U.S. patent application number 11/059759 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for interchangeable jewelry setting.
Invention is credited to Lazega, Renee, Lieberman, Silas.
Application Number | 20050166634 11/059759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23064513 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050166634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lieberman, Silas ; et
al. |
August 4, 2005 |
Interchangeable jewelry setting
Abstract
An article of jewelry has a jewelry setting for removable
engagement of a jewel from such article of jewelry. The jewelry
setting enables biased engagement of the jewel with the article of
jewelry in a secure manner, such that inadvertent separation of the
jewel from the article of jewelry is prevented. A special tool for
the engagement of the jewel with the jewelry article may be
provided to enhance the secure connection between the jewel and
article of jewelry. An interchangeable system of jewels, settings
and articles of jewelry is also provided.
Inventors: |
Lieberman, Silas; (Antwerp,
BE) ; Lazega, Renee; (Antwerp, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
575 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022-2585
US
|
Family ID: |
23064513 |
Appl. No.: |
11/059759 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11059759 |
Feb 17, 2005 |
|
|
|
10281073 |
Oct 23, 2002 |
|
|
|
6907753 |
|
|
|
|
10281073 |
Oct 23, 2002 |
|
|
|
PCT/US02/09081 |
Mar 22, 2002 |
|
|
|
60278313 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 17/0216
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/026 |
International
Class: |
A44C 017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2000 |
DE |
10056035.0 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for the retention of a jewel in an article of jewelry
adapted to decorate an item, whereby a plurality of jewels may
interchangeably set in the article of jewelry, the system
comprising: a fixed portion housed within an article of jewelry,
the fixed portion comprising a receiving chamber; a removable
portion adapted to retain a jewel, and a facilitator tool
configured to engage and displace the removable portion towards and
away from the receiving chamber of the fixed portion, the
facilitator tool being operative to insert and detachably couple
the removable portion to the fixed portion.
2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the facilitator
tool is operative to magnetically attract the removable portion,
the facilitator tool and removable portion being disengaged upon
coupling the fixed portion to the removable portion.
3. A system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the facilitator
tool includes a handle and a contact portion configured to engage
the removable portion, the removable portion comprising an
insertion member magnetically attractable to the facilitator and
insertable into the receiving chamber of the fixed portion, the
inserting member having a seat portion for receiving the jewel.
4. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein at least the
contact portion of the facilitator tool is made from a magnetizable
material.
5. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the contact portion
has at least one magnetic insert.
6. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the contact portion
has a surface located adjacent to the insertion member during
engagement between the facilitator tool and the removable portion
and provided with a layer of the magnetizable material.
7. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the contact portion
has a surface located adjacent to the insertion member of the
removable portion and provided with a plurality of fingers, the
fingers each being configured to engage a respective recess
provided in the surface of the insertion member so that the
facilitator tool and removable portion rotate synchronously
relative to the fixed portion in response to a torque applied by
the facilitator tool during coupling the fixed and removable
portions.
8. A system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the surface of the
contact portion of the facilitator tool has a plurality of seats
each configured to removably receive a respective one of the
plurality of fingers and provided with a respective magnetic insert
so that the respective magnetic insert is in contact with an inner
end of the respective finger upon coupling the finger to the
seat.
9. A system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the plurality of
fingers each are fixedly mounted to the surface of the contact
portion of the facilitator tool.
10. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the insertion
member has a face opposing the surface of the contact portion of
the facilitator tool during engagement between the facilitating
tool and the removable portions, the face having a formation
configured to engage the contact portion of the facilitator tool so
that the facilitator tool and the removable portion are rotatably
fixed relative to one another upon applying a torque to the
facilitator tool.
11. A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the formation
includes a plurality of ledges extending outwards from the face of
the insertion member and having inner surfaces, the inner surfaces
being configured to engage an outer periphery of the contact
portion in a rotatably fixed manner.
12. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the item is
selected from the group consisting of handbags, buttons, zippers,
shoes, boots, clothing, combs, brushes, hats, leatherwear, fashion
jewelry, shopping bags, purses, key holders, pens, cuff links, card
holders, frames for photographs and frames for paintings.
13. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the item is
selected from the group consisting of mobile phones, cameras, CD
players, laptops, lighters and electronics.
14. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the fixed portion
further comprising a biasing member, an outer end exposed during
the wearing of the article of jewelry, an inner end hidden during
the wearing of the article of jewelry, and an inner wall having
securing means and being disposed between the inner end and the
outer end; the fixed portion adapted for passage of the insertion
member through the inner end and into the receiving chamber for
seating of the removable portion within the fixed portion and for
displaying of the jewel seated within the seat portion adjacent the
outer end, the fixed and removable portions extending along a
longitudinal axis upon insertion of the insertion into the fixed
portion, the removable portion being seated relative to the fixed
portion through a rotatable engagement of the insertion member with
the securing means on the inner wall of the fixed portion; wherein
the insertion member engages the biasing member upon rotation of
the removable portion within the fixed portion, and the biasing
member generates an axially longitudinally directed force for
urging the fixed and the removable portions to remain seated so
that the fixed and removable portions are prevented from axial
displacement relative to one another while seated; and wherein the
insertion member has a predefined shape and the inner end has a
plurality of passages that form a pattern of passages, each passage
of the plurality of passages corresponding in shape to the shape of
the insertion member.
15. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the outer end and
the inner end each have a diameter and the diameter of the outer
end is less than the diameter of the inner end for preventing
passage of the insertion member completely through the outer
end.
16. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the insertion
member of the removable portion is provided with a resilient
element fixed to an inner surface of the insertion member and
configured to retain the jewel within the insertion member.
17. A system in accordance with claim 16, wherein the resilient
element is made from elastomeric material selected from the group
consisting of engineering plastics and rubber.
18. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the insertion
member of the removable portion is provided with a retaining
element removably insertable into the insertion member and
configured to retain the jewel within the insertion member.
19. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the insertion
member is fin-shaped.
20. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the predefined
shape and the pattern of passages are configured for unidirectional
insertion of the insertion member into the receiving chamber.
21. A system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the elastomeric
material includes silicon.
22. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the biasing
member further comprises at least one chordal section.
23. A system in accordance with claim 22, further comprising at
least one groove disposed on the at least one insertion member for
biased engagement with the at least one chordal section.
