Series of configurable jewelry closures to hold single or multi-strands of jewelry

Abstract

A method and system for providing a configurable jewelry closure is disclosed. The configurable jewelry closure comprises a series of common jewelry fasteners on links. The fasteners are easily opened and designed for continual opening, by the wearer. These easy opening fasteners provide the wearer the ability to attach jewelry strands of varying color, number and length to provide the wearer with a customizable piece of jewelry. These jewelry closures can be removed from the jewelry strand by the wearer over and over again rendering it still usable and customizable by the wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is claiming under 35 USC 119(e) the benefit of provisional patent Application serial no. 60/250,329 filed on Nov. 29, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to configurable jewelry closures, and more particularly to such closures used for necklaces, bracelets, anklets, belts, hatbands, belly chains and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional jewelry design commonly provides consumers with conventional closures that are fixed to one or more jewelry strands. For example, one conventional closure includes a simple clasp, such as a lobster clasp, that is fixed to one end of the jewelry strand and that attaches to a link at the opposite end of the jewelry strand. A loop made with the jewelry strands is closed using the conventional closure, allowing the user to wear the necklace, bracelet or other item made with the jewelry strands and conventional closure. The conventional closure is typically designed merely to allow one end of the strand to be attached to the other end of the strand. However, some conventional closures also allow for variations in the length of the strands. For example, some conventional closures are designed to be attached to any part of a portion of the strands.

[0004] Although conventional closures allow jewelry strands to be formed into a loop, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that conventional closures are not intended to be repeatedly or continuously removed from the jewelry strand by the wearer. In addition, although some of the conventional closures allow for variations in the length of the jewelry strands along the conventional closure, the jewelry strands coupled to the conventional closure are not interchangeable at the will of the wearer. Furthermore, although some conventional jewelry closures are easily removed, they are not intended for repeated, continuous removal by the wearer. As a result, conventional designs of jewelry closures not intended for repeated removal from the jewelry strand by the wearer suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, removal of permanently fixed conventional closures from the jewelry strand by the wearer often renders the jewelry unusable, broken and uncustomizable by the wearer. In addition, continuous removal of conventional closures not intended for repeated removal from the jewelry strand by the wearer often renders the jewelry unusable, broken and uncustomizable by the wearer. The conventional closures also result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of matching color to the clothes being worn. In addition, the conventional closures result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of varying the number of jewelry strands worn together. Moreover, the conventional closures result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of varying the length of the jewelry strands worn together.

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for a more flexible, customizable method and system for providing jewelry. The present invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a closure and method for customizing jewelry. The method and system include providing a plurality of clasp. A first clasp and a second clasp of the plurality of are for attaching to at least one strand. The first clasp attaches to a first side of the at least one strand, while the second clasp attaches to a second side of the strand. The first clasp and second clasp are reusable. The first clasp and the second clasp allow for interchangeability of the at least one strand. In one embodiment, the method and system also includes at least a third clasp of the plurality of clasps and a plurality of links. The plurality of links is coupled with the first clasp. The third clasp is coupled with the second clasp. The third clasp and the plurality of links allow for a length of the jewelry to be customized. Preferably, each of the plurality of clasps is simple to use and effective.

[0007] According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention provides a simple, effective mechanism for customizing the color, length, and type of jewelry strands and look of the jewelry without causing undue wear of the jewelry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration, using the common lobster clasp.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.

[0011] FIG. 2C is a diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a fourth alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the three-clasp configuration.

[0013] FIG. 4A is diagram of a second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration, using the common lobster clasp.

[0014] FIG. 4B is diagram of a first alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.

[0015] FIG. 4C is diagram of a second alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration, FIG. 4D is diagram of a third alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.

[0016] FIG. 5 is diagram of a fourth alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the two-clasp configuration.

[0017] FIG. 6A is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6B is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6C is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention relates to an improvement in jewelry. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0021] The present invention provides a closure and method for customizing jewelry. The method and system include providing a plurality of clasp. A first clasp and a second clasp of the plurality of are for attaching to at least one strand. The first clasp attaches to a first side of the at least one strand, while the second clasp attaches to a second side of at least one strand. The first clasp and second clasp are reusable. The first clasp and the second clasp allow for interchangeability of the at least one strand. In one embodiment, the method and system also includes at least a third clasp of the plurality of clasps and a plurality of links. The plurality of links is coupled with the first clasp. The third clasp is coupled with the second clasp. The third clasp and the plurality of links allow for a length of the jewelry to be customized. Preferably, each of the plurality of clasps is simple to use and effective.

[0022] The present invention will be described in terms of specific closures and other specific elements, such as links. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that this method and system will operate effectively for other closures and other elements consistent with the present invention.

[0023] To more particularly illustrate the method and system in accordance with the present invention, refer now to FIG. 1, depicting an item of jewelry including a preferred embodiment of a configurable closure 100 in accordance with the present invention. The closure 100 is used in conjunction with jewelry strands 116 (depicted as portions 116A and 116B). The configurable closure 100 includes the fasteners 102, 104 and 106 as well as lengths 108 and 110. The fasteners 102, 104 and 106 are shown as being lobster clasps. The lengths 108 and 110 are depicted as being chains. However, the lengths 108 and 110 could be made of another material and the fasteners 102, 104 and 106 could be another type of fastener. The fasteners 102 and 104 are coupled together, preferably using the length 108. The fastener 102 and 104 are fixed to the length 108. In other words, the fasteners 102 and 104 are coupled to the length 108 in a manner not conducive to repeated removal from the length 108. Similarly, the fastener 106 is fixed to the length 110.

[0024] In operation, the fasteners 102 and 106 are coupled to the loops 112 and 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the fasteners 102 and 106 are coupled to the loops 112 and 114, respectively, so that the fasteners 102 and 106, respectively, can be easily and repeatably removed from the loops 112 and 114, respectively. In order to close the loop, the fastener 104 is coupled to a portion of the length 110. The fastener 104 is coupled to a link in the chain that makes up the length 110 so that the fastener 104 is easily separated from the length 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fastener 104 is coupled to a link in the chain that makes up the length 110.

[0025] The connection of fasteners 102, 104 and 106 to loop(s) 112 and 114 allows the wearer to customize the jewelry strand(s) 116 with respect to varying the color, number and length. Fastener 104 provides a reusable and customizable connection point along the length of chain 10 connected to fastener 106. This allows a user to vary the overall length of the item of jewelry. The connection of fastener 104 to the chain 110 allows the wearer to customize the jewelry with regard to overall length of the jewelry piece. Fasteners 102 and 106 provide a reusable and customizable connection point to loops 112 and 114 of the jewelry strand(s) 116. This allows the strand(s) 116 to be customized, for example by varying the color, number, length and arrangement of the strand(s) 116. Thus, a user can rapidly and easily customize the jewelry piece using the closure 100 in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the closure 100′ in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second alternate version of the preferred embodiment 100″ of the closure in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration. FIG. 2C is a diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the closure 100′″ in the three-clasp configuration.

[0027] In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, many of the components are analogous to portions of the closure 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Consequently, these items are labeled similarly. For example, the closures 100, 100′, 100″ and 100′″ each includes a length 108, 108′, 108″ or 108′″. In each case the closures 100′, 100″ and 100′″ remain the same essentially except for the shape and operation of the fasteners. In FIG. 2A the fasteners 102′, 104′ and 106′ used are common S-hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common S-hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the above-mentioned inventors. In FIG. 2B the fasteners 102″, 104″ and 106″ used are common hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the maker of the closure 100″. In FIG. 2C the fasteners 102′″, 104′″ and 106′″ used are common Spring Ring clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Spring Rings can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the maker of the closure 100′″. The closures 100′, 100″ and 100′″ function in effectively the same manner as the closure 100. Thus, the closures 100′, 100″ and 100′″ provide the benefits of the closure 100. Thus, a user is allowed to customize the jewelry by varying aspects such as the length of the jewelry piece as well as the length, number, type and arrangement of the strands 116′, 116″ or 116′″.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a fourth alternate version of the preferred embodiment of a closure 150 in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners with in the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the three-clasp configuration. The closure 150 includes fasteners 152, 154 and 156 and lengths 158 and 160. The fasteners 152 and 154 are fixed to the length 158. The fastener 156 is fixed to the length 160. The closure 150 is used in conjunction with strand(s) 166. The closure 150 functions in essentially the same manner as the closures 100, 100′, 100″ and 100′″ and thus provides the benefits of the closures 100, 100′, 100″ and 100″. As depicted in FIG. 3, the fasteners 152, 154 and 156 need not match. Instead, the fasteners 152, 154 and 156 can be mixed to achieve the desired result. For example, the fasteners 152 and 156 can match, while the fastener 154 is of another type. One such closure is depicted in FIG. 3, which utilizes hook clasps for fasteners 152 and 156 and a lobster clasp for the fastener 154. Any number of combinations of mixed fasteners 152, 154 and 156 would result in the desired effect of giving the wearer a customizable piece of jewelry with respect to varying color, number and length of jewelry strand(s) 166. Thus, the closure 150 can be customized. In addition, the overall length of the jewelry piece as well as features such as the number, type and arrangement of the strands 166 can be customized by the user.

[0029] FIG. 4A is diagram of a second embodiment of the closure 200 in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. The closure 200 utilizes two fasteners 202 and 204 coupled by a length 206. The length 206 is preferably a chain. The fasteners 202 and 204 are preferably fixed to the length 206. The closure 200 is used in conjunction with jewelry strand(s) 212 having loops 208 and 210. The fasteners 202 and 204 depicted are lobster clasps.

[0030] In operation, the fasteners 202 and 204 are coupled to the loops 208 and 210, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, the fasteners 202 and 204 are coupled to the loops 208 and 210, respectively, so that the fasteners 202 and 204, respectively, can be easily and repeatably removed from the loops 208 and 210, respectively.

[0031] The connection of fasteners 202 and 204 to loop(s) 208 and 210 allows the wearer to customize the jewelry strand(s) 212. For example, a user might vary the color, number, length and arrangement of the jewelry strands 212. Fasteners 202 and 204 thus provide a reusable and customizable connection point to loops 208 and 210 of the jewelry strand(s) 212. This allows the strand(s) 212 to vary, for example in the color, number, length and arrangement of the strands 212. Thus, a user can rapidly and easily customize the jewelry piece using the closure 200 in accordance with the present invention. Note, however, that varying the length of the entire jewelry piece is not possible.

[0032] FIGS. 4B-4D depict alternate version of the second embodiments of the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A. In each case shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, all factors remain the same except for the shape and operation of the fasteners. FIG. 4B is diagram of a first alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure 200′ accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. FIG. 4C is diagram of a second alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure 200″ in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. FIG. 4D is diagram of a third alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure 200′″ in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.

[0033] The closures 200, 200′, 200″ and 200′″ function in essentially the same manner. Consequently, portions of the closures 200′, 200″ and 200″ are labeled in a similar manner to the closure 200. Referring to FIG. 4B, the fasteners 202′ and 204′ used are common S-hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common S-hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated. In FIG. 4C the fasteners 202″ and 204″ used are common Hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated. In FIG. 4D the fasteners 202′″ and 204′″ used are common Spring Ring clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Spring Rings can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the above-mentioned inventors. These examples are not inclusive of all the possible forms this invention can take. Thus, both the closure 200, 200′, 200″ and 200″ and aspects of the strands 212, 212′, 212″ and 212′″ are customizable.

[0034] FIG. 5 is diagram of a fourth alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure 250 in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the two-clasp configuration. The closure 250 includes fasteners 252 and 254 and length 256 and is used in conjunction with strand(s) 262 having loops 258 and 260. The closure 250 operates in the same manner as the closures 200, 200′, 200″ and 200″. Thus, the closure 250 has many of the same benefits of the closures 200, 200′, 200″ and 200″″.

[0035] In addition, there are various possibilities with regard mixing the common fasteners with in the design of the configurable jewelry closure. The closure 250 shows one example of mixing fasteners in the design. Fastener 252 uses the lobster clasp, while Fastener B utilizes the ring clasp. Any number of combinations of mixed fasteners 252 and 254 would result in the desired effect of giving the wearer a customizable piece of jewelry with respect to varying color, number and length of jewelry strand(s) 262. Thus, the closure 250 can be customized. In addition, the user can customize features such as the number, type and arrangement of the strands 262.

[0036] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are diagrams of an alternate version of the first embodiment of the closure 300 in accordance with the present invention as used with different jewelry strands owned by a user. Suppose a wearer has three jewelry strands 316, 318 and 320, and fasteners 302, 304 and 306 (in any combination) in a closure in accordance with the present invention. The closure 300 also includes lengths 308 and 310.

[0037] FIG. 6A depicts the closure 300 as used with a single strand 316 having loops 312 and 314. Although the single strand 316 is shown in FIG. 6A, the strand 316, 318 or 320 could be used. FIG. 6B depicts the jewelry piece when two strands 316 and 318 are used in conjunction with the closure 300. Although strands 316 and 318 are shown, any combination of two of the strands 316, 318 and 320 could be used. For example, for two strands, the possible combinations are strands 316 and 318 (hanging loose), strands 316 and 318 (twisted together), strands 316 and 320 (hanging loose), strands 316 and 320 (twisted together), strands 318 and 320 (hanging loose) and strands 318 and 320 (twisted together). FIG. 6C depicts the jewelry piece when three strands worn are used in conjunction with the closure 300. The possible combinations for three are: strands 316, 318, and 320 (hanging loose), strands 316 and 318 (twisted together) and 320 (hanging loose), strands 316 and 320 (twisted together) and 318 (hanging loose), strands 318 and 320 (twisted together) and 316 (hanging loose) and strands 316, 318, and 320 (twisted together). Thus, at least fourteen combinations are possible. Moreover, more combinations may also be possible. In addition, the length of the necklace can preferably be altered. Thus, the necklace is further customizable.

[0038] The configurable jewelry closures in accordance with the present invention can be used to customize jewelry with respect to the wearers desired fashion effect. By selecting variations of color, number and or length of jewelry strand(s) the wearer has customizable piece of jewelry to wear. By utilizing the reusable, customizable configurable jewelry closure the wearer gets the benefit of a multi-colored, multi-stranded and multi-length piece of jewelry. Furthermore, the configurable jewelry closure has the additional advantages in that: the present invention permits the wearing of multi-strands jewelry without requiring a clasp for each jewelry strand. In addition, use of one clasp reduces weight, bulk and tangle of the jewelry. The present invention also permits the wearer to determine the color, number and length of the jewelry strand(s) worn. Furthermore, the present invention may provide a reusable, customizable piece of jewelry suited to the wearers desired fashion effect. The present invention may also allow for even greater customization by allowing an easy twist in the jewelry strand(s) to create another customization based on the wearer's desire.

[0039] A method and system has been disclosed for providing a customizable mechanism for jewelry. Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A closure for customizing jewelry comprising:

at least one jewelry strand; and

a plurality of clasps for attaching to at least one strand, the plurality of clasps including a first clasp and a second clasp, the first clasp and second clasp being reusable, the first clasp attaching to a first side of the at least one strand, the second clasp attaching to a second side of the at least one strand, the first clasp and the second clasp allowing for interchangeability of the at least one strand.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of clasps further includes at least a third clasp of the plurality of clasp and a plurality of links, the third clasp being coupled with the second clasp, the plurality of links being coupled with the first clasp;

the third clasp and the plurality of links allowing for a length of the jewelry to be customized.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the third clasp is reusable.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first clasp includes a lobster clasp or a S-clasp.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the second clasp includes a lobster clasp or a S-clasp.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a chain having a first end and a second end, the first end of the chain being coupled to the first clasp the second end of the chain being coupled to the second clasp.