Removable bracelet charm

Abstract

Described herein is a decorative item, sometimes herein referred to as a charm, that is designed to reversibly attach to an elastic band In some embodiments the decorative item as described herein is a single solitary unit that is fairly rigid. It is the design of the decorative item described herein that facilitates its reversible attachment to an elastic band or bracelet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a decorative item or charm designed to reversibly attach to an elastic band or bracelet.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present inventions. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or relevant, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Jewelry items like bracelets, rings, anklets, necklaces and headbands of various types are commonly worn for many reasons. They are often worn for fin, to impart a style, satisfy a particular emotional desire, to communicate affiliation with a group or class or simply because they are aesthetically pleasing. In some cases the decorative item provides a message or health information.

[0004] Due, in part, to the expense of exchanging bracelets and jewelry items, some people have turned to wearing jewelry with exchangeable parts. Some people wear wrist watches wherein the wristwatch bands are exchangeable. Some bracelets exist wherein some of the charms are exchangeable and many necklaces provide for exchangeable charms. In general, jewelry bindings which are used to retain an exchangeable charm on a bracelet are comprised of clasps, chain link arrangements or methods involving moving parts. This often makes exchange of a particular charm cumbersome. Also, attachment methods are often limited to one or two charms and fix the position of the charm at a predetermined location on the bracelet. These types of attachment methods and exchangeable jewelry items are typically designed for metallic bracelets and do not accommodate non-metallic bracelets wherein no clasp exists.

[0005] Therefore, as disclosed herein, is a charm that can be reversibly retained on an elastic band or bracelet in a manner which permits the charm to be placed at any desired location along the length of the bracelet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Described herein is a decorative item comprising a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges and an inner channel wherein a) the opposing retaining flanges are connected to said top plate by the opposing side plates and, b) wherein the opposing retaining flanges, the opposing side plates and top plate form the inner channel. In some embodiments the decorative item comprises an arched inner channel. In some embodiments the charm comprises a top arch and a bottom arch wherein the top arch and bottom arch form an arched inner channel. In some instances, the opposing retaining flanges are also arched.

[0007] In some embodiments the decorative item comprises an elastic band wherein the decorative item reversibly attaches to said elastic band. The elastic band can be a bracelet, anklet or head band. In some embodiments the elastic band is a bracelet.

[0008] The decorative item as described above can be a solitary part and in some instances the decorative item is rigid or is fairly rigid. In some embodiments the decorative item is a fairly rigid solitary part.

[0009] In some embodiments the decorative item comprises opposing retaining flanges that are mirror images of each other. In some instances the opposing retaining flanges are roughly in the shape of a half circle. In some embodiments the decorative item comprises a gap located between said opposing retaining flanges. The gap can be less than the width of the elastic bracelet. In some embodiments the gap is between 4 mm and 5 mm and the width of said elastic band is about 13 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments the decorative item described herein comprises a gap ratio. The gap ratio can be between 0.15 to 0.70. In some instances the gap ratio can be between 0.30 to 0.40. In some embodiments the gap ratio is about 0.37.

[0011] In some embodiments the decorative item as described herein comprises a metal. The metal can be a ferrous metal, a non-ferrous metal or a precious metal. In some embodiments the decorative item can comprise glass.

[0012] In some embodiments the decorative item described herein comprises a decorative material. The decorative material can be a gemstone (e.g. a faceted or cabochon gemstone) or in some instances an animal skin.

[0013] The top plate of the decorative item described herein can comprise a cut out. The cut out can form a shape or image. In some instances the top plate can be engraved, embossed, etched or brushed. In some instances the top plate can comprise an image, symbol, shape or text.

[0014] As described herein is a decorative item comprising a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges, an inner channel, and an elastic band wherein a) the opposing retaining flanges are connected to the top plate by the opposing side plates, b) the opposing retaining flanges, opposing side plates and top plate form the inner channel, c) the opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other, d) the decorative item reversibly attaches to the elastic band, and e) the decorative item is a solitary, rigid part. In some embodiments the decorative item comprises an arched inner channel. In some embodiments the decorative item comprising a gap located between said opposing retaining flanges. The gap ratio can be between 0.30 to 0.40.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0016] FIG. 1. An illustration of a decorative item or charm illustrating the top plate and side plate. In this embodiment of the invention the decorative item comprises four tapered edges. The "end" as illustrated here comprises an inner channel that accommodates an elastic band and extends to the opposite end of the top plate. In this embodiment the charm comprises a top arch that is formed by a bend in the top plate that extends from one end to the other.

[0017] FIG. 2. An illustration of a decorative item or charm illustrating the top plate length (8), the width of the top plate (1) and the width of the tapered edge (3). In this embodiment the charm comprises a bottom arch that forms an arched inner channel.

[0018] FIG. 3. An illustration of the end profile of a decorative item or charm. This view illustrates the inner channel of width 5 and side dimension 4. In the embodiment shown, the charm comprises an arched inner channel formed by a bend in the top plate and a concentric bend shown in the bottom retaining flanges. In the embodiment shown, the four edges of length 3 are tapered inward. The location and shape of the two opposing retaining flanges are shown. In this embodiment the two opposing retaining flanges are mirror images and are in the shape of a half circle.

[0019] FIG. 4. An illustration of the bottom view of a decorative item or charm. In this embodiment the two opposing retaining flanges that are roughly a mirror image of each other and each flange comprises a flange curve. The proximity of the two opposing retaining flanges creates a gap for inserting an elastic band or bracelet. This view also illustrates the inner channel formed between the top plate and retaining flanges. In the embodiment shown, the inner channel is arched. The inner channel shown here can accommodate an elastic band that is roughly rectangular in cross section.

[0020] FIG. 5. An illustration of a decorative item or charm (A) attached to an elastic band (B) with a width distance of (C). In this particular embodiment the top plate of the charm comprises a cut-out representing the shape of Africa. Note that the band is visible through the cut-out window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.

[0022] The Decorative Item

[0023] Elastic clasp-less bracelets, such as medical bracelets, athletic bracelets and charity bracelets have become quite popular in the last ten year as a means of self expression and to demonstrate affiliation in support of a cause such as finding a cure for breast cancer, preventing abortion, curing or preventing aids, etc. These bracelets typically have no clasps and can be stretched over the hand or foot to wear or remove. Described herein is a decorative item, sometimes herein referred to as a charm, that can be designed to reversibly attach to an elastic band.

[0024] A key feature of the decorative item as described herein is that the decorative item can be a fairly rigid, single solitary part that contains no moving parts. In some embodiments the decorative item is a single solitary part. In some embodiments the decorative item is rigid. In some embodiments the decorative item is a single solitary part and is rigid. In some embodiments the decorative item is inflexible. In some embodiments the decorative item is fairly rigid. For example a fairly rigid part is not designed to move or flex appreciably in any direction. However, as defined herein, a fairly rigid part can be bent or disfigured if a substantial force is applied (e.g. by crimping or striking with a tool).

[0025] In some embodiments the decorative item comprises a top plate, two opposing side plates, and two opposing retaining flanges wherein said retaining flanges are connected to said top plate by said opposing side plates (FIGS. 14). The arrangement of the top plate, two opposing side plates and two opposing retaining flanges form an inner channel that accommodates an elastic band. In some embodiments a decorative item as described herein comprises a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges and an inner channel wherein the opposing retaining flanges are connected to the top plate by the opposing side plates and wherein said opposing retaining flanges, said opposing side plates and said top plate form said inner channel (e.g. as shown in FIGS. 14). In some embodiments the inner channel is an arched inner channel. The inner channel and charm can be arched, or comprise a bend, along its length (8 in FIG. 2) forming the top arch (FIG. 1), bottom arch (FIG. 2) and an arched inner channel. The bottom arch and/or arched inner channel can closely resemble the arch (or bend) of an elastic band when worn upon the wrist, head or ankle. The bottom arch and/or arched inner channel can be designed to optimize comfort and maximize retention of the charm upon the elastic band when the elastic band is in the wearing position. In some embodiments the bottom arch and/or arched inner channel is designed to accommodate wearing of the charm on an elastic head band. In some embodiments the bottom arch and/or arched inner channel is designed to accommodate wearing of the charm on a band (e.g. a hat band). In some embodiments the bottom arch and/or arched inner channel is designed to approximate the outer curvature of the wrist or ankle. In some embodiments, the two opposing retaining flanges are arched as shown in 3.

[0026] The opposing side plates can be situated at approximate right angles to the top plate. Also, the opposing side plates can be situated at approximate right angles to the bottom retaining flanges. These angles can be altered or tapered in some designs to change the aesthetic appearance of the charm. The inner side of the opposing side plates forms the opposing sides of the inner channel. The width dimension 5 (FIG. 3) and side dimensions 4 (FIG. 3) can be designed to accommodate an elastic band of similar width (i.e. width dimension 5, FIG. 3 is similar to width dimension C, FIG. 5) and thickness (i.e. side dimension 4, FIG. 3 is similar to thickness of band). Therefore, the opposing side plates can be designed of a side dimension 4 (FIG. 3) that is slightly larger or equal to the thickness of the elastic band. In some embodiments the side dimension of 4 (FIG. 3) is slightly less than the thickness of the elastic band so that the band is pinched between the top plate and bottom retaining flanges. The edge of the opposing side plates (FIG. 1) can be straight or tapered.

[0027] The charm as described herein comprises two opposing retaining flanges located on the bottom of the charm. The design of the retaining flanges provides for mounting and dismounting of the charm on an elastic band. The opposing retaining flanges form a gap located between the two opposing retaining flanges (FIG. 4). The gap allows for insertion of and extraction of an elastic band from the arched channel (i.e. reversible attachment of the charm to an elastic band). The gap (i.e. gap distance) can be defined as the shortest distance between the opposing retaining flanges. The gap distance, as described herein, will not accommodate insertion of a band that is non-pliable, inflexible or rigid along its width (width C, FIG. 5). The gap distance of a charm is always less than the width (width C, FIG. 5) of the corresponding elastic bracelet for which it was designed. In one non-limiting example, a gap distance between about 3 mm and 9 mm can accommodate an elastic band that is about 13 mm wide. In another non-limiting example the gap distance can be between about 4.8 mm and 5.0 mm for an elastic band that is about 13 mm wide. In another non-limiting example, a gap distance of about 5 mm can accommodate an elastic band that is about 13 mm wide. The gap distance can vary to accommodate mounting and retention of larger or smaller bands. The gap distance can vary to accommodate mounting and retention of larger or smaller bands with different thicknesses.

[0028] The gap ratio, as referred to herein, is equal to the gap distance (mm) of a specific charm divided by the width of the elastic bracelet (mm) for which that specific charm is designed to mount on. For satisfactory function (i.e. attachment, retention and removal of a charm from an elastic band) the gap ratio can be between about 0.15 and 0.70. In some embodiments the gap ratio is between about 0.30 and 0.40. In some embodiments the gap ratio is about 0.37.

[0029] The two opposing retaining flanges can also comprise a flange curve (FIG. 4). The flange curve can help facilitate mounting, retention and dismounting of a charm on an elastic band. In some embodiments the flange curve is designed to optimize retention of a charm on an elastic band. The design of the flange curve can also help prevent damage to an elastic band upon repeated mounting and dismounting of a charm. In some embodiments a retaining flange is roughly in the shape of a half circle or half moon. In some embodiments the two opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other. The flange curve can be more abrupt, for example in the shape of a V, wherein the gap distance is located between the apex of the V between the two opposing retaining flanges. In some embodiment the flange curve may resemble more of a rectangular configuration with soft edges. In one non-limiting example the retaining flanges are in the shape two opposing half circles as shown in FIG. 4 wherein the opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other. In some embodiments the decorative item described herein comprises a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges, and an inner channel wherein; a) the opposing retaining flanges are connected to the top plate by the opposing side plates, b) the opposing retaining flanges, opposing side plates and top plate form the inner channel, and c) the opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other. In some embodiments the decorative item described herein comprises a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges, and an inner channel wherein; a) the opposing retaining flanges are connected to the top plate by the opposing side plates, b) the opposing retaining flanges, opposing side plates and top plate form the inner channel, c) the opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other and d) the decorative item is a solitary, rigid part. In yet another embodiment the decorative item described herein comprises a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges, and an inner channel wherein; a) the opposing retaining flanges are connected to the top plate by the opposing side plates, b) the opposing retaining flanges, opposing side plates and top plate form the inner channel, c) the opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other, d) the decorative item comprises a gap ratio of between about 0.30 and 0.40 and d) the decorative item is a solitary, rigid part. In some embodiments the inner channel is an arched channel.

[0030] The decorative item described herein can be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials. The charm can be constructed of metal (e.g. a base metal, a ferrous metal, a non-ferrous metal, a precious metal or a noble metal). In some embodiments the decorative item comprises a metal (e.g. a base metal, a ferrous metal, a non-ferrous metal, a precious metal or a noble metal). In some embodiments the decorative item consists essentially of a metal. In some embodiment the decorative item comprises a precious metal (e.g. gold, silver, aluminum, platinum, copper, brass or titanium). The decorative item can be constructed any suitable material that can be injection molded or form molded (e.g. metals, alloys, polymers and plastics). In some embodiments the decorative item comprises an injection molded material. The decorative item can be constructed of a crystallized mineral (e.g. glass). In some embodiments the decorative item comprises crystallized mineral. The decorative item can be constructed of any material that can be carved, honed or worked into a rigid or fairly rigid part (e.g. pearl, coral, stone, amber, bamboo or wood).

[0031] The decorative item can comprise any decorative material. For example the top plate, side plates or any visible portion of the decorative item can be adorned with decorative materials (e.g. gemstones or pearls). Non-limiting examples of decorative materials include metals (e.g. precious metals), gemstones, precious stones, semiprecious stones, rock, pearls, coral, elephants' tusks, animal skin (e.g. snake skin or leather), crystallized minerals, fossils, and amber.

[0032] The top plate or any visible portion of the charm, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 can comprise one or more decorative features. In some embodiments the charm can be colored, dyed or painted. In some embodiments the charm can comprise one or more decorative textures, shapes, symbols and/or text. In some embodiments the top plate can be embossed, engraved or etched to provide for decorative features (e.g. textures, shapes, symbols, free-form art or text. In some embodiments the top plate or side plates can comprise one or more cut-outs (e.g. a punch out or pierce) that represent various shapes, textures, symbols or texl The cut out can allow the underlying elastic band to be visible through the top plate. In another embodiment the top plate can comprise a gemstone or jewel. In some embodiments the top plate can comprise one or more gemstones or jewels or a combination thereof. The gemstones or jewels can be arranged in various shapes, symbols, text, free-form designs or aesthetically pleasing arrangements. The gemstones can be faceted gemstones or cabochon gemstones. In some embodiments the top plate comprises faceted gemstones. In some embodiments the top plate comprises cabochon gemstones. In some embodiments the top plate comprises inlayed gemstones.

[0033] The top plate of the charm can comprise two ends and two sides as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2. In some embodiments the top plate is roughly rectangular in appearance. In some embodiments the top plate is any shape or size providing that the structural and functional characteristics of the charm (i.e. those properties as described herein that retain the charm to the elastic band) are maintained. In some embodiments wherein the top plate is rectangular in appearance, the dimensions of side 8 (FIG. 2) of the top plate are between 5 and 80 mm. In some embodiments the dimensions of side 8 (FIG. 2) are between 5 and 30 mm. In some embodiments the dimensions of side 8 (FIG. 2) are between 5 and 20 mm. In some embodiments the dimensions of side 8 (FIG. 2) are between 20 and 22 mm.

[0034] The opposing ends (end) of the top plate can be as illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 3. The shape of the opposing ends (End, FIG. 1) can be convex or concave or straight The opposing ends can be shaped the same or different. The shape of the opposing ends of the top plate can be of any suitable shape or design as long as the functionality of the inner channel is retained. In some embodiments the outer width of the opposing end 1 (FIG. 2) is slightly wider that the width of the elastic band to which the charm is reversibly attached. In one non-limiting example the length of 1 (FIG. 2) can be 14 mm wherein the width of the elastic band is 13 mm. The inner width of the opposing ends, 5 (FIG. 3), can be designed to accommodate the width of the elastic band. In some embodiments the inner width of 5 (FIG. 3) is about the same dimensions as the width of the elastic band that the charm is designed for. In some embodiments the inner width 5 (FIG. 3) is 13 mm for an elastic band that is 13 mm in width. In some embodiments the inner width 5 is slightly smaller or larger than the width of the elastic band that the charm is designed for. In one non-limiting example the dimensions of the inner width 5 (FIG. 3) is 13 mm for a band that is 12-13 mm in width. In another non-limiting example the dimensions of the inner width 5 (FIG. 3) is 13 mm for a band that is 13-14 mm in width.

[0035] The Elastic Band

[0036] The elastic band, as described herein (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5), can be a bracelet, head band, belt, anklet or ring. In some embodiments the elastic band is an elastic bracelet. The term elastic, as used herein, refers to the properties of the material used to construct the elastic band. The term elastic refers to a material that can bend or stretch and then return substantially to its pre-stretched shape and/or size. In some embodiments an elastic band can be stretched over the hand and then return substantially to a size that fits comfortably on a wearer's wrist. An elastic band can be partially or wholly constructed of an elastic material. In some embodiment an elastic band in constructed entirely of an elastic material. In some embodiments an elastic band is constructed partially of an elastic material. Wherein an elastic band is constructed partially of an elastic material, the decorative item as described herein can be designed to attach reversibly to the elastic portion of the band. In some embodiments an elastic band is a bracelet constructed of an elastic material. The elastic band can be constructed of any suitable elastic material. Non-limiting examples of elastic materials include rubber, latex, silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, polyvinylchloride, styrenic elastomers, vinyl, polypropylene, polyester and thermoplastic elastomers. In some embodiments the elastic material is rubber. In some embodiments the elastic material is silicone. In some embodiments the elastic material is an elastic fiber or fabric. Non-limiting examples of elastic fibers and fabric include spandex, nylon, polyester, silk, cotton, wool, rayon and ramie. In some embodiments the elastic material is an organic material (e.g. leather or snake skin). In some embodiments the elastic band is a bracelet constructed of rubber.

[0037] The elastic band as described herein can be roughly rectangular in cross-section. The elastic band can be roughly rectangular in cross-section along its entire circumference or for only a portion of its circumference. The decorative item as described herein can attach reversibly to that portion of an elastic bracelet that is rectangular in its cross-section. The decorative item as described herein is not designed to attach reversibly to an elastic band that is round or circular in cross section along its entire circumference (e.g. a rope or string bracelet). The elastic band can be hollow or solid. In some embodiments an elastic band is an elastic bracelet, consisting essentially of an elastic material wherein the elastic bracelet is roughly rectangular in cross section. In some embodiments an elastic band is an elastic bracelet, comprising an elastic material wherein the elastic bracelet is roughly rectangular in cross section. In some embodiments the elastic material is rubber.

[0038] The invention has been described in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the features or principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A decorative item comprising a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges and an inner channel wherein: a. said opposing retaining flanges are connected to said top plate by said opposing side plates and; b. wherein said opposing retaining flanges, said opposing side plates and said top plate form said inner channel.

2. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein the inner channel is an arched inner channel.

3. The decorative item as in claim 1 comprising a top arch and a bottom arch wherein the top arch and bottom arch form an arched inner channel.

4. The decorative item as in claim 4 wherein the opposing retaining flanges are arched.

5. The decorative item as in claim 1 comprising an elastic band.

6. The decorative item as in claim 5 wherein said decorative item reversibly attaches to said elastic band.

7. The decorative item as in claim 5 wherein said elastic band is a bracelet, anklet or head band.

8. The decorative item as in claim 5 wherein said elastic band is a bracelet.

9. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item is a solitary part.

10. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item is fairly rigid.

11. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other.

12. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said opposing retaining flanges are roughly in the shape of a half circle.

13. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item comprises a gap located between said opposing retaining flanges.

14. The decorative item as in claim 13 wherein said gap is less than the width of said elastic bracelet.

15. The decorative item as in claim 13 wherein said gap is between 4 mm and 5 mm and the width of said elastic band is about 13 mm.

16. The decorative item as in claim 13 comprising a gap ratio.

17. The decorative item as in claim 13 wherein said gap ratio is between 0.15 to 0.70.

18. The decorative item as in claim 13 wherein said gap ratio is between 0.30 to 0.40.

19. The decorative item as in claim 13 wherein said gap ratio is about 0.37.

20. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item comprises a metal.

21. The decorative item as in claim 20 wherein said metal is a ferrous metal.

22. The decorative item as in claim 20 wherein said metal is a non-ferrous metal.

23. The decorative item as in claim 20 wherein said metal is a precious metal.

24. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item comprises glass.

25. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said decorative item comprises a decorative material.

26. The decorative item as in claim 25 wherein said decorative material is a gemstone.

27. The decorative item as in claim 26 wherein said gemstone is a faceted or cabochon gemstone.

28. The decorative item as in claim 25 wherein said decorative material is an animal skin.

29. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said top plate comprises a cut out.

30. The decorative item as in claim 29 wherein said cut out forms a shape or image.

31. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said top plate is engraved, embossed, etched or brushed.

32. The decorative item as in claim 1 wherein said top plate comprises an image, symbol, shape or text.

33. A decorative item comprising a top plate, two opposing side plates, two opposing retaining flanges, an inner channel, and an elastic band wherein: a said opposing retaining flanges are connected to said top plate by said opposing side plates; b. said opposing retaining flanges, said opposing side plates and said top plate form said inner channel: c. said opposing retaining flanges are mirror images of each other; d. said decorative item reversibly attaches to said elastic band; and, e. said decorative item is a solitary, rigid part.

34. The decorative item as in claim 33 comprising an arched inner channel.

35. The decorative item as in claim 33 comprising a gap located between said opposing retaining flanges.

36. The decorative item as in claim 33 comprising a gap ratio wherein said gap ratio is between 0.30 to 0.40.