U.S. patent application number 13/977722 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for interchangeable jewelry segments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chad M. Anger. Invention is credited to Chad M. Anger.
Application Number | 20130333418 13/977722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46383549 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130333418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anger; Chad M. |
December 19, 2013 |
INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELRY SEGMENTS
Abstract
Systems and methods include a first interchangeable segment
having first and second ends separated by a first length. The first
interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first
end and a second connector at the second end. A second
interchangeable segment may have third and fourth ends separated by
a second length. The second interchangeable segment may include a
third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the
fourth end. The first and second interchangeable segments may
connect to at least partially encircle a user.
Inventors: |
Anger; Chad M.; (Leland,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anger; Chad M. |
Leland |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46383549 |
Appl. No.: |
13/977722 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 30, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/68070 |
371 Date: |
August 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61429075 |
Dec 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.11 ;
63/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0069 20130101;
A44C 13/00 20130101; A44C 5/02 20130101; A44C 11/00 20130101; A44D
2203/00 20130101; A44C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.11 ;
63/4 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/02 20060101
A44C005/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first interchangeable segment having
first and second ends separated by a first length, wherein the
first interchangeable segment includes a first connector at the
first end and a second connector at the second end; and a second
interchangeable segment having third and fourth ends separated by a
second length, wherein the second interchangeable segment includes
a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the
fourth end, wherein the first and second interchangeable segments
connect to at least partially encircle a user.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable
segment includes a first design feature and the second
interchangeable segment includes a second design feature.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first design feature
includes at least one of: a shape, a design, a length, a color,
text, a texture, a scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable
segment connects to the second interchangeable segment via third
interchangeable segment.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first
interchangeable segment and the third interchangeable segment
includes a timepiece.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable
segment and the second interchangeable segment include dissimilar
materials.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes
at least one of a magnet, a clasp, a hook-and-eye fastener, a snap,
ferrite, a button, a screw, Velcro.RTM., a bolt, a twist tie, a
cable tie, a hook-and-loop fastener, a nail, interlocking joints, a
twisting cap, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and a
multi-pronged fastener.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes
at least two of: a magnet, a clasp, a hook-and-eye fastener, a
snap, ferrite, a button, a screw, Velcro.RTM., a bolt, a twist tie,
a cable tie, a hook-and-loop fastener, a sleeve, a nail,
interlocking joints, a twisting cap, male and female end fasteners,
string, tape, and a multi-pronged fastener.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable
segment includes at least one of silicone, cloth, rubber, wood,
metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, and plastic.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is at least one
of adhered to the first interchangeable segment and secured to the
first interchangeable segment during a molding process.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is encapsulated
within the first interchangeable segment.
12. An apparatus, comprising: an interchangeable segment having
first and second ends separated by a first length; a first
connector attached at the first end; and a second connector at the
second end, wherein the first and second connectors attach to at
least partially encircle a user.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second
connectors attach indirectly via another interchangeable
segment.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the interchangeable segment
includes a third connector configured to attach to the first
connector.
15. A method of providing jewelry, the method comprising: providing
a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends
separated by a first length, wherein the first interchangeable
segment includes a first connector at the first end and a second
connector at the second end; and providing a second interchangeable
segment having third and fourth ends separated by a second length,
wherein the second interchangeable segment includes a third
connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth
end, wherein the first and second interchangeable segments connect
to at least partially encircle a user.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising different design
features in the first interchangeable segment and the second
interchangeable segment.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a third
interchangeable segment, wherein the first interchangeable segment
connects to the second interchangeable segment via third
interchangeable segment.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising including a
timepiece in at least one of the first interchangeable segment and
the third interchangeable segment.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising including a
timepiece in at least one of the first interchangeable segment and
the second interchangeable segment.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising including a fifth
connector to in the first interchangeable segment, wherein the
fifth connector is configured to attach to at least one of the
first and the second connectors.
Description
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/429,075, filed Dec. 31, 2010.
II. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates to apparel, and more particularly, to
ornamental articles, such as jewelry.
III. BACKGROUND
[0003] Jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is often
too fragile or expensive to be enjoyed by most children.
Consequently, conventional jewelry is infrequently worn by children
as means of expression. For the same reasons, jewelry is not a
preferred medium for sharing between children to foster
friendships.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes
a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends
separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may
include a first connector at the first end and a second connector
at the second end. A second interchangeable segment may have third
and fourth ends separated by a second length. The second
interchangeable segment may include a third connector at the third
end and a fourth connector at the fourth end. The first and second
interchangeable segments may connect to at least partially encircle
a user.
[0005] According to another particular embodiment, an apparatus
includes an interchangeable segment having first and second ends
separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may
include a first connector at the first end and a second connector
at the second end. The first and second connectors may attach to at
least partially encircle a user.
[0006] According to another particular embodiment, a method of
providing jewelry includes providing a first interchangeable
segment having first and second ends separated by a first length.
The first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at
the first end and a second connector at the second end. A second
interchangeable segment having third and fourth ends separated by a
second length may be provided. The second interchangeable segment
may include a third connector at the third end and a fourth
connector at the fourth end. The first and second interchangeable
segments may connect to at least partially encircle a user.
[0007] These and other advantages and features that characterize
embodiments are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming
a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the
embodiments, and of the advantages and objectives attained through
their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the
accompanying descriptive matter in which there are described
exemplary embodiments.
V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus that includes an interchangeable segment of jewelry
having first and second ends and associated connectors;
[0009] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a connecting end of an
embodiment of an interchangeable segment of jewelry, such as the
interchangeable segment of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus that includes multiple interchangeable segments that may
be replaceably connected to form a bracelet, such as the
interchangeable segment of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus that includes first and second interchangeable segments
that are reversibly connected to form an article of jewelry;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a
multiple interchangeable segments coupled to one another using
magnets or other fasteners; and
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a
watch interchangeable segment coupled to one or more
interchangeable segments.
VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A particular embodiment of a method includes connecting two
or more pieces, or interchangeable segments, of jewelry to create a
whole piece of a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, an anklet, a watch,
or other ornamental article. Each interchangeable segment may be
interchangeable with any other piece to form the whole. The
interchangeable segments may connect by using magnets, but may also
be connected using one or more of: clips, adhesives, a
hook-and-loop fastener, clasps, interlocking joints, twisting caps,
male and female ends, or other fasteners. An illustrative fastener
may include multiple connectors to form a single segment. Each
interchangeable segment may include a different color, texture,
shape, or design. Embodiments of interchangeable segments include
circuitry (e.g., a watch, an audio producing device, and a light),
as well as precious stones and metals.
[0015] An embodiment of an interchangeable segment is constructed
from silicone. However, other embodiments may include metal,
string, beads, wood, and other plastics. The magnets may be
encapsulated or exposed. The magnets may be secured using
adhesives, crimping, molding, or other attachment processes. An
encapsulated magnet may be glued in addition to being encapsulated.
A magnet may comprise magnetic particles (e.g., crushed magnets).
An embodiment may include an additional connector configured to
discourage "breakaway" by further attaching to connected
connectors. For example, a clasp, sleeve, or other connector may at
least partially fit over multiple connectors to further hold them
together.
[0016] An embodiment incorporates a timing device, such as watch
face. A watch band comprising interchangeable segments may be
changed or altered to create a new appearance. The watch face may
comprise a metal or a magnetic surface (e.g., magnetized metal)
that is attracted to a magnet of an interchangeable segment
comprising a watch band. Multiple interchangeable segments, or a
single interchangeable segment, may be attached to one or more
surfaces of the watch face. The interchangeable segments may
include additional magnets molded or otherwise attached to their
ends to connect the main magnet in the end of the interchangeable
segment. The additional magnets may increase or decrease the
designed size of the interchangeable segments. An interchangeable
segment may be pushed together, collapsed, redistributed, or
scrunched together as magnets connect to form different size bands.
The timing mechanism of the watch may include non-magnetic
materials or materials that are unaffected by the magnets used to
connect the interchangeable segments to the watch face.
[0017] Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes an
interchangeable segment 100 having first and second ends 102, 104.
The first and second ends 102, 104 may be separated by a length
106. The interchangeable segment 100 may include a first connector
108 at the first end 102 and a second connector 110 at the second
end 104. The interchangeable segment 100 may be configured to
removably connect to one or more other interchangeable segments
(not shown) via the connectors 108, 110.
[0018] The interchangeable segment 100 may be constructed of a
flexible substance, such as silicone. Interchangeable segments of
other embodiments may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite,
stone, crystal, leather, rope, and plastic, among other
illustrative materials. The interchangeable segment 100 may include
design features, such as one or more shapes, lengths, and colors.
Other design features may include a texture, a scent, a light
source, and audio circuitry.
[0019] The first and second connectors 108, 110 may include
magnets. For example, magnets may be encapsulated, glued, or
otherwise attached to the first and second ends 102, 104. In an
embodiment, the magnets have the opposite polarity. In another
embodiment, the magnets of the interchangeable segment 100 have the
same polarity. Other embodiments may use connectors that include at
least one of: clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons,
screws, ferrite, Velcro.RTM., bolts, twist ties, cable ties,
hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps,
male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known
fasteners.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
portion of an interchangeable segment 200, such as the
interchangeable segment 100 of FIG. 1. The interchangeable segment
200 includes an end 202 having a connector 204. The connector 204
may comprise a magnet. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnet may be
exposed and attached to the end 202. For example, the sides of the
connector 204 may be molded integrally with the end 202. A
connector of another embodiment is encapsulated, or molded within
the end with no exposed magnetic surface (e.g., covered by a
silicone layer). In either case, the connector 204 may additionally
be adhered to an inner surface of the end 202.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus that includes multiple interchangeable segments that may
be replaceably connected to form a bracelet. More particularly, the
apparatus 300 may include a first interchangeable segment 302
having first and second ends 304, 306. The first interchangeable
segment 302 may be the same as the interchangeable segment 100 of
FIG. 1. The first and second ends 304, 306 of the interchangeable
segment 302 of FIG. 3 may be separated by a first length 308. The
first interchangeable segment 302 may include a first connector 310
at the first end 304 and a second connector 312 at the second end
306. A second interchangeable segment 314 may include third and
fourth ends 316, 318 separated by a second length 320. The second
interchangeable segment 314 may include a third connector 322 at
the third end 316 and a fourth connector 324 at the fourth end 318.
The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may attach
via the connectors 310, 312, 322, 324 to at least partially
encircle a wrist, arm, neck, or ankle of a user.
[0022] The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may
be comprised of a flexible substance. The connectors 310, 312, 322,
324 may include magnets. For example, magnets may be encapsulated,
glued, or otherwise attached to the ends 304, 306, 316, 318. Other
embodiments may use connectors that alternatively or additionally
include non-magnetic fasteners.
[0023] The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may
include different design features, such as different colors and
shapes. Interchangeable segments of another embodiment are
identical, or match. Other design features may include a texture, a
scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.
[0024] For example, an embodiment of an interchangeable segment
includes lighting, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that
illuminate depending on whether the interchangeable segment is
connected to another interchangeable segment. An LED of an
embodiment may illuminate differently depending on the type of
interchangeable segment to which the interchangeable segment
connects or is close to. For example, an interchangeable segment
may flash or change color when it is close to another
interchangeable segment. As such, the interchangeable segment may
include a microprocessor and associated sensing circuitry to detect
the connection to or proximity of another interchangeable
segment.
[0025] An embodiment of an interchangeable segment includes audio
producing circuitry that produces sound depending on whether and
how the interchangeable segment is connected. Speaker circuitry of
an embodiment may illuminate differently depending on which type of
interchangeable segment to which the interchangeable segment
connects or is close to. As such, the interchangeable segment may
include a microprocessor and associated sensing circuitry to detect
the connection to or proximity of another interchangeable
segment.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus 400 that includes first and second interchangeable
segments 402, 404 that are reversibly connected to form an article
of jewelry. The first interchangeable segment 402 may include first
and second connectors 406, 408. The second interchangeable segment
404 may include third and fourth connectors 410, 412. The first and
second interchangeable segments 402, 404 may attach via the
connectors 406, 408, 410, 412. According to a particular
embodiment, the connectors 406, 408, 410, 412 are magnetic. Other
illustrative fasteners may include at least one of: clasps,
hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, screws, Velcro.RTM., bolts,
twist ties, ferrite, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails,
interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners,
string, tape, and other known fasteners.
[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the lengths of the
first and second interchangeable segments 402, 402 are
substantially the same. The respective lengths of another
embodiment may be different. The first interchangeable segment 402
may be substantially flat and may taper in width towards the ends
406, 408. The connectors of the ends 406, 410 may match one another
in size and may be flush with one another when connected. A silicon
casing at the ends 406, 410 may touch around the edges of the
connectors to substantially conceal the connectors from view. An
aperture for fitting a connector may be formed in the end 406, and
an inside surface of the end 406 may grip and hold the
connector.
[0028] The first and second interchangeable segments 402, 404 are
flexible and include different colors, text, textures (e.g., raised
portions), shapes and designs. While the interchangeable segments
402, 404 shown in FIG. 4 may include silicone, the interchangeable
segments of other embodiments may include cloth, rubber, wood,
metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, and plastic, among other
illustrative materials.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a
multiple interchangeable segments coupled to one another using
magnets or other fasteners. One of the interchangeable segments may
include a timepiece. More particularly, the apparatus 500 includes
a watchband interchangeable segment 502 and a watch interchangeable
segment 504. The watch interchangeable segment 504 may comprise or
be attached to a timepiece (not shown). The one or more connectors
506, 508 may be embedded or otherwise attached to the watch
interchangeable segment 504. Illustrative connectors include at
least one of: magnets, clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps,
buttons, ferrite, screws, Velcro.RTM., bolts, twist ties, cable
ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting
caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known
fasteners. Either or both of the watchband interchangeable segment
502 and the watch interchangeable segment 504 comprise a flexible
material, and may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite,
stone, crystal, leather, rope, and plastic, among other
illustrative materials.
[0030] The connectors 506, 508 may couple to connectors 510, 512 of
the watchband interchangeable segment 502. In another embodiment,
an end of first and second interchangeable segments may couple to
opposing sides of a central interchangeable segment. The watchband
interchangeable segment may include additional connectors 514-521
used to adjust the length of the watchband interchangeable segment.
For instance, the connectors 519 and 520 may be collapsed, or
placed in close proximity, to one or more of the connectors 510,
518 to shorten the effective or perceived length of the watchband
interchangeable segment 502. As such, the watchband interchangeable
segment 504 may include deformations 522-527, such as slits,
grooves, perforations or apertures. The deformations 522-527 may
allow the watchband interchangeable segment 502 to stretch,
contract, fold, overlap, or otherwise deform to allow the
connectors to be in contact with one another. Either of the
watchband interchangeable segment 502 and a watch interchangeable
segment 504 may be interchangeable with other watchband
interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable segments
having different design features.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 600 that includes
a watch interchangeable segment 602 coupled to one or more
interchangeable segments 604, 606.
[0032] The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include a
timepiece. Another embodiment may include a watch interchangeable
segment coupled to opposing ends of a single interchangeable
segment. The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include
connectors 608, 610 that couple to corresponding connectors 612,
614. The watch interchangeable segment may include metal or
magnetized surfaces to facilitate attachment to the connectors 612,
614.
[0033] Additional connectors (not shown) may couple to connectors
612, 614 to shorten the effective length of the one or more
interchangeable segments 604, 606, as described herein.
Illustrative connectors include at least one of: magnets, clasps,
hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, ferrite, buttons, screws,
Velcro.RTM., bolts, twist ties, cable ties, hook-and-loop
fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and
female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners.
Either or both of the watch interchangeable segment 602 and the
interchangeable segments 604, 606 comprise a flexible material, and
may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, stone, crystal, ferrite,
leather, rope, and plastic, among other illustrative materials.
Either of the watch interchangeable segment 602 and the one or more
interchangeable segments 604, 606 may be interchangeable with other
watchband interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable
segments having different design features.
[0034] Those skilled in the art may make numerous uses and
modifications of and departures from the specific apparatus and
techniques disclosed herein without departing from the inventive
concepts. For example, connectors may include multiple prongs, or
finger extensions that narrow in relation to the width of another
portion of the interchangeable segment. The prongs may include a
magnet or other fastener at the end. Consequently, the disclosed
embodiments should be construed as embracing each and every novel
feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed
by the apparatus and techniques disclosed herein and limited only
by the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *