U.S. patent application number 13/902922 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-21 for rosary.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jose R. MATOS. Invention is credited to Jose R. MATOS.
Application Number | 20140234820 13/902922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51351460 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140234820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATOS; Jose R. |
August 21, 2014 |
ROSARY
Abstract
The invention provides an abbreviated rosary associated with a
handheld item. The rosary includes end-indexers, a triad of
indexers, a hexad of indexers, and an intermediate indexer
interposed the triad and hexad. A religious icon can be further
included. The rosary can be attached to, engaged with or integral
with the handheld item.
Inventors: |
MATOS; Jose R.; (PLANO,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MATOS; Jose R. |
PLANO |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51351460 |
Appl. No.: |
13/902922 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13771925 |
Feb 20, 2013 |
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13902922 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/246 |
International
Class: |
A44C 23/00 20060101
A44C023/00 |
Claims
1. A rosary comprising in sequence a first end indexer, a triad of
indexers, an intermediate indexer, a hexad of indexers, and a
second end indexer, wherein the first end indexer, intermediate
indexer and second end indexer comprises indexers that are
different than the triad and hexad of indexers.
2. A loop rosary comprising in series a first intermediate indexer,
a triad of indexers, a second intermediate indexer and a hexad of
indexers adjacent to both the first intermediate indexer and the
second intermediate indexer.
3. The rosary of claim 1, wherein the triad of indexers and the
hexad of indexers are of the same type and/or of the same kind and
different than the first end indexer, second end indexer and
intermediate indexer.
4. The rosary of claim 3, wherein the triad of indexers and the
hexad of indexers have the same size, shape, appearance, color
and/or surface texture.
5. The rosary of claim 1, wherein the first end indexer, second end
indexer and intermediate indexer are of the same type and/or of the
same kind and different than the triad of indexers and the hexad of
indexers.
6. The rosary of claim 5, wherein the first end indexer, second end
indexer and intermediate indexer have the same size, shape,
appearance, color and/or surface texture.
7. The rosary of claim 1 further comprising a religious icon.
8. The rosary of claim 7, wherein the indexers of the rosary are
defined by markings, grooves, notches, channels, ridges,
embossings, cuts, swells, colors, etched lines, engraved lines,
bead, ball, stone, gem, jewel, drop, other item used for making
jewelry, or a combination thereof.
9. The rosary of claim 7, wherein the indexers of the rosary are
linked to one another.
10. The rosary of claim 7, wherein rosary is linear, curved,
twisted, forms an open loop or forms a closed loop.
11. The rosary of claim 7 comprising a cross-section, perpendicular
to the lengthwise axis of the rosary, that is round, flat, ovular,
square, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal,
hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal,
undecagonal, dodecagonal or other geometric shape.
12. The rosary of claim 7, wherein an indexer is selected from
ring, band, bead, ball, stone, gem, jewel, drop, jewelry finding,
other item used for making jewelry, or a combination thereof.
13. The rosary of claim 12, wherein the circumferential surface of
the rings or bands is flat, rounded or irregular.
14. The rosary of claim 7, wherein the indexers of the triad and
hexad are shorter, as measured along the lengthwise axis of the
rosary, than the first end indexer, intermediate indexer and second
end indexer, or wherein the indexers of the first end indexer,
intermediate indexer and second end indexer are shorter, as
measured along the lengthwise axis of the rosary, than the indexers
of the triad and hexad.
15. An item comprising the rosary of claim 1.
16. The item of claim 15, wherein the item is selected from the
group consisting of a rod, tube, handle, jewelry, cooking utensil,
writing utensil, stylus, tool, keychain fob, jewelry, pendant,
necklace, bracelet, earring, hairpin, bookmark, finger sleeve,
cuff, glove, card, cross, sticker, string, cord, wire, band, or
combination thereof.
17. The item of claim 16, wherein the writing utensil is a pen,
mechanical pencil, pencil, marker, stylus or combination
thereof.
18. The item of claim 15, wherein the rosary is attached to,
engaged with, or integral with the item.
