JEWELRY THAT CONTAINS DETACHABLE PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A piece of jewelry is provided having at least one restrictive chain and at least one connecting chain. A protection device is connected to the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain. A base of the protection device is attached to the at least one restrictive chain. A prong extends from the base for defending against an attacker. A cap of the protection device is attached to the at least one connecting chain. The cap is removeably attached to the base to conceal the prong and join the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/530137 filed Sep. 1, 2011 and titled “JEWELRY THAT CONTAINS DETACHABLE PERSONAL PROTECTION TRAMMEL”, which is herein incorporated in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a piece of jewelry that contains a detachable personal protection device.

2. Related Art

Protection devices are most often produced and bought to protect the user (and others) from various forms of harm, including but not limited to, sexual assault, robbery, physical bodily harm, and kidnapping. Protection devices are often kept in a person's automobile, purse, bag, or pocket. Therefore, most protection devices are not quickly accessible in the event of an emergency, such as sexual assault, robbery, physical bodily harm, and kidnapping. Another problem with current protection devices is they are often not carried in one's hand, as many consumers fear they will be perceived as paranoid if they carry their protection device in their hand. Thus, the device is not easily accessible.

Furthermore, many consumers rarely take proper precautions on a daily basis against various forms of harm due to the unpleasing appearance of many protection devices. Thus, the device is not carried in one's hand or close to one's person, and therefore is not easily accessible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a piece of jewelry has a detachable protection device to allow individuals to protect themselves from various forms of harm. The jewelry is pleasing to the eye and does not resemble any other type of protection device. The jewelry is worn as normal jewelry and thus will be easily accessible to the user.

In one embodiment, a jewelry piece includes at least one chain. A protection device is attached to the at least one chain. The protection device includes a base attached to the at least one chain and an anchor secured within the base. A prong extends from the base.

In another embodiment, a protection device for a piece of jewelry includes a base attached to the piece of jewelry and having an anchor secured therein. A prong post is secured to the anchor and has a prong attached to an end thereof. The prong extends from the base. A magnet is positioned between the anchor and the prong. A cap is magnetically attached to the magnet to conceal the prong.

In yet another embodiment, a piece of jewelry includes at least one restrictive chain and at least one connecting chain. A protection device is provide having a base attached to the at least one restrictive chain. A prong extends from the base for defending against an attacker. A cap is attached to the at least one connecting chain. The cap removeably attaches to the base to conceal the prong and join the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a piece of jewelry formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric schematic of a protection device formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cap formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a base formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an anchor formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a prong formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hook formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cap assembly formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a base assembly formed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a protection device assembly formed in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The present invention includes a jewelry piece having at least one chain and a protection device attached to the at least one chain. As used herein, “protection device” is used to define a device that restrains or creates a hindrance or impediment to free action, i.e. the action of an attacker. In the illustrated embodiment, the protection device includes a prong that may be used to strike an attacker; however, other protection devices may be incorporated into the present invention. The protection device includes a base attached to the at least one chain and an anchor secured within the base. The anchor may be soldered within the base or secured using any suitable permanent attachment mechanism. A prong post is secured to the anchor. In one embodiment, the anchor has a threaded opening extending therethrough to receive the prong post. In particular, the prong post is threaded and configured to be screwed into the opening in the anchor. A prong is attached to an end of the prong post and extends from the base. The prong may include a threaded cavity to secure the prong to the threaded prong post by screwing the prong onto the end of the prong post. Optionally, the prong may be soldered or otherwise attached to the end of the prong post. A magnet is positioned within the base between the anchor and the prong. The prong post extends through an opening in the magnet. A cap removeably couples to the base to conceal the prong. In particular, the cap magnetically attaches to the magnet positioned within the base. The cap includes a cavity that receives the prong to conceal the prong therein.

In one embodiment, the at least one chain includes at least one restrictive chain, at least one ornamental chain, and at least one connecting chain. The ornamental chain and the restrictive chain may be formed as the same chain. The base of the protection device is attached to the at least one ornamental chain and/or the at least one restrictive chain. The cap of the protection device is attached to the at least one connecting chain. The cap removeably attaches to the base to join the restrictive chains and ornamental chains to the connecting chain. In the illustrated embodiment, the jewelry piece includes a pair of protection devices. The base of each protection device is secured to an end of the at least one ornamental chain and/or restrictive chain. The cap of each protection device is secured to an end of the at least one connecting chain. The cap of at least one protection device is detachable from the respective base by pulling on at least one ornamental chain, at least one restrictive chain, at least one connecting chain, or the cap and/or base of the personal protection device.

In accordance with the present invention, the protection device allows individuals to protect themselves from various forms of harm by jabbing at an attacker with the prong. Additionally, the restrictive chain or the connecting chain may be used to protect oneself by restricting or controlling an attacker's movement. The ornamental chains provide a decorative aspect for the jewelry piece. For example, the ornamental chains may include designs, jewels, or the like. However, in one embodiment, the ornamental chains may also be used for restricting or controlling an attacker's movement. The jewelry piece of the present invention is pleasing to the eye and does not resemble any other type of protection device. The jewelry piece is worn as normal jewelry and thus is easily accessible to the user.

Each of the components described herein, excluding the magnet may be made from a strong, durable material that can withstand the force of an attacker, as well as, the force of an individual using the jewelry piece for self-defense. For example, the components may be formed from a metallic material, such as, but not limited to, steel or sterling silver. It should be noted that each of the components described herein that are permanently attached may be attached with solder or with any other suitable connection mechanism that will withstand the force of an attacker, as well as, the force of an individual using the jewelry piece for self-defense.

It should be noted that the measurements described herein are exemplary only and the components of the jewelry may be scaled to any size.

The jewelry is configured to be worn around a user's neck with the restrictive chain and the ornamental chains resting on the front of the user. The connecting chain rests on the back of the user's neck. It should be noted that additional ornamental chains may be provided that rest on the back of the user's neck. These additional ornamental chains may be attached to the caps of the personal protection devices. It should be appreciated that the jewelry described herein may be worn on other areas of the user, for example, around the user's wrist as a bracelet. The restrictive chains are formed from a sturdy material that may be used to restrict or control the movement of an attacker, when the jewelry is removed from the user. The connecting chain may also be formed from a sturdy material that may be used to restrict or control the movement of an attacker, when the jewelry is removed from the user. The ornamental chains may be decorated with designs, jewels, or the like. However, the ornamental chains may also be used to restrict or control the movement of an attacker.

The protection devices are attached to the chains via hooks. It should be noted that the protection devices may be attached using other suitable attachment mechanisms. The protection device includes a base and a cap that are magnetically attached and configured to separate at a separation point. In other embodiments, the cap and the base may be detachably coupled using suitable mechanisms other than a magnet. The cap of each protection device is joined to the connecting chain, whereas, the base of each protection device is joined to the ornamental chains and the restrictive chain, thereby joining the connecting chain to the ornamental chains and restrictive chain when the cap and base of each protection device are attached.

The cap and base of each protection device may be disengaged by pulling on at least one of the restrictive chain, an ornamental chain, the connecting chain, and/or the base or the cap of the protection device. When the base and the cap of at least one of the protection devices are disengaged, the jewelry is removable from the user's neck. Additionally, the cap disengages from the base to reveal a prong that may be used to jab at an attacker and/or otherwise protect oneself from an attacker.

The cap of the protection device includes a closed end and an open end, and has a sidewall extending therebetween. The sidewall may have a length of approximately 18 mm. The closed end of the cap may have an approximately 12.5 mm diameter and includes openings to receive ends of a hook. In an exemplary embodiment, the openings may have a 0.75 mm diameter. The centers of the openings may be separated by approximately 1.75 mm. The hook may be soldered or otherwise secured into the openings. The hook is utilized to attach the cap to the connecting chain; however, other attachment mechanisms other than a hook may be used.

The closed end and the sidewall of the cap define a cavity that is accessible through an opening formed in the open end of the cap. The opening is centered in the open end of the cap and may have a diameter of approximately 5.8 to 6.2 mm. The cavity may have diameter of approximately 11 mm between the sidewalls and a length of approximately 15 mm from the closed end to the open end. The cavity is configured to conceal a prong, as described below.

The open end of the cap includes an end piece through which the opening extends. The end piece extends inward from the sidewall and circumvents the opening in the open end. The end piece may be formed from a metal that magnetically couples to a magnet. Optionally, the end piece may be a magnet. The end piece is configured to magnetically couple to the base. In other embodiments, the cap may include any other suitable mechanism for detachably coupling to the base.

The base is formed as a cylinder having a closed end and an open end. A sidewall extends from the closed end to form the cylinder. In one embodiment, the sidewall may have a length of approximately 37.5 mm, and the closed end may have a diameter of approximately 12.5 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the base is the same as the outer diameter of the cap. The open end of the base includes an opening extending therethrough and having a diameter of approximately 10.8 to 11.2 mm. The opening extends into a cavity defined by the closed end and the sidewall. The cavity is configured to retain several components as described below.

The closed end of the base includes a pair of openings extending therethrough to receive a hook that joins to the ornamental chains and the restrictive chain. Optionally, any suitable attachment mechanism may be used to join the ornamental chains and restrictive chain to the base. In one embodiment, the openings may each have a diameter of approximately 0.75 mm and may be spaced from center by approximately 1.75 mm. The hook may be soldered to or otherwise suitably secured within the openings.

An anchor is secured within the cavity of the base, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The anchor may have a height of approximately 3 mm and include an outer diameter of approximately 10.8 to 11.2 mm. The outer diameter of the anchor is sized so that the anchor fits firmly within the cavity of the base with an outer surface of the anchor flush against an inner surface of the base sidewall. In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor is soldered into positioned within the cavity of the base. In particular, the outer surface of the anchor is soldered to the inner surface of the base sidewall. The anchor is positioned so that a top and a bottom of the anchor are parallel to the closed end of the base. In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor may be positioned within the base cavity so that a top surface of the anchor is approximately 9.55 to 9.95 mm from the open end of the base.

The anchor includes an opening centered therein and extending therethrough. The opening is configured to receive a prong post therein, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In an exemplary embodiment, both the prong post and the inner surface of the opening are threaded so that the prong post is screwed into the anchor. Alternatively, the prong post may be soldered within the opening of the anchor or otherwise secure to the anchor. For example, the anchor and the prong post may be formed as a single piece with the prong post extending from the anchor.

The prong post includes an end that extends from the base of the protection device. More particularly, the prong post extends from the open end of the base. In one embodiment, the prong post extends axially along a centerline of the base. A prong is joined to the end of the prong post. The prong tapers inward from a bottom to a point at the top of the prong in a conical shape. In other embodiments, the prong may have any shape and may include any number of points extending from the top thereof. The bottom of the prong includes a cavity that, in one embodiment, is threaded and configured to be screwed onto the end of the prong post. Alternatively, the prong may be soldered to or otherwise connected to the prong post. In one embodiment, the prong may be integrally formed with the end of the prong post.

The prong is positioned outside of the base cavity and extends outward from the base. In particular, the prong extends axially along the centerline of the base. The point of the prong is positioned along the centerline of the base. The point of the prong is configured for jabbing an attacker to impede their attack.

In the exemplary embodiment, a magnet is positioned within the base. The magnet is positioned between the anchor and the prong. A bottom surface of the magnet is positioned adjacent to the anchor on the top surface of the anchor, and a top surface of the magnet is positioned flush with the end of the base sidewall and the open end of the base. Accordingly, the magnet may be approximately 9.55 to 9.95 mm in height. The magnet has an opening centered therein and extending therethrough. The prong post extends through the opening from the anchor. In one embodiment, the opening of the magnet may be threaded so that the prong post is screwed into both the anchor and the magnet. The magnet may be magnetically attached to the anchor and/or otherwise secured to the anchor or the base sidewall, for example, with solder.

The magnet is configured to magnetically attach to the end piece of the cap. When the cap is attached to the base, the prong extends through the opening in the open end of the cap and is concealed within the cap cavity. Additionally, the cap and base are connected to join the restrictive chains and the ornamental chains to the connecting chain to form a necklace that may be worn around a user's neck.

To use the necklace for self-defense, the user grabs one or more of the restrictive chains, one or more of the ornamental chains, or the connecting chain and pulls in a downward motion. Additionally, the user may grab at least one of the cap or the base and pull the cap and base apart. The motion separates the cap of the protection device from the base of the protection device at the separation point. During the separation of the cap and the base, the cap disconnects from the magnet. After the separation of the cap from the base, the restrictive chain, the connecting chain, or the ornamental chains may be used for restricting or controlling the movement of an attacker or the like. In addition, the prong may be used for jabbing an attacker or the like for the purpose of protecting oneself. To reconnect the cap and the base, the prong is inserted into the cap cavity, so that the magnet magnetically attaches the cap to the base, thereby concealing the prong.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to persons who are skilled in the art. As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A jewelry piece comprising:

at least one chain; and

a protection device attached to the at least one chain, wherein the protection device includes: a base attached to the at least one chain, an anchor secured within the base, and a prong secured to the anchor and extending from the base.

2. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a cap removeably coupled to the base to conceal the prong.

3. The invention of claim 2 further comprising a magnet positioned within the base to magnetically attach the cap to the base.

4. The invention of claim of 3, wherein the magnet is positioned between the anchor and the prong.

5. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a threaded prong post secured to the anchor, the anchor having a threaded opening extending therethrough to receive the prong post.

6. The invention of claim 5, wherein the prong includes a threaded cavity to secure the prong to the threaded prong post.

7. The invention of claim 1, wherein the at least one chain includes at least one restrictive chain and at least one connecting chain, the base of the protection device being attached to the at least one restrictive chain, a cap of the protection device being attached to the at least one connecting chain, the cap being removeably attached to the base to join the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain.

8. The invention of claim 7 further comprising a pair of protection devices, the base of each protection device secured to the at least one restrictive chain, the cap of each protection device being secured to the at least one connecting chain, the cap of at least one protection device being detachable from the respective base by pulling on at least one of the connecting chain, the restrictive chain, the cap, or the base.

9. A protection device for a piece of jewelry comprising:

a base attached to the piece of jewelry and having an anchor secured therein;

a prong post secured to the anchor and having a prong attached to an end thereof, the prong extending from the base;

a magnet positioned between the anchor and the prong; and

a cap magnetically attached to the magnet to conceal the prong.

10. The invention of claim of 9, wherein the prong post extends through an opening in the magnet.

11. The invention of claim 9, wherein the prong post is threaded, the anchor having a threaded opening extending therethrough to receive the prong post.

12. The invention of claim 11, wherein the prong includes a threaded cavity to secure the prong to the threaded prong post.

13. The invention of claim 9, wherein the jewelry includes at least one restrictive chain and at least one connecting chain, the base of the protection device being attached to the at least one restrictive chain, the cap of the protection device being attached to the at least one connecting chain, the cap magnetically attached to the base to join the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain.

14. The invention of claim 13 further comprising a pair of protection devices, the base of each protection device secured to the at least one restrictive chain, the cap of each protection device being secured to the at least one connecting chain, the cap of at least one protection device being detachable from the respective base by pulling on at least one of the connecting chain, the restrictive chain, the cap, or the base.

15. A piece of jewelry comprising:

at least one restrictive chain;

at least one connecting chain; and

a protection device having: a base attached to the at least one restrictive chain, a prong extending from the base for defending against an attacker, and a cap attached to the at least one connecting chain, the cap removeably attached to the base to conceal the prong and join the at least one restrictive chain and the at least one connecting chain.

16. The invention of claim 15 further comprising a magnet positioned within the base to magnetically attach the cap to the base.

17. The invention of claim 16 further comprising:

an anchor secured within the base; and

a prong post secured to the anchor, the prong attached to an end of the prong post.

18. The invention of claim of 17, wherein the magnet is positioned between the anchor and the prong, the prong post extending through an opening in the magnet.

19. The invention of claim 17, wherein the prong post is threaded, the anchor having a threaded opening extending therethrough to receive the prong post.

20. The invention of claim 19, wherein the prong includes a threaded cavity to secure the prong to the threaded prong post.