U.S. patent application number 10/844718 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for tiara/necklace.
Invention is credited to Leylekyan, Gevorg, Ward, Christina G..
Application Number | 20050252239 10/844718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35308107 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward, Christina G. ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Tiara/necklace
Abstract
Provided is a jewelry system that is selectively configurable
between a tiara configuration and a necklace configuration. In the
tiara configuration, the jewelry system comprises a band member
having decorative articles rotatably mounted thereon. The band
member has band ends and defines a band plane. In the tiara
configuration, the decorative articles are rotated to project
generally laterally outwardly relative to the band plane such that
the jewelry system may be worn as a tiara. In the necklace
configuration, the jewelry system further comprises a pair of
necklace extensions that are releaseably connectable to the band
ends with the decorative articles being rotated so as to be
generally aligned with the band plane. The necklace extensions are
releaseably interconnected at extension ends to form a
substantially continuous loop such that the jewelry system may be
worn as a necklace.
Inventors: |
Ward, Christina G.;
(Kennebunk, ME) ; Leylekyan, Gevorg; (Van Nuys,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kit M. Stetina, Esq.
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
Suite 250
75 Enterprise
Aliso Viejo
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
35308107 |
Appl. No.: |
10/844718 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/3.1 ; 63/1.11;
63/1.16; 63/1.17; 63/1.18; 63/3.2; 63/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 15/006 20130101;
A44C 15/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/003.1 ;
063/001.11; 063/001.16; 063/001.17; 063/001.18; 063/003.2;
063/040 |
International
Class: |
A44C 005/00; A44C
013/00; A44C 025/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A jewelry system that is selectively configurable between a
tiara configuration and a necklace configuration, the jewelry
system comprising: a band member having opposing band ends and
defining a band plane; at least one decorative article mountable to
the band member and being selectively positionable relative to the
band plane; and a pair of necklace extensions releaseably
connectable to respective ones of the band ends, each one of the
necklace extensions having extension ends being configured to be
releaseably interconnectable; wherein: the tiara configuration of
the jewelry system comprises the band member with the decorative
article being positioned thereon to project generally laterally
outwardly relative to the band plane such that the jewelry system
may be worn as a tiara; the necklace configuration of the jewelry
system comprising the band member with the decorative article being
positioned thereon in general alignment with the band plane, the
necklace extensions being connected to the band member at the band
ends and being interconnected at the extension ends to form a
substantially continuous loop such that the jewelry system may be
worn as a necklace.
2. The jewelry system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of
decorative articles mountable to the band member and being
selectively positionable relative to the band plane.
3. The jewelry system of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of
hinge members rotatably connecting respective ones of the
decorative articles to the band member such that each one of the
decorative articles is angularly positionable into one of the tiara
and necklace configurations.
4. The jewelry system of claim 2 wherein each one of the hinge
members is configured such that the decorative article is generally
freely pivotable relative to the band plane when positioned in the
necklace configuration.
5. The jewelry system of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of
detent mechanisms 66 disposed between the band member and
respective ones of the decorative articles; wherein each one of the
detent mechanisms 66 being configured such that decorative articles
are generally non-rotatably fixed relative to the band plane when
positioned in the tiara configuration.
6. The jewelry system of claim 2 further comprising at least one
comb member configured to be releaseably attachable to the band
member for engaging the band member to the wearer's hair.
7. The jewelry system of claim 6 wherein the comb member is
comprised of an elongate shaft having a comb portion and a shaft
end portion, the comb portion including a plurality of teeth
configured to engage the wearer's hair.
8. The jewelry system of claim 7 comprising a pair of the comb
members, the shaft end portions thereof being configured to be
releaseably connectable to respective ones of the band ends.
9. The jewelry system of claim 8 wherein each one of the comb
members includes a connector assembly connected to the shaft end
portion and configured to releaseably secure the comb member to the
band end.
10. The jewelry system of claim 1 wherein each one of the necklace
extensions includes a connector assembly configured to releaseably
secure the necklace extension to the band end.
11. The jewelry system of claim 9 wherein each one of the connector
assemblies is hingedly moveable.
