JEWELLERY KEEPER

Abstract

A jewellery keeper wearable by a person to securely hold jewellery items, the keeper including, a keeper body. A location is included on the keeper body adapted to receive one or more jewellery item thereon and a securing means including a lock device, to secure the jewellery on the keeper body, and lock it securely such that it cannot be released from the keeper body without operation of the lock device. The one or more items of jewellery are positioned on the keeper body and the lock device of the securing means locks the jewellery in place, so the jewellery is securely held on the keeper body and also held in an attractive presentation for wear by the person. The invention also relates to variants thereon and a methods of use.

Claims

1-59. (canceled)

60. A jewellery keeper, wearable by a person, for securely holding jewellery items, the jewellery keeper including: a keeper body including at least two moveable parts which together form a jewellery cage in the closed state, and are able to receive the jewellery items in the open state; a substantially cylindrical wear means location within the keeper body, adapted to receive one or more jewellery item thereon, looped around the cylindrical wear means, when the jewellery cage is in the open state, and the wear means location including a suitable soft material so that contact by the jewellery items does not damage the jewellery items; a multi-stage securing means including separating and closing the keeper body moveable jewellery cage parts about the jewellery items on the substantially cylindrical wear means, and a lock device with push release, to secure the jewellery keeper body maintaining the jewellery cage securely locked securely so that the jewellery items cannot be released from the jewellery cage of the keeper body without operation of the push release of the lock device and opening of the jewellery cage parts, wherein the one or more items of jewellery are positioned on the keeper body substantially cylindrical wear means location within the jewellery cage keeper body, and the jewellery cage then closed, and the lock device of the securing means locks the jewellery cage in place, so the jewellery items are securely held on the keeper body until push release of the lock device and opening of the jewellery cage, and the jewellery items are held in an attractive presentation for wear by the person.

61. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the jewellery keeper is in the form of a nurse's fob.

62. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the jewellery keeper is in the form of a pendent.

63. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the jewellery keeper has an attractive overall appearance and the jewellery keeper is configured to coordinate or extenuate the appearance of the jewellery items to be held.

64. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the jewellery keeper includes precious metals.

65. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the overall shape of the jewellery keeper, when viewed from the front is a teardrop shape.

66. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the jewellery keeper includes ornamentation or decoration, engraving, or gemstones.

67. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the keeper body jewellery cage parts are one or more arms which can open or close together.

68. The jewellery keeper of claim 67, wherein the keeper body jewellery cage parts includes a pair of arms which open and close together.

69. The jewellery keeper of claim 68, wherein the keeper body jewellery cage part includes two pairs of arms which open and close together.

70. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the items are held in the upright and hanging orientation as a matter of choice of the user and the orientation can change the look or presentation of the jewellery in the jewellery keeper to give options to the user.

71. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the location includes a separation means to hold and separate more than one items of jewellery.

72. The jewellery keeper of claim 71, wherein the separation means presents the jewellery in an attractive manner.

73. The jewellery keeper of claim 71, wherein the separation means is the substantially cylindrical wear means.

74. The jewellery keeper of claim 71, wherein the separation means includes projections or hooks and each jewellery item is positioned or placed on a projection.

75. The jewellery keeper of claim 60, wherein the location holds multiple items of jewellery, in a secure placement.

76. A method of use of the jewellery keeper of claim 60, wearable about a person to securely hold jewellery items, the keeper including, a keeper body having a location adapted to receive one or more jewellery item thereon, and a securing means including a lock device, to secure the jewellery on the keeper body, the method including the following steps: a) open the keeper body up into the unsecured state; b) thread onto the keeper body one or more jewellery item; c) close the keeper body into the secured state through securing the securing means and locking the locking means, whereby the jewellery is held in an attractive presentation and substantially prevented from accidental loss.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] FIG. 1 is a front view a jewellery keeper according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with the wear insert and jewellery items both omitted for ease of illustration;

[0056] FIG. 2 is an end view of the jewellery keeper of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 3 is a back view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0058] FIG. 4 is the front view of FIG. 1 with the hidden detail shown in dotted lines;

[0059] FIG. 5 is the end view of FIG. 2 with the hidden detail shown in dotted lines;

[0060] FIG. 6 is a back view of FIG. 3 with the hidden detail shown in dotted lines;

[0061] FIG. 7 is the end view of FIG. 2 with the hidden detail of the double catch arrangement shown in dotted lines;

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the ring cage of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7, opened out and viewed from above;

[0063] FIG. 9 is the end view of the opened out ring cage of FIG. 8;

[0064] FIG. 10 is a top view of the safety catch of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7;

[0065] FIG. 11 is the front view of the safety catch of FIG. 10;

[0066] FIG. 12 is the end view of the safety catch of FIGS. 10 and 11;

[0067] FIG. 13 is a front view of the bale of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7;

[0068] FIG. 14 is an end view of the bale of FIG. 13;

[0069] FIG. 15 is a rear view of part of the outer case of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7;

[0070] FIG. 16 is a rear view of another part of the outer case of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7, corresponding to the part of FIG. 15;

[0071] FIG. 17 is an end view of the outer case of FIGS. 15 and 16;

[0072] FIG. 18 is a front view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7, with a separated wear insert in place;

[0073] FIG. 19 is an end view of the jewellery keeper and separated wear insert of FIG. 18;

[0074] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the jewellery keeper and separated wear insert of FIGS. 18 and 19;

[0075] FIG. 21 a front view of the separated insert of FIGS. 18 to 20;

[0076] FIG. 22 is an end view of the separated insert of FIG. 21;

[0077] FIG. 23 is a rear view of the separated insert of FIGS. 21 and 22;

[0078] FIG. 24 illustrates the front view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7, with a different wear insert in place, this time a flat wear insert;

[0079] FIG. 25 is an end view of the jewellery keeper and flat wear insert of FIG. 24;

[0080] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the jewellery keeper and flat wear insert of FIGS. 24 and 25;

[0081] FIG. 27 is a top view of the flat wear insert of FIGS. 24 to 26;

[0082] FIG. 28 is a front view of the flat wear insert of FIG. 27;

[0083] FIG. 29 is a side view of the wear insert of FIGS. 27 to 28;

[0084] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 to 7;

[0085] FIG. 31 is the front view of the jewellery keeper of FIG. 1, holding an engagement ring in an upright position;

[0086] FIG. 32 is a side view of the jewellery keeper and engagement ring of FIG. 31;

[0087] FIG. 33 is the front view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 1 and 31 with the engagement ring in the hanging position;

[0088] FIG. 34 is the side view of the jewellery keeper and hanging engagement ring of FIG. 33;

[0089] FIG. 35 is a front view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 including a separated wear insert, with engagement ring, wedding ring and keeper ring being held attractively in the hanging orientation;

[0090] FIG. 36 is a side view of the jewellery keeper of FIG. 35 with three rings;

[0091] FIG. 37 is a front view of a jewellery keeper according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0092] FIG. 38 is a side view of the jewellery keeper of FIG. 37; and

[0093] FIG. 39 is a rear view of the jewellery keeper of FIGS. 37 and 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 36, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, with two forms of wear insert, a very useful aspect of the invention to act against wear of the jewellery as it is held within the keeper. The remainder of the invention is the same throughout the FIGS. 1 to 36, and the jewellery removed to show the details of the jewellery keeper clearly; except for FIGS. 31 to 36 where the rings are included to show the invention in use.

[0095] Jewellery keeper 1, is designed to be useful to hold rings, engagement ring 2, wedding ring 3 and keeper ring 4, for example (refer FIGS. 31 to 36 for the rings). Jewellery keeper 1 is easier to see in the earlier drawings with the rings (2, 3 and 4) omitted to show the features, and as illustrated includes body 10, including ring cage 12 and secure closure 14; it is the secure closure that holds the jewellery in place. Bale 16 allows jewellery keeper 1 to be hung on a fob, or worn as a neck pendent, as desired by the person. Bale 16 is designed to have a coordinated look with the rest of the item. Bale 16 is mounted on swivel 17, swivel 17 being particularly useful to enable 360 degrees of rotation. Use of swivel 17 enables jewellery keeper 1 and the contained jewellery items to sit flat in all user conditions. As a fob or pendant to sit flat, comfortable and practical while working is a very useful aspect of the invention.

[0096] The illustrated jewellery keeper 1 is made of gold-plated metal that is strong, with an attractive finish. Variants to the materials used may be made as these may match or highlight the material of the rings of the person, so as to present as a very attractive item in combination with the rings. Use of precious metals is preferred for the high end product, and so gold, silver and other precious metal or plate metals may be used. A suitable steel could be used instead or a combination of suitable materials. In one form of the invention the materials may be metal and or plastic suitable for sports and ease of cleaning for example. As illustrated an everyday wear form of the invention shown, of a gold-plated arrangement so as to display a gold wedding ring set (not shown) to the maximum attractive appearance. Jewellery keeper 1 can be provided plain, be highly decorated, or be decorated particularly for the customer to highlight the rings to be displayed. Engraving of words, or patterns may be included to decorate the item, and in the high end product precious gems may also be mounted on body 10, including on secure closure 14. Plain or decorated jewellery keeper 1 is designed to be attractive in its own right and also in combination with the rings of the person.

[0097] Secure closure 14 has two parts 18 and 19 which close firmly together in use to secure ring cage 12 closed and any rings or jewellery in the ring cage be kept in place. Pins 20a and 20b on part 19 as can be seen in FIG. 17, correspond to holes 28 in part 18 so that these can snap together. Ring cage arms 21 and 22 are hinged by ring cage hinge 24 so as to open up or close together. The rings can be easily placed over an arm 21 or 22, and these arms be brought together and secured through safety catch 26 of secure closure 14. In this way the rings, are held in the ring cage and hang down securely resting on the wear insert, see below.

[0098] To secure the rings on ring cage 12, secure closure 14 parts 18 and 19 are brought together and the aligned rivets connect (pins 20a and 20b into holes 28) but the locking occurs through use of safety catch 26 as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 to 12. Safety catch 26 has first part 30, second part 32 and third part 34 each forming an L-shaped arrangement with pointed catch 36. A spring (not shown) for safety catch 26 is contained within security closure 14, and pressing allows catch 36 to catch into place within security closure 14 and be held in place.

[0099] To open up jewellery keeper 1, a fingernail can be used to lift the latch from behind, similar to the latch on a ladies' dress watch or bracelet. The structure of the clasp is a self-locking hook that is pressed together, to strongly hold in place until the latch is lifted up and the catch released.

[0100] Two wear inserts are described, separated wear insert 38, with hooks 40, 42 and 44 (refer FIGS. 18 to 22) and flat wear insert 46, with top 48 and base 50 (refer FIGS. 23 to 29). Both sit in ring cage 12 to support rings 2, 3 or 4 and prevent wear. Wear insert 38/46 are used as important protection for the jewellery items. The jewellery items could be scratched or scuffed easily if held by a hard metal. Therefore, a soft metal wear insert has been developed on which the contact point of the rings rests. Wear insert 38/46 is configured to be a softer material so the wear insert wears, rather than damage occurring to the rings themselves. With these valuable pieces of jewellery, it is imperative that no damage occurs to the rings or the invention is unlikely to be used at all.

[0101] Wear insert 38 is designed to hold 3 separate rings securely in the wear insert, and held on jewellery keeper 1. The wear insert can be adapted to have 1, 2, 3 or even more hooks each to hold and separate the rings to keep them safe (refer FIGS. 35 and 36 for example). As illustrated wear insert 38 includes 3 hooks, 40, 42 and 44 and each of these can hold a separated ring. Wear insert 38 is designed to protect the jewellery item from scratching or wear when held in place but also the clever design prevents the rings from rubbing or scratching against one another. There may be two rings of one material, an engagement ring and wedding ring say, and a third precious ring of a completely different material. Family rings are precious and often passed through the generations but are unlikely to be the same material as a modern wedding set. To protect from wear amongst these rings too, use of the separated wear insert 38 is particularly useful as each ring can hook on and the point of contact, the point where most wear will occur will be divided. Each ring is hooked on hook 40, 42 and 44 so as to be presented attractively together but each held safely and securely. As shown in FIG. 22 the hooks are inclined and stacked to present the rings one on top of the other, separated and presented attractively (refer FIG. 19), as well as being protected from wear.

[0102] The orientation shown presents the rings in a simple form of the invention to hang down, below ring cage 12. These rings are held so that they each present the main jewels attractively in a staggered arrangement. In another form of the invention, the separated wear insert can be used with the rings placed so that the stone of the ring is presented uppermost. The shape of the wear insert may be manipulated to hold the rings in a suitable manner so that, a stone such as the main diamond of an engagement ring is presented uppermost, as a highlight. The wear insert and jewellery keeper can include multiple parts to hold safely different rings in different ways to present a very attractive pendent or fob using the rings in an alternative fashion. Presentation of a solitaire diamond ring foremost for example, would enable the person to carry and show the valuable stone at all times, keeping safe and secure and with the person, even when the ring is not able to be worn on the hands. Ornamentation of jewellery keeper 1 can further be made with use of other precious metals and gemstones, to enhance the presentation.

[0103] An alternative wear insert, flat wear insert 46 is illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 29, suitable for the rings to sit together on the wear insert, preventing wear. Flat wear insert 46 has a flat top 48 which fits well into ring cage 12. Held in place wear insert 46 allows the rings to rest on this point, and avoid wear.

[0104] The invention describes a clever new way to carry more than one jewellery item, securely, to prevent wear and in a way that the jewellery can be presented attractively. A person may be getting ready to start work, perhaps a nurse, and so they will easily remove their rings and while wearing the fob open catch 36, separate parts 18 and 19 and open up ring cage 12, the rings are removed from the finger and slipped over an arm of ring cage 12 and put on similar to the arrangement as worn. If the separated wear insert is used each ring can quickly be hooked on in the desired order, having been hooked on one at a time. The process can then be reversed ring cage arms 21 and 22 pushed closed, so pins and rivets 20a, 20b and holes 28 align and catch 36 catches firmly in place. The whole of secure closure 14 is then fixed in place and ring cage 12 closed capturing the rings. The rings cannot be removed from ring cage 12 unless secure closure 14 is released. Catch 36 is designed to be strong and suitable for maintaining precious items. To be released, as described above using a fingernail to the lift and release the latch must be undertaken, which then allows pins rivets 20a, 20b and holes 28 to be pushed apart again separating parts 18 and 19 so that the secure closure may be opened. If catch 36 could become undone, this is unlikely but during the process pins 20a and 20b in holes 28 will continue to maintain secure closure 14 in place and rings on ring cage 12 until pushed apart.

[0105] Referring in particular to FIGS. 31 to FIGS. 34, the invention is shown with engagement ring 2. Engagement ring 2 is shown as a diamond solitaire, a typical engagement ring. Often an engagement ring is the most valuable item of jewellery a person owns, and is also wanted to worn daily, preferably on display. As discussed elsewhere, it is desirable not only to keep the valuable engagement ring safe, but also preferably on display. Engagement ring 2 is displayed in the upright position in FIGS. 31 and 32, so that the attractive head of the ring is displayed in the ring cage, again in an overall attractive appearance, the stone held centrally. In this way the central stone of engagement ring 2 is displayed as worn within jewellery keeper 1. Engagement ring 2, is a valuable ring and again it is important that it is not damaged at all during being held in jewellery keeper 1. To prevent damage to ring 2, wear plate 24 supports the contact points of the ring and being a softer metal will wear on contact so that the ring itself is not damaged. Looking a FIG. 32 it can be seen that the head of engagement ring 2 sits comfortably within the ring cage and sits well on wear plate 24.

[0106] The method of wearing the jewellery in jewellery keeper 1, is a matter of choice, which may be upright or hanging down, and can be varied to wear the jewellery in different circumstances. In FIGS. 33 and 34 jewellery keeper 1 is worn with engagement ring 2 hanging down below so the main stone is visible in a different manner. Again wear plate 24 provides protection to the ring hanging down as the wear plate will wear, not the ring.

[0107] For some situations, not all rings will need to be removed, for example a wedding ring that does not project above the finger, may be allowable to wear in some circumstances whereas engagement ring 2 could be a cutting risk or inconvenient to wear while performing some tasks. So engagement ring 2 could be kept safe in jewellery keeper 1, while, in these circumstances other rings are worn as usual.

[0108] However, in many circumstances and such as medical treatments or surgery it is desirable to remove all rings and keep these safe.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36 engagement ring 2 is held in separated wear insert 38, with rings 3 and 4 also held in place. Each ring sits on separated wear insert 38 to support and separate these, held secure and to contact wear insert rather than other materials. Again the arrangement is designed to hold rings 2, 3 and 4 each sitting on separated wear insert 38 so that any wear occurs to the replaceable insert and no damage occurs to the rings themselves.

[0110] As described, the jewellery keeper is used on a nurse fob (not shown) but in another form the invention is used with a very strong chain. Use of the strong chain, formed of a very high quality standard provides a secure and safe arrangement that a person can be confident will keep the jewellery safe until deliberately removed. The whole package can then be supplied to the customer, a ring keeper that will not damage the rings and can be securely kept on the keeper and the keeper strongly on a strong chain to be worn about the neck.

[0111] The multiple levels of security give the wearer comfort that the items are secure until released, the person also has comfort in having the items with them at all times. The invention can be varied to suit different tastes and requirements as would be understood, and is likely to be very well received in a number of professions. Although some attempts have been made to find a way to hold safely jewellery items while they cannot be worn on the hand, these have all suffered draw backs, and can only carry a single item, are complex, unattractive and lead to damage and wear to the items which is clearly not desirable. The subject invention enables a practical and attractive way for a person to keep their jewellery safe and on display in situations where no jewellery can be worn on the hands.

[0112] Although rings 2, 3, and 4, are described any suitable pieces of jewellery or other precious items that can be contained by the ring cage can be held on instead.

[0113] Clearly, the invention is a very useful and attractive way to hold, present and carry jewellery items is a secure manner.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 37 to 39, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, with jewellery keeper 101, with a sleek, modern, attractive appearance with a straightforward, smooth method of use. Jewellery keeper 101 is very similar to jewellery keeper 1, and offers the same advantages and method of use, excepting generally that the closure and holder is simplified into an improved elegant design.

[0115] As for jewellery keeper 1, jewellery keeper 101 is designed to securely hold items of jewellery, for times when a person is unable or does not wish to wear the rings. This may be when working, working with their hands, or for other reasons when the rings cannot be worn but it is desired to wear them and keep them close in another way.

[0116] Jewellery keeper 101 as illustrated includes body 110 and ring cage 112 similar to the first embodiment, on which the rings are held and secured. Bale 116, is a large free moving bale, mounted on swivel spring 117. Use of bale 116 and swivel spring 117 enables jewellery keeper 101 to be suspended in any of the usual manners, as a nurse's fob, pendent, or on a key fob or chain. The clever design allows a significant degree of attractive and useful articulation at bale 116 and swivel spring 117, while body 110 can lie flat against the body or a surface, so that jewellery keeper 101 can be arranged to be positioned as the wearer wishes, and is comfortable to wear, even if worn all day.

[0117] Swivel spring 117 is coiled about a pin (not labelled) whereby the end of the spring can be seen in FIG. 37. Swivel spring 117 acts against pushing from the front to bias the parts of the keeper together unless released. Swivel spring 117 is a coiled metal spring of wire. Other resilient “springs” may be used instead. Or a standard swivel may be used instead, or an alternative clasp.

[0118] The illustrated jewellery keeper 101 is made of plated gold but other precious metals, plate metals may be used or alternatively other metals, such a stainless may be used. Part of the advantage to jewellery keeper 101 is that it is jewellery itself, a very attractive item, to display the other jewellery items. Not only can it be made any suitable attractive precious metal, but it can be made of a combination of metals, and include engraving, decoration and gemstones to suit the desires of the particular wearer.

[0119] Body 110 and ring cage 112 includes ring cage arms 121 and 122 with swivel spring 117 so that these can be pressed closed, as described further below. Jewellery items, such as a ring set, can be easily placed in ring cage 112, by putting between arm 121 or 122 in the open state, and these arms be brought together and secured in the closed state. Holder 160 is of a generally cylindrical shape with a circular face appearance of front 162, cylindrical centre 164, on which the rings can rest. Cylindrical centre 164 is made of a soft metal than the intended jewellery so that the wear section wears first, and no damage is passed on to the jewellery due to use of the jewellery keeper.

[0120] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 39, the rear of keeper 101 can be seen, with rear ring 164, which fits with a press fit within cylindrical centre 162 so that the two arms 121 and 122 can be pressed together to press together the two parts of holder 160 with wear centre 164. These parts of holder 160 are designed to neatly fit together and press and hold due to the bias of swivel spring 117, tightly together, to lock until released. Release can be caused by pressing on swivel spring 117, which press releases the bias pressure to enable holder 160 parts to be separated. In this way the jewellery can be removed, as the lock is opened to enable the two parts of jewellery cage 112 open to separate 121 and 122 arms. Rotation of ring cage arm 121 about holder 160 enables separation to facilitate the opening of jewellery cage 112, so the jewellery items can be readily placed on cylindrical holder 164, with its wear protection material (softer than the jewellery) acting to prevent scratching or damage to the jewellery items. Decoration on cylindrical centre 162 assists to present the jewellery keeper and jewellery items together as an attractive piece of jewellery in its own right.

[0121] The invention works particularly well for rings, but can be used for any number of items, anything that can be kept in the ring cage. Other valuable items such as other items one may be held on a key fob can likewise be used held on ring cage 112.

[0122] The second preferred form of the embodiment is an easy to use, secure means to present and wear jewellery with a very attractive appearance.

[0123] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0124]

TABLE-US-00001  1 Jewellery keeper  2 Engagement Ring  3 Ring  4 Ring 10 Body of keeper 12 Ring cage 14 Secure closure 16 Bale 17 Swivel 18 First part 14 19 Second part of 14   20a, b Pins for rivets 21/22 Ring cage arm 24 Ring cage hinge 26 Safety catch 28 Holes 30 First part of safety catch 32 Second part of safety catch 34 Third part of safety catch 36 Catch part of safety catch 38 Separated wear insert 40 Hook of 38 42 Hook of 38 44 Hook of 38 46 Flat wear insert 48 Top of 46 50 Base of 46 101  Jewellery Keeper 110  Body of keeper 112  Ring cage 116  Bale 117  Swivel spring 121/22  Ring cage arms 160  Holder 162  Front of holder 164  Central Holder 166  Rear of holder