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Patent Abstract
The present invention is directed to an item of jewelry comprised
of a ring with shank, where the shank defines a disk opening. A
message disk is mounted within the disk opening. The message disk
is rotatable, transversely to the shank within the disk opening,
so as to display an inscription thereon.
Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An item of jewelry, said jewelry item comprising, a ring with
shank, said shank defining a disk opening; and a message disk, mounted
within said disk opening, wherein said message disk is rotatable,
transversely to said shank, within said disk opening, so as to display
an inscription thereon.
2. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 1, wherein said message
disk maintains a plurality of inscriptions thereon, said message
disk rotatable within said disk opening so as to display a desired
inscription among a plurality of inscriptions.
3. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inscription
is a textual message.
4. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inscription
is decorative design.
5. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
second message disk, said message disk simultaneously being disposed
within said disk opening.
6. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 5, wherein said message
disks, disposed within said disk opening contain complementary messages.
7. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 1, wherein said, message
disk is supported in said disk opening by a fixing device.
8. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 7, wherein said jewelry
further comprises a second message disk, said message disk, wherein
said message disks are interchangeable with one another.
9. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fixing
device is any one of a sprow, solid pin, and screw.
10. An item of jewelry, said jewelry item comprising, a ring with
shank, a setting for an jewelry stone; and a message disk, mounted
between said shank and said setting, wherein said message disk is
rotatable, transversely to said shank, so as to display an inscription
thereon.
11. An item of jewelry, said jewelry item comprising, a jewelry
component, said jewelry component defining a disk opening; and a
message disk, mounted within said disk opening, wherein said message
disk is rotatable, within said disk opening, so as to display an
inscription thereon.
12. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 11, wherein said jewelry
component is a setting for a jewelry stone.
13. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 11, wherein said jewelry
component is a clasp.
14. The jewelry item as claimed in claim 11, wherein said jewelry
component is a bail.
15. An item of jewelry, said jewelry item comprising, a ring with
shank, and a message disk, mounted on said shank, wherein said message
disk is rotatable, transversely to said shank, so as to display
an inscription thereon.
16. An item of jewelry, said jewelry item comprising, a jewelry
component, said jewelry component having upper and lower support
rings defining a disk opening; a connecting means for connecting
said jewelry piece to a chain; and a message disk, mounted within
said disk opening between said upper and lower support rings in
a position opposite said connecting means, wherein said message
disk is rotatable, within said disk opening, so as to display an
inscription thereon.
Patent Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. xx/xxx,xxx filed on May 24, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to jewelry. More particularly,
the present invention relates to an improvement to jewelry allowing
for the addition of a movable and rotatable message disk.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various types of jewelry have been used throughout the ages
for decorative and celebratory purposes by people throughout the
world. All forms of metal, jewels, stones and other valuables have
been used to adorn jewelry, adding aesthetic qualities, color and
value.
[0004] More recently, many forms of jewelry have employed moving
parts in order to enhance their value and functionality. The most
common use of movable parts typically involves elements of the clasp
that connect the ends of the jewelry to one another. Other moving
jewelry parts include moveable bands, jewel settings and chain arrangements
that allow for flexibility and varied designs.
[0005] Another typical feature currently available in the field
of jewelry is engraved or printed messages included on the surface
of the jewelry. For example, identification engravings and personal
messages are typically engraved into wedding bands and bracelets
for any number of personal reasons. In addition to, personal messages,
engraved or printed messages can include generic statements such
as, "friendship, "love," and "forever,"
decorative designs, and other such inscriptions that may be mass
produced for a larger range of consumers.
[0006] However, there exists a need to producer high quality jewelry
that incorporates the advantages of message inscriptions with moveable
parts so as to allow a wearer to alter the displayed message as
desired.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention looks to introduce an new and novel
invention into the field of jewelry that provides a rotatable message
disk into or near the jewelry setting, capable of displaying a number
of different messages.
[0008] To this end, the present invention provides for an item
of jewelry, comprised of a ring with shank, the shank defining a
disk opening. A message disk, is mounted within the disk opening,
such that the message disk is rotatable, transversely to the shank,
within the disk opening, so as to display an inscription thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings,
which are for illustrative purposes only:
[0010] FIG. 1A is side view of a ring with a message disk therein,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 1B is side view of a ring of FIG. 1A without the message
disk, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the ring from FIG. 1A, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a side view of a message disk, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a side view of a message disk, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3C is a top view of the message disks of either FIGS.
3A or 3B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4A is a side view of a ring with a message disk therein,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4B is an expanded view of a disassembled ring and message
disk from FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5, is a side view of a ring with a message disk thereon,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of a pendant with a message disk therein,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of the pendant from FIG. 6, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the pendant from FIG. 6, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9A is top view of a bangle with a message disk therein,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9B is a side view of the bangle from FIG. 9A, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10A is top view of a bracelet portion with a message
disk therein, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10B is a side view of the bracelet portion from FIG.
10A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11A is a front view of a clasp with a message disk
therein, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11B is a side view of the clasp from FIG. 11A, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12A is a front view of a bail with a message disk therein,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 12B is a side view of the bail from FIG. 12A, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is
illustrated in FIG. 1A, a ring 10, having a series of prongs 12,
with a stone 14 set within. As illustrated more clearly in FIG.
1B, the shank 16 of ring 10 is slightly raised near prongs 12 so
as to provide a disk opening 18. As shown in FIG. 1A, a message
disk 20 is inserted into disk opening 18, and is secured in place
by a fixing device 22 such as a sprow, solid pin or screw. It is
understood that ring 10 may be constructed from any typical ring,
requiring a shank 16 only, however, ring 10, having both a shank
16 and prongs 12, will be used throughout for illustrating the salient
features of the present invention.
[0031] Message disk 20 may be constructed of metal, such as gold,
silver or platinum, and preferably of the same material used for
ring 10, however the invention is not limited in this respect. Any
substance a designer may use, to create a similar message disk 20
is within the contemplation of the present invention.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, message disk 20 is typically
constructed in a cylindrical fashion such that the profile of the
cylinder is substantially in proportion to the size of ring 10,
or stone 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, message disk
20 is approximately the same width as stone 14, and, from the top
(FIG. 2), is not visible beyond the circumference of stone 14.
[0033] As detailed in FIG. 3C, from the top, message disk 20 is
preferably constructed in a cylindrical fashion with an opening
24 located in the center used for accepting fixing device 22, for
mounting within disk opening 18. A message surface 26 is provided
around the outer circumference of disk 20 for displaying text or
other decorative elements. However, it is understood that any similar
constructed message disk 20, capable of rotation and attachment
within disk opening 18 is also within the contemplation of the present
invention. For example, message disk 20 may maintain an octagonal
message surface 26 so that it may maintain a flush profile with
the sides of shank 16 of in ring 10 in its various display positions.
As such, any shape message surface 26 for message disk 20 may be
used provided it may properly rotate within disk opening 18.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, message surface 26 of message
disk is typically marked or engraved with words, such as "love,"
"friend," "together;" and so on. In addition
to such generic messages, message disk 20 may be engraved or marked
with personalized messages regarding anniversaries, birthdays, weddings,
and other special events. Alternatively, message surface 26 of message
disk 20 may be engraved or marked with illustrations such as those
displayed in FIG. 3B. Illustrations, may be of any typical engravings
used on jewelry such as Celtic bands, religious insignias, or simply
generic drawings. Likewise, the illustrations may be personalized
engravings or markings chosen by the wearer. Preferably engravings
are placed on message surface 26, via a laser engraving, however
any known method of engraving, such as hand engraving, stamped writing
or roller engraving may be used.
[0035] Once message surface 26 of message disk 20 is posited with
the appropriate inscription, it is placed within disk opening 18
of shank 16. Once in place, fixing device 22 is inserted upwardly,
into the inside of shank 16 and up through disk opening 18, through
opening 24 of message disk 20, then all the way through back to
shank 16 again holding message disk 20 in place. In this position,
message disk 20 is held in place from falling out of disk opening
18, and is simultaneously allowed to rotate, transversely to shank
16, about the center axis (opening 24), around fixing device 22
so that the desired messages displayed on message surface 26 may
be displayed to the wearer, as illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0036] It is understood that message disk 20 may be able to freely
rotate about fixing device 22 or, alternatively, it can be set for
a ratcheting motion so that desired message is biased to stay visible,
directed to the sides of shank 16, until the wearer actively rotates
message disk 20 to a different desired message.
[0037] Furthermore, it is noted that fixing device 22, may be used
for either permanent or temporary attachment of message disk 20
into disk opening 18 of shank 16. For example, in one embodiment
of the present invention, ring 10 may be purchased having a single
message disk therein, permanently attached to shank 16 by fixing
device 22. Alternatively, in another embodiment, ring 10 may be
sold with a plurality of message disks 20, each maintaining different
inscriptions, such that user can remove one message disk 20 by removing
fixing device 22 and replacing message disks 20 as desired, replacing
fixing device 22 for securing new message disk 20. In yet another
alternative arrangement, multiple message disks 20, may be utilized
on top of one another within a single disk opening 18. In such an
arrangement, multiple message disks may be either independent of
one another or may be utilized so as display complimentary words,
phrases or designs.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 4A, in another embodiment of the present
invention a ring 110 is provided having prongs 112 and a shank 116.
As illustrated, a message disk 120, such as those in FIGS. 3A-3C,
are attached directly to the top of shank 116 below the center of
prongs 112. As shown in FIG. 4B, prongs 116, forming setting 115,
act as the upper mount for message disk 120. In such an arrangement,
a fixing device 122, such as screw, sprow or solid pin, is inserted
entirely through shank 116, into an opening 124 of message disk
120, and through to the under side of setting 115. This configuration
holds message disk 120 between the top of shank 116 and the bottom
of setting 115, allowing it to rotate to display the desired message.
In an alternative arrangement, as illustrate in FIG. 5, a ring 110
is displayed having only a message disk 120, disposed on shank 116
for transverse rotation, held in place by fixing device 122.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, a pendant 210 is provided, having prongs 212, an upper
circumferential support ring 213 and a lower circumferential support
ring 215. Between upper and lower support rings 213 and 215 is a
disk opening 218 for maintaining a rotating message disk 220, such
as those described above with respect to the previous embodiments.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 (top) and 8 (bottom), disposed
opposite of the pendant bail 230, is a fixing device 218, such as
a screw, sprow or solid pin. Fixing device 218 is moved upwardly
from bottom support ring 215 through an opening 224 of message disk
220 an into upper supporting ring 215. In this arrangement, message
disk 220 is able to move about its center opening 224 displaying
the desired messages thereon in a in a visible position, opposite
bail 230.
[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in another embodiment,
a bangle 310 is provided, having settings 315. In or around settings
315 is a disk opening 318. Within disk opening 318 is a message
disk 320, such as those described above with respect to the previous
embodiments. In such an arrangement, message disk 320 can be placed
in or around the stone setting 315 or, alternatively they can be
placed directly into the metal itself, anywhere along bangle 310.
[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a bracelet 410 is provided, having a series
of settings 415, along its length. A message disk 420 is proved
in one or more of the setting 415 so as to provide for a series
of message along the length of the bracelet.
[0043] Turning to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a clasp 510 is provided having
a message disk 520 therein, similar to the messages disks described
above in FIGS. 3A-3C. It is noted that although FIGS. 11A and 11B,
show a lobster claw clasp, it is understood that the use of a similar
message disk 520 with any form of clasp, such as spring ring, screw
or box catch clasps, are all within the contemplation of the present
invention.
[0044] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B
a bail 610 is provided having a message disk 620 therein, similar
to the messages disks described above in FIGS. 3A-3C. Message disk
620 is held in place by fixing device 622, allowing message disk
620 to rotate freely.
[0045] It is understood that message disks 20, described throughout
the application and shown in use with rings, bracelets, bails, clasps
and bangles, however, this is in no way intended to limit the scope
of the present invention. Any similar application, containing a
similar message disk, having a text or pictographic image thereon,
in use with any typw of jewelry, is within the contemplation of
the present invention.
[0046] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated
and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes
or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is
therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to
cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true
spirit of the invention.
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