Transformable Jewelry and Decorative Structures

Abstract

A structure transformable from an in-line configuration to a configuration simulative of a living entity with seven components coupled in order with a first component simulative of a head, second and third components simulative of a first pair of extremities, a fourth component simulative of a torso, fifth and sixth components simulative of a second pair of extremities, and a seventh component. An elastic core member flexibly retains the seven components in order. The transformable structure can be transformed from the in-line configuration to the simulative configuration by twisting the third and fourth components to form the first pair of extremities and twisting the fifth and sixth components to form the second pair of extremities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to jewelry and decorative structures. More particularly, disclosed herein are jewelry and other decorative structures that are transformable between a first configuration for use as a necklace, a bracelet, or other article and a second configuration simulative of an animal, person, or other structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well recognized that children desire to play with character-shaped toys. Playing with educational toys, particularly reconfigurable toys, aids in developing a child's ability to think, focus, and appreciate the value of patience and creativity. Furthermore, character-shaped toys are great tools for enabling children to learn animal names, body parts, and other characteristics. It is also well recognized that owning and wearing jewelry, which is normally a very different matter, is enjoyable to children and adults alike. Wearing jewelry accessorizes the appearance of the wearer and can improve one's appreciation for the artistic value of various types of jewelry.

With an awareness of the foregoing, the present inventor has appreciated that jewelry can be educationally enhanced even further and still more enjoyable to children and even adults when the jewelry is mutually transformable between a character-shaped toy and an article of jewelry, such as a necklace, bracelet, or anklet. The inventor has also appreciated that a child using his or her hands to accomplish the transformation can develop fine motor skills while improving his or her understanding of structural relationships between movable components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is thus founded on the basic object of providing a structure that can be transformed between a first configuration, such as one in which the structure can be worn as jewelry, and a second configuration that simulates the shape of an animal, person, or other structure. A related object of the invention is to provide structures that can be transformed between a jewelry or other decorative configuration and an alternative configuration repeatedly and without the use of tools. An additional object of particular embodiments of the invention is to provide transformable structures that can be positively retained in a desired configuration.

These and in all likelihood further objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to those who have an opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the transformable jewelry and decorative structures disclosed herein. Although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In carrying forth the objects of the invention, one embodiment of the transformable structure disclosed herein is founded on seven components coupled in order with a first component simulative of a head, second and third components simulative of a first pair of extremities, a fourth component simulative of a torso, fifth and sixth components simulative of a second pair of extremities, and a seventh component. A means, such as an elastic core member, flexibly retains the seven components in order, potentially consecutively or potentially with additional elements interposed therebetween or disposed in supplementation thereof. Under this arrangement, the transformable structure can be transformed from the in-line configuration to the simulative configuration by twisting the third and fourth components to form the first pair of extremities and twisting the fifth and sixth components to form the second pair of extremities.

The elastic core member can have a first end secured relative to the first component, whether directly or by being retained distal thereto, a second end secured relative to the seventh component, whether directly or by being retained distal thereto, and a body portion that retains the second through sixth components in order between the first and seventh components when the transformable structure is in an in-line configuration. Each of the second through sixth components can comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received.

Where a four legged animal is to be simulated, the first pair of extremities can be simulative of front legs of the four legged animal and the second pair of extremities can be simulative of rear legs of the four legged animal. Under such a construction, the seventh component can be simulative of a tail of the four legged animal. Alternatively, where a two legged animal, such as a human or ape, is to be simulated, the first pair of extremities can be simulative of arms of the two legged animal and the second pair of extremities can be simulative of legs of the two legged animal.

To facilitate use of the transformable structure as an article of jewelry or the like when in an in-line configuration, a first fastener can be retained at a first end of the transformable structure and a second fastener for selectively coupling to the first fastener can be retained at a second end of the transformable structure. With this, the transformable structure can be selectively formed into a loop. Such constructions can be made still more useful by incorporation a timepiece into one of the components, such as the torso component, whereby the transformable structure can be worn as a watch when in an in-line configuration.

While frictional and mechanical engagement may be sufficient to retain the transformable structure in a simulative configuration, embodiments are contemplated that further include means for retaining the fifth and sixth components in a given orientation relative to the fourth component when the transformable structure is in a configuration simulative of the living entity. Where such a means is provided, the transformable structure can be better maintained in a standing configuration. In one such embodiment, the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received and the means for retaining the fifth and sixth components in a given orientation relative to the fourth component comprises a plug, which can comprise the seventh component, in combination with a lobe contiguous with the through hole in the fourth component for receiving the plug. The aperture contiguous with the through hole in the fourth component can take the form of a lobe to the through hole in the fourth component. Where the fourth component has a ventral side and a dorsal side, the lobe can be disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component. The plug could simply comprise a decorative element. In other embodiments, the seventh component can comprise a tail with the plug comprising a base portion of the tail. Under such embodiments, the transformable structure can be supported by the second pair of extremities in combination with the tail.

Where the means for flexibly retaining the seven components in order comprises at least one elastic core member, where the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received, and where the fourth component has an anterior end adjacent to the third component and a posterior end adjacent to the fifth component, a lobe receiver can additionally be included contiguous with the through hole in an end of the fourth component. With that, the core member can be received into the lobe to tend to retain a relative orientation of the fourth component, such as in relation to the head or tail of the simulative structure. Positioning versatility can be further achieved by having a plurality of lobe receivers contiguous with the through hole in the end of the fourth component whereby the core member can be received into any one of the plurality of lobe receivers. Where the fourth or torso component has a ventral side and a dorsal side, the lobe can be disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component.

In another refinement of the invention, a means can be provided for retaining one component of the seven components in a given orientation relative to an adjacent component of the seven components. By way of example, that retaining means can comprise a receiver disposed in the one component in combination with a tooth that projects from the adjacent component for being received into the receiver. The receiver could comprise any means for receiving the tooth, including a groove, notch, channel, slot, or a lobe contiguous with the through hole in the one component whereby the tooth that projects from the adjacent component can be received into the lobe in the one component. In one example of the transformable structure, the one component can be the fourth component and the adjacent component can be either or both of the first component or the seventh component. Where the fourth component has a ventral side and a dorsal side, the receiver can be disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component.

One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines the more important goals and features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventor's contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing figures:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of a transformable structure according to the present invention in an in-line configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 1 transformed into a configuration simulative of an animal;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transformable structure in an initial stage of transformation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 3 in a second stage of transformation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 3 in a third stage of transformation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 3 in a fourth and final stage of transformation;

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of an alternative transformable structure pursuant to the instant invention in an in-line configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 7 transformed into a configuration simulative of an animal;

FIG. 9 provides views in side elevation of a plurality of alternative transformable structures pursuant to the invention in in-line configurations;

FIG. 10 provides perspective views of the transformable structures of FIG. 9 transformed into configurations simulative of various animals;

FIG. 11 is a view in rear elevation of a transformable structure configured to simulate an animal with the beads thereof separated;

FIG. 12A is a top plan view of still another transformable structure in an in-line configuration;

FIGS. 12B and 12C are front and rear elevational views of the transformable structure of FIG. 12A transformed into a configuration simulative of a person;

FIG. 12D is a view in rear elevation of the transformable structure of FIGS. 12A through 12C configured to simulate a person with the beads thereof separated;

FIG. 13 is a rearward perspective view of another transformable structure pursuant to the invention configured to simulate a monkey;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a transformable structure under the invention in an in-line configuration;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 14A in a configuration simulative of a bee;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a transformable structure under the invention in an in-line configuration;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 14A in a configuration simulative of a mouse;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a transformable structure pursuant to the instant invention in a configuration simulative of a panda;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 16A in an in-line configuration;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a transformable structure under the invention in an in-line configuration worn as a necklace; and

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the transformable structure of FIG. 14A in a configuration simulative of a bear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As is the case with many inventions, the transformable jewelry and other structures disclosed herein can pursue a variety of embodiments within the scope of the invention. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures.

Looking more particularly to the drawings, a first preferred embodiment of the transformable structure according to the invention is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, the transformable structure 10 is in what can be considered an in-line configuration. A first fastener 28 is disposed at a first end of the transformable structure 10, and a second fastener 30 for selectively coupling to the first fastener 28 is disposed at a second end of the transformable structure 10. When in an in-line configuration, the transformable structure 10 can be formed into a loop by coupling the first and second fasteners 28 and 30 whereby the transformable structure 10 can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, anklet, ring, or the like. As taught herein, the transformable structure 10 can be reconfigured to the simulative configuration of FIG. 2 where the structure 10 simulates an animal, person, or other structure, which in this embodiment comprises a simulated horse.

Where the transformable structure 10 is designed to simulate a being as in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transformable structure 10 can be considered to be founded on seven components that are retained by an elastic core 26 with a first end secured relative to the first component 12, a second end secured relative to the seventh component 24, and a body portion that retains the second through sixth components 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 in order between the first and seventh components 12 and 24. In this embodiment, the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 comprise beads with longitudinal through-holes through which the elastic core 26 passes. While each component 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 forms a portion of the necklace, bracelet, or other article when in an in-line configuration, each component 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 also forms a predetermined portion of the simulative structure, in this example a horse, to which the transformable structure 10 can be reconfigured.

The first component 12 is predetermined and specifically shaped to form the head and neck of the transformable structure 10, which is again indicated at 12, when in a simulative configuration. The second and third components 14 and 16 are predetermined and specifically shaped to form the front legs 14 and 16 of the structure 10 when in a simulative configuration. The fourth component 18 is predetermined and specifically shaped to form the torso 18 of the transformable structure 10 when in a simulative configuration. The fifth and sixth components 20 and 22 are predetermined and specifically shaped to form the rear legs 20 and 22 of the structure 10 when it is in the simulative configuration of FIG. 2. Finally, the seventh component 24 is predetermined and specifically shaped to form the tail 14 of the structure 10 when in a simulative configuration.

As shown, it is possible for a given component to have multiple parts. For example, the head 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a first portion forming a neck, a second portion forming the face, first and second ears projecting from the face, and the first fastener 28 simulating a nose. As depicted, the fasteners 28 and 30 are disposed at the tips of the head 12 and the tail 24 to permit the formation of the transformable structure 10 into a loop as desirable for acting as a bracelet, necklace, or other looped article.

The elastic core 26 can be of any suitable type and shape. For example, the elastic core 26 could be a single member or a multiplicity of members disposed in series or in parallel. It would also be possible for the first through seventh components to be sequentially coupled by separate elastic members with a first member coupling the first and second components 12 and 14, a second member coupling the second and third components 14 and 16, a third member coupling the third and fourth components 16 and 18, a fourth member coupling the fourth and fifth components 18 and 20, a fifth member coupling the fifth and sixth components 20 and 22, and a sixth member coupling the sixth and seventh components 22 and 24. Of course, any variation from a single elastic core 26, to six separate members, or some other arrangement is possible.

The elastic core 26 or members could in any case have a round cross section, a rectangular cross section, or any other cross section. The elastic core 36 or the individual members could be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials but will preferably demonstrate sufficient resilience, durability, and abrasion resistance to permit the transformable structure 10 to be reconfigured through a large number of cycles.

Likewise, the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. The components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, particularly the second through sixth components 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, can be beads. The longitudinal through-holes could be formed in any effective manner, whether by initial molding, drilling, or otherwise. The components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 can be differently sized, shaped, and colored to predesignate them as their relative body parts, and additional beads or other elements could be incorporated to aid in the simulation of the desired thing or otherwise to improve the appearance of the structure 10.

For example, to better simulate a giraffe 10H as in FIGS. 9 and 10, additional beads can be interposed between the head 12 and front legs 14 and 16 to resemble the long neck of a giraffe. To simulate a sausage dog 10A, smaller beads can be employed for the front and rear legs 14, 16, 20, and 22 to resemble the short legs specific to that dog, and a longer bead can be employed for the torso 18 to simulate the long body of the dog. An alligator 10B is formed with a number of additional beads incorporated into the tail 24, and a longer bead forming the head 12. A kangaroo 10C has short front legs 14 and 16, long hind legs 20 and 22, and a tail 24 that can employed in combination with the hind legs 20 and 22 to permit a triangular support base to be formed so the kangaroo 10C can be leaned backward as shown in FIG. 10. A lion 10D can have a head 12 formed by a broader bead half simulating a mane proximal to a narrower bead half simulating a face. Horses 10E can be formed with specifically shaped tails 24 and a head 12 with an angled neck portion interposed between it and the leg 14. Still further, an elephant 10F can be formed with a stout torso 18 and a plurality of beads retained distal to the head 12 to form a trunk. No matter the variations, however, it will be appreciated that the seven components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 are always disposed in order to permit the formation of the simulated structures.

It may also be possible to form embodiments of the transformable structure 10 with non-elastic couplings between the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the transformable structure 10 comprises a stuffed animal. The head 12, front legs 12 and 14, the torso 18, the rear legs 20 and 22, and the tail 24 are retained in series and are connected by a strand of material running therethrough or by separate strands of material, which may or may not be resilient. The components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 of the stuffed animal transformable structure 10 can be stuffed or otherwise formed in any manner employed for components of stuffed animals of the prior art.

FIGS. 3 through 6 depict the progressive steps involved in reconfiguring a transformable structure 10 pursuant to the present invention from an in-line configuration where it could be used, for example, as a bracelet to a simulative configuration. FIGS. 3 through 6 depict the transformation in relation to a transformable structure 10 simulative of a dog. The basics of reconfiguring each of the transformable structures 10A through 10H and each other transformable structure 10 founded on the seven components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 as taught herein are fundamentally the same.

In a first step of transformation from in-line to simulative configurations as shown in FIG. 3, a user bends the head 12 to overlie the torso 18 such that the interposed second and third components 14 and 16, which will become the front legs 14 and 16, are exposed projecting beyond the head 12 and torso 18. The second and third components 14 and 16 can then be twisted, such as in a clockwise direction through 180 degrees or more as suggested in FIG. 4. With that, the elastic core 26 will twist over itself at the junction now formed between the head 12, the legs 14 and 16, and the torso 18 thereby tending to retain the components 12, 14, 16, and 18 in relative positioning. The legs 14 and 16 so twisted can be pulled downwardly as necessary, and the head 12, which can be considered to include the neck portion, can be adjusted as necessary as suggested in FIG. 5 so that the head 12 is aligned between the legs 14 and 16. The relationship of the head 12, legs 14 and 16, and the torso 18 is thus established.

To bring the rear legs 20 and 22 into position relative to the tail 24 and the torso 18, the tail 24 can be folded over to overlie the torso 18 thereby causing the fifth and six components 20 and 22, soon to be the rear legs 20 and 22, to project beyond the torso 18 and tail 24 in a generally parallel relationship. The legs 20 and 22 can then be twisted, such as through 180 degrees or more, to cause the elastic core 26 to twist over itself as is shown, for example, in FIG. 11. The legs 20 and 22, the torso 18, and the tail 24 thus tend to be retained in relative position as shown in FIG. 6. The legs 20 and 22 can be pulled downwardly and the tail 24 can be adjusted as necessary to ensure a centering of the tail bead 28 between the legs 20 and 22 and the torso 18. With that, the transformable structure 10 is reconfigured to the simulative dog of FIG. 6 with a head 12, front legs 12 and 14, a torso 18, rear legs 20 and 22, and a tail 24. Advantageously, the steps used to form the simulated configuration can be simply reversed when an in-line configuration is again desired, such as to permit the transformable structure 10 again to be worn as a bracelet, without the need for tools or complex methodologies.

While the seven components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 in order as described above are consistent, it will again be noted that additional elements can be incorporated into the transformable structure 10 whether coupled to one of the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24, interposed between certain components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24, or disposed distal to the first or seventh components 12 or 24. The embodiment of the transformable structure 10 shown in an in-line configuration in FIG. 7 and in a simulative configuration in FIG. 8 provides an example of the addition of further elements to accentuate the simulative appearance of the transformable structure 10. There, four antler beads 42 and then a neck bead 40 are interposed between the head 12 and the first leg 14. With this, the four antler beads 42 can be folded in half and then twisted to form simulative antlers between the neck 40 and the head 12. Additionally, the legs 14, 16, 20, and 22 can have simulated hooves formed where the left front leg 14 meets the right front leg 16 and where the left rear leg 20 meets the right rear leg 22 when in an in-line configuration so that the hooves are disposed at the bases of the front and rear legs 14, 16, 20, and 22 when the transformable structure 10 is disposed in a simulative configuration of a reindeer as in FIG. 8.

When in an in-line configuration, the transformable structures 10 disclosed herein can be secured as a bracelet, a necklace, an anklet, or otherwise by the clasps or fasteners 28 and 30 disposed at the first and second ends of the structures 10. The fasteners 28 and 30 can, for example, be fixed to the first and seventh components 12 and 24 forming the head 12 and tail 24 of the structure 10. Alternatively, the fasteners 28 and 30 could be attached directly to the first and second ends of the elastic core member 26 by any suitable method. If additional beads are incorporated beyond the first or seventh components, it is possible for the fasteners 28 and 30 to be retained distal to those additional beads, such as in relation to the elephant 10F of FIGS. 9 and 10.

It will be apparent that variations in the size of the transformable structures 10 are possible. For example, small embodiments are contemplated wherein the transformable structure 10 could be worn as a ring when in an in-line configuration or worn as an earring both in its in-line configuration and in its simulative configuration. Looking to FIGS. 14A and 14B, by way of example, a transformable structure 10 is shown wherein a bee is simulated when the structure 10 is in a simulative configuration as in FIG. 14B and wherein the structure 10 can be worn as a ring when in the in-line configuration of FIG. 14A or as an earring in either configuration. The structure 10 again has seven components: a head 12 that retains eyes, the first fastener 28, and antennae, front legs 14 and 16, a torso 18 that retains wings, rear legs 20 and 22, and a tail 24 that retains the second fastener 30.

A transformable structure 10 simulative of a mouse is depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B. To carry that forth, the second and third components 14 and 16 are disposed atop the head 12 to form ears. The fifth and sixth components 14 and 16 form rear legs, and a plurality of beads are strung along the elastic core 26 to form an extended tail 24. Of course, it would additionally be possible to dispose two more beads between the head 12 and the torso 18 to permit the formation of both front legs and the ears 14 and 16.

It will also be noted that any one of the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 could incorporate additional functionality to further improve the usefulness and value of the transformable structures 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, embodiments of the transformable structure 10 are contemplated wherein a clock is incorporated into the torso 18. With that, when the transformable structure 10 is in a simulative configuration as in FIG. 16A, it could be used as a tabletop or other timepiece. When the transformable structure 10 is in an in-line configuration as in FIG. 16B, it could be worn as a watch.

In any case, the fasteners 28 and 30 can be any suitable type, such as a lobster claw style clasp in combination with a ring, a barrel clasp, a hook & eye clasp, a magnetic clasp, a spring ring clasp, or any other effective clasping or coupling means. Each and further fasteners are within the scope of the invention. With this, the fasteners 28 and 30 can be selectively coupled to retain the structure 10 in a loop and selectively disengaged to permit the structure 10 to be reconfigured into the simulative configuration.

Exploiting the invention, transformable structures 10 can thus be created with varying levels of complexity and detail. Transformable structures 10 are contemplated wherein only two twists are required to convert from the in-line, jewelry configuration of to the simulative configuration. However, as with the reindeer transformable structure 10 of FIGS. 7 and 8, more advanced transformable structures 10 are contemplated wherein three or more twists are required to adjust between in-line and simulative configurations.

It will be appreciated that the invention is more broadly applicable than merely in relation to the simulation of animals. For example, dolls, persons, and other shapes could readily be simulated. By way of example, FIGS. 12A through 12E show an alternative embodiment of the invention capable of being converted from an elongate, in-line configuration to a doll character. The transformable doll structure 10 is transformed from jewelry to character configurations in a similar manner to the animal embodiments. As such, the transformable structure 10 includes a head 12, left and right arms 14 and 16, a torso 18, and left and right legs 20 and 22. A locking plug 44 comprises the seventh component in this arrangement. A flower 46 or other decorative element can be interposed between the left and right arms 14 and 16 so that the transformable doll structure 10 appears to be holding the decorative element. Of course, other elements could be included between any given one of the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 to render the transformable structure 10 still more unique.

The torso 18 has a dorsal side representing the back of the simulated torso 18 and a ventral side simulating the front of the simulated torso 18. The torso 18 has a lobe 48 contiguous with the through-hole through which the elastic core 26 passes disposed to the back or dorsal side of the torso 18. The lobe 48, which comprises an aperture eccentric of the longitudinal of the bead forming the torso 18, is sized and shaped to receive the locking plug 44 in a mating relationship as suggested in FIG. 12D and as shown in FIG. 12C. With the locking plug 44 so disposed, the transformable structure 10 can tend to maintain a simulative standing configuration. Other locking plugs 44 can be employed in combination with suitably located lobes 48 to retain one or more other components of the transformable structure 10 in a desired configuration.

In a similar construction, the transformable structure 10 of FIG. 13 simulates a monkey. A locking plug 44 again forms the seventh component and is again received into a lobe 48 contiguous with the through-hole in the torso 18 for retaining the legs 20 and 22 in a desired upright orientation relative to the torso 18 and for retaining the tail 24 disposed at a given angle relative to the remainder of the structure 10. With the tail 24 and legs 20 and 22 so retained, the transformable structure 10 can be stood on the legs 20 and 22. The lobe 48 and the plug 44 also cooperate to retain the tail 24 in a desired orientation relative to the legs 20 and 22 and the torso 18. Therefore, where necessary or desirable, the tail 24 can be employed as an additional support point so that the legs 20 and 22 and the tail 24 form a triangular support. In the depicted embodiment, the first fastener 28 comprises a ring fixed to the head 10 of the transformable structure 10, and the tail 24 is curled to permit an engagement with the ring fastener 28.

In other examples of the invention, the components of the transformable structure can be crafted to simulate the skeleton of an animal or person. As in each other embodiment, the several components can be joined by a single elastic core that passes through all components, by a plurality of elastic cores, or by elastic couplings between adjacent ends of the components. While the transformation between a jewelry configuration and a configuration simulative of a doll, animal, or other structure, is certainly advantageous, numerous other configurations are possible.

In substantially any embodiment of the invention, positioning of the components of the transformable structures and the retention of various shapes can be improved by ensuring a positive engagement between adjacent beads. Two potential methods of so doing can be better understood by further reference to the transformable structure 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. There, the torso 18, which has a ventral side simulating the chest and stomach of the simulated horse and a dorsal side simulating the back of the simulated horse, has a first lobe receiver 34 formed at the first end of the torso 18 contiguously with the through-hole to the dorsal side thereof and a second lobe receiver 38 formed contiguously with the through-hole at the second end of the torso 18 again to the dorsal side thereof. Except as the invention may be expressly limited, it would alternatively be possible within the scope of the invention for any other receiver to be employed, such as a channel, groove, slot, or other receiver.

Under the depicted arrangement, the transformable structure 10 can be formed into the simulative configuration of FIG. 2. When the head 12 and tail 24 are properly aligned with the torso 18, the elastic core 26 can be received into the lobe receivers 34 and 36. With that, the head 12 is further locked in position relative to the torso 18 and the legs 14 and 16, and the tail 24 is further locked in position relative to the torso 18 and the legs 20 and 22. Both the head 12 and the tail 24 are lifted to the upright configurations depicted.

Additionally or alternatively to the elastic core 26 being received into the lobe receivers 34 and 38, alignment and locking between the referenced components can be achieved by a tooth 36 that projects from the proximal end of the tail 24 to the dorsal side thereof to be received into the groove, notch, slot, or lobe receiver 38 in the posterior end of the torso 18. Likewise, a tooth 32 projects proximally from the dorsal side of the head 12 to be received into the slot, groove, notch, or lobe 34 in the anterior end of the torso 18. Of course, it would be readily possible for the slots, grooves, notches, or lobe receivers 34 and 38 and the teeth 32 and 36 to be oppositely disposed.

As shown in FIG. 18, it would be equally possible for further slots, notches, grooves, or lobe receivers 34 and 38 and, potentially, teeth 32 and 26 to be formed. With this, an initial locking of the legs 14, 16, 20, and 22 relative to the torso 18, the tail 24, and the head 12 could be ensured in a variety of relative positions and orientations. Indeed, it could also be possible within the scope of the invention for a locking coupling to be formed between adjacent components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 by multiple meshing surfaces, such as by use of meshing gear configurations with a first gear formation formed on one component and a meshing gear formation formed on a second component.

Still further, as is also shown in FIG. 18, individual bead, such as the torso 18, could be formed as polyhedrons with plural facets. With this, a positive engagement between the head 12, legs 14, 16, 20, 22, torso 18, tail 24, and other components can be ensured thereby again permitting not only the initial disposition of the transformable structure 10 but also adjustable positioning as desired. Varied positioning of the transformable structure 10 can further be enabled by multiple slots or other receivers 34 and 38 radiating from the central through-hole 35 whereby the elastic core 26 can be selectively caused to enter a give slot 34 or 38 to permit extended positioning adjustment. Polyhedron components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 illustrate the advantages that may be derived from having positive mechanical engagement between adjacent beads. However, one will realize that such a positive engagement can also be achieved by other contoured surfaces, whether faceted, grooved, or otherwise formed.

With certain details of the present invention for transformable jewelry and other structures disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with certain major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments.

Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the scope of protection to be afforded to the inventor. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may express certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, these claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all equivalents thereof that might be now known or hereafter discovered.

Claims

1. A structure transformable from an in-line configuration to a configuration simulative of a living entity, the transformable structure comprising:

seven components coupled in order with a first component simulative of a head, second and third components simulative of a first pair of extremities, a fourth component simulative of a torso, fifth and sixth components simulative of a second pair of extremities, and a seventh component; and

means for flexibly retaining the seven components in order;

whereby the transformable structure can be transformed from the in-line configuration to the simulative configuration by twisting the third and fourth components to form the first pair of extremities and twisting the fifth and sixth components to form the second pair of extremities.

2. The transformable structure of claim 1 wherein the means for flexibly retaining the seven components in order comprises at least one elastic core member.

3. The transformable structure of claim 2 wherein the elastic core member has a first end secured relative to the first component, a second end secured relative to the seventh component, and a body portion that retains the second through sixth components in order between the first and seventh components when the transformable structure is in an in-line configuration.

4. The transformable structure of claim 3 wherein the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received.

5. The transformable structure of claim 1 wherein the first pair of extremities are simulative of front legs of a four legged animal and wherein the second pair of extremities are simulative of rear legs of the four legged animal.

6. The transformable structure of claim 5 wherein the seventh component is simulative of a tail of the four legged animal.

7. The transformable structure of claim 1 wherein the first pair of extremities is simulative of arms of a two legged animal and wherein the second pair of extremities is simulative of legs of the two legged animal.

8. The transformable structure of claim 1 further comprising a first fastener retained at a first end of the transformable structure and a second fastener for selectively coupling to the first fastener retained at a second end of the transformable structure whereby the transformable structure can be formed into a loop.

9. The transformable structure of claim 8 wherein at least one of the components incorporates a timepiece whereby the transformable structure can be worn as a watch when in an in-line configuration.

10. The transformable structure of claim 1 further comprising a means for retaining the fifth and sixth components in a given orientation relative to the fourth component when the transformable structure is in a configuration simulative of the living entity.

11. The transformable structure of claim 10 wherein the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received and wherein the means for retaining the fifth and sixth components in a given orientation relative to the fourth component comprises a plug in combination with a lobe contiguous with the through hole in the fourth component for receiving the plug.

12. The transformable structure of claim 11 wherein the plug comprises the seventh component.

13. The transformable structure of claim 11 wherein the aperture contiguous with the through hole in the fourth component comprises a lobe to the through hole in the fourth component, wherein the fourth component has a ventral side and a dorsal side, and wherein the lobe is disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component.

14. The transformable structure of claim 13 wherein the seventh component comprises a tail and wherein the plug comprises a base portion of the tail whereby the transformable structure can be supported by the second pair of extremities in combination with the tail.

15. The transformable structure of claim 1 wherein the means for flexibly retaining the seven components in order comprises at least one elastic core member, wherein the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received, and wherein the fourth component has an anterior end adjacent to the third component and a posterior end adjacent to the fifth component and further comprising a lobe receiver contiguous with the through hole in an end of the fourth component whereby the core member can be received into the lobe to tend to retain a relative orientation of the fourth component.

16. The transformable structure of claim 15 wherein there are a plurality of lobe receivers contiguous with the through hole in the end of the fourth component whereby the core member can be received into any one of the plurality of lobe receivers.

17. The transformable structure of claim 15 wherein the fourth component has a ventral side and a dorsal side, and wherein the lobe is disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component.

18. The transformable structure of claim 1 further comprising a means for retaining one component of the seven components in a given orientation relative to an adjacent component of the seven components, the retaining means comprising a receiver disposed in the one component in combination with a tooth that projects from the adjacent component for being received into the receiver.

19. The transformable structure of claim 18 wherein the means for flexibly retaining the seven components in order comprises at least one elastic core member, wherein the second through sixth components comprise beads with longitudinal through holes through which the elastic core member is received, and wherein the receiver disposed in the one component comprises a lobe contiguous with the through hole therein whereby the tooth that projects from the adjacent component can be received into the lobe in the one component.

20. The transformable structure of claim 19 wherein the one component comprises the fourth component and wherein the adjacent component comprises either or both of the first component or the seventh component.

21. The transformable structure of claim 20 wherein the fourth component has a ventral side and a dorsal side and wherein the receiver is disposed to the dorsal side of the fourth component.