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Patent Abstract
The present invention provides inter-transformative jewelry articles,
and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative
jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted
to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach,
wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape
or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and
adaptive parts
Patent Claims
1. A jewelry article comprising: an elongated member having two
ends, a first intermediate magnet attached to the elongated member
between the two ends, and a plurality of various ornaments adapted
to be magnetically attached to the intermediate magnet, whereby
the jewelry article is inter-transformative and adapted to change
or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein
one shape or design becomes another shape or design.
2. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the ornaments are selected
from the group consisting of: dangles, pendants, charms, covers,
beads, finger rings, earrings, nipple rings, belly rings, toe rings,
wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklaces, chokers, headbands,
barrettes, belts, precious stones, semi-precious stones, precious
metals, semi-precious metals, glass, metal, clay, polymers, stone,
bone, nuts, seeds, wood, shells, plastic, paper, fabric, leather,
cubes, cylinders, discs, cones, pyramids, stars, hearts, animal
shapes, letters, toys, pocket-book-straps, watch bands, faux piercings,
alpha-numeric characters, and combinations thereof.
3. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein each of the two ends
comprises a terminal magnet, and wherein the terminal magnets are
adapted to be optionally, magnetically attached to each other or
to an ornament.
4. The jewelry article of claim 1, further comprising at least
one additional magnet attached to the elongated member between the
two ends and spaced apart from the intermediate magnet.
5. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of various ornaments further comprises at least one of a respective
terminal magnet, a second intermediate magnet, and a layered magnet
having a specific polarity relative to the specific polarity of
the first intermediate magnet, whereby the ornaments magnetically
connect to the first intermediate magnet in a predetermined orientation.
6. The jewelry article of claim 5, wherein the pre-determine orientation
is end-to-end, side-to-side, or side-to-end.
7. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the intermediate magnet
is neodymium.
8. The jewelry article of claim 3, wherein the terminal magnet
is neodymium.
9. The jewelry article of claim 4, wherein the additional magnet
is neodymium.
10. The jewelry article of claim 5, wherein the respective terminal
magnets are neodymium.
11. A jewelry article comprising: an elongated member having two
ends, an intermediate magnet attached to the elongated member between
the two ends, a layered magnet adapted to be magnetically attached
to the intermediate magnet, and a plurality of various ornaments
adapted to be magnetically attached to the intermediate magnet and
layered magnet, whereby the jewelry article is inter-transformative
and adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach
or detach, wherein one shape or design becomes another shape or
design.
12. The jewelry article of claim 11, wherein the ornaments are
selected from the group consisting of: dangles, pendants, charms,
covers, beads, finger rings, earrings, nipple rings, belly rings,
toe rings, wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklaces, headbands,
barrettes, belts, precious stones, semi-precious stones, precious
metals, semi-precious metals, glass, metal, clay, polymers, stone,
bone, nuts, seeds, wood, shells, plastic, paper, fabric, leather,
cubes, cylinders, discs, cones, pyramids, stars, hearts, animal
shapes, letters, toys, and combinations thereof.
13. The jewelry article of claim 11, wherein each of the two ends
of the elongated member comprises a terminal magnet, and wherein
the terminal magnets are adapted to be optionally, magnetically
attached to each other or to an ornament.
14. The jewelry article of claim 11, further comprising at least
one additional magnet attached to the elongated member between the
two ends and spaced apart from the intermediate magnet.
15. The jewelry article of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality
of various ornaments comprises a respective terminal magnet having
a specific polarity relative to the specific polarity of the intermediate
magnet and layered magnet, whereby the ornaments magnetically connect
to the intermediate magnet or layered magnet in a predetermined
orientation.
16. The jewelry article of claim 15, wherein the pre-determine
orientation is end-to-end, side-to-side, or side-to-end.
17. The jewelry article of claim 11, wherein the intermediate magnet
and the layered magnet are neodymium.
18. The jewelry article of claim 13, wherein the terminal magnet
is neodymium.
19. The jewelry article of claim 14, wherein the at least one additional
magnet is neodymium.
20. The jewelry article of claim 15, wherein the respective terminal
magnets are neodymium.
Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to articles that are intended to
be worn upon the person as ornaments. This invention is also related
to fastenings comprising material utilizing magnetism.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Of the many types of ornaments that people use to decorate
their bodies, some of the most popular types are beaded jewelry,
charms, and pendants. Beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants are usually
inexpensive, casual, and cute, which is appealing to everyone.
[0005] Like any other fashion market, due to ever-changing consumer
demand, the market for beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants is under
extreme pressure to constantly provide new designs to consumers.
Continually providing fresh looks is both expensive in terms of
development and manufacture, and risky because there can be no guarantee
that the desired crowd of consumers will embrace any particular
design.
[0006] Therefore, there is an ongoing need to provide new, desirable,
and inexpensive beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants to consumers.
In particular, and especially in light of the defining, but sometimes
conflicting, human desires of treasuring the past and creating the
future, there is an ongoing need to provide new, desirable, and
inexpensive jewelry that can change and transform, attach and detach,
and be expanded and simplified, so that previous pieces can still
be used while new pieces can always be incorporated in ever changing
designs envisioned and executed by the actual wearer.
[0007] Jewelry systems and convertible jewelry articles are known
in the art. However, as discussed hereinbelow, prior art jewelry
systems and convertible jewelry articles do not meet the above-identified
consumer needs because the prior art jewelry systems are either
proprietary, un-expandable, non-transformable, and/or limited in
design or construction.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0110798 to
Ignatowski describes a three-piece convertible eyeglass retainer/jewelry
article. An article according to lgnatowski is convertible from
an eyeglass retainer to multiple independent jewelry articles, such
as a necklace, bracelet, dangling glass extension, or hair jewelry.
Of course, the essential characteristic of the jewelry article of
the Ignatowski publication is the eyeglass retainer. While one or
two of the strands can be used as a necklace or bracelet, at least
one of the strands is inevitably adapted for attachment with a temple
arm of eyeglasses. Thus, the Ignatowski patent does not provide
or even suggest true inter-transformation or inter-changeability.
[0009] U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0148251 to Plumly describes
a jewelry system including a locket clasp for conversion of a bracelet
into a necklace. A jewelry finding according to Plumly is provided
as a neck accessory with locket clasps and/or flexible loops at
the ends thereof, which enables a flexible bracelet to be worn as
a necklace. However, the clear shortcoming of the Plumly patent
is the limited scope of the solution it provides. Specifically,
the jewelry finding of the Plumly patent does not accommodate any
other type of jewelry except bracelets. For example, the jewelry
finding of the Plumly patent cannot be used with earrings, while
using the jewelry finding with a necklace would be superfluous at
best. Thus, the Plumly patent provides a narrow solution to a specific
problem, and does not provide true inter-transformation where one
design can be augmented or simplified to become a completely different
design or item or article.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,871 to Romano describes a jewelry system
including a necklace assembly having opposed end that are connectable
to one another by releasably lockable primary finding components.
The primary necklace assembly of the Romano patent comprises three
pre-set pieces--a first bracelet component, a second bracelet component,
and a pin component--that are attached together by auxiliary findings.
Substantial design and construction effort is employed in order
to make the auxiliary findings between the three components as "unobtrusive"
as possible. In fact, while the primary findings of the Romano patent
may be of "prior art" construction, the auxiliary findings
are unusual and specific to the Romano patent, which means that
the jewelry system of the Romano patent does not have free and unlimited
inter-transformability and interchangeability. For example, due
to the fact that the auxiliary findings of the Romano patent are
not a general or common type of finding, it is clearly not possible
to replace or interchange the pin component of the Romano patent
with a pin component from a previous or future jewelry system.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,252 to Mochizuki describes a combination
necklace that can be assembled in different configurations from
separate necklaces of different or equal lengths. The Mochizuki
patent provides only longer or shorter loops that are mechanically
coupled together. In other words, the combination necklace of the
Mochizuki patent can be a long necklace, a choker, a bracelet, an
anklet, or any or loop-type jewelry article. However, the combination
necklace of the Mochizuki patent is not adapted to become an earring,
or a pendant, or some other type of non-loop jewelry. Also, the
combination necklace of the Mochizuki patent cannot be augmented
or enhanced with pendants, charms, or the like. Moreover, the Mochizuki
patent does not disclose or even suggest the use of magnets. Thus,
like the foregoing references, the combination necklace of the Mochizuki
patent does not provide true inter-transformation where one design
can be augmented or simplified to become a completely different
design.
[0012] It is known in the art to provide magnet clasps to secure
or close two ends of a jewelry article. For a recent example, U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0061689 describes a magnetic
jewelry clasp comprising two bodies that each have a surface magnetically
attracted to the other. It is also known in the art to provide jewelry
with magnets for purported therapeutic effects. For a recent example,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0173692 describes a
magnetic key chain can be understood to be used on a living body,
including around the wrist, around the arm, fingers, legs, ankles,
and neck. Supposedly, a wide range of therapeutic benefits may be
realized by wearing the magnetic jewelry at a variety of locations
on the body.
[0013] It should be recognized, that using magnets as simple clasps
or for their purported therapeutic effect clearly fails to full
exploit the versatility of magnets.
[0014] It should be further recognized that each prior reference
provides for, and requires, the retention of the original form despite
a possible change in use, resulting in a mere connection in a different
way without inter-transformation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides
inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making
and using the same. Essentially, inter-transformative jewelry articles
according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose,
expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design
or article or item becomes another shape or design or item or article
by using diverse, interchangeable parts. In one preferred embodiment,
a jewelry article according to the present invention comprises a
filament or elongated member, a magnet threaded on or attached to
the filament, and a plurality of ornamental items.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according
to the present invention comprises one or more of a plurality of
magnets or a band of magnetic material, without a filament or elongated
member, wherein the magnets are releasably, magnetically attached
to each other in various and diverse shapes and designs.
[0017] In either preferred embodiment, at least one magnet is preferably
adapted for releasable magnetic connection with a dangle, pendant,
necklace, charm, and/or decorative cover piece or item or article.
[0018] Depending upon its form, jewelry articles according to the
present invention may also comprise a magnetic or non-magnetically
coupled clasp (i.e., for a necklace, etc.), a magnetic or non-magnetically
coupled hook (i.e., for an earring), a magnetically or non-magnetically
coupled pin (i.e., for a broche), or another suitable closure and/or
attachment device for user convenience. Alternatively, jewelry articles
according to the present invention may comprise a band or loop,
whereby using a closure and/or attachment device would be unnecessary.
Dangles, pendants, charms, belly button clasps, other non-piercing
body jewelry and/or any other adaptive covers according to the present
invention preferably comprise at least one magnet adapted for releasable
magnetic connection with the jewelry article. In this manner, the
present invention provides easy adaptation for a wide array of adaptive
designs, articles, items, or jewelry or art products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a jewelry article according to the present
invention, wherein the jewelry article is a necklace;
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a dangle jewelry article as one example of
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1B shows a pendent jewelry article as another example
of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1C shows a charm jewelry article as another example
of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1D shows a magnet cover according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cut-away detail view of the magnet, filament,
and beads of the jewelry article of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a jewelry article according to the present
invention, wherein the jewelry article is a ring;
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a jewelry article according to the present
invention, wherein the jewelry article is a drop-style earring;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a pair of jewelry articles according to the
present invention, wherein the jewelry articles are connected and
configured as an article of apparel, which is a belt;
[0028] FIG. 6A shows a multi-layered jewelry article according
to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of a group of magnets showing
their respective, specific polarities;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of a jewelry article showing a magnet
and cover assembly;
[0031] FIG. 8A is a jewelry article according to the present invention
showing a combination of several significant aspects of the present
invention, namely connectability, layering, and a variety of ornaments;
[0032] FIG. 8B is a component of jewelry article 8A transformed
into a bracelet with a dangle;
[0033] FIG. 8C is a component of jewelry article 8A transformed
into a pair of magnetic earrings;
[0034] FIG. 8D is a component of jewelry article 8A transformed
into a ring with a magnet cover;
[0035] FIG. 8E is a component of jewelry article 8A transformed
into a simple necklace;
[0036] FIG. 9A is a jewelry article according to the present invention
that does not require a base element (i.e., a filament) to hold
the individual bead elements together;
[0037] FIG. 9B is a partial sectional view of FIG. 9B showing the
non-filament magnetic connection through the components;
[0038] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention
noting the use of terminal magnets along the length of a jewelry
item allowing oriented (horizontal, vertical, dangle, drooped) positioning;
[0039] FIG. 11 is another alternative embodiment of the present
invention suggesting one use in a layering effect;
[0040] FIG. 12 is another alternative embodiment of the present
invention noting the capacity of multiple layers, intermediate magnetic
items, decorative features, and other items;
[0041] FIG. 13 is another alternative embodiment of the present
invention suggesting the combination of layering designs and individual
decorative bead elements in combination with multiple magnets; and
[0042] FIG. 14 is another alternative embodiment of the present
invention suggesting the use of a flexible magnetic member to replaceably
receive multiple individual bead elements and layered magnets with
dangles, loops, and other designs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Specific features and advantages offered by the present
invention are described hereinbelow in reference to several preferred
embodiments. Specifically, a first preferred embodiment is discussed
in reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A second preferred embodiment is discussed
in reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. An additional preferred embodiment
is discussed in reference to FIG. 9 discussing magnetic attachment.
The following preferred embodiments have certain particular features
and advantages, but jewelry articles according to the present invention
may nonetheless have nearly innumerable configurations, and the
present invention is not limited to any preferred embodiment. Moreover,
while the preferred embodiments described hereinbelow all make use
of magnets, the present invention contemplates that the inter-connection
of the various components and ornaments used in the present invention
may be accomplished using other releasable means, such as clips,
hook-and-loop closures, and even non-permanent glue.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, there is shown
a first preferred jewelry article according to the present invention.
The jewelry article of FIG. 1 is a necklace. The necklace comprises
a filament 10 (see FIG. 2) and a variety of beads 30. Significantly,
the necklace comprises a plurality of magnets. As described hereinafter,
the magnets are either terminal magnets 20 or intermediate magnets
25. Those skilled in the art should readily understand, that while
terminal and intermediate magnets (20, 25, etc.) are discussed in
various embodiments and shown in various polarity orientations;
the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown.
It should be understood, that terminal and intermediate magnets,
or other magnatizable materials (e.g., steel, etc.) used in lieu
thereof, may be interchanged and re-positioned in alternative magnetic
orientation to provide for additional adaptive embodiments.
[0045] Filament 10 may be made from any suitable structure or material,
for example a metal wire, string, rope, leather, fabric strips,
thread, rubber strands, or elastic material. Filament 10 may be
flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. For example, a necklace according
to the present invention could use a flexible filament, while a
bracelet could use a semi-rigid filament, and a barrette or hair-comb
could use a rigid filament. Beads 30 have distinctive shapes, but
are not limited to any specific shape. Beads 30 may be made from
any suitable type of material, including glass, metal, clay, polymers,
stone, bone, and natural substances, such as nuts, seeds, wood,
shells, plastic, paper, fabric, or leather.
[0046] Terminal magnets 20 and intermediate magnets 25 are adapted
for releasable magnetic connection with each other or with an ornament,
which may be, for example, a dangle 40, pendant 50, charm 60, or
cover 70. As discussed in further detail hereinbelow, ornaments
for the present invention are practically unlimited in variation,
and may be adapted as inter-transformational jewelry items, such
that the ornament may be formed into several shapes or designs.
For example, a dangle may be inter-transformed into a ring, bracelet,
etc.
[0047] Terminal magnets 20 and intermediate magnets 25 may be any
suitable shape, including cubes, cylinders, discs, cones, pyramids
(see FIG. 6A), stars, hearts, etc. Magnets 20 and 25 are preferably
neodymium, but may be any suitable material, including, without
limitation, hematite, steel, or a ferro-magnetic material. Neodymium
is one preferred material for magnets 20 and 25 because it provides
a relatively stronger magnetic field by weight, which allows for
longer and/or heavier ornaments to be attached thereto. It is recognized
that additional materials (other rare earth metals, etc.) may also
be used to generate the magnetic field. A stronger magnetic field
also provides a more secure connection between pairs of magnets,
whereby ornaments are less likely to drop off of the jewelry article.
[0048] A jewelry article according to the first preferred embodiment
of the present invention will comprise at least one intermediate
magnet 25 (see FIG. 2) and may comprise two or more terminal magnets
20. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of terminal magnets 20 may be used
as a clasp and the remaining intermediate magnets 25 are used for
magnetic connection with a dangle 40, pendant 50, charm 60, or cover
70. Alternatively, jewelry articles according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a more
conventional clasp (not shown), whereby using a pair of terminal
magnets as a clasp would be unnecessary.
[0049] As described in further detail hereinafter, dangles 40,
pendants 50, and charms 60, according to the present invention may
adaptively comprise at least one terminal magnet 20, layer magnet
28, intermediate magnet 25, or other magnetic item adapted for optional,
releasable magnetic connection with related terminal, layer, or
intermediate magnets (20, 25, 28), or a flexible magnetic band portion
on the jewelry article.
[0050] Magnet covers 70 according to the present invention will
comprise a base magnet 72 and a cover element 75. In various adaptive
embodiments, magnet cover 70 may or may not comprise a filament
in comparison to dangles 40, pendants 50, and charms 60, or other
articles or items. In a similar manner, beads 30, cover element
75 may be any suitable materials (e.g., plastic, rhinestones, etc.)
and any aesthetic shape (e.g., flowers, domes, cones, pyramids,
stars, hearts, moons, etc.). In the present discussion, it should
be understood, that magnet covers 70 and other items and articles
of the present invention may include adaptive covers 75, for example
in the shape of a flower, and this cover may itself be made from
a magnet or a magnatizable material.
[0051] Ornaments useful in the present invention are not limited
to fashionable or trendy materials and aesthetics. In fact, ornaments
useful in the present invention may be very refined (e.g., precious
and/or semi-precious stones and metals) or just plain fun (e.g.,
toys, letters, and animal shapes), or anything in between.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a detail view of an
ornament in the form of a dangle 40 connected to a jewelry article.
The detail view of FIG. 2 is a cut-away view to show how the various
magnets and beads are interconnected. It should be understood, that
while FIG. 2 is presented for the present description, the polarity
shown is not restrictive and may be otherwise adapted and position
depending upon a user's and designer's preference or a particular
shape, item, or article employed in the design.
[0053] As shown, filament 10 of the jewelry article extends through
beads 30 and intermediate magnet 25. A second filament 10' underpins
dangle 40, and extends through the beads 30' thereon. The second
filament 10' terminates in a terminal magnet 20. As is shown in
FIG. 2, terminal magnet 20 and intermediate magnet 25 have respective
channels 21 and 26, through which extend their respective filaments.
In terminal magnet 20, channel 21 ends at a recess 22, which is
the significant difference between the structure of a terminal magnet
20 and an intermediate magnet 25. It is noted that those skilled
in the art should also recognize that terminal and intermediate
magnets may be switched, used as replacements according to adaptive
interpretations of the present invention, or repositioned along
the length of filament to enable new designs, articles, or items.
[0054] As shown in the present embodiment, the end of filament
10' is finished with a knot 27 or another suitable end so that filament
10' cannot be pulled out of terminal magnet 20, and recess 22 is
provided so that knot 27 does not protrude out of terminal magnet
20.
[0055] A significant and advantageous feature of the present invention
is the ability to combine several jewelry articles and ornaments
to make innovative and fresh designs. In fact, the present invention
provides an enormous variation of jewelry articles, including (but
not limited to) finger rings (see FIG. 3), earrings (see FIG. 4),
nipple rings, nose rings, belly rings, toe rings, wrist bracelets,
ankle bracelets, chokers, necklaces (see FIG. 1), headbands, barrettes,
belts (see FIG. 5), watches, shoe buckles, pocket book straps, decorations,
faux (and actual) body piercings, and adaptive combinations of the
same (e.g., a nose ring+necklace combo), and so on.
[0056] It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that
employing the present invention in alternative embodiments may allow
a user to adaptively connect body parts via jewelry. For example,
a user may connect a nose ring with a magnetic earing, with a belly
button article simultaneously. In a second example, a user may attach
a belt or choker to a nipple or nose ring or in other combinations
dependent upon a user's selections.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, as a specific example of the variety
of designs provided by the present invention, there is shown a belt
that comprises four magnetically connected jewelry articles 80,
85, 90, and 95. As illustrated in FIG. 5, jewelry articles according
to the present invention are adapted to be used independently as
well as together. In fact, a user is neither limited to number of
jewelry articles that can be used together, nor the resulting configuration
of the jewelry articles that are used.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a second preferred
embodiment, which is indicated generally as reference numeral 100,
of a jewelry article according to the present invention. Significantly,
jewelry article 100 comprises layered magnets 28 in addition to
terminal magnets 20 and intermediate magnets 25, which are described
hereinabove. For the sake of clarity, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, terminal
magnets 20 of jewelry component 64 are distinguished from terminal
magnets 20' of jewelry component 66 and terminal magnet 20'' of
pendant 60, even though terminal magnets 20, 20', and 20'' are substantially
identical in form and use and, according to adaptive embodiments
may be magnets 25, 28 while retaining the present creative function
provided by the invention.
[0059] As shown specifically in FIG. 6B, by providing magnets 20,
20', and 28 with specific polarities, it is possible to layer those
magnets, in addition to merely connecting them end-to-end. Thereby,
jewelry article 100 may be designed in several dimensions or directions.
It is again noted, that the polarities shown are suggestive only,
and where for example magnet 28 is placed in a different orientation,
or is made in a different shape. In sum, the polarity orientation
may be adapted to suit a particular user's need or desire without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 6A, jewelry article 100 comprises
jewelry components 62, 64, and 66. The terminal magnets 20' of jewelry
component 66 are magnetically connected to respective terminal magnets
20 of jewelry component 64 is a substantially conventional end-to-end
manner. Moreover, the layered magnets 28 of jewelry component 62
are magnetically connected to respective terminal magnets 20' is
a substantially side-to-side manner. By optionally and alternatively
connecting the magnet in end-to-end and/or side-to-side manners,
jewelry article 100 has a depth or width that has heretofore not
been provided by conventional jewelry systems. In addition, referring
to FIG. 7, because all the ornaments discussed above in reference
to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention are equally
useful with the second preferred embodiment, given cover 70 with
magnet 72 having the appropriately specific polarity, layered magnet
28 may itself be layered upon, wherein cover 70 is magnetically
connected side-to-side with layered magnet 28, which is, in turn,
magnetically connected side-to-side with terminal magnet 20.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, with the additional feature of layered
magnets, the second preferred embodiment of the present invention
is even more flexible, adaptable, changeable, transformable, enhanceable,
simplifiable, attachable, and detachable, than the first preferred
embodiment, which is already rich with possibilities. The highly
ornamented necklace of FIG. 8A, is composed of a bracelet (FIG.
8B), magnetic earrings (FIG. 8C), faux lip/nose piercings, a ring
(FIG. 8D), and a choker necklace (FIG. 8E).
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is shown a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention wherein, due to the strong magnetic
quality of individual bead elements 35, no base element (i.e., a
filament) is required to hold individual bead elements 35 together.
The features and advantages of the present invention as described
hereinabove are still provided by the third preferred embodiment,
with the exception of a filament or the through-holes, channels,
and recesses necessary to accommodate such a filament. By completely
removing the constraint of a filament (as best shown in the cut-away
FIG. 9B showing continuous cross-sections), the third preferred
embodiment further improves on the underlying advantages of the
present invention, namely a practically unlimited ability to transform
into various jewelry components. It should be understood, that adaptive
embodiments of the present invention may replace the filament and
or the magnets with a continuous or segmented flexible magnetic
strip (i.e. flexible magnets) that enables the easy placement, replacement,
and transformative-use of any design with a variety of components
in the same spirit and scope as the above discussion. It should
be further understood, that while individual bead elements 35 are
shown in a generally rounded form, alternative embodiments are envisioned,
including interlocking geometric shapes or any other shape (each
individually magnets or magnatizable materials (e.g. steel) formed
to create designs without filaments.
[0063] As will be discussed below, additional alternative and adaptive
embodiments of the present invention are provided in additional
FIGS. 10-14. FIG. 10 emphasizes the ready adaptability of the present
invention to positioning a terminal magnet 20 along a continuous
chain allowing ready attachments of additional items, dangles, designs,
etc. The benefit of the present design, is that terminal magnet
20, employing its present polarity may be positioned in multiple
positions along the length of, for example, a necklace creating
additional attachment points.
[0064] FIG. 11 discloses other adaptive positioning for terminal
magnets 20, allowing smooth layering or multi-layering of designs,
items, or articles. The present embodiment makes clear that a user
can easily adapt the present invention to a variety designs employing
terminal magnets within a first strand while others at the end of
a member.
[0065] FIG. 12 discloses a more complex adaptive positioning of
terminal magnets 20, intermediate magnets 25, and multiple layered
magnets or magnet layer groups 28. As is readily apparent from the
design, a user can easily benefit from the unique polarity and forms
of the various components in an adaptive design allowing the incorporation
of multiple components in a final piece.
[0066] FIG. 13 discloses yet a further design employing multiple
layers of design and multiple individual bead elements 35 in combination
with terminal and intermediate magnets 20, 25. As can be seen from
this further representative example, layered, multi-layered, and
dangled designs are easily created without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 14 discloses yet a further embodiment of the present
invention employing multiple magnetic individual elements 35, magnet
layered items 28, positioned on a continuous flexible magnetic strap
or band 101. As discussed above, a flexible magnetic strap or band
101 may be used in place of a filament or non-filament multiple
magnet band. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
the present invention allows the ready replacement of and creative
designs using multiple individual decorative elements.
[0068] The present invention also contemplates systems or kits
for making the jewelry articles described hereinabove. Jewelry kits
according to the present invention are preferably complete craft
kits, comprising magnets, beads, and other materials and articles
sold in a single package and intended for use to create a finished
magnetic jewelry fashion article. The kits would include a plurality
of items useful for making the jewelry articles, including individual
filaments, individual magnets with or without specific polarity,
and any individual, interchangeable, jewelry components, such as
dangles, with or without magnets, as well as satin pouches, plastic
containers, beads-in-a-bottle, and bottles with corks, etc. The
end user makes a jewelry article in accordance with instructions
provided in the kit.
[0069] It should be recognized by one skilled in the art, that
in one preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according to the
present invention comprises a filament or elongated member, a magnet
threaded on or attached to the filament, and a plurality of ornamental
items. In another preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according
to the present invention comprises a plurality of magnets without
a filament or elongated member, wherein the magnets are releasably,
magnetically attached to each other or to various parts of a use's
body (e.g., an earing, etc.) in various and diverse shapes and designs.
In either preferred embodiment, at least one magnet is preferably
adapted for releasable magnetic connection with various ornaments,
such as a dangle, pendant, charm, and/or decorative cover piece,
or other drape-able or scoop item, or combinations thereof in any
draping or non-draping form in either a vertical or horizontal orientation
or combination thereof.
[0070] It should be further understood, that depending upon its
form, jewelry articles according to the present invention may comprise
a clasp (i.e., for a necklace), a hook (i.e., for an earring), a
pin (i.e., for a broche), or another suitable closure and/or attachment
device. Alternatively, jewelry articles according to the present
invention may comprise a band or loop, whereby using a closure and/or
attachment device would be unnecessary. Ornaments, such as dangles,
pendants, charms, and/or covers, according to the present invention
preferably comprise at least one magnet adapted for releasable magnetic
connection with the jewelry article or a magnatizable material or
material attractable to a magnet, including wherein the magnet is
in the form of a continuous flexible magnetic member adapted to
join with other magnetic or non-magnetic members.
[0071] In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are
intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail,
a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a
nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical
surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden
part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden
part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw,
and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art
as equivalent structures.
[0072] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way
of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way
of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are
to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
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