This disclosure relates generally to the accessory industry and jewelry industry.
Jewelry may feature various designs, patterns, colors, stones, metals, and the like, but often is confined to a single configuration, selected by a jewelry designer or jeweler. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and the like may be designed to have a particular arrangement of components, materials, jewels, and other permanent design features, limiting the pieces to their original design.
Other jewelry, for example charm bracelets, may allow for addition and removal of charms or other jewelry pieces from the primary bracelet in order to enable alteration of the original jewelry design. These modifications often require use of delicate jewelers' tools, however, requiring professional assistance to add or substitute decorative pieces.
Some jewelry may allow for consumer-facilitated interchangeability by allowing a wearer to connect one or more additional jewelry components to a base jewelry component, as with links in a chain. For example, a first hoop-shaped earring portion may be opened to allow a second hoop-shaped earring portion to be loosely positioned over an end of the first earring portion before closing the first earring portion onto the wearer's ear, to create a two-component, or more, earring piece. This configuration, however, may limit the wearer to only chain-link style earring or other jewelry chains, which may be aesthetically limiting, or may undesirably make apparent the piecemeal nature of the linked earring system. Further, this configuration may provide a loosely coupled earring system, where the individual pieces may undesirably and uncontrollably slide and move during wear.
Jewelry is a highly personalized and stylized accessory, such that wearers may wish to alter the size, shape, color, materials, and the like of their jewelry items frequently to coordinate with aesthetic tastes, personality types, particular outfits, activities, times of year, and the like. At the same time, wearers often wish to exhibit quality in the jewelry pieces they select, and may wish to maintain that quality by giving the appearance of a cohesive piece, while still preserving a potential for modification.
Applicant has recognized that it may be desirable to provide systems and methods to easily configure and interchange jewelry items. Applicant has also recognized that it often is difficult to interchange or style jewelry configurations to meet personalized needs and desires. Applicant has further recognized that it may be aesthetically desirable to provide interchangeable jewelry systems that give the appearance of being single, unified jewelry pieces, rather than individual components clearly coupled together, while still maintaining the capability for such interchangeability. At the same time, Applicant has recognized that it may be desirable to inhibit loosely dangling or sliding jewelry pieces when coupled together, by instead securely interconnecting individual jewelry portions.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides jewelry systems, jewelry kits, jewelry, and associated methods that enhance the ease of configuration and interchangeability to create individual jewelry styles and options. According to an embodiment, a hoop-shaped earring member can be positioned to allow one or more additional earring members to be connected thereto. The hoop-shaped earring member can be positionable to insert into and secure to an earlobe, and can have a slot positioned in a portion of a rear periphery thereof and extending to a lower periphery thereof. The slot can be arranged to allow one or more additional earring members to be secured in the slot when positioned therein. Each of the one or more additional earring members can have a respective prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery thereof, positionable into and to be slidable along the slot, and securable in the lower periphery of the hoop-shaped earring member.
An embodiment of the present disclosure also is directed to a jewelry system that can include a first hoop-shaped earring member, a second earring member, and a third earring member. According to an embodiment, the first hoop-shaped earring member can be positionable to insert into and secure to an earlobe. The first earring member can have a first slot positioned in a portion of a rear periphery thereof and extending to a lower periphery thereof. In some embodiments, the second earring member can have a first prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery thereof, positionable into and to be slidable along the first slot of the first earring member, and securable in the lower periphery of the first earring member. The second earring member can include a second slot positioned in a portion of a side periphery thereof and extending to a lower periphery thereof. According to an embodiment, the third earring member can have a second prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery thereof, positionable into and to be slidable along the second slot of the second earring member, and securable in the lower periphery of the second earring member. This series of one or more earring members, for example, allows a user to create a style for different occasions, outfits, personalities, and the like.
In an embodiment, the first earring member can further include a fastener portion hingedly movable between an open position and a closed position to secure the first earring member to the earlobe, to connect closely adjacent the first slot, and to operate as a stop to prevent the first prong member of the second earring member from disengaging from the first earring member when the fastener portion is in the closed position and the first prong member is positioned in the first slot.
In an embodiment, the third earring member can have a third slot positioned in a portion of a side periphery thereof and extending to a lower periphery thereof to thereby allow one or more additional earring members each having a respective prong member extending outwardly therefrom to be secured in the third slot when positioned therein.
In an embodiment, each of the second earring member and third earring member can have one or more jewelry stones positioned therein.
In an embodiment, the one or more jewelry stones of each of the second earring member and third earring member can include a first jewelry stone positioned to face a front portion of the respective earring member and a second jewelry stone positioned to face a rear portion of the respective earring member. These jewelry stones, for example, can be the same or different types sizes, or shapes, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art. The respective second slot and third slot can also enhance light entry between the first jewelry stone and the second jewelry stone to thereby enhance illumination of the respective first jewelry stone and second jewelry stone.
In an embodiment, a circumferential periphery of the second earring member can have a different overall shape from a circumferential periphery of the third earring member.
In an embodiment, each of the first prong member and the second prong member can include a post portion connected to and extending outwardly from the upper periphery of the respective earring member. Each of the first and second prong members can also include a bulbous portion having a larger circumferential periphery than a circumferential periphery of the post portion, which can be connected to a distal end of the post portion, and can form a distal end portion of the respective prong member.
In an embodiment, the first slot of the first earring member can include a slot opening and a narrower slot channel connected to and extending downwardly from the slot opening along the rear periphery to the lower periphery of the first earring member, and the second slot of the second earring member can include a slot opening and a narrower slot channel connected to and extending downwardly from the slot opening along the side periphery to the lower periphery of the second earring member. In an embodiment, the slot openings can be formed to receive the bulbous portion of the prong member of the respective earring member when positioned therein. This, for example, can allow the bulbous portion to extend through the respective slot openings to thereby further allow the post portion to slidably engage the narrower channel portion and to thereby further allow the post portion to slide along the channel portion to the lower periphery of the respective earring member and be retained therein by the larger bulbous portion. The larger bulbous portion may operate as a stop to prevent the respective earring member from disconnecting from the respective slot.
An embodiment of the present disclosure also is directed to an earring having a hoop-shaped earring member that can be positionable to insert into and secure to an earlobe. The hoop-shaped earring member can have a slot positioned in a portion of a rear periphery thereof and extending to a lower periphery thereof. In an embodiment, the slot can be arranged to allow one or more additional earring members to be secured in the slot when positioned therein, each of the one or more additional earring members having a respective prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery thereof, positionable into and to be slidable along the slot, and securable in the lower periphery of the hoop-shaped earring member.
An embodiment of the present disclosure further is directed to an earring having an earring member that can have a prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery thereof, positionable into and to be slidable along a slot positioned in a rear periphery of a hoop-shaped earring member and extending to a lower periphery thereof, and securable in the lower periphery of the hoop-shaped earring member. The hoop-shaped earring member may be positionable to insert into and secure to an earlobe.
An embodiment of the present disclosure still further is directed to a method of assembling a jewelry system. An embodiment of a method for assembly of a jewelry system, for example, may include a first earring member and a second earring member. The method may include inserting a first prong member extending outwardly from an upper periphery of the second earring member into a first slot positioned in a portion of a rear periphery of and extending to a lower periphery of the first earring member. The first earring member is positionable to insert into and secure to an earlobe. In an embodiment, the method further can include sliding the first prong member downwardly along the first slot to the lower periphery of the first earring member and securing the first prong member at the lower periphery of the first earring member.
An embodiment of the present disclosure still further is directed to a jewelry kit for storage, presentation, transport, and sale of one or more jewelry items. The one or more jewelry items may be connectable and interchangeable to form one or more jewelry systems, according to the wearer's individual tastes and preferences.
Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the detailed description herein and the accompanying figures.
Some of the features and benefits of the present disclosure having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Although the disclosure will be described in connection with various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The jewelry system, jewelry kit, jewelry, and associated methods of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.
Described herein are examples of jewelry systems, jewelry kits, jewelry, and associated methods. In particular, embodiments of a jewelry system, a jewelry kit, jewelry, and associated methods are provided that allow for customization of an earring set through easy addition and removal of various earring members having different shapes and designs to form a complete, wearable jewelry system.
The first earring member 100 may include a fastener portion 105 for insertion into an earlobe or other body part, such as navel, nose, or the like, to allow a consumer to wear the jewelry system. In the illustrated embodiment, first earring member 100 may include a front periphery 110 and a rear periphery 115 coupled by a hinge member 120 secured by a pin 122. Although illustrated as a hinge 120 and pin 122, in other embodiments other rotatable couplings between front periphery 110 and rear periphery 115 may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Hinge member 120 may allow first earring member 100 to move between an open position as illustrated in
In the open position as illustrated in the embodiment shown in
In a closed position as illustrated in
In other embodiments, front periphery 110 and rear periphery 115 may be fixedly attached. In such embodiments, hinge 120 may be positioned at the base of fastener portion 105, such that fastener portion 105 may rotate between an open position in which a distal end of the fastener portion 105 is elevated above the upper periphery 125 to allow insertion of fastener portion 105 into an earlobe or other body part, and a closed position in which the distal end of the fastener portion 105 is rotated downward to be secured in slot opening 135 of first earring member 100 to secure first earring member 100 to an earlobe or other body part.
In some embodiments, fastener portion 105 may have a length e of 7.25 mm, for example, and may be slightly arcuate. In other embodiments, fastener portion 105 may have various lengths and may have varying degrees of curvature or may be straight, as necessary and suitable for insertion into an earlobe or other body part, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Front periphery 110 of first earring member 100 may be solid and arcuate, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In various embodiments, the curvature of front periphery 110 may vary according to aesthetic preference, as the front periphery 110 may be the portion visible when first earring member 100 is worn. For example, in some embodiments front periphery 110 may present a flattened front surface when worn, while in other embodiments front periphery 110 may present a convex or curved surface. In still other embodiments, front periphery 110 may include inlays or channels to accommodate one or more precious stones, natural materials, or manufactured materials, such as turquoise, carnelian, cachalong, malachite, onyx, chrysoprase, white jade, lapis, mother of pearl, amethyst, rhodolite, garnet, aquamarine, tourmaline, diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, spinel, or wood, or metal inlays in various designs and colors, according to aesthetic preference. The first earring member 100—as well as each of second earring member 200, third earring member 300, and fourth earring member 400, as discussed below—may also be formed of any suitable material, such as gold of various carat (K) weights and colors, such as 14K or 18K yellow, rose, or white gold, as an example, or silver, platinum, or other metal materials, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Rear periphery 115 of first earring member 100 may include a slot opening 135 positioned at an upper periphery 125 thereof, and a slot channel 140 extending downwardly from slot opening 135 to a lower periphery 130 of earring member 100. In some embodiments, slot channel 140, for example, may extend at a length f of 11 mm, while in other embodiments other lengths, including but not limited to 12.5 mm, may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, slot opening 135 may have a width g of 2 mm, while slot channel 140 may have a width s of 1.5 mm. In other embodiments, various other widths may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Slot opening 135 may be sized and shaped to receive the distal end of fastener portion 105, as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, slot opening 135 is generally circular, and is sized and shaped to receive the generally circular distal end of fastener portion 105. For example, as front periphery 110 is rotated toward rear periphery 115 about hinge 120 and pin 122, the distal end of fastener portion 105 may be inserted and secured into slot opening 135. This insertion into slot opening 135 may act as a stop, effectively preventing removal of a first prong member 250 of second earring member 200 from slot opening 135 when positioned therein, as discussed in more detail below. It is noted that the distal end of fastener portion 105 need not be large enough to occupy and fill the entirety of slot opening 135, but rather, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in
Slot opening 135 may additionally be sized and shaped complementarily to a bulbous portion 255 of a first prong member 250 of second earring member 200. Slot channel 140 may also be sized and shaped complementarily to a post portion 260 of the first prong member 250 of second earring member 200. Such complementary sizing and shaping may allow bulbous portion 255 to be inserted into and through slot opening 135, and may allow post portion 260 to engage and slide along slot channel 140 from the upper periphery 125 of first earring member 100 to the lower periphery 130 thereof, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Second earring member 200 may be shaped as a square having rounded corners, having dimensions h of 11.7×11.7 mm in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, second earring member 200 may be formed in various shapes and dimensions according to aesthetic preferences, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, second earring member 200 is formed having an outer periphery 275 securing two jewelry stones 265a, 265b therein. In some embodiments, the outer periphery 275 may be formed of a precious metal, such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like, while the jewelry stones 265a, 265b may be the same or different precious or semi-precious stones, natural materials, or manufactured materials, such as turquoise, carnelian, cachalong, malachite, onyx, chrysoprase, white jade, lapis, mother of pearl, amethyst, rhodolite, garnet, aquamarine, tourmaline, diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, spinel, or wood, or other precious or semi-precious stones or materials, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The two jewelry stones 265a, 265b may be cut and positioned to each face outwardly from opposite sides of second earring member 200, such that second earring member is aesthetically reversible or double-sided.
As illustrated in
A side periphery 245 of second earring member 200 may include a slot opening 235 at an upper periphery 225 thereof, and a slot channel 240 extending downwardly from slot opening 235 to a lower periphery 230 of earring member 200. In some embodiments, slot channel 240 may extend at a length i of 11 mm, while in other embodiments other lengths, including but not limited to 12.5 mm, may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, slot opening 235 may have a width j of 2 mm, while slot channel 240 may have a width k of 1.5 mm. In other embodiments, various other widths may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Slot opening 235 may be sized and shaped complementarily to a bulbous portion 355 of a second prong member 350 of a third earring member 300, as illustrated in
In addition to allowing for coupling of a third earring member 300, the presence of slot opening 235 and slot channel 240 may allow for light rays 272 to enter into a space between and behind jewelry stones 265a, 265b, to thereby enhance illumination of jewelry stones 265a, 265b from behind. Second earring member 200 may also include one or more light channels 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d positioned about the outer periphery 275 thereof to provide additionally enhanced illumination of jewelry stones 265a, 265b from various angles. Although illustrated as rectangular light channels, in various embodiments, light channels 270a-d may be formed in any shape, size, or number, as aesthetically desired, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in the illustrated embodiment, first earring member 100 is in an open position, such that fastener portion 105 is not blocking slot opening 135, thereby allowing for insertion of bulbous portion 255 into and through slot opening 135. Were first earring member 100 in a closed position, for example as illustrated in
As bulbous portion 255 is inserted into slot opening 135, second earring member 200 may be pushed in and rotated in either direction in order to facilitate insertion of bulbous portion 255 through slot opening 135, as illustrated between
As previously discussed, the front periphery 110 and rear periphery 115 of first earring member 100 may be brought into proximity by rotation about hinge 120 and pin 122, until the distal end of fastener portion 105 is inserted into slot opening 135. Before closing first earring member 100, fastener portion 105 may be inserted through earlobe 505 or another suitable body part. When in a closed position as illustrated, fastener portion 105 may have a length l of 7 mm in some embodiments, or may have various lengths appropriate to accommodate an earlobe 505 or other body part in other embodiments.
Groove 107 located on the top surface of fastener portion 105 may facilitate securing fastener portion 105 within slot opening 135 by catching a portion of the perimeter of slot opening 135 within groove 107. Although illustrated in
When fastener portion 105 is secured to earlobe 505 and inserted into slot opening 135, fastener portion 105 may serve as a stop to prevent second earring member 200 from disengaging from first earring member 100 when first earring member 100 is in the closed position and worn. In particular, fastener portion 105 may at least partially block slot opening 135 such that, even if post portion 260 of second earring member 200 were to slide up slot channel 140 towards slot opening 135 during wear or transport, slot opening 135 is effectively blocked by fastener portion 105 such that bulbous portion 255 cannot exit slot opening 135. In this way, jewelry system 500 may remain securely coupled during wear or transport.
As illustrated in
This arrangement of the functional elements of the individual earring members 100, 200 to be hidden from view during wear advantageously provides a jewelry system 500 that presents the illusion of being a single, cohesive piece, while still maintaining the flexibility of interchangeability. When worn, earring members 100, 200 may appear to be originally and permanently connected, such that jewelry system 500 may appear as a singular piece as designed by a jewelry designer or jeweler. Yet, if the wearer opts to substitute or add earring members 200, 300, 400 to first earring member 100, as discussed in more detail below, those jewelry systems 1000, 1100, 1200, for example, will also appear to be unified pieces. Such configuration may allow the jewelry systems to maintain an appearance of quality craftsmanship and design.
Although illustrated in
As illustrated in the embodiment shown in
Third earring member 300 may include a second prong member 350 positioned at an upper periphery 325 thereof to facilitate connection of third earring member 300 to second earring member 200. In other embodiments, second prong member 350 may enable connection between third earring member 300 and first earring member 100 directly. Second prong member 350 may include bulbous portion 355 positioned at a distal end of post portion 360, extending upwardly from the upper periphery 325 of third earring member 300.
In some embodiments, bulbous portion 355 may have a diameter o of 2.1 mm and post portion 360 may have a height p of 1.6 mm, while in other embodiments alternate dimensions may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The relative sizes and materials used to form bulbous portion 355 and post portion 360 may be selected with particularity in order to ensure that first prong member 250 does not bend or snap off of second earring member 200 during the inserting, pushing, and twisting motions used to connect second earring member 200 to first earring member 100 via slot opening 135 and slot channel 140. In some embodiments, bulbous portion 355 and post portion 360 may be sized and shaped consistently with bulbous portion 255 and post portion 260, respectively, of second earring member, and with respective bulbous portions and post portions of any additional earring members, such that each of second earring member 200, third earring member 300, and any additional earring members may be interchangeably connectable to first earring member 100 or to each other for formation of various jewelry systems having various designs, earring member combinations, numbers, lengths, and colors.
As illustrated in
Bulbous portion 255 and post portion 260 may similarly be complementarily sized and shaped to slot opening 135 and slot channel 140, respectively, of first earring member 100, and to slot opening 235 and slot channel 240, respectively, of second earring member 200, and to respective slot openings and slot channels of any additional earring members, such that each of second earring member 200, third earring member 300, and any additional earring members may be interchangeably connectable to first earring member 100 or to each other for formation of various jewelry systems having various designs, earring member combinations, numbers, lengths, and colors.
Slot opening 335 may be positioned at an upper periphery 325 of third earring member 300, and may extend along slot channel 340 along a side periphery 345 to a lower periphery 330 thereof. This configuration may allow first earring member 100, second earring member 200, and third earring member 300 to be vertically connected for wear.
After connection of second earring member 200 to first earring member 100, third earring member 300 may be connected to second earring member 200. In some embodiments, third earring member 300 may first be connected to second earring member 200 before connecting second earring member 200 to first earring member 100. In the illustrated embodiment, second prong member 350 of third earring member 300 may be inserted into slot opening 235 of second earring member 200, such that bulbous portion 355 extends into and through slot opening 235 until post portion 360 engages slot opening 235 and slot channel 240.
Although third earring member 300 is illustrated as being connected to second earring member 200 with jewelry stone 365a in an upward facing position in
As illustrated in
Like second earring member 200 and third earring member 300, fourth earring member may include a third prong member 450 extending from an upper periphery 425 thereof. Third prong member 450 may include a bulbous portion 455 for insertion into and through slot opening 135, and a post portion 460 for engaging slot opening 135 and slot channel 140. Unlike second earring member 200 and third earring member 300, however, fourth earring member 400 may not include a slot opening 235, 335 or slot channel 240, 340, such that fourth earring member 400 may terminate the jewelry system 1100, rather than allowing for connection of additional earring members to fourth earring member 400. In other embodiments, fourth earring member 400 may include a slot opening and slot channel, enabling connection of additional earring members to fourth earring member 400.
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, fourth earring member 400 may be connected to first earring member 100 by inserting third prong member 450 of fourth earring member 400 into slot opening 135 of first earring member 100, sliding third prong member 450 along slot channel 140, and securing third prong member 450 at a lower periphery 130 of first earring member 100. Once secured, third prong member 450 may be freely rotatable within slot channel 140 at lower periphery 130 of first earring member 100.
First earring member 100 may be secured to earlobe 505 or another body part by inserting fastener portion 105 through earlobe 505 and securing the distal end of fastener portion 105 within slot opening 135. Insertion of fastener portion 105 within slot opening 135 may serve as a stop to effectively prevent third prong member 450 from being removed from slot opening 135 when jewelry system 1100 is worn.
In other embodiments, fourth earring member 400 may be connected to a third earring member 300, which may be connected to a second earring member 200, which may in turn be connected to a first earring member 100. In other embodiments, fourth earring member 400 may be connected to a third earring member 300, which may in turn be connected to a first earring member 100. In various embodiments, various numbers, orders, patterns, styles, shapes, sizes, and colors of earring members may be arranged to form a variety of jewelry systems for wear on an earlobe or other body part.
In the open position as illustrated in the embodiment shown in
In a closed position as illustrated in
Groove 107 located on the top surface of fastener portion 105 may facilitate securing fastener portion 105 within slot opening 135 by catching a portion of the perimeter of slot opening 135 within groove 107. Although illustrated in
In other embodiments, front periphery 110 and rear periphery 115 may be fixedly attached. In such embodiments, hinge 120 may be positioned at the base of fastener portion 105, such that fastener portion 105 may rotate between an open position in which a distal end of the fastener portion 105 is elevated above the upper periphery 125 to allow insertion of fastener portion 105 into an earlobe or other body part, and a closed position in which the distal end of the fastener portion 105 is secured in slot opening 135 of first earring member 100 to secure first earring member 100 to an earlobe or other body part.
In some embodiments, fastener portion 105 may have a length e of 7.25 mm and may be slightly arcuate. In other embodiments, fastener portion 105 may have various lengths and may have varying degrees of curvature or may be straight, as suitable for insertion into an earlobe or other body part.
Front periphery 110 of first earring member 100 may be solid and arcuate, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In various embodiments, the curvature of front periphery 110 may vary according to aesthetic preference, as the front periphery 110 may be the portion visible when first earring member 100 is worn. For example, in some embodiments front periphery 110 may present a flattened front surface when worn, while in other embodiments front periphery 110 may present a convex or curved surface. In still other embodiments, front periphery 110 may include inlays or channels to accommodate one or more precious stones or metal inlays in various designs and colors, according to aesthetic preference. The first earring member 100 may also be formed of any suitable material, such as gold of various carat (K) weights and colors, such as 14K or 18K yellow, rose, or white gold, as an example, or silver, platinum, or other metal materials, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Rear periphery 115 of first earring member 100 may include a slot opening 135 at an upper periphery 125 thereof, and a slot channel 140 extending downwardly from slot opening 135 to a lower periphery 130 of earring member 100. In some embodiments, slot channel 140 may extend at a length f of 11 mm, while in other embodiments other lengths, including but not limited to 12.5 mm, may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, slot opening 135 may have a width g of 2 mm, while slot channel 140 may have a width s of 1.5 mm. In other embodiments, various other widths and width ratios may be used as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Slot opening 135 may be sized and shaped to receive the distal end of fastener portion 105, as discussed above. For example, as front periphery 110 is rotated toward rear periphery 115 about hinge 120 and pin 122, the distal end of fastener portion 105 may be inserted and secured into slot opening 135. This insertion into slot opening 135 may act as a stop, effectively preventing removal of a prong member of a second, third, fourth, or other earring member from slot opening 135.
Slot opening 135 may additionally be sized and shaped complementarily to a bulbous portion 255, 355, 455 of a prong member 250, 350, 450 of an additional earring member 200, 300, 400 or another earring member. Slot channel 140 may also be sized and shaped complementarily to a post portion 260, 360, 460 of the prong member 250, 350, 450 of another earring member 200, 300, 400 or some other earring member. Such complementary sizing and shaping may allow bulbous portion 255, 355, 455 to be inserted into slot opening 135, and may allow post portion 260, 360, 460 to slide along slot channel 140 from the upper periphery 125 of first earring member 100 to the lower periphery 130 thereof, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Although described throughout with respect to earring members, in other embodiments the described jewelry systems, jewelry kits, jewelry, and associated methods may include bracelet, necklace, keychain, belt, and various other accessory members for wear or use, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.
The present disclosure described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the disclosure has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present disclosure disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.
The present application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/564,944, filed Sep. 28, 2017, entitled “JEWELRY SYSTEM, JEWELRY KIT, JEWELRY, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Although the disclosure has been described above in connection with various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The present application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/564,944, filed Sep. 28, 2017, entitled “JEWELRY SYSTEM, JEWELRY KIT, JEWELRY, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62564944 | Sep 2017 | US |