SEGMENTED PENDANT

Abstract

A decorative pendant includes a plurality of segments, each being shaped and sized so as to have a selected composite shape, such as, for example, a heart shape, an animal shape, etc. Each of the segments has an aperture extending therethrough, and a pivot rod traverses the apertures of the each of the segments, such that each of the segments is freely rotatable with respect to the pivot rod. The first and last segments are coupled to the ends of the pivot rod, with the remaining segments captured between. One of the segments includes a loop for engagement with a necklace, and one of the segments includes a legend inscribed on a surface that, when the segments hang freely from the pivot rod, lies face-to-face with a surface of an adjoining one of the segments, so as to be visible only when the one of the segments is rotated away from its free-hanging position, relative to the adjacent segment.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/912,906 filed Apr. 19, 2007, which provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are related to the field of decorative personal items such a necklaces, pendants, and earrings, and in particular, are related to such items that include multiple elements that are configured to be movable with respect to each other.

2. Description of the Related Art

Jewelry has been a fundamental part of human adornment since prehistory. It has been used to express, among other things, social status, wealth, personal taste, and affiliations. It includes objects such as rings, pins, earrings, bracelets, and pendants, and varies by size, shape, color, material, and complexity.

There is a continuing and consistent interest in new jewelry designs and new variations on old designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a segmented pendant according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, showing each of the segments slightly rotated with respect to adjacent segments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view according to an embodiment, showing the segments rotated so as to reveal an inner surface of one of the segments.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross sectional views of a portion of a pendant, taken along lines 5A-5A of FIG. 1, showing respective stages of assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6-8 is are cross sectional views of pendants according to respective embodiments, taken along lines 5A-5A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a segment of a pendant according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a segmented pendant according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a segmented pendant 100 such as might be hung about one's neck with a chain, in the shape of heart, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The pendant comprises a plurality of segments 102 that, when aligned vertically form the overall shape of the pendant. A loop 104 is coupled to an end of the centermost segment 102a, configured to receive a chain, as mentioned above. The segments 102 are separately pivotable around a pivot rod 106 (see FIG. 8) so that they are capable of being displaced from a vertical orientation, as explained in more detail later. FIG. 2 shows the pendant 100 with each of the segments 102 rotated slightly with respect to adjacent segments 102, showing how, when the pendant 100 is disturbed from a position of rest, the segments 102 freely rotate with respect to each other, lending an added element of visual attraction to the pendant 100. Each of the segments 102 includes at least one surface 108 that is substantially hidden while all of the segments are aligned as shown in FIG. 1, but that can be substantially exposed by rotating the respective segment 102 with respect to adjacent segments, as described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 shows the segmented pendant 100 according to an embodiment of the invention in which a surface 108a of one of the segments 102a bears an engraved legend 110. When the pendant 100 is in its normal resting position, or hanging from a necklace, the surface 108a on which the engraving appears is invisible, laying between two of the segments 102 of the pendant 100. However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the engraved segment 102a is rotated with respect to other segments of the pendant, the surface 108a, including the engraved legend, is visible. Thus, that the wearer may elect to keep the message private while wearing the pendant, but may, at her personal choice, choose to read or show the message to particular people.

It will be recognized that a surface 108 of any of the segments 102 can be engraved in this manner so as to hide the engraving until the respective segment 102 is rotated away from the other segments. Engraving can be made on opposite surfaces 108 of the same segment, or alternatively, on face-to-face surfaces 108 of two adjacent segments. The engraving can be selected for the occasion. For example, if the pendant is to be given as a wedding gift, the name of the bride and/or groom may be engraved on the center segment, or one name on each side. Alternatively, the date of the marriage may be engraved. Of course, as further alternatives, special messages appropriate to a particular occasion can be on engraved, according to the purpose for which the pendant is given, including, for example, love messages for a wedding or anniversary gift; birthday messages, and friendship messages.

While only the surface 108a is shown with engraving, any surface can be decorated. For example, according to an embodiment, the front and back faces of the pendant, comprising coplanar surfaces of each of the segments 102, can be decorate by any of a number of known processes, including, for example, etching, engraving, carving, coloring and oxidizing processes, etc. According to an embodiment, a pendant is provided having a plurality of segments, each having at least one surface that lies substantially in a common plane and forming a common face while the segments are hanging vertically. A fanciful design is formed in the face by etching or some other process, such that there is a palpable depth to the design, and the portions of the design that are recessed, with respect to the face, are colored to contrast with a color of the face. The respective colors can be by oxidation, anodization, by deposit of a surface color, or by polishing the material of the pendant. The engraving on the front and back faces may be selected so that when the pendant is in the flat position, one image is shown, but when different segments are rotated relative to each other, a different image is shown.

In one alternative embodiment, the loop 104 is not present. In this embodiment, the design is an ornamental object with a plurality of segments that can rotate relative to each other. In this form, it can sit on a dresser, be a pocket piece of jewelry or other object. Alternatively, a pin can be attached to one of the segments to support it from the rear so it can be a broach.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a partially exploded view of the pendant 100 is provided. With the possible exception of the first and last segments 102b, 102c of the pendant, each of the segments 102 is provided with an aperture 112 extending therethrough. The aperture 112 of each segment is positioned such that, when the segments 102 are correctly arranged with respect to each other, the apertures 112 align to form a continuous aperture extending through all of the inner segments 102. The pivot rod 106, having a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the apertures 112, extends through the apertures 112 of each of the segments 102, so that the segments are individually free to rotate around the axis of the pivot rod 106. The first and last segments 102b of the pendant 100 are coupled to respective ends of the pivot rod 106, and serve to hold all the segments 102 in their respective positions, with sufficient space between each segment to permit the segments to rotate freely and without undue friction, while preventing them from separating so far that visible gaps appear between the segments. Generally, one to five thousandths of an inch between each adjacent pair of segments is sufficient.

Assuming a pendant design that has an intended top and bottom, the overall position of the apertures 112 is selected to be above the center of gravity of each of the individual segments 102 when they are oriented according to the design, such that each segment 102 hangs in the desired orientation and the overall shape of the pendant 100 is displayed when the pendant hangs freely.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, one or both of the first and last segments 102b, 102c are rotatably coupled to the pivot rod 106 such that the first and last segments are also rotatable with respect to each other. According to another embodiment, the ends of the pivot rod 106 are rigidly coupled to the respective first and last segments 102b, 102c of the pendant 100. According to this embodiment, the first and last segments are rotationally fixed with respect to each other, but are free to rotate, with the pivot rod 106, with respect to the other segments of the pendant.

The pendant 100 is normally hung about an individuals neck by a chain or cord through the loop 104. While hanging freely, the segments each hang vertically, and to an observer, the pendant appears substantially solid. However, because a pendant rarely hangs free when worn about the neck, but instead rests against the wearer's chest, it will move with the wearer, causing the segments to move slightly, with respect to each other, sometimes creating a rippling, liquid appearance.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a sectional view of a portion of a pendant 120 is shown, taken at lines 5-5 of FIG. 1, illustrating an assembly process, according to one embodiment. In FIG. 5A, segment 102c and its adjacent segment 102d are shown, together with the pivot rod 106, prior to final assembly. Though not shown in its entirety, all of the components of the pendant 120 may be assumed to have been assembled on the pivot rod 106, and the segment 102b to have been affixed to the opposite end of the pivot rod. Thus the remaining assembly step is to affix the segment 102c to the pivot rod 106.

The segment 102d includes an aperture 112, and the segment 102c includes a blind aperture 128. Each of the apertures 128 and 112 is provided with a chamfer 122, 124 on the facing surfaces of the respective segments 102c, 102d. A small amount of solder 126 is positioned in the blind aperture 128, with the end of the pivot rod resting thereon. An operator applies a small flame to the segment 102c immediately opposite the blind aperture 128, heating only the segment 102c, at the same time applying a slight pressure against the segment 102c to the left, as viewed in the drawings. When the region of the segment 102c around the blind aperture 128 reaches the liquidus temperature of the solder, the solder liquefies, flowing by capillary action, and because of the pressure applied, around the end of the pivot rod 106, allowing the segment 102c to move leftward until the pivot rod 106 bottoms out in the blind aperture 128, as shown in FIG. 5B. Once the solder melts and flows around the pivot rod, it quickly conducts heat to the pivot rod, heating the end of the rod to a temperature sufficient to bond with the solder 126. As soon as the segment 102c moves to the left, or preferably no more than one or two seconds after, the operator removes the flame from the segment and allows the fully assembled pendant to cool. The length of the pivot rod is selected to maintain sufficient space between the end segments 102b, 102c for the remaining segments 102 to rotate freely and without significant interference.

According to an alternative embodiment, the pivot rod 106 is intentionally slightly too short, and a temporary shim is positioned between the segments 102c and 102d. The operator proceeds as described above, and when the solder melts, leftward pressure on the segment 102c compacts all the segments tightly together, because the pivot rod 106 does not bottom out. The shim is selected to be of a thickness substantially equal to a sum of the desired clearance space between each facing pair of segments. Thus, after the segment 106 cooled, the shim is removed, and the appropriate clearance space is provided. Operating in this manner provides as one advantage that the shim can be made of an insulating material, thus also serving to prevent the accidental heating of the adjacent segment 102d. With regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1, there are sixteen pairs of facing surfaces between the segments 102. Assuming a desired clearance of 0.002″, the shim thickness would be 0.032″, or about 0.8 mm.

Because the volume of solder required to bond the rod to the segment 102c is miniscule, it can be difficult to provide sufficient solder to form a strong joint, without providing so much that it would flow into the aperture 112 of the adjacent segment 102d, possibly bonding that segment, as well, which of course is not desirable. However, because the chamfers 122, 124 are provided in the surfaces of the segments 102c, 102d, a small cavity is formed between the segments, which is invisible when the pendant 120 is assembled. The cavity has sufficient volume that as excess solder flows from the blind aperture, it flows into the cavity, as shown in FIG. 5B, without coming into contact with the segment 102d, thus providing the operator with a much more comfortable margin in the amount of solder used, while providing an invisible joint.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a portion of a pendant 130 is shown in a view that is substantially similar to that of FIGS. 5A, 5B. According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the segment 102c is provided with a through-aperture 112 in the same manner as the other segments. The operator assembles the segments 102 on the pivot rod 106 and applies heat and solder to the outside surface of the segment 102c and the rod 106 where it extends from the aperture 112, forming a solder joint in a conventional manner. The chamfers 122, 124 provide the same benefit described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. When the solder joint is completed, the excess rod is cut away, and the face 132 of the segment 102c is polished, resulting in a nearly invisible joint.

FIG. 7 shows a portion of a pendant 140 in a view that is substantially similar to that of FIGS. 5A, 5B. According to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the segment 102c is provided with a blind aperture 142 that includes an enlarged inner portion 144. The rod 106 is provided with an enlarged end 146 having frusto-conically tapered sides, and with a slot 148 extending lengthwise in the rod 106. A second slot extends along the rod at right angles to the slot 148. The second slot is not shown to simplify the drawing. When assembling the pendant 140, an operator presses the end 146 of the rod 106 into the blind aperture 142. The end of the rod compresses to permit the enlarged portion 146 to pass through the aperture, and when the end reaches the enlarged portion 144 of the aperture 142, the rod snaps in place, locking the rod in the aperture 142. The segment 102c is rotatable with respect to the rod, but is held firmly by the engagement of the rod 106 in the aperture 142 of the segment 102c.

FIG. 8 shows a portion of a pendant 150 in a view that is substantially similar to that of FIGS. 5A, 5B, according to another embodiment in which the segment 102c is rotatable with respect to the pivot rod 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the segment 102 has an aperture 112 that includes an enlarged portion 152. The pivot rod 106 includes an enlarged head portion 154 that fits within the enlarged portion of the aperture 112, preventing the pivot rod from pulling out of the aperture, while permitting rotation of the segment 102c relative to the pivot rod 106. An end face 156 of the pivot rod 106 is finished to lie flush with the outer surface 132 of the segment 102c, resulting in an overall smooth and regular surface when the segment is in the vertical position.

According to an alternate embodiment, the end face of the pivot rod has a rounded, or “rivet head” finish.

In some embodiments the first and last segments are rotatable with respect to the pivot rod, but it is nevertheless important that the pivot rod have a particular orientation when the pendant is hanging freely, so that, for example, the end faces of the pivot rod conform to the outer surface of the first and last segments. In such embodiments, the pivot rod can be rigidly affixed to the segment by which the pendant will hang. e.g., the segment 102a of FIG. 1, such that when all the segments are aligned, the end faces of the pivot rod will be correctly aligned, as well.

In FIGS. 5A-8, various means for coupling the segment 102c to an end of the pivot rod 106 are disclosed, according to various embodiments. It will be recognized that the segment 102b can likewise be coupled to its respective end of the pivot rod 106 in a manner such as one of those disclosed, or in another functionally equivalent manner. Furthermore, it is not required that the first and last segments 102b, 102c of a given embodiment be coupled in the same manner. For example, the first segment 102b can be rigidly coupled to the pivot rod while the last segment 102c is rotatably coupled, the first can be manufactured as a unitary element with the pivot rod, while the last is coupled after the remaining segments 102 are positioned, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a representative one of a plurality of segments 102 of a pendant is shown, according to an embodiment, in which a surface 108 includes a raised face 158 having a circular shape, which lies in a parallel but offset plane with respect to the surface 108. The thickness of the raised face, i.e., the distance between the plane defined by the surface 108 and that defined by the face 158, may be only a few thousandths of an inch, 0.001″-0.005″, for example, while the diameter of the raised face is equal to or less than the width of the surface 108, with the aperture 112 positioned concentrically therewith. Accordingly, when incorporated into a complete pendant, the face 158 is never exposed by rotation of the segment 102 on the pivot rod, relative to neighboring segments, and a distance between the surface 108 and the facing surface 108 of the immediately adjacent segment, is very small, and is not easily perceptible by an observer. Nevertheless, the small distance is sufficient to significantly reduce abrasion of the surface 108 with the face-to-face surface 108 of an adjoining segment, by dust or grit, as the segments rotate with respect to each other. A raised face may be provided on one surface 108 of each pair of facing surfaces of a pendant, or may be provided on both surfaces of each pair. Alternatively, a thin washer bushing having a size and shape substantially equivalent to that described with reference to the raised face 158 may be provided between each pair of segments for the same purpose.

FIG. 10 illustrates a pendant 200 having the shape of a particular animal. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the animal shown is an elephant in which each segment is a particular part of the body. One end segment 202a is the trunk 208, which, when rotated relative to other parts of the pendant, can suggest different attitudes. The trunk can point down, as shown, to suggest an elephant walking or feeding, or turned upwards to suggest an elephant spraying itself with water, or trumpeting. Of course, the shape given to the trunk will also influence the impression. The elephant has certain features 206 etched in the flat face, including ears and eyes, to enhance the appearance. The etched features can be filled with a color that contrasts with the color of the surface of the pendant 200, in order to make these features contrast strongly with the surface, so as to be more visible. Further, the widths of the segments 202 vary from one to another. Some segments 202, such as ones having the eye, leg or trunk, are selected according to the size of the feature that is on the segment. Thus, the segment may be quite wide, such as the one having the leg, or more narrow, such as one having the trunk or just the tail. Of course, other animal shapes can be made, such as a dog, whose tail can be turned up or down and other body parts can rotate relative to each other. Numerous other animal shapes are adaptable and useable with the invention, such as birds, giraffes, tigers, cats, fish, and the like.

In one specific embodiment, a sterling silver was used to make a model substantially as shown in FIG. 1, which had seventeen segments, with the first and last segments rigidly coupled to the pivot rod in the manner described with reference to FIG. 6. Each segment was about 2 mm in width and 4 mm in depth. The overall height of the pendant, itself, exclusive of the loop, was about 31 mm. The total weight was about one troy ounce. In the physical model, the loop was formed as an integral part of the center segment, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the loop can be added to the pendant later by appropriate brazing, silver soldering, or other acceptable technique, in a manner well known in the art.

While principles of the invention have been described primarily with reference to a heart-shaped pendant, a segmented pendant according to the principles of the invention can be provided with any shape that is capable of being divided into segments. Oval shapes, round shapes, diamond shapes and other geometric shapes are particularly adapted to being made from segments according to the invention. A classic round diamond shape with a flat upper surface and cone bottom, ending in a point is another shape particularly adapted for use with the invention. Various fruits may also be made, including apples, pears, and the like.

The term pendant is to be construed broadly, to include, in addition to a pendant configured to hang from a chain or cord to be worn about a user's neck, other items of jewelry and decorative objects, such as, for example, earrings, pins, fobs, hair clips, etc., as well as decorative objects that are not designed to hang, such as a pocket charm or paper weight.

Earrings are particularly suitable for application of the principles of the invention. Such earrings have a plurality of segments, one of which includes the loop for attachment to the wearer's ear. The segments of the earring would therefore rotate freely, providing sparkle and color as they turn with each movement of the wearer's head. The segments can be balanced and weighted in such a way that they easily rotate with respect to each other, with very little force needed. Very light weight segments can be used if desired. In such an embodiment, having the inside surface of the segments a different color may be particularly beneficial since, in this case, the goal of the wearer is to have the segments show different colors as they rotate relative to each other.

The ease with which the segments rotate with respect to each other can be selected based on the desired presentation and use. For example, in some pendant designs, the fit between the segments and the rod can be quite tight so that the segments generally lie flat and only rotate relative to each other when specific force to move them is applied, such as by pressing with the finger or twisting. In other embodiments, the fit is made substantially friction free, so the segments rotate very easily with respect to each other. In such a low friction embodiment, even minor movement of the pendant, or a wind blowing on the pendant, will cause the segments to move relative to each other, so that as the wears moves, one or more of the segments will move relative to each other, exposing parts of the inside surface, and thus its reflective and visual properties, further enhancing the beauty of the pendant.

The segmented pendant may be manufactured using any suitable material, including common and precious metals such as sterling copper, nickel, silver, gold, and platinum, as well as minerals, ceramics, crystal etc. According to an embodiment, individual segments of a pendant are made from different materials, such as, for example, a combination of gold and silver segments. Additionally, gems can be set into the exposed faces of one or more segments, or into the hidden surfaces such that they are invisible until the segments are moved.

As a further alternative, the exposed face may be one material and the inside surface another material. For example, the segment may be made of glass or crystal as a base material with a silver coating applied to the top surface. The pendant will appear flat and silver in color when in the composite shape of FIG. 1, but when a segment moves, the light reflective properties of the crystal will drastically change the appearance of the pendant. The silver color will combine with the reflective crystal to provide a specific appearance. This same effect can be obtained by combining silver segments with a gold layer, various internal cut edges of various colors on the inside surfaces of one or more segments or other designs. Alternatively, the inside surfaces of the segments may be different colors or have different reflective characteristics of the light. As each segment rotates, the light is reflected differently with respect to it prior position, thus providing a constant sparkling effect.

In one embodiment, each segment of the pendant is made from crystal or reflective glass. In the flat position, as shown in FIG. 1, with no segment rotated, the pendant will have a first appearance and light reflective properties. It can be made with cut edges and light reflective corners so that it reflects light at particular angles, as a heart shape. The light may be reflected from each end and exposed surface of the pendant. Then, as segments rotate, relative to each other as the wearer moves, even slight movement will cause a portion of the inside edges to be exposed, which if they have cut edges or internal grooves and cuts, will drastically change the light reflective properties of the pendant. This may result in bright flashes and sparkles as different cut edges of each segment are exposed, causing light to be reflected at many different angles, so that light even from one or more central sources will provide brilliance and shine to the entire pendant, according to the selection of the artistic designer.

Where used in the specification and claims, the term rotate freely means to rotate in response to changes in acceleration or orientation caused by movement of the object in question. Thus, for example, with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 2, if the pendant 100 were lying flat on a table top or other horizontal surface, then picked up by the loop, the segments 102 would individually and independently rotate and settle in a vertical position merely by the pull of gravity.

The abstract of the present disclosure is provided as a brief outline of some of the principles of the invention according to one embodiment, and is not intended as a complete or definitive description of any embodiment thereof, nor should it be relied upon to define terms used in the specification or claims. The abstract does not limit the scope of the claims.

Elements from the various embodiments described above can omitted or combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A pendant, comprising:

a plurality of segments, each of the segments shaped, positioned and sized relative to each other so as to form a selected composite shape;

a first group of the plurality of segments having an aperture extending therethrough;

a pivot rod extending through the aperture of the each of the first group of segments and having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the aperture such that each of the first group of segments is freely rotatable with respect to the pivot rod; and

a second group of the plurality of segments being coupled to the pivot rod.

2. The pendant of claim 1 further including:

a loop coupled to a first end of one of the plurality of segments, the loop permitting engagement with a necklace.

3. The pendant of claim 2 wherein the segment having the loop coupled thereto is rigidly coupled to the pivot rod and does not rotate relative to the rod.

4. The pendant of claim 1 wherein the composite shape is a heart shape.

5. The pendant of claim 1 wherein the composite shape is an animal shape.

6. The pendant of claim 5 wherein the animal is a dog, and one of the plurality of segments comprises the tail of the dog, and is rotatable relative to a body of the dog.

7. The pendant of claim 5 wherein the animal is an elephant, and one of the plurality of segments comprises the trunk, and is rotatable relative to a body of the elephant.

8. The pendant of claim 1 wherein segments at each end of the pivot rod are coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one of which is rigidly coupled and is not rotatable relative to the rod.

9. The pendant of claim 1 wherein segments at each end of the pivot rod are coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one of which includes a blind aperture in the form of a recess into which a respective end of the pivot rod extends.

10. The pendant of claim 1 wherein segments at each end of the pivot rod are coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one of which is rotatable relative to the pivot rod.

11. The pendant of claim 10 wherein the at least one segment includes an aperture having a shape and size configured to cooperate with a shape and size of the respective end of the pivot rod to permit that end of the pivot rod to snap into the aperture of the segment.

12. The pendant of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of segments includes a surface that, when the segments are arranged adjacent to each other, lies in a common plane with the surfaces of the others of the plurality of segments.

13. The pendant of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of segments includes a legend inscribed on a surface that, when the segments are arranged adjacent to each other, lies face-to-face with a surface of an adjoining one of the plurality of segments so as to be visible only when the one of the plurality of segments is rotated away from the adjacent one of the plurality of segments.

14. The pendant of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first group of segments includes a first surface in which an opening of the aperture is positioned, the first surface lying in a first plane, and a second surface, lying in a second plane, parallel to the first plane and offset therefrom, the first and second surfaces facing in a common direction.

15. The pendant of claim 14 wherein the first and second planes are offset by less than 0.005 in.

16. The pendant of claim 14 wherein the first surface is circular in shape and has a diameter that is less than a width of the second surface, and the opening of the aperture and the first surface are concentric to each other.

17. A hanging ornamental object, comprising:

a plurality of segments, each including a cylindrical aperture having a first diameter extending through the respective segment in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof;

a pivot rod, having a second diameter less than the first diameter, traversing the aperture of each of the plurality of segments;

a first and a second keeping element coupled to respective ends of the pivot rod and serving to hold the plurality of segments on the pivot rod while providing sufficient space to permit each of the plurality of segments to rotate freely on the pivot rod; and

a loop operatively coupled to the pivot rod such that, when the object is suspended by the loop, the rod lies in a substantially horizontal orientation.

18. The object of claim 17 wherein the loop is coupled to an end of one of the plurality of segments rather than being directly coupled to the rod.

19. The object of claim 17 wherein the first and the second keeping elements are respective ones of the plurality of segments.

20. The object of claim 17 wherein, when each of the plurality of segments is positioned with its respective longitudinal axis lying substantially in a common plane, an overall shape of the plurality of segments corresponds to a selected design.