JEWELRY CHAIN WITH MOVABLE ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTER LINKS

Abstract

A jewelry chain having a plurality of links including a plurality of connecting links and one or a plurality of decorative links. Each decorative link comprises alphanumeric character having one or more outline members which becomes part of the chain by connection from at least one connecting link. The connecting link can easily pass through an open section of the outline member to allow rotation and sliding movement in at least two different directions so that the alphanumeric character can provide different appearances when the jewelry chain is worn.

One additional outline member or a portion of an open section of an outline member can include one or more gemstones provided upon a mounting structure therein. The chain can form or be incorporated in necklaces, bracelets or earrings.

Claims

1. A jewelry chain comprising a plurality of links including one or a plurality of connecting links and one or a plurality of decorative links with each link being made of a precious metal, wherein each of the decorative links comprises an alphanumeric character made of at least one outline member which defines an open section therein, with the outline member(s) forming an outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character, wherein the decorative link becomes part of the jewelry chain by connection from at least one of the connecting links, wherein each connecting link passes through an open section of one outline member, wherein the outline member(s) define the alphanumeric character with each connecting link able to slide along the elongated open section of the one outline member of the decorative link to which it is connected, whereby the outline member and connecting link are configured to allow the decorative link to sit at a variety of different angles on the chain as a wearer of the jewelry chain moves about.

2. The jewelry chain of claim 1 which includes a plurality of alphanumeric characters which are letters, a plurality of alphanumeric characters which are numbers, or a plurality of alphanumeric characters one or more of which are letters and one or more of which are numbers.

3. The jewelry chain of claim 1 which includes a plurality of alphanumeric characters that spell out one or more names, nicknames, initials, e-mail address, twitter address, slogan, statement, trademark, zip code, area code, or a country or abbreviation thereof.

4. The jewelry chain of claim 1 configured as a bracelet, necklace or an earring.

5. The jewelry chain of claim 4 which includes a clasp for closure.

6. The jewelry chain of claim 4 which is configured as an earring with one of the alphanumeric characters including a post, wherein the first alphanumeric character includes the post.

7. The jewelry chain of claim 6 wherein the alphanumeric character furthest from the post has only one connecting link.

8. The jewelry chain of claim 6 which includes a plurality of alphanumeric characters which are letters, a plurality of alphanumeric characters which are numbers, or a plurality of alphanumeric characters one or more of which are letters and one or more of which are numbers.

9. The jewelry chain of claim 6 which includes a plurality of alphanumeric characters that spell out one or more names, nicknames, initials, e-mail address, twitter address, slogan, statement, trademark, zip code, area code, or a country or abbreviation thereof.

10. The jewelry chain of claim 1 wherein the open section(s) is/are made of a wire or a metal strip or sheet having a periphery that is unencumbered by outwardly extending adjacent or exterior components to facilitate sliding of the connecting link(s) therein.

11. The jewelry chain of claim 1 wherein the precious metal of the links comprises gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or one of their alloys.

12. The jewelry chain of claim 1 wherein the alphanumeric character further comprises one additional outline member or a portion of an open section of an outline member that includes one or more gemstones provided upon a mounting structure of (a) a wire, (b) a strip, or (c) one or more rings secured thereto or forming part thereof, wherein the mounting structure is configured to receive and support the gemstone(s).

13. The jewelry chain of claim 1 wherein the alphanumeric character further comprises at least one gemstone filled outline member having edges, with at least some of the edges of the gemstone filled outline member defining part of the outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character.

14. The jewelry chain of claim 13 wherein the gemstone(s) filled outline member includes one or more openings therein, one or more of gemstones thereon, or one or more openings and an associated gemstone therein, provided that when multiple gemstones are present such gemstones can each be the same or some or all of the gemstones can be different.

15. The jewelry chain of claim 12 wherein the connecting links are round, oval, or rectangular with smooth corners and the alphanumeric character comprises at least one outline member having no internal supports and the additional outline member having the solid section.

16. A jewelry chain comprising a plurality of links including one or a plurality of connecting links and one or a plurality of decorative links with each link being made of a precious metal comprising gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or one of their alloys, wherein each of the decorative links comprises an alphanumeric character made of at least one outline member which defines an elongated open section therein and at least one additional outline member or a portion of an open section of an outline member which includes one or more gemstones provided upon a mounting structure of (a) a wire, (b) a strip, or (c) one or more rings secured thereto or forming part thereof, wherein the mounting structure is configured to receive and support the gemstone(s), with the open section(s) along with the gemstone(s) containing sections forming an outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character, wherein the decorative link becomes part of the jewelry chain by connection from at least one of the connecting links, wherein each connecting link passes through an open section of one outline member, wherein the outline member(s) solely define the alphanumeric character with each connecting link able to slide along an elongated open section of the outline member of the decorative link to which it is connected, whereby the outline member and connecting link are configured to allow the decorative link to sit at a variety of different angles on the chain as a wearer of the jewelry chain moves about.

17. The jewelry chain of claim 16 wherein the open section(s) of the outline member(s) have a periphery that is unencumbered by outwardly extending adjacent or exterior components to facilitate sliding of the connecting link(s) therein.

18. The jewelry chain of claim 16 wherein the gemstone(s) containing section includes one or more openings therein, one or more of gemstones thereon, or one or more openings and an associated gemstone therein, provided that when multiple gemstones are present such gemstones can each be the same or some or all of the gemstones can be different.

19. The jewelry chain of claim 15 wherein the open section(s) is/are made of a wire or a metal strip or sheet having a periphery that is unencumbered by outwardly extending adjacent or exterior components to facilitate sliding of the connecting link(s) therein.

20. The jewelry chain of claim 15 wherein the precious metal of the links comprises gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or one of their alloys.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Preferred features of the invention are now described in the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a jewelry chain that includes connecting links and decorative hollow letters according to the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is an illustration of some of the ways that the decorative hollow letter could be positioned in the chain as they rotate on the connecting links;

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of earrings according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred alphabet font for the decorative hollow letters;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred alphabet font wherein a portion of the character includes gemstones;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a further preferred alphabet font wherein a portion of the character includes gemstones such as diamonds; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a jewelry chain that includes connecting links and decorative letters that include diamonds therein according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As noted herein, the invention specifically relates to a jewelry chain comprising a plurality of links including one or a plurality of connecting links and one or a plurality of decorative links with each link being made of a precious metal, wherein each of the decorative links comprises an alphanumeric character made of at least one outline member which defines an open section therein, with the outline member(s) forming an outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character, wherein the decorative link becomes part of the jewelry chain by connection from at least one of the connecting links, wherein each connecting link passes through an open section of one outline member, wherein the outline member(s) define the alphanumeric character with each connecting link able to slide along the elongated open section of the one outline member of the decorative link to which it is connected, whereby the outline member and connecting link are configured to allow the decorative link to sit at a variety of different angles on the chain as a wearer of the jewelry chain moves about. While the most preferred embodiment includes a linear chain of characters, the jewelry chain can be specifically configured as an arm or leg bracelet, belly chain, necklace or earring.

[0022] Connecting links for jewelry chains are typically made from a precious metal member, wherein the precious metal is typically gold, silver, platinum or palladium. The member is in the form of a wire, thin strip or thin sheet that is configured to have an open shape which may be circular, oval, or polygonal. The shape is generally made by bending the member and having one end meet the other to form a closed structure. When polygonal shapes are used, square, triangular or rectangular shapes are preferred, often with the corners smoothed. The shapes can also be bent or twisted. For example, any one of Anchor Chain, Cable of Link Chain, Crinkle Chain, Curb Chain, Elongated Cable Chain, Figaro Chain, Flat Link Cable Chain, Long and Short Chain, Peanut Chain, Ring and Connector Chain, or Round Link Chain, each as described in Jewellery Chain Glossary A to Z, is acceptable (see https://www.bigbeadlittlebead.com/guides_and_information/jewellery_chain_-glossary.php). Oval or rectangular connecting links (with or without rounded corners) are preferred, as is Elongated Cable Chain, Long and Short Chain or Ring and Connector Chain. Links of rounded corner rectangles that have at least one third to the about the same length of the alphanumeric characters are preferred with rounded corner rectangles that have at least one half to about three quarters the length of the alphanumeric characters are most preferred. The one-third to one half size is desirable for a delicate yet highly aesthetic appearance. And when a Long and Short Chain or a Ring and Connector Chain is used for connector links, the longer links of those chains are connected to the alphanumeric characters.

[0023] When these open chain links are connected, they can rotate clockwise or counter clockwise through the preceding and following link. According to the present invention, the decorative alphanumeric links also can rotate clockwise and counter clockwise through the preceding and following link which connects the character into and as part of the chain. This occurs because the chain links slide through the open section of the characters, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thus allowing the character to rotate or take different positions on the chain with interesting visual appearances as a result.

[0024] In some embodiments, each open section can be made of a wire or metal strip or sheet having a periphery that is unencumbered by outwardly extending adjacent or exterior components to facilitate sliding of the connecting link(s) therein. The open sections can be cut out from a strip or sheet of metal that has a thickness of about 0.5 to 2 mm (about 0.02 to 0.8), preferably about 0.6 mm (about 0.025). When a gemstone mounting structure is to be provided as part or all of the outline member, it can be cut from a strip or sheet having a thickness of about 1 to 1.25 mm (about 0.04 to 0.5). A laser can be effectively used for cutting the strip. When wire is used it can be bent to the desired shape of the outline member(s).

[0025] The width between the exterior and interior members of the characters is about 0.025 but they can be between about 0.5 and 2.5 mm (about 0.02 and 0.1) depending upon the desired feminine or masculine effect, or the degree of precious metal value desired based on thickness of the member. The dimensions of the depth or thickness of the members would be about the same as those of the width. The preferred members are wire have a round cross-section an oval or polygonal cross-section can also be used. Any polygonal shape would preferably have rounded corners.

[0026] Additionally, the width of the connecting chain link member is about 4 mm (about 0.016) but can increase proportionally to the width of the characters for the same purpose of providing more masculine or feminine options or higher end precious metal value. The depth of the connecting chain link member would be essentially the same as the width.

[0027] Preferably, the dimensions of the members forming the alphanumeric characters would be close to or essentially the same as those of the connecting chain links because the letters are incorporated into the chain in the same manner as the connecting links themselves. The same is true for the overall width of the alphanumeric characters and connecting links. This enables the characters to rotate either clockwise or counter clockwise or back and for the between both, with the result that the alphanumeric character sits at a variety of different angles on the chain as the wearer moves about, thus presenting unusual and desirable visual effects for the jewelry chain whether it is used as a necklace, bracelet, or ankle or belly chain. Generally, for such items, the alphanumeric character would be joined to the chain by two connective links, so that the alphanumeric character can be supported therebetween. The ends of the chain can be joined together by connective links or by a conventional clasp mechanism.

[0028] Another embodiment of the invention is to have one or a plurality (i.e., more than one) of the alphanumeric characters joined to an earring post, with the character(s) hanging down from the post towards the wearer's shoulders. In this embodiment, the lower end of the chain is free and if desired can terminate at the last alphanumeric character. As in the other embodiments, the alphanumeric characters would have two connecting elements except for the character or for the only character when one is used. A single character can be used to signify the first letter of the person's name.

[0029] The invention will now be illustrated by a necklace that contains the inventive decorative hollow alphanumeric characters in the form of letters.

[0030] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a chain 100 that includes decorative letters 105 that spell the names OLIVIA LIAM based on the selection of the appropriate letters and presentation of those letters in the order necessary to spell the name. The letters 105 are made in outline of the alphanumeric character with either a completely open internal structure or a partially open internal structure or open section. The outline of the alphanumeric character is made from one or more outline members. For example, the letters C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 0 are made with a single precious metal wire that forms an outline of the letter or number. The letters A, B, D, O, P, Q, R or the numbers 4, 6, 8 or 9 are made with multiple outline members or outline members having one or more open sections which are joined together to form the letter or number. Each outline member is shown as a black line boundary surrounding an elongated open section of uniform width. The outline member is made from a wire or thin strip or thin sheet of precious metal. The white areas of each letter or number constitute the elongated open sections which are located within the walls of the outline members or segments. Both the wire and/or thin strips of the decorative links and the connecting links can be made of precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or one of their alloys.

[0031] The chain includes a number of connecting links 110 each of which are rectangular in configuration with rounded edges to avoid catching on clothes and to facilitate smooth movement in the open spaces of the decorative letters. As shown each letter 105 includes two connecting links 110 which are positioned on each end of the letter when the chain is held vertically. As noted above, however, the connecting chain links can move anywhere within the open spaces of the open section(s) of the letters 105 to effectively allow the letter to rotate, twist, spin or otherwise take different positions that provide an interesting appearance that varies as the person moves. FIG. 1 illustrates how the various letters 105 which are joined by the connecting links 110 can move, with arrows shown around the letters O, L, I and V.

[0032] The particular names shown in FIG. 1 are the actual names of the children of the woman for whom the necklace was made. Of course, the selection of the characters can be personal to the user, and can include the person's name, nickname or initials. It also could include the name of the wearer along with his or her children, parents, significant other, again with the first names, nicknames or initials. The necklace could include a short phrase, slogan or trademark, zodiac sign, or even an advertisement (i.e., DRINK COKE) or statement (i.e., SAVE THE WHALES). If desired, the alphanumeric characters could provide an e-mail or twitter address, or a telephone number, zip code, area code or country code or abbreviation.

[0033] Accordingly, the alphanumeric characters can include other characters, such as a plus sign, ampersand, or other special character such as +, @, #, $, , %, ! or ?. Also, when letters are used, upper case, lower case, script or combinations thereof can be used. What can be presented on the necklace or other jewelry chain article is limited only by the imagination and desire of the person who is to wear the article.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an illustration of just some of the ways the letter A could be attached into the chain depending upon where the connecting links reside in the open section within the outline member of the letter. As shown the crossbar in the A is made by a second bent wire segment such that connection in that area would be too restrictive. Thus, the connectors join into the open area of the upside-down V outline that forms part of the shape of the letter A. As shown, the letter A is able to rotate or move to provide a nearly limitless number of positions when joined in the chain to provide new and different appearances when the chain is viewed by an observer. The same is true of the other letters and numbers, with the ones having the completely open outline members having more degrees of freedom that those that have second outline members to form the outline of the letter.

[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate earrings 200, 205 according to the present invention. In each case, the top letter 210, 215 includes a post for inserted an opening in the wearer's ear. FIG. 3A illustrates the word HAPPINESS with the first letter (H) including the post 220 and with the other letters joined by connecting links 230 which are the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, FIG. 3B illustrates the words IS A HABIT with the first letter (I) including the post 225 and with the other letters joined by connecting links 235. The letters can move as worn providing an interesting look that changes as the person walks by.

[0036] A preferred font for the letters including reinforcing structural elements for the letters A, B, D, O, P, Q, and R is illustrated in FIG. 4. With these letters, numbers and connectors, a wide variety of combinations are entirely possible. And although the outlines of the letters and numbers are shown in a block style, different font outlines or even script configurations can be used according to the teachings of the invention, with the letters or numbers simply being made in an outline with the connector link(s) joining the open section(s) of the outline member(s) such that the letter or number acts as a link in the chain. Additionally, other conventionally suspended charms or letters can be added to provide further interesting aesthetics to the article.

[0037] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the alphanumeric character further comprises one additional outline member or a portion of an open section of an outline member that includes one or more gemstones provided upon a mounting structure of (a) a wire, (b) a strip, or (c) one or more rings secured thereto or forming part thereof, wherein the mounting structure is configured to receive and support the gemstone(s). If desired, the alphanumeric character may further comprise at least one gemstone filled outline member having edges, with at least some of the edges of the gemstone filled outline member defining part of the outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character. The gemstone(s) filled outline member preferably includes one or more openings therein, one or more of gemstones thereon, or one or more openings and an associated gemstone therein, provided that when multiple gemstones are present such gemstones can each be the same or some or all of the gemstones can be different.

[0038] The gemstone mounting structure may be a flat strip or thin sheet of metal. This component can be welded or otherwise attached to one of the open sections of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, or it can be welded or otherwise joined to an adjacent open section of an existing outline member. As such, some or possibly all of the outer edges of the metal strip or thin sheet would form part to the outermost boundary of the alphanumeric character. The metal strip or sheet can include openings for receipt of a connector as described in the other embodiments, or it can include discrete openings for receiving a gemstone or other form of ornamentation along part of the alphanumeric character.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the gemstone mounting structure can be laser cut from a strip or sheet of metal as described above for the open sections of the outline member. This way, a closed portion of the outline member is provided as the mounting structure. One or more holes can be drilled or laser cut into the strip. In one embodiment, the holes are not cut through the entire strip or sheet but instead are formed only part way through the strip. The edges of the hole can then be formed into a setting for securing the gemstone to the strip. In another embodiment, the strip or sheet is provided in a length that supports the number of gemstones to be mounted and does not have areas that are not provided with gemstones. Of course, the strip or sheet must have at least open section to receive a connecting link so that the alphanumeric character can move as described herein when worn on a necklace or other jewelry chain.

[0040] A gemstone according to the present invention may be a mineral which has been cut, polished, and is used decoratively. There are many different types of gemstones, and each one has its own unique qualities. One or more holes and associated gemstones can be provided and the gemstones can be the same or different. Gemstones can include agate, amethyst, citrine, garnet, opal, obsidian, and turquoise as well as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Synthetic gemstones such as cubic zirconia can also be used although diamonds are the most preferred.

[0041] Preferred fonts for alphanumeric characters that include gemstone(s) are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 illustrates the letters themselves while FIG. 6 includes dark lines while show potential connection locations for the connecting links. As shown, the characters A, B, D, F, K, X Z, and & have an additional outline member that is filled with a plurality of gemstones, while only a portion of the outline member of the characters C, G, J, L, M, N, O, S, U, V and Y are filled with a plurality of gemstones. For the characters E, F, H, I, Q, R, T and +, it can be considered that those characters can be partially filed with the gemstones or those characters can be reconfigured with an additional outline member that contains the gemstones.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a jewelry chain that includes various alphanumeric characters that include diamonds therein according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates how the various characters of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be selectively joined by connecting links so that the selected characters of M, A, T and S can move. The particular name shown in FIG. 7 is the actual name of a friend of the wearer for whom the necklace was made.

[0043] In FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the gemstones are all diamonds. While multiple diamonds are shown in each outline member, skilled artisans would recognize that a single diamond or other gemstone could be used or that gemstones other than diamonds could instead be used with all gemstones in an outline member being the same or different. For the selection and implementation of gemstones in the present invention, a jewelry designer is only limited by his or her creative abilities.

[0044] Another embodiment for placing gemstones into one or more of the open sections of the alphanumeric characters would be the use of the Indian technique of Open Setting Polki Jewellery. That technique is characterized by the use of uncut diamonds (also known as flat diamonds or diamond polkies) or gemstones (dominantly rubies or emeralds) set with their back side open and not filled with wax or lac (laakh). In this technique, small rings of metal are created to fit each stone which is set in a mosaic pattern. The rings are then connected to each other by manual linking and then the stones are set in the rings. The rings may be joined in a linear arrangement to set the gemstones in alignment.

[0045] Yet another embodiment would include the use of a bent wire or thin metal strip or sheet to form an outline member wherein the wire is bent or otherwise further configured to hold a gemstone within the outline member. Such an arrangement is shown in US patent application 2006/0144086 A1. The bent wire would be an extension of the open section of the outline member and could be configured to hold more than one gemstone therein if so desired.

[0046] The arrangements described in the prior two paragraphs are open in the back to allow light to be transmitted through the stones from front to back, giving them high transparency and luster that provide a very interesting appearance, especially when the alphanumeric characters containing these arrangements along with other outline members having open sections for receiving one or more connector links that facilitate mounting on a jewelry chain so that the alphanumeric character can move about as described above.

[0047] It should be understood that the present invention requires at least one open section of the outline member of the alphanumeric character which is able to receive one or more connector links for mounting of the character on or as part of a jewelry chain. The outline member would also preferably include one portion of the outline member that includes the flat metal strip or sheet that has one or more holes therethrough which are either open or which have a gemstone in some or each of the one or more holes. This metal strip or sheet would form a portion of the outline member of the alphanumeric character but would not form a complete periphery of the character as that would interfere with the ability of the character to rotate or move to various positions when joined in the chain as described herein. The inclusion in the character of one or more open sections which are unencumbered by outwardly adjacent or exterior elements preferably facilitates such rotation and movement. Additional movement benefits can be obtained when the open sections are preferably formed by a precious metal wire rather than a metal strip or sheet as this facilitates the sliding movement of connector links in the open sections.

[0048] Therefore, in sum, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention can include variations and tolerances in size, materials, shape, form, function and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to the skilled artisan. For example, all dimensions recited herein are approximate and can vary by as much as ?10% to in some case ?25%. And when the term about is used before reciting a range, it is understood that the term is applicable to each recited value in the range.

[0049] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Also, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form a, and, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning.

[0050] The foregoing detailed description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact constructions demonstrated. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention.