INTERCHANGEABLE WAFER RINGS

Abstract

A ring includes a ring body having a ring connecting member, a setting connective member which mates with the ring connecting member, and an interchangeable wafer arranged therebetween.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part, claiming priority to and the benefit of pending design patent application Ser. No. 29/495,522 filed on Jul. 1, 2014 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to jewelry. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to jewelry which can be constructed and modified by a user.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry and accessories are popular in a variety of fashion contexts. However, the variety of contexts gives rise to a variety of types and styles of jewelry which may suit the particular context. Further, jewelry wearers may wish to have a variety of options for any given jewelry context, for coordination with particular outfits, or to fit their mood or unique style.

As a result, there is a dizzying jewelry landscape and many fashion savvy jewelry wearers possess an expensive and difficult-to-manage assortment of jewelry. Further, due to the materials employed and construction, wearers cannot easily modify the jewelry to suit their immediate tastes.

SUMMARY

Aspects disclosed include a ring comprising a ring body, a ring connecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ring body, the ring connecting member having a securing portion, and an interchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side. The interchangeable wafer has an aperture extending through the interchangeable wafer. The aperture extends through the top side and the bottom side and the ring connecting member extends through at least a portion of the aperture. There is also provided a setting connective member having a setting portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ring connecting member.

In further embodiments of the innovations, a ring is provided. The ring includes a ring body, a ring connecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ring body, the ring connecting member having a securing portion, and an interchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side. The interchangeable wafer has an aperture extending through the interchangeable wafer. The aperture extends through the top side and the bottom side and the ring connecting member extends through at least a portion of the aperture. There is also provided a jewel having a coupling portion, the coupling portion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ring connecting member.

Various aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To better understand and appreciate the invention, refer to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of an example interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of an alternative interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of another alternative interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of yet another alternative interchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates an interchangeable wafer ring having a light source within the wafer; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an interchangeable wafer ring having a game within the wafer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects herein concern a ring or similar jewelry piece having at least one interchangeable component, allowing customization by a wearer or user. In embodiments, one or more of a ring (or base), a wafer (or other element having a hole therethrough or otherwise arranged for attachment), a setting, a jewel (or other element), and/or other alternative, complementary, or combined (e.g., single-piece option in lieu of setting/jewel) can be mixed-and-matched using the described techniques for coupling such set forth herein.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various views of an embodiment of a ring 100 in accordance with the disclosures herein. Ring 100 includes ring body 140. Ring body 140 can have various dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, ring body 140 has a generally annular shape, and may be defined in terms of one or more of a ring body inner diameter, a ring body outer diameter, a ring body thickness, a ring body curvature (or multiple curvatures which define not only the profile of the ring visible in, e.g., FIG. 2, but also the curvature between the inner and outer diameters), et cetera. In alternative embodiments, ring body 140 may be elliptical, comprised of one or more straight edges, or arranged using one or more other shapes, and may in such embodiments be defined according to alternative dimensions. While ring body 140 is shown to define a ring 100 for wear on, e.g., a user's finger or toe, it will be appreciated in view of the disclosures herein that similar techniques for adjustable and interchangeable jewelry (or other accessories) such as earrings, hairpins, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, brooches, charms, et cetera can be utilized without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation.

Interchangeable wafer 130 is coupled with ring body 140. While shown as disc-shaped and with ring body 140 substantially centered thereunder, alternative arrangements can be realized using other shapes, sizes, multiple discs (of similar or dissimilar shapes, sizes and orientations), et cetera. Interchangeable wafer 130 has a top and bottom. In embodiments, the top and bottom can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and/or similar or dissimilar in appearance.

Setting connective member 120 is arranged above interchangeable wafer 130. Setting connective member 120 extends through an aperture of interchangeable wafer 130 and couples with ring body 140 as set forth hereafter. In embodiments, setting connective member may be a standalone, unitary component, or may optionally be coupled with a jewel 110. Jewel 110 can, but need not, be a precious stone, and in embodiments can be any charm, trinket, inlay, or other element coupled (removably or permanently) with setting connective member 120.

FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively illustrate exploded perspective and exploded cutaway views of ring 100 to illustrate its assembly. Ring body 140 includes ring portion 146 coupled to or created singly with ring connecting member 142. Ring connecting member 142 includes securing portion 144. As illustrated, securing portion 144 is a threaded female receptacle configured to couple with at least setting connective member 120. Whether attached or of unitary construction, ring connecting member 142 extends radially from an outer side of ring body 140.

Interchangeable wafer 130 includes aperture 132 which has openings on the top and bottom of interchangeable wafer 130 and extends therethrough. While one aperture 132 is shown substantially centered, in alternative or complementary embodiments different aperture arrangements (including non-centered apertures, multiple apertures, apertures of different shapes and/or sizes) can be provided. While the geometry of setting connective member with reference to aperture 132 is discussed above, FIGS. 6 and 7 better illustrate the relationship between ring connecting member 142 and aperture 132. In embodiments, ring connecting member 142 can be dimensionally less than aperture 132 such that ring connecting member 142 passes at least partially through interchangeable wafer 130 via aperture 132. In alternative embodiments, ring connecting member 142 may be of variable size such that ring connecting member 142 is only partially enveloped by aperture 132, or may be larger than aperture 132 such that interchangeable wafer 130 sits there atop.

Setting connective member 120 includes setting portion 122 and coupling portion 124. Setting portion 122 can be configured to accept or retain (removably or permanently) optional jewel 110. In alternative embodiments, setting portion 122 need not accept any additional jewel 110 or element. In embodiments, the dimensions of setting portion 122 can be arranged to rest in a bevel of interchangeable wafer 130, extend at least partially into aperture 132, or otherwise complement the geometry of interchangeable wafer 130 (or another element). Coupling portion 124 is constructed with or connected to setting portion 122 to complete setting connective member 120. Coupling portion 124 is sized and arranged to couple with securing portion 144. As illustrated, coupling portion 124 is a threaded male insert.

In assembling ring 100, at least some portion of setting connective member 120 extends through aperture 132 of interchangeable wafer 130. At least a part of setting portion 122 (or jewel 110 attached thereto) is larger than at least one dimension of aperture 132. Coupling portion 124 contacts and is coupled with securing portion 144. When coupling portion 124 and securing portion 144 are coupled, setting connective member 120 is attached to ring body 140. Interchangeable wafer 130 is secured therebetween, locked from below by the larger dimensions of ring body 140, from above by the larger dimensions of setting connective member 120 (or jewel 110 attached thereto), and in other dimensions by at least one of ring connecting member 142 and/or coupling portion 124 which are arranged therethrough.

FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively illustrate exploded perspective and exploded cutaway views of ring 200 having ring body 240, interchangeable wafer 230, setting connective member 220, and jewel 210. Ring body 240 is comprised of at least ring connecting member 242 having securing portion 244 and ring portion 246. Interchangeable wafer 230 includes aperture 232, and setting connective member 220 includes setting portion 222 and coupling portion 224.

Setting portion 222 is skeletonized as depicted in ring 200. Setting portion 222 includes retaining prongs 226 which retain jewel 210. In embodiments, retaining prongs 226 are displaceable and/or bendable to permit exchange of jewel 210. Specifically, jewel 210 can be provided within the grasp of retaining prongs 226 such that jewel 210 is secured within setting portion 222, but removed through displacement or deflection of one or more of retaining prongs 226.

While the embodiment above discussing an exchangeable jewel 210 is shown with respect to skeletonized setting portion 222, an exchangeable jewel 210 need not be employed only with a skeletonized setting portion 222, and a skeletonized setting portion 222 need not be employed with every exchangeable jewel 210. Various permanent or removable jewels can be retained by skeletonized, solid, or any other setting portion 222 without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded cutaway view of ring 300 having ring body 340, interchangeable wafer 330, setting member 320, and jewel 310. Ring body 340 is comprised of at least ring connecting member 342 having securing portion 344 and ring portion 346. Interchangeable wafer 330 includes aperture 332, and jewel 310 is formed with or connected to coupling portion 312.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, ring 300 can be assembled with or without setting member 320 as coupling portion 312 is disposed on a bottom of jewel 310. In this manner, jewel 310 serves to secure interchangeable wafer 330 (and any other elements between jewel 310 and ring body 340 such as setting member 320) against movement away from the assembly in at least one dimension. This embodiment accordingly permits the exchanging of jewel 310 without requiring removable connectivity between jewel 310 and setting member 320.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded cutaway view of ring 400 having ring body 440, interchangeable wafer 430, setting connective member 420, and jewel 410. Ring body 440 is comprised of at least ring connecting member 442 having securing portion 444 and ring portion 446. Interchangeable wafer 430 includes aperture 432. Setting connective member 420 includes setting portion 422 and setting coupling portion 424, and jewel 410 is formed with or connected to jewel coupling portion 412. Within setting coupling portion 424 is jewel securing portion 426.

The coupling of jewel securing portion 426 and jewel coupling portion 412 attaches jewel 410 to setting connective member 420. This embodiment accordingly provides an alternative for removably connecting jewel 410 and setting connective member 420. Setting connective member 420 threads interchangeable wafer 430 through aperture 432 to couple with ring connecting member 442 of ring body 440.

FIG. 12 illustrates a ring 500 having a light source 550 within interchangeable wafer 530. Light source 550 can be located at or on any point (or within or on any space) of wafer 530, and in embodiments, light source 550 can be distributed around wafer 530 or multiple light sources 550 can be provided throughout wafer 530. Light source 550 can be actuated by light trigger 552. While light trigger 552 is illustrated about a radial edge of wafer 530, light trigger 552 can be located anywhere on or about wafer 530, and in embodiments is remote to wafer 530 and activates light source 550 using wireless communication. Elements of ring 500 can be opaque or aligned to be illuminated or “light up” when light source 550 is powered. Light source 550 can include light emitting diodes, filaments, power storage elements (e.g., a battery), switches, wiring, and/or other hardware.

Ring 500 also includes ring body 540, setting connective member 520, and, optionally, jewel 510. In embodiments containing jewel 510, jewel 510 can also include a jewel light source 512 for providing illumination on or from at least a portion of jewel 510.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a ring 600 having an interchangeable storage wafer 630. Interchangeable storage wafer 630 is coupled with ring body 640, setting connective member 620, and, optionally, jewel 610. When removed, interchangeable storage wafer 630 can be opened as in FIG. 13B separating wafer bottom 634 and wafer top 636. A game 650 can be stored in interchangeable storage wafer 630. In alternative embodiments, interchangeable storage wafer 630 can be opened without removal from the assembly of ring 600 (e.g., using one or more openings or cuts through at least one of wafer bottom 634 and wafer top 636, based on an aperture size through wafer top 636 being greater than the aperture size of wafer bottom 634 and capable of sliding over at least setting connective member, et cetera).

While the FIGS. show securing portions and coupling portions having a threaded arrangement, alternative embodiments need not employ threading exclusively or in conjunction with other means of connecting various components. Various other connectors or retaining elements, such as detents, O-rings, magnets, friction fits, adhesives, touch fasteners, buttons, clips, et cetera, can include complementary mating portions disposed on at least a securing portion and a coupling portion to effect the assembly of a ring disclosed herein.

In embodiments, one or more sealing members can be provided between various components, about a securing portion, or about a coupling portion. In embodiments, the sealing member can be an 0-ring. For example, an 0-ring can be arranged around at least one of the coupling portion and the ring connecting member.

Various materials can be used in the construction of rings and components thereof described herein. In an embodiment, construction can be made at least in part of a metal. In specific embodiments, the metal can be a non-tarnishing metal such as, e.g., stainless steel, titanium, siladium, hard gold alloy, and platinum. In alternative or complementary embodiments, at least a portion of the ring's construction is made of a plastic.

The interchangeable wafer can include a decorative pattern or design, such as flowers, holiday themes, religious themes, astrological signs, varsity letters, milestone remembrances such as a graduation year, wedding themes, commercial characters such as Disney® characters, TV characters, messages, and others.

Other components can also include decorative elements. In an embodiment, a setting member or setting connective member can include decorative aspects. A setting member or setting connective member can also include a bezel to be placed about a jewel.

Where permanent connections are made between elements or sub-elements of a ring disclosed herein, techniques involving thread, glue, cement, solder, et cetera can be employed.

While principles and modes of operation have been explained and illustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it must be understood, however, that this may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A ring comprising:

a ring body;

a ring connecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ring body, the ring connecting member having a securing portion;

an interchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side, the interchangeable wafer having an aperture extending through the interchangeable wafer, the aperture extending through the top side and the bottom side, the ring connecting member extending through at least a portion of the aperture;

a setting connective member having a setting portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ring connecting member.

2. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member arranged about at least one of the coupling portion and the ring connecting member.

3. The ring of claim 1, the ring body is a non-tarnishing metal.

4. The ring of claim 1, wherein the ring body is a plastic.

5. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a light source of the interchangeable wafer.

6. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a game element within the interchangeable wafer.

7. The ring of claim 1, the setting portion comprised of solid sidewalls.

8. The ring of claim 1, the setting portion comprised of skeletonized structure.

9. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a jewel coupled with the setting portion.

10. The ring of claim 9, further comprising one or more retaining prongs about the setting portion, the one or more retaining prongs removably retain the jewel.

11. The ring of claim 9, the setting portion is at least partially displaceable or deflectable to facilitate removal of the jewel.

12. The ring of claim 9, further comprising:

a jewel coupling portion attached to a bottom jewel side, the bottom jewel side is recessed within the setting portion; and

a jewel securing portion of the coupling portion, the jewel coupling portion couples with the jewel securing portion to removably couple the jewel and the setting connective member.

13. A ring, comprising:

a ring body;

a ring connecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ring body, the ring connecting member having a securing portion;

an interchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side, the interchangeable wafer having an aperture extending through the interchangeable wafer, the aperture extending through the top side and the bottom side, the ring connecting member extending through at least a portion of the aperture;

a jewel having a coupling portion, the coupling portion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ring connecting member.

14. The ring of claim 13, further comprising a setting member.

15. The ring of claim 14, the setting member is constructed of solid sidewalls.

16. The ring of claim 14, the setting member is skeletonized.

17. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member arranged about at least one of the coupling portion and the ring connecting member.

18. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a light source of the interchangeable wafer.

19. The ring of claim 1, the ring body is a non-tarnishing metal.

20. The ring of claim 1, wherein the ring body is a plastic.