MAGNETIC CHARM CONNECTION FOR JEWELRY

Abstract

Jewelry charms with magnetic clasps address the challenges faced by individuals with limited fine motor skills. Traditional jewelry clasps can be difficult to use, especially for those with dexterity issues. The clasps disclosed herein are a unique solution that incorporate magnets and easy-to-grip touch points to provide a user-friendly experience, making jewelry more accessible for a broader audience. The charms can take many forms and sizes, and the strength of the connection can be manipulated by the choice and placement of magnets in the charms.

Claims

1. A necklace, comprising: a band having first and second terminal ends; a magnetic charm, said magnetic charm comprising a first portion at the first terminal end of the band and a second portion at the second terminal end; one or more magnets positioned in one of the first and second portions of the magnetic charm, wherein the first and second portions are matingly connected to one another.

2. The necklace of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are sunk into the first and second portions wherein the magnets do not extend outside of the first and second portions.

3. The necklace of claim 1, wherein the portion of the magnetic charm without the one or more magnets comprises one or more recesses in a connection face to receive the one or more magnets.

4. The necklace of claim 3, wherein the one or more magnets are aligned with a recess in the other of the first and second portions of the magnetic charm.

5. The necklace of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets extend from a connection face of the first or second portions of the magnetic charm.

6. The necklace of claim 1, further comprising an alignment key in the first and second portions of the magnetic charm to aid in alignment thereof.

7. The necklace of claim 6, wherein the alignment key comprises a protrusion from a connection face of the first portion that is insertable into a key recess of a connection face of the second portion.

8. The necklace of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets comprise neodymium.

9. The necklace of claim 1, wherein magnets are positioned in both the first and second portions of the magnetic charm and aligned with one another to allow for the mating connection.

10. The necklace of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the magnetic charm comprise a ferromagnetic material.

11. A magnetic charm for use with jewelry, comprising: a first portion comprising a first connection face; a second portion comprising a second connection face; one or more magnets positioned in at least one of the first or second connection faces; and an alignment key in the first and second connection faces; wherein the first and second portions are connectable via the one or more magnets and the alignment key in a mating manner to form a design.

12. The magnetic charm of claim 11, wherein the design comprises a shape of a letter of the English alphabet.

13. The magnetic charm of claim 11, wherein the first or second connection face includes one or more recesses to correspond with the one or more magnets of the other connection face to receive a portion of the one or more magnets.

14. The magnetic charm of claim 11, wherein the first and second portions of the magnetic charm comprise a ferromagnetic material.

15. The magnetic charm of claim 11, wherein the alignment key comprises a protrusion from one of the first and second connection faces that is insertable into a key recess of the other connection face.

16. The magnetic charm of claim 11, further comprising connection points at both the first and second portions for connecting to terminal ends of a band to form a necklace.

17. A necklace, comprising: a band having first and second terminal ends; a magnetic charm, said magnetic charm comprising a first portion at the first terminal end of the band and a second portion at the second terminal end, the magnetic charm comprising an alignment key in the first and second portions; one or more magnets positioned in one of the first and second portions of the magnetic charm, wherein the first and second portions are matingly connected to one another.

18. The necklace of claim 17, wherein the alignment key comprises a protrusion from a connection face of the first portion that is insertable into a key recess of a connection face of the second portion.

19. The necklace of claim 17, wherein the one or more magnets are sunk into the first and second portions wherein the magnets do not extend outside of the first and second portions.

20. The necklace of claim 17, wherein the portion of the magnetic charm without the one or more magnets comprises one or more recesses in a connection face to receive the one or more magnets, and wherein the one or more magnets are aligned with a recess in the other of the first and second portions of the magnetic charm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a view of a portion of a necklace with a magnetic charm according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the magnetic charm shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an isometric and exploded view of a magnetic charm showing aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a front plan and exploded view of the magnetic charm of FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the magnetic charm of FIG. 3 in a mating engagement.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a view of another magnetic charm showing additional aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing different aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing different aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing different aspects of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a view of another magnetic charm including aspects of the disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a view of another magnetic charm including aspects of the disclosure.

[0047] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

[0049] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

[0050] The terms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents.

[0051] The term or is synonymous with and/or and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0052] As used herein, the term exemplary refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0053] The term about as used herein refers to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0054] The term substantially refers to a great or significant extent. Substantially can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variables, given proper context.

[0055] The term generally encompasses both about and substantially.

[0056] The term configured describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term configured can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

[0057] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0058] The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0059] The term jewelry for the present disclosure describes ornamental items worn by a user and which include a band and a charm. This includes, but is not limited to necklaces, pendants, bracelets, anklets, and the like.

[0060] The term band as is used with jewelry includes both metallic and non-metallic materials, including, but not limited to rubber, hair, synthetic materials, leather, gold, silver, stainless steel, brass, or generally any material capable of being a band. Furthermore, the terms band and chain as used herein should be interpreted as covering both metallic and non-metallic materials.

[0061] As noted herein, people with disabilities, low mobility, or decreased fine motor skills may have issues with certain types of jewelry, including how to connect ends of the jewelry. To address such an issue, aspects and/or embodiments of the present disclosure include a novel system involving the use of magnets in or at a charm of a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace. Charms are generally ornamental in design and positioned at the chest or neck of a wearer. As will be understood, placing the connection point at the charm will allow easier to connect portions of the jewelry, especially for people who may have difficulty with traditional pieces of jewelry, such as necklace closures/clasps.

[0062] By conceiving the closure as a charm, the necklace design maintains a conventional aesthetic, resembling other market offerings, which supports wearer confidence while presenting an inconspicuous design that aligns with their adaptive need. As will be understood, the charms of the present disclosure feature a front closure with the closure mechanism embedded into the charm design. Such a design change will provide a substantial improvement in usability compared to traditional necklace closures using a lobster clasp in a donning/doffing time.

[0063] Therefore, a portion of a piece of jewelry in the form of a necklace 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Necklaces 10 generally include a band 12 that circles a wearer's neck. The band 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first terminal end 14 and a second terminal end 16. The terminal ends 14, 16 are shown to be connected to a charm 20. For purposes of the present disclosure, a charm or pendant (to be used interchangeably) is a decorative item that hangs from or is part of a chain, cord, or beaded necklace. The charm 20 in FIG. 1 is shown to be a cross or cross-shaped pendant. Aspects of the present disclosure include that the charm 20 is separated into a first portion 20 and a second portion 24. The first portion 22 includes a first connection face 23 that aligns and is configured to be mated with a second connection face 25 of the second portion 24 to form a singular charm 20.

[0064] The charm 20 is designed to be the connectable component of the necklace 10 such that a user is able to connect the first and second portions of the charm to one another in an easy manner, which may be at a location in the front of the user, such as at the neck or chest. Such a configuration allows for an easier to manipulate and connect piece of jewelry for the user.

[0065] One way this is accomplished is shown in FIG. 2, where the charm 20 is shown in exploded form. The charm 20 in FIG. 2 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and includes the first and second portions 22, 24. Additional aspects are shown, however. This includes the positioning of magnets 28, 29 in the charm, wherein a first magnet 28 is positioned at or in the first portion 22, and a second magnet 29 is positioned at or in the second portion 24. The magnets 28, 29 comprise opposite polarities such that they will attract one another. The use of the magnets and positioning of the same will cause the portions to connect to one another and maintain connection.

[0066] In addition, it should be noted that one or more magnets could be positioned at only one of the portions and the portions comprise a ferromagnetic material. This would allow the portion without the magnet to be attracted to the one or more magnets to hold the portions together to form the charm design.

[0067] Additionally, to aid in orientation and aesthetics of the charm 20 a key system 30 is shown and utilized. The key system 30 includes at least one protrusion 31 extending from at least one of the first and second connection faces 23, 25 and one or more recesses 32 opposite the one or more protrusions 31. FIG. 2 shows a protrusion and recess both on each connection face, but one face may include two protrusions or two recesses. The exact depiction shown is not to be limiting.

[0068] The key system 30 will aid in orientation of the portions 22, 24 of the charm 20 so that the charm 20 maintains its shape and configuration during wearing of the same. The magnet(s) will hold the portions together and the key will hold the shape to ensure that the charm looks as desired during wearing of the same. However, while protrusion/recesses for keys are shown, other manners of orientating and maintaining orientation are to be considered a part of the present disclosure. This may include, but is not limited to recesses, protrusions, slots, spring-loaded portions, or generally any non-mechanical fastening mechanism.

[0069] FIGS. 3-5 show additional aspects and/or embodiments of a charm 35 for use with a band 12 to form a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace. The charm 35 includes first and second portions 36, 38 that, when put together, form a shape of a letter of the English alphabet. While the letter A is shown, it should be appreciated that generally any letter, number, shape (both geometric and non-geometric) or design should be considered for the design of the charm 35. This can include, but is not limited to hearts, crosses, moons, stars, or generally any shape that could be used as a pendant or charm of a piece of jewelry.

[0070] The first portion 36 of the charm 35 includes a first connection face 37 and the second portion 38 includes a second connection face 39. These faces 37, 39 will be in mating engagement/connection. A mating connection is any method of assembling two or more component parts with mutually complementing shapes that fit correspondingly to one another.

[0071] As shown, the portions include recesses 40 in the connection faces. The recesses 40 can house magnets 42 so that the magnets do not substantially extend beyond the face of the portion. As shown, there are two recesses 40 on each connection face that could each house a magnet 42. However, this number should not be limiting on the disclosure.

[0072] Additionally, a key system 44 in the form of a protrusion 45 on the first connection face 37 and a recess 46 on the second connection face 39 are aligned to aid in orientating the portions relative to one another to form the desired shape for the charm when the portions are put together (see, FIG. 5).

[0073] Finally, a first band connection 47 is positioned at the first portion 36 and a second band connection 48 at the second portion 38. These are shown as apertures that could receive a terminal end of the band to connect to the charm 35.

[0074] Moving to FIGS. 4-5, the alignment of the portions, magnets, and key system are shown. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 4, the recesses 40 that may house magnets 42 are aligned with opposite portions. In addition, the protrusion 44 and recess 46 of the key system 45 is shown to align to ensure that the portions are connected to form the desired shape of the charm 35. In FIG. 5, it is shown that the portions have been connected to one another with the key system and the magnet(s) is holding the portions to one another in a mating connection to form the Ashape.

[0075] It should be appreciated that the use of magnets at the charm allows for easy to connect portions of a piece of jewelry. The use of magnets in the charm moves the jewelry closure from the back to the front of the necklace by embedding it into the necklace charm. It should be noted that the one or more magnets used in any of the depictions can generally be any magnet material as is known. For example, neodymium magnets may be used to hold the portions together. According to at least some embodiments, an acceptable magnet size is 0.120.04, but this is not to be limiting on the disclosure.

[0076] FIGS. 6-9 show yet additional aspects and/or embodiments of easy to connect pieces of jewelry. FIG. 6 shows a charm 50 for use with a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace 10 having a band 12. The charm 50 is split to comprise a first portion 51 having a first connection face 52 and a second portion 53 having a second connection face 54. The portions 51, 53 may be equal or substantially equal halves of the charm, or may be split in any manner such that there are two or more portions that can be connected together with magnets to form a homogeneous charm.

[0077] In FIG. 6, there is a first magnet 55 at the first face 52 and a second magnet 56 at the second face 54. The magnets are shown to span substantially the length of the faces. The magnets 55, 56 are also shown to have opposite polarities such that they will attract one anther to connect the portions of the charm to one another. This is shown generally by the arrows 63 in the figure. However, this connection can be broken.

[0078] Still additional features include a grip portion 62 on the charm to more easily grasp and manipulate the portions to connect and disconnect the same by the user. This may be in the form of ridges or other easy to grip surface patterns/touch points. The figure also includes band connections 60, 61 to connect to opposing terminal ends 15, 16 of a band.

[0079] The charm 50 comprises an innovative jewelry clasp that utilizes magnets and strategically designed touch points to simplify the process of fastening and unfastening jewelry. The magnets ensure a secure closure, while the easy-to-grip touch points provide a comfortable and efficient user experience. The magnet will be at the center for easy on and off access for jewelry. By utilizing the textured grip touchpoints near the magnet, this will create a groove for flexibility with using the magnet. Finally, the charm 50 will have a hook (band connection) to grasp onto jewelry pieces. The hook will easily secure into place, making it a simple process for those with limited fine motor skills.

[0080] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6. However, the charm 50 of FIG. 7 includes smaller magnets 55, 56 that are placed closer together at the faces 52, 54. In addition, a key system 57 in the form of a pin protrusion 58 and recess 59 is shown in the faces 52, 54 to aid in orienting and maintaining orientation of the portions 51, 53 of the charm 50. Again, having oppositely oriented protrusions and recesses on the top and bottom of the portions of the charm will aid in orienting and maintaining orientation of the charm components.

[0081] FIG. 8 is another charm 50 similar to FIGS. 6 and 7. However, in the charm 50 shown in FIG. 8, the magnets 55, 56 are spaced further apart from one another. It should be appreciated that the distance between the magnets, as well as the size of the magnets, can affect the strength of the magnetic attraction, which will affect the amount of force required to disengage and disconnect the portions from one another. It is desirable to ensure that the attraction is strong enough for the charm portions to stay together, but not too strong that it becomes too difficult to disconnect.

[0082] FIG. 9 is yet another charm 50 that is similar to FIGS. 6-8. However, in this embodiment, the charm 50 includes two sets of magnets at each portion 51, 53. An upper magnet and lower magnet are positioned at each portion and aligned with a corresponding magnet on the opposite portion to connect the portions to one another and to further aid in orienting and maintaining connection between the portions of the charm 50.

[0083] FIGS. 10 and 11 show yet additional aspects of the disclosure, including a charm 35 with magnetic clasps in the charm. The charm 35 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but with the connecting faces and magnets in different locations. In these figures, the connecting faces 37, 39 are shown to be the crossing portion of the letter A. In FIG. 10, there are single magnets in each portion of the clasp, and in FIG. 11, there are multiple magnets in each portion of the clasp. The magnets will have opposite polarities to allow for clasping of the charm with ease.

[0084] Therefore, as is understood, the use of magnets at the charm of a piece of jewelry provides numerous advantages and benefits. The charms will be easier to don pieces of jewelry for individuals with limited fine motor skills, including those with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, ALS, MS, and other conditions affecting dexterity. The magnetic charms of the present disclosure can appeal to caregivers and family members seeking thoughtful and practical gifts for their loved ones facing these challenges. Although the charm is primarily designed for individuals with limited fine motor skills, it also caters to a broader audience, including those without motor limitations who are frustrated by the cumbersome process of dealing with intricate jewelry clasps.

[0085] Although example embodiments of the charms have been shown through jewelry implementations, the charms have many other uses. As noted, the portions of the charm may take any shape. Although the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and changes, variations, or alternatives obvious to those skilled in the art should be considered a part of the present disclosure. In addition, any of the aspects of any of the embodiments disclosed could be combined in ways not explicitly shown and/or described to provide yet additional embodiments that are part of the disclosure. The disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.