DISPLAY CONTAINER WITH INTERIOR MOUNT

Abstract

A locket is disclosed, and includes: a first housing part; a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the second housing part; and a mounting assembly that includes: a mounting plate supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured to receive an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.

Description

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a locket. In embodiments, the present invention is directed to a locket having an interior mounting assembly for supporting an item such as jewelry.

SUMMARY

On special occasions such as wedding engagement proposals, items of significance such as rings or other jewelry are presented by one person to another as a sign of commitment and/or affection. In such instances, the presentation or “reveal” of such an item can be the subject of meticulous planning and staging, especially where an element of surprise is involved.

Further, in the current atmosphere of social media and viral videos, flashy and/or complex presentation of items on occasions such as wedding engagement proposals have become increasingly commonplace, such that pressure is driven to “up the ante” when executing such a presentation. At the same time, there is often a desire to maintain an air of elegance and sophistication on these occasions. According to exemplary embodiments herein, Applicant discloses a device that presents items of significance such as jewelry in a unique manner, while also providing an air of elegance and sophistication.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a locket is disclosed, comprising: a first housing part; a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the second housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured to receive an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.

In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a central post extending vertically therefrom, wherein a central bore defined in the adapter receives the central post.

In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a pair of support posts extending vertically therefrom and laterally separate from the central post, wherein a pair of side holes defined in the adapter receive the pair of support posts.

In embodiments, the adapter has a cylindrical profile.

In embodiments, the adapter is formed of a resilient material.

In embodiments, the adapter is formed of a soft material.

In embodiments, the adapter includes a circumferential flange disposed along at least one of a top and bottom portion of the adapter.

In embodiments, the circumferential flange comprises at least one discontinuity therealong.

In embodiments, the adapter comprises a chamfer disposed along a side portion thereof.

In embodiments, the locket further comprises a retainer releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the retainer maintains a position of the adapter.

In embodiments, the locket further comprises a biasing member engaged with the first housing part and the second housing part, the biasing member biases the locket toward one of an open configuration and a closed configuration.

In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a shape that defines one or more openings such that the interior recess is at least partially visible therethrough.

In embodiments, the locket further comprises a hanger member coupled with one of the first housing part and the second housing part, the hanger member defines an aperture therethrough.

In embodiments, the mounting plate is configured such that, upon removal of the adapter, the mounting plate releasably engages another adapter, the another adapter different than the adapter.

In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part comprises a tab extending therefrom, and wherein the other of the first housing part and the second housing part comprises a catch, the catch comprises a recess for receiving the tab.

In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a heart-shaped profile.

In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a circular cross-sectional profile.

In embodiments, the first housing part and the second housing part are symmetric with respect to one another.

In embodiments, the first housing part and the second housing part are asymmetric with respect to one another.

In embodiments, the first housing part comprises a pair of tubular sections and the second housing part comprises a pair of tubular sections, the pair of tubular sections of each of the first and second housing parts alignable to receive a pinned coupling member therethrough.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a locket is disclosed, comprising: a first housing part; a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the second housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate supported on a leg and comprising at least one post extending upwardly therefrom, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter comprised of a resilient material releasably and coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter comprising at least one aperture to receive the at least one post, the adapter configured to receive an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.

In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises at least one another post and the adapter comprises at least one another aperture to receive the at least one another post.

In embodiments, the adapter comprises at least one chamfer disposed along a side portion thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a locket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a locket according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the locket of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is a first sequential view of the locket of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a second sequential view of the locket of FIG. 1A; and

FIG. 3C is a third sequential view of the locket of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to a locket. In embodiments, the present invention is directed to a locket having an internal mounting structure for supporting an item such as jewelry.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the words “may” and “can” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a locket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated 100. Locket 100 includes a first housing part 102a coupled with a housing part 102b and between which an interior recess 104 within which a mounting apparatus 110 is disposed. As shown, mounting apparatus 110 may support a piece of jewelry such as a ring R. In embodiments, mounting apparatus 110 may support a different type of jewelry or object.

First and second housing parts 102a, 102b may be symmetrical halves of the entire housing 102, or may be asymmetric. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first and second housing parts 102a, 102b may both have a heart-shaped cross-sectional profile.

Turning to FIG. 1B, a locket according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated 200. Locket 200 may have a similar configuration to locket 100, e.g., may have similar components as described herein, with the exception of first housing part 102a and second housing part 102b having a circular, e.g., half-shell, profile. In embodiments of the present invention, a locket may have a housing with a different cross-sectional configuration, for example, square, rectangular, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, pyramidal, clover-shaped, or floral-shaped, to name a few.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, and referring additionally to FIG. 2, first and second housing parts 102a, 102b are movably, e.g., hingably, coupled with one another such that locket 100 can be opened and closed via the separation and closure of first and second housing parts 102a, 102b. Accordingly, each of first and second housing parts 102a, 102b may include complementary portions of a hinge structure. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first housing part 102a may have tubular sections 103a₁ and 103a₂ that can be aligned between tubular sections 103b₁ and 103b₂ of second housing part 102b such that first housing part 102a and second housing part 102b can be rotatably pinned to one another. In embodiments, first and second housing parts 102a, 102b may be coupled via a different structure, for example, a separate hinge element.

Housing 102 may be provided with a biasing member, for example, a torsion spring, to bias first and second housing parts 102a, 102b either toward or away from each other in a resting condition. In embodiments, a different type of movable coupling may be used, for example, a living hinge.

As, shown, first housing part 102a may be provided with a pattern and/or shape that defines one or more holes therethrough, such as a curling or floral pattern. In this regard, at least a portion of interior recess 104 may be visible through first housing part 102a. In embodiments, housing part 102(a) may be partially transparent or opaque to that interior recess 104 may be obscured from view through housing 102. Second housing part 102b may be unpatterned, may be patterned similarly to first housing part 102a, or may be patterned differently than first housing part 102b.

First housing part 102a and/or second housing part 102b may be configured as jewelry or another item of significance separately or in conjunction with ring R stored therein. Accordingly, first housing part 102a and/or second housing part 102b may be formed of a high value material used in jewelry, for example, a metallic material such as gold, silver, or platinum, and/or alloys thereof. In embodiments, first housing part 102a and/or second housing part 102b may be formed of different materials.

As shown, second housing part 102b may be provided with a hanger member 105 extending away from the respective second housing part 102b and defining an aperture by which locket 100 can be hung or otherwise suspended. In embodiments, first housing part 102a or a different portion of locket 100 may be provided with hanger member 105. For example, hanger member 105 may accommodate a necklace or other band by which locket 100 can be suspended, e.g., around a user's neck or wrist. Hanger member 105 may also be used to suspend locket 100 on an object other than a portion of a user's body or clothing, for example, on display in a case or on a wall. In embodiments, hanger member 105 may be provided with a secondary hanger member, which may be larger than hanger member 105. Such a secondary hanger member may be configured for suspending or displaying locket 100 similarly to hanger member 105, but may present a larger aperture through which larger or different necklace or band can be passed, and may also allow for a greater degree of freedom between locket 100 and a supporting necklace or band, for example, so that it may swing as a pendant. Hanger member 105 and/or a secondary hanger member may include one or more patterned or shaped portions to complement and/or supplement the appearance of the first and second housing parts 102a, 102b. In embodiments, hanger member 105 and/or a secondary hanger member may be provided with a closure mechanism, for example, a clip or clasp, to facilitate engagement with another object.

First housing part and second housing part 102a, 102b may also be provided with a complementary closure structure such that first and second housing parts 102a, 102b can be selectively maintained in a closed or open condition with respect to one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first housing part 102a is provided with a downwardly-extending tab 107 (FIG. 3B) that is configured to be received within a recess of a corresponding catch 108 formed in the second housing part 102b. Catch 108 may be a latch-type member that includes a recess for receiving the tab 107 of the first housing part 102a when the recess is aligned with a slot 109 of second housing part 102b through which tab 107 can pass. Catch 108 may protrude outwardly from second housing part 102b such that a button or other user engagement structure is presented through which a user can actuate catch 108, e.g., to open locket 100 from a closed configuration. Similarly, a user may actuate catch 108 to align the recess of catch 108 with slot 109 in advance of receiving tab 107 to facilitate closure of locket 100 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Catch 108 may be biased, for example, by a spring, toward a closed position so that the recess of catch 108 is not aligned with slot 109. In embodiments, catch 108 may be positioned in a resting condition such that upon insertion of tab 107 into slot 109, a camming action causes catch 108 to advance and align with slot 109 such that tab 107 engages the recess of slot 109 to close locket 100.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting assembly 110 includes a mounting plate 112 and a leg 118 extending from the mounting plate 112. Leg 118 extends toward the hingable coupling between first housing part 102a and is rotatably coupled along the hingable coupling, as described further herein. Leg 118 of mounting assembly 110 also includes an camming surface 119, for example, a ledge or cam, that extends away from the hingable coupling of first and second housing parts 102a, 102b to a location in the path of rotation of first housing part 102a relative to second housing part 102b, as described further herein. In embodiments, camming surface 119 may be pivotably disposed about a portion of second housing part 102b, or may be pivotably disposed about a portion of a separate hinge element. In this regard, mounting assembly 110 is rotatable independently of first housing part 102a and second housing part 102b.

Mounting plate 112, as shown, presents a level surface from which and an interiorly-threaded central post 114 and a pair of support posts 116 disposed on opposing sides of the central post 114 extend vertically. Threaded central post 114 and support posts 116 may be integrally formed with mounting plate 112, or may be coupled with mounting plate 112, for example, by welding or adhesion.

As shown, an adapter 120 is provided, and has a substantially cylindrical body with an upper flange 122a and a lower flange 122b. In embodiments, adapter 120 may include one of upper flange 122a and lower flange 122b, or may be devoid of flanges. Adapter 120 is configured to releasably engage ring R, e.g., with a band of ring R circumferentially engaged with adapter 120 between upper flange 122a and lower flange 122b. Accordingly, adapter 120 may be formed of a material designed to provide a secure engagement with ring R disposed therearound, but while avoiding damage to the surface of ring R. Accordingly, adapter 120 may be formed of a softened, high-friction material, such as an elastomer. Adapter 120 may be formed of a material that is compliant and/or resilient, e.g., so that adapter 120 can deform to accommodate placement of ring R therearound. In embodiments, adapter 120 may be formed of silicone.

As shown, adapter 120 may also define a respective discontinuity 124a, 124b along flanges 122a, 122b, e.g., to facilitate placement and removal of ring R with respect to adapter 120. In embodiments, one or both of flanges 122a, 122b may have one or more such discontinuities, or may be devoid of discontinuities. Adapter 120 may also define a chamfer or flattened side portion, for example, to inhibit rotation of ring R around adapter 120. For example, a chamfer or flattened edge may be present between discontinuities 124a, 124b to abut an interior portion of ring R such as an interior portion opposite a set jewel or stone of ring R.

As shown, adapter 120 also includes a central bore 126 and a pair of holes 128 to receive central post 114 and support posts 116 of mounting plate 112. In this regard, central bore 126 and the pair of holes 128 provide a structure to align adapter 120 over mounting plate 112 and to maintain adapter 120 in a substantially rotational and laterally stationary position upon engagement with mounting plate 112. In embodiments, support posts 116 may have an asymmetrical positioning with respect to central post 114, e.g., to provide a limited number or singular orientation of adapter 120 capable of engaging mounting plate 112, for example, to ensure a proper fit or proper orientation of the ring R when placed on adapter 120.

Mounting assembly 110 also includes a retainer 129 that includes a top 129a and a threaded base 129b. Retainer 129 is configured such that threaded base 129b can be threadably engaged with central post 114 of mounting plate 112 so that the top 129a of retainer 129 maintains, e.g., securely retains, adapter 120 on mounting plate 112, for example, to prevent inadvertent removal of adapter 120 from mounting plate 112.

In this regard, mounting assembly 110 can be at least partially disassembled by disengaging retainer 129 from central post 114 such that adapter 120 can be selectively removed from mounting plate 112. Adapter 120 can then be replaced with a different type, shape, size, color, or configuration of adapter to fit a particular ring or type of jewelry. For example, adapter 120 may be optionally replaced with an adapter configured to engage a ring larger or smaller than ring R. In embodiments, a different type of adapter may be chosen for aesthetic reasons, e.g., to match a theme or pattern of a type of jewelry presented in locket 100. Accordingly, central post 114 may be provided with a clearance, e.g., a tolerance, that allows for receipt of adapters with a range of central bore dimensions. Further, since adapters may be formed of a compliant and/or resilient material, adapters with a vertical dimension larger than central post 114 may be accommodated on mounting plate 112 and subsequently compressed via the engagement of retainer 129 with central post 114.

Still referring to FIG. 2, and turning now to FIG. 3A, operation of locket 100 by a user will be described. Locket 100 is shown in an initial, closed configuration. It will be understood that locket 100 can be operated from the perspective of an initial, open configuration by rearranging the steps described herein.

In the closed configuration shown, the first and second housing parts 102a, 102b of locket 100 are maintained in position by the engagement of the tab 107 and catch 108 described above. Mounting assembly 110, with the exception of camming surface 119, is disposed within the interior recess 104 of locket 100. As described above, a portion of interior recess 104 may be visible through the patterning and/or shape of first housing part 102a.

Still referring to FIG. 2, and turning now to FIG. 3B, locket 100 is shown transitioned to a partially open configuration, in which first housing part 102a has been raised relative to second housing part 102b. Such a positioning may also be at least partially achieved by lowering second housing part 102b away from first housing part 102a. In the partially open position shown, a relative angle between first and second housing parts 102a, 102b may be, for example, an acute angle. In embodiments, a different relative angle may be defined between first and second housing parts 102a, 102b in the partially open position.

Interior recess 104 and portions of mounting assembly 100 disposed therein may be visible in the partially open configuration shown from certain orientations, for example, from a side view. In such a position, mounting assembly 110 may be disposed such that mounting plate 112 rests upon the interior surface of second housing part 102b.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, and turning now FIG. 3C, first and second housing parts 102a, 102b are shown further separated so that a larger angle than the relative angle in the partially open position is defined, for example, a right angle or obtuse angle.

As the first housing part 102a rotates further away from the second housing part 102b, a portion of the outer surface of first housing part 102b engages camming surface 119 such that leg 118, and mounting plate 112 carried thereon, is caused to rotate upwardly. Mounting assembly 110 may continue to rotate in this fashion until mounting plate 112, and ring R disposed thereon, is positioned radially between the first housing part 102a and the second housing part 102b. In this regard, ring R is disposed at an optimum angle for viewing, for example, if locket 100 is positioned in the hand of a user-recipient of ring R. In embodiments, camming surface 119 may have a particular configuration, e.g., length or curvature, such that camming surface 119 is engaged by housing 102 at a location to produce a desired amount of rotation of mounting assembly 110. In embodiments, a different structure may be provided to lift mounting assembly 110 with the opening of housing 102, for example, an interiorly-disposed element may lift mounting assembly 110.

While the operation of locket 100 has been described above beginning in the closed position and with respect to the ring R having already been engaged with adapter 120, it will be understood that locket 100 may be operated differently by rearranging the steps described herein, e.g., locket 100 may be closed by reversing the steps described above. In embodiments, locket 100 may be devoid of ring R and opened as described above, whereupon ring R is placed upon adapter 120 before closure of locket 100, for example, for storage. This process may include the step of removal of retainer 129 from central post 114, and re-engaging retainer 129 with central post 114 once ring R is properly positioned.

In the open configuration described herein, a user may also remove the adapter 120 for replacement with another adapter, for example, that accommodates a ring or other object of a different size or configuration than ring R. This process may include the step of removal of retainer 129 from central post 114, removing adapter 120 from mounting plate 112 (e.g., disengaging central bore 126 and side holes 128 of adapter 120 from the respective central post 114 and side supports 116), engaging a different adapter 120 with mounting plate 112, and re-engaging retainer 129 with central post 114 thereafter.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A locket, comprising: a first housing part;a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the second housing part; anda mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first housing part and the second housing part;an adapter releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured to receive an item of jewelry; anda camming surface extending from the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.

2. The locket of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises a central post extending vertically therefrom, wherein a central bore defined in the adapter receives the central post.

3. The locket of claim 2, wherein the mounting plate comprises a pair of support posts extending vertically therefrom and laterally separate from the central post, wherein a pair of side holes defined in the adapter receive the pair of support posts.

4. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter has a cylindrical profile.

5. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter is formed of a resilient material.

6. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter is formed of a soft material.

7. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a circumferential flange disposed along at least one of a top and bottom portion of the adapter.

8. The locket of claim 7, wherein the circumferential flange comprises at least one discontinuity therealong.

9. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a chamfer disposed along a side portion thereof.

10. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a retainer releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the retainer maintains a position of the adapter.

11. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member engaged with the first housing part and the second housing part, the biasing member biases the locket toward one of an open configuration and a closed configuration.

12. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a shape that defines one or more openings such that the interior recess is at least partially visible therethrough.

13. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a hanger member coupled with one of the first housing part and the second housing part, the hanger member defines an aperture therethrough.

14. The locket of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is configured such that, upon removal of the adapter, the mounting plate releasably engages another adapter, the another adapter different than the adapter.

15. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part comprises a tab extending therefrom, and wherein the other of the first housing part and the second housing part comprises a catch, the catch comprises a recess for receiving the tab.

16. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a heart-shaped profile.

17. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part has a circular cross-sectional profile.

18. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are symmetric with respect to one another.

19. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are asymmetric with respect to one another.

20. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part comprises a pair of tubular sections and the second housing part comprises a pair of tubular sections, the pair of tubular sections of each of the first and second housing parts alignable to receive a pinned coupling member therethrough.

21. A locket, comprising: a first housing part;a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the second housing part; anda mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate supported on a leg and comprising at least one post extending upwardly therefrom, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first housing part and the second housing part;an adapter comprised of a resilient material releasably and coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter comprising at least one aperture to receive the at least one post, the adapter configured to receive an item of jewelry; anda camming surface extending from the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.

22. The locket of claim 21, wherein the mounting plate comprises at least one another post and the adapter comprises at least one another aperture to receive the at least one another post.

23. The locket of claim 21, wherein the adapter comprises at least one chamfer disposed along a side portion thereof.