19. The item of claim 15, wherein the rosary is removeably,
slideably, or permanently attached to or engaged with the item.
20. The item of claim 15, wherein the indexers completely or
partially circumscribe the item.
21. The item of claim 15 further comprising a body, wherein the
rosary is retractable in and out of the body.
22. A rosary comprising in sequence a first end indexer adjacent a
triad of indexers, which is adjacent an intermediate indexer, which
is adjacent a hexad of indexers, which is adjacent a second end
indexer, wherein: a. the first end indexer, intermediate indexer
and second end indexer comprise indexers that are different than
the triad and hexad of indexers; b. the triad of indexers and the
hexad of indexers are of the same type and/or of the same kind and
different than the first end indexer, second end indexer and
intermediate indexer; and c. the first end indexer, second end
indexer and intermediate indexer are of the same type and/or of the
same kind and different than the triad of indexers and the hexad of
indexers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. 29/432,534 filed Sep. 17, 2012, and a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/771,925 filed Feb. 20,
2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a rosary, in particular a
chaplet rosary, and items comprising the rosary.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rosaries are used for keeping track of the number of
particular prayers recited during a prayer session. The typical
rosary has five decades, i.e. five groups of ten, of indexers, e.g.
beads, of the same kind or type, wherein the decades are separated
by individual indexers. The indexers of the decades may be
different or the same as the individual separator indexers. The
typical rosary also includes a triad of indexers that are the same
as the indexers of the decades and two additional separator
indexers, one on each end of the triad. A religious icon, such as a
cross, crucifix, dove, Marian image, icthus, nimbus, branch, angel,
or other such icon, is also included.
[0004] Abbreviated rosaries having less than five decades are also
known. These typically include: a) a single decade of indexers and
a religious icon; and b) a single decade of indexers, a religious
icon, and a triad of indexers, the two groups being separated by a
separator indexer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides an improved rosary that has
substantially less indexers than a typical rosary and that
facilitates praying of the rosary while a person conducts routine
tasks. This compact rosary is easier to carry than the typical
rosary and can be incorporated into or engaged with the structure
of almost any hand-held item.
[0006] In one aspect, the rosary comprises, consists essentially
of, or consists of, in sequence (in series), a first end-indexer, a
triad of second indexers, a separator-indexer (or an intermediate
indexer), a hexad of second indexers, and a second end-indexer. The
rosary optionally further comprises at least one religious
icon.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first end indexer is adjacent the
triad of indexers, which is adjacent the intermediate indexer,
which is adjacent the hexad of indexers, which is adjacent the
second end indexer. By adjacent is meant "next to with no other
indexer there between" or "in sequence with, optionally comprising
a space or spacer (not an indexer) there between".
[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides a handheld utensil
comprising: a) a body comprising a grasping portion; b) a rosary
comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of, in
sequence, a first end-indexer, a triad of second indexers, a
separator-indexer, a hexad of second indexers, and a second
end-indexer, wherein the rosary is engaged with (attached to or
integral with) the grasping portion; and c) at least one religious
icon.
[0009] Some embodiments of the rosary include those wherein: a) the
second indexers of the triad and hexad are of the same type and/or
of the same kind; b) the first end-indexer and the second-end
indexer are of the same type, of the same kind and/or have the same
first feature; c) the first end-indexer, the separator indexer, and
the second-end indexer are of the same type, of the same kind
and/or have the same second feature; d) the second indexers of the
triad and hexad are different than the first end-indexer and the
second-end indexer, and optionally different than the separator
indexer; e) the at least one religious icon is disposed adjacent an
end-indexer; f) the second indexers of triad and hexad are
different than the first end-indexer, the separator indexer, and
the second-end indexer; g) the indexers of the rosary are defined
by markings, grooves, notches, channels, ridges, swells, colors
and/or lines; h) the rosary is rigid or semi-rigid; i) the indexers
of the rosary do not comprise a chain, cord, string, rope, metal
fastener or thread; j) the indexers of the rosary are linked to one
another, such as by a chain, cord, string, rope, metal fastener or
thread; k) a combination thereof; l) the indexers of the triad and
hexad are the same; m) the first end-indexer, the separator
indexer, and the second-end indexer are the same; or n) a
combination thereof
[0010] Some embodiments of the handheld item include those wherein:
a) the handheld item is selected from the group consisting of a
cooking utensil, writing utensil, stylus, tool, keychain fob,
jewelry, pendant, necklace, bracelet, earring, hairpin, bookmark,
card, sticker, cross or combination thereof; b) the body is part of
a handle of the hand-held item; c) the rosary is attached to,
engaged with, or integral with the body; d) the body is rigid or
semi-rigid; and/or e) the writing utensil is a pen, pencil, marker,
stylus or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rosary is
printed onto a handheld item.
[0011] Some embodiments of the invention comprise a handheld item
comprising a rosary comprising in series a first end indexer, a
triad of indexers, an intermediate indexer, a hexad of indexers and
a second end indexer. The handheld item can further comprise a
religious icon. The rosary can be linear, curved, twisted or forms
an open or closed loop.
[0012] Some embodiments of the invention comprise an open or closed
loop shaped handheld item comprising a rosary comprising in series
a first intermediate indexer, a triad of indexers, a second
intermediate indexer and a hexad of indexers adjacent to both the
first intermediate indexer and the second intermediate indexer.
[0013] The specification discloses one or more embodiments that
incorporate features of this invention. The disclosed embodiment(s)
exemplify the invention. The scope of the present invention is not
limited solely to the disclosed embodiments. The invention includes
all combinations and sub-combinations of the various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein. These and other aspects of this
invention will be apparent upon reference to the following detailed
description, examples, claims and attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
description, further serve to explain the principles of the present
invention and to enable a person skill in the pertinent art to make
and use the invention. The following drawings are given by way of
illustration only, and thus are not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts front elevation of a first embodiment of the
rosary of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a front elevation of a second embodiment of
the rosary of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a front elevation of a third embodiment of
the rosary of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts a front elevation of a fourth embodiment of
the rosary of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation of a fifth embodiment of
the rosary of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict side and front elevations,
respectively, of a pen comprising a rosary of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a front elevation of a solid body comprising
a rosary of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation of a combination pen and
stylus comprising a rosary of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a front elevation of an alternate
embodiment of a combination pen and stylus comprising a rosary of
the invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 depicts a front elevation of a stylus comprising a
rosary of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a front elevation of another
alternate embodiment of a combination pen and stylus comprising a
rosary of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 depicts a front elevation of a mechanical pencil
comprising a rosary of the invention.
[0027] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict a front elevation of another
alternate embodiment of a combination pen and stylus comprising a
rosary of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 depicts a front elevation of an alternate stylus
comprising a rosary of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 depicts a top plan view of a ring or pendant style
rosary of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 16 depicts a top plan view of an alternate ring or
pendant style rosary of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 17 depicts a top plan view of an alternate ring or
pendant style rosary of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 18 depicts a top plan view of an alternate rosary of
the invention.
[0033] FIG. 19 depicts a top plan view of an alternate rosary of
the invention.
[0034] FIG. 20A depicts a side elevation view of an alternate
rosary of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 20B depicts an end view of the rosary of FIG. 20A.
[0036] FIG. 21 depicts a top plan view of a rosary in the shape of
a cross.
[0037] FIG. 22 depicts a top plan view of a pendant style
rosary.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Although a rosary is typically used by the Catholic faithful
to keep track of the number of Hail Mary prayers, Lord's Prayer
(Our Father prayer), Glory Be prayers, Apostle's Creed, Nicene
Creed, Hail Holy Queen and/or other such prayers recited during a
prayer session, it can be used by those of other religions to keep
track of other prayers recited, such as psalms, verses, proverbs,
etc., especially those taken from a religious text, such as the
Bible, Koran, or Torah.
[0039] The indexers of the rosary can be made of any material or
combination of materials suitable for making hand-held items.
Suitable materials include metal, wood, plastic, rubber, foam,
glass, gem, jewel, stone, rock, cardboard, masonite, concrete,
leather, cord, string, rope, thread, wire, cork, gel, cloth,
synthetic material, pewter, alloy, polymer, any other material
known for making a hand-held item and combinations thereof.
[0040] FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a rosary (1) of the
invention comprising in series a first end-indexer (2), a triad of
indexers (3), a hexad of indexers (5), an intermediate indexer (4)
interposed the triad and hexad, and a second end-indexer (6) at an
opposite end of the rosary from the first end-indexer. The indexers
of the hexad and triad are of the same type or share at least one
first feature in common, and the first end-indexer, second
end-indexer and intermediate indexer each share at least one second
feature in common, wherein the first and second features are of the
same type. For example the triad and hexad share the same first
color or same first color scheme, and the first end-indexer, second
end-indexer and intermediate indexer share the same second color or
same second color scheme. Even though the indexers (2-6) have the
same shape they are depicted in different shades to indicate at
least two different colors or color schemes. The triad and hexad
need not be the darker color. They can be the lighter color. This
rosary can be made of foam, rubber, sponge, gel, wood, metal,
plastic, glass, stone, cloth, ceramic, cardboard, paper, leather,
pulp, pressboard, a combination thereof or any other material(s)
described herein or known for use in making handheld items. In some
embodiments, the indexers of the hexad and triad are the same, and
the first end-indexer, second end-indexer and intermediate indexer
are the same but differ by at least one feature from the indexers
of the triad and hexad.
[0041] The rosary (1) can be a rod or tube. The tube embodiment
permits insertion of a handheld utensil (not depicted) therein. For
example, a writing utensil or finger can be placed through the tube
rosary, which can serve as a grip. The tube rosary can also serve
as a finger cuff (sleeve), which is optionally incorporated into
the finger of a glove.
[0042] FIG. 2 depicts a second rosary (10) comprising in sequence a
first end-indexer (14), a triad of indexers (11), an intermediate
indexer (15), a hexad of indexers (12), and a second end-indexer
(16). The indexers are defined by and spaced from each other by
grooves (channels, 13). In some embodiments, the rosary (10) is a
single body, wherein the grooves (13) define the indexers (11, 12,
14-16). In some embodiments, the indexers (11, 12, 14-16) are
affixed to a central body. In some embodiments, the indexers (11,
12, 14-16) are slideably engaged with central body. In some
embodiments, the indexers (11, 12, 14-16) are removeably or
permanently engaged with the central body. The indexers (14, 15,
16) are depicted as being wider or longer than the indexers of the
triad (11) and hexad (12); however, the reverse is also possible.
The rosary (10) can be a rod, tube or stick. It can be flat or have
a cross-section (perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the
rosary) that is round, ovular, square, triangular, rectangular,
trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal or other such geometric
shape.
[0043] FIG. 3 depicts another rosary (20) comprising in series a
first end-indexer (21), a triad of indexers (22), an intermediate
indexer (23), a hexad of indexers (24) and a second end-indexer
(25). The indexers, which are rings or bands, all have a flat
circumferential surface such that the silhouette or profile of each
indexer, when the rosary is assembled as depicted, is
rectangular.
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the rosary of FIG.
1. This rosary (30) comprises in series a first end-indexer (31), a
triad of indexers (32), an intermediate indexer (33), a hexad of
indexers (34) and a second end-indexer (35). The indexers of the
hexad and triad have the same first shape (cylindrical with rounded
circumferential surface), and the indexers of the other three
indexers (31, 32 33) have the same second shape (cylindrical with
flat circumferential surface), wherein the first shape is different
than the second shape. Moreover, the indexers of the triad and
hexad are shorter (as their length is measured along the lengthwise
axis of the rosary) than the other three indexers (31, 32 33).
[0045] FIG. 5 depicts an alternate embodiment of the rosary of FIG.
4. The rosary (40) comprises in series a first end-indexer (41), a
triad of indexers (42), an intermediate indexer (43), a hexad of
indexers (44) and a second end-indexer (45). The indexers of the
hexad and triad have the same first shape (rounded circumferential
surface), and the indexers of the other three indexers (41, 42, 43)
have the same second shape (rounded circumferential surface with a
wider arc), wherein the first shape is different than the second
shape. Moreover, the indexers of the triad and hexad are shorter
(as their length is measured along the lengthwise axis of the
rosary) than the other three indexers (41, 42, 43)
[0046] FIG. 6A depicts a side elevation of a writing utensil (50)
comprising a rosary (52) according to the invention. The rosary can
be engaged with, affixed to or integral with the body (51) of the
writing utensil. FIG. 6B depicts a front elevation of the writing
utensil (50) further comprising a religious icon (53), which can
serve as the clip of the writing utensil. The writing utensil can
be a pen, pencil, mechanical pencil, marker, etc.
[0047] FIG. 7 depicts a handheld utensil (55) comprising a body, a
rosary and a religious icon (60). The rosary comprises in series a
first end-indexer (56), a hexad of indexers (57), an intermediate
indexer (58), a triad of indexers (59) and a second end-indexer
(61). The indexers are defined by grooves. The grooves and
religious icon can be etched or molded. The grooves can also space
the indexers apart. The handheld utensil optionally includes a
marking area (62), which can further include printed and/or etched
markings, such as text, logo, artwork or a combination thereof. In
some embodiments, the grooves defining the indexers, and therefore
the indexers themselves, completely or partially circumscribe the
handheld utensil. The utensil can be a stick, keychain, rod, tube,
handle, pendant, jewelry or any other item that can be held.
[0048] FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of a handheld utensil (65)
comprising a combination of a stylus (66), pen (69), rosary (68),
religious icon (67).
[0049] FIG. 9A depicts a top plan view of a handheld utensil (70)
comprising a combination of a stylus (71), rosary (72), mount (73),
tethered cross (76), cap (75) and clip (74). The cap can be slid
off of one end in the direction of arrow (A), flipped over and slid
onto the end with the stylus leaving exposed the pen (77) depicted
in FIG. 9B.
[0050] FIG. 10 depicts a side elevation view of a handheld utensil
comprising a stylus, rosary, clip, mount and religious icon (80),
which is etched, lathed, sanded, engraved or printed onto the
utensil.
[0051] FIG. 11A depicts a front elevation of a retractable or
telescopic handheld utensil (85) comprising a stylus and rosary at
one portion and a stylus, cap (87) and clip (88) at the other
portion. The rosary can be inserted in and out of the cap in the
direction of arrow B to provide the retracted handheld utensil
depicted in FIG. 11B.
[0052] FIG. 12 depicts a handheld utensil (90) comprising a
mechanical pencil, clip (91), eraser (92), religious icon (93) and
rosary (94). This rosary, i.e. the lines defining the indexers of
the rosary, can be molded into (be integral with) or it can be slid
onto (permanently or removably) or attached to (permanently or
removably) the body of the pencil.
[0053] FIG. 13A depicts a front elevation of a handheld utensil
(95) comprising a keychain, fob or pendant, rosary (96), religious
icon (97), stylus (98), and pen (99), which can be slid into and
out of the body of the keychain. This particular embodiment
comprises a screw thread as a means to secure the pen either with
the shaft of the pen in the body (as depicted in FIG. 13A) or with
the shaft of the pen exposed and the loop in the body (as depicted
in FIG. 13B). Other connections means such as press-fit, snap-fit,
pressure fit or combinations thereof can be employed to pen to the
body of the keychain.
[0054] The handheld utensil (100) of FIG. 14. In this embodiment,
however, it comprises an insert (103) onto which a message-bearing
material, e.g. paper, cloth, plastic, rubber or other material, can
be secured and placed about the shaft of the insert. In this way,
prayers can be written on the message-bearing material so that a
user of the rosary can recite prayers on the message-bearing
material.
[0055] FIG. 15 depicts a top plan view of a loop shaped handheld
item comprising a rosary (105) comprising in series a first end
indexer (107), a triad of indexers (108), an intermediate indexer
(109), a hexad of indexers (110) and a second end indexer. The
handheld item can further comprise a religious icon (106). The loop
can be an open or closed loop and can comprise any top plan view
geometric shape, e.g. circle (depicted), oval, square, triangle,
pentagon, hexagon, decagon, dodecagon, etc. The intermediate, first
end and second end indexers (107, 109, 111) are depicted as having
substantially the same size and shape and as being larger and of a
different geometric shape than the indexers of the triad (108) and
hexad (110). Likewise, the indexers of the triad and hexad have
substantially the same size and shape. The item can be a pendant,
bracelet, necklace, ring, or other such item.
[0056] FIG. 16 depicts a top plan view of an alternate loop shaped
handheld item comprising a rosary (115) which comprises in series a
first intermediate indexer (116), a triad of indexers (117), a
second intermediate indexer (118) and a hexad of indexers (119)
adjacent to both the first intermediate indexer (116) and the
second intermediate indexer (118). This particular embodiment is
different than others described herein in that it does not have end
indexers and is a continuous rosary. It optionally further
comprises a religious icon (120) which can be integral with or
tethered to (depicted) the rosary.
[0057] FIG. 17 depicts a top plan view of an alternate linked
handheld item comprising a rosary (125) which comprises in series a
first end indexer (126, a square gem), a triad of indexers (127,
three octagonal star-shaped gems), an intermediate indexer (128, a
square gem), a hexad of indexers (129, three octagonal star-shaped
gems), and a second end indexer (130, a square gem). The handheld
item also comprises a keychain ring (131), and a cross (132)
tethered to the ring. The rosary is also attached to the ring. In
some embodiments, the indexer comprises a bead, ball, stone, gem,
jewel, drop or other such item used for making jewelry.
[0058] FIG. 18 depicts a handheld item of the invention comprising
a card or stick having an integral rosary defined by notches in the
periphery of the card. The rosary (135) comprises in sequence a
first end indexer (140), a triad of indexers (136), an intermediate
indexer (137), a hexad of indexers (138) and a second end indexer
(139). A cross (141, religious icon) can be printed onto the
rosary. The first end indexer, intermediate indexer and second end
indexer have the same first axial length (as measured along the
axis of the card or stick), and the indexers of the triad and hexad
have the same second axial length, wherein the first and second
axial lengths are different, e.g. the first axial length is greater
than the second axial length. The item also comprises a hole (143)
through which a ring (142) can be engaged.
[0059] FIG. 19 depicts a handheld item (145) comprising a flat body
(146) and a rosary comprising a religious icon (147), a first end
indexer (148), a triad of indexers (149), a separator indexer
(150), a hexad of indexers (151) and a second end indexer (152).
The indexers and/or the religious icon can be defined by holes,
recesses, indentations, bosses, bumps, or other such markings. The
indexers can also be printed, laminated, engraved, etched, adhered,
engaged or pressed on the flat body. The flat body can be a card or
other such body. The flat body can be a permanent or removable
sticker
[0060] FIG. 20A depicts a handheld item (155) comprising an
elongate body (162) having grooves (notches) and that define a
triad of indexers (158), a separator indexer (159), and a hexad of
indexers (160). A first end indexer (157) and a second end indexer
(161) are defined by the periphery of the body and the grooves.
FIG. 20B depicts an end view of the item. The body can comprise a
resilient, flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material. For example, the
body can comprise a flexible or semi-rigid material that allows
flexure in the direction of Arrow F such that the elongate body can
be placed over and grasp another elongate object such as a writing
utensil, handle, finger, stick, etc.
[0061] FIG. 21 depicts a top plan view of a holding-cross (165)
comprising a rosary of the invention. The rosary comprises a triad
of markers (166), a hexad of markers (167), a first end marker
(168a), a second end marker (168c) and an intermediate marker
(168b) between and adjacent to each the triad and hexad. The cross
further comprises two opposing groups of markers (169a, 169b)
adjacent the intermediate marker, thereby forming a cross.
[0062] FIG. 22 depicts a rosary (170) comprising secured to a jump
ring (171) that has a cross (or other religious icon) attached or
engaged thereto. The jump ring can be used to mount the rosary onto
another item such as a key ring, necklace, caning, bracelet, fob,
handwriting utensil, tool, zipper, etc.
[0063] The markers of the rosary can be secured to each other by
cord, string, wire, pin, strand, strap, band, bar lock or other
such material. They can also be fused, glued or adhered to adjacent
markers or onto a substrate to which the markers are mounted or
engaged with.
[0064] In some embodiments, the invention comprises a handheld item
and a rosary of the invention printed, lathed, embossed, pressed,
engraved, and/or etched onto the handheld item. For example, the
invention can be a card having a rosary printed, embossed, pressed,
engraved, and/or etched thereon. In some embodiments, the invention
comprises a handheld item and a rosary of the invention cut out of
the handheld item. For example, the invention can be a card having
a rosary with the indexers cut out (such as with a die) of the
card, such that the indexers are defined by holes in the card. The
rosary can also be formed by lathing the surface of a body to form
grooves, recesses or indentations defining the indexers. The
indexers can be drops of material adhered to or molded into a
handheld item, wherein the indexers are placed in series or
sequence as defined herein. Combinations of these embodiments are
contemplated.
[0065] In some embodiments, the rosary (FIG. 18, (135)) of the
invention is used as follows. A person holding the rosary begins
with a sign of the cross and recites an Apostle's Creed while
placing a finger or thumb at the cross (141). They then recite an
Our Father prayer on the intermediate indexer (137). They then
recite three Hail Mary prayers, one on each indexer of the triad
(136) and end the triad by reciting a Glory Be prayer. They then
recite a first Holy Mystery and an Our Father prayer at the first
end indexer (140). They then recite ten Hail Mary prayers by
reciting one at each of the indexers of the triad (136), one at the
intermediate indexer (137), and one at each of the indexers of the
hexad (138) and end that decade of Hail Mary prayers with a Glory
Be prayer at the second end indexer. They then recite a second Holy
Mystery and an Our Father prayer at the second end indexer (139).
They then recite another decade of Hail Mary prayers using each
indexer in reverse order from the hexad, the intermediate indexer
and the triad to end back at the first end indexer. This process of
recitation of the Hail Mary prayers, Our Father prayers, Glory Be
prayers and Holy Mysteries is repeated until five decades of Hail
Mary prayers are completed. After the fifth decade, a Hail Holy
Queen prayer is recited. All of these prayers and Holy Mysteries
and the method of praying the rosary are well known to Catholic
faithful and are further described by the Vatican and other sources
(http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm). The Holy Mysteries are
represented by four groups, each having five individual mysteries.
The groups are the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the
Glorious Mysteries and the Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light).
The Joyful Mysteries include the annunciation, the visitation, the
nativity, the presentation, and the finding of Jesus in the temple.
The Sorrowful Mysteries include the agony in the garden, the
scourging at the pillar, the crowing with thorns, the carrying of
the cross, the crucifixion. The Glorious Mysteries include the
resurrection, the ascension, the descent of the Holy Spirit, the
assumption of Mary, and the coronation of Mary. The Luminous
Mysteries include the baptism of Jesus, the miracle at the wedding
at Cana, the proclamation of the kingdom, the transfiguration of
Jesus, and the institution of the Eucharist.
[0066] In view of the above description and the examples described
herein and depicted in the drawings, one of ordinary skill in the
art will be able to practice the invention as claimed without undue
experimentation. The examples should not be considered exhaustive,
but merely illustrative of only a few of the many embodiments
contemplated by the present invention.
[0067] The above is a detailed description of particular
embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *
References