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Patent Abstract
A jewelry article includes an interchangeable setting, a shank or
body, and a capture module. The shank defines a mounting area that
holds the setting on the shank except substantially along one axis
when the setting is positioned in the mounting area. The capture
module couples on the shank. For example, the module can include
a slot fitting on a portion of the shank. When the module is coupled
on the shank, the module prevents removal of the setting from the
mounting area substantially along the one axis. When worn by a wearer,
the finger of the wearer, for example, maintains the module coupled
to the shank so that the setting is captured on the jewelry article.
Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A jewelry article for an interchangeable setting, comprising:
a body defining a mounting area, the mounting area holding the setting
except substantially along one axis when at least a portion of the
setting is positioned in the area; and a module coupling on the
body and holding the setting in the mounting area substantially
along the one axis.
2. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the module has at least
one portion positioning at least partially adjacent the setting
to prevent the setting from escaping the mounting area along the
one axis.
3. The jewelry article of claim 2, wherein the at least one portion
of the module includes an arm inserting into a bore in the setting.
4. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the module has at least
two portions positioning at least partially adjacent at least two
portions of the setting to prevent the setting from escaping the
mounting area substantially along the one axis when the setting
is positioned in the area.
5. The jewelry article of claim 4, wherein the at least two portions
of the module include sides of the module positioning at least partially
adjacent the at least two portions of the setting in the mounting
area.
6. A jewelry article worn by a wearer, comprising: an interchangeable
setting; a body defining a mounting area, the mounting area holding
the setting on the body except substantially along one axis when
at least a portion of the setting is positioned in the area; and
a module mechanically coupling on the body and preventing removal
of the setting from the mounting area substantially along the one
axis.
7. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the body has first and
second sides and wherein the mounting area is defined through the
body from the first side to the second side.
8. The jewelry article of claim 7, wherein portions of the body
forming the mounting area to hold the setting are positioned along
the two axes substantially orthogonal to the one axis.
9. The jewelry article of claim 8, wherein the mounting area is
at least partially open along one of the substantially orthogonal
axes to the one axis.
10. The jewelry article of claim 9, wherein the mounting area is
defined by a radius and has a circumferential dimension at least
greater than half of a circle.
11. The jewelry article of claim 10, wherein the at least a portion
of setting includes a portion of a sphere, disk, or cylinder.
12. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the body defines a
recessed portion coupling with a portion of the module.
13. The jewelry article of claim 12, wherein the recessed portion
of the body includes a bridge of the body positioned between the
mounting area and an opening for wearing the article, and wherein
the portion of the module fits onto the bridge from the opening
for wearing the article.
14. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module defines
a slot coupling with a portion of the body.
15. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the portion of the
body includes a bridge of the body positioned between the mounting
area and an opening for wearing the article, and wherein the slot
of the module fits onto the bridge from the opening for wearing
the article.
16. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module is removable
from the body such that the module is interchangeable.
17. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module is fixedly
and movably coupled to the body.
18. The jewelry article of claim 17, further comprising a biasing
member biasing the module to capture the interchangeable setting.
19. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module magnetically
couples to the body by one or more magnets in addition to mechanically
coupling to the body.
20. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module has at least
one portion positioning at least partially adjacent the setting
to prevent removal of the setting from the mounting area substantially
along the one axis.
21. The jewelry article of claim 20, wherein the at least one portion
of the module includes an arm inserting into a bore in the setting.
22. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module has at least
two portions positioning at least partially adjacent at least two
portions of the setting to prevent removal of the setting from the
mounting area substantially along the one axis.
23. The jewelry article of claim 22, wherein the at least two portions
of the module include sides of the module positioning at least partially
adjacent the at least two portions of the setting in the mounting
area.
24. The jewelry article of claim 6, wherein the module remains
mechanically coupled on the body by the wearer when the jewelry
article is worn.
25. A jewelry article for a wearer, comprising: an interchangeable
setting; means for holding the setting except substantially along
one axis; means for preventing removal of the setting substantially
along the one axis; and means for mechanically coupling together
the means for holding the setting and the means for preventing removal
of the setting such that the interchangeable setting is substantially
captured on the jewelry article.
26. The jewelry article of claim 25, wherein the means for mechanically
coupling includes means for interchangeably fitting a first portion
of the preventing means onto a second portion of the holding means.
26. The jewelry article of claim 25, wherein the means for mechanically
coupling includes means for fixedly and movably coupling.
28. The jewelry article of claim 26, wherein the means for fixedly
and movably coupling further includes means for biasing.
29. The jewelry article of claim 25, wherein the means for mechanically
coupling further includes means for magnetically coupling.
30. The jewelry article of claim 25, further comprising means for
maintaining the preventing means and the holding means mechanically
coupled together by the wearer when the jewelry article is worn.
Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a jewelry article,
and more particularly to a jewelry article having an interchangeable
setting and capture module.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The desirability of having jewelry articles, such as rings,
earrings, and bracelets, with interchangeable settings has long
been evident in the art. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/982,662,
entitled "Decorative Articles with Interchangeable Settings,"
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, I disclose
interchangeable modules, which attach to decorative articles using
mechanical structures. In co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/252,316, entitled "Jewelry Articles Having Magnetic
Elements and Interchangeable Settings," which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety, I disclose jewelry articles
having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings. Being interchangeable,
the setting can be matched to other articles of jewelry, clothing,
or accessories.
[0003] Jewelry articles having removable settings are known in
the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,712,171; 1,182,534; 3,543,535;
3,568,467; 4,374,470; 4,393,667; 4,905,482; 4,982,581; 5,133,195;
5,193,360; 5,228,317; 5,357,770; 5,375,434; 5,682,769; 6,131,408;
6,490,886 and 6,484,537 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2001/0052245
disclose articles of jewelry that have removable settings. Even
though these prior art patents and publication disclose several
techniques for providing removable settings, jewelry designers are
constantly trying to enhance their designs. In the present disclosure,
jewelry articles having interchangeable settings and capture modules
are disclosed, which increase the versatility and aesthetic value
of the jewelry articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Jewelry articles are disclosed that include a setting, a
shank or body, and a capture module. The shank defines a mounting
area that holds the setting on the shank except substantially along
one axis when the setting is positioned in the mounting area. The
capture module couples on the shank. For example, the module can
include a slot fitting on a portion of the shank. When the module
is coupled on the shank, the module prevents removal of the setting
from the mounting area substantially along the one axis. When worn,
the finger of the wearer, for example, can maintain the module coupled
to the shank so that the setting is not capable of escaping. The
shank can define a recessed portion for coupling with a portion
of the module. The module can define a slot for coupling with the
shank. The module, like the setting, can be interchangeable. To
prevent removal of the setting from the mounting area substantially
along the one axis, the module can have first and second portions
positioning at least partially adjacent the mounting area of the
shank. In one embodiment, the setting is substantially spherical,
and the mounting area is defined by a radius and has a circumferential
dimension at least greater than half of a circle.
[0005] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each
potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other
aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be
best understood with reference to a detailed description, which
follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a jewelry article
having an interchangeable setting and capture module in an unassembled
state.
[0008] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various views of the jewelry article
of FIG. 1 when assembled.
[0009] FIGS. 3A-B illustrates various view of a second embodiment
of a jewelry article having an interchangeable setting and capture
module.
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate side and top views of a third embodiment
of a jewelry article having an interchangeable setting and capture
module in an assembled state.
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate side and top views of a fourth embodiment
of a jewelry article having an interchangeable setting and capture
module in an assembled state.
[0012] While the disclosed jewelry article having interchangeable
setting and capture module is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail.
The figures and written description are not intended to limit the
scope of the inventive concepts in any manner. Rather, the figures
and written description are provided to illustrate the inventive
concepts to any person skilled in the art by reference to particular
embodiments, as required by 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, an embodiment of a jewelry
article 10 is illustrated in various views. In FIG. 1, the jewelry
article 10 is shown in an unassembled state. The jewelry article
10 includes a body or shank 20, a setting 30, and a capture module
40. In FIGS. 2A-2C, the shank 20, setting 30, and module 40 of the
jewelry article 10 of FIG. 1 are shown in an assembled state from
front, side cross-section, and top views, respectively. In this
and other embodiments disclosed herein, of the jewelry articles
including the shanks, interchangeable settings, and capture modules,
are depicted in a basic form to show their gross anatomy. It is
understood that these basic forms can be aesthetically designed
or altered without departing from the present disclosure.
[0014] In the present embodiment, the shank 20 is formed as a ring
to be worn on a finger (not shown) and has a finger opening 21.
However, it will be appreciated that the body or shank 20 according
to the teachings of the present disclosure can have the form of
another jewelry article, such as an earring or bracelet, to be worn
by a wearer. For example, the shank 20 and opening 21 may be sized
to fit on the wrist or other body portion of a wearer. The shank
20 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.
[0015] The shank 20 defines a mounting area 24 for receiving the
interchangeable setting 30. The mounting area 24 is formed such
that the setting 30 can only be inserted into the mounting area
24 substantially along one axis A.sub.1. In the present embodiment,
the one axis A.sub.1 is approximately perpendicular to the front
and back surfaces of the shank 20. When the setting 30 is positioned
in the mounting area 24 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the mounting area
24 is capable of holding the setting 30 on the shank 20 except substantially
along this one axis A.sub.1. Due to differences in tolerance, it
is understood that the setting 30 may be able to move slightly within
the mounting area 24 when positioned therein. Yet, the setting 30
is substantially prevented from removal or escape from the mounting
area along any axes orthogonal to the one axis A.sub.1, such as
axes P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] In the present embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the interchangeable
setting 30 is substantially spherical so that the mounting area
24 preferably defines a radial surface. The mounting area 24 in
the present embodiment defines an at least partially radial surface
having a diameter D approximately equal to that of the setting 30.
To positively hold the setting 30 except along the one axis A.sub.1,
a circumferential dimension defined by the at least partially radial
surface of the mounting area 24 is at least greater than half of
a circle. In this way, an open portion of the mounting area 24--where
ends of the prongs 22a, 22b are separated from one another--is less
than the diameter D of the mounting area 24. Adjacent the mounting
area 24, the shank 20 has two mounting sides or prongs 22a, 22b
and a bridge 26. In the present embodiment, the prongs 22a, 22b
do not fully enclose the mounting area 24. This is not strictly
necessary, as the prongs 22a and 22b may be connected together to
fully enclose the mounting area 24 such that the area 24 defines
a hole through the shank 20.
[0017] Although the setting 30 in the present embodiment is substantially
spherical, the setting 30 can include at least a portion that positions
within the mounting area 24 and that is defined by a portion of
a sphere, disc, cylinder or other radial shape. Furthermore, it
will be appreciated that a setting for a jewelry article of the
present disclosure can have any desirable shape, and a mounting
area of the present disclosure for such a setting, therefore, can
have any complimentary shape. For example, as will be evident herein,
a setting of the present disclosure can include at least a portion
having any particular shape that positions within a substantially
complementary mounting area such that the setting is held in the
area except substantially along the one axis A.sub.1.
[0018] The capture module 40 has an end 42, sides 44a, 44b, and
a bridge slot 46. As best shown in FIG. 2A, the end 42 of the module
40 is preferably contoured to substantially complete the contour
of the finger opening 21 when the module 40 is coupled on the shank
20. As best shown in FIG. 1, the sides 44a, 44b define a capture
area 42, which is radial for the spherical setting 30 of the present
embodiment. The bridge slot 46 passes along the length of the module
40 between the sides 44a, 44b.
[0019] The bridge 26 of the shank 20 is positioned between the
mounting area 24 and the opening 21 for wearing the article. To
hold the setting 30 in the mounting area 24 of the shank 20, the
capture module 40 mechanically couples on the shank 20 by fitting
onto the bridge 26 from the direction of the finger opening 21.
In particular, the bridge slot 46 of the module 40 fits onto the
bridge 26 from the direction of the opening 21 for wearing the article.
The bridge 26 is preferably recessed so that guide slots 28 are
formed on both sides of the shank 20 and an opening recess 29 is
formed at the finger opening 21 of the shank 20. The guide slots
28 and opening recess 29 on the bridge 26 facilitate the fit of
the capture module 40 on the bridge 26.
[0020] As best shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the setting 30 is positioned
in the mounting area 24 of the shank 30, and the capture module
30 is coupled onto the shank 20 from the finger opening 21 by fitting
the bridge slot 46 of the module 40 onto the bridge 26 of the shank
26. Once positioned on the bridge 26, the portions or sides 44a,
44b of the module 40 at least partially position adjacent portions
or sides of the setting 30, thereby preventing the removal of the
setting 30 from the mounting area 24 substantially along the one
axis A.sub.1. When the assembled jewelry article 10 is then worn,
the finger (not shown) of the wearer in the opening 21 of the shank
20 prevents the module 40 from moving away from the setting 30.
Consequently, the setting 30 remains captured on the jewelry article
10 because it is prevented from escaping the mounting area 24 from
any direction.
[0021] In one embodiment, one or both of the capture module 40
and the shank 20 can include a magnet to further provide magnetic
coupling between the module 40 and shank 20. As shown in FIG. 2B,
a magnet 50, such as a rare earth-neodymium magnet, can be positioned
on the bridge 26 to magnetically connect with permeable material
of the module 40 or another magnet (not shown) on the module. The
magnet 50 can at least temporarily hold the capture module 40 on
the shank 20 once they are assembled. Although use of the magnet
50 is not strictly necessary to sufficiently hold the setting 30
on the jewelry article 10 when worn, use of the magnet 50 may help
a wearer put on and remove the article 10 or may facilitate storage
of the article 10 and setting 30 when not being worn, for example.
[0022] Because the jewelry article 10 includes multiple components,
one or more of the shank 20, setting 30, and module 40 can be interchanged
with another such component having a different design or aesthetic
quality. When the capture module 40 and shank 20 are uncoupled,
for example, a new setting (not shown) having a different shape
or aesthetic quality can be interchangeably positioned in the mounting
area 24. In addition, because the capture module 40 is removable,
a new capture module (not shown) having a different shape or aesthetic
quality, such as stones, inlays, or embossed surfaces, can be interchangeably
coupled with the shank 20. Therefore, a wearer can form numerous
combinations of interchangeable shanks 20, settings 30, and modules
40 to create jewelry articles with different aesthetic characteristics.
Because the setting 30 and module 40 are interchangeable, the aesthetic
value of the jewelry article 10 is enhanced. In addition, the setting
30 and module 40 are each substantially symmetrical bodies, and
they couple together so that the fact that they are interchangeable
can be sufficiently disguised. Moreover, the module 40 need not
fully encompass the setting 30 so that most of the setting 30 can
be visible when held on the article 10, which can also enhance the
aesthetic value of the jewelry article 10.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, a second embodiment of a jewelry
article 12 is illustrated in a side view. Aspects of the jewelry
article 12 are substantially similar to those disclosed in FIGS.
1 and 2A-2B so that the same reference numbers indicate like features.
For illustrative purposes, one side 44a of the module 40 is shown
partially cutaway to reveal addition details in FIG. 3A. In the
present embodiment, the bridge 26 defines an elongated slot 27 through
which a cross member 47 pass. Another slot and cross member arrangement
(shown in the top cross section of FIG. 3B) may be provided. The
cross member 47 can be a metal pin. During assembly, the cross member
47 is passed into one hole (not shown) in one side of the capture
member 40, passed through the elongated slot 27 in the bridge 26,
and passed into another hole (not shown) on the other side of the
capture member 40. The ends of the cross member 27 are then welded
into the holes in the sides of the capture module 40, for example,
and the outer surface of the module 40 is polished.
[0024] In the present embodiment, the capture module 40 is fixedly
held on the shank 20 but is movable up and down to capture and release
the interchangeable setting 30 positioned in the mounting area 24.
Thus, the module 40 is not interchangeable in the present embodiment,
unless the pin 27 is configured for removal from the slot 47. For
example, instead of soldering ends of the pin 27 to the sides of
the module 40, the ends could be threaded or held by removable fasteners
(not shown). It will be appreciated that other combinations of slots
and pins than those depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B can be used to fixedly
hold the capture module 40 on the shank 20 yet allow the module
40 to move relative to the mounting area 24. In another example,
the shank 20 may define grooves or slots, and the capture module
40 may be formed from two halves having inwardly projection tabs
(not shown) formed on inner surfaces. The halves of the capture
module 40 can be positioned on either side of the shank 20 so that
the tabs fit into the grooves in the shank 20. The halves of the
capture module 40 can then attached together so that the module
40 is held on the shank 20 by the tabs in the grooves.
[0025] In a further aspect of the present embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B,
a biasing member 57 can be positioned in the elongated slot 27.
Due to the small dimensions of a ring, for example, the biasing
member 57 is preferably a leaf spring that may be soldered in position
in the slot 27. The leaf spring 57 can engage the cross member 47
and can bias the capture module 40 to a position to capture the
setting 30. Although use of the leaf spring 57 is not strictly necessary,
use of the leaf spring 57 may help a wearer put on and remove the
article 10 or may facilitate storage of the article 10 and setting
30 when not being worn, for example.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, a third embodiment of a jewelry
article 14 having an interchangeable setting 60 and a capture module
40 is illustrated in an assembled state. A side view of the jewelry
article 14 is shown in FIG. 4A with one side 44a of the capture
module 40 partially cutaway to reveal additional details for illustrative
purposes. FIG. 4B shows a side cross-sectional view of the jewelry
article 14, and FIG. 4C shows a top view of the jewelry article
14. Aspects of the jewelry article 14 of FIGS. 4A-4C are substantially
similar to those disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B so that the same
reference numbers indicate like features.
[0027] In contrast to previous embodiments, the setting 60, which
is shown in a perspective view of FIG. 4D, is not spherical. In
general, the setting 60 can be a plate or other substantially flat
member, for example. In the present embodiment, the setting 60 includes
a decorative portion 61 and a mounting portion 63. The decorative
portion 61 can be a stone or the like that is attached to the mounting
portion 63 and extends above the mounting area 24 when positioned
on the shank 20. The mounting portion 34 can be a substantially
flat rectangle, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, or can have any other
shape. The mounting portion 63 may include a toe 65 that fits in
a recess 25 of the mounting area 24 to facilitate positioning of
the setting 60 in the mounting area 24 of the shank 20.
[0028] With the capture module 40 removed, the interchangeable
setting 60 is positioned within the mounting area 24 substantially
along one axis A.sub.2, shown in FIG. 4C. The sides 22a, 22b of
the shank 20 hold sides 62a, 62b of the setting 60 substantially
along axes orthogonal to the one axis A.sub.2. The capture module
40 is then fit onto the bridge 26 of the shank 20 by inserting the
slot 46 in the module 40 onto the bridge 26 of the shank 20 from
the direction of the finger opening 21. When fit onto the bridge
26, the sides 44a, 44b of the module 40 hold the sides 64a, 64b
of the setting 60 in the mounting area 24 substantially along the
one axis A.sub.2. When the article 14 is worn, the finger of the
wearer in the opening 21 of the shank 20 prevents the sides 44a,
44b of the module 40 from moving away from the setting 60. Consequently,
the setting 60 is prevented from escaping the mounting area 24 from
any direction. Because the setting 60 and module 40 are interchangeable,
the aesthetic value of the jewelry article 14 is enhanced. In addition,
the setting 60 and module 40 are symmetrical and couple together
so that the fact that they are interchangeable can be sufficiently
disguised.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, another embodiment of a jewelry
article 16 having an interchangeable setting 30 and a capture module
60 is illustrated in an assembled state. Aspects of the jewelry
article 16 of FIGS. 5A-5B are substantially similar to those disclosed
in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B so that the same reference numbers indicate
like features. The interchangeable setting 30 in the present embodiment
defines a bore 31. Although the setting 30 is spherical, it can
have any desired shape. The capture module 70 includes an arm 71
attached to a body 73.
[0030] With the setting 30 and capture module 70 removed from the
shank 20, the interchangeable setting 30 is positioned within the
mounting area 24 substantially along one axis A.sub.3. The sides
22a, 22b of the shank 20 hold the setting 40 substantially along
axes orthogonal to the one axis A.sub.1. The arm 71 of the capture
module 70 is inserted through a slot or hole 75 in the shank 20
and inserted into the bore 31 of the setting 30. The body 73 of
the module 70 then positions adjacent the opening 21 of the shank
21. When fit into the bore 31, the arm 71 of the module 70 holds
the setting 40 in the mounting area 24 substantially along the one
axis A.sub.3.
[0031] Preferably, the body 73 of the module 70 is contoured like
the opening 21 and is fit within a recess 29 defined in the opening
21. When the article 16 is worn, the finger of the wearer in the
opening 21 of the shank 20 prevents the arm 71 of the module 70
from being removed from the bore 31 of the setting 30. Consequently,
the setting 30 is prevented from escaping the mounting area 24 from
any direction. In addition, most of the setting 30 is visible on
the shank 20, which can enhance the aesthetic value of the jewelry
article 16.
[0032] The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments
is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability
of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. In exchange
for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicants
desires all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore,
it is intended that the invention include all modifications and
alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of
the following claims or the equivalents thereof. |