Abstract
The jewelry system may comprise a chain and a body. The chain may include a first aglet connected to a first end of the chain. The chain and first aglet may be configured to be removable from a channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the channel. The body may include the channel extending therethrough, wherein the channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain. The channel includes an inner surface; and a lining disposed on the inner surface. The lining may be adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold.
Claims
1. A jewelry system, comprising: a chain having a first end and a second end, the chain including a first aglet connected to the first end, wherein the chain and first aglet are configured to be removable from a channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the channel; and the body including the channel extending therethrough, wherein the channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain, the channel including: an inner surface; and a lining disposed on the inner surface, the lining adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold.
2. The jewelry system of claim 1, wherein the chain or body is configured to be selectively replaceable in the jewelry system without use of a tool.
3. The jewelry system of claim 2, wherein the jewelry system is configured to be selectively convertible to a necklace from a bracelet or from a bracelet to a necklace, when the chain is replaced.
4. The jewelry system of claim 1, in which the chain further includes: a second aglet; and a stopper connected to the second aglet and to the second end of the chain, the stopper configured to have a stopper diameter that is a greater than a diameter of the channel.
5. The jewelry system of claim 4, wherein the stopper is disposed between the second aglet and the second end of the chain.
6. The jewelry system of claim 4, wherein the chain has a loop portion and at least one tail portion, wherein the circumference of the loop portion is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of the tail portion.
7. The jewelry system of claim 4, wherein the chain is configured to form a loop portion when the first aglet has been threaded in the same direction through the channel twice, wherein the first segment of the chain and a second segment of the chain are disposed in the channel when the chain forms the loop portion.
8. The jewelry system of claim 5, wherein the length of the chain is adjustable in the jewelry system without use of a tool or repositionable clasp.
9. A jewelry system, comprising: a chain having a first end and a second end, the chain including a plurality of links and a first aglet connected to the first end, wherein the chain and first aglet are configured to be removable from a first channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel; and the body including: a first entrance port disposed on a first side of the body; a first exit port disposed on a second side of the body, the first side opposing the second side; and the first channel extending from the first entrance port to the first exit port, wherein the first channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain, the first channel including: a first inner surface; and a first lining disposed on the first inner surface, the first lining adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the first channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the first channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold.
10. The jewelry system of claim 9, wherein the first lining is made of a rubber or elastic material adapted to grip one or more links.
11. The jewelry system of claim 9, wherein the chain is interchangeable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry system with a second chain, wherein the body is interchangeable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry system with a second body.
12. The jewelry system of claim 9, wherein the second end of the chain is releasably coupled to the body by a fastener.
13. The jewelry system of claim 9, in which the body further includes: a second entrance port disposed on the first side of the body; a second exit port disposed on the second side of the body; and a second channel extending from the second entrance port to the second exit port, the second channel including: a second inner surface; and a second lining disposed on the second inner surface and adapted to (a) hold a second segment of the chain is a second position in the second channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the second segment through the second channel, and (c) slidingly release the second segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold, wherein the second channel is configured to slidingly receive and slidingly release the first aglet and the chain.
14. The jewelry system of claim 13, wherein a first portion of the plurality of links form the first segment of the chain, and a second portion of the plurality of links form the second segment of the chain, wherein the first segment is disposed in the first channel and the second segment is disposed in the second channel.
15. The jewelry system of claim 9, wherein a first portion of the plurality of links form the first segment of the chain, and a second portion of the plurality of links form the second segment of the chain, wherein the first segment and the second segment are disposed in parallel orientation inside the first channel.
16. The jewelry system of claim 9, wherein the chain has a loop portion and at least one tail portion, wherein the circumference of the loop portion is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of the tail portion.
