Interchangeable Jewelry Components

Abstract

An interchangeable jewelry device includes a locket including a body having a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the locket has opposing, discrete locket ribs extending outwardly adjacent to a lower edge of the locket wall, a case including a socket defined by a socket wall sized to receive the body of the locket, wherein the case has opposing, discrete case ribs adjacent to an upper edge of the socket wall, a first magnet positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket, and a second magnet positioned on an interior surface of the socket of the case. Each of the first and second magnets has an oblong shape. The first and second magnets are aligned and the locket and case ribs are engaged when the locket is secured within the socket of the case.

Claims

1. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body having a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the locket has opposing, discrete locket ribs extending outwardly adjacent to a lower edge of the locket wall; a case including a socket defined by a socket wall sized to receive the body of the locket, wherein the case has opposing, discrete case ribs adjacent to an upper edge of the socket wall; a first magnet positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket, wherein the first magnet has an oblong shape extending between opposing first magnet ends; and a second magnet positioned on an interior surface of the socket of the case, wherein the second magnet has an oblong shape extending between opposing second magnet ends; wherein the first and second magnets are aligned and the locket and case ribs are engaged when the locket is secured within the socket of the case.

2. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the opposing locket ribs are separated by opposing locket spacings, and wherein the opposing case ribs are separated by opposing case spacings.

3. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 2, wherein the first and second magnets are rotated out of alignment when the opposing locket ribs are aligned with the opposing case spacings.

4. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the locket ribs are adjacent to the first magnet ends and wherein the case ribs are adjacent to the second magnet ends.

5. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second magnets has a rectangular shape.

6. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein when the locket is positioned within the case, the locket automatically rotates in order to align the first and second magnets and to engage the locket and case ribs.

7. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the case includes a securing mechanism that engages with an item of jewelry.

8. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 7, wherein the item of jewelry comprises one of a necklace, a watch, and a bracelet.

9. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body and a cover, wherein the body includes a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the cover attaches to the body by a hinge; and a case including a socket defined by a socket wall and a socket base sized to receive the body of the locket; a first engagement mechanism including a locket rib extending outwardly from the locket wall near a lower edge and a case rib extending inwardly from the socket wall near an upper edge, wherein the locket rib is positioned between the case rib and the socket base during use; and a second engagement mechanism including a first magnet having an oblong shape positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket and a second magnet having an oblong shape positioned on the socket base of the case, wherein the first and second magnet are aligned during use.

10. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, the first engagement mechanism includes first and second locket ribs separated by a spacing and first and second case ribs, each case rib having a length, and wherein the length of the case rib is smaller than the spacing of the first and second locket ribs.

11. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second magnets has a rectangular shape.

12. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, wherein the case includes a securing mechanism that engages with an item of jewelry.

13. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 10, wherein the item of jewelry comprises one of a necklace, a watch, and a bracelet.

14. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body, wherein the body includes a locket wall defining a cavity; and a case including a socket defined by a socket wall and a socket base sized to receive the body of the locket; a first engagement mechanism including a locket rib extending outwardly from the locket wall near a lower edge and a case rib extending inwardly from the socket wall near an upper edge, wherein the locket rib is positioned between the case rib and the socket base during use; and a second engagement mechanism including a first magnet having an oblong shape positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket and a second magnet having an oblong shape positioned on the socket base of the case, wherein the first and second magnet are aligned during use; wherein the locket and the case move between an engaging position and a locked position; wherein, in the engaging position, the first and second magnets are transverse to one another; and wherein, in the locked position, the first and second magnets are aligned with one another.

15. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 14, wherein, in the engaging position, the locket and case ribs are out of alignment, and wherein, in the locked position, the locket and case ribs in alignment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an interchangeable jewelry device including locket having a cover in an open position and a case of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the jewelry device of FIG. 1 showing the cover of the locket in the closed position.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the jewelry device of FIG. 1 showing the locket within the case.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the locket of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the locket having the cover in the open position of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIGS. 6A-6D are the perspective view of the front, the perspective view of the back, the front elevational view, and the side elevational view of the locket of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views of the locket of FIG. 1 with and without the cover, respectively, showing dimensions.

[0032] FIGS. 8A-8D are the perspective view of the front, the perspective view of the back, the front elevational view, and the side elevational view of the case of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the case of FIG. 1 showing dimensions.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the case and a perspective view from below of the locket of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry device of the present application.

[0036] FIG. 12 is perspective, exploded view of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11.

[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from below of the locket and a perspective view from above of the case of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11.

[0038] FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11 taken generally along lines 14A-14A and 14B, respectively.

[0039] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate various embodiments of securing mechanisms of the case of the present application.

[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the jewelry device of present application used with a variety of items of jewelry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the interchangeable jewelry device 100 of the present application includes a locket 102 with a body 104 and a cover 106 that is received into a socket 108 of a case 110. The case 110 can be integrated into various items of jewelry 112 such as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch, or a brooch such as those shown in FIG. 16. Similarly, the locket 102 within the case 110 is interchangeable so that the user can select a locket 102 from a variety having different designs, stones, or appearances.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6A-6D, the body 104 of the locket 102 defines a cavity 114 for storing items such as keepsake photos, scent pads or makeup, personal items, or a watch or mirror. The cover 106 attaches to the body 104 by a hinge 116 and clasp 118. The socket 108 of the case 110 is sized to receive the body 104 of the locket 102. In one example, the locket 102 has dimensions noted in Table 1 and as seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sample dimensions for the locket 102 Reference Nominal Dimension (FIGS. 7A and 7B) (mm) A 28.68 B 22.39 C 28.66

[0043] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate an embodiment of the case 110 including the socket 108. In one example, the case 110 has dimensions noted in Table 2 and as seen in FIG. 9.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Sample dimensions for the case 110 Reference Nominal Dimension (FIG. 9) (mm) D 38.60 E 27.14 F 11.50 G 2.57

[0044] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the locket 102 is held within the case 110 through the use of corresponding magnets 120, 122. A first magnet 120 is positioned on an exterior surface 124 of the body 104 of the locket 102. A second magnet 122 is positioned on an interior surface 126 of the socket 108 of the case 110. The second magnet 122 mates with the first magnet 120 of the body 104 of the locket 102 when the locket 102 is positioned in the socket 108 of the case 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 120, 122 are positioned within an inset cavity so that the magnet 120, 122 is flush with the adjacent surface 124, 126. Any number of magnets 120, 122 may be used. Further, the magnets 120, 122 may be adhered atop the surface 124, 126 or the magnetic properties may be formed integral with the surfaces 124, 126.

[0045] The locket 102 may also be further secured within the case 110 through a post 128 and channel 130 connection as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The body 104 of the locket 102 includes one or more outwardly extending posts 128. A surface 132 of the case 110 defining the socket 108 includes one or more channels 130 for receiving the one or more posts 128 of the locket 102. The channels 130 have a series of steps so that the post(s) 128 of the locket 102 move through the vertical portions 130 a of the channel 130 as the locket 102 is inserted into the socket 108 and then the post(s) 128 of the locket 102 move through the horizontal portion 130 b of the channel 130 as the locket 102 is rotated within the socket 108. In other embodiments, the channel may Other mechanical means for securing the locket 102 within the case 110 may be used in lieu of or in combination with the post 128 and the channel 130 configuration.

[0046] FIGS. 11-14B illustrate a further embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry device 200 of the present application. Similar to the previous embodiments, the interchangeable jewelry device 200 includes a locket 202 with a body 204 and a cover 206 that is received into a socket 208 of a case 210. The locket 202 includes a locket wall 212 defining a cavity 214. The socket 208 of the case 210 is defined by a socket wall 216 and a socket base 218. As with the previous embodiment, the case 210 may be integrated into various items of jewelry 112 such as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch, or a brooch such as those shown in FIG. 16. This embodiment 200 differs from the embodiment 100 in that embodiment 200 includes first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 to retain the locket 202 within the socket 208 of the case 210. Further, the combination of the first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 enable the device 200 to automatically move between an engaging positioned and a locked position, as described in greater detail below.

[0047] The first engagement mechanism 220 includes opposing, discrete locket ribs 224 adjacent to a lower edge 226 of the locket wall 212 and opposing, discrete case ribs 228 at a midpoint along an inner surface 230 of the socket wall 216. When the locket 202 is positioned within the socket 208, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are engaged. Specifically, the locket ribs 224 are positioned between the case ribs 228 and the socket base 218 during use. First and second locket ribs 224 are separated by first and second opposing locket spacings 232, and first and second case ribs 228 are separated by first and second opposing case spacings 234. Each of the case and locket ribs 224, 228 is sized to fit within the a corresponding spacing 232, 234 when the device 200 is in the engaging position. Specifically, the engaging position refers to the step of placing the locket 202 into the socket 208 of the case 210 by inserting the case and locket ribs 224, 228 into the corresponding locket and case spacings 232, 234.

[0048] The second engagement mechanism 222 includes a first magnet 236 positioned within a first opening 237 on an exterior surface 238 of the body 204 of the locket 202 and a second magnet 240 positioned within a second opening 241 on the base 218 of the socket 208 of the case 210. The magnets 236, 240 are polarized so that the maximum pull occurs when the oblong shapes are aligned. In other words, when the oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are not aligned, the magnets 236, 240 immediate tend toward alignment. In one embodiment, the magnets 236, 240 are NeFeB-type and Nickel-plated. As described in more detail below, the magnetic force attracting the magnets 236, 240 into alignment forces the locket 202 to rotate within the socket 208 of the case 210. The oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are out of alignment and transverse to one another when the locket 202 and the case 210 are in the engaging position. In the locked position, the oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are aligned as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0049] During use, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are aligned with the case and locket spacings 232, 234, respectively, in the locked position. In the engaging position, the first and second magnets 236, 240 are positioned transverse to one another out of alignment. More specifically, the ribs 224, 228 are positioned so that when the locket 202 is inserted into the case 220, the first and second magnets 236, 240 are transverse to one another having the maximum pulling force, utilizing the polarity to cause the magnets 236, 240 to rotate into alignment. As the opposite poles attract, the magnets 236, 240 rotate into alignment, causing the locket 202 to rotate within the socket 208 and consequently cause the case and locket ribs 224, 228 to engage. With the magnets 236, 240 aligned, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are engaged in that the locket ribs 224 are positioned between the case ribs 228 and the socket base 218 seen best in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The combination of the first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 further secures the locket 208 within the case 210. To remove the locket 202 from the case 210, the user simply rotates the locket 202 approximately 90 degrees so that the magnets 236, 240 are out of alignment and the case and locket ribs 224, 228 align with the corresponding spacings 232, 234 and removes the locket 202 from the case 210.

[0050] The magnets 236, 240 may be secured within the corresponding openings 237, 241, respectively, within the locket 202 and case 210, respectively, through a specialized soldering process that preserves the polarity and magnetic force, using a glue, or any other suitable method so that the magnets 236, 240 will not readily detach yet allows for removal without damaging the magnet 236, 240 so that it can be used in another design if desired. For example, the soldering may be accomplished using a eutectic alloy that has a liquidus temperature that is well below the Curie point (i.e., the point at which the magnets 236, 240 lose their magnetism). Further, the soldering may be performed in the presence of an intense magnetic field so that the loss of magnetic strength to heat is minimized. In another embodiment, a glue may be used that binds the Nickel-plated surface of the magnets 236, 240 within the openings 237, 241 to the locket and case surfaces. Such glue may create a significantly strong joint. Alternatively, a groove may be cut into the surface of the magnets 236, 240 and the corresponding openings 237, 241 and filled with a non-magnetic filler in an adhesive or resin, increasing the contact area of the adhesive or resin. In yet another embodiment, the attachment may be accomplished using mechanical means, such as prongs (similar to a prong setting used to secure a diamond onto a surface of jewelry), rivets, screws, inlay, friction, moving the body metal against the edge of the magnet, undercutting one side of the joint and closing the joint by pressure, burnishing, or another suitable mechanical process, or a frame that sits within the case or locket and/or openings within the case or locket. The frame may be attached by rivets, screws, inlay, friction, undercutting and burnishing, adhesive, or a weld (such as by laser, arc, resistance, friction, or any other suitable welding technology).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the case 110, 210 may also include a securing mechanism 134 for attaching to a bracelet, a necklace, a brooch, or other items of jewelry. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, 8A-8D, and 11B, the securing mechanism 134 includes first and second pairs of lugs 136, each lug 136 including an embedded hole 138 for receiving one of a link and a hinge of an item of jewelry 112 as shown in FIG. 13. A bracelet or watch may connect to the pair or pairs of lugs 136. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a case 110 including first and second pairs of lugs 136 that extend downwardly from the case 110 so as to curve along with the user's wrist when worn as a bracelet or watch 112. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, the securing mechanism 134 is a bail 140 with an opening 142 for stringing through a chain or pin in the case of necklaces and brooches. Other types of securing mechanisms may be used as preferred or required by the corresponding item of jewelry.

[0052] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.