U.S. patent application number 14/040669 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for bracelet or the like having interchangeable pieces.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas MIHALYO. Invention is credited to Thomas MIHALYO.
Application Number | 20140090418 14/040669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50383955 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140090418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIHALYO; Thomas |
April 3, 2014 |
BRACELET OR THE LIKE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE PIECES
Abstract
A bracelet includes a plastic body having socket portions.
Customizing pieces, with or without underlying filling bodies, are
lodged in the socket portions. The customizing pieces may be
transparent. Visible or audible effects are provided by ornamental
elements associated with the customizing pieces, the filling
bodies, or both. Interactions of these structures; mutually or with
supplied external bodies; optical, mechanical, or magnetic; augment
the effects.
Inventors: |
MIHALYO; Thomas; (Highland,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIHALYO; Thomas |
Highland |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50383955 |
Appl. No.: |
14/040669 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61706942 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0007 20130101;
A44C 5/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/3 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A bracelet, comprising: a bracelet body having at least one
socket portion; and a customizing piece operatively coupled with
said socket portion.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, comprising an ornamental
element operatively coupled with said customizing piece.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, comprising a plurality of
ornamental elements operatively coupled with said customizing piece
and mutually operatively coupled.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising a filling body
disposable within said socket portion and operatively coupled with
said customizing piece.
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said ornamental
element is operatively coupled with said filling body.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein at least one of said
plurality of ornamental elements is operatively coupled with said
filling body.
7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein at least a first and
second of said plurality of ornamental elements are mutually
operatively coupled in manually manipulable rotational relation
with visible optical effect.
8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least a first and
second of said plurality of ornamental elements are mutually
operatively coupled in manually manipulable magnetic relation with
visible optical effect.
9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said filling body and
said customizing piece are mutually magnetically coupled with
visible effect.
10. A personal decorative amusement item, comprising: a first body
having at least one socket portion; a customizing piece operatively
coupled with said socket portion; and a second body, in manipulable
relation to said first body, said first and second bodies being
mutually operatively coupled with visible effect on at least one of
said bodies.
11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said second body is
magnetically active (attractive) and an ornamental element is
disposed in said socket portion in operative relation with said
customizing piece, said second body and said ornamental element
being mutually magnetically coupled.
12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein a filling body is
disposed in said socket portion and is operatively coupled with
said customizing piece.
13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said second body is
magnetically active (attractive) and an ornamental element is
disposed in said socket portion in operative relation with said
customizing piece, said second body and said ornamental element
being mutually magnetically coupled.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of earlier-filed U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/706,942, filed 28 Sep. 2012,
"Facebracelets," inventor Thomas Michael MIHALYO.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
bracelets, more specifically to a bracelet with interchangeable
pieces allowing a user to customize it.
[0004] 2. General Background and State of the Art
[0005] Bracelets, though marketed with various styles, seem mostly
limited to one specific look or limited in the customization the
offer a user. The inventor surmised that consumers might well
appreciate a bracelet which a user could customize, as with a
variety of different pieces.
INVENTION SUMMARY
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
customizable bracelet or the like.
[0007] In accordance with these objects and with others which will
be described and which will become apparent, an exemplary
embodiment of the bracelet in accordance with the present invention
comprises a bracelet body having at least one socket portion and a
customizing piece operatively coupled with said socket portion.
[0008] An ornamental element may be operatively coupled with said
customizing piece. A plurality of ornamental elements may be
operatively coupled with said customizing piece and mutually
operatively coupled.
[0009] A filling body may be disposable within said socket portion
and operatively coupled with said customizing piece. The ornamental
element may be operatively coupled with said filling body. A least
one of said plurality of ornamental elements may be operatively
coupled with said filling body.
[0010] A first and second plurality of ornamental elements may be
mutually operatively coupled in manually manipulable rotational
relation with visible optical effect, as, for example, in manually
manipulable magnetic relation with visible optical effect.
[0011] The filling body and said customizing piece may be mutually
magnetically coupled with visible effect.
[0012] Also in accordance with these objects and with others which
will be described and which will become apparent, an exemplary
embodiment of a bracelet or personal decorative amusement item in
accordance with the present invention comprises a first body having
at least one socket portion; a customizing piece operatively
coupled with said socket portion; and a second body, in manipulable
relation to said first body, said first and second bodies being
mutually operatively coupled with visible effect on at least one of
said bodies.