17. A jewelry system, comprising: a chain having a first end and a second end, the chain including a plurality of links, a first aglet connected to the first end, a second aglet, and a stopper connected to the second aglet and to the second end of the chain, the stopper configured to have a stopper diameter that is a greater than a diameter of the first channel, wherein the chain and first aglet are configured to be removable from a first channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel; and the body including: a first entrance port disposed on a first side of the body; a first exit port disposed on a second side of the body, the first side opposing the second side; and the first channel extending from the first entrance port to the first exit port, wherein the first channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain, the first channel including: a first inner surface; and a first lining disposed on the first inner surface, the first lining adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the first channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the first channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold, wherein the first lining is made of a rubber or elastic material adapted to grip one or more links.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein, the stopper is an o-ring or a pin-screw.
19. The system of claim 17, in which the body further includes: a second entrance port disposed on the first side of the body; a second exit port disposed on the second side of the body; and a second channel extending from the second entrance port to the second exit port, the second channel including: a second inner surface; and a second lining disposed on the second inner surface and adapted to (a) hold a second segment of the chain is a second position in the second channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the second segment through the second channel, and (c) slidingly release the second segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold, wherein the second channel is configured to slidingly receive and slidingly release the first aglet and the chain, wherein the first and second channels are disposed in parallel orientation.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the first aglet is disposed on the second side of the body and the second aglet is disposed on the first side of the body.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a jewelry system in accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of an exemplary body of the jewelry system of FIG. 1, shown without the chain, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the body of the jewelry system of FIG. 1, shown without the chain.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section of the body (shown without the chain) of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of two segments of the chain disposed in the first channel shown in the cross-section of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the jewelry system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-section of the body of the jewelry system of FIG. 6, shown without the chain, taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the body of the jewelry system of FIG. 6, shown without the chain.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the body of FIG. 8, taken along the line 9-9 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of the first segment of the chain disposed in the first channel of FIG. 9 and the second segment of the chain disposed in the second channel of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a third embodiment of the jewelry system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-section of the body of the jewelry system of FIG. 11, shown without the chain and reciprocal fastener, taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
[0020] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the body of the jewelry system of FIG. 11, shown without the chain.
[0021] FIG. 14 is cross-section of the body of FIG. 13, taken along the line 14-14 and viewed in the direction of the arrows and shown with a cross section of the chain of disposed in the first channel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Disclosed herein is a jewelry system 100. FIGS. 1-5 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the jewelry system 100. The jewelry system 100 may comprise a chain 102 and a body 104.
[0023] The chain 102 (FIG. 1) has a first end 106 and a second end 108. The chain 102 may include a first aglet 110 connected to the first end 106 of the chain 102. The chain 102 and first aglet 110 are each configured to be removable from a first channel 112 of the body 104 and to be reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel 112. In an embodiment, the chain 102 may include a plurality of connected links 114.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged cross-section of the exemplary body 104 of the jewelry system 100 of FIG. 1, shown without the exemplary chain 102, and FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the body 104 of FIG. 1, also shown without the chain 102. FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-section of the body 104 (shown without the chain) of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 5 illustrates two segments 128 (a-b) of the chain 102 disposed in the first channel 112 shown in the cross-section of FIG. 4.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the body 104 may include a first entrance port 116, a first exit port 118, and the first channel 112 extending from the first entrance port 116 to the first exit port 118. In an embodiment, the first entrance port 116 may be disposed on a first side 120 of the body 104, and the first exit port 118 disposed on a second side 122 of the body 104. In an embodiment, the first side 120 of the body 104 may be opposite to the second side 122 of the body 104. The first channel 112 is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet 110 and the chain 102, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet 110 and the chain 102. The body 104 may be cylindrical, rectangular, circular, barrel shaped or any other appropriate or desirable shape. In an embodiment, the body 1004 may be made of a metal material or the like.
[0026] The first channel 112 may include a first inner surface 124 (best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4), and a first lining 126. The first lining 126 may be disposed on the first inner surface 124. In some embodiments like the one shown in FIG. 5, although not all embodiments, the first lining 126 may form a layer that extends the entire length of the first channel 112. The first lining 126 is made of a rubber or elastic material adapted to grip the chain 102, or grip one or more links 114 of the chain 102. In some embodiments the first lining 126 may cover the entire first inner surface 124 (e.g., in a layer) or may only cover portions of the first inner surface 1254 (e. g., the first lining 126 may comprise one or more patches, or dots of rubber or elastic material). The first lining 126 is adapted to: (a) hold one or more segments 128 of the chain 102 in a generally stationary position in the first channel 112, (b) resist sliding movement of the one or more segments 128 through the first channel 112, and (c) slidingly release one or more of the segments 128 when a pulling/tugging force on the chain 102 exceeds a resistance threshold. The resistance threshold is the amount of force required to overcome the contact resistance (that holds the chain in a stationary position in the respective channel) between the first/second lining and the chain such that the chain moves in the direction of the force in the channel 112, 148. 152
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates two segments 128 (a-b) of the chain 102 disposed in the first channel 112. As can be seen, the first channel 112 and first lining 126 are sized such that the material of the first lining 126 closely fits around both of the segments 128 of the chain 102 such that the material will grip and hold each of the segments 128 of links 114 of the chain 102 in a generally stationary position in the first channel 112 and resist sliding movement of the one or more segments 128 through the first channel 112. In embodiments in which the chain 12 is comprised of connected links 114, the links 114 of the first segment 128a when pressed against the links 114 of the second segment 128b also provide resistance to movement (in opposite directions) of the segments 128 (a-b). However, when a pulling or tugging force on one or both segments 128 exceeds a resistance threshold, the segments 128 will slide in the direction pulled/tugged.
[0028] In some embodiments, the chain 102 may further include a second aglet 130, and a stopper 132. The second aglet 130 may be connected directly or indirectly to the chain 102. The stopper 132 is connected to the second aglet 130 and to the second end of the chain 102. In some embodiments, although not all embodiments, the stopper 132 may be disposed between the second aglet 130 and the second end 108 of the chain 102 (see FIG. 1). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stopper 132 is an O-ring configured to catch against the first side 120 of the body 104 and prevent the second aglet 130 from entering the first channel 112.
[0029] In use, the first aglet 110 may be inserted into the first channel 112 via the first entrance port 116 (FIG. 4). A user may thread the first aglet 110 through the first channel 112 of the body 104 by pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surface 134 (FIG. 1) of the first aglet 110 against the first lining 126 (FIG. 4) during movement through the first channel 112. In embodiments in which the first aglet 110 (FIG. 1) has a relatively smooth finish on the outer surface 134, the resistive force (also referred to as contact resistance) experienced by the first aglet 110 may be less than the contact resistance experienced by the chain 102 (from contact of the outer surface 136 of the chain 102 against the first lining 126 (FIG. 4)) when moving through the first channel 112, or more specifically the links 114 (when moving through the first channel 112), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first lining 126 (FIGS. 4-5) such that the first lining 126 grips the links 114.
[0030] When the first aglet 110 is partially outside of the first exit port 118 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4), a user may exert a pulling force on the chain 102 to pull the first aglet 110 and chain 102 through first channel 112 of the body 104. The first aglet 110 is then pulled until the portion of the chain 102 on the second side 122 (FIG. 4) reaches a desired length and then the first aglet 110 is inserted into first entrance port 116 of the first channel 112 and pushed/pulled through the first channel 112 until the first aglet 110 emerges from the first exit port 118. FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the body 104, which shows two segments 128 (a first portion of the plurality of links 114 forming a first segment 128a, and a second portion of the plurality of links 114 forming a second segment 128b) of the chain 102 disposed in the first channel 112 after the first aglet 110 has been threaded through the first channel 112 twice. The chain 102 (FIG. 1) then forms a loop portion 138 and two tail portions 140, where the circumference of the loop portion 138 is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions 140. The length of the loop portion 138 and tail portions 140 of the chain 102 are adjustable in the jewelry system 100 without