Reconfigurable Jewelry and System and Method Thereof

Abstract

Reconfigurable jewelry, including rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, tie clips, berets, belt buckles, body piercing jewelry other than earrings, and watches. The jewelry includes an enclosed globe portion that contains a liquid. The jewelry may be reconfigurable in the sense that different globe portions may be interchanged. The jewelry also may include a receptacle for receiving an insert element. The jewelry is therefore also reconfigurable in the sense that different insert elements may be used.

Description

FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to reconfigurable jewelry, including rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, tie clips, berets, earrings, cufflinks, belt buckles, body piercing jewelry other than earrings, and watches.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed generally to reconfigurable jewelry and systems and methods thereof. As used herein, the phrase “various embodiments” is intended to mean an embodiment, at least one embodiment, some embodiments, and/or all embodiments without limitation.

Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter involve a reconfigurable ring comprising (i.e., including): a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a non-toxic liquid and an air bubble. A receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle being sized and shaped to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner, a metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs continuously from the first arcuate arm to the second arcuate arm, the first arcuate arm and the second arcuate arm are adjustable to change an inner circumference or diameter of the generally circular opening, the first arcuate arm has a first end portion and the second arcuate arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another, and at least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents are configured to magnify at or substantially at an upper surface of the insert element.

Various embodiments can also include a method of providing a reconfigurable ring, comprising: providing a ring base having an upper portion and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, the lower portion being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and providing a liquid containing portion physically coupled to the upper portion of the ring base, the liquid containing portion having a transparent or substantially transparent upper globe portion and a flat back portion, the globe portion and back portion sealingly enclosing liquid contents, wherein the ring is reconfigurable.

Various embodiments also can include a ring base comprising: a body portion; a first curved arm portion; and a second curved arm portion. The first and second curved arm portions have respective ends thereof, said ends being offset with respect to one another in side and bottom views, and each of the first and second curved arm portions is configured such that the associated end can move inward and outward to change a size of the ring base. Optionally, the overlapping can be such that no portion of one of the ends overlaps any portion of the other of the ends.

Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include a ring comprising a ring base configured to receive a wearer's finger; and a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid. A receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle being sized and shaped to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner. At least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents magnify an upper surface of the insert element when the insert element is in the receptacle.

Various embodiments also can include a reconfigurable ring comprising: a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first curved arm and a second curved arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being to receive a wearer's finger; and a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid. A metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs from the first curved arm to the second curved arm. The first curved arm and the second curved arm are adjustable to change a size of the ring, the first curved arm has a first end portion and the second curved arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another, and at least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents are configured to magnify at or substantially at an upper surface of an insert element arranged below the hemispherical plastic portion.

Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter also are directed to a reconfigurable ring comprising: a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid. A receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle having a geometry to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner. A metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs continuously from the first arcuate arm to the second arcuate arm, wherein the first arcuate arm and the second arcuate arm are adjustable to change an inner circumference or diameter of the generally circular opening, and the first arcuate arm has a first end portion and the second arcuate arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The disclosed subject matter will be best understood by reading the ensuing specification in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E show perspective, front, side, overhead, and bottom views, respectively, of reconfigurable jewelry in the form of a reconfigurable ring according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a reconfigurable jewelry system including the reconfigurable ring shown in FIG. 1 and an insert element in the form of a tray according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3A is an overhead view of the tray shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the tray shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a semi-transparent view of a portion of an adjustable ring base for the reconfigurable ring shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable ring base shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4C is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustable ring base shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4D is an overhead perspective view of a ring base according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a reconfigurable jewelry system including a ring and an insert element in the form of a tray according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a reconfigurable ring with a receptacle having a side opening for receiving an insert element according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a reconfigurable ring with a receptacle having a top opening according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are basic overhead and side views, respectively, of reconfigurable jewelry in the form of a reconfigurable necklace or pendant according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are basic overhead and side views, respectively, of reconfigurable jewelry in the form of a reconfigurable necklace or pendant according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a method according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter relates to reconfigurable jewelry, including rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, cufflinks, tie clips, berets, belt buckles, body piercing jewelry other than earrings, watches, and bracelets (including charm bracelets with multiple reconfiguration portions).

Generally speaking, various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter involve reconfigurable jewelry having a sealed transparent or semi-transparent globe portion filled (completely or partially) with a liquid or a semi-liquid. Though the term globe is used herein, the transparent or semi-transparent portion can be globe-shape, generally globe-shape, hemispherical, about hemispherical, or otherwise generally “rounded.” In various embodiments, the transparent or semi-transparent portion may be a combination of two hemispherical portions, for example.

The liquid or semi-liquid may be any suitable substance and can have any suitable composition and/or characteristic, such as transparent, semi-transparent, non-toxic, anti-freeze, and/or nonevaporative. In various embodiments, the liquid or semi-liquid can include water with glycerol derived additive. Further, material may be added to the liquid or semi-liquid, such as glitter of any suitable size, shape, and/or mixture. In various embodiments, the reconfigurable jewelry and in particular the contents of the sealed globe portion may act like a “lava lamp,” wherein the sealed contents of the globe portion may react to the jewelry wearer's body heat, such as heat emitted by the wearer's finger in the case of a reconfigurable ring.

The liquid or semi-liquid (and any other materials) can be added to the globe portion in any suitable way. For example, a port may be used to fill (completely or partially) the globe portion and then sealed with a plug. Alternatively, the globe portion may be filled prior to an intermediate portion or base portion being fixedly and sealingly attached thereto during the manufacturing process.

As noted above, the globe portion may be partially or fully filled with a liquid or semi-liquid and then sealed. In the case of partial filling, an air bubble or air bubbles may be present. An air bubble or air bubbles can be provided so that when the jewelry is rotated, for example, the air bubble or bubbles may move and thereby “catch the eye” of an observer. That is to say, the air bubble or bubbles may contribute to first-order motion perception and/or second-order motion perception.

Reconfigurable jewelry according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, by any suitable process or processes, such as injection molding, comolding, etc. In various embodiments, all or substantially all of the jewelry is made of plastic, such as a simple polycarbonate. Optionally, some of the plastic, such as the globe portion can be a clear polycarbonate. Alternatively, all of the plastic can be clear polycarbonate. In various embodiments, the jewelry can be comprised of rubber and plastic portions.

In various embodiments, the globe portion may be fixedly attached or coupled to a base portion of the jewelry using any suitable material, such as glue, epoxy, etc. or by any suitable practice, such as by welding or molding. In various embodiments, fixedly attaching or coupling the globe portion to a base portion is intended to be permanent or substantially permanent. Further, in various embodiments the globe portion may be permanently or substantially permanently affixed to an intermediate portion, which can in turn be permanently or removably coupled to the base portion. Alternatively, the globe portion itself can be removably coupled to the base portion. In the case of a removably coupled globe portion and/or intermediate portion, such removably coupling can be performed in any suitable way, such as by friction fit, snap fit, cooperating threads, screw-lock, etc.

Thus, reconfigurable jewelry according various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be reconfigured in the sense that different globe portions (with or without corresponding intermediate portions) may be used with a same base portion. More specifically, a globe portion can be removed or detached from the base portion and another globe portion may be coupled to the base portion in place of the first globe portion. A globe portion may be replaced for any suitable reason, such as when a globe portion becomes damaged or based on a wearer's preference for a differently configured or style of globe portion. Such reconfiguring can be performed in the case of fixedly and removably coupled globe portions.

Optionally or alternatively, reconfigurable jewelry according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can have a receptacle to receive an insert element. Thus, optionally or alternatively, the jewelry can be reconfigured in the sense that different insert elements or different insert element configurations can be placed in the receptacle and removed and replaced by another insert element and/or another insert element configuration (e.g., a picture, a photograph, or other image or wording may be removed from the insert element in exchange for another one of the foregoing items).

The insert element can be held in the receptacle by any suitable means, such as by friction fit using runner lines, for example, by one or more retaining teeth, or the like. In various embodiments, the globe portion (and optional intermediate portion) may have to be removed to access the receptacle and thus reconfigure the jewelry with another insert element.

The insert element can be any suitable insert sized and/or shaped to fit in the jewelry's receptacle. For example, insert element may be a tray having a picture, photograph, or other image or wording placed on or in, affixed to, or otherwise formed on or as part of the tray. Alternatively, insert element may be only a piece of paper or the like in the form of a picture, a photograph, or with an image or wording (i.e., without a tray, for example).

In various embodiments, the globe portion and/or its contents may magnify an upper face of an insert element when the insert element is inserted into the jewelry's receptacle. More specifically, an index of refraction of the contents of the sealed globe portion, the curvature/convex shape of the globe portion, and/or the location of the focal point can be provided to magnify the upper face of the insert element. Any suitable magnification can be provided. In various embodiments, the magnification can be at or about 1.65 times magnification, or at or about 1.6 times magnification. Alternatively, the globe portion and/or its contents may magnify an upper face of a sealing body that seals the globe portion, wherein the upper face can have thereon a picture, a photograph, or with an image or wording, for example, and the sealing body can be one or the base portion, the intermediate portion, or some other sealing portion.

Reconfigurable jewelry according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may have a continuous or discontinuous “band” portion. Further, reconfigurable jewelry according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as a reconfigurable ring or bracelet, may include an adjustable base portion that can be adjusted to fit a wearer's body part, such as a finger or a wrist. In various embodiments, the adjustable portion may be a bifurcated portion of a base portion of the jewelry, with one or more of the branches or arms being adjustable to change an inner circumference or diameter thereof associated with the corresponding body part of the wearer for sizing, for example. For instance, ends of the branches or arms may be offset with respect to each other in order to facilitate adjusting of the branches. In various embodiments, the offset ends of the branches may be slid next to each other in order to change the inner circumference or diameter of the base portion. Alternatively, the ends (offset or otherwise) may be slid such that one is on top of the other to change the inner circumference or diameter of the base portion. Optionally, a metal wire may be provided inside the base portion, with a corresponding portion of the metal wire being associated with each branch of the base portion. The metal wire may assist with repositioning of the branches to change an inner circumference or diameter of the base portion. In various embodiments the metal wire can be bendable, but sufficiently rigid to keep each branch at one of any number of positions. Alternatively, more than one metal wire may be provided, with each branch of the base portion having associated therewith at least one of the metal wires.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E show perspective, front, side, overhead, and bottom views, respectively, of a reconfigurable ring 100 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the reconfigurable ring 100 shown in FIG. 1 with an insert element in the form of a tray 200. Note that though FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E show lines in the base portion, the base portion may be smooth without lines, such as shown in FIG. 2.

Ring 100 shown in the aforementioned figures includes a globe portion 110, an intermediate portion 120, and a base portion 130. Globe portion 110 can be transparent or semi-transparent and made out of a polished, plastic material, for example. Globe portion 110 can be fixedly and sealingly attached to intermediate portion 120 to form a liquid-tight seal and an inner volume 112. In various embodiments, globe portion 110 can be fixedly and sealingly attached to an upper face of a rim 121 and on the outside of a continuous ridge 122 of the intermediate portion 120. Globe portion 110 can be fixedly and sealingly attached to the upper face of rim 121 and/or the outside of the continuous ridge 122 by any suitable means, such as using glue and/or friction fit. Alternatively, intermediate portion 120 and globe portion 110 can have cooperating threaded portions that can be mated together to sealingly connect the two pieces to form the inner volume 112.

Not explicitly shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, the sealed inner volume 112 formed by the globe portion 110 and intermediate portion 120 can include a liquid or semi-liquid material and optionally additional material as described herein. The contents of the inner volume 112 may be visible through the globe portion 110. Further, the inner volume 112 can be filled partially or fully with the liquid or semi-liquid. As indicated previously, in the case of partial filling, an air bubble or air bubbles may be present. An air bubble or air bubbles can be provided so that when the ring 100 is rotated, for example, the air bubble or bubbles may move and thereby “catch the eye” of an observer, thereby contributing to first-order motion perception and/or second-order motion perception.

Intermediate portion 120 can be fixedly attached to base portion 130 to form a receptacle 125 with a side opening. A transparent or semi-transparent central body 123 of the intermediate portion 120 can form the bottom of the globe portion 110.

Receptacle 125 can be configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to removably and slidably receive tray 200 via its side opening. As noted above, insert elements can be held in a corresponding receptacle by any suitable means, such as by friction fit, by one or more retaining teeth, or the like. Tray 200 of FIG. 2, for example, is slid into the receptacle 125 via its side opening along runner lines 131 and held in a friction fit manner by the runner lines 131. Of course, any suitable retaining means may be used to hold tray 200 in the receptacle 125. Additionally, tray 200 can abut a raised wall 132 of the base portion 130 that forms back and sidewalls of the receptacle 125. Of course embodiments are not limited to the particular friction fit arrangement shown in the figures and any suitable friction fit arrangement can be implemented. In various embodiments, tray 200 may be held in and released from receptacle 125 by a locking mechanism and a release mechanism, respectively. An audible “click” may represent that the tray 200 is properly locked into place in the receptacle 125.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are overhead and side views, respectively, of tray 200. Tray 200 can be of any suitable configuration and can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, rubber, or combination thereof. For example, tray 200 can be clear, opaque, black, for example. In various embodiments, tray 200 can include a frame 201 and a body 202 circumscribed by the frame 201 in plan view. Frame 201 can include a grip portion 203 which can be used for insertion and/or removal of the tray 200. In various embodiments, grip portion 203 may include a downward facing lip 204 that can be used to initiate removal of the tray 200 from receptacle 125 by a wearer's fingernail, for example. Grip portion 203 also may be used to fully or partially remove the tray 200 from receptacle 125.

Not explicitly shown, tray 200 can include a picture, a photograph, or other image or wording placed on or in, affixed to, or otherwise formed on or as part of the tray 200. For example, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be on an upper face of the body 202 of the tray 200. Alternatively, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be formed in or as part of the body 202 so as to be viewable from the upper face of the body 202 of the tray 200. Thus, in various embodiments, the picture, photograph, or other image or associated with the upper face of the body 202 can be visible through the globe portion 110, the contents of the globe portion 110, and the intermediate portion 120. Further, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be viewable from multiple angles from the globe portion 110 of the ring 100. Moreover, in various embodiments, the globe portion 110 and/or its contents can magnify the picture, photograph, or other image or wording associated with the tray 200 when the tray 200 is inserted into the receptacle's side opening.

Base portion 130 can be fixedly or removably coupled to intermediate portion 120 and can be of any suitable configuration.

As noted above, base portion 130 can include runner lines 131 at opposite sides thereof and a raised wall 132 around a portion of the base portion that form part of the receptacle 125. The receptacle 125 also can be formed in part by a substantially flat portion 133 of the base portion 130. In various embodiments, base portion 130 also can include a cut-out portion 134, which may assist with insertion and/or removal of the tray 200 from receptacle 125. Optionally, base portion 130 may have locking mechanism (not shown) to hold tray 200 in place. Base portion 130 also may have a release mechanism (not shown) to release the tray 200 so that it can be removed from receptacle 125.

Base portion 130 includes or discontinuous, bifurcated “band” portion having a first generally inwardly curved arm 135 and a second generally inwardly curved arm 136. The curved arms 135, 136 can be adjusted so as to change an inner circumference or diameter 137 thereof to fit fingers of different sizes. First and second arms 135, 136 have respective end portions 138, 139 that are offset with respect to each other. Such offsetting of end portions 138, 139 may facilitate adjusting of the arms, whereby the offset end portions 138, 139 can be slid next to each other in order to change the inner circumference or diameter 137 of the base portion 130.

Optionally, a metal wire 140 may be provided inside the base portion 130, with a corresponding portion of the metal wire 140 being associated with each of the first arm 135 and the second arm 136. FIG. 4A is a semi-transparent view of a portion of base portion 130 showing the metal wire 140, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of base portion 130 with the metal wire 140, and FIG. 4C is an exploded view of a portion of base portion 130 with the metal wire 140. FIG. 4D is an overhead perspective view of the base portion 130. Note that the base portion 130 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4D does not show metal register hole 141 on surface 133.

The metal wire 140 may assist with repositioning of the first and second arms 135, 136 to change an inner circumference or diameter 137 of the base portion. In various embodiments the metal wire 140 can be bendable, but sufficiently rigid to keep each arm 135, 136 at one of any number of positions. Accordingly, the metal wire 140 can allow the arms 135, 136 to be “shaped” to fit fingers of different sizes.

Metal wire 140 can be of any suitable configuration and made of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, etc. Further, a base portion 130 that includes metal wire 140 can be formed in any suitable way. FIG. 2, for example, shows metal register holes 141 used to hold the metal wire 140 as the base portion 130 is formed around it. Note that any suitable number of metal register holes 141 may be used, at any suitable location, not just the number and locations shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a reconfigurable ring 500 and an insert element in the form of a tray 550 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Reconfigurable ring 500 is similar to reconfigurable ring 100 discussed above, but without a separate intermediate portion. That is to say, reconfigurable ring 500 essentially has a base portion 530 that fixedly and sealingly mates directly with globe portion 510 to seal the contents of the globe portion 510 in an inner volume 512. Globe portion 510 can be fixedly and sealingly attached to an upper face of a rim 521 and on the outside of a raised portion 522 of the base portion 530. Globe portion 510 can be fixedly and sealingly attached to the upper face of rim 521 and/or the outside of raised portion 522 by any suitable means, such as using glue and/or friction fit. Alternatively, raised portion 522 and globe portion 510 can have cooperating threaded portions that can be mated together to sealingly connect the two pieces to form the inner volume 512.

Similar to above, receptacle 525 may be sized and shaped to receive tray 550, but receptacle 525 is formed entirely by the base portion 530. Further, tray 550 may be slightly different from tray 200 discussed above. In various embodiments, tray 550 can include a frame 551 and a body 552 circumscribed by the frame 551 in plan view. Frame 551 can include a grip portion 553 which can be used for insertion and/or removal of the tray 550. In various embodiments, grip portion 553 may include a protrusion 554 on a bottom side thereof that can be used to initiate removal of the tray 550 from receptacle 525 by a wearer's fingernail, for example. Grip portion 553 also may be used to fully or partially remove the tray 550 from receptacle 525. Further, protrusion 554 may form a part of a locking mechanism with cut-out portion 534 of base portion 530. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism may produce an audible and/or tactile response, such as a “click” when the tray 550 is fully seated and locked in receptacle 525.

Not explicitly shown, tray 550 can include a picture, a photograph, or other image or wording placed on or in, affixed to, or otherwise formed on or as part of the tray 550. For instance, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be on an upper face of the body 552 of the tray 550. Alternatively, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be formed in or as part of the body 552 so as to be viewable from the upper face of the body 552 of the tray 550. Thus, in various embodiments, the picture, photograph, or other image or associated with the upper face of the body 552 can be visible through the globe portion 510, the contents of the globe portion 510, and a transparent or semi-transparent central body 523 of the base portion 530. Further, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording may be viewable from multiple angles from the globe portion 510 of the ring 500. Moreover, in various embodiments, the globe portion 510 and/or its contents can magnify the picture, photograph, or other image or wording associated with the tray 550 when the tray 550 is inserted into the receptacle's side opening.

Reconfigurable ring 500 is also different from reconfigurable ring 100 described above in that its “band” portion 535 is continuous. In various embodiments the band portion 535 may not be adjustable. Furthermore, band portion 535 may not include a metal portion in the inside thereof. Of course the reconfigurable ring 500 is not limited to a continuous band portion 535 and may have a bifurcated band portion with first and second arms as described above. Likewise, reconfigurable ring 100 may alternatively have a continuous band portion similar to reconfigurable ring 500.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a trayless reconfigurable ring 600 with a receptacle 625 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Reconfigurable ring 600 is similar to reconfigurable ring 500 discussed above, but receptacle 625 is designed for use without a tray. Instead, receptacle 625 is designed for use with an insert element in the form of a picture, photograph, or other image or wording in a thin paper, plastic, or chip format, such as a paper photograph. The picture, photograph, or other image or wording in a thin paper, plastic, or chip format may be sized so as to be able to be slid into a first side opening 626 of the receptacle 625 such that the insert element is positioned in receptacle 625, below and in substantially aligned fashion with a transparent or semi-transparent central body 623 of the base portion 630, in an image compartment, for example. In various embodiments, retaining teeth 645 may be provided to hold the insert element in the receptacle 625. Optionally or alternatively, a lip can be placed at the mouth of the first side opening 626 enabling a slight friction fit for the inserted element. In various embodiments a second side opening 627 with access to receptacle 625 may be provided, thereby enabling a user or wearer to insert an article, such as the tip of an ink pen or the like to stab or push into the underside of the insert element to slide or push the insert element toward and out of the first side opening 626.

As with above, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording (i.e., the insert element) may be viewable from multiple angles from the globe portion 610, and the globe portion 610 and/or its contents can magnify the picture, photograph, or other image or wording.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are exploded, front, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a reconfigurable ring 700 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Ring 700 can include a globe portion 710, a clear or semi-clear intermediate portion 720, and a base portion 730. Globe portion 710 is fixedly and sealingly coupled to intermediate portion 720 to form an inner volume 712 with contents substantially as described herein. Globe portion 710 and intermediate portion 720 can be detachable and/or interchangeable with other globe portions (and corresponding intermediate portions). Globe portion 710 and corresponding intermediate portion 720 can be removable coupled to base portion 730 by any suitable means. As shown in FIG. 7A, intermediate portion can include notch 724 (only one shown in FIG. 7A) for twist- or screw-locking with corresponding grooves 731 and channels 732 of base portion 730. Other removably coupling means may be used, such as snap-fit options, threads, etc.

Optionally, ring 700 can include a receptacle 725 formed by an overhead opening when the intermediate portion 720 and globe portion 710 are removed. Receptacle 725 can be configured to receive an insert element in the form of a picture, photograph, or other image or wording in a thin paper, plastic, or chip format, such as a paper photograph. Thus, in various embodiments, the receptacle 725 of ring 700 may be considered a fixed tray, with the insert element being placed on the fixed tray. The picture, photograph, or other image or wording of the insert element may be visible, from multiple angles, for example, through the globe portion 710 and the intermediate portion 720. Further, the picture, photograph, or other image or wording of the insert element may be magnified by the globe portion 610 and/or its contents, and/or the intermediate element 720. For example, in various embodiments, intermediate element 720 may itself function as a magnifying lens.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are basic overhead and side views, respectively, of reconfigurable jewelry 800 in the form of a reconfigurable necklace or pendant according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Jewelry 800 can have a base portion 830 and a globe portion 810 coupled to the base portion. Note in particular that base portion 830 has a back portion that is substantially flat and an attachment portion 835 with an aperture 836 for attaching a chain, for example, for wearing around a wearer's neck. Jewelry 800 may be reconfigured substantially as described above. For example, globe portion 810 may be detached from base portion 830 (e.g., by unscrewing, twist-unlocking, etc.) in order to reconfigure the base portion 830 with another globe portion 810 of different color, internal configuration, etc. Optionally, a receptacle to receive an insert element may be provided between globe portion 810 and base portion 830. Thus, jewelry 800 may also be reconfigurable in this sense.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are overhead and side views, respectively, of reconfigurable jewelry 900 in the form of a reconfigurable necklace or pendant according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Jewelry 900 can have a base portion 930 and a globe portion 910 coupled to the base portion 930. Note in particular that base portion 930 has a back portion that is substantially flat. Jewelry 900 may be reconfigured substantially as described above. For example, a receptacle 935 to receive an insert element may be provided in base portion 930. Optionally, globe portion 910 may be detached from base portion 930 (e.g., by unscrewing, twist-unlocking, etc.) in order to reconfigure the base portion 930 with another globe portion 910 of different color, internal configuration, etc. Thus, jewelry 900 may also be reconfigurable in this sense.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for a method 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Method 1000 can begin at S1002 and proceed to S1004 wherein a globe portion as described herein according to various embodiments can be provided. Method 1000 can proceed to S1006, whereby a base portion as described herein according to various embodiments can be provided. Optionally, providing a base portion can include providing an intermediate portion as described herein according to various embodiments. Optionally, at S1010 an insert element as described herein according to various embodiments may be provided. The method may end at S1010.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter described herein.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable ring comprising:

a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and

a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a non-toxic liquid and an air bubble;

wherein a receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle being sized and shaped to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner,

wherein a metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs continuously from the first arcuate arm to the second arcuate arm,

wherein the first arcuate arm and the second arcuate arm are adjustable to change an inner circumference or diameter of the generally circular opening,

wherein the first arcuate arm has a first end portion and the second arcuate arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another, and

wherein at least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents are configured to magnify at or substantially at an upper surface of the insert element.

2. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the sealed contents of the hemispherical portion further include visible particulates.

3. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 2, wherein the visible particulates include glitter.

4. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the sealed contents are responsive to a temperature of the wearer's finger.

5. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the sealed contents are substantially unresponsive to temperature or weather conditions.

6. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the insert element is a tray.

7. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions are entirely offset from one another.

8. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the magnification is in a range of at or about 1.6 through at or about 1.65.

9. The reconfigurable ring according to claim 1, wherein the hemispherical portion is coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base via a substantially clear intermediate portion, the hemispherical portion being fixedly and sealing coupled to the intermediate portion and the intermediate portion being fixedly attached to the mounting portion of the ring base to form the receptacle.

10. A method of providing a reconfigurable ring, comprising:

providing a ring base having an upper portion and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, the lower portion being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and

providing a liquid containing portion physically coupled to the upper portion of the ring base, the liquid containing portion having a transparent or substantially transparent upper globe portion and a flat back portion, the globe portion and back portion sealingly enclosing liquid contents,

wherein the ring is reconfigurable.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid containing portion is removably coupled to the ring base, and the method further comprising reconfiguring the ring by removing the liquid containing portion and replacing it with another liquid containing portion.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a receptacle configured to hold an insert element, the receptacle being formed between the liquid containing portion and the ring base.

13. The method of claim 12,

wherein the receptacle is accessible via a side access in the ring such that the insert element can be slid into the receptacle via the side access, and

wherein at least one of the transparent or substantially transparent upper globe portion and the sealingly enclosing liquid contents are configured to magnify an upper surface of the insert element when the insert element is held in the receptacle.

14. The method of claim 12,

wherein the liquid containing portion is removably coupled to the ring base,

wherein the receptacle is accessible via a top access of the ring base when the liquid containing portion is removed from the ring base, and

wherein at least one of the transparent or substantially transparent upper globe portion and the sealingly enclosing liquid contents are configured to magnify an upper surface of the insert element when the insert element is held in the receptacle and the liquid containing portion is physically coupled to the ring base.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the ring is reconfigurable in the sense that different insert elements can be removed from and place in the receptacle.

16. The method of claim 10,

wherein the lower portion of the ring base includes a first curved member and a second curved member,

wherein the first curved member has a first end portion and the second curved member has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another in side and bottom view, and

wherein one or more of the first curved member and the second curved member are movable to change a size of the ring base associated with a wearer's finger.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one metal wire is substantially enclosed by the lower portion, the first curved member having a first portion of the at least one metal wire associated therewith and the second curved member having second portion of the at least one metal wire associated therewith, the first portion being different from the second portion.

18. A ring base comprising:

a body portion;

a first curved arm portion; and

a second curved arm portion,

wherein the first and second curved arm portions have respective ends thereof, said ends being offset with respect to one another in side and bottom views such that, and

wherein each of the first and second curved arm portions is configured such that the associated end can move inward and outward to change a size of the ring base.

19. The ring base of claim 18, wherein, each of the first and second curved arm portions is configured such that when their respective end is moved inward from a base position the ends of the first and second curved arms overlap in front and back view.

20. The ring base of claim 18, further comprising a metal wire embedded in the ring base, the metal wire running continuously from a portion of the first curved arm portion to a portion of the second curved arm portion.

21. The ring base of claim 18, wherein no portion of one of the ends overlaps any portion of the other of the ends in side and bottom views.

22. A ring comprising:

a ring base configured to receive a wearer's finger; and

a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid,

wherein a receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle being sized and shaped to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner, and

wherein at least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents magnify an upper surface of the insert element when the insert element is in the receptacle.

23. A reconfigurable ring comprising:

a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first curved arm and a second curved arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being to receive a wearer's finger; and

a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid,

wherein a metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs from the first curved arm to the second curved arm,

wherein the first curved arm and the second curved arm are adjustable to change a size of the ring,

wherein the first curved arm has a first end portion and the second curved arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another, and

wherein at least one of the hemispherical portion and its contents are configured to magnify at or substantially at an upper surface of an insert element arranged below the hemispherical plastic portion.

24. A reconfigurable ring comprising:

a ring base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated portion extending from the mounting portion, the bifurcated portion including a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm arranged to form a generally circular opening in front view, the opening being configured to receive a wearer's finger; and

a clear, generally hemispherical plastic portion coupled to the mounting portion of the ring base, the hemispherical portion being sealed with contents, the contents including a liquid,

wherein a receptacle is formed between the ring base and the hemispherical portion, the receptacle having a geometry to receive and retain an insert element in a friction-fit manner,

wherein a metal wire is substantially encased in the ring base and runs continuously from the first arcuate arm to the second arcuate arm,

wherein the first arcuate arm and the second arcuate arm are adjustable to change an inner circumference or diameter of the generally circular opening,

wherein the first arcuate arm has a first end portion and the second arcuate arm has a second end portion, the first and second end portions being offset from one another.