U.S. patent application number 14/861643 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-14 for display container with interior mount.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jan Leslie Corp.. Invention is credited to Neil W. Silverstein.
Application Number | 20160007701 14/861643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55066011 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160007701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silverstein; Neil W. |
January 14, 2016 |
DISPLAY CONTAINER WITH INTERIOR MOUNT
Abstract
A locket is disclosed, and includes: a first housing part; a
second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part,
an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the
second housing part; and a mounting assembly that includes: a
mounting plate supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg
disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one
of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter
releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured
to receive an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from
the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first
housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg
is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the
second housing part.
Inventors: |
Silverstein; Neil W.; (Sands
Point, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jan Leslie Corp. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55066011 |
Appl. No.: |
14/861643 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29523046 |
Apr 6, 2015 |
|
|
|
14861643 |
|
|
|
|
29489335 |
Apr 29, 2014 |
D726062 |
|
|
29523046 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 25/002
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44C 25/00 20060101
A44C025/00 |
Claims
1. A locket, comprising: a first housing part; a second housing
part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior
recess defined between the first housing part and the second
housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate
supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the
interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first
housing part and the second housing part; an adapter releasably
coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured to receive
an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to
a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing
part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is
movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the
second housing part.
2. The locket of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises a
central post extending vertically therefrom, wherein a central bore
defined in the adapter receives the central post.
3. The locket of claim 2, wherein the mounting plate comprises a
pair of support posts extending vertically therefrom and laterally
separate from the central post, wherein a pair of side holes
defined in the adapter receive the pair of support posts.
4. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter has a cylindrical
profile.
5. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter is formed of a
resilient material.
6. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter is formed of a soft
material.
7. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a
circumferential flange disposed along at least one of a top and
bottom portion of the adapter.
8. The locket of claim 7, wherein the circumferential flange
comprises at least one discontinuity therealong.
9. The locket of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a chamfer
disposed along a side portion thereof.
10. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a retainer releasably
coupled with the mounting plate, the retainer maintains a position
of the adapter.
11. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member
engaged with the first housing part and the second housing part,
the biasing member biases the locket toward one of an open
configuration and a closed configuration.
12. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
housing part and the second housing part has a shape that defines
one or more openings such that the interior recess is at least
partially visible therethrough.
13. The locket of claim 1, further comprising a hanger member
coupled with one of the first housing part and the second housing
part, the hanger member defines an aperture therethrough.
14. The locket of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is configured
such that, upon removal of the adapter, the mounting plate
releasably engages another adapter, the another adapter different
than the adapter.
15. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
housing part and the second housing part comprises a tab extending
therefrom, and wherein the other of the first housing part and the
second housing part comprises a catch, the catch comprises a recess
for receiving the tab.
16. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
housing part and the second housing part has a heart-shaped
profile.
17. The locket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
housing part and the second housing part has a circular
cross-sectional profile.
18. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part and the
second housing part are symmetric with respect to one another.
19. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part and the
second housing part are asymmetric with respect to one another.
20. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first housing part comprises
a pair of tubular sections and the second housing part comprises a
pair of tubular sections, the pair of tubular sections of each of
the first and second housing parts alignable to receive a pinned
coupling member therethrough.
21. A locket, comprising: a first housing part; a second housing
part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an interior
recess defined between the first housing part and the second
housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting plate
supported on a leg and comprising at least one post extending
upwardly therefrom, the mounting plate and the leg disposed in the
interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one of the first
housing part and the second housing part; an adapter comprised of a
resilient material releasably and coupled with the mounting plate,
the adapter comprising at least one aperture to receive the at
least one post, the adapter configured to receive an item of
jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to a location
positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part relative
to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by rotation
of the first housing part relative to the second housing part.
22. The locket of claim 21, wherein the mounting plate comprises at
least one another post and the adapter comprises at least one
another aperture to receive the at least one another post.
23. The locket of claim 21, wherein the adapter comprises at least
one chamfer disposed along a side portion thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Design
patent application No. 29/523,046, filed on Apr. 6, 2015, which is
a Continuation of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/489,335,
filed on Apr. 29, 2014 (now issued U.S. Design Pat. No. D726,062),
the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a locket. In
embodiments, the present invention is directed to a locket having
an interior mounting assembly for supporting an item such as
jewelry.
SUMMARY
[0003] On special occasions such as wedding engagement proposals,
items of significance such as rings or other jewelry are presented
by one person to another as a sign of commitment and/or affection.
