U.S. patent application number 11/544399 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for magnetic repulsion components for jewelry articles.
Invention is credited to Alma Kretchmer, Steven Kretchmer.
Application Number | 20070084241 11/544399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37499448 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070084241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kretchmer; Steven ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Magnetic repulsion components for jewelry articles
Abstract
Jewelry components that are magnetized with the same polarity
and that are associated with a retaining element or elements so
that they magnetically repulse each other and provide spatially
arranged components that form new and unusual jewelry articles
having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. The components
are operatively associated so as to magnetically repulse each other
so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into
rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the
like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart. When
the components are moved or positionally changed in the piece due
to movement of the wearer, gravitational changes or simple
displacements, the magnetic forces cause the components to return
to their original positions. These movements impart life and
uniqueness to the jewelry articles that include the components and
elements.
Inventors: |
Kretchmer; Steven;
(Palenville, NY) ; Kretchmer; Alma; (Palenville,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP;PATENT DEPARTMENT
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
37499448 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544399 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60725132 |
Oct 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/29.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44D 2203/00 20130101;
A44C 25/00 20130101; A44C 17/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/029.2 |
International
Class: |
A44C 17/02 20060101
A44C017/02 |
Claims
1. A jewelry article comprising at least first and second magnetic
jewelry-forming components, each configured and dimensioned in a
predetermined shape and having a magnetizable portion for repulsive
magnetic association with the other component, wherein the
magnetizable portions repulse each other with a magnetic strength
that can be overcome by a person's hand strength such that the
components can be placed in different positions relative to each
other, and the first component further comprises a retaining
structure that prevents the second component from being completely
separated from the first component when the magnetized portions of
the components repulse each other, such that the magnetic repulsion
between the components enables them to attain a first configuration
wherein the second component is positioned remotely from the first
component and a second configuration wherein the person's hand
strength applies a force to urge the components towards each other,
wherein upon release of the force the components return to the
first configuration.
2. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein at least two jewelry
forming components are provided with magnetized portions that
facilitate retention of the components in spaced relation in a
first position, so that at least one component can be moved with
respect to the other by a user and, when the user releases the
moved component, it automatically returns to the first
position.
3. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein the jewelry forming
components are arranged on an axis so that one can me moved
rotationally with respect to the other.
4. The jewelry article of claim 3 wherein the first and second body
members are at least partially arcuate in shape.
5. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein one or all of the
components includes one or more adornments.
6. A magnetic jewelry-forming component for preparing a jewelry
article comprising a body member configured and dimensioned in an
ornamental shape and having a first magnetizable portion for
repulsive magnetic association with at least one other magnetic
jewelry-forming component and at least one further element that has
a magnetized portion of the same polarity as the first magnetizable
portion for magnetic association therewith, wherein the body member
has a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand
strength such that the body member and at least one other magnetic
jewelry-forming component can be placed in different positions
relative to each other, and wherein the further element comprises a
retaining structure that prevents complete separation of the body
member from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component when the first magnetized portion of the body member is
magnetically repulsed from the at least one other magnetic
jewelry-forming component, wherein the body member has outer and
inner surfaces, the at least one other jewelry-forming component
comprises at least one dimensioning member that is operatively
associated with the body member with the first magnetizable portion
of the body member and the dimensioning member magnetically
repulsing each other with a maximum magnetic strength that can be
overcome by a person's hand strength, such that the magnetic
repulsion between the body and dimensioning members enables the
component to attain a first configuration wherein the dimensioning
member is positioned remotely from the body member and a second
configuration wherein the person's hand strength urges the
dimensioning members towards the body member.
7. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, wherein a plurality of
magnetized locations are symmetrically distributed on the component
member and each has about the same size and shape.
8. The jewelry-forming component of claim 7, wherein the plurality
of magnetized locations are arranged so that the components are
uniquely engageable to form the article.
9. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, which further includes
an adornment of a precious stone, a material having a different
color from that of the body member, indicia, or a part of a
character, pattern or design.
10. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, wherein the magnetic
field emitted or radiated by the plurality of magnetized locations
is configured in an indicia or other ornamental pattern that is
invisible until revealed by magnetic particles or films.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of application No.
60/725,132 filed Oct. 7, 2005, the entire content of which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The invention relates to jewelry components that are
magnetized and joined to form new and unusual jewelry articles
having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. In particular,
the present invention relates to jewelry components that
magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such components
can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers,
necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force holding
the components apart.
[0003] Jewelry articles are generally made of different types of
precious metals and stones and are held together by mechanical
linkages or interconnections. This is of course well known to the
skilled artisans and in common use today. Designers are somewhat
limited by these mechanical connections, and it would be desirable
to have other joining forms for creation of new and unusual jewelry
articles.
[0004] The use of magnetic force to join components is known in the
field. Various permanent magnets have been used, and these can be
provided with very strong magnetic fields. They are generally used
to hold two oppositely magnetized components together. Such
permanent magnets are generally made of non-precious metal alloys
and for that reason are not desirable for use in fine jewelry.
[0005] While there have been some attempts at making precious metal
magnets, two problems have been encountered. Many precious metal
magnets do not possess sufficient magnetic strength to secure
jewelry components together. Furthermore, attempts at alloying such
metals to increase their magnetic strength causes further dilution
of the precious metal content of the alloy, thus rendering it less
desirable for use in jewelry components or articles. A magnetized
platinum cobalt alloy is known, but previously has not been deemed
to be suitable for use in jewelry components or articles.
[0006] In addition, highly magnetic jewelry articles can be
problematic in certain situations. Contact of strong magnets with
credit cards, computer disks or other magnetically sensitive
materials can cause damage to such materials. Also, rings,
bracelets and necklaces, if strongly magnetized, are generally
located such that they can easily come in contact with magnetically
sensitive materials to cause damage or loss of information
therein.
[0007] It also would be desirable to have magnetically joinable
jewelry components to assist designers in creating new visual
appealing designs or for these components to have magnetic
strengths that are sufficiently strong to hold the jewelry
components in desired arrangements or positions. The present
invention now satisfies these needs and provides other advantages
for the use of magnetic components in fine and costume jewelry
applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention relates to jewelry components that are
magnetized with the same polarity and that are associated with a
retaining element or elements so that the components magnetically
repulse each other and provide spatially arranged components that
form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown
properties and advantages. In particular, the present invention
relates to jewelry components that include a retaining member and a
plurality of such components which are operatively associated so as
to magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such
components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains,
chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force
holding the components apart. When the components are moved or
positionally changed in the piece due to movement of the wearer,
gravitational changes or simple displacements, the magnetic forces
cause the components to return to their original positions. These
movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry articles that
include the components and elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE
[0009] The drawing figure illustrates a particular arrangement of
similarly polarized magnetized disks mounted in sliding relation
upon a shaft with the magnetic force providing a spaced vertical
relation. If the disks are separated or are moved to be closer
together, the magnetic force returns them to the arrangement
shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The present invention relates to a jewelry article
comprising at least first and second magnetic jewelry-forming
components, each configured and dimensioned in a predetermined
shape and having a magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic
association with the other component, wherein the magnetizable
portions repulse each other with a magnetic strength that can be
overcome by a person's hand strength such that the components can
be placed in different positions relative to each other, and the
first component further comprises a retaining structure that
prevents the second component from being completely separated from
the first component when the magnetized portions of the components
repulse each other, such that the magnetic repulsion between the
components enables them to attain a first configuration wherein the
second component is positioned remotely from the first component
and a second configuration wherein the person's hand strength
applies a force to urge the components towards each other, wherein
upon release of the force the components return to the first
configuration.
[0011] The invention also relates to a magnetic jewelry-forming
component for preparing a jewelry article comprising a body member
configured and dimensioned in an ornamental shape and having a
first magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with
at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component and at least
one further element that has a magnetized portion of the same
polarity as the first magnetizable portion for magnetic association
therewith, wherein the body member has a magnetic strength that can
be overcome by a person's hand strength such that the body member
and at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component can be
placed in different positions relative to each other, and wherein
the further element comprises a retaining structure that prevents
complete separation of the body member from the at least one other
magnetic jewelry-forming component when the first magnetized
portion of the body member is magnetically repulsed from the at
least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component, wherein the
body member has outer and inner surfaces, the at least one other
jewelry-forming component comprises at least one dimensioning
member that is operatively associated with the body member with the
first magnetizable portion of the body member and the dimensioning
member magnetically repulsing each other with a maximum magnetic
strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength, such
that the magnetic repulsion between the body and dimensioning
members enables the component to attain a first configuration
wherein the one component can be affixed to a rod or rods, bar or
other elongated object(s), the other component is associated with
the rod in a manner that enables it to freely move along the rod
and the stop can be positioned behind the other component to
prevent its movement away from the body member by a desired
distance. The other component is free to move between the body
member and stop member, with the magnetic repulsion between the
components holding the second component away from the first.
[0012] Preferably, the components are maintained in their magnetic
repulsion configuration by guides either through the components or
constraining the components. This is important due to the fact that
magnetic fields are unidirectional and opposite polarities prefer
and dominate to attract each other. Generally, the components are
designed with some control to prevent attraction. In addition to
the above, the components can be keyed, cammed or otherwise
arranged guided to prevent the components from moving into a
position where they would attract rather than repel. For example,
two magnets shaped like spoke wheels would normally rotate slightly
so that the spokes do not align and then would come together
because space between fields are reversed. To maintain repulsion
with these forms, a keyed axle, i.e., a square shaped axel and
square hole in the wheel, is used to maintain the spoke wheels in
the desired position.
[0013] Another preferred arrangement is to have the first and
second components connected by a flexible restraining structure,
such as a wire or tether, so that the components can move relative
to each other but only by a predetermined distance. Alternatively,
the components can be placed in a chamber of a transparent material
or a cage so that they can move relative to each other while still
being visible. The chamber can be configured in any desired
cylindrical shape, such that round, polygonal etc, where the
components are configured to move only vertically in the chamber.
This can be accomplished, for example, by configuring a rectangular
shaped component in a rectangular chamber. Any shaped component
that keys or is otherwise restrained from rotation can be used.
These cage or chamber structures provide the limits in furthest
separation distance of the components. It is important to recognize
that the polarity of the components must be such that the same
polarity on each component faces the other, so that the maximum
repulsive force is generated to urge the components apart.
dimensioning member is positioned remotely from the body member and
a second configuration wherein the person's hand strength urges the
dimensioning members towards the body member.
[0014] In one embodiment, the body member has at least one female
element associated therewith for magnetically attracting and
receiving a male element of the at least one other magnetic
jewelry-forming component, with the first magnetized portion
providing a minimum magnetic strength that is sufficient to retain
the male element within the female element and a maximum magnetic
strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength to
separate the male and female elements, such that a plurality of
such components can be magnetically coupled to form an article of
jewelry. The body member can have an arcuate shape with the female
element is located at an end of the arcuate shape, and wherein the
female element defines a cavity having a depth sufficient to
receive a male element of the other jewelry-forming component at
different positional relationships therein.
[0015] Alternatively, the further element can be a male element
that extends away from the female element and is located on the
opposite end of the arcuate shape, with the male element having a
forward end that is magnetically attracted to the first
magnetizable portion of the body member of the at least one other
magnetic jewelry-forming component. The body member then can be at
least partially tubular and with first magnetized portion of the
body member being provided by a magnetized pellet or disk member.
Also, the further element can be female element located on an
opposite end of the tubular body member. Preferably, each female
element defines a cavity having a depth sufficient to receive a
male element at different positional relationships therein, and
each female element is magnetized to attract oppositely polarized
male elements.
[0016] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a jewelry
article in the form of a ring, bracelet, anklet, chain, choker,
necklace, or watchband comprising between two and two hundred
jewelry-forming components defined herein. These articles are
conveniently formed by a plurality of jewelry-forming components
with sufficient surrounding structure or members to retain the
components in magnetic association. Generally, the surrounding
structure or members help guide and constrain the components so
that they are not repulsed out of a desired magnetic relation or
out of the jewelry article. This is generally achieved by the use
of one or more stop members which help define a boundary within
which the components are located. For example,
[0017] When one component is in the form or a body member affixed
onto a rod, bar or other elongated object, then at least one other
component can be associated with or placed along the rod in an
arrangement such that the magnetic repulsion of the components
causes the second component to be free-floating or levitating above
the body member of the first component. These components are
provided with essentially the same magnetic polarity so that they
repulse each other and with a maximum magnetic strength that can be
overcome by a person's hand strength, such that the magnetic
repulsion between the components can be changed by hand force. This
enables the second component to be moved between a first
configuration wherein it is positioned remotely from the body
member and a second configuration wherein the person's hand
strength, gravity or other forces cause the component to move away
from or even toward the body member, thus imparting motion to the
jewelry article.
[0018] The relative size of the components or the degree of
magnetivity can be used to achieve the desired spacing between
them. For example, a relatively large component can be used to
force relatively smaller components to be repulsed further away.
Alternatively, relatively heavier components can be used so that
their weight causes movement toward each other with the magnetic
force then causing the components to move apart. When arranged
vertically, gravitation force is a major consideration, with the
components levitating due to the magnetic repulsion. When the
components are arranged in a horizontal configuration,
gravitational effects are reduced. The movements of the components
imparted by magnetic repulsion provides unique effects in the
jewelry article.
[0019] The drawing FIGURE illustrates a preferred article in the
form of an earring 10. The earring has a central rod 15 upon which
three disks 20, 25, 30 are mounted. Each disk is shown solid but
may have a band of precious stones, such as diamonds, mounted
around its periphery. They also may have other adornments or
ornamentation, or they can be of different shapes or sizes. The
lowermost disk 20 can be affixed to the rod 15, whereas the top
disks 25, 30 can freely move vertically up and down on the rod 15.
Disks 25, 30 are configured so that they can rotate on the rod 15
as well. A stop member in the form of a peripheral rib 35 is
provided to limit the upward movement of the top disk 30.
Alternatively, the lowermost disk 20 can sit on a stop member 40 to
prevent downward movement of that disk, and it can be configured so
that it also rotates on the rod 15. Each disk is magnetized with
the same polarity, so that they repulse each other to a spaced
relation. For example, the bottom disk 20 repulses the middle disk
25 which in turn repulses the upper disk 30. The middle disk 25
also repulses the lower disk 20 downwards. The resulting spacing is
achieved as shown in the drawing. As the person wearing the earring
walks or moves, such movement, along with the weight of the disks
and gravity, causes the top two disks 25, 30 to move downward, but
the magnetic repulsion force then causes those disks to move
upward. This movement makes the piece appear to be magically
levitating and changing as the person moves, thus providing a
unique appearance that heretofore has not been achieved. The
relative size and weight of the disks can be achieved to obtain a
desired spacing or other spatial arrangement. The top of the rod
has a linkage to a post 50 which can be rotated to a perpendicular
position to the rod and inserted into the pierced ear lobe for
engaging an holding element that enables the earring to be
worn.
[0020] While a single rod is illustrated, one or more rods, wires
or similar retaining elements can be used to maintain the disks in
the desired spaced magnetic repulsive arrangement.
[0021] The disks are shown in the drawing as having a circular
circumference but of course any size or shape can be used. While
flat surfaces in opposed magnetic repulsion are preferred these are
not required as the magnetic forces can be emanate from any shape.
This feature enables the invention to have parts with holes,
recesses, cavities, slots or other discontinuities with other
components being held in magnetic association or repulsion in the
holes or slots along with, or by, the appropriate restraining
member or members. The skilled artisan can contemplate a wide
variety of variations of how to implement or incorporate these
features in a final article of jewelry. For example, if one
component is provided with a cylindrical cavity having a sufficient
depth, the other component can be configured to fit within the
cavity. The weight of the second component can be selected so that
it cannot be repulsed out of the cavity whereas the magnetic force
between the two components maintains the distance between them. The
cavity can include openings or slots in its cylindrical sidewall to
provide greater visibility of the second component therein.
Alternatively, the second component can be associated with the
cavity with a mechanical connection that prevents complete
separation, such as configuring the cavity with include a narrowed
or partially blocked opening or with a stop member as described
previously.
[0022] For any of these embodiments, an adornment of a precious
stone, a material having a different color from that of the body
member, indicia, or a part of a character, pattern or design can be
included for further visual effects in the final article. For
example, the magnetic field emitted or radiated by one component
can be used to configure additional components to form indicia or
other ornamental patterns that are visible when the components are
in their usual magnetic repulsion positions. The magnetized
components can be arranged so that they are uniquely engageable to
form the article. The jewelry article can also magnetically join or
repulse these components and their adornments to form a bracelet,
brooch, pin or earring. The jewelry article can also include
components that form a clasp, with the movement of the components
from one position to another position signifying the proper closing
of the clasp.
[0023] The term "adornment" is used herein to generally define any
item that is added to the jewelry component or article. This would
include stones, stone mountings, or inserts, overlays, or other
attachments of a precious, semi-precious or non-precious metal or
alloy, or of coatings of metal, plastic or elastomers that are
provided upon or with the component or article. The adornment is
preferably permanently attached or joined to the component or
article but it can also be releasably associated with the component
or article, e.g., a charm.
[0024] The jewelry article can also include a restraining component
to facilitate connection or removal of the article for wearing. A
preferred component is a hinge or clasp. The article can include
components that form a clasp, with the movement of the components
from one position to another position signifying the proper closing
of the clasp. The jewelry article can also include a plurality of
magnetized locations arranged to be offset for providing rotational
movement to the components as they come together to automatically
provide a mechanical interlock of the components.
[0025] As noted, the relative size of the magnetized areas is also
taken into consideration. While the same size areas can be
magnetized for convenience, different size areas can be provided as
well. In general, the larger the size of the magnetized area, the
lesser number of such areas are needed. It is desirable to make the
matching magnetized areas of each component the same size, but this
is not critical.
[0026] One reason for making multiple areas of magnetic field is to
obtain relative small but short localized field strengths. These
would provide much weaker overall magnetic strength than if the
entire ring or jewelry object is to be magnetized. Also, the
smaller magnetized areas are more superficial in nature, and the
field lines do not radiate far beyond the object if at all. Thus,
the jewelry has no deleterious affect on watches, credit cards,
computer disks or related items, while still providing magnetic
force sufficient to impart the desired features to the jewelry.
[0027] It should be noted that the magnetic strength of the joined
components can be overcome much more easily by applying a shearing
force rather than by trying to pull apart the components in
directly opposite directions. For this reason, it is sometimes
useful to design a flange or other retention member that prevents
sliding motion for shearing the parts.
[0028] In a useful arrangement, between 6 and 24 equally spaced
magnetic poles are provided around each component. Preferably, 8 to
20 poles are used, with particularly advantageous effects being
obtained with 12 to 16 poles. In general, between 4 and 40 poles
can be used.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the multiple poles can be
configured in the component as an indicia or other ornamental
pattern that would be invisible during wearing of the component
until and unless particles or films of magnetizable indicators,
e.g., iron filings or films that are responsive to magnetic fields,
come into proximity with the component. These embodiments indicate
the wide range of utility of the present invention.
[0030] The invention is not limited to earrings but can be applied
to many different types of jewelry components using the principles
disclosed herein. For example, the magnetic portions can be used to
form chain links, clasps or stone mountings. One portion can be
used to magnetically mount an adornment onto any other portion that
forms part of a larger jewelry article. For example, a bracelet or
necklace can be provided with magnetized portions that can receive
other magnetized portions that carry stones, crystal or contrasting
color components or the like. In this way, the owner of the piece
can custom design it for the occasion by attaching the desired
color coordinated stones or colored portions for example to
complement an outfit or signify the occasion.
[0031] Another advantageous utility of the tactile sensation of the
portions clicking or locking into position is when the portions are
utilized as part of a clasp having no visible means of connection.
The clicking provides an indication of a positive locking of the
parts together so that the user knows that the article has been
properly joined for wearing. In addition, the multiple poles can be
offset so that upon contact of the components, the poles impart a
rotational movement to one component relative to the other, and
this movement can be used to create an automatic mechanical
interlock as the component moves from one position to another. This
provides an even more secure connection and closing of the
clasp.
[0032] There are numerous ways to provide the plural magnetic
locations on the article. Conventional magnetic materials can be
buried or hidden in gold, silver or other precious metals that are
not magnetizable. In this way, the precious metal would provide the
desired appearance of the piece while the hidden magnetized
material would provide the desired magnetic pole.
[0033] A less complex way to achieve this result is to utilize a
magnetizable precious metal, such as POLARIUM.RTM. as described
herein. This alloy, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,567,
can simply be magnetized in the desired locations using the
appropriate fixtures as is known to the skilled magnetist.
[0034] Other magnetizable precious metal alloys can also be used if
desired. In all cases, the magnetic strength of the alloy must be
sufficiently high to provide secure magnetic joining of the
components without generating high magnetic fields that would
affect magnetic sensitive components when handled by a wearer of
the jewelry. For example, a person wearing earrings according to
the preferred embodiment can safely handle credit cards or computer
diskettes without damaging the electronic information therein. A
distance of as small as 1/16th of an inch or less between the
article and magnetic sensitive component is generally sufficient to
avoid problems of this type.
[0035] For costume jewelry or other less expensive pieces,
conventional permanent magnets rather than precious metal magnets
can instead be used. These can be visible or hidden, such as by
coatings, encapsulation, or encasement, or as an inlay or by
placement into a recess in a jewelry article or component.
[0036] Any cross sectional configuration of the components is
possible. Although shown as round in the preferred embodiments of
these components, other configurations such as polygonal,
elliptical or combinations thereof are suitable. When male and
female components are used, they preferably have the same
configuration, but this is not necessary and any matable
configurations can be used. Also, the shape of the outer surface of
these components is unlimited and can be of any desired shape with
or without additional ornamentation, undulations, or other surface
characteristics.
[0037] The preferred magnetic strength should be between 200 and
4500 Gauss depending upon distances between the parts, types,
shapes and sizes of magnets, etc. As the skilled artisan would
know, this magnetic strength should be sufficiently low that the
elements can be easily separated by hand or finger force, or even
by the weight of the components. Depending upon the specific
designs utilized, the article can be separated into the
jewelry-forming components or the components can be moved to
different relative positions, thus enabling the article to
temporarily assume an expanded or larger size configuration to
facilitate placement on the wearer.
[0038] In some designs, if desired or necessary, the components can
be disassembled to allow cleaning or rearrangement. Different
components can reassembled in a different arrangement, if desired,
or can be interchanged with other components of similar size to
provide a different appearance to the piece, e.g., by providing
different colors, stones or other items to match the clothing or
the wearer or to simply provide a different visual effect to the
piece.
[0039] Typical sizes for the jewelry-forming components of the
invention can vary over a wide range. Generally, arcuate shaped
components are used, but the designer has an unlimited selection of
desirable sizes, shapes, colors, etc., depending upon the visual
effects to be achieved, of course limited only by sizes that can be
worn by the wearer without discomfort or injury.
[0040] The components of the invention can be used for many
purposes. For example, a conventional necklace can be provided with
a plurality of components that have oppositely polarized male (or
female) elements extending away from the wearer. Then a plurality
of ornamentations, such as gem or stone settings or metal shapes,
e.g., cubes, polygons, figures, letters or numbers, etc., can be
provided with a female (or male) element of opposite magnetic
polarity to that of the male elements, This allows the user to
connect the ornamentations onto the necklace in a desired manner by
magnetically coupling the male and female elements. This
arrangement allows the user to custom design the necklace for the
occasion by adding the desired stones and other ornamentations,
Moreover, since the couplings are not permanent, the necklace can
be rearranged or redesigned as desired for future uses.
[0041] By including an appropriate post or clasp arrangement on one
of the jewelry-forming component of the invention, the skilled
artisan is able to create a wide range of earring designs from such
components. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the components of the invention can be used in
combination with additional functional parts such as hinges,
rivets, ball and socket joints, and other engineered items that
allow for motion between the components. When a ball and socket
type joint is used, the ball and socket can be magnetized with
different polarities so that the can be maintained together in
magnetic association. The final jewelry articles that can be made
vary greatly, thus demonstrating the versatility of the
jewelry-forming components of the invention. These examples are not
intended to be limiting for the invention, as skilled artisans can
easily create additional structures or methods to accomplish the
desired results.
[0042] The magnetic repulsion between the body member and the
dimensioning members has a maximum strength that can be overcome by
a person's hand strength. Generally, as a skilled artisan would
know, a magnetic strength of between 200 and 4500 Gauss, depending
upon distances between parts, types, shapes, and sizes of magnets,
would be sufficiently low to be overcome by hand strength or by
force applied in wearing the product. Hence, the force applied by
the wearer to slide on the ring easily overcomes the magnetic force
between the body member and the dimensioning members, urging the
dimensioning members to spread out. With the wearer's hand strength
urging the dimensioning members to spread out, the ring attains a
different configuration in which the dimensioning members are moved
towards and positioned closer to the body member.
[0043] The preferred alloys for use in this invention are
magnetized precious metal alloys, such as those which are platinum
based and contain at least about 70% platinum by weight. While
amounts as high as 95% by weight are suitable, the most preferred
amount is between 75 and 80% by weight as these amounts enable the
strongest magnetic properties to be achieved. In order to impart
magnetic properties to these alloys, cobalt is added and the alloy
is heat-treated. The amount of cobalt can range from about 5 to 30%
by weight, and is complementary to the weight of the platinum. As
between these two components, a weight ratio of 70:30 to 95:5 Pt:Co
is preferable. An example of this material is known as
POLARIUM.RTM. and is available from the inventor. This alloy, which
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,567, is preferred for fine
jewelry because it has greater magnetic power than known magnetic
gold alloys.
[0044] Of course, various changes and modifications of the
preferred embodiments are apparent to the skilled artisan after
viewing this disclosure. For example, the number of components is
not critical and it should be understood that two, three, four, or
more can be used and fall within the scope of the present
invention. This allows the designer to create multiple portion
rings, clasps, bracelets or necklaces, etc., with the components
repulsing each other when worn. Also, the components can be
concentric, where one fits into the other, and the outer one has
windows or cut-out portions to allow viewing of the adornments on
the outer surface of the inner component. Any changes and
modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the
inventions disclosed herein are intended to be encompassed and
covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *