The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to a jewelry and fashion apparatus that may be utilized with varying types of fashion items including but not limited to jewelry, to adjust an items length, keep an item in a desired position, and to add style with interchangeable decorative embellishments.
For many, it is desirable to create a number of fashionable looks without breaking the bank. Buying jewelry and other fashion accessories is inherently expensive and not many can afford to have multiple pieces. Further, as people change, their physical changes can influence how a particular piece of jewelry fits on a wrist, neck, etc.
Many have attempted to solve such issues. In one example, pegs or posts are used in conjunction with the clasp to aid a user in shortening or otherwise modifying a length of a chain of a necklace or bracelet. However, such implementations are not desirable as they can be difficult to work with and may not fit a particular chain thus requiring other mechanisms to accommodate a particular size.
Additionally, different outfits or necklines (dresses, blouses, etc.) require different jewelry to complete the ensemble as not all jewelry will match a given outfit or neckline. This requires one to have many pieces of jewelry to match a given outfit. Having jewelry with interchangeable pieces (embellishments) or changeable lengths can remove the need to have multiple static pieces of jewelry. The interchangeable embellishments allow a user to change or add to the look and style of an existing piece of jewelry or fashion. Further, the user or wearer is empowered to create their own custom look rather than having such a piece custom made by a jeweler. Such a customization process is conventionally prohibitively expensive. The jewelry and fashion apparatus is designed to be used with multiple fashion and jewelry items and by its design has a universal ability to fit multi items that a user already owns, and it does so without requiring any adapters or adjustments to the apparatus.
The present invention and its embodiments solve the aforementioned problems and other issues relating to jewelry and fashion accessories, in an efficient and easy to use manner.
The present invention and its embodiments relate generally to a removable and/or interchangeable fashion and jewelry apparatus that can be used to create a custom look and also modify a length of a piece of jewelry (e.g. bracelet or necklace) as desired.
The jewelry and fashion apparatus subject to the present application accomplishes the above without the need for pegs, posts, rods, threads, etc. to engage a fashion item. This is desirable as such structures have a fixed shape that cannot conform to all chain types. Further, these structures can be prone to breakage rendering them useless for their intended purpose. These structures can also scratch or damage the article of fashion or jewelry they are being used to modify. Additionally, the jewelry and fashion apparatus may have a unique shape or appearance thereby allowing the user to create a custom look for an existing piece of jewelry or other fashion item.
In practice, a user can “open” the jewelry and fashion apparatus via the closure mechanism or hinge mechanism thereby allowing the two sections or halves to be moved in opposing directions. This exposes the interior of the fashion accessory module. The interior of the two sections is fitted with a gel or a foam or other retainment material(s) that will configure to conform to and provide a friction fit to any fashion or jewelry item that comes into contact with the retainment material. In addition, the gel or foam material will not scratch, damage or ruin the fashion or jewelry items it contacts.
When the user closes the jewelry and fashion apparatus, after proper positioning of the item or piece, the channels in the sections of the apparatus allow the chain or corresponding structure to pass therethrough while the foam or gel retains a position of the jewelry and fashion apparatus on the chain. When not desired to be used, a user can simply remove the jewelry and fashion apparatus from the fashion or jewelry item in question.
In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a jewelry and fashion apparatus comprising a top member and a bottom member, each of the members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, the top member and the bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within at least one internal surface of one of said members, at least one of said side walls of one of said members comprises at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of said members; and a closing mechanism designed to secured said first and second members to one another, said resilient material is designed to hold a portion of an article.
In another embodiment, the resilient material of the apparatus is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, at least one of the internal surfaces of one of the top and bottom members comprises a channel extending across opposing ends of one of the members.
In still another embodiment, the channel leads to said two apertures of said side walls of one of said members.
In a further embodiment, the resilient member takes to the form of a portion of the article that it is designed to hold.
In still a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one article, the article is selected from a group comprising of watch bands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.
In yet a further embodiment, the article has an elongated portion, the channel of the internal surface of one of the members is designed to hold the elongated portion of the article.
In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hinge to allow the top and the bottom members to be pivotally attached to one another.
In still another embodiment, the apparatus has a closed position and an open position. In another embodiment, the top member and the bottom member are contacting one another in the closed position. In still another embodiment, the internal surfaces of the top and bottom members contact one another during the closed position.
In yet another embodiment, the top member and bottom member are moveably situated away from one another and only attached at the hinge during said open position.
In still yet another embodiment, a portion of the article is inserted into the resilient material within the internal surface of one of the members and is allowed to extend through said apertures on the sidewall of one of the members in the open position.
In a further embodiment, the first and second members are moveably attached to one another and secured by the closing mechanism during the open position, a portion of the article is secured within the apparatus.
In still a further embodiment, the resilient material comprises a channel leading to the apertures of the side walls of one of the members, a portion of the article in inserted into the channel of the resilient material within the internal surface of one of the members and is allowed to extend through the apertures on the sidewall of one of the members in the open position.
In yet a further embodiment, the external surface of at least one of the members comprises at least one decorative embellishment. In another embodiment, the decorative embellishment is selected from a group comprising beads, glitter, molded emblem, metal, precious metal, pearl, precious and non-precious stones, glass, frame and combinations thereof.
In still another embodiment, the closing mechanism is selected from a group comprising of magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the apparatus is constructed of a material selected from a group comprising metal, precious metal, plastic, glass, rubber, synthetic materials and combinations thereof.
In a further embodiment, one of the members further comprises a decorative embellishment receiver.
In still a further embodiment, the decorative embellishment receiver is selected from a group comprising magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.
In yet a further embodiment, the decorative embellishment comprises at least one fastener to attach to the decorative embellishment receiver. In another embodiment, the decorative embellishment fastener is selected from a group comprising magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.
In still another embodiment, an apparatus is designed to adjust the length an article on a user.
In yet another embodiment, the article is jewelry with chain, the apparatus is attached to a portion of the chain at a location desired by the user to adjust the length of the chain.
In a further embodiment, the top and bottom members for a clam shell closing and opening mechanism.
In still a further embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for adjusting the length of an article worn by a user, the system comprising a plurality of apparati, each apparatus comprising: a top member and a bottom member, each of the members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, the top member and the bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within at least one internal surfaces of one of the members, at least one of the side walls of one of the members comprising at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of the members; and a closing mechanism designed to secured the first and second members to one another, the resilient material is designed to hold a portion of article.
In yet a further embodiment, a system further comprises at least one article, the article is selected from a group comprising of watchbands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the plurality of the apparati are attached to portions of the article. In still another embodiment, the resilient material forms the shape of a least a portion of the article that is secured within the resilient material. In yet a another embodiment, the resilient material is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.
In a further embodiment, the resilient material comprises at least one channel, the channel leads to the apertures on the side walls of one of the members, a portion of the article is situated within the channel and extends outwardly through the apertures.
In still a further embodiment, at least two of the apparti are attached to different locations on the article to allow user to adjust the length of the article at two points.
In yet a further embodiment, a plurality of apparati are attached on different locations of the article for decorative purposes.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a jewelry and fashion apparatus comprising: a top member and a bottom member, each of the members comprising at least one top surface, at least one internal surface, opposing ends and at least one side wall, the top member and the bottom member are movably and pivotally attached to one another; a resilient material situated within the internal surfaces of the top and bottom members, the internal surfaces of the top and bottom members comprising a portion of a channel extending across opposing ends of the top and bottom members, the side walls of the top and bottom members comprising portions of at least two apertures situated on opposing ends of one of the members, the portions of the channels leading to the portions of the two apertures; at least one hinge attached to a portion of the top and bottom members, allowing the members to be pivotally attached to one another, the apparatus having an open and closed position; in an open position, the top member and the bottom member are moveably situated away from one another and only attached at the hinge; the top member and the bottom member are contacting one another in the closed position; and a closing mechanism designed to secured the first and second members to one another, the channel is designed to hold a portion of article.
In still a further embodiment, an apparatus further comprising at least one article, the article is selected from a group comprising of watches, watch bands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, scarfs, fashion accessories, and combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the resilient material is selected from a group comprising gel, foam, elastomer, rubber, polymer, fabric, cotton, cloth, textiles, fibers, elastomers, nylons, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, an apparatus further comprising decorative embellishment, the decorative embellishment is attached to the outer surface of one of the members and is selected from a group comprising beads, glitter, molded emblem, metal, precious metal, pearl, precious and non-precious stones, glass, frame and combinations thereof.
In still a further embodiment, the closing mechanism is selected from a group comprising of magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop and combinations thereof.
In still another embodiment, the apparatus is constructed of a material selected from a group comprising metal, precious metal, plastic, glass, rubber, synthetic materials and combinations thereof.
In still yet another embodiment of the present invention there is a jewelry and fashion apparatus having a first section with a first outer surface, a first inner surface, and a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one first channel disposed therethrough; a second section having a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has at least one second channel disposed therethrough; a closure mechanism configured to secure a position of the first section in relation to the second section; a retainment material coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the first section and the 5 second section.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a jewelry and fashion apparatus having a first section with a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first side, a second side, and a first sidewall, wherein the first side of the first sidewall has at least one channel disposed therethrough, and wherein the second side of the first sidewall has at least one channel disposed therethrough; a second section having a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a first side, a second side, and a second sidewall, wherein the first side of the second sidewall has at least one second channel disposed therethrough, and wherein the second side of the second sidewall has at least one channel disposed therethrough; a closure mechanism configured to secure a position of the first section in relation to the second section; a foamed material coupled to an inner surface of the first section and the second section; wherein a position of the at least one channel of the first section and a position of the at least one channel of the second section is aligned when the first section and the second section is secured via the closure mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is a jewelry and fashion accessory having a first section with a first outer surface, a first inner surface, and a first sidewall; a second section having a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and a second sidewall; a hinged connector rotatably coupled the first section and the second section; a magnetic closure mechanism configured to secure a position of the first section relative to the second section; a polyurethane foam coupled to an inner surface of the first section and the second section; and wherein a position of the channel of the first section and a position of the channel of the second section is aligned when the first section and the second section is secured via the magnetic closure mechanism.
In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. It is an object of the present invention to provide a jewelry and fashion apparatus that is lightweight and easy to use.
The present invention provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that retains a position on the item it is attached to without the need for pegs, posts, rods, threads, etc. It also provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that is capable of being securely positioned upon an item.
The present invention further provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that holds securely yet is freely removable from an item. The present invention also provides for an apparatus that is capable of adjusting the length of a jewelry or fashion item.
The present invention additionally provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that is fashionable yet practical. It also provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that can be securely retained on an item of varying shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. It further provides a jewelry and fashion apparatus that can be used in conjunction with other jewelry and fashion apparatus to create a custom look.
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
The specific example below will enable the invention to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.
Referring now to
The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 may generally be made from any material including precious metals, metals, polymers, composites, glass, woods, stone, and the like or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, it is desirable to have the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 to have a magnet 120 encapsulated in either of the first section 102 or the second section 104 or a combination thereof. The presence of such a magnet 120 allows for various magnetic adornments (decorative embellishments) 122 (see
The first section 102 is preferably hingably coupled to the second section 104. This allows for rotation or pivoting of the first section 102 relative to the second section 104. In some embodiments, free movement of the sections is allowed by the hinge mechanism 108. In other embodiments, only the first section 102 or the second section 104 is allowed to freely rotate while the other section remains stationary.
In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 108 is a spring-based hinge, that comprises at least a first position and the second position. The first position of the spring-based hinge is when the hinge mechanism 108 is in an “open” position and the spring is stretched providing the spring with potential energy. The second position of the spring-based hinge is when the hinge mechanism 108 is in a “closed” position and the spring is not stretched. The potential energy is converted to kinetic energy at a point between the first position and the second position causing the first section 102 and the second section 104 to quickly snap shut. The spring utilized by the hinge is selected to prevent movement of the first section 102 and the second section 104 when in this “closed” position. The hinge 5 mechanism 108 may be positioned on an exterior or interior surface of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100.
On an opposing side, from the hinge mechanism 108, of the first section 102 and the second section 104 there may be a closure mechanism 110. The combination of the hinge mechanism 108 and the closure mechanism 110 allows for a “clamshell” like movement between the two section and further allows (via the closure mechanism 110) for a position of the two sections to be selectively fixed. However, in at least one embodiment, there is only one of the hinge mechanism 108 and the closure mechanism 110, and in some embodiments the hinge mechanism 108 essentially functions as the closure mechanism.
In an embodiment, the closure mechanism 110 is a magnet. In such an embodiment, a magnet of a first polarity is disposed on the first section 102 and a magnet of an opposing polarity is disposed on the second section 104. In yet other embodiments, the closure mechanism 110 may be a traditional clasp, lock, pin, etc. that allows for the two sections to be selectively joined until otherwise desired. The jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 further has at least one first channel 106 and at least one second channel 112. The channels are cut outs in the side wall of the first section 102 and the second section 104 respectively. The channels may be of any shape and/or size and are generally configured to accommodate a chain 200 (see
Disposed within the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 is a retainment material 114. The retainment material 114 is sized and configured to “grasp” a chain or other material as it is placed therethrough. The retainment material 114 may be a gel, foam, elastomer or other rubber or polymer material or cotton or a combination thereof. In yet other embodiments, materials encompassing the retainment material may include any deformable material including but not limited to woven or unwoven fabric, cloth, terrycloth, woven or woven fibers of wool, flax, cotton, and/or yarn, mineral textiles, denim, elastomeric fibers/fabrics, and synthetic textiles including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and/or acrylic, or any combinations thereof.
In another embodiment the retainment material 114 is a gel or a foam. The gel may be encapsulated in a protective outer layer to prevent drying of the gel, to prevent contact of the gel with the fashion item, and to provide a surface upon which the fashion item can rest when inserted into the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100. Virtually any type of gel is acceptable. The foam may be a polymer foam and more specifically a polyurethane foam (e.g. memory foam). The foam may be secured in the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 by mechanical or chemical means including an adhesive.
In a further embodiment, the retainment material 114 may have at least one groove or texture traversing a length of the retainment material 114. The groove or texture is configured to receive the fashion item, such as a chain, and to secure a position of the fashion item once the fashion accessory module 100 has been secured via the closure mechanism 110. The groove or texture is preferably aligned with the first channel 106 and the second channel 112. The 5 groove or texture may be permanent or may be induced by pressure exerted on the retainment material 114 by the fashion item.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The positioning of the jewelry and fashion apparatus 100 as shown in
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority from and is based on a provisional patent application entitled “Fashion Accessory Module” with U.S. Ser. No. 62/883,703 filed on Aug. 7, 2019.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62883703 | Aug 2019 | US |