[0013] The second body may be magnetically active (attractive) and
an ornamental element may be disposed in said socket portion in
operative relation with said customizing piece, said second body
and said ornamental element being mutually magnetically
coupled.
[0014] A filling body may be disposed in said socket portion and be
operatively coupled with said customizing piece.
[0015] The second body may be magnetically active (attractive) and
an ornamental element may be disposed in said socket portion in
operative relation with said customizing piece, said second body
and said ornamental element being mutually magnetically
coupled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracelet in accordance
with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an edgewise elevational view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view thereof;
[0021] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side sectional views of socket portions of
embodiments thereof;
[0022] FIGS. 7 and 8 are side sectional views of components of
embodiments thereof thereof; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a component thereof
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
1, a perspective view of a FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT of the
bracelet in accordance with the present invention, shown generally
at 20, having a generally band-like bracelet body 22 which has a
front surface 24, a back surface 26, lateral surfaces 28, and at
least one socket portion 30 (typically a plurality thereof) in
which is disposed a customizing piece 32.
[0025] FIG. 2, an edgewise view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shows
the bracelet body 22, back surface 26, lateral surface 28, front
surface 24, and socket portion 30 with customizing piece 32
disposed therein. The bracelet body 22 is formed of silicone rubber
in sizes ranging from small (having six socket portions 30 spaced
apart), medium (seven socket portions 30) and large (eight) to
accommodate different wrist sizes and different preferences for
looseness of fit. The bracelet body 22 has an overall thickness
(front surface 24 to back surface 26) of between approximately 0.4
cm and approximately 1.0 cm and a width (lateral surface 28 to
lateral surface 28) of between approximately 1.0 cm and
approximately 5.0 cm.
[0026] FIG. 3, a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shows the
bracelet body 22, front surface 24, lateral surface 28, and socket
portion 30 with customizing piece 32.
[0027] FIG. 4, an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
bracelet body 22, shows one socket portion 30, the front surface
24, lateral surface 28, and customizing piece 32.
[0028] FIG. 5, a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1, shows the bracelet body 22, back surface 26, and front
surface 24. The front surface 24 has a backward-recessed portion
25, a sidewall 27 extending frontward from the backward-recessed
portion 25, and a retaining lip 29 extending centrally from the
sidewall 27 to partially cover the backward-recessed portion 25.
The backward-recessed portion 25 has a diameter or overall size of
between approximately 1.0 cm and approximately 4.5 cm. The sidewall
27, which surrounds the backward-recessed portion 25, has a height
of between approximately 0.3 cm and 0.6 cm. The retaining lip 29
extends centrally from the sidewall 27 for between approximately
0.2 cm and approximately 0.5 cm and has a thickness of
approximately 0.1 cm to 0.3 cm. The backward-recessed portion 25,
sidewall 27, and retaining lip 29 together form a socket space
pointed to by arrow 31. A filling body 34 partially occupies the
socket space. A customizing piece 32 partially occupies the socket
space 31 above the filling body 34. The retaining lip 29 and
customizing piece 32 cooperate to achieve an interference fit which
holds the customizing piece 32 and the filling body 34 in the
socket space 31.
[0029] With continued reference to the side cross-sectional view of
FIG. 5, the socket space 31, filling body 34 and customizing piece
32 are shaped and sized so that, when the filling body 34 and the
customizing piece 32 are placed together in the socket space 31 as
shown, they are held securely therein. The filling body 34 as shown
in this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical form, a diameter
of between approximately 1.0 cm and approximately 4.5 cm, and a
height of between 0.3 cm and 0.6 cm, and is formed of any material
suitable for supporting the customizing piece 32 against the
retaining lip 29. Such materials include silicone rubber,
thermoplastic or other resinous material, wood, paper, vitreous
material, metal, and magnetic materials. The customizing piece 32
as shown in this embodiment has a somewhat lenticular discoid form,
a diameter of between approximately 1.0 cm and approximately 4.5
cm, and a height of between 0.1 cm and 0.6 cm centrally, tapering
to approximately 0.1 cm peripherally. In the embodiment shown, the
customizing piece 32 is formed of a transparent resinous material.
In alternative embodiments considered to be within the scope of the
present invention, the socket space 31, customizing piece 32, and
filling body 34 may take other shapes, such as ovoid, polygonal, or
the like, and be dimensioned so that a good mutual fit is
achieved.
[0030] FIG. 6, a side cross-sectional view of a SECOND EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENT of the bracelet in accordance with the present
invention, shows a bracelet body 22 having a lateral surface 28, a
back surface 26, a front surface 24, a backward-recessed portion 25
of the front surface 24, a sidewall 27 extending frontward from the
backward-recessed portion 25, and a retaining lip 29 extending
centrally from the sidewall 27 to partially cover the
backward-recessed portion 25. The backward-recessed portion 25,
sidewall 27, and retaining lip 29 together form a socket space 31.
A customizing piece 32 occupies the socket space 31. The retaining
lip 29 and customizing piece 32 cooperate to achieve an
interference fit which holds the customizing piece 32 in the socket
space 31. The customizing piece 32 in this second exemplary
embodiment has the dimensions and other physical characteristics
described herein with reference to the first exemplary embodiment
of the bracelet in accordance with the present invention. The
socket space 31 in this second exemplary embodiment has the
dimensions described with reference to the first exemplary
embodiment, except that sidewall 27 has a height of only between
approximately 0.1 cm and approximately 0.4 cm, resulting in a
somewhat flatter socket space 31 and potentially a flatter overall
bracelet body 22.
[0031] FIG. 7, a side cross-sectional view of a customizing piece
32 in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment and the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shows the
customizing piece 32 having a displaying portion 36, an ornament
interfacing portion 38, and a retaining portion 40. The retaining
portion 40 is indicated in this figure as being the periphery of
the customizing piece 32, consistent with an interference fit
involving the sidewall 27; however, the operative coupling of the
customizing piece 32 with the retaining lip 29 can be seen in FIG.
5 and FIG. 6 to involve the displaying portion 36 peripherally as
well. The displaying portion 36 is transmissive of light.
Optionally, the displaying portion 36 includes a lensing feature
such as, for example, a Fresnel lens, a plurality of miniature
lenses, any combination of positive and negative cylindrical and
spherical lenses, such as may economically be produced in the
process of molding of a customizing piece 32 from a
light-transmissive resinous or vitreous material. Also optionally,
the displaying portion 36 may include a light-modifying feature
such as a chemical optical filter, a polarizing filter, or a
reflective, antifreflective or color-scattering interferometric
optical coating, such as can be applied to or incorporated in the
displaying portion 36 through common commercial methods. The
ornament interfacing portion 38 is transmissive of light.
Optionally, the ornament interfacing portion 38 includes a lensing
or light-modifying feature as described herein with reference to
the displaying portion 36. An ornamental element 42 is operatively
coupled with the customizing piece 32. As shown in this figure, the
ornamental element 42 is operatively coupled with the customizing
element 32, such as by being illuminated by ambient light through
the displaying portion 36 and by being visible through the
displaying portion 36. The ornamental element 42 is operatively
coupled with the ornament interfacing portion 38, such as by
adhesion thereto. The ornamental element 42 includes a sheet of
metal, magnetic material, paper, resinous material, or other
material and bears a graphic design or other visible feature or
color. Alternatively, the ornamental element 42 includes a graphic
or colored element printed directly on the ornament interfacing
portion 38 or contained within the customizing piece 32.
Optionally, the ornamental element 42 may include a fluorescent or
phosphorescent body or material.
[0032] FIG. 8, a side cross-sectional view of a customizing piece
32 in accordance with a THIRD EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT of the present
invention and the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, shows the customizing piece 32 having a displaying
portion 36, an ornament interfacing portion 38, and a retaining
portion 40. The retaining portion 40 is indicated in this figure as
being the periphery of the customizing piece 32, consistent with an
interference fit involving the sidewall 27; however, the operative
coupling of the customizing piece 32 with the retaining lip 29 can
be seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 to involve the displaying portion 36
peripherally as well. The displaying portion 36 is transmissive of
light. Optionally, the displaying portion 36 includes a lensing
feature such as, for example, a Fresnel lens, a plurality of
miniature lenses, any combination of positive and negative
cylindrical and spherical lenses, such as may economically be
produced in the process of molding of a customizing piece 32 from a
light-transmissive resinous or vitreous material. Also optionally,
the displaying portion 36 may include a light-modifying feature
such as a chemical optical filter, a polarizing filter, or a
reflective, antifreflective or color-scattering interferometric
optical coating, such as can be applied to or incorporated in the
displaying portion 36 through common commercial methods. The
ornament interfacing portion 38 is transmissive of light.
Optionally, the ornament interfacing portion 38 includes a lensing
or light-modifying feature as described herein with reference to
the displaying portion 36.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 8, also shown is a filling
body 34 having an ornament interfacing portion 38. An ornamental
element 42 is operatively coupled with the filling body 34 (such as
by adhesion or even by mere confinement along with the filling body
34). The ornamental element 42 is operatively coupled with the
customizing piece 32, such as optically by virtue of incidence,
reflection or emission of light. As shown in this figure, the
ornamental element 42 is adherent to the ornament interfacing
portion 38 of the filling body 34, is illuminated by ambient light
through the displaying portion 36 of the customizing piece 32, and
is visible through the displaying portion 36 of the customizing
piece 32. The ornamental element 42 includes materials, graphics,
or the like as described elsewhere herein.
[0034] FIG. 9, a perspective view of a customizing piece 32 in
accordance with the present invention, shows an ornamental element
42 (smiley face) visible through the displaying portion 36 of the
customizing piece 32.
[0035] With dual reference to FIG. 8 and to FIG. 7, the customizing
piece 32 having ornamental element 42 as shown in FIG. 7 is
combinable with the filling body 34 having another ornamental
element 42 as shown in FIG. 8, resulting in yet a FOURTH EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENT of the present invention. In this embodiment, an
operative relation may be established in the relative positions of
the ornamental element 42 operatively coupled with the filling body
34 and the ornamental element operatively coupled with the
customizing piece 32, such that a user may alter the outwardly
observable appearance of the customizing piece 32 by rotating same
relative to the filling body 34.
[0036] The first through fourth exemplary embodiments of the
present invention may be modified to result in a FIFTH EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENT, in which the ornamental element 42 (wherever located),
the filling body 32, or the customizing piece 32 itself includes a
cavity (not shown) and the cavity includes a gas, liquid, solid,
liquid crystal, or other item for generating visual or audible
effect (audible as, for example, granules or beads interacting with
what confines it to make a rattling or jingling sound).
[0037] In a SIXTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT of the present invention,
the socket portion 30, filling body 34, customizing piece 32, or
any ornamental element 42 included therewith may include a magnetic
body or magnetic material, or a magnetically attractable body,
embedded or enclosed therein or adherent or adjacent thereto. Such
included items (magnetic, magnetically attractable) may be present
in various combinations in a plurality of these recited structures
(socket portion 30, filling body 34, customizing piece 32, any
ornamental element 42), resulting in further operative coupling
between said structures and between the items they enclose. For
example, depending on the position of a visible, magnetically
attractable body associated with one of these structures relative
to a magnetic body associated with another of them, the visible
body may alter its appearance. In particular, for example, iron
filings or the like will organize themselves relative to a magnetic
field. Additionally, magnetic interactions may enhance retention of
the customizing piece 32 in the socket space 31. Additionally, an
external magnet or magnetically attractable body (visible or not)
may be provided along with the bracelet in accordance with the
present invention (such as, for example, by including a magnet in a
ring to be worn on the opposite hand); a wearer may seek amusement
by manipulating the external magnetic body relative to the bracelet
to modify the behavior of items contained in one or both
thereof.
[0038] With reference to the first through sixth exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, a user may procure a bracelet
body 22, at least one customizing piece 32, and at least one
ornamental element 42 (perhaps already incorporated in the
customizing piece 32), may affix the ornamental element 42 to the
ornament interfacing portion 38 of the customizing piece 32 if
desired, and then may insert the customizing piece 32 in a socket
portion 30 of the bracelet body 22 (along with a filling body, in
the case of the first exemplary embodiment), resulting in a
customized bracelet.
[0039] As can be seen from the drawing figures and from the
description, each embodiment of the bracelet in accordance with the
present invention solves a problem by addressing the need to
customize a bracelet in various ways with interchangeable
components.
[0040] While the specification describes particular embodiments of
the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise
variations of the present invention without departing from the
inventive concept.
[0041] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve same purposes
can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This
disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be
understood that the above description has been made in an
illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. The scope of various embodiments
of the invention includes any other applications in which the above
structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various
embodiments of the invention should be determined with reference to
the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0042] In the foregoing description, if various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure, this method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
of the invention require more features than are expressly recited
in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive
subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed
embodiment. Thus the following claims, and such other claims as may
later be added, are hereby incorporated into the description of the
embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own
as a separate preferred embodiment.
* * * * *