JEWELRY AND FASHION APPARATUS

Abstract

A jewelry and fashion apparatus having a top member and a bottom member, the members are movably and pivotally attached to one another and contain a resilient material, a closing mechanism designed to secure the first and second members to one another, and the resilient material is designed to hold a portion of an article.

Claims

1. A jewelry and fashion apparatus comprising: a top member and a bottom member, each of said members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, said top member and said bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within at least one internal surface of one of said members, at least one of said side walls of one of said members comprises at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of said members; and a closing mechanism designed to secured said first and second members to one another, said resilient material is designed to hold a portion of an article.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient material is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said internal surfaces of one of said top and bottom members comprises a channel extending across opposing ends of one of said members.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said channel leads to said two apertures of said side walls of one of said members.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient member takes to form of a portion of the article that it is designed to hold.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising at least one article, said article is selected from a group comprising of watch bands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said article has an elongated portion, said channel of said internal surface of one of said members is designed to hold said elongated portion of said article.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises a hinge to allow said top and said bottom members to be pivotally attached to one another.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus has a closed position and an open position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said top member and said bottom member are contacting one another in said closed position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said internal surfaces of said top and bottom members contact one another during said closed position.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said top member and said bottom member are moveably situated away from one another and only attached at said hinge during said open position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a portion of the article is inserted into said resilient material within said internal surface of one of said members and is allowed to extend through said apertures on said sidewall of one of said members in said open position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first and second members are moveably attached to one another and secured by said closing mechanism during said open position, a portion of the article is secured within said apparatus.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient material comprises a channel leading to said apertures of said side walls of one of said members, a portion of the article in inserted into said channel of said resilient material within said internal surface of one of said members and is allowed to extend through said apertures on said sidewall of one of said members in said open position.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 where said external surface of at least one of said members comprises at least one decorative embellishment.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 where said decorative embellishment is selected from a group comprising beads, glitter, molded emblem, metal, precious metal, pearl, precious and non-precious stones, glass, frame and combinations thereof.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said closing mechanism is selected from a group comprising of magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is constructed of a material selected from a group comprising metal, precious metal, plastic, glass, rubber, synthetic materials and combinations thereof.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein one of said members further comprises a decorative embellishment receiver.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein said decorative embellishment receiver is selected from a group comprising magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein said decorative embellishment comprises at least one fastener to attach to said decorative embellishment receiver.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein said decorative embellishment fastener is selected from a group comprising magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 is designed to adjust the length an article on a user.

25. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said article is jewelry with chain, said apparatus is attached to a portion of the chain at a location desired by the user to adjust the length of the chain.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom members for a clam shell closing and opening mechanism.

27. A system for adjusting the length of an article worn by a user, said system comprising a plurality of apparati, each apparatus comprising: a top member and a bottom member, each of said members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, said top member and said bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within at least one internal surfaces of one of said members, at least one of said side walls of one of said members comprising at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of said members; and a closing mechanism designed to secured said first and second members to one another, said resilient material is designed to hold a portion of article.

28. The system of claim 27 further comprising at least one article, said article is selected from a group comprising of watchbands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein said plurality of said apparati are attached to portions of said article.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein said resilient material forms the shape of said article that is secured within said resilient material.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein said resilient material is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.

32. The system of claim 29 wherein said resilient material comprises at least one channel, said channel leads to said apertures on said side walls of one of said members, a portion of said article is situated within said channel and extends outwardly through said apertures.

33. The system of claim 33 wherein a plurality of apparati are attached on different locations of said article for decorative purposes.

34. A jewelry and fashion apparatus comprising: a top member and a bottom member, each of said members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, said top member and said bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within said internal surfaces of said top and bottom members, said internal surfaces of said top and bottom members comprising a portion of a channel extending across opposing ends of said top and bottom members, said side walls of said top and bottom members comprising portions of at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of said members, said portions of said channels leading to said portions of said two apertures; at least one hinge attached to a portion of said top and bottom members, allowing said members to be pivotally attached to one another, said apparatus having an open and closed position; in an open position, said top member and said bottom member are moveably situated away from one another and only attached at said hinge; said top member and said bottom member are contacting one another in said closed position; and a closing mechanism designed to secured said first and second members to one another, said channel is designed to hold a portion of article.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising at least one article, said article is selected from a group comprising of watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said resilient material is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.

37. The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising decorative embellishment, said decorative embellishment is attached to said outer surface of one of said members and is selected from a group comprising beads, glitter, molded emblem, metal, precious metal, pearl, precious and non-precious stones, glass, frame and combinations thereof.

38. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said closing mechanism is selected from a group comprising of magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.

39. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said apparatus is constructed of a material selected from a group comprising metal, precious metal, plastic, glass, rubber, synthetic materials and combinations thereof.

40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said decorative embellishment comprises at least one fastener to attach to a decorative embellishment receiver.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus with the jewelry and fashion apparatus in an open configuration.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus with the jewelry and fashion apparatus in a closed position.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a rear view of an embodiment of the jewelry and fashion apparatus.

[0060] FIG. 9 is an illustration showing an embodiment of the present invention in use having decorative embellishments.

[0061] FIG. 10A is an illustration showing an embodiment of the present invention in use to modify a length of a necklace.

[0062] FIG. 10B is an illustration showing the embodiment of FIG. 10A in use upon a wearer.

[0063] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0065] The specific example below will enable the invention to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 generally comprises a first section 102 having at least one first channel 106 disposed therethrough, a second section 104 having at least one second channel 112 disposed therethrough, a closure mechanism 110 configured to secure a position of the first section 102 in relation to the second section 104, a hinge mechanism 108, and a retainment material 114 coupled to an inner surface 5 of at least one of the first section 102 and the second section 104.

[0067] The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 may generally be made from any material including precious metals, metals, polymers, composites, glass, woods, stone, and the like or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, it is desirable to have the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 to have a magnet 120 encapsulated in either of the first section 102 or the second section 104 or a combination thereof. The presence of such a magnet 120 allows for various magnetic adornments (decorative embellishments) 122 (see FIG. 9) to be presented upon an outer surface of the first section 102 and/or the second section 104. The decorative embellishments 122 may be made of various materials, colors, patterns, pictures, letters, stones, gems, pearls, finishes, and combinations thereof. The decorative embellishments 122 will be made that they are universally useable for different jewelry and fashion apparati. In other embodiments, the first section 102 and/or the second section 104 itself is magnetic (or a portion thereof) thereby allowing for the magnetic adherence of one or more magnetic adornments.

[0068] The first section 102 is preferably hingably coupled to the second section 104. This allows for rotation or pivoting of the first section 102 relative to the second section 104. In some embodiments, free movement of the sections is allowed by the hinge mechanism 108. In other embodiments, only the first section 102 or the second section 104 is allowed to freely rotate while the other section remains stationary.

[0069] In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 108 is a spring-based hinge, that comprises at least a first position and the second position. The first position of the spring-based hinge is when the hinge mechanism 108 is in an “open” position and the spring is stretched providing the spring with potential energy. The second position of the spring-based hinge is when the hinge mechanism 108 is in a “closed” position and the spring is not stretched. The potential energy is converted to kinetic energy at a point between the first position and the second position causing the first section 102 and the second section 104 to quickly snap shut. The spring utilized by the hinge is selected to prevent movement of the first section 102 and the second section 104 when in this “closed” position. The hinge 5 mechanism 108 may be positioned on an exterior or interior surface of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100.

[0070] On an opposing side, from the hinge mechanism 108, of the first section 102 and the second section 104 there may be a closure mechanism 110. The combination of the hinge mechanism 108 and the closure mechanism 110 allows for a “clamshell” like movement between the two section and further allows (via the closure mechanism 110) for a position of the two sections to be selectively fixed. However, in at least one embodiment, there is only one of the hinge mechanism 108 and the closure mechanism 110, and in some embodiments the hinge mechanism 108 essentially functions as the closure mechanism.

[0071] In an embodiment, the closure mechanism 110 is a magnet. In such an embodiment, a magnet of a first polarity is disposed on the first section 102 and a magnet of an opposing polarity is disposed on the second section 104. In yet other embodiments, the closure mechanism 110 may be a traditional clasp, lock, pin, etc. that allows for the two sections to be selectively joined until otherwise desired. The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 further has at least one first channel 106 and at least one second channel 112. The channels are cut outs in the side wall of the first section 102 and the second section 104 respectively. The channels may be of any shape and/or size and are generally configured to accommodate a chain 200 (see FIGS. 9A-B) of a piece of jewelry or other fashion item therethrough. The channels may be in any orientation around the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 and present in any number. The key to the first channel 106 and the second channel 112 is that there is a corresponding portion of each channel formed from the first section 102 and the second 104. Further, when the first section 102 and the second section 104 are brought together the channel portions of each section align thereby forming each of the first channel 106 and the second channel 112. However, in some embodiments, the first channel 106 and the second channel 112 may be offset from one another. This configuration of the channels serves to further aid the user in creating a unique look.

[0072] Disposed within the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 is a retainment material 114. The retainment material 114 is sized and configured to “grasp” a chain or other material as it is placed therethrough. The retainment material 114 may be a gel, foam, elastomer or other rubber or polymer material or cotton or a combination thereof. In yet other embodiments, materials encompassing the retainment material may include any deformable material including but not limited to woven or unwoven fabric, cloth, terrycloth, woven or woven fibers of wool, flax, cotton, and/or yarn, mineral textiles, denim, elastomeric fibers/fabrics, and synthetic textiles including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and/or acrylic, or any combinations thereof.

[0073] In another embodiment the retainment material 114 is a gel or a foam. The gel may be encapsulated in a protective outer layer to prevent drying of the gel, to prevent contact of the gel with the fashion item, and to provide a surface upon which the fashion item can rest when inserted into the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100. Virtually any type of gel is acceptable. The foam may be a polymer foam and more specifically a polyurethane foam (e.g. memory foam). The foam may be secured in the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 by mechanical or chemical means including an adhesive.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the retainment material 114 may have at least one groove or texture traversing a length of the retainment material 114. The groove or texture is configured to receive the fashion item, such as a chain, and to secure a position of the fashion item once the fashion accessory module 100 has been secured via the closure mechanism 110. The groove or texture is preferably aligned with the first channel 106 and the second channel 112. The 5 groove or texture may be permanent or may be induced by pressure exerted on the retainment material 114 by the fashion item.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 9, a plurality of jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 are disposed along a fashion item such as a chain 200. The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 are disposed intermittently along the length of the chain 200. The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 may be positioned at virtually any place along the length of the chain 200 to create a desired look. In order to secure a jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 to the chain 200, a user simply opens the fashion accessory module 100 and places the chain 200 therethrough aligning the chain 200 with the first channel 106 and the second channel 112. When the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 is closed, the retainment material 114 secures a position of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 along the length of the chain 200.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-B, an alternative use of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 is used. Here, the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 not only adds a custom look to a fashion item (e.g. a chain or necklace) but is also used to modify a length of the fashion item. As shown in FIG. 10A, the chain 200 is folded over in a way that the chain 200 passes through the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 twice. The point at which the chain 200 is folded over and the position of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 in relation to this fold and, in this example, a neck of a user (as shown in FIG. 10B) allows the chain 200 to be shortened. This is desirable for a number of reasons such as creating a custom look or shortening a chain 200 to match a cut on a particular blouse, dress, etc.

[0077] The positioning of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A-B are not limited to such exemplary position and it is under the purview of this present application that virtually any positioning and use of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 may occur with another fashion item.

[0078] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.