JEWELRY BOX

Abstract

A jewelry box includes a first box portion and a second box portion connected by a hinge, a linkage inside the jewelry box, the linkage comprising a first link connected to the first box portion by a first joint and a second link connected to the first link by a second joint, and a jewelry mounting portion on the first link or the second link. When the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, one of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a vertical position and the other of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a horizontal position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/487,596, filed May 18, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jewelry boxes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When jewelry is presented to a recipient, it is often presented at a substantially vertical position or an angled position. Most jewelry boxes store the ring in substantially the same position as it is presented, i.e., a substantially vertical position or an angled position. However, these boxes must be relatively tall in order to accommodate the vertically stored jewelry. The height of these boxes is undesirable because it is difficult for the giver to put the box in his or her pocket. Alternatively, some boxes store jewelry in a horizontal position. For example, a ring box may store a ring in a horizontal position, but when presented, the ring should be manually be moved to a vertical display position. This manual adjustment is cumbersome and undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a jewelry box including a first box portion and a second box portion connected by a hinge, a linkage inside the jewelry box, the linkage comprising a first link connected to the first box portion by a first joint and a second link connected to the first link by a second joint, and a jewelry mounting portion on the first link or the second link. When the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, one of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a vertical position and the other of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a horizontal position. When the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the first link and the second link may be angled.

The second link may be connected to the second box portion by a third joint.

When the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the second joint may be above a line drawn between the first joint and the third joint. Alternatively, when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the second joint may be below a line drawn between the first joint and the third joint.

When the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the first link rotates toward, to, or through a vertical position and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a horizontal position, and wherein when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the upper link and the lower link may both be angled.

The jewelry mounting portion may be coupled to the first link. Alternatively, the jewelry mounting portion may be coupled to the second link.

The first joint, the second joint, and the third joint may be fabric or leather.

A ramp may be affixed to the second box portion and the second link may be coupled to the ramp by a third joint.

The jewelry box may include an axle that may be coupled to the second box portion and the second link may be coupled to the axle.

The jewelry mounting portion may be configured to hold a ring, a necklace, or a set of earrings.

When the box is in an open configuration, the lower link may extend at an angle of about 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the second box portion. Alternatively, when the box is in an open configuration, the lower link may extend at an angle of about 35 to 50 degrees with respect to the second box portion.

The jewelry mounting portion may be a clasp configured to hold a ring, and when the box is in an open configuration, the link on which the mount is coupled may extend at an angle of about 35 to 55 degrees with respect to the second box portion.

The jewelry box may further include an additional jewelry mounting portion on the first link or the second link.

The jewelry mounting portion may be a ramp coupled to the second link, and at least a portion of the ramp may be separated from the first link to define a cavity between the ramp and the second link.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a jewelry box may include a top box portion and a bottom box portion connected by a hinge, a linkage inside the jewelry box, the linkage including an upper link connected to the top box portion by an upper joint and a lower link connected to the upper link by a middle joint, and a jewelry mounting portion on the upper link or the lower link configured to hold jewelry. When the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the jewelry rotates from a display position to a storage position, and when the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the jewelry rotates from the storage position to the display position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a closed ring box, showing a ring in a prone position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the ring box of FIG. 1 with the lid opened showing a ring in an angled position.

FIG. 3 is a three dimensional view of the links and ramp of a ring box in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a three dimensional view of the links and ramp of a ring box in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a ring box according to another embodiment of the present invention with the lid closed.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the ring box of FIG. 5 with the lid opened.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an earring box in a closed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the earring box of FIG. 7 in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a ring box in a closed configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ring box of FIG. 9 in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an earring box in a closed configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the earring box of FIG. 11 in an open configuration.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pendant box in a closed configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pendant box of FIG. 13 in an open configuration.

FIG. 15 is a three-dimensional side view of the links of a combination pendant, ring, and earring jewelry box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for this description to be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It is to be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, the layer can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there will be no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description, to describe one element or feature's relationship to other element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may also be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

In embodiments of the present invention, a jewel box stores jewelry, e.g., an engagement ring, a pendant necklace, and/or earrings in a low-profile or storage position (e.g., a generally horizontal or flat position), so as to keep the profile of the box as short as possible. When the lid of the box is lifted, the jewelry rotates to an angled display position. This design permits the box to be reasonably small and thus may fit in a pocket or purse without a noticeable bulge. The lid movement from a closed configuration to a open configuration causes a linear displacement of a first link coupled to it, which is coupled to and changes the angle of the a second link. The jewelry is fixed to a mounting portion on either the first link or the second link, and thus the jewelry rotates into an angled display position when the lid is opened. Such an angled display position may be more aesthetically pleasing than a horizontal or flat position, and may require a less bulky jewelry box than when a vertical jewelry position is used. The links may be coupled via a joint, hinge, or the like.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-2. FIG. 1 shows a closed box 1 with a ring 5 in the prone (e.g., generally horizontal) position so that the box may be made to have a relatively low profile. In some embodiments of the present invention, the jewelry box 1 may be approximately 2.125″ long, 2.125″ wide, and 1.25″ tall. However, any suitable sized box may be used. The ring 5 may be slipped or secured into a mounting portion 6 (e.g., a clasp) manually and held so that the ring is perpendicular or generally perpendicular to a lower link 7 when the box is closed. The mounting portion may be integral with or affixed to the lower link 7. The lower link 7 could be called a platform, as it supports the ring. The clasp may be, for instance, fixed to the lower link 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the clasp 6 may extend through the lower link 7 and be affixed to the back of the platform. In one embodiment, the box has a filler piece or ramp 12 which may be stationary and fastened or otherwise attached to the bottom half of the box. The lower link may be connected to the ramp 12 at the bottom. The lower link may also be connected to an upper link 8 at the top. The upper link 8 may be connected to a box lid 2. Each of the lower link and the upper link may span the width of the box. The box lid 2 rotates on a box hinge 4 to open and close.

In a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 2 is closest to the base and is covering the ring. In other words, when the box is closed, the top of the lid 2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom of the base 3. In an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the lid 2 is rotated relative to the base 3 to expose the ring, and the interior of the jewelry box is exposed. For example, when the box is opened, the hinge 4 may allow the top of the lid 2 and the bottom of the base 3 to be at an approximately 90° angle with respect to one another. In other embodiments, when the box is opened, the hinge 4 may allow the top of the lid 2 and the bottom of the base 3 to be at an angle of between 60° and 120° with respect to one another.

A material 9 may be included. The material 9 may act as a decorative cover over the components of the box, and for example, may extend from one end 10 of the interior of the bottom half of the box 3 to an upper joint 11 at the box lid. The material 9 may cover the length and width of the interior of the bottom of the box as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The material 9 may also be fixed to the box at a lower position 10, fixed to the stationary ramp 12, fixed to the lower link 7, fixed to the upper link 8, and fixed to the lid 2 at the joint 11. The material 9 may be fixed to one or more parts of the box by any suitable means, for instance, by using an adhesive, such as glue.

A gap may be provided between elements covered by the material so that the material 9 can flex, thereby acting as a joint, hinge, or pivot point. Hence, a small gap may be included between the lower link 7 and the stationary ramp 12 to form a joint or pivot point 14, a small gap may be included between the lower link 7 and the upper link 8 to form a joint or hinge 13, and a small gap may be included between the upper link 8 and the inner wall of the lid 2 to form a joint or hinge 11 at the end of the material. The material 9 may be any material that is sufficiently flexible to move at a joint, yet is sufficiently durable so that it does not easily degrade. For example, the material may be a woven material such as a cloth or a non-woven material. In some embodiments, the material may be a woven fabric, while in other embodiments, a material such as rubber or leather may be used.

In one embodiment, the joint 11 at the end of the material may be approximately ¼ of an inch away from (e.g., above) the box hinge 4. When the box is opened, the joint 11 may rotate through an arc a linear distance of, for instance, approximately ¼ to 5/16 of an inch, thereby generating linear movement. The distance of linear displacement depends, of course, on the size of the box and the distance of the joint 11 from the box hinge 4. As a result of the connection of the upper link 8 to the lower link 7, the linear displacement of the upper link 8 when the box is opened rotates the lower link 7 about the lower joint 14, which thereby rotates the ring. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the lower link rotates toward, to, or through a generally vertical position (e.g., substantially vertical) and the upper link rotates toward, to, or through a generally horizontal position (e.g., substantially horizontal). When the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the upper and lower links rotate to a generally angled position.

FIGS. 1-2 depict a schematic cross-section of the box in an opened and closed configuration, and FIGS. 3-4 depict a schematic three-dimensional side view of the ramp 12, lower link 7, upper link 8, material 9, and clasp 6 without the box in an opened and closed configuration, thereby illustrating operation of the box. The upper link 8 transmits a translational motion from the upper joint 11 on the lid cover through the middle joint 13 to the lower link 7, causing the lower link 7 to rotate around the lower joint 14. This rotation should result in the ring being in either the prone position when the lid 2 is closed or the angled, display position when the lid 2 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, if an imaginary straight line 18 is drawn from the upper joint 11 on the lid 2 to the lower joint 14 when the lid is in the open configuration, the middle joint 13 is slightly above this line. Thereby, when the box lid 2 is closed, the upper link 8 moves the lower link 7, through hinge 13, rotating the lower link 7 in a clockwise direction on the pivot point 14, to its final near vertical position as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The lower link 7 and upper link 8 may be made from any suitable material, such as thin slats of wood, plastic board, or stiff paper board. The width and length of the lower link 7 and upper link 8 may be selected based on the inner dimensions of the jewelry box and the desired look of the jewelry box. For instance, the upper and lower link may be made to fit the full width of the inner dimensions of the jewelry box.

In some embodiments, a material is not included to cover the various components. In such embodiments, the links may be made of any suitable finished or unfinished material. In other embodiments, the material may be integrally formed with the components, so that, e.g., the box is lined with material. In embodiments where material is not included or where material is integrally formed with the components, the upper and lower links may be one continuous material having a crease or bend to form the joint 13. An upper end of the upper link and a lower end of the lower link could then be coupled to the box. Alternatively, the lower end of the lower link could be coupled to a ramp or spacer, which is affixed to the box.

In some embodiments, material 9 may be used to form a joint or hinge between the upper link 8 and the lower link 7 and a joint or hinge between the upper link 8 and lid 2, as described previously. In other embodiments, any type of joint or hinge may be used as a joint between the upper link 8 and lower link 7 and the upper link 8 and lid 2. For instance, a mechanical hinge, such as a barrel hinge or an H hinge, may be used as the joint. Alternatively, a crease or bend between links may be used as the joint. The material or another decorative covering may be used to cover the mechanical joint or the crease or bend in the links, and furthermore, may be used to cover the links. The material may also be used to line the jewelry box.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the jewelry box is similar, in many respects, to that depicted in FIGS. 1-4. However, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower link 7 is not connected to the ramp 12 and rotates on an axle 14 connected to at least one side of the box 1 (e.g., both sides of the box). The axle may be any object that may serve as an axle, for example, a thin rod rotatably coupled to at least one side of the box and coupled to an underside of the lower link 7. In some embodiments, the axle 14 may extend through the lower link 7. The axle 14 may be located at the centerline of the lower link 7, or, alternatively it may be located at any portion of the lower link 7 so long as it would be able to act as an axle. The axle 14 may extend from one side of the interior lower portion of the box 1 to the other.

In this configuration, the decorative material 9 may run from the end 10 of the ramp 12 to the upper link 8, to the point at which the material is affixed to the lid 11. As the material 9 does not join the lower link 7 to the stationary ramp 12, there may be a small gap between the lower link 7 and the stationary ramp 12. This gap permits the platform to rotate on the axis 14.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a jewelry box for holding earrings, in this case, hoop earrings. The jewelry box 100 includes a base 103 and a lid 102 connected at a hinge 104. A lower link 107 with a mounting portion 106 formed to be integral with the lower link and configured to hold earrings 105 may be pivotally connected to the base 103 at the lower joint 114. For example, the mounting portion may have holes for pierced earrings or may be suitable to receive clip-on or other pierced earring alternatives by having, for example, indentations. In some embodiments, one type of mounting portion 106 may be configured to receive both pierced ear earrings and clasp type earrings. An upper link 108 may be pivotally connected to the back of the lid 102 at the upper joint 111 and may be connected to the lower link 107 at a middle joint 113. The upper and lower links may be covered with a material, as with the embodiments described above.

As used herein, the links and joints may together be called a linkage. For instance, the linkage may include an upper joint 111, the upper link 108, a middle joint 113, a lower link 107, and a lower joint 114. The upper joint 111 may be connected to the upper link 108, the upper link 108 may be connected to the middle joint 113, the middle joint 113 may be connected to the lower link 107, and the lower link 107 may be connected to the lower joint 114. Each of the upper joint 111 and the lower joint 114 may be connected to the box, thereby forming a linkage.

When the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the lower link 107 is rotated toward the front of the box to reduce the height of the mounting portion 106 and earrings 105. The earrings are moved to what may be described as being in a storage position (FIG. 7). When the box is opened, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper link 108, which is connected to the lid 102 at the upper joint 111, may rotate through an arc for a set linear distance, e.g., ¼ to 5/16 inches. The linear displacement depends on, e.g., the size of the box and the position of the upper joint. The upper link 108 transmits a translational motion from the upper joint 111 on the lid 102 through the middle joint 113 to the lower link 107, causing the mounting portion and lower link to rotate around the lower joint 114. That is, when the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the lower link rotates toward, to, or through a generally vertical position so that the jewelry is in a display position. The earrings may then be presented to a recipient at a vertical or angled display position.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a jewelry box for holding a ring. The jewelry box 200 includes a base 203 and a lid 202 connected at a hinge 204. An upper link 208 having a mounting portion 206 configured to hold a ring 205 may be pivotally connected to the lid 202 at an upper joint 214. For example, the mounting portion 206 may be a clasp for holding a ring. The clasp may be integral with the upper link 208, it may be pivotally connected to the front surface of the upper link 208, or it may extend through the upper link 208 (or around the upper link 208) and be affixed to a back surface of the upper link. A lower link 207 may be coupled to the front of the base 203 at a lower joint 214 and may be coupled to the upper link 208 at a middle joint 213. The upper and lower joints may be covered with a material, as with the embodiments described above.

When the jewelry box is in the closed configuration (FIG. 9), the upper link 208 is in a generally vertical position so that the ring 205 is generally horizontal in a storage position, and the lower link 207 is generally horizontal and generally flat against the base 203. When the box is opened, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper link 208, which is connected to the lid 202 at upper joint 211, may rotate through an arc for a set linear distance of, e.g., ¼ to 5/16 inches. The linear displacement depends on, e.g., the size of the box and the position of the joint. The upper link 208 transmits a translational motion from the upper joint 211 on the lid 202 through the middle joint 213 to the lower link 207. The motion causes both the lower link 207 and the upper link 208 to be angled. For example, the lower link 207 may extend at an angle of about 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the base 203. This allows the ring to be presented to the recipient at an angled display position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the upper link rotates toward, to, or through a generally vertical position and the lower link rotates toward, to, or through a generally horizontal position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the upper and lower links rotate to a generally angled position.

As shown in FIG. 10, if an imaginary straight line 218 is drawn from the upper joint 211 on the lid 202 to the lower joint 214 when the lid is in the open configuration, the middle joint 213 is slightly below or below this line. Thereby, when the lid 202 is closed, the upper link 208 rotates with the lid 202 in a clockwise direction and moves the lower link 207 through the middle joint 213, rotating the lower link 207 in a counter-clockwise direction until it is generally horizontal and flat against the base 203.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a jewelry box for holding earrings that is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. The jewelry box 300 includes a base 303 and a lid 302 connected at a hinge 304. A lower link 307 having a mounting portion 306 configured to hold earrings 305 may be pivotally connected to the base 303 at a lower joint 314. For example, the mounting portion 306 may have holes for pierced earrings or may have divots for non-pierced earrings. In some embodiments, a mounting portion 306 may be configured to hold both pierced ear earrings and clasp type earrings. Furthermore, as shown, the mounting portion may extend most the length of the lower link 307. Alternatively, the lower link may not extend to the base 303, and instead, the mounting portion 306 may be coupled (e.g., by glue) to the lower link 307, and the mounting portion 306 may be fixed to the base 303 at a lower joint 314. As an additional alternative, an L-shaped mounting portion including earring holders may extend perpendicularly out of the lower link and may or may not be integral with the lower link. The upper link 308 may be pivotally connected to the back of the lid 302 at an upper joint 311 and coupled to the lower link 307 at a middle joint 313. The upper and lower joints may be covered with a material, as with the embodiments described above.

When the jewelry box is in the closed configuration (FIG. 11), the upper link 308 is in a generally vertical position, and the lower link 307 is generally horizontal and generally flat against the base 303 so that the earrings 305 lay down against the base 303 in a horizontal storage position. When the box is opened, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper link 308, which is connected to the lid 302 at upper joint 311, may rotate through an arc for a set linear distance of e.g., ¼ to 5/16 inches. The linear displacement depends on, e.g., the size of the box and the position of the joint. The upper link 308 transmits a translational motion from the upper joint 311 on the lid 302 through the middle joint 313 to the lower link 307. The motion causes both the lower link 307 and the upper link 308 to be angled. For example, the lower link 307 may extend at an angle of about 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the base 303. This allows the earrings to be presented to the recipient at an angled display position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the upper link rotates toward, to, or through a generally vertical position and the lower link rotates toward, to, or through a generally horizontal position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the upper and lower links rotate to a generally angled display position.

As shown in FIG. 12, if an imaginary straight line 418 is drawn from the upper joint 311 on the lid 302 to the lower joint 314 when the lid is in the open configuration, the middle joint 313 is slightly below or below this line. Thereby, when the lid 302 is closed, the upper link 308 rotates with the lid 302 in a clockwise direction and moves the lower link 307 through the middle joint 313, rotating the lower link 307 in a counter-clockwise direction until it is generally horizontal and flat against the base 303.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13 and 14 depict a jewelry box for holding a necklace, such as a pendant, that is similar to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9-12. The jewelry box 400 includes a base 403 and a lid 402 connected at a hinge 404. A lower link 407 having a mounting portion 406 configured to hold a pendant necklace may be pivotally connected to the base 403 at a lower joint 414. For example, the mounting portion 406 may be a three sided ramp (left, right, and the ramp surface) that is affixed to an upper surface of the lower link 407 and open at the top which forms a cavity 416 between the ramp surface and the lower joint for storing the chain. The mounting portion may occupy most the length of the lower link 407. Alternatively, the lower link 407 may not extend to the base 403, and instead, the mounting portion 406 may be coupled to the lower link 407, and the mounting portion 406 may be fixed to the base 403 at a lower joint 414. The top of the mounting portion 406 may have two slits (519 in FIG. 15) in which a chain for the pendant necklace may be inserted so that the pendant may hang therebetween. The chain may be stored in the cavity 416 while the pendant 405 is mounted in the box. The upper link 408 may be pivotally connected to the back of the lid 402 at an upper joint 411 and coupled to the lower link 407 at a middle joint 413. The upper and lower joints may be covered with a material, as with the embodiments described above.

When the jewelry box is in the closed configuration (FIG. 13), the upper link 408 is in a generally vertical position, and the lower link 407 is generally horizontal and flat against the base 403 so that the pendant 405 lays down against the mounting portion 406 and the base 403 in a horizontal storage position. When the box is opened, as shown in FIG. 14, the upper link 408, which is connected to the lid 402 at upper joint 411, may rotate through an arc for a set linear distance of, e.g., ¼ to 5/16 inches. The linear displacement depends on, e.g., the size of the box and the position of the joint. The upper link 408 transmits a translational motion from the upper joint 411 on the lid 402 through the middle joint 413 to the lower link 407. The motion causes both the lower link 407 and the upper link 408 to be angled. For example, the lower link 407 may extend at an angle of about 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the base 403. The mounting portion ramp 406 may extend at an angle of about 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the base 403. This allows the earrings to be presented to the recipient at an angled display position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the upper link rotates toward, to, or through a generally vertical position and the lower link rotates toward, to, or through a generally horizontal position. When the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the upper and lower links rotate to a generally angled position.

As shown in FIG. 14, if an imaginary straight line is drawn from the upper joint 411 on the lid 402 to the lower joint 414 when the lid is in the open configuration, the middle joint 413 is slightly below or below this line. Thereby, when the lid 402 is closed, the upper link 408 rotates with the lid 402 in a clockwise direction and moves the lower link 407 through the middle joint 413, rotating the lower link 407 in a counter-clockwise direction until it is generally horizontal and flat against the base 403.

FIG. 15 depicts a schematic three-dimensional side view of the links of a jewelry box according to another embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of mounting portions to accommodate a plurality of jewelry is shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 includes a lower link 507 connected to the box (not shown) at a lower joint 514. The lower link 507 is connected to the upper link 508 by a middle joint 513. The upper link 508 is connected to the box (not shown) at an upper joint 511. Three mounting portions are present in FIG. 15: a pendant necklace mounting portion 506 on the lower link 507, a ring mounting portion 506′ on the upper link, and an earring mounting portion 506″ on the lower link. While this embodiment depicts three different types of jewelry, any type of jewelry, any suitable number of pieces of jewelry, and any jewelry combination could be used. For example, one box could be configured to hold two rings, and another box could be configured to hold a set of earrings and a pendant necklace.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should include not only the embodiments disclosed but also such combinations of features now known or later discovered, or equivalents within the scope of the concepts disclosed and the full scope of the claims to which applicants are entitled to patent protection.

Claims

1. A jewelry box comprising:

a first box portion and a second box portion connected by a hinge;

a linkage inside the jewelry box, the linkage comprising a first link connected to the first box portion by a first joint and a second link connected to the first link by a second joint; and

a jewelry mounting portion on the first link or the second link,

wherein when the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, one of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a vertical position and the other of the first link and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a horizontal position.

2. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the first link and the second link are angled.

3. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the second link is connected to the second box portion by a third joint.

4. The jewelry box of claim 3, wherein when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the second joint is above a line drawn between the first joint and the third joint.

5. The jewelry box of claim 3, wherein when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the second joint is below a line drawn between the first joint and the third joint.

6. The jewelry box of claim 3, wherein the first joint, the second joint, and the third joint comprise fabric or leather.

7. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein when the jewelry box is adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the first link rotates toward, to, or through a vertical position and the second link rotates toward, to, or through a horizontal position, and wherein when the jewelry box is in the open configuration, the first link and the second link are angled.

8. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry mounting portion is coupled to the first link.

9. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry mounting portion is coupled to the second link.

10. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein a ramp is affixed to the second box portion and the second link is coupled to the ramp by a third joint.

11. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry box further comprises an axle and the axle is coupled to the second box portion and the second link is coupled to the axle.

12. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry mounting portion is configured to hold a ring, a necklace, or a set of earrings.

13. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein when the box is open, the second link extends at an angle about 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the second box portion.

14. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein when the box is open, the second link extends at an angle of about 35 to 50 degrees with respect to the second box portion.

15. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry mounting portion is a clasp configured to hold a ring, and when the box is open, the link to which the mount is coupled extends at an angle of about 35 to 55 degrees with respect to the second box portion.

16. The jewelry box of claim 1, further comprising an additional jewelry mounting portion on the first link or the second link.

17. The jewelry box of claim 1, wherein the jewelry mounting portion comprises a ramp coupled to the first link, and at least a portion of the ramp is separated from the second link to define a cavity between the ramp and the second link.

18. A jewelry box comprising:

a top box portion and a bottom box portion connected by a hinge;

a linkage inside the jewelry box, the linkage comprising an upper link connected to the top box portion by an upper joint and a lower link connected to the upper link by a middle joint; and

a jewelry mounting portion on the upper link or the lower link configured to hold jewelry,

wherein when the jewelry box is adjusted from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the jewelry rotates from a display position to a storage position, and wherein when the jewelry box is adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the jewelry rotates from the storage position to the display position.