12. The jewelry system of claim 9 wherein: each one of the band
ends has an open interior end portion; each one of the connector
assemblies being configured as a resilient V-shaped clasp member
configured to be removably insertable into and engagable with the
interior end portion for releaseably connecting the necklace
extension to the band end.
13. The jewelry system of claim 1 further comprising a mating
mechanism having a pair of mating members mounted on respective
ones of the necklace extensions adjacent the extension ends, the
mating members being configured to be releaseably securable
together.
14. The jewelry system of claim 13 wherein: the mating mechanism
further includes an elongate locking pin; one of the mating members
comprising a spaced pair of generally axially aligned hollow
elongate first and second end tubes mounted upon and generally
axially aligned with one of the necklace extensions; the other one
of the mating members comprising an elongate hollow intermediate
tube mounted upon and generally axially aligned with the other one
of the necklace extensions, the intermediate tube being sized and
configured to be complementary to the first and second end tubes so
as to be positionable therebetween; the locking pin being sized and
configured to be selectively insertable through axially aligned
ones of the first and second end tubes and intermediate tube such
that the extension ends may be releaseably secured together.
15. A jewelry system that is selectively configurable between a
tiara configuration and a necklace configuration, the jewelry
system comprising: a generally rigid arcuately shaped band member
having opposing band ends and defining a band plane; at least one
decorative article hingedly mountable to the band member and being
selectively positionable relative to the band plane; a detent
mechanism disposed between the decorative article and the band
member and being configured such that decorative article is
generally non-rotatably fixed relative to the band plane when the
decorative article is positioned in the tiara configuration; and a
pair of generally flexible, elongate necklace extensions having a
connector assembly mounted on one of the respective ends thereof
and being configured to releaseably secure the necklace extension
to respective ones of the band ends, each one of the connector
assemblies having a connector hinge with a hinge axis oriented
generally perpendicularly to the band plane such that the necklace
extension may freely pivot thereabout, each one of the extension
ends being further configured to be releaseably connectable to one
another; wherein: the tiara configuration of the jewelry system
comprises the band member with the decorative article being
positioned thereon to project generally laterally outwardly
relative to the band plane such that the jewelry system may be worn
as a tiara; the necklace configuration of the jewelry system
comprising the band member with the decorative article being
positioned thereon in general alignment with the band plane, the
necklace extensions being connected to the band member at the band
ends and being interconnected at the extension ends to form a
substantially continuous loop such that the jewelry system may be
worn as a necklace.
16. The jewelry system of claim 15 comprising a plurality of the
decorative articles being hingedly connected to the band member
such that each one of the decorative articles is angularly
rotatably positionable into one of the tiara and necklace
configurations.
17. The jewelry system of claim 16 comprising: a plurality of
detent mechanisms 66 disposed between the band member and
respective ones of the decorative articles; wherein each one of the
decorative articles is configured to be maintained in a generally
non-pivotal relationship relative to the band plane when positioned
in the tiara configuration.
18. The jewelry system of claim 15 comprising a pair of comb
members configured to be releaseably connectable to respective ones
of the band ends.
19. The jewelry system of claim 15 wherein: each one of the band
ends has an open interior end portion; each one of the connector
assemblies being configured as a resilient V-shaped clasp member
configured to be removably insertable into and engagable with the
interior end portion for releaseably connecting the necklace
extension to the band end.
20. The jewelry system of claim 15 further comprising a mating
mechanism having an elongate locking pin and a pair of mating
members, wherein: one of the mating members comprises a spaced pair
of generally axially aligned hollow elongate first and second end
tubes mounted on one of the necklace extensions adjacent to the
extension end thereof in general axial alignment with the necklace
extension; the other one of the mating members comprising an
elongate hollow intermediate tube mounted on the other one of the
necklace extensions adjacent to the extension end thereof in
general axial alignment with the necklace extension, the
intermediate tube being sized and configured to be complementary to
the first and second end tubes so as to be positionable
therebetween; the locking pin being sized and configured to be
selectively insertable through the first and second end tubes and
intermediate tube when generally axially aligned such that the
extension ends may be releaseably secured together.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] (Not Applicable)
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] (Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to jewelry and, more
particularly, to a uniquely configured jewelry system that may be
selectively configured between a tiara, such as may be worn on a
person's head, and a necklace, such as may be worn around a
person's neck.
[0004] Most women consider their wedding day as one of the most
important days of their life. Many brides spend a considerable
amount of time and energy in selecting a wedding gown. In addition,
many women spend an equal amount of time in selecting coordinating
bridal accessories that will make their wedding attire unique and
memorable. Many brides may choose to accessorize their wedding gown
with a tiara that is chosen to accent the bride's wedding attire in
accordance with her personal preferences. Tiaras are typically worn
on the bride's head and comprise an arch-shaped band member having
decorative articles such as jewelry pieces that are permanently
fastened to the band member.
[0005] The decorative articles are mounted so as to extend upwardly
or outwardly from the band member so as to be plainly visible to
others. The band member is held in place on the bride's head
through the use of comb members that are inserted into the bride's
hair. The tiara may be crafted of precious metals and may also
include diamonds and other precious stones that are selected to
provide an exquisite accent to the bride's wedding attire during
the wedding ceremony. Tiaras that are crafted of such precious
metals and which include precious stones can be quite expensive.
Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the bride typically
removes the tiara in preparation for the wedding reception or to
leave for the honeymoon.
[0006] Unfortunately, the bride's costly tiara is typically stored
in a safe location and is seldom retrieved or used after the
wedding ceremony as it is neither prudent nor fashionable to wear
an expensive tiara during daily activities of living. In addition,
because the decorative articles of prior art tiaras are permanently
extended outwardly from the band member, it is impractical for the
bride to wear the tiara around her neck as the decorative articles
may contact the her chin or chest areas and thereby interfere with
the her daily activities.
[0007] Furthermore, most prior art tiaras are not sufficiently
dimensioned to extend around the neck of the wearer. Consequently,
unlike conventional jewelry items such as bracelets, earrings,
broaches and the like that are periodically worn at different times
throughout the life of the owner, the beauty and elegance of
precious metals and precious stones that make up tiaras of the
prior art are only briefly appreciated during the wedding ceremony
before they are stored out of sight for the remainder of their
useful life.
[0008] As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a tiara
that may be selectively configured such that, in addition for the
bride to wear on her wedding day, it is practical for wearing on
various other occasions during the bride's life. Furthermore, in
light of the fact that the bridegroom traditionally presents a
wedding gift to his bride as a meaningful symbol of their union,
there exists a need in the art for a tiara which may be presented
by the groom as a wedding gift and which may be easily converted or
reconfigured into a necklace such that the tiara may be worn as a
wedding day memento in the form of an anniversary necklace.
[0009] In addition, there exists a need in the art for a tiara
wherein the decorative articles may be rotated into alignment with
the band member such that when the tiara is worn as a necklace, the
decorative articles lie flat against the wearer's chest to avoid
interfering with the wearer's daily activities of life. Finally,
there exists a need in the art for a tiara that can be easily
reconfigured from a necklace back into a tiara such that the
bride's daughter, for example, may wear the tiara during her
wedding ceremony.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Provided is a jewelry system that is selectively
configurable between a tiara configuration and a necklace
configuration. In the tiara configuration, the jewelry system
comprises a uniquely configured tiara that includes a band member
which defines a band plane. The band member preferably has several
decorative articles mounted thereon which are configured as
ornamental objects and which may be provided in varying motifs in
accordance with the wearer's personal preferences. The decorative
articles are preferably outwardly extended when the jewelry system
is in the tiara configuration. Separate comb members may be
connected to the band member to facilitate positioning of the tiara
on the wearer's head.
[0011] The tiara is provided with additional utility as part of a
necklace by connecting a pair of necklace extensions to the band
member. Extension ends of the band member may be connected together
to form a continuous loop which may be suspended around the
wearer's neck in the necklace configuration. The decorative
articles are configured such that they may be selectively
positioned into general alignment with the band member so as to lie
flat against the wearer's chest or to extend upwardly from the band
member when the tiara is worn on the wearer's head. The jewelry
system may include a detent mechanism to hold the decorative
articles laterally upwardly when the tiara is worn on the wearer's
head.
[0012] The band member may be generally shaped as a partial loop
having opposing band ends which are releaseably connectable to the
necklace extensions. In the necklace configuration, the decorative
articles are positioned on the band member so as to be positioned
in general alignment with the band plane. Connector assemblies may
be included with the necklace extensions to facilitate connected
with the band member. Hinge members may be included with the
decorative articles such that each one of the decorative articles
is selectively angularly positionable (i.e., manually rotatable)
into one of the tiara configuration (i.e., the decorative articles
are extended outwardly relative to the band plane) and necklace
configurations (i.e., the decorative articles are in general
alignment with the band plane).
[0013] The necklace extensions may be configured as generally
elongate flexible members fabricated of generally broad woven
metallic material to comfortably wrap around the neck of the
wearer. The necklace extensions may include a connector assembly on
one end to releaseably secure the necklace extensions to the band
ends. A connector hinge may be integrated into the connector
assembly to allow the necklace extensions to freely pivot. The
necklace extensions may be provided in varying increments of
lengths which may be selected to accommodate differing neck sizes
of a given wearer as well as appeal to the wearer's stylistic
preferences.
[0014] Extension ends of the necklace extensions may be
interconnected in order to form the continuous loop of the necklace
configuration. A mating mechanism for interconnecting the necklace
extension may comprise first and second end tubes mounted on one of
the necklace extensions in spaced relation to one another. An
intermediate tube may be mounted on the other one of the necklace
extensions. The intermediate tube is of a length that is
positionable between the first and second end tubes when the
extension ends are parallel to one another. A locking pin is
slidably engagable with the first and second end tubes and
intermediate tubes to permit secure engagement of the necklace
extensions to one another. Reciprocation of the locking pin into
and out of the first and second end tubes and the intermediate tube
connects or disconnects the extensions ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a jewelry system of the
present invention configured in a tiara having a band member and
decorative articles mounted thereon and illustrating the
interconnectivity of a pair of comb members to the band member;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tiara showing a plurality of
decorative articles mounted on the band member with the decorative
articles being oriented to extend laterally outwardly relative to a
band plane of the band member;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the jewelry system configured in a
necklace and illustrating the interconnectivity of a pair of
necklace extensions to the band member;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partial top view of a mating mechanism for
connecting extension ends of the necklace extensions and
illustrating the decorative articles being generally aligned with
the band plane of the band member when the jewelry system is in the
necklace configuration;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1
and illustrating a hinge member connecting one of the decorative
articles to the band member and further illustrating a detent
mechanism as may be incorporated into the hinge member; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hinge member taken along line
6-6 of FIG. 5 and illustrating a hinge member pin 76 engaged to a
tab notch 72 formed in a detent tab 70 of the detent mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes
of limiting the same, shown in FIGS. 1-6 is a jewelry system 10
that is selectively configurable between a tiara configuration 24,
such as may be worn on the wearer's head, and a necklace
configuration 26, such as may be worn around the wearer's neck. In
its broadest sense, the jewelry system 10 comprises a uniquely
configured tiara 12 which includes a band member 16 having at least
one but preferably several decorative articles 38 mountable to the
band member 16.
[0023] The decorative articles 38 may be configured as ornamental
objects that are stylishly fashioned in varying motifs such as a
leaf motif. In addition, the decorative articles 38 may be
fabricated of precious metals and may include precious stones or
gems mounted thereon. The band member 16 and the decorative
articles 38 may alternatively be fabricated from a variety of
alternative materials including, but not limited to, semi-precious
metals and semi-precious stones, polymeric materials (i.e.,
plastic), textile materials such as ribbon, or any other natural or
man-made materials or combinations thereof. The tiara 12 is
provided with additional utility as part of a necklace 14 by
including a pair of generally elongate necklace extensions 42 with
the jewelry system 10. Importantly, the necklace extensions 42 are
connectable to the band member 16 leaving a pair of freely disposed
extension ends 44.
[0024] When the extension ends 44 are interconnected, the jewelry
system 10 is assembled into the necklace configuration 26 forming a
continuous loop to allow the tiara 12 to be suspended around the
wearer's neck. In addition, the decorative articles 38 may be
configured such that they may be positioned into general alignment
with the band member 16. In such a position, the decorative
articles 38 lie flat against the wearer's chest for comfort as well
as to provide the proper outward display of the decorative articles
38 of the tiara 12 so as to emphasize the aesthetic beauty of the
precious metals and stones that may included therewith.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the band member, 16 may be generally
configured as a partial loop so as to include opposing band ends 18
which are each preferably configured to be releaseably connectable
to one of the necklace extensions 42. The band member 16 may be
formed of generally rigid material such as metallic material
although other materials having varying flexibility characteristics
may be utilized. The band member 16 may also have an arcuate shape
so as to better conform to the shape of the wearer's head when the
jewelry system 10 is configured in the tiara configuration 24. The
arcuate shape may be a generally circular shape. The band member 16
may have a generally rectangular cross sectional shape as is shown
in FIGS. 1-3 or a generally circular cross sectional shape as is
shown in FIG. 5. However, it is contemplated that the band member
16 may be formed in a number of alternative shapes and sizes and in
a variety of alternative cross sectional shapes.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the band member 16 defines a band plane,
indicated by the letter "A". The band member 16 may include at
least one decorative article 38 mountable to the band member 16
although any number of decorative articles 38 may be mountable
thereto. In the tiara configuration 24, the jewelry system 10
comprises the band member 16 with the decorative article 38 being
positioned thereon to project generally laterally outwardly
relative to the band plane A. In this manner, the jewelry system 10
may be worn as a tiara 12. The decorative members are preferably
configured to be selectively positionable relative to the band
plane A.
[0027] In the necklace configuration 26, the decorative articles 38
are preferably positioned on the band member 16 so as to be
disposed in general alignment with the band plane A. In addition,
in the tiara configuration 24, the jewelry system 10 includes the
necklace extensions 42 which are connectable to the band member 16
at the band ends 18 and are releaseably interconnectable at the
extension ends 44 to form the substantially continuous loop, as was
earlier mentioned.
[0028] To better facilitate positioning of the decorative articles
38 relative to the band plane A, the jewelry system 10 may further
comprise a plurality of hinge members 40 rotatably connecting
respective ones of the decorative articles 38 to the band member 16
such that each one of the decorative articles 38 is angularly
positionable into one of the tiara and necklace configurations 24,
26, as is shown in FIGS. 5-6. The hinge members 40 allow for
pivoting or rotation of the decorative article in a direction
general indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 5. In order to improve the
comfort of the jewelry system 10 when assembled into the necklace
configuration 26, each one of the hinge members 40 may be further
be configured such that the decorative article 38 is generally
freely pivotable relative to the band plane A when positioned in
the necklace configuration 26.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, each one of the hinge members may be
comprised of a pair of spaced apart band member hinge portions 80
mounted on the band member. Each one of the decorative articles may
include a corresponding article hinge portion 78 mounted thereon.
The article hinge portion 78 may preferably be sized and configured
to be complementary to a spacing between the band member hinge
portions 80. Each one of the article hinge portion 78 and band
member hinge portions 80 may be configured as an elongate hollow
tube in the manner of a convention hinge. The article hinge portion
78 may be pivotally connected to the band member hinge portions 80
via a hinge member pin 76 extending therethrough.
[0030] Furthermore, each one of the hinge members 40 may be
configured to maintain the decorative article 38 in a generally
non-pivotal relationship relative to the band plane A when
positioned in the tiara configuration 24. More specifically, each
one of the hinge members 40 may include a detent mechanism 66
configured to hold the respective decorative article 38 laterally
upwardly or outwardly relative to the band plane A when rotated
into the tiara configuration 24.
[0031] However, upon repositioning the decorative articles 38 by
rotating into general alignment with the band plane A in the
necklace configuration 26, the hinge member 40 may be configured
such that each one of the decorative articles 38 may be freely
pivotable into and out of the band plane A. Such freely pivoting
movement as provided by the hinge members 40 may enhance the look
or aesthetics of the jewelry system 10 when worn in the necklace
configuration 26. In addition, the freely pivoting movement may
prevent interference with the wearer's chest when the wearer is
performing certain body movements such as bending over.
[0032] Referring briefly to FIGS. 5-6, the detent mechanism 66 may
be comprised of a detent tab 70 fixedly secured to a side of one of
one of the band member hinge portions 80. The detent tab 70 may
include a tab notch 72 formed in an upper portion of the detent tab
70. A detent pin 68 may be disposed to a side of the decorative
article or to the article hinge portion 78. The detent pin 68 may
preferably extend laterally outwardly and may be sized to be
complementary to the tab notch 72 such that when fully engaged
therein, the detent pin 68 is partially nested within the tab notch
72.
[0033] The detent tab 70 may also include a ramp surface 74 as
shown in FIGS. 5-6 along which the detent pin 68 may slide when the
decorative articles are positioned between the tiara configuration
and the necklace configuration. As was earlier mentioned, the
detent mechanism 66 and, more specifically, the detent pin 68 and
detent tab 70 are preferably configured such that the decorative
articles are generally non-pivotably fixed relative to the band
plane when positioned into the laterally outwardly extending
orientation of the tiara configuration.
[0034] Although the detent mechanism 66 is shown as comprising the
detent tab 70 cooperatively engagable to detent pin 68, it is
recognized herein that there are an infinite number of alternative
arrangements of the detent mechanism 66 that may provide the
desired non-pivotal characteristics of the decorative articles when
positioned into the tiara configuration. For example, each one of
the detent mechanisms 66 may be configured as a frictional
engagement means between abutting ends of the article hinge portion
78 and band member hinge portion. Alternatively, the detent
mechanism 66 may include a ball detent system wherein a ball is
slidable within an arcuate groove formed in a plate and having
recessed ball receiving apertures formed at opposite ends of the
arcuate groove to receive the ball bearing therein when the
decorative articles are rotated into one of the tiara and the
necklace configuration.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, in the tiara configuration 24, the
jewelry system 10 may further comprise at least one, but preferably
two, comb members 28 in order to secure the band member 16 to the
wearer's head and to restrict movement thereof in all directions.
As shown in FIG. 2, each one of the comb members 28 may be
comprised of an elongate shaft 30 having a comb portion 32 and a
shaft end portion 30 on opposing ends of the shaft 30. The comb
portion 32 may include a plurality of teeth 36' arranged in a
manner similar to the teeth of a conventional comb. The comb
members 28 provide quick and easy securement of the band member 16
to the wearer's head by engaging the wearer's hair.
[0036] The comb members 28 may be secured to the band member 16 in
any suitable manner. However, in order to facilitate
reconfiguration (i.e., disassembly and reassembly) of the jewelry
system 10 between the tiara configuration 24 and the necklace
configuration 26, the shaft end portions 30 of each one of the comb
members 28 may be configured to be releaseably connectable to
respective ones of the band ends 18. Each one of the comb members
28 may include a connector assembly 46 connected to the shaft end
portion 30 to releaseably secure the comb member 28 to a respective
one of the band ends 18.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, each one of the connector assemblies 46
may include a means for articulated or hinged movement of the comb
member 28 by incorporating a connector hinge 48 separately or
integrally with the connector assembly 46. Such connector hinge 48
may provide improved flexibility in mounting or securing the band
member 16 on the wearer's head when the jewelry system 10 is in the
tiara configuration 24. The connector hinge 48 may allow the comb
member 28 to be selectively and freely rotated or pivoted about a
hinge axis 64 of the connector hinge. The hinge axis 64 may be
oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the band plane
A, as is shown in FIG. 3. Such hinged movement essentially allows a
gap between the comb members 28 to be narrowed or widened to suit
the shape and size of any given wearer's head.
[0038] Connection of the connector assemblies 46 and, hence, the
comb members 28, may be facilitated by providing an open interior
end portion 20 in each one of the band ends 18. The connector
assembly 46 may be configured to be received by the end portion 20.
In addition the connector assembly 46 may optionally include a
locking feature configured to engage a corresponding locking
feature on the band end 18 such that the comb member 28 may be
temporarily locked to the band member 16. Toward this end, each one
of the connector assemblies 46 may be configured as a V-shaped
clasp member 50 configured to be removably insertable into and
engagable with the interior end portion 20 of the band member 16
for releaseably connecting the comb member 28 to the band end
18.
[0039] Although any number of shapes and sizes may be used for
configuring the clasp member 50, the V-shape of the clasp member 50
may facilitate digital manipulation thereof. More precisely, the
V-shape of the clasp member 50 may facilitate manual alignment of
the connector assembly 46 to the interior end portion 20 such that
the clasp member 50 may then be easily inserted thereinto. The
clasp member 50 may also be resiliently configured to allow for
selective engagement and release of complementary locking features
on the band end 18 and the connector assembly 46 by simply
squeezing opposite sides of the clasp member 50 together during
insertion into the interior end portions 20. Although the connector
assemblies 46 are shown as V-shaped clasp members 50 and the band
ends 18 are shown as having generally hollow interior end portions
20, it is recognized herein that any number of alternative
configurations may be provided to such components to allow for
selective releasable engagement therebetween to provide the feature
of reconfiguration of the jewelry system 10 between the tiara and
necklace configurations 24, 26.
[0040] Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 3-4 wherein the
jewelry system 10 is shown in the necklace configuration 26, the
pair of necklace extensions 42 are shown connected to respective
ones of the band ends 18. The necklace extensions 42 may be
configured as generally elongate flexible members to comfortably
wrap around the neck of the wearer. Although metallic material may
be preferred for constructing the necklace extensions 42, it is
contemplated that the necklace extensions 42 may be fabricated from
a variety of alternative materials including leather, polymeric
material (i.e., plastic), ribbon, textile, wood or any natural or
man-made material. The necklace extensions 42 may be provided in
varying increments of lengths which may be selected to accommodate
differing neck sizes of a given wearer. In addition, the length of
the necklace extension 42 may be selected according to stylistic
preferences of the wearer in accordance with the choice of the
wearer regarding the height at which the tiara 12 hangs from the
neck.
[0041] The flexibility of the necklace extensions 42 may be
provided by fabricating the necklace extensions 42 of a generally
broad woven metallic material. However, any flexible structural
element, such as a single or multiple strands of decorative gold or
silver chain, may be used to fabricate the necklace extensions 42.
In addition, it is contemplated that the necklace extensions 42 may
be fabricated as a semi-rigid or even a rigid structure in order to
achieve a desired style or look. For example, the necklace
extensions 42 may be fabricated of generally arcuately shaped
members and may be fabricated of rod or tubing material although
the generally flexible characteristics of the necklace extensions
42 are preferred.
[0042] The necklace extensions 42 may be connected to the band
member 16 using the connector assemblies 46 in the same manner as
was described above and as is shown in FIG. 1 for connecting the
comb members 28 to the band ends 18. As such, the band ends 18 may
have the generally open interior end portions 20 for receiving the
V-shaped clasp members 50. It should be noted that the connector
assemblies 46 may be configured in any number of alternative
arrangements. For example, the clasp members 50 may be configured
to provide a frictional fit with the interior end portions 20 of
the band ends 18. Alternatively, threads may be provided on ends of
the connector assembly 46 to engage mating threads formed within
the interior end portions 20.
[0043] In addition, the connector assembly 46, as used to connect
the necklace extensions 42 to the band ends 18, may be articulated
in the same manner as was earlier described such that the necklace
extensions 42 are generally freely pivotable. The hinge members 40
may provide the articulated or hinged movement through the
connector hinge 48, which may be separately or integrally formed
with the connector assembly 46 as was earlier described for the
attachment of the comb members 28. The detent mechanism 66 provides
a means for non-pivotably fixing the decorative article in the
tiara configuration while allowing the decorative articles a
limited degree of pivotal movement when rotated into the necklace
configuration.
[0044] Regarding the interconnection of the extension ends 44, the
jewelry system 10 may include a variety of mating mechanisms 52. As
is shown in FIG. 4, the mating mechanism 52 may preferably, but
optionally, comprise a pair of mating members 54 mounted on
respective ones of the necklace extensions 42 adjacent the
extension ends 44. Generally, the mating members 54 may be
configured to be releaseably securable together such that the
necklace extensions 42 may be easily connected and disconnected
from one another. Toward this end, the mating mechanism 52 may
include an elongate locking pin 56 configured to engage the pair of
mating members 54 wherein the mating members 54 are configured as
axially alignable elongate tubes.
[0045] More specifically, one of the mating members 54 may include
a spaced pair of generally axially aligned hollow elongate first
and second end tubes 58, 60 and which may be mounted on one of the
necklace extensions 42 adjacent to the extension end 44. As shown
in FIG. 4, the first and second end tubes 58, 60 may be disposed in
general axial alignment with the necklace extension 42. The other
one of the mating members 54 may comprise an elongate hollow
intermediate tube 62 mounted on the other one of the necklace
extensions 42 adjacent to the extension end 44. The intermediate
tube 62 may also be disposed and mounted on the necklace extension
42 in general axial alignment therewith. Both the first and second
end tubes 58, 60 and the intermediate tube 62 are preferably
oriented to be facing one another when the necklace extensions 42
are connected to the band member 16. Such orientation of the end
tubes 58, 60 and the intermediate tubes 62 is preferable to
minimize contact of sharp edges thereof with the wearer's skin.
[0046] The intermediate tube 62 may be sized and configured to be
complementary to the first and second end tubes 58, 60. More
specifically, first and second end tubes 58, 60 and the
intermediate tube 62 may have equivalent inner diameters which are
preferably complementary to an outer diameter of the locking pin 56
to allow for a relatively close axially sliding fit therebetween.
Furthermore, the intermediate tube 62 is preferably configured to
be of a length that is insertable or positionable between the first
and second end tubes 58, 60 when the pair of extension ends 44 are
brought into substantially parallel alignment with one another, as
is shown in FIG. 4.
[0047] The locking pin 56 may preferably be sized and configured
such that full engagement of the locking pin 56 into the first and
second end tubes 58, 60 and intermediate tube 62 permits secure
engagement of the necklace extensions 42 to one another. The
locking pin 56 may include a laterally outwardly extending tab that
may be easily accessed when the jewelry system 10 is worn in the
necklace configuration 26. The tab may allow for digital
reciprocation of the locking pin 56 into and out of the first and
second end tubes 58, 60 and the intermediate tube 62 in order to
connect or disconnect the extensions ends 44.
[0048] Alternatively, the mating mechanism 52 may be configured as
a barrel clasp (not shown) wherein one half of a fitting screws or
threads into a mating half of the fitting such that the threadably
engaged halves resemble a barrel. However, there are a wide variety
of other configurations of the connector assembly 46 well known in
the art such as a lobster clay clasp or a spring ring clasp, which
may be used as the mating mechanism 52 to secure the necklace
extensions 42 together such that the necklace extensions 42 and
band member 16 essentially form the continuous loop. In addition,
the mating mechanism 52 may be configured using a variety of
alternative components that are well known in the art, including
pins, hooks, tabs, or posts that may be mechanically interconnected
by a hinged band or similar components.
[0049] In operation, the jewelry system 10 may be easily
reconfigured between the tiara configuration 24 and the necklace
configuration 26. For example, in the tiara configuration 24, the
jewelry system 10 comprises the band member 16 having the
decorative articles 38 preferably positioned thereon to extend
generally laterally outwardly relative to the band plane A as is
shown in FIGS. 1-2. Optionally, the comb members 28 may be
connected to the band member 16 at the band ends 18 by inserting
the connector assemblies 46 into respective ones of the interior
end portions 20. The tiara 12 may then be positioned on the head of
the wearer with the comb members 28 placed into engagement with the
wearer's hair.
[0050] When reconfigured into the necklace configuration 26, the
comb members 28 are removed from the band ends 18 and are replaced
by the pair of necklace extensions 42 which are simply connected to
respective ones of the band ends 18. If the connector assemblies 46
are included with the necklace extensions 42, the connector
assemblies 46 may be inserted into the interior end portions 20.
The decorative articles 38 may be rotated into general alignment
with the band plane A. The extension ends 44 may be connected
together by first axially aligning the first and second end tubes
58, 60 of one of the extension ends 44 with the intermediate tube
62 of the other one of the extension ends 44.
[0051] The intermediate tube 62 is preferably positioned between
the first and second end tubes 58, 60 as is shown in FIG. 4. The
locking pin 56 may then by axially inserted through the first and
second end tubes 58, 60 and the intermediate tube 62 to secure such
components together thereby forming the continuous loop. The
necklace 14 may be worn around the wearer's neck with the tiara 12
being properly displayed on the chest of the wearer such that the
ornamental features of the decorative articles 38 are outwardly
visible. Reconfiguration of the jewelry system 10 into the tiara
configuration 24 is achieved by reversing the above-described
steps.
[0052] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and
illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain
embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve
as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope
of the invention
* * * * *