U.S. patent application number 13/835606 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for magnetically interchangeable jewelry and accessories.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mary Catherine Taylor-Cattapan. Invention is credited to Mary Catherine Taylor-Cattapan.
Application Number | 20130263625 13/835606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49291236 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130263625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor-Cattapan; Mary
Catherine |
October 10, 2013 |
MAGNETICALLY INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
Abstract
The customizable jewelry of the invention includes bezels of
various shapes. Each bezel includes a magnet or magnetized base.
The bezel is preferably formed from zinc alloy, but is not limited
to such construction. Whatever shape the bezel takes, it preferably
includes a raised perimeter wall around a base. Buttons, or other
decorative pieces, mimic the shape of the bezel and fit within the
perimeter bezel wall, and held in place by the magnet of the bezel.
Multiple bezels can be linked together to form a bracket or similar
piece of jewelry.
Inventors: |
Taylor-Cattapan; Mary
Catherine; (Vernon Hills, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taylor-Cattapan; Mary Catherine |
Vernon Hills |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49291236 |
Appl. No.: |
13/835606 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61612630 |
Mar 19, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/4 ; 63/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44D 2203/00 20130101;
A44C 17/0216 20130101; A44C 17/0258 20130101; A44C 5/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/4 ; 63/26 |
International
Class: |
A44C 17/02 20060101
A44C017/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removably and interchangeably displaying
adornments in jewelry comprising: a base comprising a bezel with an
embedded magnet, the bezel comprising a base and a generally raised
circumferential sidewall having a predetermined shape having an
inner circumferential shape and having hinge members attached on
generally opposite sides of said sidewall; a token comprising two
sides, a first side removably and magnetically attachable to said
embedded magnet and a second side having an adornment, and having
an outer circumference shape that substantially matches said bezel
inner circumferential shape for a snug and removable fit.
2. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the base is a metal alloy.
3. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the magnet is a hematite
magnet.
4. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the magnet is a neodymium earth
magnet.
5. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the magnet is a ceramic
magnet.
6. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the base material is comprised
of one or more of plastic, ceramic, or rubber.
7. The apparatus of clam 1 wherein the magnet is embedded in the
base of the bezel such that the top of the magnet lies
substantially flush with the base of the bezel, and wherein the
adornment resides snugly in the base of the bezel.
8. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the sidewall around the bezel
is raised about 2 mm above the bezel base so that the adornment
rests in the base.
9. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the token comprises a steel,
polar-opposite magnet or other magnetically attracted material and
wherein the adornment is comprised of one or more of glass,
ceramic, plastic, or acrylic.
10. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the adornment is removable by
pressing against an edge of the adornment.
11. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the circumferential shape of
the bezel and adornment are one of a circle, square, oval,
rectangle, diamond, star or triangle.
12. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the bezel base comprises one
of cuff links, book marks, shoe adornments, drawer pulls, earrings,
rings, or hair bows.
13. A piece of jewelry comprising a plurality of bezels, each bezel
comprising a base and a generally raised circumferential sidewall
having a predetermined shape having an inner circumferential shape
and having hinge members attached on generally opposite sides of
said sidewall; a plurality of interlocking rings attached to one
end of the plurality of bezels; and a clasp mechanism attached to
another end of the plurality of bezels to attach said jewelry to
the wrist of a user.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Non Provisional Application related to
and claiming priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/612,630, filed Mar. 19, 2012. The contents of the preceding
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Photo jewelry (images/designs, prints) provides a very
popular way for individuals to display pictures of children,
hobbies, pets, etc. However, current photo jewelry usually only
allows for the permanent display of one picture. If one desires to
wear or change out more than one picture, they must buy a
completely new piece of jewelry. This can become costly, time
consuming, space consuming and wasteful. Additionally, the pieces
become outdated and potentially not wearable.
[0005] This invention provides an alternative to traditional photo
jewelry and provides customizable, dynamic jewelry pieces. The
present invention combines many unique features and elements,
including use of a magnetic bezel, to allow the user to easily
rotate "buttons" with unique pictures and images for unlimited
options. Additionally, the wearer needs only one base piece with
unlimited photo/image/pattern options.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Several preferred embodiments of the present invention are
shown herein in the form of a bracelet, and a square and round
pendant. The bracelet, in the preferred embodiment shown, has five
bezels with a hematite magnet embedded at the base of each bezel.
The pendants, as shown, have one bezel with a hematite magnet
incorporated therein in both the square and round design. Other
design options include but are not limited to oval, diamond, and
rectangle designs. Design shapes and options are unlimited. A
preferably flat-back steel button can be inserted into each bezel
and stays in place via the magnetic quality of the hematite magnet
in the pendant base (e.g. neodymium, hematite, etc.) which attracts
the steel at the base (bottom) of the button. The bezels also work
with other types of magnets and other materials with magnetic
properties or (not required but optional) polar-opposite magnets.
