Jewelry article having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings

Patent Abstract
Jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings are disclosed. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting. In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. An longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.

1. A jewelry article comprising: a setting having a mounting portion; a first body portion having a holding portion, the holding portion capable of holding the mounting portion except from at least one direction; and a second body portion capable of magnetically coupling with the first body portion, the second body portion capable of holding the mounting portion from the at least one direction when magnetically coupled to the first body portion.

2. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body portions comprises a magnetic element disposed thereon.

3. The jewelry article of claim 2, wherein the magnetic element is a rare earth magnet.

4. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the first and second body portions are substantially identical.

5. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the first and second body portions magnetically couple together to form a ring, a bracelet, an earring, a choker, a bezel, a pendant, or a broach.

6. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the body portions are separable from one another in the at least one direction to break magnetic coupling between the body portions.

7. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body portions is rotatable about the mounting portion to break magnetic coupling between the body portions.

8. The jewelry article of claim 7, wherein the holding portion comprises a negative area defined in the first body portion, the negative area defined by a radius and having a circumferential dimension at least greater than half of a circle.

9. A jewelry article comprising: a setting; first means for holding the setting except from at least one direction; second means for holding the setting from the at least one direction; and means for magnetically coupling the first and second means for holding the setting.

10. The jewelry article of claim 9, wherein the means for magnetically coupling the first and second means comprises at least one magnet.

11. The jewelry article of claim 9, further comprising means for separating the first and second means in the at least one direction to break magnetic coupling between the first and second means.

12. The jewelry article of claim 9, further comprising means for rotating at least one of the first or second means about a portion of the setting to break magnetic coupling between the first and second means.

13. The jewelry article of claim 9, further comprising means for preventing tilting of the setting in the magnetically coupled first and second means.

14. A jewelry article comprising, a member having a first end and a second end, at least one of the ends being connected to the jewelry article; a first magnetic element positioned adjacent the first end of the member; a setting being movable along the member; and a second magnetic element attached to the setting and capable of being magnetically repelled by proximity to the first magnetic element.

15. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the setting defines a bore having the member passing therethrough.

16. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the second magnetic element is affixed in a hole in the setting.

17. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the member comprises one or more prongs on the first end holding the first magnetic element.

18. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein at least one of the ends of the member is removably connected to the jewelry article for interchanging the setting.

19. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the first end and second ends are connected to the jewelry article.

20. The jewelry article of claim 19, further comprising: a third magnetic element positioned adjacent the second end of the member; and a fourth magnetic element attached to the setting and capable of being magnetically repelled by proximity to third magnet.

Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to jewelry articles, and more particularly to jewelry articles having magnetic elements and having interchangeable and/or movable settings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The desirability of having jewelry articles, such as rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, or broaches, with interchangeable settings has long been evident in the art. Being interchangeable, the setting can be matched to other articles of jewelry, clothing, or accessories. In my co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/982,662, entitled "Decorative Articles with Interchangeable Settings," I disclose interchangeable modules, which attach to decorative articles using mechanical structures. In the present application, however, jewelry articles having magnetic elements are disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, the magnetic elements are used to magnetically couple portions of the jewelry article together to hold an interchangeable setting. In another aspect of the present invention, the magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article.

[0003] Jewelry articles having magnets are disclosed in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,059,971; 4,195,492; 4,424,689; 4,912,944; 4,982,581; 5,193,360; 5,283,966; 5,806,346; 6,101,843; and 6,305,192 and U.S. patent application publications Ser. Nos. 2001/0052245 and 2002/0073732 disclose articles of jewelry having magnets.

[0004] In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,608 to Berkowitz discloses a jewelry device having a setting member and a pair of hoops. The setting member has first and second display objects in opposite facing directions. The pair of hoops is pivotably connected to the setting member. The hoops can be rotated in opposite directions above and below the setting member to either display the first or second objects. When lying adjacent one another, the hoops are held together by a magnets at the bottom of the hoops. The setting is permanently and pivotally connected to the hoops. The hinged connections between the hoops and the setting member are difficult to manufacture and difficult to disguise on the jewelry article, which decreases the aesthetic value. In addition, the setting member can hold only two display objects, which limits the use of the jewelry article with other decorative articles.

[0005] In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,864 to Hofsaess discloses a jewelry article having a perpendicular mounting stem. A pendulum member is rotatable on the stem and has at least one pair of oppositely disposed magnets radially mounted thereto. A platform having various decorative elements is disposed above the pendulum and is freely rotatable about the mounting stem. The platform also includes a pair of magnets, which are radially aligned with the magnets of the pendulum. The identical magnetic pole of each pair of magnets and is juxtaposed, one above the other, causing a repulsing rotational action therebetween. To achieve the rotation, the platform and pendulum require complex bearing structures on the mounting stem.

[0006] The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings are disclosed. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. An longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.

[0009] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the invention disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a first body portion of the jewelry article of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a stage of coupling the body portions and interchangeable setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a stage of uncoupling the body portions and interchangeable setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate various views of a second embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate various views of a third embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate various views of a fourth embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate various views of a fifth embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetic elements and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable setting for use with the jewelry article of FIG. 8A.

[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a jewelry article having magnetically coupling body portions and an interchangeable setting according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9B illustrate a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable setting for use with the jewelry article of FIG. 9A.

[0023] FIGS. 10A-B illustrate embodiments of jewelry articles having magnetic elements and movable settings according to the present invention.

[0024] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-3B, an embodiment of a jewelry article 10 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 1, the jewelry article is illustrated in a perspective view having an interchangeable setting 40. The jewelry article 10 includes first and second body portions 20a and 20b. This and other embodiments of the jewelry articles illustrated herein, including embodiments of the body portions and interchangeable settings, are depicted in a basic form to show the gross anatomy of the present invention more clearly. It is understood that these basic forms can be aesthetically designed or altered by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the present invention.

[0026] The body portions 20a and 20b are substantially identical. As will become evident below, however, the body portions 20a and 20b need not be strictly identical. The body portions 20a and 20b can be composed of a suitable material, such as a precious metal, and can be formed by methods known in the art, such as machining, casting, soldering, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The first and second body portions 20a and 20b magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable setting 40. In the present embodiment, the first and second body portions 20a and 20b magnetically couple together to form a composite ring 10. Thus, an opening 23a and 23b is defined in each of the body portions 20a and 20b to receive a finger of a person wearing the ring 10. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body portions 20a and 20b according to the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other jewelry articles, such as earrings, bracelets, broaches, or pendants.

[0028] Each of the body portions 20a and 20b has a coupling side 22a and 22b and has a holding portion or mounting areas 24a and one not shown. In this and other embodiment, the holding portions 24a and one not shown define negative areas in the body portions, although this is not strictly necessary as will be evident herein. The coupling sides 22a and 22b are complimentary to one another and magnetically couple together, as will be discussed in more detail below. Preferably, the outside surfaces of the ring 10 adjacent the coupling sides 22a and 22b are machined and polished to substantially hide the mating, adjacent edges of the body portions 20a and 20b.

[0029] The interchangeable setting 40 is capable of being positioned in the mounting areas 24a and one not shown and held therein, as will be discussed in more detail below. In the present embodiment, the interchangeable setting 40 defines a sphere. As will become evident below, however, interchangeable settings according to the teachings of the present invention can have a number of shapes or forms, including interchangeable settings having other radial surfaces or having rectilinear surfaces.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, one of the body portions 20 of the ring 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in a front view to illustrate additional details. As discussed above, the body portion 20 has a coupling side 22 with a finger opening 21 defined therethough. The coupling side 22 is a substantially flat surface and includes at least one magnetic element 30. Preferably, the coupling side 22 includes two magnetic elements 30 and 32. The magnetic elements 30 and 32 can have a number of shapes other than the circular shapes shown here.

[0031] At least one of the magnetic elements, for example element 30, is a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can be, but is not limited to, a ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet, a rare earth-neodymium magnet, a rare earth-samarium cobalt magnet, or a sintered neodymium-iron-boron compound. The required dimensions and magnetic force for the magnetic elements depends on a number of variables, including the dimensions and weights of the jewelry article and interchangeable setting and a predetermined force to uncouple the magnetic element, for example. Determining the required dimensions and magnetic force for the magnetic elements on such variables falls within the ability of one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] The other magnetic element, for example element 32, can be substantially similar to the first magnetic element 30 and can have the same polarity as the first magnetic element 30. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the second magnetic element 32 can include a piece of ferromagnetic material intended to mate with a permanent magnet on the other body portion (not shown). The magnetic elements 30 and 32, including permanent magnets or ferromagnetic materials, can be affixed with epoxy into holes formed in the coupling side 22 of the body portion 20. It will be appreciated that the magnetic elements 30 and 32 need not be strictly located between the finger opening 23 and the mounting area 24 as shown, although this location is preferable as it provides suitable space for the placement of the elements 30 and 32 in the material of the body portion 20. Furthermore, an additional magnetic element 33 can be located adjacent the finger opening 23, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] For the composite ring 10 of the present embodiment, both magnetic elements 30 and 32 are preferably rare earth-neodymium magnets, which provide substantially powerful magnetic fields relative to their size. For illustrative purposes only, the gross dimensions of the composite ring 10 can be about 11/4-inch by 7/8-inch by 1/4-inch, although it is understood that these dimensions can be varied and do not limit the present invention in any way. The magnets 30 and 32 are disc-shaped, having an approximate diameter of 4.8-mm and a thickness of about 1.6-mm. The magnetic elements 30 and 32 preferably have the same polarity adjacent the mounting side 22 and mate with the opposing polarity of rare earth-neodymium magnets on the other body portion.

[0034] The mounting area 24 receives a portion of the interchangeable setting (not shown in FIG. 2) from a direction of the first coupling side 22 (i.e., perpendicularly towards FIG. 2). The mounting area 24 is capable of positively engaging the portion of the setting except in the direction of the coupling side 22. As discussed above, the interchangeable setting 40 of FIGS. 1-3B is spherical. Consequently, the mounting area 24 in the present embodiment has a partially spherical surface 25 defined by a radius R from a center 28. To positively engage the portion of the setting except in the direction of the coupling side 22, a circumferential dimension defined by the spherical surface 25 is at least greater than half of a circle. In this way, an open, upper dimension D.sub.1 of the mounting area 24 is less than the diameter (2R) of the surface 25. In addition, the partially spherical surface 25 defines a greater dimension adjacent the coupling side 22 than on the opposing side of the body portion 20. Thus, the setting can be received in the mounting area 24 from the coupling side 22 but cannot pass through the opposing side of mounting area 24.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3A, the body portions 20a and 20b and interchangeable setting 40 of the jewelry article 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown in a stage of coupling together. For illustrative purposes, the body portions 20a and 20b are shown in cross-section to reveal addition details. In general, the interchangeable setting 40 includes a first mounting portion 42, a second mounting portion 44, and a decorative portion 46. Being spherical in the present embodiment, the interchangeable setting 40 realistically has only one spherical surface embodying all of the portions 42, 44, and 46. Designating the distinct mounting portions 42 and 44 and decorative portion 46 is made for the benefit of other embodiments of interchangeable settings disclosed herein and is made to provide relative terminology for coupling the body portions 20a and 20b and the setting 40 together.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 3A, the mounting areas 24a and 24b include the partially spherical surfaces 25a and 25b for engaging the mounting portions 42 and 44 of the setting 40. The mounting areas 24a and 24b define greater openings adjacent the coupling sides 22a and 22b of the body portions 20a and 20b than are defined at open sides 26a and 26b of the mounting areas 24a and 24b. The top sides 27a and 27b of the mounting areas 24a and 24b are open so that the decorative portion 46 of the setting 40 can be viewed.

[0037] To form the composite ring 10, the interchangeable setting 40 is first positioned in one of the mounting areas 24a from the direction of the coupling side 22a. The setting 40 is thereby held in the mounting area 24a in all directions except towards the coupling side 22a. The body portions 20a and 20b are then coupled in direction A. The magnetic elements 30a, 30b and others not shown on the respective coupling surfaces 22a and 22b are aligned and magnetically couple. The mounting areas 24a and 24b therefore positively hold the interchangeable setting 40 to the coupled body portions 20a and 20b.

[0038] The first magnetic element 30a has a first polarity. The opposing magnetic element 30b, if also a magnet, has a second polarity opposite the first polarity so that the elements 30a and 30b can magnetically couple when positioned adjacent one another. Alternatively, one of the magnetic elements, for example 30a, can be a magnet, while the other element 30b can simply be material of the body portion 20b if the body portion is of sufficient magnetic permeability. Alternatively, the other element 30b can be a magnetically permeable material embedded in the body portion 20b.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3B, the jewelry article 10 is illustrated in a front view. The body portions 20a and 20b and interchangeable setting 40 are shown in a stage of uncoupling. Preferably, at least one of the body portions 20a or 20b is capable of rotating in direction B about the setting 40. In the present embodiment, either one or both of the body portions 20a and 20b are capable of rotating about the setting 40 in direction B to break the magnetic coupling of the elements 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b. Although preferred, having at least one rotating body portion is not strictly necessary, as will be evidenced herein.

[0040] Rotation of the second body portion 20b tangentially breaks the magnetic engagement between the magnetic elements 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b. With the magnetic engagement broken, the body portions 20a and 20b can be separated, freeing the setting 40 from the complimentary mounting areas 24a and 24b. Rotation of the second body portion 20b occurs about the setting 40 held in the mounting area 24b. The center 28 of the mounting area 24b defines an axis of rotation C that substantially aligns with a central axis or center of the interchangeable setting 40. Because the setting 40 is spherical in the present embodiment, the axis of rotation C passes through the center 48 of the spherical setting 40. Once uncoupled, another interchangeable setting (not shown) having a different composition or aesthetic appearance, for example, can be positioned in the mounting areas 24a and 24b and held by the magnetically coupled body portions 20a and 20b.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4A-B, another embodiment of a jewelry article 12 having magnetically coupling body portions 20a and 20b and an interchangeable setting 50 according to the present invention are illustrated. In FIG. 4A, first and second body portions 20a and 20b of the jewelry article 12 are shown in a stage of coupling to one another to hold the interchangeable setting 50. The first and second body portions 20a and 20b are illustrated in a side, cross-sectional view to show internal details. In a front view of FIG. 4B, the setting 50 is shown installed in a mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a. The first and second body portions 20a and 20b are substantially similar to those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. For brevity, like reference numerals are used to indicate substantially similar elements between embodiments.

[0042] The interchangeable setting 50 includes a mounting portion 51 and a decorative portion 56. The mounting portion 51 is a partial disc having a first mounting side 52 and a second mounting side 54. As best shown in FIG. 4B, the partial disc 51 defines a cylindrical surface 53 defined by a radius R from a center 58. A circumferential dimension of the cylindrical surface 53 is at least greater than half of a circle so that an upper dimension D.sub.2 of the disc 51 is less than the diameter (2R) of the cylindrical surface 53. The decorative portion 56 can have any particular shape.

[0043] As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 above, the first and second body portions 20a and 20b are identical, mirror images of one another and are substantially the same as the previous embodiment. The mounting areas 24a and 24b are open towards the coupling sides 22a and 22b of the body portions 20a and 20b where they receive the mounting sides 52 and 54 of the interchangeable setting 50. In the present embodiment, however, the body portions 20a and 20b include mounting areas 24a and 24b of a different configuration than those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. In the present embodiment, both holding portions or mounting areas 24a and 24b define disc-shaped indentations being complimentary to the mounting sides 52 or 54 of the disc 51 of the setting 50. The mounting areas 24a and 24b include cylindrical surfaces 25a and 25b, closed sides 26a and 26b, and open tops 27a and 27b.

[0044] To form the jewelry article 10, the first mounting side 52 of the interchangeable setting 50 is first positioned in the mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a from the direction of the coupling side 22a. As shown in FIG. 4B, the setting 50 is held in the mounting area 24a in all directions except towards the coupling side 22a. The second body portion 20b is positioned adjacent the first body portion 20a in direction A, as shown in FIG. 4A. The second mounting side 54 is then positioned in the second mounting area 24b. Of course, the setting 50 can be first positioned in either mounting area 24a or 24b. The magnetic elements 30a, 30b, and others not shown on the respective coupling surfaces 22a and 22b are aligned and magnetically couple. The mounting areas 24a and 24b positively engage the mounting sides 52 and 54 to hold the interchangeable setting 50.

[0045] In the present embodiment, either one or both of the body portions 20a and 20b is capable of rotating about the disc 51 of the setting in direction B to break the magnetic coupling of the elements 30a, 30b and those not shown. Rotation of the body portion 20 tangentially breaks the magnetic engagement between the magnetic elements 30a, 30b and those not shown. With the magnetic engagement broken, the body portions 20a and 20b can be separated, freeing the mounting sides 52 and 54 of the disc 51 from the complimentary mounting areas 24a and 24b.

[0046] Rotation of the body portion 20 occurs about an axis of rotation C where the center 58 of the disc 51 substantially aligns with the centers of the mounting areas 24. Because the setting 50 includes the disc 51 connected to a larger decorative portion 56 in the present embodiment, a necessary amount of space 55 on the cylindrical surface 53 of the disc 51 is required between the edges of the open top 27 of the body portion and the decorative portion 56. The space 55 allows the body portion 20 to rotate in direction B about axis C enough to break magnetic engagement of the elements (not shown) without the top of the body portion 20 interfering with the decorative portion 56 of the setting 50.

[0047] When the jewelry article 12 is worn, external contact of the decorative portion 56 could cause the disc 51 to tilt within the mounting areas 24a and 24b and pry the body portions 20a and 20b apart, which would be undesirable. In this and other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the decorative portion 56 can define a low profile extending beyond the coupled body portions 20a and 20b. The decorative portion 56 can also have contact with outer surfaces of the body portions 20a and 20b, which will not interfere with the coupling and uncoupling thereof and which can prevent tilting of the setting 50. For example, in FIGS. 4A-B, a structure 59 is positioned adjacent the decorative portion 56 and is capable of engaging a top, outer surface of the body portion 20a, yet still allow the body portion 20a to rotate about central axis C. The structure 59 can reduce the potential of prying the body portions 20a and 20b apart due to external contact to the setting 50.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, another embodiments of a jewelry article 14 having magnetically coupling body portions 20a and 20b and an interchangeable setting 60 according to the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 5A, the first and second body portions 20a and 20b of the jewelry article 14 are shown in a stage of coupling to one another to hold the interchangeable setting 60. The first and second body portions 20a and 20b are illustrated in a side, cross-sectional view to show internal details. In the front view of FIG. 5B, the setting 60 is shown installed in a mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a.

[0049] The interchangeable setting 60 includes a first mounting portion 62, a second mounting portion 64, a decorative portion 66. The first mounting portion 62 forms a disc structure. Being disc-shaped, the disc portion 62 has a cylindrical surface 63 defined by a radius R from a center 68. A circumferential dimension of the cylindrical surface 63 of the disc portion 62 is at least greater than half of a circle. The decorative portion 66 is attached to the top of the disc portion 62 and can have any particular shape. The second mounting portion 64 forms a rectilinear structure, such as the T-shaped structure illustrated. Having the T-shape can prevent the setting from rotating about an axis within the second mounting area, which can prevent the setting from tilting within the second mounting area 24b and prying the body portions 20a and 20b apart due to external contact.

[0050] To form the jewelry article 14, one of the mounting portions, for example the disc portion 62, of the interchangeable setting 50 is first positioned in the holding portion or mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a from the direction of the coupling side 22a. As best shown in FIG. 5B, the first mounting area 24a is complimentary to the disc portion 62. The second body portion 20b is then positioned adjacent the first body portion 20a in direction A. The rectilinear portion 64 is positioned in the second mounting area 24a, which is shaped complimentary to the rectilinear portion 64.

[0051] Once coupled, the magnetic elements 30a, 30b and those not shown on the respective coupling surfaces 22a and 22b magnetically couple. The mounting areas 24a and 24b therefore positively hold the interchangeable setting 50. In the present embodiment, the first body portion 20a is rotatable about the disc portion 62 of the setting 60. Being rectilinear, the rectilinear portion 64 and the second mounting area 24b do not allow the second body portion 20b to rotate. The body portions 20a and 20b are uncoupled by rotating the first body portion 20a about center axis C. Rotation of the first body portion 20a tangentially breaks the magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements.

[0052] As best shown in FIG. 5B, a necessary amount of space 65 on the cylindrical surface of the disc portion 62 is required between the edges of the open top 27 of the body portion 20a and the decorative portion 66 to allow the body portion 20a to rotate in direction B about axis C enough to break magnetic engagement of the magnetic elements. The space 65 is required so the top of the body portion 20 does not interfere with the decorative portion 56 of the setting 50.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6A-B, yet another embodiment of a jewelry article 16 having magnetically coupling body portions 20a and 20b and an interchangeable setting 70 according to the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 6A, the first and second body portions 20a and 20b of the jewelry article 16 are shown in a stage of coupling to one another to hold the interchangeable setting 70. The first and second body portions 20a and 20b are illustrated in a side, cross-sectional view to show internal details. In the front view of FIG. 6B, the setting 70 is shown installed in a mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a.

[0054] As discussed in previous embodiments, the interchangeable settings according to the present invention preferably include at least one mounting side having a surface defined by a radius, such as a radial, spherical, or cylindrical surface, that allows for a body portion of the jewelry article to rotate thererabout. In the present embodiment of FIGS. 6A-B, however, the interchangeable setting 70 includes a rectilinear portion 71 connected to a decorative portion 76 by an attachment portion 75. The rectilinear portion 71 includes a first mounting portion or end 72 and a second mounting portion or end 74. In the present embodiment, the rectilinear portion 71 defines a T-shaped structure, although this is not strictly necessary: any structural shape, which will not allow rotation thereon, can be used. At least one dimension, either lateral or longitudinal, of the rectilinear portion 71 is greater than a dimension of the attachment portion 71 so that the mounting ends 72 and 74 can be positively held by the mounting areas 24a and 24b of the body portions 20a and 20b, as described below.

[0055] To form the jewelry article 16, one of the mounting ends, for example the first end 72, is positioned in the mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a from the direction of the coupling side 22a. As best shown in FIG. 5B, the first mounting area 24a is complimentary to the rectilinear first end 72. The second body portion 20b is then positioned adjacent the first body portion 20a in direction A. The second end 74 is positioned in the second mounting area 24a, which is shaped complimentary to the rectilinear second end 74.

[0056] In the present embodiment, neither of the body portions 20a and 20b is rotatable. The body portions 20a and 20b are uncoupled in a reverse of direction A. This operation of uncoupling is not preferred, because breaking the coupling between the magnetic elements 30a, 30b, and those not shown in the reverse of direction A requires more force than breaking the coupling tangentially as discussed above with reference to previous embodiments. To facilitate uncoupling the body portions 20a and 20b in the reverse of direction A, each body portion 20a and 20b can include a groove 21a and 21b permitting a person to separate the body portions 20a and 20b with a fingernail or the like. The grooves 21a and 21b can be decorative to disguise their function.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7A-B, yet another embodiment of a jewelry article 18 having magnetically coupling body portions 20a and 20b and an interchangeable setting 80 according to the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 7A, the first and second body portions 20a and 20b of the jewelry article 18 are shown in a stage of coupling to one another to hold the interchangeable setting 80. The first and second body portions 20a and 20b and the setting 80 are illustrated in a side, cross-sectional view to show internal details. In a frontal view of FIG. 7B, the setting 80 is shown installed in a mounting area 24a of the first body portion 20a.

[0058] The interchangeable setting 80 includes a mounting portion 81 connected to a decorative portion 86. As discussed in previous embodiments, the interchangeable settings according to the present invention include mounting portions having positive structures, and the body portions have holding portions defining negative areas. In the present embodiment of FIGS. 7A-B, however, the mounting portion 81 has a first mounting surface 82 and defines a second mounting area 84. The first holding portion 24a on the body portion 20a has a flat structure 28a, and the second holding portion 24b on the body portion 20b has a projecting structure 28b being substantially complimentary to the mounting area 84 of the setting 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second mounting area 84 can have a rectilinear shape so that the corresponding second holding structure 28b, which is not shown in FIG. 7B, can also have a substantially equivalent rectilinear shape to prevent rotation of the setting 80.

[0059] To form the jewelry article 18, the projecting structure 28b can be inserted into the second mounting area 84 from the direction of the coupling side 22a. The second body portion 20b can then be positioned adjacent the first body portion 20a in direction A so that the flat structure 28b is positioned adjacent the mounting surface 82. To uncouple the body portions 20a and 20b in the present embodiment, the first body portion 20a is rotatable about the mounting portion 81 installed in the holding area 24a. The rotation tangentially breaks the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements 30a and 30b on the body portions 20a and 20b. To allow for rotation of the first body portion 20a, sufficient clearances are needed between the holding portion 24a and the mounting portion 81 and between the first body portion 20a and the decorative portion 86.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 8A, another embodiment of a jewelry article 100 having magnetically coupling body portions 120a and 120b and an interchangeable setting 140 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A first body portion 120a and a second body portion 120b are separable and magnetically couple together to form a part of the jewelry article 100. The first body portion 120a is part of or is attached to the jewelry article 100. For example, in the present embodiment, the first body portion 120a is a bezel of a ring and is connected to an annular shank 123. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the first body portion 120a can be part of or attached to a pendent, bracelet, earring, broach, or other jewelry article.

[0061] The first body portion 120a defines a coupling surface 122a, which is recessed and forms a rim 123a around the bezel 120a. A holding portion or mounting area 124a is defined in the coupling surface 122a. The mounting area 124a receives a portion of the interchangeable setting 140 therein, as described below. A first pair of magnetic elements 130a and 130b are disposed in the coupling surface 122a and adjacent the mounting area 124a. The second body portion or bezel cap 120b has a coupling surface 122b with magnetic elements 130b and 132b disposed therein. The bezel cap 120b has a holding portion or mounting area 124b, which is an opening defined in the bezel cap 120b in the present embodiment. The setting 140 defines a sphere in the present embodiment, but this is not strictly necessary, as is evidenced herein. In general, the setting 140 includes a first mounting portion 142, a second mounting portion 144, and a decorative portion 146.

[0062] To assemble the jewelry article 100, the first mounting portion 142 of the setting 140 is disposed in the mounting area 124a of the bezel 120a and is positively held therein in all directions except towards the coupling surface 122a. The coupling surface 122b of the bezel cap 120b is then positioned adjacent the coupling surface 122a in direction A. The decorative portion 146 of the setting 140 is positioned through the mounting opening 124b for display, and the mounting opening 124b engages the second mounting portion 144 of the setting 140. The decorative portion 146 has a dimension less than a dimension D.sub.2 of the mounting opening 124b, and the second mounting portion 144 has a dimension greater than the dimension D.sub.2 of the mounting opening 124b. The bezel cap 120b is held to the bezel 120a by the mating of the first and second pairs of magnet elements 130a, 130b and 132a, 132b. When attached, the cap 120b holds the interchangeable setting 140 onto the bezel 120a.

[0063] Preferably, the decorative portion 146 of the setting defines a low profile above the bezel cap 120b to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the cap 120b and bezel 120a. In addition, the edge 123b of the cap 120b is preferably flush with the rim 123a of the bezel 120a. In a preferred embodiment, the cap 120b is removed from the bezel 120a by rotating the cap 120b in direction B to tangentially break the magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements 130a, 130b and 132a, 132b. Thus, the rim 123a, edge 123b, opening 124b, and second mounting portion 144 each define radii from a center C of rotation.

[0064] Once uncoupled, a new setting (not shown) having a different shape or aesthetic quality can then be held with the magnetically coupling bezel 120a and cap 120b. In addition, the cap 120b can include decorative elements, such as inlays or embossed surfaces, in which case the cap 120b can also be interchanged with a new cap (not shown) having a different aesthetic characteristic. The setting 140 and the cap 120b can also be used with other jewelry articles (not shown). Therefore, the present invention enables a person to form numerous combinations of interchangeable elements to compose jewelry articles with different aesthetic characteristics.

[0065] In an alternative aspect to the present embodiment, the coupling surface 122a can define a cavity (not shown) for holding miscellaneous items. For example, the cavity may hold medication. The bezel cap 120b can be interchangeable and can have a setting (not shown) permanently attached thereto. The cap 120b can magnetically couple to the first body portion to hold the miscellaneous items in the cavity.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8B, an alternative embodiment of an interchangeable setting 150 for the jewelry article of FIG. 8A is illustrated. The setting 150 includes a first mounting portion 152, a second mounting portion 154, and a decorative portion 156. The first mounting portion 152 defines a disc, but can have any number of shapes. The first mounting portion 152 includes an axial member 153 extending therefrom. The axial member 153 stabilizes the setting 150 when held between coupling portions 120a and 120b of the jewelry article 100. For example, the axial member 153 positions in a complimentary bore (not shown) in the mounting area 124a of the bezel 120a in FIG. 8A and prevents tilting of the setting 150.

[0067] The second mounting portion 154 defines a shoulder 157 with the first mounting portion 152 and defines a cylindrical surface 158 with the decorative portion 156. The shoulder 157 engages the bezel cap 120b of FIG. 8A adjacent the mounting area 124b. The decorative portion 156 extends above the mounting area 124b and can have any particular shape. To allow the decorative portion 156 to be positioned through the mounting area 124b of the bezel cap 120b of FIG. 8A, the decorative portion 156 has a dimension that is less than to the dimension D.sub.2 of the mounting area 124b. The cylindrical surface 158 of the second mounting portion 154 allows the bezel cap 120b to be rotated thereabout when uncoupling the bezel cap 120b from the bezel 120a.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 9A, yet another embodiment of a jewelry article 102 having magnetically coupling body portions 120a and 120b and an interchangeable setting 160 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. The first and second body portions 120a and 120b are substantially similar to those discussed above with reference to FIG. 8A. For brevity, like reference numerals are used to indicate substantially similar elements between the embodiments of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the setting 160 defines a bullet shape having a first mounting portion 162, a second mounting portion 164, and a decorative portion 166. As shown in FIG. 8B, the first mounting portion 162 defines a flat surface 163 adjacent the mounting area 124a. The flat surface 163 can prevent the setting 160 from being tilted and from prying the body portions 120a and 120b apart.

[0070] Assembly of the jewelry article 100 is substantially similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 8A. Once assembled, the mounting opening 124b engages the second mounting portion 164 of the setting 160, and the bezel cap 120b is held to the bezel 120a by the mating of the first and second pairs of magnet elements 130a, 130b and 132a, 132b.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cap 120b is removed from the bezel 120a by inserting an instrument 128 through a passage 126 defined adjacent the mounting area 124a. With the instrument 128, the setting 160 and the cap 120b are pushed away from the mounting area 124a and bezel 120a to break the magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements 130a, 130b and 132a, 132b. With the cap 120b removed in this manner, the rim 123a, edge 123b, opening 124b, and second mounting portion 164 can have any particular shape and need not be circular.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 9B, an alternative embodiment of an interchangeable setting 170 for the jewelry article of FIG. 9A is illustrated. The setting 170 includes a first mounting portion 172, a second mounting portion 174, and a decorative portion 176. The first mounting portion 172 defines a rectilinear structure. The second mounting portion 174 defines a shoulder 177 with the first mounting portion 172 and defines a rectilinear surface 178 with the decorative portion 176. The shoulder 177 engages the bezel cap 120b of FIG. 9A adjacent the mounting opening 124b. The decorative portion 176 extends above the shoulder 174 and can have any particular shape.

[0073] To allow the decorative portion 176 to be positioned through the mounting area 124b of the bezel cap 120b of FIG. 9A, the decorative portion 176 has a dimension that is less than the dimension D.sub.2 of the mounting area 124b. Of course, the mounting opening 124b of the bezel cap 120b will be rectilinear. The rectilinear surface 178 of the second mounting portion 174 does not allow the bezel cap 120b to be rotated thereabout. Consequently, the rectilinear mounting opening 124b and surface 178 of the present embodiment of the setting 170 are particularly suited for the method of uncoupling the bezel cap 120b and setting 170 using a small instrument described above.