In such instances, the presentation or "reveal" of such an item can
be the subject of meticulous planning and staging, especially where
an element of surprise is involved.
[0004] Further, in the current atmosphere of social media and viral
videos, flashy and/or complex presentation of items on occasions
such as wedding engagement proposals have become increasingly
commonplace, such that pressure is driven to "up the ante" when
executing such a presentation. At the same time, there is often a
desire to maintain an air of elegance and sophistication on these
occasions. According to exemplary embodiments herein, Applicant
discloses a device that presents items of significance such as
jewelry in a unique manner, while also providing an air of elegance
and sophistication.
[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
a locket is disclosed, comprising: a first housing part; a second
housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part, an
interior recess defined between the first housing part and the
second housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a
mounting plate supported on a leg, the mounting plate and the leg
disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one
of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter
releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the adapter configured
to receive an item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from
the leg to a location positioned in a path of rotation of the first
housing part relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg
is movable by rotation of the first housing part relative to the
second housing part.
[0006] In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a central post
extending vertically therefrom, wherein a central bore defined in
the adapter receives the central post.
[0007] In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a pair of
support posts extending vertically therefrom and laterally separate
from the central post, wherein a pair of side holes defined in the
adapter receive the pair of support posts.
[0008] In embodiments, the adapter has a cylindrical profile.
[0009] In embodiments, the adapter is formed of a resilient
material.
[0010] In embodiments, the adapter is formed of a soft
material.
[0011] In embodiments, the adapter includes a circumferential
flange disposed along at least one of a top and bottom portion of
the adapter.
[0012] In embodiments, the circumferential flange comprises at
least one discontinuity therealong.
[0013] In embodiments, the adapter comprises a chamfer disposed
along a side portion thereof.
[0014] In embodiments, the locket further comprises a retainer
releasably coupled with the mounting plate, the retainer maintains
a position of the adapter.
[0015] In embodiments, the locket further comprises a biasing
member engaged with the first housing part and the second housing
part, the biasing member biases the locket toward one of an open
configuration and a closed configuration.
[0016] In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and
the second housing part has a shape that defines one or more
openings such that the interior recess is at least partially
visible therethrough.
[0017] In embodiments, the locket further comprises a hanger member
coupled with one of the first housing part and the second housing
part, the hanger member defines an aperture therethrough.
[0018] In embodiments, the mounting plate is configured such that,
upon removal of the adapter, the mounting plate releasably engages
another adapter, the another adapter different than the
adapter.
[0019] In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and
the second housing part comprises a tab extending therefrom, and
wherein the other of the first housing part and the second housing
part comprises a catch, the catch comprises a recess for receiving
the tab.
[0020] In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and
the second housing part has a heart-shaped profile.
[0021] In embodiments, at least one of the first housing part and
the second housing part has a circular cross-sectional profile.
[0022] In embodiments, the first housing part and the second
housing part are symmetric with respect to one another.
[0023] In embodiments, the first housing part and the second
housing part are asymmetric with respect to one another.
[0024] In embodiments, the first housing part comprises a pair of
tubular sections and the second housing part comprises a pair of
tubular sections, the pair of tubular sections of each of the first
and second housing parts alignable to receive a pinned coupling
member therethrough.
[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a locket is disclosed, comprising: a first housing part;
a second housing part hingably coupled with the first housing part,
an interior recess defined between the first housing part and the
second housing part; and a mounting assembly, comprising: a
mounting plate supported on a leg and comprising at least one post
extending upwardly therefrom, the mounting plate and the leg
disposed in the interior recess, the leg rotatably mounted to one
of the first housing part and the second housing part; an adapter
comprised of a resilient material releasably and coupled with the
mounting plate, the adapter comprising at least one aperture to
receive the at least one post, the adapter configured to receive an
item of jewelry; and a camming surface extending from the leg to a
location positioned in a path of rotation of the first housing part
relative to the second housing part, wherein the leg is movable by
rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing
part.
[0026] In embodiments, the mounting plate comprises at least one
another post and the adapter comprises at least one another
aperture to receive the at least one another post.
[0027] In embodiments, the adapter comprises at least one chamfer
disposed along a side portion thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be
described in detail, with reference to the following figures,
wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a locket according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a locket according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the locket of FIG. 1A;
[0032] FIG. 3A is a first sequential view of the locket of FIG.
1A;
[0033] FIG. 3B is a second sequential view of the locket of FIG.
1A; and
[0034] FIG. 3C is a third sequential view of the locket of FIG.
1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The present invention generally relates to a locket. In
embodiments, the present invention is directed to a locket having
an internal mounting structure for supporting an item such as
jewelry.
[0036] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the
description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the
words "may" and "can" are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning
having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e.,
meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and
"includes" mean including but not limited to. To facilitate
understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where
possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 1A, a locket according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally
designated 100. Locket 100 includes a first housing part 102a
coupled with a housing part 102b and between which an interior
recess 104 within which a mounting apparatus 110 is disposed. As
shown, mounting apparatus 110 may support a piece of jewelry such
as a ring R. In embodiments, mounting apparatus 110 may support a
different type of jewelry or object.
[0038] First and second housing parts 102a, 102b may be symmetrical
halves of the entire housing 102, or may be asymmetric. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, first and second housing parts 102a,
102b may both have a heart-shaped cross-sectional profile.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 1B, a locket according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is generally designated 200.
Locket 200 may have a similar configuration to locket 100, e.g.,
may have similar components as described herein, with the exception
of first housing part 102a and second housing part 102b having a
circular, e.g., half-shell, profile. In embodiments of the present
invention, a locket may have a housing with a different
cross-sectional configuration, for example, square, rectangular,
pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, pyramidal, clover-shaped, or
floral-shaped, to name a few.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1A, and referring additionally to
FIG. 2, first and second housing parts 102a, 102b are movably,
e.g., hingably, coupled with one another such that locket 100 can
be opened and closed via the separation and closure of first and
second housing parts 102a, 102b. Accordingly, each of first and
second housing parts 102a, 102b may include complementary portions
of a hinge structure. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first
housing part 102a may have tubular sections 103a.sub.1 and
103a.sub.2 that can be aligned between tubular sections 103b.sub.1
and 103b.sub.2 of second housing part 102b such that first housing
part 102a and second housing part 102b can be rotatably pinned to
one another. In embodiments, first and second housing parts 102a,
102b may be coupled via a different structure, for example, a
separate hinge element.
[0041] Housing 102 may be provided with a biasing member, for
example, a torsion spring, to bias first and second housing parts
102a, 102b either toward or away from each other in a resting
condition. In embodiments, a different type of movable coupling may
be used, for example, a living hinge.
[0042] As, shown, first housing part 102a may be provided with a
pattern and/or shape that defines one or more holes therethrough,
such as a curling or floral pattern. In this regard, at least a
portion of interior recess 104 may be visible through first housing
part 102a. In embodiments, housing part 102(a) may be partially
transparent or opaque to that interior recess 104 may be obscured
from view through housing 102. Second housing part 102b may be
unpatterned, may be patterned similarly to first housing part 102a,
or may be patterned differently than first housing part 102b.
[0043] First housing part 102a and/or second housing part 102b may
be configured as jewelry or another item of significance separately
or in conjunction with ring R stored therein. Accordingly, first
housing part 102a and/or second housing part 102b may be formed of
a high value material used in jewelry, for example, a metallic
material such as gold, silver, or platinum, and/or alloys thereof.
In embodiments, first housing part 102a and/or second housing part
102b may be formed of different materials.
[0044] As shown, second housing part 102b may be provided with a
hanger member 105 extending away from the respective second housing
part 102b and defining an aperture by which locket 100 can be hung
or otherwise suspended. In embodiments, first housing part 102a or
a different portion of locket 100 may be provided with hanger
member 105. For example, hanger member 105 may accommodate a
necklace or other band by which locket 100 can be suspended, e.g.,
around a user's neck or wrist. Hanger member 105 may also be used
to suspend locket 100 on an object other than a portion of a user's
body or clothing, for example, on display in a case or on a wall.
In embodiments, hanger member 105 may be provided with a secondary
hanger member, which may be larger than hanger member 105. Such a
secondary hanger member may be configured for suspending or
displaying locket 100 similarly to hanger member 105, but may
present a larger aperture through which larger or different
necklace or band can be passed, and may also allow for a greater
degree of freedom between locket 100 and a supporting necklace or
band, for example, so that it may swing as a pendant. Hanger member
105 and/or a secondary hanger member may include one or more
patterned or shaped portions to complement and/or supplement the
appearance of the first and second housing parts 102a, 102b. In
embodiments, hanger member 105 and/or a secondary hanger member may
be provided with a closure mechanism, for example, a clip or clasp,
to facilitate engagement with another object.
[0045] First housing part and second housing part 102a, 102b may
also be provided with a complementary closure structure such that
first and second housing parts 102a, 102b can be selectively
maintained in a closed or open condition with respect to one
another. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first housing part 102a
is provided with a downwardly-extending tab 107 (FIG. 3B) that is
configured to be received within a recess of a corresponding catch
108 formed in the second housing part 102b. Catch 108 may be a
latch-type member that includes a recess for receiving the tab 107
of the first housing part 102a when the recess is aligned with a
slot 109 of second housing part 102b through which tab 107 can
pass. Catch 108 may protrude outwardly from second housing part
102b such that a button or other user engagement structure is
presented through which a user can actuate catch 108, e.g., to open
locket 100 from a closed configuration. Similarly, a user may
actuate catch 108 to align the recess of catch 108 with slot 109 in
advance of receiving tab 107 to facilitate closure of locket 100
from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Catch 108 may
be biased, for example, by a spring, toward a closed position so
that the recess of catch 108 is not aligned with slot 109. In
embodiments, catch 108 may be positioned in a resting condition
such that upon insertion of tab 107 into slot 109, a camming action
causes catch 108 to advance and align with slot 109 such that tab
107 engages the recess of slot 109 to close locket 100.
[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting assembly 110
includes a mounting plate 112 and a leg 118 extending from the
mounting plate 112. Leg 118 extends toward the hingable coupling
between first housing part 102a and is rotatably coupled along the
hingable coupling, as described further herein. Leg 118 of mounting
assembly 110 also includes an camming surface 119, for example, a
ledge or cam, that extends away from the hingable coupling of first
and second housing parts 102a, 102b to a location in the path of
rotation of first housing part 102a relative to second housing part
102b, as described further herein. In embodiments, camming surface
119 may be pivotably disposed about a portion of second housing
part 102b, or may be pivotably disposed about a portion of a
separate hinge element. In this regard, mounting assembly 110 is
rotatable independently of first housing part 102a and second
housing part 102b.
[0047] Mounting plate 112, as shown, presents a level surface from
which and an interiorly-threaded central post 114 and a pair of
support posts 116 disposed on opposing sides of the central post
114 extend vertically. Threaded central post 114 and support posts
116 may be integrally formed with mounting plate 112, or may be
coupled with mounting plate 112, for example, by welding or
adhesion.
[0048] As shown, an adapter 120 is provided, and has a
substantially cylindrical body with an upper flange 122a and a
lower flange 122b. In embodiments, adapter 120 may include one of
upper flange 122a and lower flange 122b, or may be devoid of
flanges. Adapter 120 is configured to releasably engage ring R,
e.g., with a band of ring R circumferentially engaged with adapter
120 between upper flange 122a and lower flange 122b. Accordingly,
adapter 120 may be formed of a material designed to provide a
secure engagement with ring R disposed therearound, but while
avoiding damage to the surface of ring R. Accordingly, adapter 120
may be formed of a softened, high-friction material, such as an
elastomer. Adapter 120 may be formed of a material that is
compliant and/or resilient, e.g., so that adapter 120 can deform to
accommodate placement of ring R therearound. In embodiments,
adapter 120 may be formed of silicone.
[0049] As shown, adapter 120 may also define a respective
discontinuity 124a, 124b along flanges 122a, 122b, e.g., to
facilitate placement and removal of ring R with respect to adapter
120. In embodiments, one or both of flanges 122a, 122b may have one
or more such discontinuities, or may be devoid of discontinuities.
Adapter 120 may also define a chamfer or flattened side portion,
for example, to inhibit rotation of ring R around adapter 120. For
example, a chamfer or flattened edge may be present between
discontinuities 124a, 124b to abut an interior portion of ring R
such as an interior portion opposite a set jewel or stone of ring
R.
[0050] As shown, adapter 120 also includes a central bore 126 and a
pair of holes 128 to receive central post 114 and support posts 116
of mounting plate 112. In this regard, central bore 126 and the
pair of holes 128 provide a structure to align adapter 120 over
mounting plate 112 and to maintain adapter 120 in a substantially
rotational and laterally stationary position upon engagement with
mounting plate 112. In embodiments, support posts 116 may have an
asymmetrical positioning with respect to central post 114, e.g., to
provide a limited number or singular orientation of adapter 120
capable of engaging mounting plate 112, for example, to ensure a
proper fit or proper orientation of the ring R when placed on
adapter 120.
[0051] Mounting assembly 110 also includes a retainer 129 that
includes a top 129a and a threaded base 129b. Retainer 129 is
configured such that threaded base 129b can be threadably engaged
with central post 114 of mounting plate 112 so that the top 129a of
retainer 129 maintains, e.g., securely retains, adapter 120 on
mounting plate 112, for example, to prevent inadvertent removal of
adapter 120 from mounting plate 112.
