Magnetic Jewelry Connectors For Forming A Jewelry Piece
An interchangeable jewelry system forms a bracelet, necklace, earring, and/or ring jewelry piece. The interchangeable jewelry system comprises at least two jewelry strand sections, each having a central body located centrally between two end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portions placed opposed to one another on the central body. The mating magnetic portions comprise a first portion having a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section and mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section. The depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives the raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat the first and second magnetic portions together. Jewelry strand sections are interchangeably connected through the mating portions to form a jewelry piece. The mating magnetic portions securely connect the jewelry strand sections to prevent loss, while being operative to readily disconnect when subjected to pulling force, increasing safety and mitigating injury to the wearer.
The present disclosure generally relates to jewelry pieces; and, more particularly, to jewelry piece segments with clasps and/connectors for forming interchangeable jewelry pieces.
2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTJewelry pieces are generally pre-constructed and formed for immediate wear. However, one must purchase several different jewelry pieces in order to have coordinating jewelry with his/her outfit. The accumulation of several jewelry pieces is not only costly, but it also results in the need to store and organize the plethora of jewelry piece. Additionally, jewelry such as necklaces can become entangled with fixed or movable objects such as branches, swing links, and the like. On such occasions there exists the danger that the entangled jewelry piece can choke or even strangle the wearer.
Various jewelry systems have been heretofore disclosed and utilized. Examples are set forth summarily below:
U.S. Pat. No. 2,752,764 to Lederer discloses magnetic earrings with interchangeable ornaments.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,890 to Broido discloses a watch bracelet with a pair of bands and a coupling member, for example loop-shaped, chosen from a set of coupling members of different dimensions. Two free ends of the band are provided with means for releasably and interchangeably fixing a chosen coupling member to the bands to form a bracelet of given length.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,944 to Crosley et al. discloses an article of jewelry comprising a base element which supports an ornamented substrate element thereon by magnetic attraction, both the base element and the substrate element having magnetically attractable properties and at least one of them having the properties of a permanent magnet, whereby the substrate element is interchangeable with other like elements bearing different ornamentation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,276 to Pemberton discloses two mirror image halves each of which is attached to the ends of a necklace. Each half has a magnetic shell and an inserted magnetic core. The shell has a cylindrical body with a cone-shaped end. The front of the shell has an open cavity for inserting the magnetic core. The front of the shell and magnetic core form a flat surface. The magnetic core is made of samarium cobalt or neodymium iron. Both are strong magnets and allow the clasp to be very small in size so that it is aesthetically pleasing and lightweight. The end of each half has an eyelet for connecting to a necklace. A conventional fastener can be soldered to one eyelet so that the clasp can be added to an existing necklace. A safety catch can be added to the clasp as a back-up safety feature for expensive jewelry.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,659 to Carranza et al. discloses a magnetic clasp having first and second magnetized portions, each with a hole disposed in the center thereof. The two portions are magnetically attractive to each other but are divided with a gap at their interface to permit easy separation thereof. A third magnetic portion is sized to fit within the hole in the first and second rings. The third magnetic portion prevents lateral movement of the first and second magnetized portions at their interface. The male portion has attached to its opposite ends a chain, each end of the chain being further attached to a stop sized larger than the hole in the rings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,346 to Schlinger et al. discloses a method of inexpensively making a magnetic pendant necklace set. The method relies upon affixing opposite-polarity magnets of at least 27 megagauss oersteds in pole strength to each of two, substantially-flat ornamental settings with protruding rings to which the opposite ends of any type of necklace can be attached. The ornamental settings function (1) as a pendant clasp when joined together by their magnet centers and also (2) as a secure mount for the easy attachment of magnet-studded, pendant ornaments.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,715,315 and 7,201,021 to Hartgrove disclose jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting. In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. A longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,063 to Pearl discloses an arrangement of stringed magnetic and non-magnetic beads worn as a necklace or bracelet in loops about the user resulting from contact together of the magnetic beads and the size of the loops determined by the number of non-magnetic beads therebetween, in which the stringing is according to facilitated counting of a uniform ratio of the non-magnetic to the magnetic beads rather than tedious counting of individual beads.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,508 to Kretchmer et al. discloses jewelry-forming components of a body member having a first magnetized portion and a further element associated therewith for magnetically repelling or attracting and receiving another jewelry-forming component. A plurality of such components can be magnetically coupled to form an article of jewelry, generally in the form of a ring, bracelet, necklace or chain link.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,145 to Corvino discloses a jewelry element, in particular a precious stone ring, including a magnetic device to cause the jewelry element to float with respect to the jewelry element base.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,013 to Kessler discloses inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and adaptive parts.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,408 to Wiseman discloses magnetically connected socket joint components comprising one or more paired components that form socket joint structures which can form various different articles, such as, for example, articles of jewelry, toys, educational implements, games or amusement devices, instructional aids, eyeglass frames, robotic arms, prosthetic devices, human replacement joints, and the like. The socket joint structures comprise convexly configured male and concavely configured female socket components which may be fabricated from suitable magnetic materials, or alternatively, the convexly configured male socket components may be fabricated from suitable magnetic materials while the concavely configured female socket components may be fabricated from suitable ferromagnetic materials, or vice versa.