use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, it can be seen that one of the tail portions 140 is adjacent the first side 120 of the body 104 and another tail portion 140 is adjacent the second side 122 of the body 104. Said another way, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the chain 102 is configured to form a loop portion 138 when the first aglet 110 has been threaded in the same direction through the same channel twice, wherein the first segment 128a (FIG. 5) of the chain 102 and the second segment 128b of the chain 102 are disposed in the first channel 112 in a generally parallel orientation when the chain 102 forms the loop portion 138 shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] The jewelry system 100 is customizable because the chain 102 in the jewelry system 100 is configured to be interchangeable with other chains 102 and the body 104 is configured to be interchangeable with other bodies 104, which provides the ability to easily convert between a necklace and bracelet, or from one style to another, by replacing the chain 102 with another or replacing the body 104 with another. To change the look of the bracelet 142 shown in FIG. 1, the body 104 can be removed from the chain 102, and replaced with a second body 104. To remove the first body 104 the user pulls the chain 102 in a direction to drag the first aglet 110 into the first exit port 118, through the first channel 112 and out the first entrance port 116. Similarly, the user then pulls the second aglet 130 to drag the chain 102 through the first channel 112, and ultimately the first aglet 110 into the first exit port 118, through the first channel 112 and out of the first entrance port 116. The process to couple the second body 104 to the chain 102 is the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body 104. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a bracelet 142, it may be converted to a necklace by removing the chain 102 and replacing it with a longer chain 102. Advantageously, the chain 102 is interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry system 100 with another chain 102 without the use of a tool or fastener, and the body is interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry system 100 with another body 104 without the use of a tool or fastener.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the jewelry system 100 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-section of the body 104 of the jewelry system 100 of FIG. 6, shown without the chain 102, taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. The embodiment of FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 1, except that the body 104, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, includes a second entrance port 144, a second exit port 146 and a second channel 148 extending from the second entrance port 144 to the second exit port 146. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, and 8-10, the second entrance port 144 (FIG. 8) is disposed on the second side 122 of the body 104 and the second exit port 146 is disposed on the first side 120 of the body 104.
[0033] The second channel 148 (see FIG. 9) includes a second inner surface 140, and a second lining 152 disposed on the second inner surface 150. Similar to the first lining 126, the second lining 152 is adapted to (a) hold a second segment 128b (see FIG. 10) of the chain 102 in a generally stationary position in the second channel 148, (b) resist sliding movement of the second segment 128b through the second channel 148, and (c) slidingly release the second segment 128b when a pulling/tugging force on the chain 102 exceeds a resistance threshold. The second channel 148 is configured to slidingly receive and slidingly release the first aglet 110 and the chain 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second channels 112, 148 may be disposed in a generally parallel orientation to each other in the body 104. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the chain 102 may further include the second aglet 130, and the stopper 132. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the second aglet 130 may be connected indirectly to the chain 102 via the stopper 132, which is configured to have a stopper diameter S (FIG. 10) that is a greater than a diameter D (FIG. 7) of the first channel 112 so that the second aglet 130 is prevented from entering the first channel 112.
[0034] Similar to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 the chain 102 forms a loop portion 138 and two tail portions 140, where the circumference of the loop portion 138 is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions 140. The length of the chain 102 is also adjustable in the jewelry system 100 without use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, it can be seen that one of the tail portions 140 is adjacent the first side 120 of the body 104 and another tail portion 140 is adjacent the first side 120 of the body 104, which is different than the embodiment of FIG. 1. Said another way, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 10, the chain 102 is configured to form the loop portion 138 when the first aglet 110 is been threaded in a first direction through the first channel 112 and threaded in a second direction through the second channel 148, wherein the second direction is oriented opposite to the first direction.
[0035] In use, the first aglet 110 (FIG. 6) may be inserted into the first channel 112 (FIGS. 8-9) via the first entrance port 116. A user may thread the first aglet 110 (FIG. 1) through the first channel 112 (FIG. 9) of the body 104 by pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surface 134 (FIG. 1) of the first aglet 110 against the first lining 126 (FIG. 9) during movement through the first channel 112. Similar to that discussed for the embodiment of FIG. 1, the contact resistance experience by the first aglet 110 may be less than that experienced by the chain 102 when moving through the first channel 112, or more specifically that experience by the links 114 (see FIG. 10) of the chain 102, which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first lining 126 such that the first lining 126 grips the links 114. When the first aglet 110 is partially outside of the first exit port 118 (FIGS. 8-9), a user may exert a pulling force on the chain 102 to pull the first aglet 110 and chain 102 through first channel 112 of the body 104. The first aglet 110 is then pulled until the chain 102 reaches a desired length and then the first aglet 110 is inserted into the second entrance port 144 of the second channel 148 and pushed through the second channel 148 until the first aglet 110 emerges from the second exit port 146. The contact resistance experience by the first aglet 110 in the second channel 148 may be less than that experienced by the chain 102 or by the links 114 (see FIG. 10), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the second lining 152 such that the second lining 152 grips the links 114.
[0036] FIG. 10 shows a first portion of the plurality of links 114 forming a first segment 128a of the chain 102 disposed in the first channel 112 (of FIG. 9) after the first aglet 110 has been threaded through the first channel 112, and a second portion of the plurality of links 114 forming the second segment 128b of the chain 102 disposed in the second channel 148 (of FIG. 9) after the first aglet 110 has been threaded through the second channel 148. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the first and second linings of this exemplary embodiment are each closely fitted to the respective segment 128 to provide contact resistance and hold the chain 102 in a generally stationary position so that it does not slip through the respective channels unless a pulling/tugging force on the chain exceeds the resistance threshold.
[0037] The chain 102 then forms a loop portion 138 (FIG. 6) and two tail portions 140, where the circumference of the loop portion 138 is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions 140. The length of the chain 102 is adjustable in the jewelry system 100 without use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, it can be seen that each tail portion 140 is adjacent to the first side 120 of the body 104. Said another way, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 10, the chain 102 is configured to form a loop portion 138 when the first aglet 110 has been threaded in a first direction through the first channel 112 and in a second direction (opposite to the first) through the second channel 148.
[0038] To change the look of the necklace 154 shown in FIG. 6, the body 104 may be removed from the chain 102, and replaced with a different body 104. To remove the body 104 the user would pull the chain 102 in a direction to drag the first aglet 110 into the second exit port 146, through the second channel 148 and out the second entrance port 144. Similarly, the user would then pull the second aglet 130 to drag the chain 102 through the first channel 112, and ultimately the first aglet 110 into the first exit port 118, through the first channel 112 and out of the first entrance port 116. The process to couple the second body 104 to the chain 102 is the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body 104. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a necklace 154, it may be converted to a bracelet by removing the chain 102 and replacing it with a shorter chain 102. As discussed earlier, the chain 102 is interchangeable/replaceable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry system 100 with a second chain 102, and the body 104 is interchangeable/replaceable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry system 100 with a second body 104.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of the jewelry system 100 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-section of the body 104 of the jewelry system 100 of FIG. 11, shown without the chain 102, taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the body 104 of the jewelry system 100 of FIG. 11, shown without the chain 102. FIG. 14 is cross-section of the body 104 of FIG. 13, taken along the line 14-14 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 14 also shows a segment 128 of the chain 102 disposed in the channel 112 of the body 104.
[0040] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the embodiment of FIG. 11 is similar to that of FIG. 1 in so far as there is only one channel 112 in the body, however unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, only one segment 128 of the chain 102 is disposed in the first channel 112 (see FIG. 14). This third exemplary embodiment, is also different than the other two in so far as the second aglet 130 (FIG. 11) has been replace by a fastener 156, and the stopper 132 is connected to the first aglet 110 (instead of the second aglet 130). In this exemplary embodiment, second end 108 of the chain 102 is coupled to the body 104 by a fastener 156 and the body includes a reciprocal fastener 158. In this exemplary embodiment, the reciprocal fastener 158 is ring mounted to extend from the outer surface of the body 104 and the fastener 156 is a lobster clasp disposed on the second end 108 of the chain 102. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners 156 and reciprocal fasteners 158 known in the art may be used. In addition, the first aglet 110 is disposed between the first end 106 of the chain 102 and the body 104.
[0041] In the embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the stopper 132 may be a pin-screw 160 or the like. The pin-screw 160 may include a head 162 configured to screw onto threads disposed on the outer surface of the first aglet 110. Alternatively, in other embodiments, such pin screw 160 may include a head 162 and a threaded pin portion (not shown), wherein the threaded pin portion may be configured to screw into a threaded bore (not shown) in the first aglet 110. The stopper 132 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is configured to have a stopper diameter S (FIG. 11) that is a greater than a diameter D (FIG. 12) of the first channel 112 so that the first aglet 110 is prevented from entering the first channel 112. In this exemplary embodiment, the stopper diameter is the diameter of the head 162.
[0042] In use, second end 108 of the chain 102 may be coupled to the body 104 via the fastener 156. The stopper 156 may be removed (if coupled to the aglet 110) from the first aglet 110 and the first aglet 110 may be inserted into the first channel 112 via the first entrance port 116. A user may thread the first aglet 110 through the first channel 112 of the body 104 by pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surface 134 of the first aglet 110 against the first lining 126 during movement through the first channel 112. Similar to that discussed for the embodiment of FIG. 1, the contact resistance experience by the first aglet 110 may be less than that experienced by the chain 102 or links 114 (when moving through the first channel 112), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first lining 126 such that the first lining 126 grips the chain 102 or links 114. When the first aglet 110 is partially outside of the first exit port 118, a user may exert a pulling/tugging force on the first aglet 110/chain 102 to pull the aglet 110 and chain 102 through first channel 112 of the body 104. The first aglet 110 is then pulled until the loop portion 138 (FIG. 11) of the chain 102 reaches to a desired circumference and then the stopper 132 is attached (e.g., screwed) to the first aglet 110. FIG. 14 shows a first portion of the plurality of links 114 forming a segment 128 of the chain 102 disposed in the first channel 112 after the first aglet 110 is threaded through the first channel 112.
[0043] The chain 102 forms a loop portion 138 and tail portion 140. Similar to the other embodiments, the circumference of the loop portion 138 is configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of the tail portions 140. The length of the chain 102 is adjustable in the jewelry system 100 without use of a tool. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, it can be seen that the tail portion 140 is adjacent to the second side 122 (FIG. 13) of the body 102.
[0044] This embodiment of the jewelry system 100 is further customizable and is configured to have an interchangeable/replaceable chain 102 and an interchangeable/replaceable body 102. To change the look of the necklace 154 shown in FIG. 11, the body 104 may be removed from the chain 102, and replaced with a different body 104. To remove the body 104 the user pulls the chain 102 in a direction to drag the first aglet 110 into the first exit port 118, through the first channel 112 and out the first entrance port 116. The user may uncoupled the fastener 156 from the reciprocal fastener 158 on the body 104 and replace the body 104. The process to couple the second body 104 to the chain 102 is the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body 104. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is a necklace 154, it may be converted to a bracelet by removing the chain 102 and replacing it with a shorter chain 102. Advantageously, the chain 102 is interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry system 100 with a second chain 102, without use of a tool, and the body 104 is interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry system 100 with a second body 104, without use of a tool.
Industrial Applicability
[0045] In practice, the teachings of the present disclosure may find applicability in customizable jewelry. For example, the present disclosure may be beneficial to consumers that desire to customize their jewelry without having to use a tool or repositionable clasp to adjust the length of the chain, or to convert a piece from a necklace to a bracelet with the interchangeable chain component. In addition, the jewelry system disclosed herein allows users to not only adjust the length of the loop portion by adjusting the tail portion and vice versa, the jewelry system supports even more unique customization because the body may be selectively interchanged/replaced with another body to alter the focal point of the jewelry and by extension the look and style of the body, as well as the functional interaction of the component parts of the jewelry system, (e.g., changing how the chain is threaded by changing the body utilized (e.g., replacing the body of the first exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with the body of the second embodiment.) Similarly, the interchangeable chain may be replaced with another chain that is of a different material, color or style to alter the look of the piece without requiring a tool to detach the body from one chain and attach to another.
[0046] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed jewelry system without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