[0052] In this regard, mounting assembly 110 can be at least
partially disassembled by disengaging retainer 129 from central
post 114 such that adapter 120 can be selectively removed from
mounting plate 112. Adapter 120 can then be replaced with a
different type, shape, size, color, or configuration of adapter to
fit a particular ring or type of jewelry. For example, adapter 120
may be optionally replaced with an adapter configured to engage a
ring larger or smaller than ring R. In embodiments, a different
type of adapter may be chosen for aesthetic reasons, e.g., to match
a theme or pattern of a type of jewelry presented in locket 100.
Accordingly, central post 114 may be provided with a clearance,
e.g., a tolerance, that allows for receipt of adapters with a range
of central bore dimensions. Further, since adapters may be formed
of a compliant and/or resilient material, adapters with a vertical
dimension larger than central post 114 may be accommodated on
mounting plate 112 and subsequently compressed via the engagement
of retainer 129 with central post 114.
[0053] Still referring to FIG. 2, and turning now to FIG. 3A,
operation of locket 100 by a user will be described. Locket 100 is
shown in an initial, closed configuration. It will be understood
that locket 100 can be operated from the perspective of an initial,
open configuration by rearranging the steps described herein.
[0054] In the closed configuration shown, the first and second
housing parts 102a, 102b of locket 100 are maintained in position
by the engagement of the tab 107 and catch 108 described above.
Mounting assembly 110, with the exception of camming surface 119,
is disposed within the interior recess 104 of locket 100. As
described above, a portion of interior recess 104 may be visible
through the patterning and/or shape of first housing part 102a.
[0055] Still referring to FIG. 2, and turning now to FIG. 3B,
locket 100 is shown transitioned to a partially open configuration,
in which first housing part 102a has been raised relative to second
housing part 102b. Such a positioning may also be at least
partially achieved by lowering second housing part 102b away from
first housing part 102a. In the partially open position shown, a
relative angle between first and second housing parts 102a, 102b
may be, for example, an acute angle. In embodiments, a different
relative angle may be defined between first and second housing
parts 102a, 102b in the partially open position.
[0056] Interior recess 104 and portions of mounting assembly 100
disposed therein may be visible in the partially open configuration
shown from certain orientations, for example, from a side view. In
such a position, mounting assembly 110 may be disposed such that
mounting plate 112 rests upon the interior surface of second
housing part 102b.
[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 2, and turning now FIG. 3C,
first and second housing parts 102a, 102b are shown further
separated so that a larger angle than the relative angle in the
partially open position is defined, for example, a right angle or
obtuse angle.
[0058] As the first housing part 102a rotates further away from the
second housing part 102b, a portion of the outer surface of first
housing part 102b engages camming surface 119 such that leg 118,
and mounting plate 112 carried thereon, is caused to rotate
upwardly. Mounting assembly 110 may continue to rotate in this
fashion until mounting plate 112, and ring R disposed thereon, is
positioned radially between the first housing part 102a and the
second housing part 102b. In this regard, ring R is disposed at an
optimum angle for viewing, for example, if locket 100 is positioned
in the hand of a user-recipient of ring R. In embodiments, camming
surface 119 may have a particular configuration, e.g., length or
curvature, such that camming surface 119 is engaged by housing 102
at a location to produce a desired amount of rotation of mounting
assembly 110. In embodiments, a different structure may be provided
to lift mounting assembly 110 with the opening of housing 102, for
example, an interiorly-disposed element may lift mounting assembly
110.
[0059] While the operation of locket 100 has been described above
beginning in the closed position and with respect to the ring R
having already been engaged with adapter 120, it will be understood
that locket 100 may be operated differently by rearranging the
steps described herein, e.g., locket 100 may be closed by reversing
the steps described above. In embodiments, locket 100 may be devoid
of ring R and opened as described above, whereupon ring R is placed
upon adapter 120 before closure of locket 100, for example, for
storage. This process may include the step of removal of retainer
129 from central post 114, and re-engaging retainer 129 with
central post 114 once ring R is properly positioned.
[0060] In the open configuration described herein, a user may also
remove the adapter 120 for replacement with another adapter, for
example, that accommodates a ring or other object of a different
size or configuration than ring R. This process may include the
step of removal of retainer 129 from central post 114, removing
adapter 120 from mounting plate 112 (e.g., disengaging central bore
126 and side holes 128 of adapter 120 from the respective central
post 114 and side supports 116), engaging a different adapter 120
with mounting plate 112, and re-engaging retainer 129 with central
post 114 thereafter.
[0061] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of
the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *