ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELRY

Abstract

The present invention relates to assemblies and methods for interchangeable jewelry, as are disclosed herein. The assemblies and methods disclosed herein enable individuals to customize jewelry through the use of interchangeable decorative elements. In one embodiment, a jewelry assembly comprises: (a) a frame containing a recessed portion wherein the frame is constructed from a material with magnetic properties; (b) a decorative element coupled to a magnet wherein the decorative element is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the frame wherein the magnet removably secures the decorative element within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/234,557 filed on Aug. 17, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein are assemblies and methods for interchangeable jewelry. The assemblies and methods disclosed herein enable individuals to customize jewelry through the use of interchangeable decorative inserts.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The interchangeability of the settings or decorative elements in jewelry articles such as rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or broaches allows for the jewelry to be matched to other articles of jewelry, clothing, or other accessories.

In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,871 provides for interchangeable ornamentation in articles of jewelry using magnets fixed to both a decorative element and to a frame designed to receive the decorative element. To remove the decorative element a stylus is needed to dislodge and remove the decorative element from the frame.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,315 provides for interchangeable jewelry settings using dual mounting portions magnetically coupled together between which is held an interchangeable setting. To remove the interchangeable setting, the mounting portions are designed with an axis of rotation so that at least one of the mounting portions can be rotated causing the two mounting portion surfaces to slide and break the magnetic coupling between the two mounting portions.

While these approaches provide for interchangeability in jewelry ornamentation and decorative elements, there is still room for improvement in interchangeable jewelry. For example, these approaches require multiple parts in order to secure the interchangeable decorative element or require the use of additional mechanisms to remove or dislodge the decorative element. In addition, the interchangeable decorative elements are normally made from expensive materials such a precious stone or metals.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments disclosed herein provide assemblies and methods that allow jewelry to be customizable through the use of interchangeable decorative elements. The assemblies and methods allow for a decorative element that is removably attached to a jewelry frame in such a way that the decorative element can be quickly and easily detached and replaced with different decorative elements bearing the chosen decorative design.

In one embodiment disclosed herein, an assembly is provided comprising: a frame containing a formed recessed portion wherein the frame is constructed from or lined with a material with magnetic properties, a decorative element coupled to a magnet where the decorative element is sized to fit with the recessed portion of the frame wherein the magnet removably secures the decorative element within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame. In certain embodiments the decorative element can be removed without using a removal utensil or implement by simply applying tangential pressure to the decorative element.

In one embodiment, the magnet is adhesively affixed to the decorative element. In another embodiment, the decorative element and magnet are securely crimped together. In some embodiments, the decorative element is a button. In another embodiment, the decorative element is a customizable button. In yet another embodiment, the decorative element is constructed from or lined with material with magnetic properties such that it is a magnetized decorative element that can be removably secured within the recessed portion of a frame by magnetic forces between the frame and the magnetized decorative element.

In certain embodiments, the formed recessed portion of the frame is generally in the shape of a circle, a square, a diamond, a triangle, a star, an oval, or a rectangle. In embodiments in which the frame is lined with material with magnetic properties, the remainder of the frame can be made of plastic, ceramic, and/or a composite material.

Embodiments disclosed herein also include an assembly comprising: a frame containing a formed recessed portion wherein the recessed portion has a securing device secured within the recessed portion, a decorative element coupled to an additional securing device wherein the decorative element is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the frame wherein the additional securing device removably secures the decorative element to the securing device within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame. In some embodiments, the additional securing device is adhesively affixed to the decorative element. In another embodiment, the decorative element and additional securing device are securely crimped together. In some embodiments the securing device and/or additional securing device is a magnet, a snap stud, a snap socket, a hook fastener, or a loop fastener. In addition, decorative elements of disclosed embodiments can be removed without using a removal utensil or implement by simply applying tangential pressure to the decorative element.

