Patent Application
20130305782
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of expression, usually worn on the body around the neck, wrists, ankles or ears of the wearer to convey a certain message or for personal appearance. Various types of materials are frequently used to hold the desired ornamentation or decoration on the wearer. The ornamentation can be precious stones, semi-precious stones, metals, charms, or religious symbols. Generally, the jewelry's closing mechanism keeps the ornamentation from falling off the piece of jewelry and securely attaches the piece of jewelry to the wearer.
A wearer can purchase their jewelry from a store, designer or jewelry manufacturer. Usually jewelry purchased from one of these sources has a permanent configuration in that the ornamentation is permanently attached to the item which holds the ornamentation on the body, for example, a pair of diamond earrings, or a necklace with stones in a predetermined pattern, or a pearl bracelet. All of these pieces cannot be disassembled without destroying the integrity of the piece of jewelry. Other times the ornamentation cannot be removed from a chain because the clasps are larger in size than the diameter of the hole of the ornament. For these types of jewelry, no variations in design or appearance can be made.
Homemade jewelry has become popular as consumers want flexibility in their jewelry collections or further have a desire to design and create their own jewelry pieces. This has led to the practice of people making their own jewelry where a wearer can purchase individual jewelry components to make their own unique piece of jewelry. There are also “complete” kits which consist of a chain and beads or some other type of ornamentation that is specifically manufactured for that chain. Often times these jewelry kits are intentionally made so that they cannot accommodate jewelry pieces manufactured by other companies. In order to keep the wearer's business, the size of the chain will match the size of the opening of the ornamentation, such as the beads. This is limiting because if the wearer would like to reconfigure a piece of jewelry, the wearer has to purchase all the components from the same manufacturer. If certain ornamentation is not offered by that particular manufacturer, the wearer will not be able to make the desired piece of jewelry.
In still other cases, jewelry components are readily available at craft stores. For example, jewelry clasps, chains, wire or string are commonly offered right alongside a plethora of ornamentation options. However, this option is limiting as well because once a wearer makes a piece of jewelry the components cannot easily be reused. During the process of making the jewelry the wearer has to permanently attach the clasps to the chain. After this point, the jewelry piece can only be disassembled by cutting off the clasps. The ornamentation and clasps can be recycled, but the wearer would have to reattach the clasps to a new chain basically starting from scratch. Further the materials that are commonly used for homemade jewelry are often inexpensive and not of good quality. Under these circumstances the components often break and the wearer can lose a meaningful piece of jewelry.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a high quality jewelry system that is not subjected to these disadvantages.
A jewelry system having features of the present invention can satisfy this need. The present invention allows a wearer to create and reuse the components of a jewelry system in order to configure or reconfigure a desired piece of jewelry.
Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for making jewelry. The system comprises one or more than one ornament comprising a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter; a flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end; a first clasp element on the first end, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; a mounting post at the second opposing end, where the mounting post has a diameter, and the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, and where the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.
The first clasp element can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the first end of the stringing material. Likewise, the mounting post can be reversibly attached to the second end of the stringing material or, in a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is permanently attached to the second end of the stringing material. In a preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long and in a particularly preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can receive ornaments have a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches. The one or more than one ornament can be selected from a group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from a group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is a metal chain, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is a copper chain. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In one embodiment, the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long. The first clasp element and the second clasp element can be selected from a group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.
In still another embodiment, the present invention provides for a piece of jewelry made from the system described above. The piece of jewelry can be an earring, bracelet, anklet, necklace or even a belt. Advantageously, the present invention can be used to manufacture temporary or permanent pieces of jewelry.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an article of jewelry. The article of jewelry comprises a flexible stringing material having a first end and a second opposing end and a mounting post affixed to either the first end or the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material, where the mounting post has a diameter. The mounting post can be reversibly affixed to the flexible stringing material or in a preferred embodiment permanently affixed to the flexible stringing material. In another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter. The diameter of the mounting hole is greater than the diameter of the mounting post. In still another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises a first clasp element, where the first clasp has a diameter and can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently affixed to the first end of the flexible stringing material. The diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. In another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises a second clasp element, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. In a most preferred embodiment, the second clasp element is attachable to the mounting post and can removably engage the first clasp element. When the second clasp element is not attached to the mounting post, the wearer can add or remove ornaments to or from the flexible stringing material. When the wearer is satisfied with the design pattern of the ornaments, the second clasp element is attached to the mounting post. The reusable characteristic of the jewelry article allows the wearer to quickly and easily reconfigure the article of jewelry with all the other components remaining intact.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of making a piece of jewelry. The method comprises grasping a flexible stringing material, the flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end with a mounting post comprising a diameter attached to the second opposing end; inserting one or more than one ornament on to the mounting post, the one or more than one ornament comprises a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter, where the diameter of mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; advancing the one or more than one ornament through the mounting post toward the first end of the flexible stringing material; fastening a first clasp element on the first end of the flexible stringing material, where the first clasp has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; and attaching a second clasp element to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole.
The mounting post can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can accept an ornament having a diameter of 0.034 inches.
The one or more than one ornament can be selected from a group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from a group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material is a metal chain, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stinging material is a copper chain. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In another embodiment the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.
The first clasp element and the second clasp elements can be selected from the group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister and combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, a piece of jewelry is made according to the method described above.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a kit for making a piece of jewelry, the kit comprises one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter; a flexible stringing material having a first end and a second opposing end; a first clasp element on the first end of the stinging material, the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; a mounting post on the second opposing end, the mounting post has a diameter less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, the second clasp element has a diameter, the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, where the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.
The first clasp element can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the first end of the stringing material. Likewise, the mounting post can be reversibly attached to the second opposing end of the stringing material or in a preferred embodiment the mounting post is permanently attached to the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material. In a preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long and in a particularly preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can receive ornaments have a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches.
The one or more than one ornament can be selected from the group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from the group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material is a metal chain and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is copper. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In another embodiment, the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.
The first clasp element and the second clasp element can be selected from a group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.
The kits can vary in many ways. The kits can be item specific such as an earring kit, comprising all earring parts necessary to construct a pair of earrings. Alternatively, the kit can contain components required to make several pieces of jewelry, such as a necklace, a bracelet and an earring which can all be included in a single kit. The kits can have a minimal number of components so that the wearer can make a single piece of jewelry or the kits can contain numerous pieces. There can also be kits containing replacement components.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Unless otherwise defined all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art.
It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound” includes two or more different compounds. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or other items that can be added to the listed items.
Definitions
As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising,” “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”
As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the method steps disclosed are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is essential to the method or that each step must occur in the order disclosed.
As used in this disclosure diameter means the size and dimension of an object or space (in connection with a mounting hole).
As used in this disclosure, mounting post means an elongated member capable of receiving a decorative item having a mounting hole therethrough or attached that can be used in connection with jewelry.
The features of the present invention allow a wearer to design and make their own jewelry. As illustrated in
There will now be described five different components comprising the present invention. Any of these components can be used alone, or the components can be used in various combinations.
The first component of the present invention is one or more than one ornament 12 with a mounting hole 14 therethrough. As used herein, the term “ornament” 12 means any type of decorative item capable of being mounted as illustrated in
As used herein, the term “mounting hole” 14 refers to an opening in the ornament whereby a stringing material 16 can be inserted or passed through. The diameter of the mounting hole 14 will vary among the various types of ornaments 12 used, and sometimes depends on the size of the ornament 12. For example, smaller ornaments 12 generally have a small mounting hole 14 diameter. Over ninety-five percent of beads have a mounting hole 14 diameter of 0.038 inches or smaller. A 5 mm bead has a 0.034 inch mounting hole 14. The 5 mm bead is considered one of the smallest beads available. Advantageously, the components of present invention can accommodate ornaments 12 having a mounting hole 14 with a 0.034 diameter. In the event ornaments 12 are manufactured with a smaller mounting hole 14 diameter, it is contemplated the components of this invention can be modified to accommodate mounting holes 14 with any diameter.
The second component of the present invention is the flexible stringing material 16. The flexible stringing material 16 is any material able to support an ornament 12, such as, chain, twine, string, leather, cables, metal, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material 16 is a metal chain. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a copper chain is used that is plated, colored or dyed with a gold or silver exterior. Chains can also be protected with a varnish. Metal chains are of a higher quality and provide stability and strength when the wearer reuses the chain multiple times. Copper is desirable because it is less expensive to manufacture as opposed to using pure gold or silver. In addition to the strength, by using a chain that has an external gold or silver color, the wearer can interchange existing jewelry pieces they own which will match the chain, such as, for example, a gold cross.
There is no set length for the stringing material 16. The length will depend on the personal preference of the wearer. If the length is shorter, the necklace will look more like a choker. If the length is longer, the necklace will hang lower around the neck closer to the wearer's abdomen. For example, common necklace lengths are 16, 18, 24 and 30 inches long. Bracelets are shorter in length and therefore the flexible stringing material for a bracelet will be shorter than a necklace. Common bracelet lengths are 7 to 8 inches long. For an anklet, a preferred length is 10 to 12 inches long. A wearer can also make a belt by using a longer flexible stringing material that can wrapped around the wearer's abdomen.
It is contemplated that the diameter or thickness of the stringing material 16 can be a range of sizes. The smaller the diameter of the stringing material 16, the more ornaments 12 with smaller mounting holes 14 the flexible stringing material can accommodate. As an example, a flexible stringing material 16 having a diameter that does not exceed 0.034 inches will allow ornaments 12 with even the smallest mounting hole 14 to be added to the stringing material 16. A stringing material 16 with a larger diameter cannot accommodate ornaments 12 that have a small mounting hole 14. However, a wearer that is using ornaments 12 with a larger mounting hole 14 can use a stringing material 16 with a greater diameter.
Closing mechanisms used for jewelry usually comprise some variation of male and female parts, on either end, that mechanically fit together to fasten the piece. Closing mechanisms are known in the art with reference to this disclosure and can generally be purchased off the shelf. Common clasps used for jewelry and known in the art can be used, such as a clasp, a toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, and twister. For an earring, the post that is inserted in the pierced part of the ear serves as the male part and the earring backing serves as the female part. Closing mechanisms have been designed so that they become a part of the jewelry by adding something of value to the appearance or they are designed to be discretely disguised so as not to take away from the appearance of the jewelry piece. Closing mechanisms not only keep the jewelry securely fastened to the wearer but also function to keep the ornamentation from falling off the piece of jewelry.
Therefore, a first clasp element 22 is the third component of the present invention.
As illustrated in
The mounting post 24 has a proximal end 30 and distal end 32. The proximal end 30 can be used to attach the mounting post 24 to the stringing material 16. The distal end 32 of the mounting post 24 is used to removably attach the second clasp element 26 to the mounting post 24. As illustrated, the distal end 32 of the mounting post has a threaded “screw-like” surface which can engage a second clasp element 26.
Therefore, the second clasp element 26 is the fifth component of the present invention and some embodiments are illustrated in
The second clasp element 26 has a diameter, the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole 14 of the ornament 12, again to keep the one or more than one ornament 12 on the stringing material 16. As mentioned above, the second clasp element 26 engages the mounting post 24. By being removably connected to the mounting post 24, the wearer can easily disengage the second clasp element 26 to either add or remove ornaments 12 to or from the stringing material 16. This feature provides for easy assembly without destroying the integrity of any parts of the piece of jewelry.
As illustrated in
In another embodiment, as illustrated in
The mounting post 24 has an additional function when used in connection with an earring 40 as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As shown in
In another embodiment, the features of the present invention provide for a novel method of making a piece of jewelry. The wearer will grasp the stringing material 16 comprising a first end 18 with a first clasp element 22 attached and a second opposing end 20 with a mounting post 24 attached. If the first clasp element 22 and mounting post 24 are not already attached, the wearer can attach both the mounting post 24 and first clasp element 22 to the flexible stringing material 16. The wearer can select the desired ornaments 12 with a mounting hole 14 to add to the stringing material 16. The mounting post 24 will be inserted through the mounting hole 14 of the ornaments 12 and onto the stringing material 16. The first clasp element 22 will ensure the ornaments 12 do not fall off the flexible stringing material 16. Upon completion of the desired pattern of ornaments 12, the wearer will attach the second clasp element 26 to the mounting post 24. The second clasp 26 will ensure no ornaments 12 fall off the stringing material 16 from the second opposing end 20. The wearer will then engage the first clasp 22 and the second clasp 26 thereby closing the stringing material 16. The wearer now has a new piece of jewelry.
As illustrated in
In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention so further described in the appended claims.
Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Materials and Methods
Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and/or patent applications are referenced in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosures of these publications, patents, and/or patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and for the subject matter for which they are specifically referenced in the same or a prior sentence, to the same extent as if each independent publication, patent, and/or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
The present Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/688,654, titled “Jewelry System,” filed May 18, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61688654 | May 2012 | US |
