Modular jewelry set
A modular jewelry set capable of forming a variety of assemblies using some or all components includes a group of core components each having at least one manually actuable clasping mechanism on each end, at least one connector ring adapted to be engaged by more than one clasping mechanism at a time, and, preferably, at least one strand of which at least a portion of its length is elastic. One or more of each core component can be joined to the other either end-to-end or in parallel, using one or more rings to accept the clasps at the ends of the components thereby forming an assembly. The resulting jewelry assembly has many uses including but not limited to hair dressing and clothing accessorizing.
None.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to jewelry sets and, more particularly, to modular jewelry sets that can be configured using different components to create a variety of custom sets for wearing in the hair, wearing as bracelets for the wrist and ankle, wearing as necklaces, wearing as belts, wearing as a hat band, wearing as a bag-strap, and wearing in other manners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONExisting jewelry comes in a very large variety of configurations. A relatively limited amount of jewelry comes in sets having multiple components that are convertible to different types of jewelry. Known convertible jewelry sets typically comprise of no more than interchanging a facade on a watch or watchband, adding and removing a gemstone to and from an earring, combining a ring with a matching band for wearing on the same finger, or adding and removing one or more charms to and from a necklace or a bracelet.
No known jewelry sets exist in which a single kit using the same basic components can be configured in a substantially large number of different configurations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile, multi-configuration jewelry set having more different modes than existing jewelry sets.
These objects, as well as others, are achieved by the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by utilizing a a group of core components comprising at least one manually actuable clasping mechanism on each end of each strand, at least one connector ring adapted to be engaged by more than one clasping mechanism at a time, and, preferably, at least one strand of which at least a portion of its length is elastic. One or more of each core component can be joined to the other either end-to-end or in parallel, using one or more rings to accept the clasps at the ends of the components thereby forming an assembly. The resulting jewelry assembly has many uses, as described below, including but not limited to hair dressing and clothing accessorizing. Utilizing the elastic component gives the assembly stretch ability so it can be used, for example, as a hair or ponytail retention device, or as a slip-on bracelet that, when not stretched, will not slide back over the hand. The components can have a variety of styles and configurations including, but not limited to: beads of metal, glass, gemstones and other materials; ribbons or other ornamental fabrics; links such as chain links; combinations of the foregoing; and other pieces known to those in the art for jewelry alone or in combination with the foregoing.
While certain embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein as preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. For example, an assembly according to the present invention can be configured selectively to be suitable as a hair ornament or hair retention device, as a necklace, as a bracelet, as a belt loop, as a belt, as an anklet, as a strap or decorative accessory for a purse or bag, as a decorative accessory for footwear such as a boot or for headwear such as a hat, or as a decorative accessory for clothing such as a jacket or a pair of jeans. These are examples and there are many other possibilities. The jewelry described with respect to the present invention includes, but is not limited to, such materials as metals, gemstones, glass, fabrics, and plastics.
Referring to
In use, an assembly (10) like that shown in
For these assemblies and any other assembly described herein with respect to the present invention, any one of a variety of sections can be used from among chain link (12), non-elastic beads (50), ribbon and bead combinations (60), ribbon (112), a simple cord of leather or fabric (not shown), shells (not shown), gem stones (not shown) and any other known jewelry configuration for forming a flexible length. Similarly, the elastic sections can be configured the same, but using an elastic cord to connect the various elements.
Referring to
Referring to
The foregoing examples are preferred embodiments demonstrating the common features of an assembly according to the present invention, those common features being: at least one elastic member; a plurality of non-elastic members, linking means to selectively connect and disconnect some or all of the members to create a variety of configurations from the kit. Assemblies made according to the present invention are not limited to any particular uses and may be used for, by way of example, anklets, belts, bag or purse straps, etc. to accessorize hair or clothing.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been herein described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1) A modular, ornamental assembly for wearing in hair, on the body, or on clothing comprising
- at least one non-elastic member having a clasp at each end;
- at least one variable length member having a clasp at each end; and
- at least two rings, each being adapted to be selectively attached to a clasp from each member, respectively, at the same time, such that said assembly forms a closed loop.
2) An assembly according to claim 1, wherein
- said non-elastic member comprises a chain made of links.
3) An assembly according to claim 1, wherein
- said non-elastic member comprises a group of beads strung over a cord.
4) An assembly according to claim 1, wherein
- said non-elastic member comprises a plurality of ribbon sections in combination with beads forming a single length.
5) An assembly according to claim 1, wherein
- said variable length member is an elastic member.
6) An assembly according to claim 5, wherein
- said elastic member comprises at least one section of an elastic cord about which non-elastic beads are strung.
7) An assembly according to claim 1, wherein
- said variable length member comprises a ribbon made of two pieces adapted to be tied together at any one of a variety of selected positions along either piece of ribbon in order to selectively determine the resultant length of the member once the two ribbon pieces are tied together.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 2, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 21, 2008
Inventors: Mary Lafauci (Philadelphia, PA), Diana Menaged (Glenside, PA), Carlan Joseph (Trevose, PA), Teresa E. Saponaro (Jenkintown, PA)
Application Number: 11/446,059
International Classification: A44C 5/00 (20060101);