[0074] As evidenced by the jewelry articles 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 100, 102 and the settings 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 140, 150, 160, and 170 of FIGS. 1-9B, holding portions of the body portions and mounting portions of the settings according to the teachings of the present invention can have a number of configurations. Consequently, it is understood that additional embodiments of holding and mounting portions with other shapes or structures not explicitly shown or described herein also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shapes or structures for the holding and mounting portions can include, but are not limited to radial, rectilinear, triangular, or other geometrical shapes or structures. In addition, other shapes or structures can include curved or freeform shapes or structures capable of engaging or mating with a complementary holding portion or mounting portion. Moreover, with the benefit of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a mounting portion of the setting need not exclusively define a positive structure while a holding portion of a body portion defines a negative area. Thus, as evidenced by the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-B, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a mounting portion of a setting can define a negative area while a holding portion of a body portion can define a positive structure capable of engaging or mating with the negative area.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 10A, a jewelry article 200 having magnetic elements 230 and 232 and a movable setting 240 is illustrated according to the present invention. The jewelry article 200 includes a body 210, which in the present embodiment is an earring having a stud 212 and shank 214. The earring 200 also includes an elongate or longitudinal member 220 having a proximal end 222 and a distal end 223. The proximal end 222 is attached to the stud 212, and the axial member 220 extends down from the earring 210. In one embodiment, the proximal end 224 is permanently attached to the stud 212. Alternatively, the proximal end 222 can be detachable from the stud 212, allowing the setting 240 to be interchanged. For example, the proximal end 222 can be threaded into a threaded hole in the stud 222 or can be detachably connected to the stud 212 by other methods known in the art.

[0076] A first magnetic element 230 is attached to the distal end 224 of the axial member 220. Attachment of the first magnetic element 230 to the distal end 224 can be achieved using a number of methods known in the art. For example, the magnetic element 230 can be a rare earth magnet held by a plurality of prongs 225 attached to the distal end 224. The first magnetic element 230 has a specific polarity facing the axial member 220.

[0077] The setting 240 is movably disposed on the axial member 220. For example, the setting 240 defines a bore 242 having the axial member 220 disposed therethrough. One end of the setting 240 has a second magnetic element 232 with a polarity opposing that of the first magnetic element 230 on the distal end 224 of the axial member 220. For example, the second magnetic element 232 can be a rare earth magnet affixed with epoxy in a hole in the end of the setting 240. The first and second magnetic elements 230 and 232 magnetically repel one another when in proximity, and the weight of the setting 240 tends to force the magnetic elements 230 and 232 in proximity. The opposing polarities of the magnets elements 230 and 232 act to suspend the setting 240 on the axial member 220 and allow the setting 240 to move or oscillate along the axial member 220 in response to external movements and gravity.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10B, another a jewelry article 250 having magnetic elements 273, 275, 283, and 285 and a movable setting 280 is illustrated according to the present invention. The jewelry article 250 includes a body 260, which in the present embodiment is a ring or bracelet. The jewelry article 250 also includes an elongate or longitudinal member 270 having a first end 272 and a second end 274. Both ends 272 and 274 are attached to the body 260 so that the longitudinal member 270 is positioned adjacent the body 260. In one embodiment, one of the ends 272 is permanently attached to a portion 262 of body 260, while the other end 272 is detachable from a portion 264 of the body 260, allowing the setting 270 to be interchanged. For example, the one end 272 can be attached to the portion 262 with a hinge mechanism (not shown), and the other end 274 can detachably couple to a clasp mechanism (not shown) on the portion 264 of the body 260.

[0079] A first magnetic element 273 is attached adjacent the first end 272 of the longitudinal member 270. A second magnetic 275 element is attached adjacent the second end 274 of the longitudinal member 270. The magnetic elements 273 and 275 can be attached to the portions 262 and 264 of the body 260 or can be attached to the longitudinal member 270. The setting 280 is movably disposed on the longitudinal member 270. For example, the setting 280 can define a bore 282 having the longitudinal member 270 disposed therethrough. Besides being straight, the longitudinal member 270 can define a radius of curvature (not shown), in which case the bore 282 can also define an equivalent radius of curvature.

[0080] The sides of the setting 280 include magnetic elements 283 and 285. The magnetic elements 273 and 275 adjacent the ends of the longitudinal member 270 magnetically repel the magnetic elements 283 and 285 on the setting 280 when in proximity. The opposing polarities of the magnetic elements 272, 283, 275, and 285 allow the setting 280 to move or oscillate along the longitudinal member 270 in response to external movements.

[0081] With the benefit of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art of jewelry design will recognize that the present invention is applicable to jewelry articles other than the embodiment of rings and earrings explicitly illustrated herein. For example, the present invention is applicable to other embodiments of jewelry articles other than those explicitly illustrated herein, including but not limited to bracelets, chokers, necklaces, earrings, broaches, or pendants.

[0082] For example, instead of forming a composite ring, the magnetically coupling body portions of the present invention could form a composite, bracelet, a composite earring, or a composite choker. For example, instead of forming a bezel for a ring, the magnetically coupling body portions of the present invention could form a pendant for use with a necklace, form a bezel of an earring, or form a broach for use with a pin. One of ordinary skill in the are would find it a routine undertaking to modify the illustrated embodiments of the present invention to be used for these types of jewelry articles. For example, instead of having a movable setting on a ring or an earring, a bracelet or pendant can include a movable setting as disclosed herein.

[0083] While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, obvious modifications and alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.