In another embodiment the decorative element is a button. In another embodiment, the decorative element is a customizable button. In another embodiment, the formed recessed portion of the frame is generally in the shape of a circle, a square, a diamond, a triangle, a star, an oval, or a rectangle. In another embodiment, the frame is made of plastic, ceramic, and/or a composite material.

Embodiments disclosed herein also include a method for producing jewelry assembly decorative elements comprising: affixing a decorative element to a securing device by crimping the decorative element and the securing device within a button collet and button shell wherein the decorative element is sized and shaped to be removably attached within the recessed portion of the jewelry assemble frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a frame of an assembly containing a formed recess.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a decorative insert disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 depicts the decorative insert of FIG. 2 within the frame depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a decorative insert within a frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As stated, interchangeability of jewelry's settings or decorative elements allows for jewelry to be matched to other articles of jewelry, clothing, or other accessories or changed for other purposes. Currently the market for interchangeable jewelry does not allow for easily detachable decorative elements that can be created inexpensively. The assemblies and methods disclosed herein address these deficiencies in the prior art.

Disclosed herein are assemblies and methods that allow for jewelry to be customizable through the use of interchangeable decorative elements. In one embodiment, the jewelry assembly includes a frame produced from a material with magnetic properties (FIG. 1) and a magnetized decorative element (FIG. 2). The decorative element may be magnetically secured to the frame within a suitably-dimensioned recessed portion of the frame 10 (FIG. 1) as seen in FIG. 3. The decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame (as seen in FIG. 4), and therefore, can be simply and rapidly removed through the application of tangential pressure to the decorative element. In this way, the decorative element can be quickly and easily replaced to display multiple designs and does not require the use of a stylus, removal implement or utensil, or other more complicated mechanical designs.

In another embodiment, the jewelry assembly can include a frame produced from a material that does not contain magnetic properties. For example, the frame can be produced from materials such as, without limitation, plastics, ceramics, and/or composite materials. In some of these embodiments, the magnetized decorative element can be secured within the suitably-dimensioned recessed portion of the frame by affixing a polar opposite magnet within the framed recessed portion (FIG. 4) or by lining the framed recessed portion with a material containing magnetic properties. The decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame and therefore can be simply and rapidly removed through the application of tangential pressure to the decorative element. For example, a metal insert can be fabricated to such a dimension that it can be affixed within the framed recessed portion such that the magnetic decorative element secures itself to the metal insert through magnetic attraction.

In another embodiment, the jewelry assembly can include a frame containing a recessed portion containing a securing device. In this embodiment the decorative element can be secured within the suitably-dimensioned recessed portion of the frame by means of the securing device. The decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame and therefore can be simply and rapidly removed from the frame. For example, a snap stud could be affixed within the recessed portion of the frame and a snap socket could be affixed to the decorative element whereby the decorative element could be removably secured to the within the recessed portion of the frame by securing the snap stud within the snap socket. Hook and loop fasteners, friction fitting, and/or other adhesives could also be used.

The frame can contain a decorative pattern in a generally circular shape. The invention is not so limited and may include any decorative designs or shapes. The frame's recessed portion 10 (FIG. 1) is shown to be centrally located and to be generally circular in shape. The invention is not so limited and may include recessed portions located anywhere on the frame and may be in any shape including, but without limitation, a circle, square, diamond, triangle, star, or rectangle.

The decorative element depicted in FIG. 2 is shown to be generally circular in shape. The invention is not so limited and may include decorative elements of any shape and size suitable-dimensioned to fit within the recessed portion of the frame. The decorative element can be made of any material capable of being shaped such it is suitable-dimensioned to fit within the frame's recessed portion, whatever shape and dimension it may be. In some embodiments, the decorative element can be produced from a material with magnetic properties, such that it can be magnetically secured to a frame that is made of magnetic material, is lined with a magnetic material, or has a magnet affixed into its recessed portion.

In other embodiments, a magnet or other form of attaching device, such as, without limitation, a snap or hook and loop fasteners can be fixed to a non-magnetized decorative element such that it can be secured within the recessed portion of a magnetized or non-magnetized frame. As a non-limiting example, one embodiment disclosed herein allows for a magnet or other form of securing device to be fixed to a decorative element through the use of an adhesive. Another embodiment allows for the magnet or other form of securing device to be secured to the decorative element by crimping the two elements together.

In yet another embodiment, the decorative element can be a customizable button. In this embodiment, a custom selected design can be chosen and shaped to a suitable-dimension capable of fitting within the frame's recessed portion. A magnet or other form of securing device can be shaped to the same or other suitable dimension. The shaped magnet or other form of securing device and selected design can then be secured together using a button collet and shell, thereby creating a securable button bearing a custom selected design that is suitably shaped and able to be secured within the frame's recessed portion.

In all embodiments, the decorative element can be any custom selected design material capable be being secured to whatever form of securing device is selected. For example, a piece of plain or decorative paper or cloth could be crimped together with a similarly shaped magnet through the use of a button collet, shell, and button crimping device. In another example, the custom selected design material could be a malleable sheet of metal such as, without limitation, copper foil or aluminum foil. In yet another example, the custom selected design material could be a natural product such as, without limitation, a flower or a leaf.

In yet another example, the custom selected design material could be a polished stone secured to the securing device using an adhesive. For example, a circular shaped polished decorative stone could be secured using adhesive to a similarly shaped magnet which is capable of being affixed to the jewelry assembly frame such that it can be secured within the frame's recessed portion.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary decorative element removably secured in recessed portion 10 of a frame. At least a portion of the decorative element is substantially raised above the plane of the frame, such that the decorative element does not sit flushly with the frame. Because the decorative element does not sit flushly with the frame it can be easily removed without the use of a removal implement or utensil.

As shown if FIG. 4, some embodiments comprise securing device 12. Securing device 12 can be coupled (by for example, without limitation, adhesives or crimping) to the decorative element or the frame or both. Non-limiting examples of securing device 12 include a magnet or magnets, a snap stud, a snap socket and snap stud, or hook and loop fasteners. Notwithstanding FIG. 4, the present disclosure also describes embodiments where no securing device is required to removably attach the decorative element to the frame because both are magnetized by being constructed of or lined with materials with magnetic properties.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods disclosed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of this invention are disclosed herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or and consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims

1. A jewelry assembly comprising:

(a) a frame with raised edges defining a recessed portion that is coextensive with the frame wherein the frame is constructed from and/or lined with a material with magnetic properties;

(b) a decorative element coupled to a magnet wherein the perimeter of the decorative element is sized to entirely fit within the recessed portion of the frame wherein the magnet alone removably secures the decorative element within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the magnet is adhesively affixed to the decorative element.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the decorative element and the magnet are securely crimped together.

4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the decorative element is a button.

5. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the decorative element is a customizable button.

6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the decorative element can be removed without the use of a removal implement by applying tangential pressure to the decorative element.

7. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the formed recessed portion of the frame is generally in the shape of a circle, a square, a diamond, a triangle, a star, an oval, or a rectangle.

8-31. (canceled)

32. A decorative element with magnetized properties wherein the perimeter of the magnetized decorative element is sized to entirely fit within a recessed portion of a frame with raised edges defining the recessed portion wherein the recessed portion is coextensive with the frame and wherein the frame is constructed from or lined with a material with magnetic properties; and wherein only the magnetic forces between the frame and the magnetized decorative element removably secure the magnetized decorative element within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the magnetized decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame.

33. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 wherein the magnetized decorative element is constructed from a material with magnetic properties.

34. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 wherein a magnet is adhesively affixed to the decorative element.

35. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 wherein the decorative element is a button.

36. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 wherein the decorative element is a customizable button

37. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 wherein the magnetized decorative element can be removed from the frame without the use of a removal implement by applying tangential pressure to the magnetized decorative element.

38. A magnetized decorative element according to claim 32 sized to fit a frame generally in the shape of a circle, a square, a diamond, a triangle, a star, an oval, or a rectangle.