Interchangeable Jewelry Assembly and Kit

Abstract

A jewelry assembly comprising interchangeable jewelry elements and a kit including the same are provided. The jewelry assembly comprises a main portion having two locking members disposed on opposing ends of the main portion and an interchangeable portion comprising two connection sites disposed on opposing ends of the interchangeable portion. The locking members and connection sites are configured such that the locking members may removably secured to the connection sites to form a wearable loop, such as a necklace or bracelet.

Claims

1. A jewelry member comprising: a main portion having at least a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one locking member, each locking member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion connected to a first hinge, and the distal portion connected to a second hinge; and an interchangeable portion having at least a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one connection site.

2. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable portion comprises at least one aesthetic element.

3. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one locking members is a fold-over clasp.

4. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein the distal portion comprises a flange operative to secure the locking member in a closed position.

5. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein each end of the main portion comprises a keeper configured to secure with the locking member in a closed position.

6. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein each connection site comprises at least two extending members and at least one connection bar maintained between the at least two extending members.

7. The jewelry member of claim 1, wherein the at least two locking members are secured to the at least two connection sites and are configured to form a bracelet.

8. A kit comprising: a main portion having a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one locking member, each locking member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion connected to a first hinge, and the distal portion connected to a second hinge; and at least one interchangeable portion, each having at least a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one connection site.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein each of the least one interchangeable portions comprises at least one aesthetic element.

10. The kit of claim 8, wherein each of the at least two locking members is a fold-over clasp.

11. The kit of claim 8, wherein the distal portion comprises a flange operative to secure the locking member in a closed position.

12. The kit of claim 8, wherein each end of the main portion comprises a keeper configured to secure with the locking member in a closed position.

13. The kit of claim 8, wherein each of the at least two connection sites comprises at least two extendable members and a connection bar extending between the at least two extendable members.

14. The kit of claim 8, wherein the at least two locking members are secured to the at least two connection sites and are configured to form a bracelet.

15. An interchangeable jewelry assembly comprising: a main portion having at least a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one locking member, each locking member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion connected to a first hinge, and the distal portion connected to a second hinge; and an interchangeable portion having at least a first end and a second end opposing the first end, each end terminating in at least one connection site, wherein each of the at least one locking members is configured to removably secure with at least one of the connection sites.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least two locking members are fold-over clasp.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the interchangeable portion comprises at least one aesthetic element.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the distal portion comprises a flange operative to secure the locking member in a closed position.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the at least two connection sites comprises at least two extendable members and a connection bar extending between the at least two extendable members.

20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the interchangeable jewelry is a bracelet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a main portion of the jewelry assembly.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the locking member of the jewelry assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the locking member of the jewelry assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B show alternative top views of exemplary embodiments of an interchangeable portion.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows an exploded top view of one embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry assembly.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a top view of one embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry assembly.

[0042] The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0043] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0044] The terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms include, and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0045] The terms couple, coupled, couples, coupling, and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a main portion 100 of the interchangeable jewelry assembly is illustrated. The main portion 100 may be defined by a first end 102a and a second end 102b. The main portion 100 may further comprise a first locking member 110a and a second locking member 110b. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 102a may terminate at the first locking member 110a, and the second end 102b may terminate at the second locking member 110b.

[0048] The main portion 100 may comprise a length defined as the distance between the first end 102a and the second end 102b and may be any length as needed or desired. For example, and without limitation, the length may be from about 1 inch to about 60 inches, from about 3 inches to about 40 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 10 inches. A person of ordinary skill will recognize that jewelry comes in many sizes and the provided lengths are provided as non-limiting examples only.

[0049] In the embodiment of the main portion 100 shown in FIG. 1, the main portion may be formed from a plurality of connected jewels, such as those that form a tennis bracelet. In other embodiments of the main portion (not shown) may be formed from links, leather, beads, twine, cable, curb, figaro, mesh, rolo, rope, or any other jewelry type known in the art. It is contemplated that the main portion may be made of any material including, for example and without limitation, gold, silver, platinum, plastic, aluminum, copper, steel, or any other material that may be desired.

[0050] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of the locking member 110 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the locking member 110 comprising a proximal portion 210 and a distal portion 220. The proximal portion 210 may comprise a proximal end 212 and a distal end 214 wherein the proximal end 212 of the proximal portion 210 may be hingedly connected to the end 102 of the main portion 100 in FIG. 1.

[0051] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal portion 220 may be hingedly connected with the distal end 214 of the proximal portion 210. More particularly, the distal portion 220 may comprise a proximal end 222 that is hingedly connected to the distal end 214 of the proximal portion 210. The distal portion 220 may further comprise a distal end 224.

[0052] It is contemplated that the hinged connections of the proximal portion 210 and the distal portion 220 may permit the locking member 110 to have multiple states. The state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be an open position. The open position may correspond with the locking member 110 being unlocked and thus not secured with an interchangeable portion, discussed in more detail hereto with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0053] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of an interchangeable portion 400a and 410b. In the interest of brevity, reference will be made to the embodiment of the interchangeable portion 400a shown in FIG. 4a, unless otherwise specified. The interchangeable portion 400a is defined by a first end 410a and a second end 420a. The first end 410a and the second end 420a may each terminate in at least one connection site. Each connection site may be defined by at least a first extendable member 412a and a second extendable member 414a and at least one connection bar 416a extending between the first extendable member 412a and the second extendable member 414a. The connection sites may be operative to removably secure with the main portion as discussed in more detail in with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0054] Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the interchangeable portion 400a may comprise an aesthetic element 402a. As shown in FIG. 4a the aesthetic element 402a may comprise a plurality of jewels. FIG. 4b illustrates another embodiment of the interchangeable portion 400b wherein the aesthetic element 402b is a literary element (Relax). Of course, the provided literary element is for example, only and any desired word and/or phrase may comprise the aesthetic element. In some embodiments not shown, the aesthetic element may be a one jewel, at least one bead, at least one charm, a pendant, or any other aesthetic element as needed or desired. The aesthetic element may, in some embodiments, be a functional element, for example, a watch or a type of identification, such as a medical bracelet. In some such embodiments, the interchangeable portion may comprise a plurality of aesthetic elements. Further, the aesthetic element may be located on any portion of the interchangeable portion. As shown in FIG. 4a the aesthetic element 402a is located on a top portion of the interchangeable element 400a, however, any placement as needed or desired may be utilized.

[0055] It is contemplated that the interchangeable portion 400a may come in any size as needed or desired. In one embodiment, the interchangeable portion 400a may be from about 0.025 inches to about 30 inches in length. In another embodiment, the interchangeable portion 400a may be from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches in length. Of course, the interchangeable portion 400a may be any length as needed or desired.

[0056] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of an interchangeable jewelry assembly comprising the interchangeable portion 400a shown in FIG. 4A and one embodiment of a main portion 501. The main portion 501, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is defined by a first end 502a, the first end 502a terminating at a first locking member 503a, a second end 502b, and the second end 502b terminating at a second locking member 503b.

[0057] In the interest of brevity, the first end 502a and first locking member 503a will be referred to, however, the second end 502b and the second locking member 503b are contemplated for the embodiments discussed hereto.

[0058] The first locking member 503a may comprise a proximal portion 510a and a distal portion 520a. The proximal portion 510a may be hingedly connected to the first end 502a and the distal portion 520a may be hingedly connected to the proximal portion 510a. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first locking member 503a and second locking member 503b may comprise any of the elements discussed in terms of the locking member 110 discussed in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows the interchangeable jewelry assembly 500 when in an open position. The open position may correspond to the interchangeable portion 400a not being secured to the main portion 501. More particularly, the open position may occur when the distal portion 520a of the first locking member 503a is not rotated about the hinged connection between the proximal portion 510a and the distal portion 520a is not secured with the first end 502a.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 5, the first locking member 503a may further comprise a securement means 530a. The securement means 530a is shown in FIG. 5 as a flange, though any securement means may be utilized, including, without limitation, a spring, a magnet, and a clip. As shown in FIG. 5, the securement means 530a may be located on the distal portion 520a of the first locking member 503a. More particularly, the securements means 530a may be located near a distal end of the distal portion 520a. Of course, the securement means may be located at any point operative to secure the locking member.

[0061] In the embodiment of the main portion 501 illustrated in FIG. 5, the first end 502a may further comprise a keeper 504a. In some embodiments, the keeper 504a may be an arm extending across the first end 502a. However, in other embodiments, not shown, the keeper may be a latch, a magnet, a toggle, a hook, a barrel, or any other keeper that a person of ordinary skill in the art may desire and may be located at any point along the main portion.

[0062] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the keeper 504a may be operative to engage with the first locking member 503a. More particularly, the keeper 504a may be operative to removably secure with the distal portion 520a of the first locking member 503a. It is contemplated that by engaging with the first locking member 503a, the keeper 504a may be operative to lock the interchangeable portion 400a to the main portion 501, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the first locking member 503a may secure with one of the connection sites on the interchangeable portion 400a to define a closed position. When the first locking member 503a is in the closed position, the distal portion 516a may rotate about its proximal end and the distal end of the proximal portion 510a (obscured). In doing so the distal portion 520a may be rotated so that it is adjacent to the proximal portion 510a. In some embodiments, the keeper 504a may be operative to engage with the distal end of the distal portion 520a to secure the locking member 503a in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 6, the keeper 504a may be obscured by the locking member 503a when secured. In another embodiment, not shown, the keeper may be configured to engage with an external portion of the locking member when in the closed position.

[0064] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is contemplated that securing the interchangeable portion 400a to the main portion 501 may comprise position the connection bar 414a (obscured) along the proximal portion 510a of the locking member 503a and rotating the distal portion 520a about the distal end of the proximal portion 510a to secure with the first end 502a of the main portion 501. In some embodiments, the securement means 530a may be located on one side of the connection bar 416a and the hinged connection between the proximal portion 510a and the distal portion 520a may be located on an opposing side of the connection bar 416a. It is contemplated that the securement means 530a and the hinged connection between the proximal portion 510a and the distal portion 520a may serve as barriers, securing the connection bar 414a with the proximal portion 510a and the distal portion 520a. Thus, the connection site may be secured with the first locking member 503a.

[0065] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0066] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0067] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the interchangeable jewelry assembly is shown as one main portion and one interchangeable portion, any number of main portions and interchangeable portions may be secured to form the interchangeable jewelry assembly. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0068] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0069] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the interchangeable jewelry assembly and kit with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the interchangeable jewelry assembly and kit to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the interchangeable jewelry assembly and kit is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0070] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method, system, and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0071] While certain aspects of the method and system disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method, system, and apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the interchangeable jewelry assembly and kit.