Inserts may be, but are not limited to, standard Tecre "buttons."
The inserts can be manufactured from virtually any type of
materials which can include, but are not limited to, ceramic,
glass, acrylic, plastic and any other material, with a bottom with
magnetic properties or a polar-opposite magnet for attraction to
the magnet in the bezel. The user can keep the base bracelet and
pendant on while simply pressing the side of the button for easy
removal and replacement with a new button. This eliminates the need
to take the base components on and off and allows the user to
simply replace the "buttons."
[0007] This invention differs from other known jewelry on the
market in many ways, including as follows: [0008] The magnet is
embedded in the base of the bezel such that the top of the magnet
is substantially flush with the base of the bezel. This allows many
varieties of inserts to rest flat and securely in the base of the
bezel. [0009] Decorative inserts of many varieties can be used in
the present invention with no magnets required. As long as the
decorative insert is the proper size and has a base/bottom with a
magnetic quality such as metal, it can be used. Examples of (but
not limited to) materials that could be used to manufacture the
buttons would be resin, ceramic, polymer clay, gemstones, and
rhinestones. [0010] Decorative inserts with polar-opposite magnets
could also be used.
[0011] Because the base of each bezel contains a magnet, instead of
on the bottom of each insert, this allows for a significant cost
savings over competitive products which require a magnet on every
removable insert. This allows for a much greater opportunity for
crafters, for instance, to create inserts using affordable and
well-known button machines, and using a wide variety of materials
such as resin, polymer clay, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the bracelet and bezels. As shown, each bezel has an embedded
magnet and hinged links between each bezel.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
bracelet and bezel. As shown, there are five bezels in the overall
bracelet for 1'' buttons.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment
of the unadorned bracelet.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view showing the backside of a
preferred embodiment of the bracelet bezel, which would be worn
against the wrist, which may include a design etched into the bezel
or may also include any number of designs or smooth finish.
[0016] FIGS. 5 and 6 are right and left side elevation views of a
bezel used in the five-bezel bracelet base.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a round bezel and bail used
as a pendant with a chain.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the bezel pendant of FIG.
7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the bezel pendant of
FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the bezel pendant of FIG.
7.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the bezel pendant of
FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of the bezel pendant
of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a square bezel and bail
used as a pendant with a chain.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the bezel pendant of FIG.
13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the bezel pendant of
FIG. 13.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the bezel pendant of FIG.
13.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a left side elevation view of the bezel pendant
of FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the bezel pendant of
FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of a bracelet of
the present invention with one "button" inserted.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a side view of a bezel of the present invention
with button.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a side view of a user pushing out a button from a
bezel.
[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates a "bottle cap pendant" bezel base
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The customizable jewelry invention includes bezels 10 of
various shapes. Each bezel 10 includes a magnet 20 in its base. The
bezel 10 is preferably formed from zinc alloy, but is not limited
to such construction. Whatever shape the bezel 10 takes, it
preferably includes a raised perimeter 11 wall around a base 12.
Set within the base is a magnet 20, preferably a hematite magnet.
Buttons 195, or other decorative pieces, mimic the overall shape of
the bezel 10 and fit within the perimeter wall 11. Buttons 10 can
be made of any material and include a button portion 196 that will
be attracted to the bezel magnet for completion of the jewelry
piece.
[0035] Multiple bezels 10 can be linked together to form a bracelet
15 or similar piece of jewelry. In one preferred embodiment of the
bracelet, each bezel 10 has corresponding, complimentary hinged or
other attachment mechanisms 31 fastened at opposing sides thereof
to link multiple bezels together, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. And, at
each end the bezel pieces may include clasp means 41, 42 to fasten
to complete the bracket around a wrist, etc.
[0036] The jewelry of the present invention also includes
decorative inserts, or buttons 195. Buttons are adornments that
have a metallic or other magnet-attractive feature that attracts to
the magnet 20 in each bezel 10. Moreover, bezels 10 are sized and
shaped to fit snugly, yet removably, into the perimeter wall 11 of
the bezel 10. Preferably, buttons 195 are created with colorful or
decorative materials using well-known Tecre button machines, with
any suitable materials.
[0037] As seen in FIG. 2, the bezel base 12 is substantially flat
with an embedded magnet 20. The top of the magnet 20 is
substantially flush with the plane of the bezel base. Also
preferably, a section of the bezel base 12 is removed as shown in
FIG. 20. This allows a user to push down on the button 195 over
this void area 205 to allow the opposite side of the button 195 to
be raised above the bezel wall 11 for a user to easily remove the
button 195 from that bezel 10, as shown in FIG. 21.
[0038] The magnet inlay design invention is unique from other
designs because it allows the user to use an inexpensive steel
flat-back button or any other material that attracts to a hematite
magnet or polar-opposite magnetic device to attract to the bezel.
Furthermore, the design allows the user to keep the preferably
zinc-alloy base on at all times and simply replace images in and
out via pressing on the side of the button with the thumb or
forefinger.
[0039] This design can be adapted for other jewelry or other
apparel and crafting items. Buttons and other steel-bottomed
devices rest and stay snugly in place in the bezel 10. As shown in
the preferred embodiments, each bezel 10 inside diameter measures
approximately 25 mm. The entire width of each bezel 10 is
preferably approximately 27-28 mm. The pendant, shown in FIGS.
7-18, has a bail 70 for easy sliding on and off of for many
varieties of chain, ribbon or cord 75. As shown, top to bottom the
pendant is about 11/4'' (3 cm). As shown, the bracelet has five
bezels (for up to five unique designs/buttons) and measures end to
end about 81/2'' (about 22 cm). It also has a toggle clasp 41 and
three rings 42 for easy-sizing. The bracelet is unique and
completely new to the industry. Both items work with readily
available 1'' flat back buttons 10 easily made with a known 1''
button machine, e.g. a Tecre button machine.
[0040] The design of the bezels 10 accommodates multiple types of
inserts (buttons) 195, including: 1) standard one-inch round metal
flat-back buttons 195 that are attracted to the magnet 20 in the
bezel 10 and created with any standard button making machine (Tecre
is one example of a well-known manufacturer of these button-making
machines); 2) buttons/inserts that have ceramic, neodymium (or
other type of) magnet component already attached to them, which are
also attracted to the magnet 20 embedded in the base 12 of the
bezel 10; 3) any other metal-backed (magnetic) object which can be
inserted into/onto the bezel 10 (e.g. objects glued or attached in
any way to a metal base, such as small objects embedded in resin).
The design enables more options for various types of inserts that
can be used with the pendants and bracelets, and avoids a reliance
on any one magnetic device. The inset bezel is unique. No known
design incorporates this technology of embedding the magnet into
the base of the bezel, or utilizing a magnetic bezel, allowing use
of buttons with magnetic metals (such as galvanized steel), ceramic
magnets, neodymium earth magnets and other materials with magnetic
properties, but not requiring an actual magnet. This allows the
user a variety of options not currently available in the
marketplace.
[0041] Visually, each bezel 10 is preferably and generally flat in
the bottom 12 and having a perimeter wall 11 with an approximately
2 mm depth designed to ensure that inserts of any variety stay
securely in place verses other designs in which the inserts can
easily be loosened out of the base. Furthermore, the back of each
bezel 10 is preferably decorated with a textured, or other, design
to be visually appealing.
[0042] When attaching an insert 195 to the pendant 90 or bracelet
15, the user knows that the insert 195 is in place when it makes a
"clicking" or snapping sound.
[0043] The bracelet 15 is uniquely designed to preferably include
five bezels 10 so that users are able to display five inserts 195
versus the industry standard of one or two. This was created to
allow users to create a piece of jewelry that distinctively
highlights their personality, interests, etc. (something not
available in other designs). Furthermore the bracelet 15 has three
"sizer-rings" to accommodate a variety of wrist sizes with a
toggle-clasp, allowing the product to have wide-appeal to adult
women.
[0044] The edging of the bezel was designed to frame the insert
195. Simple silver edging and decorative bezel edging were created
to convey a more upscale image. When the insert 195 is dropped into
the bezel 10, the edging 11 of each bezel "frames" the design. This
unique bezel design can be adapted to other components to be used
in the crafting industry--for instance incorporated into beaded
necklaces, scrapbooking, etc.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, each bezel 10 inside diameter
measures approximately 25 mm, and the entire outer width of each
bezel 10 is approximately 27-28 mm, but either can be various sizes
as long as they complement each other. The pendant 90, 130
preferably has a bail for easy sliding on and off of a chain. Top
to bottom the pendant 90, 130 preferably measures about 11/4'' (3
cm). As stated above, in a preferred embodiment, the bracelet 15
has five bezels 10 (for five unique designs/buttons) and measures
end to end about 81/2 inches (about 22 cm). It also has a toggle
clasp 41 and three rings 42 for easy-sizing. The bracelet 15 is
unique and new to the industry. Both items preferably work with
readily available 1'' flat back buttons easily made, for example,
with a 1'' Tecre button machine.
[0046] The hinges 31 between each bezel 10 in the bracelet 15 are
preferably designed so that the bracelet 15 would easily flex
around a users' wrist while staying securely in place and nearly
indestructible with casual wear. The hinges 31 have a secure pin
and lock system which is strong and secure for the user. The sizer
rings 42 (end of toggle-clasp) are preferably designed for sizing
functionality as well as carrying through the theme of the circular
bezels and classic looking design. Sizer rings 42 are connected via
wrapped links that do not distract from the look of the bracelet
while adding to the classic look.
[0047] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *