U.S. patent application number 14/615846 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for customizable ring assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to PLUGGD, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Eduardo FONTAN. Invention is credited to Eduardo FONTAN.
Application Number | 20150245690 14/615846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006145 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150245690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FONTAN; Eduardo |
September 3, 2015 |
CUSTOMIZABLE RING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods may relate to customizable
jewelry having user-interchangeable modules. In an illustrative
embodiment, the jewelry may be a ring. For example, the
interchangeable module may be a substantially-rigid semi-annulus
structure removably coupleable to the cylindrical annulus of the
ring between about 90 and 180 degrees of the shank circumference.
The shank may include a mounting portion having a semi-annular
thinned region for receiving the module. In some examples, the
module may couple to the shank through a reluctance force. In some
examples, the module may include alignment features for preventing
unwanted movement relative the shank. For example, the module may
include alignment features along a peripheral edge to couple with
complementary alignment features of the mounting portion. The
module may characterize a user's personality, such as for example
include customizable designs, colors, slogans, or pay tribute to a
particular country, sport, hobby, or event.
Inventors: |
FONTAN; Eduardo; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FONTAN; Eduardo |
Brooklyn |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PLUGGD, LLC
|
Family ID: |
54006145 |
Appl. No.: |
14/615846 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61936957 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/15.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44D 2203/00 20130101;
A44C 9/00 20130101; A44C 17/0216 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44C 9/00 20060101
A44C009/00 |
Claims
1. An decoratively-configureable ring comprising: a
substantially-rigid semi-cylindrical ring decorator comprising a
semi-annulus spanning between approximately 90 degrees and
approximately 180 degrees, the ring decorator having an interior
surface having a first radius and a decorative exterior surface
having a second radius greater than the first radius; a
substantially-rigid cylindrical ring configured to be worn on a
person's finger, the ring having an interior surface having third
radius less than the first radius, the cylindrical ring having an
engagement portion and a non-engagement portion, the non-engagement
portion comprising a semi-annulus having an exterior surface having
a radius substantially equal to the second radius, the engagement
portion configured to receive the ring decorator, the engagement
portion comprising an exterior semi-annulus having an exterior
surface less than or equal to the first radius; and a magnet
fixedly coupled to either the ring decorator or the ring, wherein
one or more of the ring decorator and the ring comprises
magnetically permeable material, wherein, when the ring decorator
is received by the engagement portion of the ring, the ring
decorator is maintained in engagement with the ring by a reluctance
force established between the magnet and the magnetically permeable
material.
2. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the ring
decorator has a ring securing member at each of opposite ends of
the semi-annulus, wherein the ring has complementary ring decorator
securing members, wherein when the ring decorator is secured to the
ring, the ring securing members and the ring decorator securing
members engage so as to resist non-radial translations of the ring
decorator with respect to the ring.
3. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the ring
decorator has a ring securing member at each of opposite ends of
the semi-annulus, wherein the ring has complementary ring decorator
securing members, wherein when the ring decorator is secured to the
ring, the ring securing members and the ring decorator securing
members engage so as to resist rotations of the ring decorator with
respect to the ring, the resisted rotations having axes that
intersect a central axis of the ring.
4. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the
magnet is fixedly coupled to the ring decorator.
5. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the
magnet is fixedly coupled to the ring.
6. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the
magnet is a first magnet, the decoratively-configurable ring
further comprising a second magnet that is fixedly attached the
ring or the ring decorator that is not fixedly coupled to the first
magnet.
7. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the
semi-annulus of the ring decorator spans approximately 180
degrees.
8. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 1, wherein the
semi-annulus of the ring decorator spans between approximately 120
degrees to approximately 180 degrees.
9. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 8, wherein one of
the ring securing members comprises a recess and one of the ring
decorator securing members comprises a protrusion.
10. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 8, wherein one of
the ring securing members comprises a protrusion and one of the
ring decorator securing members comprises a recess.
11. An decoratively-configureable ring set comprising: a set of two
or more substantially-rigid semi-cylindrical ring decorators, each
ring decorator comprising a semi-annulus spanning between
approximately 90 degrees and approximately 180 degrees, the ring
decorator having an interior surface having a first radius and a
decorative exterior surface having a second radius greater than the
first radius; a substantially-rigid cylindrical ring configured to
be worn on a person's finger, the ring having an interior surface
having third radius less than the first radius, the cylindrical
ring having an engagement portion and a non-engagement portion, the
non-engagement portion comprising a semi-annulus having an exterior
surface having a radius substantially equal to the second radius,
the engagement portion configured to receive the ring decorator,
the engagement portion comprising an exterior semi-annulus having
an exterior surface less than or equal to the first radius; and a
magnet fixedly coupled to the ring, wherein each of the ring
decorators comprises magnetically permeable material, wherein, when
one of the ring decorators is received by the engagement portion of
the ring, the received ring decorator is maintained in engagement
with the ring by a reluctance force established between the magnet
and the magnetically permeable material.
12. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 11, wherein the
ring decorator has a ring securing member at each of opposite ends
of the semi-annulus, wherein the ring has complementary ring
decorator securing members, wherein when the ring decorator is
secured to the ring, the ring securing members and the ring
decorator securing members engage so as to resist non-radial
translations of the ring decorator with respect to the ring.
13. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 11, wherein the
ring decorator has a ring securing member at each of opposite ends
of the semi-annulus, wherein the ring has complementary ring
decorator securing members, wherein when the ring decorator is
secured to the ring, the ring securing members and the ring
decorator securing members engage so as to resist rotations of the
ring decorator with respect to the ring, the resisted rotations
having axes that intersect a central axis of the ring.
14. The decoratively-configurable ring set of claim 11, wherein the
semi-annulus of the ring decorator spans approximately 180
degrees.
15. The decoratively-configurable ring set of claim 11, further
comprising a ring-decorator storage device, the ring decorator
storage device comprising a plurality of engagement portions, each
of the engagement portions comprising an exterior semi-annulus
having an exterior surface less than or equal to the first radius,
wherein, when one of the ring decorators is received by one of the
engagement portions of the ring-decorator storage device, the
received ring decorator is maintained in engagement with the ring
by a reluctance force established between the magnet and the
magnetically permeable material.
16. An decoratively-configureable ring comprising: a
substantially-rigid semi-cylindrical ring decorator comprising a
semi-annulus spanning between approximately 90 degrees and
approximately 180 degrees, the ring decorator having an interior
surface having a first radius and a decorative exterior surface
having a second radius greater than the first radius; a
substantially-rigid cylindrical ring configured to be worn on a
person's finger, the ring having an interior surface having third
radius less than the first radius, the cylindrical ring having an
engagement portion and a non-engagement portion, the non-engagement
portion comprising a semi-annulus having an exterior surface having
a radius substantially equal to the second radius, the engagement
portion configured to receive the ring decorator, the engagement
portion comprising an exterior semi-annulus having an exterior
surface less than or equal to the first radius; and means for
releasably coupling the ring decorator to the ring.
17. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 16, wherein means
for releasably coupling the ring decorator to the ring comprises
means for aligning the ring decorator with the ring.
18. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 17, wherein means
for aligning includes a complementary alignment features on the
ring decorator and the ring.
19. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 17, wherein the
means for aligning includes means for resisting non-radial
translations of the ring decorator with respect to the ring.
20. The decoratively-configurable ring of claim 17, wherein the
means for aligning includes means for resisting rotations of the
ring decorator with respect to the ring, the resisted rotations
having axes that intersect a central axis of the ring.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/936,957, titled "Customizable Ring
Assembly," filed on Feb. 7, 2014. The entirety of the foregoing
application is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Various embodiments relate generally to customizable jewelry
and more specifically to an article of jewelry, such as a ring,
having interchangeable modules.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Rings have been worn by persons throughout most of recorded
history. In ancient times, rings may have been worn as a sign of
wealth or of societal importance. Aristocrats may have worn rings
bearing an official seal. Such a ring may have been used to imprint
the seal to wax that secured close letters written on behalf of the
aristocrat. Today, rings are worn for fashion and as symbols of
events or relationships. For example, rings symbolizing major
sports victories are worn by champions of various sporting
activities. Rings are worn to signify that a man or woman is
married or engaged. Rings may have birth stones indicating the
month of a wearer's birth. Anniversary rings may have the birth
stones of a person's children to symbolize motherhood or
fatherhood.
SUMMARY
[0004] Apparatus and associated methods may relate to customizable
jewelry having user-interchangeable modules. In an illustrative
embodiment, the jewelry may be a ring. For example, the
interchangeable module may be a substantially-rigid semi-annulus
structure removably coupleable to the cylindrical annulus of the
ring between about 90 and 180 degrees of the shank circumference.
The shank may include a mounting portion having a semi-annular
thinned region for receiving the module. In some examples, the
module may couple to the shank through a reluctance force. In some
examples, the module may include alignment features for preventing
unwanted movement relative the shank. For example, the module may
include alignment features along a peripheral edge to couple with
complementary alignment features of the mounting portion. The
module may characterize a user's personality, such as for example
include customizable designs, colors, slogans, or pay tribute to a
particular country, sport, hobby, or event.
[0005] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a decorative
module may be releasably coupled by a reluctance force for engaging
a complementary portion of a shank worn on a person's finger, the
decorative module including a substantially-rigid cylindrical
semi-annulus which, when reluctantly coupled, extends around the
shank's cylindrical annulus between about 90 degrees and about 180
degrees. In some examples, a magnet may be permanently secured to
the module by being seated within a slot along the underside of the
module. In some examples, the module may include gripping portions
for assisting in the removal of the module from the shank. For
example, lower edges of the module may be curved to enhance a grip
upon the module for separating the module from the shank.
[0006] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and
advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary ring assembly being worn on a
finger.
[0008] FIGS. 2A-6 depict detailed views of exemplary components of
the ring assembly.
[0009] FIGS. 7-10 depict alternate arrangements of the exemplary
ring assembly.
[0010] FIGS. 11-16 depict additional alternate arrangements of the
exemplary ring assembly.
[0011] FIGS. 17A-18C depict exemplary ring ornament storage
devices. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate
like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows.
First, a customizable ring assembly having a removable module is
briefly introduced with reference to FIG. 1. Second, with reference
to FIGS. 2A-6, the discussion turns to exemplary embodiments that
detail the customizable ring. Specifically, FIGS. 2A-3 depict the
entire ring assembly, FIG. 4 depicts the magnet, FIG. 5 details the
interchangeable module in a variety of views, and FIG. 6 details
the shank in a variety of views. Then, with reference to FIGS.
7-16, further explanatory discussion is presented to explain
improvements in the customizable ring assembly. Finally with
reference to FIGS. 17A-17B exemplary storage devices for ornamental
members will be described.
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a ring assembly being worn on a finger. A
customizable ring assembly 100 includes a shank 105 worn on a
finger. The shank 105 may be formed in a hollow-cylindrical shape.
In some exemplary embodiments, the shank 105 may be adjustable in
diameter. In other exemplary embodiments, the shank 105 may be
fixed in diametric size. The shank 105 includes a mounting portion
110 for releasably receiving the interchangeable module 115. The
mounting portion 110 of the shank 105 has a lesser thickness than
the remaining portion of the shank 105, such that when the module
115 is coupled to the shank 105 the outer surface of the module 115
is flush with the outer surface of the shank 105. The shank 105,
mounting portion 110, and module 115 may be rigid in structure. The
module 115 may be decorative, such as by being a certain color or
colors, having a specific pattern, logo, or emblem, commercial
slogans, or having an attached gem stone, for example. In some
examples, the module 115 may be representative of a country flag or
symbolic colors. In other examples, the module 115 may include a
representation of a sporting device, such as a soccer ball,
baseball, or hockey stick. In some examples, the module 115 may
include a three-dimensional model, such as Olympic rings, for
example.
[0014] FIGS. 2A-6 depict detailed views of exemplary components of
the ring assembly. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the interchangeable
module 115 is removably coupled to the cylindrical annulus of the
shank 105 of the customizable ring assembly 100 along about 180
degrees of the shank 105 circumference. In some examples, the
interchangeable module 115 may be removably coupled to the
cylindrical annulus of the shank 105 along about 90 degrees of the
shank 105 circumference. In other examples, the interchangeable
module 115 may be removably coupled to the cylindrical annulus of
the shank 105 between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees of the
shank 105 circumference.
[0015] The shank 105 and the interchangeable module 115 include
alignment features 120, 125 to prevent unwanted movement of the
interchangeable module 115 relative the shank 105. In the depicted
example, the shank 105 includes an alignment notch 120 extending
along opposing longitudinal peripheral edges of the mounting
portion 110. The interchangeable module 115 includes an alignment
ridge 125 extending along opposing longitudinal peripheral edges of
the interchangeable module 115. The alignment ridge 125 of the
module 115 aligns with the alignment notch 120 of the mounting
portion 110 to prevent the module 115 from moving back and forth
relative the shank 105. The module 115 and the shank 105 also
include opposing blunt ends to make contact when the module 115 is
coupled to the shank 105 to prevent the module 115 from rotating
relative the shank 105. The blunt ends may include alignment
features, such as for example a recess and tab structure. Along an
inside of the blunt end of the mounting portion 110 is a curved
edge 130 to provide a gripping point for the wearer and assist in
removal of the module 115 from the shank 105.
[0016] The module 115 is coupled to the shank 105 through a
reluctance force. In the depicted example, a magnet 135 is recessed
within a notch 140 along the underside of the module 115. The
mounting portion 110 of the shank 105 is formed from a magnetically
permeable and/or magnetized material such that when the module 115
nears the mounting portion 110 of the shank 105, the magnet 135
causes the module 115 to be securely retained on the mounting
portion 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting portion
110 may include a complementary recess for receiving an extruded
magnet 135. The complementary recess and extruded magnet 135 may
assist in properly aligning the module 115 upon the mounting
portion 110 of the shank 105.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) shank 105 may
include a magnet in its thicker portion opposite mounting portion
110 that creates a magnetic force throughout the whole of shank 105
or through a magnetic band that couples to mounting portion
110.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer surface of the module 115 is
flush with the outer surface of the shank 105 when the module 115
is releasably coupled to the shank 105. In certain embodiments, the
outer surface of the module 115 may be recessed from the outer
surface of the shank 105 or may protrude outwardly from the outer
surface of the shank 105.
[0019] The magnet 135, as shown in FIG. 4, is a rectangular shaped
structure having suitable magnetic force to secure the module 115
upon the mounting portion 110 of the shank 105 while the user is
wearing the ring assembly 100. In some examples, more than one
magnet 135 may be used to secure the module 115 to the mounting
portion 110 of the shank 105. FIGS. 4-6 depict exemplary dimensions
of the magnet 135, interchangeable module 115, and shank 105;
however other dimensions may be used with respect to the ring
assembly 100 as can be appreciated with alternate sizing of the
shank 105 and sizing and weight alterations of the interchangeable
modules 115.
[0020] FIGS. 7-10 depict alternate arrangements of the exemplary
ring assembly. In FIG. 7, the ring assembly 100 includes a mounting
portion 110 extending about 180 degrees of the shank 105
circumference to mate with a correspondingly sized module 115. In
the depicted example, a pair of magnets 135 are attached to the
mounting portion 110 to correspondingly align with notches 140
along the inside surface of the module 115. The notches 140 include
magnetically permeable and/or magnetized material for being
magnetically secured to the magnets 135 on the mounting portion
110. Attached to an outside surface of the module 115 is a
three-dimensional object 145 in the shape of a gem. In the depicted
example, the three-dimensional object 145 is a diamond. Other gems,
such as a ruby, emerald, pearl, or gold, for example, may be used
as the three-dimensional object 145. The gems may be authentic or
faux.
[0021] In FIG. 8, the shank 105 includes multiple mounting portions
150, 155, 160 spaced along a circumference of the shank 105. A
first mounting portion 150 receives a first module 165. The first
module 165 includes a magnet 170 for magnetically coupling to the
first mounting portion 150. The magnet 170 is exemplarily
illustrated as protruding from the bottom of the first module 165;
however, the magnet 170 may be embedded within the module 165 in
other examples. The first mounting portion 150 may also include a
recessed portion (not shown) to receive the magnet 170 such that
the first module 165 is stable within the first mounting portion
150. The first module 165 includes a decorative three-dimensional
object 175 protruding from the outside surface of the first module
165.
[0022] A second mounting portion 155, spaced apart from the first
mounting portion 150, receives a second module 180. The second
module 180 includes a magnet 185 for magnetically coupling to the
second mounting portion 155. The second magnet 185 is exemplarily
illustrated as protruding from the bottom of the second module 180;
however the second magnet 185 may be embedded within the second
module 180 in other examples. The second mounting portion 155 may
also include a recessed portion (not shown) to receive the second
magnet 185 such that the second module 180 is stable within the
second mounting portion 155. The second module 180 may have a
different design, shape, and/or size than the first module 165. In
some exemplary embodiments, the first module 165 and the second
module 180 may have similar sizes such that the first and second
modules 165, 180 may be interchanged within the first and second
mounting portion 150, 155. In other exemplary embodiments, the
first and second modules 165, 180 may be different sizes such that
the first and second modules 165, 180 only fit within their
corresponding first and second mounting portion 150, 155.
[0023] A third mounting portion 160, spaced apart from the first
and second mounting portions 150, 155, receives a third module 190.
Adjacent the third mounting portion 160 are a pair of actuating
retainers 195 having a catch member and biasing spring. The
actuating retainers 195 are configured to secure the third module
190 by being removably received within a pair of corresponding
notches 200 of the third module 190. The third module 190 may
include a cover 205 to provide access to an inner compartment 210.
In some exemplary embodiments, the cover 205 may be lockable via a
key or access code to provide enhanced security for the inner
compartment 210.
[0024] The actuating retainers 195 may be configured in to any
other FIGS. 1-7 to secure module 115 by being removably received
within a pair of corresponding notches 200 of module 115. In an
alternative embodiment actuating retainers 195 may be located on
module 115 and corresponding notches 200 on shank 105.
[0025] In FIG. 9, the mounting portion 110 is elongated to receive
a first module 215, a second module 220, and a third module 225
end-for-end. The modules 215, 220, 225 may be arranged in different
orders along the mounting portion 110. In some exemplary
embodiments, the modules 215, 220, 225 may include letters or words
along an outside surface. The modules 215, 220, 225 may be arranged
in different orders along the mounting portion 110 to form
different words or phrases. In the depicted example, each module
215, 220, 225 includes an embedded magnet 230, 235, 240 to
magnetically couple the respective module 215, 220, 225 to the
mounting portion 110 of the shank 105.
[0026] FIG. 10 depicts a module 245 having a protruding magnet 250
received by a recessed mounting portion 110. The module 245 has a
rectangular shape and includes a three-dimensional object 255
attached to an upper surface of the module 245. In the depicted
example, the three-dimensional object 255 is an Olympic ring. In
some exemplary embodiments, the three-dimensional object 255 is
fixed to the module 245. In other exemplary embodiments, the
three-dimensional object 255 may be removably attached to the
module 245, such as by being magnetically attached, through hook
and loop fasteners, through snap fasteners, or through adhesive,
for example.
[0027] FIGS. 11-16 depict additional alternate arrangements of the
exemplary ring assembly. The alternate arrangements include modules
having different designs, slogans, colors, and shapes. For example,
FIG. 11 depicts a ring assembly having interchangeable modules
incorporating various street sign phrases. FIG. 12 depicts a ring
assembly having interchangeable modules incorporating various
artistic patterns. FIG. 13 depicts a ring assembly having
interchangeable modules incorporating social phrases. FIG. 14
depicts a ring assembly having interchangeable modules
incorporating sports themes and colors. FIG. 15 depicts a ring
assembly having interchangeable modules incorporating various
colors. FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary assemblage of the ring
assembly.
[0028] FIGS. 17A-18C depict exemplary ring ornament storage
devices. In FIG. 17A, an exemplary pen storage device 1700 includes
a storage cap 1705 coupled to a pen 1710. The storage cap includes
a ring coupling region 1715 and an array of ring adornment couplers
1720. A user may store a ring on the storage cap 1705 if the user
so chooses. The storage cap 1705 may provide secure storage of a
number of ring adornments that are attachable to the ring.
[0029] In some embodiments, the pen 1710 may have storage couplers
for ring adornments. Any semi-cylindrical storage device may employ
ring adornment couplers to store ring adornments. The storage cap
1705 may have one or more magnets for providing a coupling force to
ring adornments having a magnetic coupling material. For example,
ring adornments made with nickel, cobalt or iron may be
magnetically coupled. Ring adornments with permanent magnets may
similarly be coupled to a semi-cylindrical storage device. In some
embodiments, complementary orientation features on a
semi-cylindrical storage device may couple to orientation features
of the ring adornments to provide positional security in a coupled
state.
[0030] In FIG. 17B, an exemplary bracelet storage device 1725
includes a number of adornment coupling sites 1730. The adornment
coupling sites 1730 may have visible artwork displayed that can be
seen when no adornments are coupled to the adornment coupling sites
1730. The adornment coupling sites may face the adornments radially
away from a wearer's wrist, in some embodiments. In some
embodiments, the adornment coupling sites may face the adornments
in an axially direction, for example. In some embodiments, a
semi-toroidal storage device may provide secure storage of
adornment devices. Adornment devices may be interchanged with a
base ring or another storage device. The storage devices may be
jewelry in their own right, for example. The storage device may be
otherwise functional, such as the pen storage device 1700 depicted
in FIG. 17A.
[0031] In FIGS. 18A-18C, an exemplary carrier device 1800 includes
a ring case 1805 coupled to a clip 1810. The carrier device
includes a ring coupling region 1815 and an array of ring adornment
couplers 1820. A user may store a ring on the carrier device 1800
if the user so chooses. The ring case 1805 may provide secure
storage of a number of ring adornments that are attachable to the
ring. In some embodiments, the carrier may clip on or act as pen
cap.
[0032] FIGS. 18A-18C depict exemplary dimensions; however other
dimensions may be used with respect to the rings, the ring case,
top clip or bottom cap.
[0033] Although various embodiments have been described with
reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible. For
example, ring assembly includes a decorative ring member releasably
coupleable by a reluctance force that engages a complementary
portion of a ring worn on a person's finger, the decorative ring
member including a substantially-rigid cylindrical semi-annulus
which, when reluctantly coupled, extends around the ring's
cylindrical annulus between about 90 degrees and about 180
degrees.
[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the shank may be flexible in
structure. For example, the shank may be formed of a flexible metal
or plastic strand. The strand may include an embedded magnet or
magnetically permeable (e.g., relative magnetic permeability >1)
member for receiving the module and securing the module to the
shank.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the shank may be formed of a
durable material, such as a precious metal, and may be formed by
those methods known in the art, such as machining, soldering, or
casting. In some examples, the module may be formed of a precious
metal and be formed in a similar manner as the shank. In some
examples, the module may be formed of a different metal or material
than the shank. For example, the shank may be formed of a more
valuable material than the module. In some examples, the shank
and/or the module may be formed of a plurality of materials, such
as for example wood, plastic, and/or metal.
[0036] In accordance with another embodiment, three or more spaced
apart magnets may be used to secure the module to the mounting
portion of the shank. In some exemplary embodiments, the module may
be magnetically secured to the shank. In other exemplary
embodiments, the mounting portion may be formed of a similar or
equal thickness as the remaining portion of the shank. In yet other
exemplary embodiments, the mounting portion may have a greater
side-to-side width than the remaining portion of the shank. For
example, a module having a greater width than the shank may be
attached to the mounting portion. In other examples, due to the
wider mounting portion, multiple modules may be attached to the
mounting portion side-by-side. In other examples, the shank may
include a plurality of mounting portions spaced along a
circumference of the shank.
[0037] In accordance with another embodiment, the interchangeable
module may have a rectangular shape. In another exemplary
embodiment, the interchangeable module may have a star shape. In
another exemplary embodiment, the interchangeable module may have a
triangular shape. In another exemplary embodiment, the
interchangeable module may have a circular shape. In another
exemplary embodiment, the interchangeable module may be in the
shape of a country, sports equipment, musical instrument, animal,
plant, or person, for example.
[0038] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the module may
incorporate street signs phrases, catchphrases, flags, trending
topics, status updates, sports teams, hash tags and memes. In some
exemplary embodiments, the magnetic member may be used to suspend
the module from the shank or mounting portion.
[0039] In an illustrative embodiment, a decoratively-configureable
ring may include a substantially-rigid semi-cylindrical ring
decorator. The ring decorator may have a semi-annulus shape. The
semi-annulus shape may span between approximately 90 degrees and
approximately 180 degrees. The ring decorator may have an interior
surface having a first radius. The ring decorator may have a
decorative exterior surface having a second radius greater than the
first radius.
[0040] In some embodiments, a decoratively-configurable ring may
include a substantially-rigid cylindrical ring configured to be
worn on a person's finger. The ring may have an interior surface
having third radius less than the first radius. The cylindrical
ring may have an engagement portion and a non-engagement portion.
The non-engagement portion may be a semi-annulus portion having an
exterior surface having a radius substantially equal to the second
radius. The engagement portion may be configured to receive the
ring decorator. The engagement portion may be an exterior
semi-annulus portion having an exterior surface less than or equal
to the first radius.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, a decoratively-configurable ring
may include a magnet fixedly coupled to either the ring decorator
or the ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the ring decorator
and the ring may include a magnetically permeable material. In some
embodiments, when the ring decorator is received by the engagement
portion of the ring, the ring decorator may be magnetically coupled
to the ring.
[0042] In an illustrative embodiment, a decoratively-configurable
ring may include various means for releasably coupling the ring
decorator to the ring. For example, in some embodiments, coupling
means may include a magnet. In some embodiments, coupling means may
include means for aligning a ring decorator with a ring. In some
embodiments, aligning means may include complementary alignment
features on a ring decorator and on a ring. For example, a ring may
have a projection that is configured to be received into a
complementary recess on a ring decorator when the ring decorator is
releaseably coupled to the ring.
[0043] In some embodiments, complementary alignment features on a
ring and on a ring decorator may be configured to lock a ring
decorator into a fixed relation with respect to the ring to which
it is coupled. For example, a magnetic reluctance force may draw a
ring decorator toward a ring. When properly aligned, a projection
from a ring decorator may be received into a cavity in a ring as
the ring decorator is moved from a detached to an attached
position. In an exemplary embodiment, complementary alignment
features may resist rotational movement of a ring decorator with
respect to a ring to which it is coupled. For example, rotational
movement may be restricted about axes that intersect a central axis
of a ring. In some embodiments, complementary alignment features
may resist translational movement in a direction other than the
radial direction. For example, the radial direction may be a
direction that is unresisted by the complementary alignment
features so as to permit removal of a ring decorator from a
ring.
[0044] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modification may
be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the
steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different
sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined
in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with
other components. Accordingly, other implementations are
contemplated.
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