Patents Assigned to Heart & Company
  • Patent number: 6715315
    Abstract: Jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings are disclosed. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting. In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. An longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Heart & Company
    Inventor: Ronald W. Hartgrove
  • Patent number: 6701747
    Abstract: Decorative articles having interchangeable modules. The decorative articles, such as rings, include a body or shank having first and second surfaces and defining an aperture therethrough. The interchangeable modules may be mounted, either individually or in combination, on the body from the side, the outside or the inside of the body or shank. In one aspect, the interchangeable modules include first and second portions. The first portion, at least partially disposed in the aperture, retains against the first surface adjacent the aperture. The second portion is connected to the first portion and is disposed adjacent the second surface. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface and is selectively pivotable to contact the first portion and maintain the module mounted on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Heart & Company
    Inventor: Ronald W. Hartgrove