24. An article of jewelry comprising: a consumer item formed with a
body having an outer face; and a jewelry assembly embedded in the
body of the consumer item and including a retaining member provided
with an outer end opening into the outer face of the body; a
biasing member disposed within the retaining member and spaced
inwards from the outer opening; a setting removably insertable into
the retaining member and configured to selectively receive a
plurality of jewels so that a received jewel extends towards the
outer end opening and is displayed proximate to the outer face of
the body upon inserting the setting into the retaining member,
wherein the setting is removable from the retaining member to have
the received jewel replaced with a new jewel for altering
appearance of the consumer item upon inserting the setting with the
new jewel into the retaining member, wherein the retaining member
and the setting extend along a longitudinal axis upon insertion of
the setting into the retaining member, and the biasing member
generates an axially directed force for urging the retaining member
and the setting to remain engaged so that the retaining member and
the setting are prevented from axial displacement relative to one
another while engaged.
25. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
consumer item is selected from the group consisting of electronic
consumer items, garment consumer items, kitchenware consumer items,
and combinations of these.
26. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
electronic consumer items are selected from the group consisting of
mobile phones, cameras, CD players, laptops desktop, flashlights,
tape recorders, and radios.
27. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
garment consumer items are selected from the group consisting of
handbags, buttons, zippers, shoes, boots, clothing, combs, brushes,
hats, leatherwear, fashion jewelry, shopping bags, purses, key
holders, pens, cuff links, pocket knives, nail clippers, and
scissors.
28. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
furniture consumer items are selected from the group consisting of
frames for photographs, frames for paintings, chairs, armchairs,
carpets, tables, cabinets, stoves and coffee tables.
29. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
kitchenware items are selected from the group consisting of
utensils, plates, cups, food product containers.
30. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, wherein the
setting has a jewel seat housing the received jewel, a resilient
element disposed in the jewel seat and configured to resiliently
engage the received jewel so that the jewel is prevented from
voluntary displacement from the jewel seat, and an engaging portion
having a plurality of insertion members for axial insertion through
the retaining member for displaying the received jewel proximate to
the outer opening of the retaining member.
31. An article of jewelry of claim 30, wherein the retaining member
is configured with an inner end opening smaller than the outer end
opening to arrest displacement of the setting so that the received
jewel is displaced proximate to the outer face of the consumer
item, prevent the setting from completely received jewel from
falling out of the retaining member, the an inner end opening being
provided with a plurality of passages that form a pattern of
passages, the engaging portion of the setting being provided with a
plurality of insertion members for axial insertion through the
plurality of passages of the inner end opening of the retaining
member, each of the plurality of insertion members having a
predefined shape that corresponds with the inner end opening
passage, and the engagement portion engaging the retaining member
through a rotation of the setting within the retaining member.
32. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 31, wherein the
plurality of insertion members are symmetrically and radially
disposed around the setting., the article of jewelry further
comprising at least one additional setting comprising an additional
jewel seated thereon and adapted for removable engagement with the
retaining member.
33. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 24, further
comprising a facilitator tool for engaging the setting and further
displacing and removably axially inserting the setting the
retaining member.
34. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 30, wherein the
resilient element includes a washer or a spring.
35. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 30, wherein the
resilient element is fixedly coupled to the jewel seat.
36. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 33, wherein the
facilitator tool is made from a magnetizable material.
37. A method for assembling an article of jewelry adapted to
decorate an item, the article of jewelry comprising: a retaining
member having an axial inner passage; and a setting member
removably coupleable to the retaining member; the method comprising
the steps of: a) coupling the retaining member to the item so that
the axial passage opens into an outer side of the item; a)
selectively setting a plurality of jewels in the setting member; b)
engaging the setting member by a facilitator tool; c) displacing
the facilitator tool towards and axially aligning the facilitator
tool with the retaining member; d) axially displacing the
facilitator tool towards the retaining member, thereby axially
inserting the setting member into the inner passage of the
retaining member; e) applying a torque to the facilitator tool,
thereby rotating the retaining and setting members relative to one
another to a locking position, in which the jewel extends through
the axial inner passage of the retaining member and terminates
proximate to the outer side of the item.
38. The method in accordance with claim 37, wherein the setting
member and facilitator tool are magnetically attractactable to one
another.
39. The method in accordance with claim 37 further comprising
applying an axial force to the facilitator tool, thereby
disengaging the facilitator tool from the setting member.
40. The method in accordance with claim 39 further comprising
applying a countertorque to the facilitator tool, thereby unlocking
the setting and retaining members from one another upon engaging
the facilitator tool with the setting member; and axially
displacing the facilitator tool with the setting member from
retaining member; and repeating the steps (a) through (d).
41. The method in accordance with claim 37 wherein the item is
selected from the group consisting of handbags, buttons, zippers,
shoes, boots, clothing, combs, brushes, hats, leatherwear, fashion
jewelry, shopping bags, purses, key holders, pens, cuff links, card
holders, frames for photographs, frames for paintings, mobile
phones, cameras, CD players, laptops, lighters and electronics.
42. A kit for decorating a consumer item with a article of jewelry,
comprising: a fixed portion having a receiving chamber and
configured to be embedded in the item so that the receiving chamber
opens into an outer side of the consumer item; a plurality of
jewels; a removable portion detachably coupled to the fixed portion
and configured to interchangeably receive and retain the plurality
of jewels; and a facilitator tool adapted to engage, displace and
axially insert the removable portion into the receiving chamber of
the fixed portion, the facilitator tool further being adapted to
apply a torque to the removable portion so that the removable
portion rotates relative to the fixed portion between a locked
position, in which a retained jewel extends through the outer side
of the item, and an unlocked position, in which the facilitator
tool is operative to pull the removable member with the retained
jewel from the receiving chamber.
43. A kit in accordance with claim 42, wherein the facilitator tool
is configured to magnetically attract the removable portion.
44. A kit in accordance with claim 42, wherein the removable
portion has a resilient member fixedly attached an inner wall of
the removable portions and configured to bias the retained jewel
against voluntary displacement thereof from the removable
portion.
45. A kit in accordance with claim 42, wherein the resilient member
is made from silicon.
46. A kit in accordance with claim 42, wherein the item is selected
from the group consisting of handbags, buttons, zippers, shoes,
boots, clothing, combs, brushes, hats, leatherwear, fashion
jewelry, shopping bags, purses, key holders, pens, cuff links, card
holders, frames for photographs, frames for paintings, mobile
phones, cameras, CD players, laptops, lighters and electronics.
47. A method of marketing comprising the steps of: offering a
consumer product or service to a consumer; complimenting the
offered consumer product or service with a piece of jewelry having
a market value, the piece of jewelry comprising: a fixed portion
having a receiving chamber and configured to be embedded in an item
so that the receiving chamber opens into an outer side of the
consumer item, a collection of jewels, a removable portion
detachably coupled to the fixed portion and configured to
interchangeably receive and retain the plurality of jewels;
establishing a system of reward points based on a value of the
purchased product or service by the consumer, whereas each
subsequent purchase of the consumer product or service includes at
least one component of the piece of jewelry having a higher market
value than the market value of the piece of jewelry presented with
a previous purchase of the consumer product or service; and
allocating a predetermined percentage of the market value of the
purchased piece of jewelry to a manufacturer or retailer
thereof.
48. A method in accordance with claim 47, wherein the consumer
product has an insert provided with a logo of a manufacturer of the
consumer product, the insert being removably embedded in the
consumer product, the article of jewelry being shaped and
dimensioned similarly to the insert, the method further comprising
removing the insert from the purchased consumer product, and
removably inserting the article of jewelry into the consumer
product instead of the removed insert.
49. A method in accordance with claim 47, wherein the at least one
component of the piece of jewelry is the setting provided with a
new collection of jewels.
50. A method in accordance with claim 47, wherein the offered
consumer product is selected from the group consisting of handbags,
buttons, zippers, shoes, boots, clothing, combs, brushes, hats,
leatherwear, fashion jewelry, shopping bags, purses, key holders,
pens, cuff links, card holders, frames for photographs, frames for
paintings, mobile phones, cameras, CD players, laptops, lighters
and electronics.
51. A method in accordance with claim 47, wherein the offered
service is selected from the group consisting of transportation
fare, use of credit cards and electronic communication services,
and combinations thereof.
52. A method of promoting an article of jewelry comprising a fixed
portion having a receiving chamber and configured to be embedded in
an item so that the receiving chamber opens into an outer side of
the item, a collection of jewels, a removable portion detachably
coupled to the fixed portion and configured to interchangeably
receive and retain the plurality of jewels; the method comprising:
collecting reward points for purchasing the article of jewelry; and
receiving a new article of jewelry or a component thereof having a
higher market value than the previously purchased article of
jewelry upon collecting a predetermined amount of the reward
points.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/181,073 filed on Oct. 23, 2002 and
currently pending, and claiming priority from application
PCT/US02/09081 filed Mar. 22, 2002 and currently pending, and now
abandoned provisional application Ser. No. 60/278,313 filed on Mar.
23, 2001.
I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to jewelry settings generally, and
more specifically to a jewelry setting having interchangeable parts
that are rotationally biasable together.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Jewelry pieces are conventionally permanent. In other words,
once a jewel is fixed within a setting, the jewel and the setting
may only be used or worn as a combined unit on one part of the
body. This can be quite limiting, for example, if one wished to
display or wear a particular jewel on one's finger during one
occasion and on one's clothing in a brooch or pin during another
occasion.
[0004] Interchangeable jewelry settings that overcome such a
limitation are known. Usually, interchangeable jewelry settings
allow a variety of stones or jewels to be used with a single
setting. Alternatively, a single jewel or stone can be used in a
variety of settings for adornment in a variety of locations. An
early example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,371 to Prussian.
[0005] Most prior art interchangeable jewelry settings incorporate
a first setting piece having a jewel fixed thereto and a second
setting piece into which such first setting piece is secured for as
long as the user wants it in that piece of jewelry. The first
setting piece may be threaded in the second setting piece, as shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 1,160,723 to Lander. Other manners of engagement
are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,581 to Furuyama, U.S. Pat. No.
5,588,310 to Lai, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,011 to DiGilio et al.
Another popular method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,095 to Tawil
et al., wherein a bayonet-type locking arrangement having ramped
engagement portions is used to secure the first setting within the
second setting.
[0006] In each of the prior art references noted above, there is a
chance that the first and second pieces may be inadvertently
separated through hand manipulation. Such possibility arises from
the downward placement of the first setting piece, having the jewel
fixed thereto, into the second setting piece into which such first
setting piece is placed. In such an arrangement, the engagement and
disengagement of the first and second setting pieces may easily
occur while the article of jewelry is being worn. While this
arrangement may be convenient if it is desired to swiftly change
gems or diamonds, it lacks a certain amount of security.
Furthermore, because the engagement of the first and second pieces
occurs primarily by hand, there are no security measures inherent
in the structures of the prior art that prevent unwanted
disengagement of the first and second pieces.
[0007] Assembling multiple pieces is a difficult task requiring
skills and experience working with tools that are used for
fastening separate components of an article of jewelry together.
Often, a component engaged by a tool voluntarily detaches therefrom
before the craftsman is able to fasten it to other components.
Needless to say, the users of the article of jewelry, which is
adapted to be used with a plurality of gems, may experience even
more difficulties. Some of the prior art references discussed above
disclose tools having certain features that facilitate the assembly
or disassembly of the article of jewelry. However, the disclosed
tools may have a rather complicated structure that does not ensure
reliable and easy engagement between the tools and components to be
fasten.
[0008] Jewelry has always been important part of wardrobe and many
accessories associated with it. Historically, both men and women
clothing were embroidered with pearls and sparkling gems. Belts,
shoes, purses and other accessories were decorated with jewelry
articles that were permanently attached to these accessories. While
jewelry was relatively rarely associated with many of the noted
items during the last century, this trend has been recently
reversed. It is not unusual nowadays to see a variety of items,
which may have an everyday utility, decorated with jewelry.
However, typically, an article of jewelry, which is embedded in an
item, has a permanently fixed gem. As a consequence, the item
cannot be redecorated.
[0009] A need, therefore, exists for an article of jewelry
overcoming the inadequacies of the prior art.
[0010] Still a further need exists for an article of jewelry
provided with a structure adapted to selectively receive a
plurality of jewels or gems.
[0011] A further need exists for an article of jewelry that can be
coupled to a variety of items and have a structure configured to
selectively receive a plurality of gems.
[0012] Still a further need exists for a tool configured to
facilitate assembly/disassembly of an article of jewelry.
[0013] Another need exists for a method of assembling/disassembling
an article of jewelry that is configured to selectively receive a
plurality of jewels and gems.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVNETION
[0014] The setting of the present invention overcomes the
inadequacies of the prior art by providing a secure means for
releasable and interchangeable engagement of a gem with a jewelry
piece. The construction of the setting prevents unwanted removal of
the gem from the setting while the jewelry article is being worn
and displayed by requiring engagement of the gem with the setting
from the inside of the setting, not the outside of the setting.
Thus, for example, if the jewelry item is a ring worn on a person's
finger, the gem can only be inserted into the ring through the
interior of the ring and not from the outer periphery of the ring.
In addition, the gem is preferably engaged and disengaged from the
setting by a special tool, which must preferably be used to insert,
remove and interchange gems with the setting. Thus, unwanted
disengagement of the gem from the setting is prevented because only
the owner of the jewelry article would have possession of the
tool.
[0015] An article of jewelry has a removable portion that
selectively receives and retains a plurality of jewels or gems and
a fixed portion that is coupled to an item to be decorated and
configured to receive the removable portion. The structure of the
article enables biased engagement of the received jewel with the
fixed portion in a secure manner, such that inadvertent separation
of the jewel from the article of jewelry is prevented.
[0016] Assembling the inventive article of jewel is realized by a
special tool or key for engaging/disengaging the removable and
fixed portions. The jewelry setting enables a plurality of jewels
to be interchangeably set within the article of jewelry, thus
enabling the appearance of the article of jewelry to be changed as
desired.
[0017] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the tool,
configured to provide a reliable insertion, engagement and
disengagement of the removable and fixed portions, is capable of
generating a magnetic force that reliably attracts the removable
portion to the tool. Accordingly, assembling/disassembling of the
inventive article of jewelry can be performed in a time effective
manner by eliminating a manual part of coupling the article's
components together.
[0018] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
article of jewelry can decorate a variety of items, which are both
traditionally associated with jewelry and not typically thought of
in combination with it. Such traditional items as men and women
clothing and its accessories may include, for example, dresses,
suits, shoes, belts, hats, combs and others. Rather unconventional
items may include, but certainly not limited to, cellular phones,
cameras, CD players, glasses, key holders, cardholders,
electronics, and frames for pictures and paintings.
[0019] Still other features and advantages of the invention will
become clear upon review of the following detailed description in
conjunction with the appended drawings.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components of the jewelry
setting of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the insert, spring and jewelry
article of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled insert, spring
and article of jewelry.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the jewel, washer and setting
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled jewel, washer
and setting.
[0025] FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the components used to
assemble the jewelry setting of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the setting of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 6C is a top view of the insert of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 6D illustrates a plug or cover used to prevent the
setting of the invention from rotating within the insert once the
insert is fit within the setting.
[0029] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate engagement of the setting of the
invention with the insert of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a partial section view of the assembled components
of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of jewels interchangeably
associated with a jewelry article.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative design of
the setting member of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a partially hidden assembly view of the setting
of FIG. 10 position in an insert of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the insert
of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of
the components of the jewelry setting of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a tool engaging a component
of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tool for coupling the
setting with an article of jewelry configured with at least one
magnetic insert.
[0038] FIIG. 16 is a perspective view of a key holder provided with
the assembled insert, spring and article of jewelry.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the inventive method of the
marketing the inventive article of jewelry.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The jewelry setting of the present invention is designed to
provide a consumer with the ability to optimize and maximize the
use and enjoyment of a jewel or gem. Normally, a jewel is purchased
in connection with a single article of jewelry, which can only be
worn on a single body part or an item. This can be quite
restrictive and prevent the user from wearing the jewel on more
than only a few selected occasions. By allowing a user to securely
interchange jewels with different jewelry articles, the user is no
longer prevented from wearing a jewelry article in only one
environment. Thus, a jewel may be worn on a ring one day, one a
bracelet the next day, on a pin the day after, and in earrings the
day after that. Or, a jewel may be used interchangeably with
different jewelry articles throughout a single day. Accordingly, a
user owning a plurality of different jewels and a plurality of
different jewelry articles can create many jewelry articles having
many different appearances. This provides the user with a variety
of choices and options that are not possible with a jewelry article
having a jewel fixed therein.
[0041] The following detailed description is of the best mode or
modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is
not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an
example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof,
and by reference to which in connection with the following
description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art
may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.
In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters
designate like or similar parts.
[0042] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a jewelry article employing
the jewelry setting of the present invention, generally comprising
an article of jewelry 20, such as a ring, pin, brooch, bracelet or
the like, a spring 40, an insert 60, a setting 80, a washer or
spring 100 and a jewel or gem 120. For purposes of illustration and
explanation, the article of jewelry 20 will be shown in
representative form as a square piece, it being understood that
such article of jewelry 20 can be a portion of a ring, pin, etc.
The assembly is completed by engaging the "male" part, defined by
the assembly of the gem 120 seated within the setting 80, with the
"female" part defined by the assembly of the insert 60 and spring
40 both seated within the article of jewelry 20.
[0043] First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spring 40 and insert
60 are seated within an orifice 21 provided in the article of
jewelry 20 and fastened thereto, such that the spring 40 is seated
on the recessed surface 22 and the bottom edge surface 62 of the
insert 60 is seated on the spring rim 42. Such orifice 21 is
defined by a seating surface 22, a side surface 24, an inner
surface 26 having an inner opening 27, and an outer surface 28
having an outer opening 29. The terms "outer" and "inner" as used
herein refer to the position of the article of jewelry 20 as worn
on a person's body. In other words, if the article of jewelry 20 is
a ring, then when such article is worn on a person's finger, the
"outer" surface 28 would be exposed to the world, while the "inner"
surface 26 would lie adjacent the person's finger and be hidden
from view. The insert 60 is further defined by an inner surface 63,
a receiving chamber 67 adapted to receive the setting 80 as
described below, and engagement members 65 having downwardly
depending projections 68 for engaging the setting 80 as will be
described below. The resilient spring tabs 44 that project upwardly
toward the seated insert 60, which tabs will be described in detail
later, are preferably not contacted by the bottom edge surface 62
of the insert 60. The side surface 64 of the insert 60 is
preferably fastened to the inside surface 24 of the article of
jewelry by a suitable adhesive such as glue, epoxy or the like,
such that the upper edge surface 66 of the insert 60 becomes flush
with the inner surface 26 of the article of jewelry 20.
[0044] The steps illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, i.e., the seating of
the spring 40 and insert 60 in an article of jewelry 20, can be
performed at the factory when the article 20 is manufactured, or it
can be performed later by fashioning an orifice 21 into an existing
piece of jewelry. Thus, the insert 60 and article of jewelry 20
can, if desired, be fashioned as a single piece.
[0045] The positioning of the jewel 120 within the setting 80 is
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The setting 80 is provided with an
orifice 82 adapted to receive the jewel 120 and a seating surface
84 adapted to receive the washer 100. The setting 80 is further
provided with an upper edge surface 86, a ledge surface 87, a lower
edge surface 88 (see also FIGS. 6A and 6B), and fin-shaped
engagement members 90 having pockets 92 fashioned therefrom, which
pockets are designed to engage protrusions 68 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 6A)
provided on the inside engagement members 65 of the insert 60. The
engagement members 90 and the engagement of the setting 80 with the
article of jewelry 20 will be described in connection with FIGS. 6A
through 8.
[0046] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the use of a spring or washer
100 is preferred to protect the seating contact between the jewel
120 and the setting 80, however such use is not critical and it may
be left out of the construction as desired. Such element 100 may
either be a simple rubber washer or a spring akin to spring 40. In
certain situations, the use of a washer may be desirable. For
example, a washer 100 will not show through a real diamond but will
show through a fake diamond, such as a cubic zirconia. Thus, the
washer 100 may be used to verify the type of jewel 120 placed
within the setting 80. However, if it would be inappropriate to use
a washer, then a spring may be used instead.
[0047] In any event, once the jewel 120 is set within the setting
80, the upper edge 86 of the setting 80 is used to fix the jewel
120 in place. Such fixation may comprise the bending of the upper
edge material over the crown 122 of the jewel 120 or the use of
prongs (not shown) folded over the crown 122. Alternatively (not
shown), the jewel 120 may be inserted through the underside of the
setting 80 (necessitating the use of a setting having the means to
allow for passage of the jewel therethrough) and secured to the
setting with a type of filling material. Such type of fixation
would allow the person setting the jewel 120 to first check if the
jewel 120 fits perfectly through the opening defined by the upper
edge 86 of the setting. Otherwise, the upper edge material folded
over the crown 122 may cover the crown 122 too much or it may not
cover enough of the crown 122 to fix the jewel in place on the
setting 80. Other methods of fixation are contemplated.
[0048] Once the jewel 120 is assembled within the setting 80, the
setting 80 and jewel 120 combination is engaged with the article of
jewelry 20 as shown in FIGS. 6A through 8. The lower edge surface
88 (FIG. 6B) of the setting 80 is provided with a plurality of
ledges 94 that define along said lower edge surface 88 a seat
adapted to receive a key 140 having a handle 141 and contact
portion 142 for facilitating manipulation of said setting 80 during
engagement and disengagement with said insert 60. In other words,
the contact portion 142 of the key 140 is designed to securely fit
within the opening defined along lower edge surface 88 of the
setting and bounded by the ledges 94. The setting 80 is insertable
into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 by aligning the
engagement members 90 with the openings defined along the upper
edge surface 66 of the insert 60 (FIG. 6C). As shown in FIGS. 6A
through 6C, such alignment can only occur if the setting 80 is
inserted with the upper edge surface 86 facing the insert 60 and
the lower edge surface 88 facing away from the insert 60. In other
words, the setting 80 cannot be mistakenly or improperly inserted
into the insert 60 starting with the lower edge surface 88 because
of the unique design of the upper edge surface 66 openings and the
mating design of the engagement members 90.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 7A through 8, the setting 80 is then
hand-inserted into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 by the
passage of the engagement members 90 through the upper edge surface
66 openings, with the ledge surface 87 of the setting 80 coming
into contact with the spring tabs 44 of the spring 40. Then, using
the key 140 engaged with the lower edge surface 88 of the setting,
the setting 80 is pushed (arrow 150 of FIG. 7) further into the
insert 60 against the spring tabs 44 and rotated (arrow 155 of FIG.
7) until the projections 68 present along the insert engagement
members 65 are seated within the pockets 92 present along the
setting engagement members 90. Stop surfaces 69 fashioned into the
inner surface 63 of the insert 60 prevent over-rotation of the
setting 80 with respect to the insert 60. FIGS. 7B through 7C are
illustrative of the mating between the engagement members 65 and
90. When the setting 80 is first introduced into the insert 60,
mere rotation of the setting 80 within the insert 60 would not
result in engagement of the projections 68 and pockets 92 because
the edge 91 of the engagement member 90 would contact the
projection 68 as a result of the engagement member 90 being
initially biased toward the engagement member 65. Thus, by pressing
against the spring tabs 44, the setting 80 is displaced enough so
that the projection 68 can clear the setting engagement member 90,
during rotation of the setting 80 with respect to the insert 60.
Upon release of the key 140 from the setting 80, the spring 40
biases the projections 68 against the pockets 92. Alignment of the
projections 68 and pockets 92 can occur by varying the displacement
of the spring tabs 44 such that the projections 68 snap into place
within the pockets and/or by taking advantage of the stop surfaces
69 fashioned into the inner surface 63 of the insert.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, the setting 80 with jewel 120 is
inserted into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 and the
article of jewelry 20 such that the jewel 120 is exposed along the
outer surface 28 of the article of jewelry 20. In other words, the
jewel 120 that is fixed within the setting 80 is inserted from the
underside of the article of jewelry 20, such that it becomes
impossible to remove the setting 80 and jewel 120 while the article
of jewelry 20 is being worm. This is realized because the opening
29 defined along the outer surface 28 of the article of jewelry 20
is dimensioned to allow passage of the crown 122 of the jewel 120,
but prevent complete passage of the setting 80 therethrough. In
other words, the opening 29 present along the outer surface 28 of
the article of jewelry 20 and through which the jewel 120 extends
is smaller than the opening 27 present along the inner surface 26
through which the setting 80 and jewel 120 is initially passed.
Such disparity between the openings 27/29 dimensions provides
further security against inadvertent separation of the jewel 120
from the article of jewelry 20 while such article of jewelry 20 is
being worn.
[0051] For even greater security, an additional cover or plug 160
(FIG. 6D) can be inserted into the upper edge surface openings 66
of the insert 60 after the setting 80 is engaged with the insert 60
to completely prevent the setting 80 from rotating within the
insert 60. Downward extensions 165 are preferably configured for
insertion through the upper edge surface openings 66 of the insert
60, which would prevent the engagement members 90 from rotating
within the receiving chamber 67. Such extensions 165 may be
dimensioned to fit exactly within the openings 66. Thus, not only
would the plug 160 prevent the setting 80 from turning, but also it
would provide further security against inadvertent separation of
the jewel 120 from the article of jewelry 20 while such article of
jewelry 20 is being worn.
[0052] When it is desired to remove the jewel 120 from the jewelry
article 20, one merely removes the jewelry article 20 from one's
body and uses the key 140 to again press inwardly and also to
counter-rotate the setting 80 within the insert 60 until the
engagement members 90 are aligned with the openings disposed along
surface 66. Then, the jewel 120 and setting 80 may be pushed
through the jewelry article 20 by applying finger pressure to the
crown 122 of the jewel 120.
[0053] The present invention has been described with respect to one
article of jewelry 20 containing one insert 60 into which is
inserted one jewel 120 fastened to one setting 80. However, it will
clearly be understood that the present invention can be defined as
a system of interchangeable jewels and articles of jewelry. For
example, a plurality of inserts 60 may be provided on a plurality
of jewelry articles, such as a pin, a brooch and a bracelet for
example. Each jewelry article having an insert 60 of the invention
is then adapted to receive a jewel 120 set within the setting 80 of
the invention. Thus, one may wear one particular jewel on a ring
one day, then on a bracelet the next day, and so on. In other
words, the jewel 120 set within the setting 80 of the invention may
be transported and used interchangeably with various articles of
jewelry. Alternatively, as illustratively depicted in FIG. 9, a
plurality of jewels 120a-d set within settings 80 (not shown) of
the invention may be used with a single article of jewelry 20.
[0054] While the present invention has been described with respect
to one particular embodiment, it is not intended that it should be
limited to such embodiment. For example, while the engagement
members 90 on the setting 80 and the openings provided on the upper
edge surface 66 of the insert 60 are fin-shaped, such engagement
members and openings may comprise alternative shapes (see, for
example, the insert configuration of FIG. 12, which illustrates one
possible insert embodiment with other embodiments being
contemplated). Also, such engagement members might comprise a
single engagement member or a plurality as shown. Although it is
preferable that the configuration of the engagement members 90 and
the configuration of the openings allow the setting 80 to be
inserted into the insert 60 in only one direction as discussed
above. In addition, the engagement between the engagement members
on the insert and the setting may comprise different configurations
in addition to the use of a projection 68 seated within a pocket 92
as described.
[0055] Furthermore, the spring 40 may comprise different
configurations to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the
setting 80 with the insert 60. One illustrative example is shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11, where a uniquely designed spring 40a, having
rounded sections 40b and flattened, chordal sections 40c, is
disposed around the perimeter of the inner surface 63 of the insert
60a and is adapted to engage grooves 95 fashioned into the side
surfaces 96 of the engagement members 90a. Upon initial
introduction of the setting 80a into the receiving chamber of the
insert 60a, the grooves 95 do not engage the spring 40a because
such grooves 95 are disposed adjacent the rounded sections 40b of
the spring. However, upon rotation of the setting 80a within the
insert 60a, the grooves 95 engage the chordal sections 40c of the
spring 40a which act to resiliently bias against the rotation of
the setting 80a. Thus, the secure engagement of the setting 80a
within the insert 60a results from the movement of the grooves 95
against the straight sections 40c of the spring 40a. If necessary,
a stop surface or member may be provided in the insert 60a to
prevent over-rotation of the setting 80a within the insert 60a.
[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, one or more jewels are fastened to a
setting via a spring, not a washer, while the components that are
seated within the jewelry item have a different configuration as
compared with the embodiment described above. A setting 280 is
provided with a hole 282 out of which the top of the jewel 220 will
protrude. The jewel or gem 220 (faced downward) (or plurality of
jewels or gems) placed into the setting 280 (upside down) and a
spring 230 is placed onto the tip 222 of the gem 220. A cover 215,
having a depression 218 to accommodate the spring 240, is then
fastened to the setting 280 and optionally, the cover 215 and
setting 280 can be soldered by laser or glued together to add extra
security. Other means of attaching the cover 215 to the setting
280, such as by having a threaded connection between the two, are
also contemplated. The combination of the setting 280, gem 220,
spring 230 and cover 215 forms the "male" piece of the
interchangeable jewelry. The "female" piece, which is secured
within a jewelry item 320 such as ring, brooch or the like, is
formed by an insert 260.
[0057] A flat spring 240 is positioned within a cavity 267 in the
jewelry item 320 and the insert 260 is positioned thereon and
secured within the cavity 267. The setting 280, having the gem 220
secured therein, is then forced into the insert cavity 268 until
the setting 280 abuts the spring 240. Afterward, the setting 280 is
pushed against the prongs 242 of the spring and rotated until the
setting 280 locks into the insert 260. As shown in FIG. 14, the
setting 280 may be driven through the use of a tool 340 having
fingers 342 that engage openings 216 in the rear surface 219 of the
cover 215. The unusual arrangement of openings 216 and tool fingers
342 ensures that only those individuals with special tools will be
able to engage and disengage the setting 280 from the insert 260.
It should be appreciated that the engagement of the setting 260
with the jewelry item 320 and the setting 280 with the insert 260,
to form a combined jewelry item that can be worn and displayed, is
generally similar to the engagement of such items illustrated in
the previous embodiments.
[0058] A system of jewels, settings and inserts is contemplated.
For instance, every jewelry item 320 has two openings 327 and 329.
The insert 260 is inserted through opening 327, while the gem 220
sticks out through opening 329. In order to benefit from the
interchangeable nature of the inventive system, and in order to use
multiple gems with a single jewelry item, the thickness of the
setting 280 may vary to accommodate gems of different sizes such
that multiple gem settings can be used with a single insert 260.
If, for example, a woman has five gems having diameters ranging
from 4.00 mm to 5.20 mm, each individual gem can be secured within
an individual setting 280 that can accommodate gems of varying
diameters ranging from 4.00 mm (0.25 carats) to 5.3 mm (0.50
carats), such that the various settings, having individual gems
secured therein, can be used with a single insert 260. The interior
thickness of the setting 280 would differ depending on the diameter
of the gem, but the exterior diameter of the setting would remain
the same so that the multiple settings could be used with a single
insert.
[0059] In accordance with the above, a variety of sizes of gems,
settings and inserts are contemplated. It is also contemplated that
more than one gem, jewel or stone maybe used in the same insert.
For example, one setting/insert size could accommodate stones of
4.0 mm (0.25 carats) to 5.3 mm (0.50 carats), another
setting/insert size could accommodate stones of 5.4 mm (0.50
carats) to 6.7 mm (I carat), while another setting/insert size
could accommodate stones of 1-2 carats and 2-3 carats. For each
size range, a series of settings 280 would be manufactured to fit
within a particularly sized insert. The advantage of this system is
fairly clear. Instead of a jeweler enlarging a hole on a jewelry
item to accommodate a larger jewel, the jeweler merely has to place
the jewel in a different setting 280 and then attach such setting
280 to the insert that is already in place in the jewelry item. Of
course, this would only work for particular ranges of sizes. Going
from a 0.25 carat jewel to a 3 carat jewel would obviously require
a jewelry item (ring, brooch or the like) having a substantially
larger opening 267 and a correspondingly larger setting 260.
However, if, continuing with the example above, a woman goes from a
0.25 carat jewel to a 0.50 carat jewel, the same insert 260 can be
used in the jewelry item and the opening in the jewelry item does
not have to be modified.
[0060] FIG. 13 also illustrates the use of an identification means
285 associated with a setting 280. Currently there are companies
that put a serial number on a diamond with a micro laser
inscription. This process, although it allows for identification,
leaves a microscopic mark on the stone. With the present invention,
the identification means 285 could be on the setting 280, and such
identification means 285 could be sealed by a particular sealing
means such that if the seal is broken, the value of the
identification becomes void. One type of means 285 could be
inserting a chip onto the surface or into the body of the setting
280. Such chip might be a microchip that is essentially hidden from
view and can be programmed with personalized information. With such
a chip incorporated into the setting 280 as an identification means
285, the integrity of the setting 280 and gem 220 associated
therewith can be assured and insured without damaging the gem 220
in any way. Other identification means placed on a surface of the
setting or on other components of the inventive system, such as a
barcode, inscription or the like, are also contemplated. As long as
the sealing means remains unbroken, the identification means can
guarantee that the setting 280 and gem 220 are original, bona fide
products and not fake or imitations of the inventive system.
[0061] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 13, the positioning of the jewel
120 within the setting 80 can be performed in a different manner.
While, as is disclosed above, the flat washer 100 is configured as
a separate resilient element for retaining the jewel within the
setting 80, the setting 80 and washer 100 can be designed as a
one-piece structure. Accordingly, the inner surface of the setting
80 is formed with the resilient element. During the positioning of
the gem 120 within the setting 80, the resilient element extends
radially inwardly and abuts the body of the jewel so as to bias the
jewel 120 against its voluntary displacement from the setting 80.
The resilient element may be coupled to the setting 80 at any
location within the inner peripheral wall of the setting, but
preferably, it is fixed to the setting in the vicinity of upper
edge surface 86 (FIG. 4).
[0062] The resilient element is configured so as to have its inner
surface extending complementary to the outer peripheral surface of
jewel 120. A configuration of the resilient element may have a
shape similar to the flat washer 100. Alternatively, it may have a
generally frustoconical inner surface extending complementary to
the outer surface of the jewel 220, as shown in FIG. 13. Note that
other shapes, of course, are readily available provided that the
outer surface of the resilient element extends complementary to the
inner surface of the setting 80 and 280 (FIGS. 4 and 13,
respectively), and the inner surface of the resilient element
complements the outer surface of the jewel. Alternatively, the
outer end of the setting 80 can be integrally formed with the
washer. The washer may have the same structure as disclosed
above.
[0063] A variety of engineering plastics, rubber and other
resilient materials can be employed for manufacturing the resilient
element and are subject only to the consideration of resiliency and
minimal abrasiveness. Preferably, the resilient element is made
from silicon and bonded to the setting 80. As a consequence, the
user can exchange the gems in a simpler and more time-effective
manner, as compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 13 that
require an additional step of removing and inserting the washer
0.100 and spring 230 into the setting every time the user replaces
the jewels.
[0064] The tool or key 140 and 340, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 14,
respectively, can be modified to further facilitate insertion of
the setting/jewel assembly into the article of jewelry 20 or 320.
Typically, the article of jewelry and, as a consequence, its
components are relatively small. At least partially, the process of
assembling the inventive article of jewelry, as depicted in FIGS. 1
through 14, includes a manual step during which the removable
portion or setting/jewel assembly is manually inserted into the
fixed portion of the article of jewelry. Coupling these components
manually is particularly inconvenient because of the small size of
these components. Only after the insertion of the setting/jewel
assembly, the user utilizes the tool 140 (FIG. 6A) for further
pushing, rotating and locking the setting/jewel assembly in the
article of jewelry. At least one of the reasons for the manual
installation of the setting/jewel assembly can be attributed to the
fact that the tool 140, 340 cannot displace and hold this assembly
before it is inserted into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert
60 (FIG. 6A). Providing the tool 140 and 340 (FIGS. 6A and 14,
respectively) with a means for reliably holding the setting/jewel
assembly 60 would obviate such a problem and facilitate the process
of exchanging a plurality of jewels.
[0065] Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
entire contact portion 142 (FIG. 6A) can be made from magnetizable
material. Alternatively, only the bottom of the contact portion 142
may be provided with a layer of magnetizable material (not shown).
Still another alterative modification may include the entire tool
made from magnetizable materials.
[0066] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, a tool 440, which has a
shape generally similar to the tool 140 of FIG. 6A, has the contact
portion 442 configured with a magnetic insert 446 that tightly fits
in a nest provided in the bottom of the contact portion 442.
[0067] A further modification of the key tool, particularly the
tool utilized in the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 14, is
implemented by having only fingers 444 (FIG. 15) made from
magnetizable material. The fingers 444 can be either fixed to the
contact portion 442 or removably coupled thereto by means of
screwing or fittingly pressing each of the fingers into a
respective recess, which can be formed in the contact portion
442.
[0068] The number, configuration and pattern of the fingers 444 and
magnetic inserts 446 can vary in accordance with a concrete
configuration of ledges or holes on the receiving surface of the
setting. For example, the magnetic insert may be implanted or
formed in the central area of the bottom portion 142 and, if the
tool is configured as illustrated in FIG. 14, the magnetic insert
is spaced inwardly from the fingers 444.
[0069] Furthermore, instead of having the entire body of the
fingers 444 made from magnetizable material, each of the recesses
that receives a respective finger may have a nest or seat
configured to receive a small magnetic element (not shown), which
is in contact with the inner end of the finger after the latter has
been coupled to the tool.
[0070] Providing the tool 440 with magnetic means allows the user
to couple the tool with the setting and displace the setting to a
position in which the setting 80 (FIG. 6A) and the article of
jewelry or fixed portion 20 are axially aligned, and then, insert
and rotate the setting to a locking or securing position.
[0071] It is not unusual to inadvertently drop the setting during
assembly. Having the tool capable of attracting the fallen setting
that may be made from a variety of metals substantially facilitates
a search for this item.
[0072] As mentioned above, the inventive article of jewelry can
decorate a variety of consumer items, which is practically
limitless, but for the purposes of convenience, the inventive
consumer item may be conditionally categorized as electronic
consumer items, garment consumer items, kitchenware consumer items,
and combinations of these.
[0073] An illustrative example of one of the above-mentioned items
is shown in FIG. 16 and depicts a key holder 450. The body of the
key holder 450 has an orifice 460 that, as is illustrated, has
already received a spring 470 and insert 480. The setting/jewel
assembly, which is not shown in this figure, can be easily
inserted, locked in and, if a need exists for exchanging the
inserted jewel, removed from the key holder by the inventive key or
tool.
[0074] Among the electronic consumer items, perhaps most popular
may include mobile phones, cameras, CD players, laptops desktop,
flashlights, tape recorders, and radios. The garment consumer items
represent a particular broad spectrum of products and may include
without any limitation handbags, buttons, zippers, shoes, boots,
clothing, combs, brushes, hats, leatherwear, fashion jewelry,
shopping bags, purses, key holders, pens, cuff links, pocket
knives, nail clippers, and scissors.
[0075] The furniture consumer item may be selected from frames for
photographs, frames for paintings, chairs, armchairs, carpets,
tables, cabinets, stoves and coffee tables. Finally, the
kitchenware items are selected from the group consisting of
utensils, china including plates, cups, food product containers and
etc.
[0076] Certainly, the above listed consumer items may include a
variety of other items, such as cars, bicycles, attributes of pets
ware, children toys and etc.
[0077] Aesthetic appeal, market value and exchangeability of jewels
or gems can be used as a powerful method of promotion of other
products and/or services. For example, given a market value of the
jewelry piece, it can be used as an attractive complimentary gift
to certain purchases. Thus, a combination or kit of a purchased
product or service and the inventive article of jewelry may be a
viable promotional tool for the advertised serves. A great variety
of service may benefit from association witheh inventive particle
of jewelry. To name a few, one may think of transportation services
including air and all types of ground and sea transportation means,
electronic communication including both wireless and wired
communication, credit card services and many, many others.
[0078] One of limitless examples of the inventive method of the
marketing the inventive article of jewelry is illustrated in FIG.
17 and depicts an airfare purchaser in a step 500. A value of gift
is defined on the class of the purchased airfare which include
first, business, and economy classes, a distance, destination and
many others, as indicated by a step 502. Determining the status of
the purchaser as a first time customer, as indicated by a step 506,
or a regular flyer, as shown in a step 504, the purchaser may be
presented with an option. In case of the first time purchaser of
the airfare, he or she may be complimented with a predetermined
piece of jewelry. For example, gentlemen may be given a pen
decorated with the inventive article of jewelry, whereas ladies may
have a pendant.
[0079] If the purchaser is a frequent customer of the airline,
based on the number of previously accumulated points, as indicated
by a step 508, the purchaser is complimented with either a new
article of jewelry that has a higher value than the previously
received gifts or given a gift certificate (see step 514), which
would allow the air ticket purchaser to select the desired piece f
jewelry.
[0080] Alternatively, as indicated by a step 510, the purchaser may
be presented with a new setting that structurally matches the
previously received piece of jewelry, but has more sophisticated
jewels.
[0081] Each gift or gift certificate is associated with depositing
a certain percentage of the purchased value to the account of the
manufacturer of the article of jewelry or its distributor, as
indicated by a step 512.
[0082] Furthermore, purchasing the article of jewelry may trigger
the accumulation of points allocated for each purchase and allowing
the purchaser for a certain discount that is associated with future
purchasers of jewelry. Again, the frequent purchaser may receive an
upgraded setting with gems or jewels if he has purchased the
article of jewelry before.
[0083] The scenario of providing the purchaser with a kit may be
slightly modified by, for example, providing a consumer product
with an insert decorated with a logo of consumer product
manufacturer. The insert is removably coupled to the consumer
product and can be replaced with the inventive article of jewelry
added to the kit. Again, of course, the manufacturer of the
consumer product allocates a certain percentage of the purchased
product's retail value to the account of the manufacturer or
retailer of the article of jewelry.
[0084] While the present invention has been described at some
length and with some particularity with respect to the several
described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited
to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular
embodiment. Thus, the invention is to be construed with references
to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible
interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and,
therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the
invention.
* * * * *