METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR JEWELRY
Methods and apparatus for jewelry may comprise modular elements that may be connected to form jewelry. For example, a jewelry system may comprise locket elements adapted to be attached to one another. The jewelry system may further comprise linking elements and connection points adapted to substantially easily attach and detach the various elements.
The present invention generally relates to a modular interchangeable jewelry system and specifically to a modular interchangeable jewelry system comprised of one or more interconnecting and exchangeable modular components.
BRIEF BACKGROUNDHuman use of jewelry extends beyond memory, tradition or recorded history. Throughout recorded history, jewelry has been used for many purposes. Like painting or poetry, jewelry may be used as a form of expression or assertion of a user's personality, feelings or ideas, demonstrating the uniqueness of a user. Jewelry may simultaneously be used to provide a functional way of storing personal effects in a meaningful way.
Jewelry is generally designed to form a single invariable unit of static design, preventing a user from customizing the jewelry to different parts of the user's body, or to serve different functional purposes. While various modular jewelry designs, including lockets, have been proposed in the prior art, much of the prior art focuses on either functionality or artistic need but not both.
A need exists for a customizable jewelry system with interconnecting and exchangeable modular components adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from any one or more of the other modular components in matter of seconds without any particular training, tools, or effort, while still fulfilling a desired functional purpose. A customizable jewelry system allows the user to build or alter the various modular components according to individual or personalized specifications and functions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONMethods and apparatus for jewelry may comprise modular elements that may be connected to form jewelry. For example, a jewelry system may comprise locket elements adapted to be attached to one another. The jewelry system may further comprise linking elements and connection points adapted to substantially easily attach and detach the various elements.
A more complete understanding of the claimed invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description of exemplary embodiments and claims in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers ordinarily refer to similar elements and steps.
The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments in any way. The drawings illustrate only selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of any of the various embodiments. The drawings may not be drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSVarious aspects of the present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ various locket systems, linking elements, and seals, e.g., interchangeable locket elements, chains, strands, inserts, interfaces, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, various aspects of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of jewelry systems, and the apparatus and methods described are merely exemplary applications for the invention. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for assembly, disassembly, and the like.
Methods and apparatus for jewelry may operate in conjunction with a jewelry system. Certain representative implementations may include, for example, lockets, bracelets, broaches, necklaces, and the like. The jewelry system may be coupled to any appropriate portion of the user's body to display the components and any elements attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed on or within the modular components. For example, the jewelry system may be attached to a limb or adjacent a neck, for example around the user's wrist or finger. The jewelry system may comprise any shape or size suitable to couple the components to a portion of the user's body and/or to display the various components. For example, the jewelry system may comprise a loop, lariat, or the like. In various embodiments, the jewelry system may comprise a looped article of wearable apparel, such as a necklace, bracelet, choker, belt, or the like.
Referring to
For example, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise a locket system 105 and a linking element 110. At least one of the locket system 105 and linking element 110 may comprise a connection point 115 adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from at least one of the locket system 105 and linking element 110. In various embodiments, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise the multiple locket system 105A-C and linking elements 110. The locket systems 105A-C and linking elements 110 may include connection points 115 adapted to easily attach to, and possibly detach from, at least one of the other locket systems 105 and linking elements 110.
The interconnecting and exchangeable modular components may be adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from any one or more of the other modular components in matter of seconds without any particular training, tools, or effort.
The connection points 115 interconnect, couple, link, fasten, secure, and/or support the one or more locket systems 105 and/or linking elements 110. The connection point 115 may comprise any suitable element to attach, adhere, or otherwise interconnect one or more of the linking elements 110, the locket systems 105, and/or other modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system 100 in any suitable manner to form a single article of wearable apparel. In various embodiments, the connection points 115 easily attach to, and possibly detach from, other elements of the jewelry system. For example, the connection point 115 may comprise one or more of a clip, buckle, magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, hook, clasp, snap, and/or a loop.
In one embodiment, the connection point 115 may comprise a spring-biased clip attached to the linking element 110 and adapted to be coupled to the locket system 105, such as via a bail loop on the locket system. In an exemplary embodiment, referring to
The linking element 110 links various other elements of the jewelry system to one another. In various embodiments, the linking element 110 may comprise an elongate member having a pair of distal ends, such as a chain, band, string, thread, strap, or the like. In one embodiment, the linking element 110 comprises a decorative chain comprising any desired style, length, thickness, material, color, texture, and/or features and having spring-biased clips or other suitable connection points 115 at each end. The linking element 110 may link the locket system 105 and/or other modular components of the jewelry system 100 in any suitable manner to form a single article of wearable apparel.
The linking element 110 may further comprise an adjustment mechanism (not shown). In various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may comprise any mechanism adapted to adjust one or more of the length, angle, tilt, and/or configuration of one or more modular components relative to another modular component. For example, the adjustment mechanism may function to shorten and/or lengthen the space between various modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system 100.
The modular interchangeable jewelry system may further comprise a charm 120, such as an insert, backdrop, ornament, keepsake, dangle, amulet, talisman, or decorative item. In various embodiments, the charm 120 may be adapted to substantially easily attach to, and possibly detach from, one or more linking elements 110 and/or locket systems 105. For example, the charm 120 may include a connection point 115, such as a clip to connect to a link in a chain. In other embodiments, the charm 120 may be adapted to be attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise positioned in the jewelry system, such as within an interior cavity of the locket system 105 and/or attached to one or more of the modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system via a connection point 115.
In various embodiments, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a large collection of different elements to allow a user to design a vast array of different items, limited only by the creativity of the user. For example, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a collection of multiple different types of linking elements, such as chains of various sizes, lengths, links, etc. The modular interchangeable jewelry system may also operate in conjunction with hundreds or thousands of different charms that may be selected or created by the user. Further, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a variety of different locket systems 105, such as modular or nonmodular lockets, which may have single or multiple points for connection to other items, such as bails, connection points 115, interior cavities, and the like. By selecting among the various jewelry elements and assembling them according to the user's desire, the variations and possibilities for creativity approach the infinite.
A locket system 105 according to various aspects of the present jewelry system comprises a case, such as a small ornamental case worn as a pendant or bracelet, for storing one or more charms 120, photographs, curls of hair, keepsakes, or other items. The locket system 105 may include an interior cavity, such as an environmentally-controlled interior cavity, with at least one substantially transparent or translucent window to display the interior cavity and its contents. In addition, the locket system 105 may include small door or cover over the window that may open to reveal the contents of the locket system 105 without opening the interior cavity in which the contents are stored. The locket system 105 may be configured in any suitable shapes, such as ovals, hearts, and circles, and may comprise any suitable materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, precious metals, and the like. The locket system 105 may include a connection point 115 and/or may be adapted to connect to a connection point 115. For example, the locket system 105 may include one or more bails, either fixed or configured to spin or otherwise move.
The locket system 105 may comprise any suitable case, such as a nonmodifiable case that cannot be easily modified (other than its contents) or a modular case that may be easily modified. For example, referring to
For example, in one embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may comprise a first portion 205 and a second portion 210, such as a back portion and a front portion. The first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may be attached, and possibly detached, for example via an attachment interface 245, 215. The attachment interface 245, 215 couples the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 to create an interior cavity 220.
The modular locket system 200 may also comprise one or more connection points 115 or attachment points adapted to mate with a connection point 115, such as a bail 225, to facilitate attachment to, and possibly detachment from, another jewelry system element. For example, in one embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may be configured as a pendant comprising a single bail oriented perpendicular to the plane of the modular locket system 200 to receive a connection point 115, chain, or other linking element 110. On another embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may be configured as a bracelet or other contiguous jewelry element having two opposing bails oriented parallel to the plane of the modular locket system 200.
The first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may be configured in any suitable manner to define the interior cavity 220. The interior cavity 220 may be adapted for storage and display of any material and/or an object attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity 220 to provide a changeable display of the material and/or object, such as the charm 120. The interior cavity 220 may comprise any dimensions adapted to store and display the material and/or object. In various embodiments, the interior cavity may comprise a hermetically sealed interior cavity to create a controlled internal environment. For example, the interior cavity may be airtight and/or waterproof.
In various embodiments, the first portion 205 forms the back portion of the locket system 105 and may comprise an interior perimeter 230. The first portion 205 may also comprise a window 235. In an alternative embodiment, the first portion includes a solid, nontransparent surface defining the back of the locket system 105. Likewise, the second portion 210 may comprise an interior perimeter 250 and a window 235 to facilitate viewing of the contents of the locket system 105.
The window 235 may comprise any suitable material configured to display the interior cavity 220 of the modular locket system 200, and any material and/or objects attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity 220. For example, the window material may be glass, plastic, and the like. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the window material may be opaque, transparent, semi-transparent and/or substantially transparent. In various embodiments, the windows 235 may be permanently affixed to the other elements of the locket system 105 to create a seal between the external environment and the interior cavity 220.
The attachment interface 245, 215 couples elements of the locket system 105 to each other. In one embodiment, the attachment interface 245, 215 couples the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 to create the interior cavity 220. The attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise any appropriate system for coupling the locket system 105 elements, such as one or more clamps, magnetic couplings and/or closures, threaded surfaces, hinges, springs, locks, connectors, clips, bolts, screws, friction fittings, rivets, adhesives, and the like.
For example, the attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise threaded surfaces configured to engage one another. Referring to
The attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise, however, any appropriate system for joining the elements of the locket system 105. For example, referring to
The interior cavity 220 of the locket system 105 may be sealed, for example to maintain the integrity of the contents, prevent loss of the contents (especially liquid or gaseous contents), and/or maintain a particular environment within the interior cavity 220. In various embodiments, the seal may comprise a hermetic seal, a water resistant seal, and/or a seal against particular elements.
The seal may be created and maintained in any suitable manner, such as by adding one or more sealing elements to the locket system 105 and/or integrating one or more sealing elements to the locket system 105. The sealing element may comprise any suitable material and/or configuration, such as grease, wax, o-rings, encapsulated o-rings, sealing rings, sealing sleeves, sealing tape, and/or resin string.
For example, in various embodiments, at least one of the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may further comprise a sealing element 240 disposed within a groove 255 in the attachment interface 215 of the second portion 210 and between the attachment interface of the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 (
More particularly, referring to
The jewelry system may further comprise elements adapted for insertion into the interior cavity 220. For example, such elements may have appropriate dimensions to be inserted into the interior cavity 220 and fit relatively snugly to maintain position in the interior cavity 220. For example, referring to
The main body 605 may comprise an element to be inserted into the interior cavity, such as a decorative item. In one embodiment, the main body 605 comprises a rim 615 comprising an outside edge slightly smaller than the interior wall of the locket system 105. The main body 605 may further comprise an inner design element 620 disposed interior to the rim 615. The inner design element 620 may comprise any dimension adapted to be disposed interior to the rim 615.
The rim 615 and the inner design element 620 may define at least one aperture 625, wherein the aperture 625 is sized to transmit a substantial amount of light through the interchangeable locket insert system. In various embodiments, the aperture 625 may be adapted to display the interior cavity 220 of the locket system 105, and any design elements attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity.
Without the rotation inhibitor 710, the main body 605 might inadvertently rotate within the interior cavity 220. The rotation inhibitor 710 may comprise any appropriate system for maintaining the position of the main body 605 within the interior cavity 220, such as to substantially control or prevent rotation of the main body 605. For example, the rotation inhibitor 710 may comprise a friction element, a brake, a stop, a lock, or other suitable mechanical system. In various embodiments, the interchangeable locket insert system 500 may further comprise an operable member (not shown) adapted to substantially easily attach and detach from the locket. In one embodiment, the operable member is a pull tab.
In one embodiment, the outside edge of the rim 615 may define a cylindrical surface having a groove 630 adapted to receive a frictional resilient o-ring 710 such that the o-ring protrudes beyond the sides of the groove 630 and the outer cylindrical surface of the rim to engage the interior wall of the locket. When the o-ring 710 is seated in the groove 630, the locket insert system 600 may be inserted into the interior cavity 220 and the o-ring 710 may frictionally engage the interior surface of the locket system 105. The o-ring 710 may comprise any suitable material, such as rubber or silicone.
The various modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise any suitable additional elements and features. For example, referring to
The decorative object 810 may be adhered to, attached to or otherwise embedded in or on one or more of the linking elements 110, locket systems 105, and/or charms 120 in any suitable manner. For example, the one or more surfaces may be adapted to receive the at least one decorative object 810.
In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise any suitable material adapted for interconnecting, coupling, linking, fastening, securing, pulling, sealing, adjusting, and/or supporting the one or more linking elements, locket systems, connection points, and/or any other modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system. For example, the material may comprise stainless steel, glass, titanium, rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic, fabric, and the like. In various embodiments, the material may comprise any suitable material adapted to be bendable, twistable, linked, and the like to conform to a particular part of a user's body.
The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.
In the foregoing description, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.
Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.
This description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the various embodiments or their application or uses. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical “or.” The phrase “A, B and/or C” should be construed to mean (A, B, and C) or alternatively (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical “or.” Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
The present invention has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A modular interchangeable jewelry system, comprising:
- a locket system, comprising: a first portion comprising a first attachment interface with a grooved channel; a second portion comprising a second attachment interface with a stud configured to be received within the grooved channel to rotatably couple the second portion to the first portion and to enclose an interior cavity;
- a linking element; and
- a connection point adapted to substantially easily attach and detach the linking element to and from the locket system.
2. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the linking element is a chain.
3. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the connection point comprises a bail loop.
4. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the modular interchangeable jewelry system comprises a charm, wherein the charm is adapted to easily attach and detach to the locket system.
5. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the locket system comprises a decorative surface.
6. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 5, wherein the decorative surface comprises a decorative object.
7. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, further comprising a second locket system and a second linking element; wherein the connection point is adapted to at least one of substantially easily attach and detach the first linking element to and from either of the first locket system and the second locket system; and substantially easily attach and detach the first locket system to and from either of the first linking element and the second linking element.
8. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the locket system includes a second connection point, wherein each of the first and second connection points comprises a bail loop.
9. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1,
- further comprising a spring located within the grooved channel of the first portion and configured to bias the stud to inhibit detachment of second portion from the first portion.
10. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes:
- an interior perimeter; and
- a window secured within the interior perimeter.
11. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 10, wherein the interior cavity is configured to store an object.
12. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 11, wherein the interior cavity is configured to display the object.
13. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 12, wherein the object comprises a design element.
14. A modular locket system, comprising:
- a first locket element comprising a first locket interface with a grooved channel; and
- a second locket element comprising a second locket interface with a stud adapted to be received within the grooved channel of the first locket interface to rotatably couple the second locket element to the first locket element.
15. The modular locket system of claim 14, further comprising a spring located within the grooved channel of the first locket interface and configured to bias the stud to inhibit detachment of second locket element from the first locket element.
16. The modular locket system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first locket element and the second locket element comprises a decorative surface.
17. The modular locket system of claim 16, wherein the decorative surface comprises a decorative object.
18. The modular locket system of claim 14, wherein
- the first locket element and the second locket element are configured to enclose an interior cavity.
19. (canceled)
20. The modular locket system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first locket element and the second locket element comprises a groove with a water-resistant seal.
21. The modular locket system of claim 20, wherein the water-resistant seal comprises a resilient o-ring.
22. (canceled)
23. The modular locket system of claim 18, wherein the interior cavity is configured to store an object.
24. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 18, wherein the locket system is configured to display an object in the internal cavity.
25. The modular interchangeable jewelry system of claim 24, wherein the object comprises a design element.
26. A modular locket system, comprising:
- a plurality of locket elements, wherein each locket element comprises: a back portion, comprising,: an interior surface; and a threaded surface; a front portion, comprising: a window; and a threaded surface configured to engage the back portion threaded surface, wherein the interior surface of the back portion and the window at least partially define an enclosure;
- and
- a plurality of linking elements;
- wherein each of the locket elements and linking elements includes a connection point adapted to substantially easily attach to and detach from at least one of the other locket elements and linking elements.
27. (canceled)
28. The modular locket system of claim, wherein the enclosure is configured to seal an inner cavity.
29. The modular locket system of claim 28, wherein the interior cavity is configured to store of an object.
30. The modular locket system of claim 27, wherein the interior cavity is configured to display an object.
31. The modular locket system of claim 30, wherein the object comprises a design element.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 11, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 15, 2015
Inventors: Christian H. Weems (Gilbert, AZ), Tyson H. Basha (Chandler, AZ)
Application Number: 13/940,059