box;

opening a second side door;

unfastening a second rod;

rotating the second rod on a pivotal mount in the horizontal plane past a right angle from a back of the jewelry box; and viewing an at least one necklace on the first rod and an at least one bracelet on the second rod.

15. A jewelry box comprising:

a pivotal mount;

a rod secured in the pivotal mount, which rotates in the horizontal plane and extends parallel to the bottom of the box;

an open area within the jewelry box and beneath and around the rod have a vertical distance of at least 7 inches.

16. The box according to claim 15, wherein:

The rod has a diameter or width between three-eighths and three-fourths of an inch.

17. The box according to claim 15, further comprising:

anti-tarnish material disposed upon the rod.

18. The box according to claim 15, wherein:

The rod has at least one of grooves or notches.