Multi-Orientation Jewelry

Abstract

A system and method for multi-orientation jewelry. The system includes a pendant body which has a perimeter. Along that perimeter are at least two holes. These holes are in fluid communication with the other holes. The system also includes a coupler which can couple with at least two holes. The orientation of the pendant can be modified by selecting different holes with which to couple.

Description

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/789,762 filed Jan. 8, 2019 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/646,940 filed May 8, 2018, the entirety of both of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for using multi-orientation jewelry.

Description of Related Art

Jewelry is used for a variety of purposes. However, generally jewelry is made to be displayed in a single orientation. Consequently, there is a need for the ability to modify the orientation of the jewelry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, top side perspective view of a pendant in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pendant in a first orientation in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pendant in a second orientation in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pendant in a third orientation in one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 5B is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 5C is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 6A is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 6B is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 6C is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bracelet in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of pendant in one embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a pendant 100. The pendant 100 can comprise virtually any jewelry piece. As shown in FIG. 1 the pendant 100 comprises a semi-circle, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Virtually any shape which has an outer perimeter can be utilized.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the pendant 100 comprises a pendant body 103. As noted, the pendant body 103 can comprise a variety of shapes. A pendant, as used herein, refers to a piece or multiple pieces of jewelry. The pendant can be used as a necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc. The pendant 100 can be used in any way that traditional jewelry is worn and displayed.

The pendant 100 can comprise a variety of materials. The pendant 100 can comprise metals such as silver, gold, etc. Further the pendant 100 can comprise wood, plastic, rubber, stones, ceramics, and combinations thereof. The pendant 100 and/or the coupler can comprise virtually any material known in the art to be used on jewelry. Additionally, the pendant 100 and coupler 102 can comprise the same or different materials.

In one embodiment the pendant body 103 is primarily hollow. The pendant 100 has at least two holes 101 located about the periphery of the pendant body 103. In one embodiment, these holes 101 are fluidly connected. As an example, a user can insert a coupler, such as chain, described in more detail below, into a hole and retrieve the chain from a dissimilar hole.

In one embodiment, and as shown, the holes 101 are fully encased. A fully encased hole is a hole which is completely surrounded by material. This surrounding material provides the support and structure and allows the pendant body 103 to be suspended from a coupler.

The number of the holes 101 can vary depending upon the application. As shown in FIG. 1, there are eight holes 101a-h located on the top end 104 of the pendant. This provides eight separate entry and exit points from which the user can choose to result in a wide variety of pendant orientations. In one embodiment, and as shown, at least one hole 101 is located on every side of the pendant 101. Thus, as shown holes are located on the bottom 106, the top 104, and the side 105. In one embodiment, the holes 101 are evenly spread along the perimeter of the pendant body 103.

In one embodiment the pendant 100 comprises a width as measured parallel with the hole 101 alignment. The pendant 100 also comprises a height which is perpendicular to the width. The pendant 100 also comprises a thickness which is the distance between the front face, depicted in FIG. 1, and the rear face, opposite the front face. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the holes 101 are located on the thickness of the pendant. The portion of the pendant which connects the front face to the back face is referred to as the connecting face. In one embodiment the holes 101 are not located on the front or back face. Instead, the holes 101 are only located along the outer perimeter on the thickness or connecting face 110. In one embodiment the connecting face 110 extends around the entire perimeter of the pendant. Having the holes 101 on the thickness of the pendant 101, the connecting face 110, prevents the coupler 101 from obstructing the view of the pendant 100. Thus, in one embodiment, the holes 101 of the pendant are not visible from a front or rear elevation. Rather, the holes 101, being located on the thickness which couples the front and back faces, are only visible from top, bottom, left, right, and perspective views, in one embodiment.

In one embodiment the holes 101 are spaced along the entire outer periphery, the connecting face 110. In one embodiment the holes 101 are equally spaced along the outer periphery.

The holes 101 can be created using any method known in the art. In one embodiment a hollow mold which includes the holes is created and dies are cast from the mold. Thus, in one embodiment the pendant body 103 is a hollow body and the holes 101 provide access to the interior cavity. In other embodiments, however, the holes 101 are connected to channels which cut through the otherwise solid pendant body 103.

The size and shape of the holes 101 can vary depending upon the pendant 100 and the desired application. The holes 101 can have virtually any shape, including circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. As shown, the holes 101 have a rectangular shape. Increasing the surface area of the holes 101 allows for easier manipulation of the coupler through the pendant body 103.

As noted, the pendant 100 is coupled with a coupler. The coupler can comprise any device which couples and displays the pendant 100. The coupler can comprise a chain, braid, rope, wire, etc. which is used to suspend and display a pendant 100. The coupler can also comprise studs and earring structures for displaying earrings.

The orientation of the pendant 100 can be adjusted and changed by changing how the coupler is attached to the pendant 100. For example, if a coupler is inserted through the first hole 101a on the top 104 of the pendant 100, and the coupler is retrieved through the last hole 101h on the top 104 of the pendant 100, then the pendant 100 will be displayed as shown in FIG. 1. The top 104 of the pendant 100 will be on top in this display orientation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pendant in a first orientation in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the coupler 102 is attached to two holes on the top 104 of the pendant. Thus, the flat portion of the half-circle pendant 100 is on top.

Conversely, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pendant in a second orientation in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the coupler 102 is attached to two holes 101 on the bottom 106 of the pendant. Thus, the resulting orientation is one in which the flat portion of the semi-circle is located on the bottom. All that is changed is the selection of different holes 101 and a completely different orientation is achieved. If the pendants 100 are earrings, then it appears that the user has two different sets of earrings when the user only has one set of earrings. As an example, the user could wear the earrings from FIG. 2, and then the next day wear the same earrings but with the orientation from FIG. 3, and it would appear to be a completely different pendant 100. Thus, the system and method allow a single pendant 100 to achieve a plurality of orientations by simply adjusting how the coupler 102 couples to the pendant.

In one embodiment the pendant body 103 has two opposing faces: a front face and a rear face. In one embodiment each face is generally planar. In one embodiment the front face and the rear face comprise the same color and the same design. Thus, regardless of whether the front face or the rear face is visible, the same design and color scheme will be presented. In other embodiments, however, the front and rear face comprise a dissimilar design and/or color. As an example, one side can comprise an engraving while the other side will comprise a different engraving or a different design. While the orientation of the pendant can be adjusted depending on the holes used to align the coupler, so too can the face be selected. As shown, FIG. 15 can present a front face comprising a first color whereas FIG. 16 can show the rear face comprising a second color. Thus, the system and method provide the opportunity to utilize and coordinate dissimilar faces on the same pendant. A user can display the pendant 100 with the front face in a first orientation, and then the next day display a dissimilar rear face in a second orientation. This provides yet another avenue of differentiation while using the same pendant.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pendant 100 in a third orientation in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the user utilizes one hole 101 from a top side and one from the side. This allows the pendant 100 to hang at the depicted angle. In still other embodiments the pendant 100 can be couple to two holes 101 on the side of the pendant. As can be seen, in this orientation the major dimension, the length, is vertical. This is contrasted to FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein the major dimension, the length, was horizontal. This is the pendant, and the only difference is the holes 101 which are utilized with the coupler 102.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations. In FIG. 5, the pendant 100 comprises a circular shape. As depicted the circle comprises a transparent portion which meets a horizontal bar horizontal three-quarters from the top and a solid bottom one-forth. The holes 101 are located along the periphery of the pendant body 103. The top illustration shows an embodiment wherein two holes 101 on opposing sides, each of equal height are selected for the coupler 102. This results in the coupler 102 connecting opposing sides forming a horizontal line. The top illustration shows two different couplers used at various heights. If a shorter visible, horizontal line, is desirable then holes near the top of the pendant 100 are utilized. If a more visible horizontal line is desired, then two holes 101 closer to the center of the circle can be utilized. This figure shows that even if the same orientation is utilized, specifically, with the transparent portion on top, that this orientation can be adjusted to present a different design. As shown, the upper-most coupler 102 presents a design wherein the coupler is near the top of the circle whereas the lower-most coupler presents a design wherein the coupler 102 is closer to the centerline of the circle. Because the top portion is transparent, the location of the coupler 102 will be more visible compared to an opaque or solid top. Thus, the location of the coupler 102 provides another lever of differentiation.

As noted, the top illustration provides possible locations for the couplers 102. Thus, a single coupler 102 can occupy the locations illustrated, or other locations. In other embodiments, however, the pendant 100 comprises more than one coupler 102. Thus, rather than illustrating the possible locations of a single coupler, the pendant 100 can comprise two couplers located in the locations illustrated in the top illustration. Thus, in some embodiments the pendant 100 may utilize one, two, or more couplers. This provides yet another opportunity to differentiate a single pendant. Specifically, one day a user may use the pendant 100 with a single coupler, and then the next day the user may use two couplers resulting in a dissimilar look even though the same pendant 100 was used.

As can be seen, the top holes in the top illustration of FIG. 5 illustrate holes which are not fully encased. Rather, the holes are simply holes in the outer perimeter and there is a void or opening within the inner confines of the outer perimeter. This is contrasted to fully encased holes where the holes are surrounded by material. The bottom holes of the top illustration of FIG. 5 are examples of fully encased holes.

The middle illustration shows the same design but the coupler is coupled to an off-set upper-left quadrant. This results in the design twisting clockwise. The resulting design is an off-set design with the previously horizontal bar making an angle with the horizon. This angle can be made deeper or shallower by changing the utilized holes 101.

The lower illustration shows a perspective view of the middle illustration. Due to the transparent top, the holes on the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the circle are visible.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations. The design depicted in this embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 5 and also has three-quarters which is transparent adjacent to a horizontal bar. In the top illustration two opposing holes of equal height are utilized to create a coupler with a horizontal line. The horizontal line is approximately parallel to the horizontal bar. The lowest illustration illustrates a side perspective view of the top illustration.

In the middle illustration the pendant is rotated 90 degrees clockwise. Thereafter, holes 101 of equal comparative height are utilized to again create a coupler 102 with a horizontal line. However, given the rotation of the pendant, the horizontal line is approximately perpendicular to the horizontal bar.

The middle illustration illustrates two separate locations for couplers 102. As noted, a single coupler 102 can be used at these various locations, or multiple couplers can be used. As noted, selection of various holes can result in multiple possible orientations.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment. As shown the pendant 100, like the other pendants depicted, have at least two holes 101 along the outer perimeter. In the embodiment depicted, the earring 107 can be coupled to the pendant 100 via one or more of these holes 101.

As previously shown, the orientation, and thus, the appearance of the pendant 100, can be adjusted by coupling the earring 107 to different holes 101. If the earring 107 is coupled closer to the pendant body 103, the result is a different appearance.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment. As shown the earring has one coupler 102 which extends outward from the earring 107. The coupler 102 couples with one or more holes 101 in the pendant 100. As depicted, the coupler 102 comprises a rod or post which engages with one hole 101 in the pendant 100. The earring further comprises a stud 108 which can couple with a human piercing, such as an ear.

While the embodiment depicted comprises a single coupler 102 which engages with a single hole 101, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, for example, the coupler 102 can engage with two or more holes 101.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bracelet in one embodiment. A bracelet 109 is another example of a way in which a pendant 100 can be worn and displayed by a user. A bracelet 109 is often worn on a user's hands or feet. As shown the bracelet 109 comprises a loop with a coupler 102 on each end. The coupler 102 can comprise any coupler previously described herein which engages with a hole 101 in the pendant 100. As shown the coupler 102 comprises an end which folds backwards upon itself to form an open loop. The free end of the coupler 102 can be inserted into a hole 101 to couple the bracelet 109 with the pendant 100. As depicted, the same is repeated with the other end. As can be seen, the display and orientation of the pendant 100 can be adjusted by varying or changing the holes which are used by the coupler 102.

While a system of a pendant with multiple display orientations has been described, a method of utilizing the pendant 100 will be described. First, a pendant 100 and at least one coupler 102 is selected. Next, the desired display face of the pendant is selected. Thereafter, a desired orientation is selected. The user then couples the coupler 102 with the respective hole 101 to achieve the desired orientation and face. The user can insert the coupler 102 through a first hole 101 and remove the coupler 102 from a second hole 101. The user then wears and displays the pendant 100.

Later, to change the orientation, the user removes the pendant, removes the coupler 102, and then recouples the coupler with the pendant 100 with the desired orientation and face.

The system and method discussed herein provides several advantages and benefits over the prior art. First, the discussed system and method simplifies jewelry selection. If a user is packing for a trip, for example, the user can take a single pendant which provides variety. There is no need to pack a variety of pendants.

Aside from providing variety while using a single pendant, or single set of pendants in the case earrings, for example, the system and method provides for customization. As an example, if longer earrings are desired, an orientation can be utilized which provides a longer pendant. If wider earrings are desired, an orientation offering a wider pendant orientation can be utilized. In embodiments wherein the front and rear face comprise different colors or designs, the user can select a different face. For example, if the user wants to use the blue face, the user can select that face of the pendant. Later if the user wants to utilize the gold face, the user can utilize that face of the pendant. Likewise, if a user wants to use additional couplers, or even different couplers, this is a differentiator which is easily implemented.

Another advantage is the ability to quickly and easily convert to different orientations. No separate tools or equipment are necessary. Instead, the user simply couples the coupler with the necessary holes to obtain the desired orientation.

Another advantage is the ability to transition from jewelry pieces. A single pendant can be coupled as shown in FIG. 19 to function as a necklace. Thereafter, the same pendant can be coupled with earring studs or loops to function as an earring. The piece can be used in a bracelet, belt buckle, or any mechanism to display the piece. Thus, rather than simply categorizing a pendant as a necklace or earring, the same pendant can easily function as multiple pieces by simply changing the coupler.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a pendant body comprising an outer perimeter;

at least two holes located on said perimeter, wherein said at least two holes are in fluid communication;

a coupler which can couple with said at least two holes.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein pendant perimeter comprises at least five holes.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said pendant body hangs from said coupler.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said pendant couples with said coupler at a first orientation.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said pendant couplers with said coupler at a second orientation when selecting different holes.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein different orientations can be achieved by coupling said coupler with different holes.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said pendant body has a length, a width, and a thickness, and wherein said at least two holes are only located on said thickness.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said pendant body has a front face and a rear face, and wherein said at least two holes are not located on said front face or said rear face.

9. The system of claim 1 comprising at least one fully encased hole.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein pendant perimeter comprises at least ten holes.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said coupler is a necklace.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a bracelet.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said bracelet comprises a coupler at each end for coupling with one of said holes.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said pendant body has a front face and a rear face, and a connecting face, and wherein said at least two holes are only located on said connecting face.

15. A system comprising:

a pendant body comprising an outer perimeter;

at least two holes located on said perimeter, wherein said at least two holes are in fluid communication;

an earring comprising a coupler which can couple with at least one of said holes.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said pendant couples with said coupler at a first orientation.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein said pendant couplers with said coupler at a second orientation when selecting different holes.

18. The system of claim 15 wherein said earring further comprises a stud to couple with a piercing.

19. The system of claim 15 wherein said pendant body has a front face and a rear face, and a connecting face, and wherein said at least two holes are only located on said connecting face.