STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Jewelry and wearable articles with hinged lids has long been known in the art, and some have provided a mirror as an aid in the application to makeup. These devices work well for their intended use, but offer little in the way of accessorizing and so fall into disuse easily.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates broadly to small wearable articles that provide a mirror and optionally a light as an aid to applying makeup or the like and specifically the present invention provides for accessorizing that conventional wearable articles of this sort do not permit. The present invention provides a hinged lid, a mirror, a small divided compartment for mints and the like as well as LED illumination. The present invention provides for a releasably attachable annular portion such as a ring blank or bracelet to attach to the bottom of the compartment allowing for a cost effective alteration of appearance while retaining the basis of the cosmetic accessory. In the preferred embodiment, the ring blanks may be of any size and are constructed to attach to the compartment underside by means of a small threaded rod accommodated by a female tapped recess, while the bracelet portion or pendant bail is passed through a slot with two opposing tabs. In this manner the article may be worn as a ring, pendant or bracelet.
One object of the present invention is to provide a means for the releasable retention of a compartment with a decorative face to a ring, pendant bail, or bracelet within the context to a wearable decorative article.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a means to retain a decorative compartment to a ring, a bracelet and pendant by providing a common retention means.
The applicant is not aware of any previously described art having the features and advantages of the present invention.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is edge view of the preferred embodiment of the cosmetic accessory in ring form, shown with lid closed.
FIG. 2 is edge view of the preferred embodiment of the cosmetic accessory in ring form, shown with lid open revealing reflective undersurface.
FIG. 3 is edge view of another embodiment of the cosmetic accessory in ring form, shown with lid open revealing a living hinge connecting a lid to a compartment.
FIG. 4 is edge view of another embodiment of the cosmetic accessory in bracelet form, shown with lid open with LED's.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the underside of the compartment of the present invention, shown with receiving means having two opposing tabs.
FIG. 6 is a cut-away of the compartment showing the receiving means and battery recess.
FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in pendant form.
FIG. 8 is the obverse of FIG. 7 showing the pendant attached to the receiving means.
FIG. 9 is a view of a typical circuit with two LED's and power supply.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an edge view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a releasably retained container body 1, having a hinged lid 2 with thumb catch 3 and an annular band of rigid material 4 such that the present invention may be worn in the manner of a ring. In the preferred embodiment this hinge may be constructed of the same material as the compartment, pivot-type hinge of the type as are commonly used in automobile visors comprised of a spring, and cam arrangement, or other hinge allowing for the opening of the lid to ninety degrees relative to the container body 1. The container body and the ring blank may be cast or fabricated metal, cast or injection molded plastic or other suitable material as will be known to one skilled in the art.
FIG. 2 shows an frontal view showing the lid in the open position exposing a reflective surface 6 on the bottom facing side of the lid as well as a translucent plastic ring 5 that contains fiber optic strands such as to provide illumination.
FIG. 3 shows a edge view of an alternate embodiment showing a lid in the open position and a hinge 7 commonly known as a living-hinge that is molded from the same material as the lid and container body.
FIG. 4 shows a edge view of an alternate embodiment where LEDs 8a and 8b are used to provide illumination and an elastic band 9 affixed to the base of the container body such that the present invention may be worn in the manner of a bracelet.
FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the present invention showing a loop guide that is comprised of a rectangular recess 10 and opposing tabs 11a that serve as a guide for the insertion of a rigid adjustable ring or a flexible elastic band.
FIG. 6 shows a ring blank 19 with a cap having a male threaded rod. It is this rod that is inserted into the annular recess 23 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention worn as a pendant.
FIG. 8 shows the obverse of FIG. 7 where a flexible loop of fabric 17 or the like is threaded through the guide and to which is affixed a bail 16, such that the present invention may be worn as a pendant.
FIG. 9 shows a typical circuit diagram that can be employed to power a plurality of LED's.
Patent Application
20080245104