U.S. Pat. Nos. D668985 and 8,490,429 to Huynh discloses an ornamental design and an article of jewelry including a pliable strand; and a plurality of precious or semiprecious objects movably positioned along the pliable strand. Each of the plurality of objects including a magnetic insert extending between opposing surfaces, which itself is formed from two magnets separated by a magnetic stabilizer and aligned such that the opposing ends of the magnetic insert have the same polarity thereby creating repulsive forces between each of the plurality of objects along the strand.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,596,090 to Smith discloses an interchangeable jewelry insert for detachable attachment to a receptacle. The jewelry insert has a body with two ends, the first end having at least one dimension sized to fit within a receiving aperture of the receptacle of the item, and the second end having at least one dimension larger than the receiving aperture. The first end of the body has a first magnetic element. The receiving aperture has a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element provide a repelling force to secure the interchangeable jewelry insert to the receptacle.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,438 to Kovel discloses a band having a major section of a major length with first and second free ends spaced by an opening of a minor length. First and second minor sections in a generally J-shaped configuration are coupled to each free end. The minor sections have lower, upper and intermediate segments. Each upper segment ends in a semicircular free tip. An opening is formed at each free tip. A decorative gem stone has an upper region in a generally dome-shaped configuration projecting above the upper segment. A topper is removably positioned within the opening and has a decorative center and opposed ends. The opposed ends include similarly configured first and second rings adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second minor sections of the band.
U. S. Patent App. Pub. No. 20020148251 to Plumly discloses a jewelry finding is provided as a neck accessory that enables a flexible bracelet to be worn as a necklace. Locket clasps are provided at the ends of the neck accessory to provide secure interconnection of the bracelet clasp ends with the neck accessory, while at the same time enclosing and obscuring from view the connection hardware. According to an alternate embodiment, a universal approach is implemented that uses flexible loops to modify clasp ends of most any flexible bracelet to be connectible to fastening posts in the locket clasps of the neck accessory.
U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2004/0200236 to Emberson discloses a lanyard convertible to jewelry. In one embodiment the lanyard includes a Y-shaped neckpiece having two opposing ends which can be detachably secured together to form a loop and a short segment having an end to which an ID badge holder, a jewelry pendant, or other centerpiece may optionally be attached. The lanyard includes a plurality of centerpieces for this purpose. One or more extension pieces having two opposing ends are also provided. The opposing ends of each extension piece can be detachably secured to one another to form bracelets, or they can be detachably inserted between the opposing ends of the neckpiece to facilitate enlarging the loop formed by the neckpiece. Alternatively, the lanyard may include a linear neckpiece instead of a Y-shaped neckpiece and a slide attachment which may be slidably connected to the linear neckpiece for attachment with the centerpieces.
U. S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2006/0048543 to Kessler discloses inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and adaptive parts.
U. S. Patent App. Pub. No. 20070095101 to Pons discloses a jewelry forming article that utilizes free magnetic bodies and free deformable chains to form various jewelry objects, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the like. The various jewelry objects are formed by magnetically engaging the surfaces of the free magnetic bodies to two or more regions along a length of the deformable free chains, forming one or more loop circumferences along the length of the chains between the engaging regions, where the loop circumference may be increased or decreased by changing the positions of the engaging regions relative to the surfaces of the magnetic bodies to enable a person to secure the article on his or her body in the form of the various jewelry objects.
U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 20100101274 to Worth discloses systems and methods for magnetically interchangeable jewelry that use planar surfaces and recessed magnets so that planar metallic disks (or other shapes) can be used as interchangeable ornamental features for the magnetically interchangeable jewelry. The interchangeable elements formed of a magnetically attractive material are releasably affixed to a base containing a recessed magnet (e.g., neodymium). The base is substantially flat other than an ornamental design and the ornamental elements rely on the strength of the magnet to firmly hold them in place rather than being recessed into the base or snapped into place. Other shapes could also be used for the interchangeable elements, if desired. The magnetically interchangeable jewelry can take a variety of forms including rings, bracelets, earrings, lanyards, multiple pendants on one necklace and/or other jewelry embodiments.
U. S. Patent App. Pub. No. 20120180522 to Severs discloses a jewelry device comprising a base unit which may be affixed to clothing or otherwise adapted to be worn on a person and a front unit which concentrically fits inside the base unit and either serves as an enclosure for an ornamented object or itself bears ornamentation. A ring or radial magnet is of a shape to fit inside the inner perimeter of the base unit. A ring or radial magnet is of a shape to fit around the outside perimeter of the front unit. Both front unit and base unit magnets are of a similar circumference allowing magnetic forces to secure front unit to base unit. Front units, or ornamented objects enclosed by the front unit, are interchangeable with other like elements bearing different ornamentation.
U. S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2013/0247279 to Castillo discloses a collar stud assembly comprising a spherical magnet and an outer assembly. The outer assembly includes a frame which houses a magnet. The magnet of the frame and the spherical magnet are of opposite polarities and hold an inner collar and an outer collar of shirt between them when engaged. The outer assembly further includes an indent which holds the spherical magnet in a fixed position relative to the outer assembly.
Foreign Patent Application No. DE10138989 to Meinck Malte discloses an article of jewelry that consists of a base element fixed to the body or clothing, such as ring, necklace, bracelet, brooch to which is detachably fixed a decorative element. The detachable connection consists of at least one magnet on an element, and a magnet-pendant positioned on another element.
Foreign Patent Application No. EP1356747 to Dall'avo discloses a magnetic clasp for bracelets, necklaces and similar articles of goldsmithery or jewelry.
Internet Publication “Magnetic Jewelry Store” found at http://www.magnetjewelrystore.com/magneticbracelets.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw6deeBRCswoauquC8haUBEiQAdq5zh8smq1y7vJyOnU7QnO4Chy1oBos2HCg89oemKzM47sMaAkBw8P8HAQ discloses magnetic bracelets.
Despite these jewelry constructs several disadvantages still remain. Many of the constructs are provided as preassembled jewelry pieces; thus a user cannot design or construct a jewelry piece. Other constructs fail to provide a system that can be readily assembled with minimum ease, while utilizing attachments that are inexpensive. As a result, several of the constructs are costly to manufacture. Moreover, several of the constructs fail to provide a secure mating attachment of jewelry portions, and as a result minimal force during wear of the assembled jewelry piece can cause disconnection and breakage.
Some constructs attempt to utilize magnetic mating constructs to connect interchangeable jewelry portions; however these constructs fail to provide an interface with enough magnetic surface area to securely hold the pieces in place during wear. When workers have attempted to increase security of the attached portions, safety is compromised as the pieces do not readily break-away when pulled on with adequate force. These embodiments present strangling risks to young children wearing the jewelry pieces.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a jewelry system that allows a user to assemble and design his/her unique jewelry piece. There is a further need in the art for a jewelry system that can be readily assembled with minimum ease, while utilizing attachments that are inexpensive. Moreover, there exists a need for a jewelry system that is secure; yet breaks-away when pulled on with adequate force to thereby mitigate injury risks to those wearing constructed jewelry pieces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to magnetic jewelry connectors which can be interchangeably arranged to construct a wide variety of jewelry pieces. Briefly stated, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors are constructed having two mating magnetic clasps/plates/portions placed opposed to one another on a central portion forming a jewelry section. At least two magnetic connectors are provided for each given jewelry section. A plurality or more than one, jewelry section is preferably provided to form interchangeability when producing a jewelry piece to be worn. Pendant pieces are also preferably provided. The jewelry sections can be interchangeably connected to form a jewelry piece in the form of a bracelet, anklet, or necklace/pendant, earring or the like. As a safety measure, the jewelry piece will break apart to render the discrete jewelry section when pulled on by a child, thereby preventing choking hazards or risk of injury to other parts of the body with which the jewelry piece is associated.
The magnetic jewelry connectors are appointed to provide discrete, separate, jewelry sections that magnetically connect to interchangeably form a bracelet, anklet, necklace/pendant jewelry piece, ring and/or earrings to be worn. In addition to interchangeably for style/fashion when creating jewelry pieces, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors afford an important safety measure for children and those with disabilities in that the connection of the jewelry sections forming the jewelry piece will readily disconnect when pulled by a child, or entangled with an object such as a branch or swing link, thereby mitigating risk of injury to the neck, ears, hands or other body part with which the jewelry piece is associated.
At least one, and preferably a plurality, of the magnetic jewelry connectors are adapted to be magnetically bond together to form various jewelry pieces. The magnetic jewelry connectors generally comprise at least one jewelry section having at least two mating magnetic clasps placed opposed to one another on a central portion forming strand jewelry section. These sections are generally constructed as chains or beaded chains/or strands adapted to be interconnected to form a necklace, choker, bracelet, anklet or earring.
In a broad embodiment, the interchangeable jewelry system comprises at least two jewelry strand sections, each of the jewelry strand sections having a central body located centrally between two end walls, and the end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portions placed opposed to one another on the central body. The jewelry strand sections are adapted to be interchangeably connected together through the mating magnetic portions to form a jewelry piece. Jewelry strand sections may be formed as strands for making bracelets and/necklaces, as posts with a magnetic top for forming earrings, and/or a ring portion with a magnetic ring top for forming a ring, the ring portion adapted to receive a finger. The interchangeable jewelry system comprises: a) at least two jewelry strand sections; b) each of the jewelry strand sections having a central body located centrally between two end walls; c) the end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portions placed opposed to one another on the central body; and d) the mating magnetic portions comprising a first portion having a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section and mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section, wherein the depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives the raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat the first and second magnetic portions together, and wherein the rims and the magnetic female cavity section the magnetic male raised section securely adjoins the jewelry strand sections together. Wherein the jewelry strand sections are adapted to be interchangeably connected together through the mating portions to form a jewelry piece. Whereby the mating magnetic portions securely connect the jewelry strand sections together to prevent inadvertent loss while being operative to readily disconnect when subjected to a pulling force, thereby providing a safety feature that mitigates risk of injury.
An improved clasp for jewelry is also provided. The improvement comprises mating magnetic portions having a first portion with a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section, and a mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section. The depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives the raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat the first and second magnetic portions together. The rims and the magnetic female cavity section, and the magnetic male raised section securely connect the jewelry strand sections together. The mating magnetic portions securely join together to prevent inadvertent loss of the jewelry while being operative to become readily disconnected when subjected to an abrupt pulling force, thereby providing a safety feature that mitigates risk of injury.
The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:
The best mode for carrying out the present disclosure is presented in terms of the embodiments herein. The embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any of the headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
The subject magnetic jewelry connectors are appointed to provide discrete, separate, jewelry sections that magnetically connect to interchangeably form a bracelet, anklet, earring, or necklace/pendant jewelry piece to be worn. In addition to interchangeably for style/fashion in creating jewelry pieces, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors provide a significant safety feature that particularly concerns children and those with disabilities, in that the connection of the jewelry sections forming the jewelry piece readily disconnect when pulled by a child, thereby mitigating choking risks and the risk of injury to other parts of the body with which the jewelry piece may be associated.
The subject invention provides for mating magnetic portions that mate by way of interstitial attachment through mating rims and/or magnetic surfaces, as opposed to flat magnetic configurations. It has been found that utilizing a mating magnetic clasp comprising a negative portion containing a depressed female rim mated with a positive portion containing a male raised rim provides the ability to guide and seat the clasp together providing a secure attachment that remains securely in place and withstands normal wear, thereby improving security of the connection and protecting the connection from being broken. At the same time, it has been found that the clasp readily breaks apart upon encountering a yanking force. The mating rims and magnetic portions of the clasp are readily disconnected, thereby providing a safety feature that prevents or mitigates risk of injury to children, or to disabled or elderly persons.
On the other hand, flat magnetic configurations, such as dome shaped flat disk configurations, restrict magnetic mating to the flat disk interface. As a result, the magnetic bonding is considerably less strong and frequent misalignment of the magnetic discs decreases the effective magnetic attractive force, causing the magnetic portions to be less securely fastened to one another. Minimal force during wear of these flat configuration jewelry clasps can cause the magnetic mating portions to slide with respect to one another, thereby significantly weakening the magnetic force between the mating surfaces. With such an arrangement, the flat disks of the magnetic portions are too easily disengaged with the result that components of the lanyard are broken or lost by the wearer.
It has been found that construction of a magnetic clasp having mating magnetic portions with female and male mating rim configurations [with either the positive or negative being female; and the opposing positive or negative being male] results in a safe and secure connection that mitigates risk of injury to the wearer. In addition to the interchangeability of the subject jewelry system for forming stylish and fashionable jewelry pieces, the subject interchangeable jewelry system provides a significant safety feature by readily disconnecting (to form discrete jewelry sections) when pulled apart. Thus, the risk of choking or injury is mitigated. This safety feature is of particular concern when dealing with children and those having disabilities.
One of the problems confronting jewelry constructs as determined herein is the difficulty of creating a jewelry piece that would remain securely in place when being worn (so as not to be lost during normal activity) and yet would break apart during application of more than normal force to mitigate the risk of choking, and the like. By using a mating magnetic clasp comprising a first portion having a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section and a mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section, the portions are easily guided together to provide a secure attachment that resists migration of connecting portions, maintains constant the effective magnetic attractive force, and assures a secure connection during normal wear. As used herein, the term “normal wear” is considered to mean those occasions wherein the jewelry is adorned by a user and the user goes about her/his day in work-related, non-contact sports activities. The depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives the raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat the first and second magnetic portions together. Preferably, the mating magnetic clasp comprises the negative portion containing the depressed female rim mated with the positive portion containing the male raised rim. With this embodiment, the surface area of the magnetic connection afforded by the rims and the magnetic female cavity and magnetic male raised section is increased and stabilized to thereby prevent migration of the opposing magnetic portions, and provide a secure connection during normal wear. At the same time, the connection achieved by this embodiment is operative to readily disconnect when subjected to more than normal force during wearing. More than normal force during wear can occur when the jewelry is caught on an object and pulled by a force or subjected to pulling force by another person that either abrupt or continuous. This pulling force can be a downward, upward or outward force that causes the rims to become miss-aligned and pull apart. During instances where the force immediately ceases, the rims will magnetically snap back into place. However, if the force continues or has considerable magnitude, the magnetic female cavity and magnetic male raised section will become pulled apart and the jewelry will release, thereby providing a safety mechanism that mitigates injury to the wearer. This feature—attachment means that safely secures the jewelry piece to prevent inadvertent loss thereof, and yet facilitates disconnection when the jewelry pieces are subjected to more than normal forces to provide a safety feature that mitigates injury—is a necessary prerequisite for safe, secure wearing of the jewelry pieces, which is especially significant for children, elderly and/or disabled individuals. The improved clasp structure or mating magnetic portions thereby affords advantages of (i) secure attachment (so the jewelry will not be inadvertently lost); and (ii) a break-away feature, which mitigates risk of damages to the wearer of the magnetic jewelry piece.
Flat magnetic connections or connections having limited mating magnetic surface areas have been found have too little magnetic force strength, resulting in a connection that is not as strong as the subject mating configuration. Consequently, flat magnetic connections are prone to frequent misalignment of the magnetic discs during normal wear, causing the magnetic portions to fail to be securely fastened to one another. Even minimal forces can cause the magnetic portions of flat magnetic connections to become disengaged when the user is wearing the jewelry piece, ultimately resulting in breakage and/or loss of jewelry. The subject invention provides for a magnetic connection of interchangeable jewelry strands that (i) facilitates easy alignment and connectivity while (ii) safeguarding the wearer against inadvertent loss of the jewelry pieces and (iii) mitigating against injury to the wearer if the jewelry were to become entangled with or caught on an obstruction.
Generally, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors are constructed with two mating magnetic clasps placed opposed to one another on a central portion, forming a jewelry section. At least two magnetic connectors are provided for each given jewelry section. A plurality or more than one, jewelry section is preferably provided to form interchangeability in yielding a jewelry piece to be worn. Pendant pieces are also preferably provided. The jewelry sections can interchangeably be connected to form a bracelet, anklet, earring or necklace/pendant jewelry piece. As a safety measure, the jewelry piece will break apart to render discrete each jewelry section, when pulled on by a child, thereby reducing the risk of choking or injury to the wearer's neck, ear, wrist, ankle, or hand.
Earring jewelry sections are shown generally at 40. Earring jewelry sections 40 include a base stud portion 41 having a mating magnetic top surface 42 attached to a stud 43 having an earring backing 44 removably attached thereto. Base stud portion 41 is adapted to be inserted into a user's ear lobe/or other pierced body part, and secured by way of earring backing 44, presenting mating magnetic top surface 42 for magnetic attachment of a jewelry top portion 45. Jewelry top portion 45 is constructed having a show surface 46 preferably with an ornamental feature attached to a base portion 47 having a mating magnetic surface adapted to matingly engage with the mating magnetic top surface 42 of the base stud portion 41 to form an earring as shown generally at 49.
The connectors/mating magnetic surface can be constructed as mating magnetic balls adapted to be received within mating magnetic cups as shown generally in
Earring jewelry sections are shown generally at 140. Earring jewelry sections 140 include a base stud portion 141 having a mating magnetic top surface 142 attached to a stud 143 having an earring backing 144 removably attached thereto. Base stud portion 141 is adapted to be inserted into a user's ear lobe/or other pierced body part, and secured by way of earring backing 144. Mating magnetic top surface 142 is thereby presented for magnetic attachment of a jewelry top portion 145. Jewelry top portion 145 is constructed with a show surface 146 preferably with an ornamental feature attached to a base portion 147 having a mating magnetic surface 148 adapted to matingly engage with the mating magnetic top surface 142 of the base stud portion 141 to form an earring as shown generally at 149.
A single jewelry section may be used alone, as shown via strand jewelry sections 111′ unilaterally forming a bracelet 150. In an alternative embodiment a decorative portion may be provided as a charm 160 adapted to be placed or slid upon strand jewelry section 111. Charm 160 is constructed with a loop or clasp 161 attached to a magnetic plate/surface 162. The surface 162 is adapted to be matingly magnetically attached to a charm portion 163 constructed with a charm show surface 164. The surface 164 is fixed to a mating magnetic charm plate/surface 165 adapted to mate with magnetic plate/surface 162 of loop or clasp 161. Loop or clasp 161 is adapted to slide onto strand jewelry section 111 to place the charm 160 on strand 111.
In the embodiment shown in
Mating magnetic portions 701, 721 are formed having an outside shell 701′, 721′ with a magnetic core 701″, 721″ which the rims 702, 722, and cavity section 703 and male raised section 723 are cut into or formed within. As a result, rims 702, 722, cavity section 703 and male raised section 723 are all magnetized to form a large, non-flat, or uneven magnetic surface area. In this manner, large surface areas are provided for magnetic connection on different planes [i.e. x, y, z geometrical planes]. The depressed female rim 702 extends from, abuts and is substantially perpendicular/at a 90° angle to the magnetic female cavity section 703, forming a wall preferably entirely or circumferentially surrounding magnetic female cavity section 703. Preferably, depressed female rim 702 and magnetic female cavity section 703 have a negative magnetic charge; portion 721 is the opposite charge, preferably thus being positive (the charges may be reversed). Thereby, depressed female rim 702 abuts and extends perpendicular to female cavity 703. Female cavity 703 may be flat or have curved or linear uneven portions. Mating raised male rim 721 extends upward, abuts and is substantially perpendicular/at a 90° angle to a bottom peripheral 724 to form the magnetic male raised section 723.
Referring to
Mating magnetic portions 801, 821 are formed having an outside shell 801′, 821′ with a magnetic core 801″, 821″ which the rims 802, 822, and cavity section 803 and male raised section 823 are cut into or formed within. As a result, rims 802, 822, cavity section 803 and male raised section 823 are all magnetized to form a large, non-flat, or uneven magnetic surface area. In this manner, large surface areas are provided for magnetic connection on different planes [i.e. x, y, z geometrical planes]. The depressed female rim 802 extends from, abuts and is substantially perpendicular/at a 90° angle to the magnetic female cavity section 803 forming a wall preferably entirely or circumferentially surrounding magnetic female cavity section 803. Preferably, depressed female rim 802 and magnetic female cavity section 803 have a negative magnetic charge; portion 821 has the opposite charge, preferably being positive (the charges may be reversed). Thereby, depressed female rim 802 abuts and extends perpendicular to female cavity 803. Female cavity 803 may be flat or have curved or linear uneven portions. Mating raised male rim 821 extends upward, abuts and is substantially perpendicular/at a 90° angle to a bottom peripheral 824 to form the magnetic male raised section 823.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Accordingly, having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such detail need not be strictly adhered to; but that further changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims.
Claims
1. An interchangeable jewelry system comprising:
- a. at least two jewelry strand sections;
- b. each of said jewelry strand sections having a central body located centrally between two end walls;
- c. said end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portions placed opposed to one another on said central body;
- d. said mating magnetic portions comprising a first portion comprising a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section and second portion comprising a mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section, wherein said depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives said raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat said first and second magnetic portions together, and wherein said rims and said magnetic female cavity section said magnetic male raised section securely adjoins said jewelry strand sections together;
- e. said jewelry strand sections being adapted to be interchangeably connected together through said mating portions to form a jewelry piece;
- whereby said mating magnetic portions securely connect said jewelry strand sections together to prevent inadvertent loss while being capable of disconnecting when subjected to a pulling force, thereby providing a safety feature that mitigates injury.
2. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry strand sections are formed as elongated strands adapted to be mounted together to form said jewelry piece.
3. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1 comprising at least one ornamental add-on section, wherein said ornamental add-on section comprises a ornamental connector section having a central body located between two end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portion placed opposed to one another on said central body, and a pendant located on said central body of said ornamental connector section.
4. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1 comprising at least one ornamental add-on charm, wherein said charm comprises a main body with a back side and a front side, wherein said back side has a loop adapted to receive said jewelry connector section therein to traverse along said jewelry connector section, and wherein said front side has a mating magnetic surface to receive a decorative jewelry portion having a mating magnetic surface.
5. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1 comprising earring connector members.
6. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry strand sections comprise a first portion with a post and a magnetic surface.
7. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1 comprising ring connector members.
8. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry strand sections comprise a first portion with a ring portion adapted to receive a finger and a ring top having a magnetic surface.
9. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said depressed rim is a negative magnetic portion and said male raised rim is a positive magnetic portion.
10. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said depressed rim is located on a perimeter of said mating magnetic portion and extends substantially continuously and uninterrupted thereon, and wherein said male raised rim is located on a perimeter of said opposite mating magnetic portion and extends substantially continuously and uninterrupted thereon.
11. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 10, wherein said depressed rim extends to forms a cavity and said male raised rim extends to form a magnetic central section, wherein said rims mate and said cavity matingly receives said magnetic central section.
12. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions comprise a circular and cup mating configuration.
13. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions comprise disk like plates.
14. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions further comprise a clasp or hook.
15. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions comprise dome structures.
16. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions comprise mating half-geometrical structures that form a corresponding whole geometrical structure when mated.
17. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said rims of said mating magnetic portions comprise zigzag shaped magnetic surface that engage with one another.
18. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mating magnetic portions comprise square geometrical portions and said rims are mating Z-shaped magnetic surfaces that engage with one another.
19. The interchangeable jewelry system as recited in claim 1, wherein said magnetic female cavity section includes a magnetic secondary cavity that extends inward from said cavity section, and wherein said magnetic male raised section includes a magnetic secondary extension that extends outward from said male raised section, and wherein said magnetic secondary cavity receives said magnetic secondary extension.
20. An improved clasp for jewelry, said improvement comprising mating magnetic portions comprising a first portion having a depressed magnetic female rim extending to form a magnetic female cavity section and a mating raised magnetic male rim extending to form a magnetic male raised section, wherein said depressed magnetic female rim aligns with and receives said raised magnetic male rim to guide and seat said first and second magnetic portions together, and wherein said rims and said magnetic female cavity section said magnetic male raised section securely connect said jewelry strand sections together; and whereby said mating magnetic portions securely connect together to prevent inadvertent loss of said jewelry while being capable of disconnecting when subjected to a pulling force, thereby providing a safety feature that mitigates injury.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 26, 2017
Publication Date: Aug 10, 2017
Inventor: Colleen B. Sozio (Skillman, NJ)
Application Number: 15/497,486
