Personal Ornaments Formed from Military Materiel

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods pertaining to personal ornaments from military materiel. These personal ornaments may consist essentially of reused military uniforms, reused military bullet casings, and a reused military paracord. Personal ornaments may be bracelets, jewelry, anklets, belts, chokers, luggage tags, athletic wear, loops, bands, necklaces, rings, scrunchies, clasps, or terminations.

Claims

1-66. (canceled)

67. A personal ornament where all visible parts are military materiel, comprising: at least one military button comprising a shank; a plurality of textile strips obtained from one or more military uniforms; a reinforced strip comprising a reinforcing member covered by at least one of the plurality of textile strips; the at least one button attached to at least the first end of the reinforced strip by a cow hitch knot through the shank; a braid comprising one or more of the plurality of strips and the reinforced strip, wherein the braid extends from the base of the cow hitch knot towards the opposite end of the reinforced strip, wherein the opposite end of the reinforced strip forms a button loop extending beyond the end of the braid; a first terminal member crimped over the first end of the braid; a second terminal member affixed to the opposite end of the braid.

68. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the personal ornament is jewelry, a bracelet, wrist band, an anklet, a belt, a choker, a necklace and/or a luggage tag.

69. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the personal ornament is a bracelet.

70. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the one or more military uniforms are reused or reworked or reconditioned military uniforms.

71. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the at least one military button is obtained from a reused or reworked or reconditioned military uniform.

72. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the reinforced strip is a reused or reworked or reconditioned military paracord.

73. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the first terminal member is derived from a reused or reworked or reconditioned bullet casing.

74. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the second terminal member is derived from a reused or reworked or reconditioned military material.

75. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the first terminal member is derived from a reused bullet casing crimped over the first end of the braid.

76. The personal ornament of claim 67, wherein the second terminal member is derived from at least a portion of a second bullet casing having a hole through the head.

77. A method of forming a personal ornament, comprising: obtaining at least two fabric strips and at least one military button; pinching a paracord loop at a first end to form an attachment loop; braiding the paracord loop with the fabric strips, wherein the braid extends from the base of the attachment loop towards the opposite end of the paracord loop, wherein the opposite end of the paracord loop forms a button loop extending beyond the end of the braid; attaching the attachment loop to the button; preparing a first terminal member from at least a portion of a first bullet casing; crimping the first terminal member over the first end of the braid; preparing a second terminal member from at least a portion of a second bullet casing by drilling a hole in the head of the second bullet casing; passing the button loop through the drilled hole of the second terminal member; sliding the button through the button loop.

78. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the personal ornament is jewelry, a bracelet, wrist band, an anklet, a belt, a choker, a necklace and/or a luggage tag.

79. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the personal ornament is a bracelet.

80. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the at least two fabric strips are obtained from one or more reused or reworked or reconditioned military uniforms.

81. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the at least one military button is obtained from a reused or reworked or reconditioned military uniform.

82. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the paracord loop is derived from a reused or reworked or reconditioned military paracord.

83. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the first terminal member is derived from a reused or reworked or reconditioned bullet casing.

84. The personal ornament of claim 77, wherein the second terminal member is derived from a reused or reworked or reconditioned military material.

85. The personal ornament of claim 79, wherein the at least two fabric strips are obtained from one or more reused military uniforms, and the at least one military button is obtained derived from a reused military uniform.

86. A method of repurposing a discarded or reused or reworked or reconditioned or surplus military uniform, comprising: obtaining a paracord loop, at least two cylindrical decorative members, and a fastener; cutting at least two elongated uniform strips from the military uniform; pinching the paracord loop to form an elongated paracord strip, wherein the elongated paracord strip forms fastening loops having predetermined circumferences on both ends, wherein the elongated paracord strip braids as a single member; braiding elongated uniform strips with the paracord strip in the area between the two fastening loops; adorning the first end of the braid with a cylindrical decorative member; attaching the first fastening loop to the fastener; adorning the second end of the braid with a cylindrical decorative member; attaching the second fastening loop to the fastener to form a personal ornament.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a personal ornament.

[0084] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings exemplifying a way a plurality of textile strips may be obtained, for example cut, from military material, in this a case a dress uniform.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a pinched paracord loop.

[0086] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings the front and back of the personal ornament of FIG. 1.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a drawing of the formation of a paracord loop.

[0088] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings exemplifying an alternative way a plurality of textile strips may be obtained, for example cut, from military material, in this case an Army Combat Uniform (ACU).

[0089] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings exemplifying an alternative way a plurality of textile strips may be obtained, for example cut, from military material, in this case a Navy Service Uniform (NSU).

[0090] FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings exemplifying an alternative way a plurality of textile strips may be obtained, for example cut, from military material, in this case an Operational Dress Uniform (ODU).

[0091] FIG. 9 is a drawing exemplifying an alternative way a plurality of textile strips may be obtained, for example cut, from military material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise generally and in combination with other aspects disclosed herein, personal ornaments and the formation of personal ornaments from military materiel. Discarded military materiel, surplus military materiel, reused military materiel, reworked military materiel, refurbished military materiel, reconditioned military materiel, and/or combinations thereof may be used in one form or another to fashion a personal ornament or portions thereof. In some embodiments, for example, reused military uniforms may be repurposed to obtain textile strips and buttons and other elements, members and/or portions for use in creating a personal ornament. Moreover, military bullet casings may be reused to prepare terminal members. Further, military paracord can be reused to obtain a paracord loop.

[0093] In some embodiments, the personal ornaments may comprise, consist essentially of and/or consist of military materiel, reused military materiel, reworked military materiel, refurbished military materiel, reconditioned military materiel, and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a paracord loop may be braided with one or more of the plurality of textile strips to form a personal ornament, for example a bracelet and/or anklet.

[0094] Textile strips may be formed from a variety of military materials, for example, military uniforms such as dress uniforms, service uniforms, operational uniforms, combat uniforms, fatigues, mess uniforms, physical training uniforms, special ceremonial uniforms, band uniforms, guard uniforms, cadet uniforms, dress uniforms, utility uniforms, working uniforms, or distinctive uniforms Army Combat Uniforms (ACU), Navy Service Uniforms (NSU), Operational Dress Uniforms (ODU), uniforms from foreign service, uniforms for special forces, uniforms for special events, uniforms from foreign military, uniforms for special conditions, bomb squad uniforms, and/or combinations thereof.

[0095] A drawing of a personal ornament 100 consisting essentially of reused military materiel is shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the personal ornament 100 is a bracelet and/or anklet. A paracord loop 102 is attached to a military button 106 obtained from a military uniform, for example a used military uniform. The paracord loop 102 is braided with two textile strips 104, wherein the braid extends from a first end of the braid that is proximate the button to a second end of the braid that terminates a sufficient distance before the second end of the paracord loop to form a button loop 110 extending beyond the end of the braid. The first end of the braid is concealed by crimping a first bullet casing 112 over the first end of the braid. A concealing member 108 is prepared comprising a case head and at least a portion of a case body, comprising: forming a hole extending through the head that communicates between the external surface of the head and the internal portion of the casing. The button loop 110 is extended through hole whereby at least a portion of a case body covers the second end of the braid. The button 106 is then secured by passing it through the loop closure 110.

[0096] Drawings of obtaining a plurality of textile strips from a military uniform, for example a shirt 200 are shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. In certain embodiments, for example, the military uniform 200 may comprise a button 206. In certain embodiments, for example, the back of the military uniform shirt 200 is horizontally partitioned in order to obtain a plurality of vertical textile strips 202. A close up of one of the textile strips 202b is shown. In certain embodiments, for example, a plurality of strips, for example 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 or more textile strips 202 of identical or variable width may be obtained from a single military uniform shirt. For example, several strips of a certain size may be formed from a single military uniform shirt and then several other strips of a different size may be obtained from the remainder of the same single military uniform shirt. The strips may have a width of, for example, 0.25 inch, 0.5, inch, 0.75 inch, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, and 3.00 inches or more. The strips may have a length of between 6-8 inches, 7-9 inches, 8-10 inches, 9-12 inches, 10-14 inches, 12-14 inches, 12-16 inches or more. The strips may have a constant width and length, varying widths and constant length and/or varying width and varying length. The strips may have formed and/or contoured ends. The strips may vary in size, shape and length or may be substantially identical in length and/or width. The strips may be of a uniform size. Several different types of strips may be obtained from a single military uniform shirt. The use of the material from the single military uniform shirt may be portioned to obtain 10 or more strips, 12 or more strips, 14 or more strips, 16 or more strips, 18 or more strips, 20 or more strips, or between 10-16 strips, between 14-24 strips, between 16-20 strips, or 18-24 strips.

[0097] A drawing of a pinched paracord loop 302 is shown in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, for example, the paracord loop 302 may be integrally formed into a dumbbell shape by aligning two lengths of the paracord adjacent to each other to form aligned lengths of the paracord loop 318, forming loops 310 at both ends of the aligned lengths of the paracord loop 302. In certain embodiments, for example, the aligned lengths of the paracord loop 318 may be braided with one or more textile strips, wherein the braid begins proximate a first end of the aligned lengths of the paracord loop 318, and terminates proximate a second end of the aligned lengths of the paracord loop 318. In certain embodiments, for example, a button may be attached to one of the loops 310.

[0098] Drawings of a personal ornament, in this example a bracelet and/or anklet, formed from reused military materiel 400 are shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The first end of a paracord loop 402 is attached to the button 406 by forming a cow hitch knot 416 through the shank 414. The paracord loop 402 is braided with one or more textile of strips 404, wherein the braid extends from the base of the cow hitch knot 416 towards the opposite end of the paracord loop 402, wherein the opposite end of the paracord loop 402 forms a button loop 410 extending beyond the end of the braid. A first terminal member 412 is prepared from a first bullet casing and crimped over the first end of the braid. A second terminal member 408 is prepared from at least a portion of a second bullet casing by drilling a hole in the head of the second bullet casing. The button loop 410 is passed through the drilled hole of the second terminal member 408.

[0099] A drawing of the forming a support loop, in the example from a military paracord, used to form a paracord loop 502 is shown in FIG. 5. Two opposite ends 520 and 522 of a paracord are connected to form the paracord loop.

[0100] Drawings of exemplifying alternative ways to obtain a plurality of textile strips from military uniform material, in this case from from an Army Combat Uniform (ACU) 600 are shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. In some embodiments the strips can be obtained from any and all portions of the uniform, In certain embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the back of the military uniform 600 is partitioned in order to obtain a plurality of diagonal textile strips 602. A close up of one of the textile strips 602b is shown.

[0101] Drawings exemplifying alternative ways to obtain a plurality of textile strips from military material, in this case from from a Navy Service Uniform (NSU) 700 are shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, the strips can be obtained from any and all portions of the uniform. In certain embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the back of the military uniform 700 is partitioned in order to obtain a plurality of diL-shaped textile strips 702. A close up of one of the textile strips 702b is shown. Drawings exemplifying alternative ways to obtain a plurality of textile strips from military uniform material, in this case from an Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) 800 are shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. In certain embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the back of the military uniform 800 is partitioned in order to obtain a plurality of horizontal textile strips 802. A close up of one of the textile strips 802b is shown.

[0102] Drawings exemplifying alternative ways to obtain a plurality of textile strips from military uniform is shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the strips can be obtained from any and all portions of the uniform. In certain embodiments, for example, the back of the military uniform is partitioned in order to obtain a plurality of S-shaped textile strips 902a and 902b, other shapes and/or forms of strips may be cut from the military uniform including, for example, formed strips and.or contured strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the sleeve of the military uniform is partitioned in order to obtain at least one textile strip 902c. In certain embodiments, for example, the collar of the military uniform is partitioned in order to obtain at least one textile strip 902d. In certain embodiments, for example, the cuff of the military uniform is partitioned in order to obtain at least one textile strip 902e.

[0103] In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member comprises the body of the personal ornament. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least two times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least three times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least five times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least ten times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least twenty times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least thirty times tougher than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least forty times tougher than the strips.

[0104] In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least two times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least three times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least five times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least ten times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least twenty times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least thirty times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be at least forty times sturdier than the strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be elastic. In certain embodiments, for example, the conforming member may be a support string.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the conforming member may be covered, either in part or in its entirety, such that it is only partially visible, or minimally visible, or not visible as part of the personal ornament, For example, the personal ornament may be a bracelet and/or an anklet and in its ordinary use, for example, adorning a person's wrist, the conforming member is not visible or only portions of the conforming member are visible.

[0106] In certain embodiments, for example, the one or more strips may be reinforced by adding a reinforcing member. In certain embodiments, for example, the reinforcing member may be a silk, nylon, monofilament, nymo, silamide, wire, tigertail, leather, cotton, ribbon, rattail, elastic, beading, hemp, or Kevlar thread.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the reinforcing member may be covered, either in part or in its entirety, such that it is only partially visible, or minimally visible, or not visible as part of the personal ornament, For example, the personal ornament may be a bracelet and/or an anklet and in its ordinary use, for example, adorning a person's wrist, the reinforcing member is not visible or only portions of the reinforcing member are visible.

[0108] In certain embodiments, for example, the strips may be prevented from fraying. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise serging, bonding, sewing, stitching, binding, tacking, basting, gluing, or stapling the edge of the strips.

[0109] In certain embodiments, for example, the ends of the braid may be secured. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise gluing, bonding, sewing, stitching, binding, tacking, basting, serging, or stapling the ends of the braid.

[0110] In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be made from a natural material. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be a polyester, plastic, fabric, glass, wood, bone, sea shell, acrylic, cloth, leather, or pearl button. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be made from a metal. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be a brass, pewter, gold, silver, aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, or iron button.

[0111] In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be a particular type of button. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be a shank, stud, jean, toggle, snap, popper, hook, knit, flat, or lapel button.

[0112] In certain embodiments, for example, each strip may have predetermined dimensions. In certain embodiments, for example, the plurality of strips may have predetermined lengths and widths. In certain embodiments, for example, the dimensions of each strip may be approximately equal. In certain embodiments, for example, each strip may have a different length and width. In certain embodiments, for example, each strip may have a different length but the same width. In certain embodiments, for example, each strip may have the same length but a different width. In certain embodiments, for example, some strips may have the same length. In certain embodiments, for example, some strips may have the same width. In certain embodiments, for example, some strips may have different lengths. In certain embodiments, for example, some strips may have different widths.

[0113] In certain embodiments, for example, the strips may be a particular textile. In certain embodiments, for example, the strips may be cotton, linen, jersey, canvas, lycra, lace, velvet, polycotton, crepe, satin, denim, damask, brocade, batiste, charmeuse, chenille, chiffon, corduroy, felt, herringbone, cable, baize, cheviot, chino, dimity, drill, rayon, fiber, fleece, poplin, madras, yarn, flannel, fabric, nylon, or leather strips. In certain embodiments, for example, at least one of the strips may comprise a mixture of textiles. In certain embodiments, for example, the strips may be of the same textile as the uniform. In certain embodiments, for example, at least one of the strips may use different material than at least one of the remaining strips.

[0114] In certain embodiments, for example, the braid may be formed using a support string. In certain embodiments, for example, the support string may use sturdier material than any one of the plurality of strips. In certain embodiments, for example, the support string comprises a paracord, braided nylon, shoelace, bank line, twisted nylon, twine, rope, cord, fiber, cotton, textured polyester, spun polyester, nylon, polypropylene, jute, hemp, or leather.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the support string may be covered, either in part or in its entirety, such that it is only partially visible, or minimally visible, or not visible as part of the personal ornament, For example, the personal ornament may be a bracelet and/or an anklet and in its ordinary use, for example, adorning a person's wrist, the support string is not visible or only portions of the support string are visible.

[0116] In certain embodiments, for example, two opposite ends of a support loop may be held together. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise gluing, bonding, sewing, stitching, binding, tacking, basting, serging, or stapling any two opposite ends of the support loop together. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise gluing, bonding, sewing, stitching, binding, tacking, basting, serging, or stapling any two opposite ends of a paracord loop together. In certain embodiments, for example, the pinched paracord loop may be in the shape of a dumbbell curve.

[0117] In certain embodiments, for example, the military uniform may have at least one button. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may represent the military. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may represent a military branch, division, platoon, company, battalion, brigade, regiment, squad, corps, troop, or battery. Alternatively, the military button may be obtained directly from a supplier, for example new, rather than recovered from a used military uniform. This non-used button, may be a military button.

[0118] In certain embodiments, for example, a fastening loop may be a loop that receives an elongated object. In certain embodiments, for example, the personal ornament may be secured by passing the elongated object through the fastening loop. In certain embodiments, for example, the elongated object may comprise a button.

[0119] In certain embodiments, for example, the personal ornament may be secured with a fastener. In certain embodiments, for example, the fastener may be a button, buckle, magnet, stud, velcro fastener, snap tape, kam snap, zipper, toggle, popper, eyelet, hook, hook and eye, frogging, grommet, broche, safety pin, or tie. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise securing the fastener. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise passing the loop through the fastener. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise closing the fastener.

[0120] In certain embodiments, for example, the button loop may be used to secure the personal ornament. In certain embodiments, for example, the button loop may have an opening that allows the button to pass through. In certain embodiments, for example, the button loop may form a button-shaped cavity. In certain embodiments, for example, the method may comprise sliding the button through the button loop to secure the personal ornament.

[0121] In certain embodiments, for example, the method may form a particular personal ornament. In certain embodiments, for example, the personal ornament may be a bracelet, jewelry, anklet, belt, choker, luggage tag, athletic wear, loop, band, necklace, ring, scrunchie, clasp, or termination.

[0122] In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed. In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed with a design. In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed with numbers. In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed with characters. In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed with a combination of numbers, characters, or designs. In certain embodiments, for example, the bullet casing may be embossed with a memorial names, dates, biographical information, rememberance, ranks, military service details, sayings and/or slogans.

[0123] In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed with a design. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed with numbers. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed with characters. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed with a combination of numbers, characters, or designs. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be embossed with a memorial slogan.

[0124] In certain embodiments, for example, the support string may be attached to the fastener. In certain embodiments, for example, the support string may be attached to the fastener by a cow-hitch, half-hitch, figure-eight, bowline, reef, rolling hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend, or double sheet bend knot.

[0125] In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be attached to the paracord. In certain embodiments, for example, the button may be attached to the paracord by a cow-hitch, half-hitch, figure-eight, bowline, reef, rolling hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend, or double sheet bend knot.

[0126] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.