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Patent Abstract
Jewelry components that are magnetized with the same polarity and
that are associated with a retaining element or elements so that
they magnetically repulse each other and provide spatially arranged
components that form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore
unknown properties and advantages. The components are operatively
associated so as to magnetically repulse each other so a plurality
of such components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets,
chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic
force holding the components apart. When the components are moved
or positionally changed in the piece due to movement of the wearer,
gravitational changes or simple displacements, the magnetic forces
cause the components to return to their original positions. These
movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry articles that
include the components and elements.
Patent Claims
1. A jewelry article comprising at least first and second magnetic
jewelry-forming components, each configured and dimensioned in a
predetermined shape and having a magnetizable portion for repulsive
magnetic association with the other component, wherein the magnetizable
portions repulse each other with a magnetic strength that can be
overcome by a person's hand strength such that the components can
be placed in different positions relative to each other, and the
first component further comprises a retaining structure that prevents
the second component from being completely separated from the first
component when the magnetized portions of the components repulse
each other, such that the magnetic repulsion between the components
enables them to attain a first configuration wherein the second
component is positioned remotely from the first component and a
second configuration wherein the person's hand strength applies
a force to urge the components towards each other, wherein upon
release of the force the components return to the first configuration.
2. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein at least two jewelry
forming components are provided with magnetized portions that facilitate
retention of the components in spaced relation in a first position,
so that at least one component can be moved with respect to the
other by a user and, when the user releases the moved component,
it automatically returns to the first position.
3. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein the jewelry forming components
are arranged on an axis so that one can me moved rotationally with
respect to the other.
4. The jewelry article of claim 3 wherein the first and second
body members are at least partially arcuate in shape.
5. The jewelry article of claim 1 wherein one or all of the components
includes one or more adornments.
6. A magnetic jewelry-forming component for preparing a jewelry
article comprising a body member configured and dimensioned in an
ornamental shape and having a first magnetizable portion for repulsive
magnetic association with at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component and at least one further element that has a magnetized
portion of the same polarity as the first magnetizable portion for
magnetic association therewith, wherein the body member has a magnetic
strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength such that
the body member and at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component can be placed in different positions relative to each
other, and wherein the further element comprises a retaining structure
that prevents complete separation of the body member from the at
least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component when the first
magnetized portion of the body member is magnetically repulsed from
the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component, wherein
the body member has outer and inner surfaces, the at least one other
jewelry-forming component comprises at least one dimensioning member
that is operatively associated with the body member with the first
magnetizable portion of the body member and the dimensioning member
magnetically repulsing each other with a maximum magnetic strength
that can be overcome by a person's hand strength, such that the
magnetic repulsion between the body and dimensioning members enables
the component to attain a first configuration wherein the dimensioning
member is positioned remotely from the body member and a second
configuration wherein the person's hand strength urges the dimensioning
members towards the body member.
7. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, wherein a plurality
of magnetized locations are symmetrically distributed on the component
member and each has about the same size and shape.
8. The jewelry-forming component of claim 7, wherein the plurality
of magnetized locations are arranged so that the components are
uniquely engageable to form the article.
9. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, which further includes
an adornment of a precious stone, a material having a different
color from that of the body member, indicia, or a part of a character,
pattern or design.
10. The jewelry-forming component of claim 6, wherein the magnetic
field emitted or radiated by the plurality of magnetized locations
is configured in an indicia or other ornamental pattern that is
invisible until revealed by magnetic particles or films.
Patent Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of application No. 60/725,132
filed Oct. 7, 2005, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The invention relates to jewelry components that are magnetized
and joined to form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore
unknown properties and advantages. In particular, the present invention
relates to jewelry components that magnetically repulse each other
so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into
rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the
like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart.
[0003] Jewelry articles are generally made of different types of
precious metals and stones and are held together by mechanical linkages
or interconnections. This is of course well known to the skilled
artisans and in common use today. Designers are somewhat limited
by these mechanical connections, and it would be desirable to have
other joining forms for creation of new and unusual jewelry articles.
[0004] The use of magnetic force to join components is known in
the field. Various permanent magnets have been used, and these can
be provided with very strong magnetic fields. They are generally
used to hold two oppositely magnetized components together. Such
permanent magnets are generally made of non-precious metal alloys
and for that reason are not desirable for use in fine jewelry.
[0005] While there have been some attempts at making precious metal
magnets, two problems have been encountered. Many precious metal
magnets do not possess sufficient magnetic strength to secure jewelry
components together. Furthermore, attempts at alloying such metals
to increase their magnetic strength causes further dilution of the
precious metal content of the alloy, thus rendering it less desirable
for use in jewelry components or articles. A magnetized platinum
cobalt alloy is known, but previously has not been deemed to be
suitable for use in jewelry components or articles.
[0006] In addition, highly magnetic jewelry articles can be problematic
in certain situations. Contact of strong magnets with credit cards,
computer disks or other magnetically sensitive materials can cause
damage to such materials. Also, rings, bracelets and necklaces,
if strongly magnetized, are generally located such that they can
easily come in contact with magnetically sensitive materials to
cause damage or loss of information therein.
[0007] It also would be desirable to have magnetically joinable
jewelry components to assist designers in creating new visual appealing
designs or for these components to have magnetic strengths that
are sufficiently strong to hold the jewelry components in desired
arrangements or positions. The present invention now satisfies these
needs and provides other advantages for the use of magnetic components
in fine and costume jewelry applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention relates to jewelry components that are magnetized
with the same polarity and that are associated with a retaining
element or elements so that the components magnetically repulse
each other and provide spatially arranged components that form new
and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown properties
and advantages. In particular, the present invention relates to
jewelry components that include a retaining member and a plurality
of such components which are operatively associated so as to magnetically
repulse each other so a plurality of such components can be joined
or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands
or the like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart.
When the components are moved or positionally changed in the piece
due to movement of the wearer, gravitational changes or simple displacements,
the magnetic forces cause the components to return to their original
positions. These movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry
articles that include the components and elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE
[0009] The drawing figure illustrates a particular arrangement
of similarly polarized magnetized disks mounted in sliding relation
upon a shaft with the magnetic force providing a spaced vertical
relation. If the disks are separated or are moved to be closer together,
the magnetic force returns them to the arrangement shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The present invention relates to a jewelry article comprising
at least first and second magnetic jewelry-forming components, each
configured and dimensioned in a predetermined shape and having a
magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with the
other component, wherein the magnetizable portions repulse each
other with a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's
hand strength such that the components can be placed in different
positions relative to each other, and the first component further
comprises a retaining structure that prevents the second component
from being completely separated from the first component when the
magnetized portions of the components repulse each other, such that
the magnetic repulsion between the components enables them to attain
a first configuration wherein the second component is positioned
remotely from the first component and a second configuration wherein
the person's hand strength applies a force to urge the components
towards each other, wherein upon release of the force the components
return to the first configuration.
[0011] The invention also relates to a magnetic jewelry-forming
component for preparing a jewelry article comprising a body member
configured and dimensioned in an ornamental shape and having a first
magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with at
least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component and at least
one further element that has a magnetized portion of the same polarity
as the first magnetizable portion for magnetic association therewith,
wherein the body member has a magnetic strength that can be overcome
by a person's hand strength such that the body member and at least
one other magnetic jewelry-forming component can be placed in different
positions relative to each other, and wherein the further element
comprises a retaining structure that prevents complete separation
of the body member from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component when the first magnetized portion of the body member is
magnetically repulsed from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component, wherein the body member has outer and inner surfaces,
the at least one other jewelry-forming component comprises at least
one dimensioning member that is operatively associated with the
body member with the first magnetizable portion of the body member
and the dimensioning member magnetically repulsing each other with
a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand
strength, such that the magnetic repulsion between the body and
dimensioning members enables the component to attain a first configuration
wherein the one component can be affixed to a rod or rods, bar or
other elongated object(s), the other component is associated with
the rod in a manner that enables it to freely move along the rod
and the stop can be positioned behind the other component to prevent
its movement away from the body member by a desired distance. The
other component is free to move between the body member and stop
member, with the magnetic repulsion between the components holding
the second component away from the first.
[0012] Preferably, the components are maintained in their magnetic
repulsion configuration by guides either through the components
or constraining the components. This is important due to the fact
that magnetic fields are unidirectional and opposite polarities
prefer and dominate to attract each other. Generally, the components
are designed with some control to prevent attraction. In addition
to the above, the components can be keyed, cammed or otherwise arranged
guided to prevent the components from moving into a position where
they would attract rather than repel. For example, two magnets shaped
like spoke wheels would normally rotate slightly so that the spokes
do not align and then would come together because space between
fields are reversed. To maintain repulsion with these forms, a keyed
axle, i.e., a square shaped axel and square hole in the wheel, is
used to maintain the spoke wheels in the desired position.
[0013] Another preferred arrangement is to have the first and second
components connected by a flexible restraining structure, such as
a wire or tether, so that the components can move relative to each
other but only by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the components
can be placed in a chamber of a transparent material or a cage so
that they can move relative to each other while still being visible.
The chamber can be configured in any desired cylindrical shape,
such that round, polygonal etc, where the components are configured
to move only vertically in the chamber. This can be accomplished,
for example, by configuring a rectangular shaped component in a
rectangular chamber. Any shaped component that keys or is otherwise
restrained from rotation can be used. These cage or chamber structures
provide the limits in furthest separation distance of the components.
It is important to recognize that the polarity of the components
must be such that the same polarity on each component faces the
other, so that the maximum repulsive force is generated to urge
the components apart. dimensioning member is positioned remotely
from the body member and a second configuration wherein the person's
hand strength urges the dimensioning members towards the body member.
[0014] In one embodiment, the body member has at least one female
element associated therewith for magnetically attracting and receiving
a male element of the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component, with the first magnetized portion providing a minimum
magnetic strength that is sufficient to retain the male element
within the female element and a maximum magnetic strength that can
be overcome by a person's hand strength to separate the male and
female elements, such that a plurality of such components can be
magnetically coupled to form an article of jewelry. The body member
can have an arcuate shape with the female element is located at
an end of the arcuate shape, and wherein the female element defines
a cavity having a depth sufficient to receive a male element of
the other jewelry-forming component at different positional relationships
therein.
[0015] Alternatively, the further element can be a male element
that extends away from the female element and is located on the
opposite end of the arcuate shape, with the male element having
a forward end that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetizable
portion of the body member of the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming
component. The body member then can be at least partially tubular
and with first magnetized portion of the body member being provided
by a magnetized pellet or disk member. Also, the further element
can be female element located on an opposite end of the tubular
body member. Preferably, each female element defines a cavity having
a depth sufficient to receive a male element at different positional
relationships therein, and each female element is magnetized to
attract oppositely polarized male elements.
[0016] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a jewelry
article in the form of a ring, bracelet, anklet, chain, choker,
necklace, or watchband comprising between two and two hundred jewelry-forming
components defined herein. These articles are conveniently formed
by a plurality of jewelry-forming components with sufficient surrounding
structure or members to retain the components in magnetic association.
Generally, the surrounding structure or members help guide and constrain
the components so that they are not repulsed out of a desired magnetic
relation or out of the jewelry article. This is generally achieved
by the use of one or more stop members which help define a boundary
within which the components are located. For example,
[0017] When one component is in the form or a body member affixed
onto a rod, bar or other elongated object, then at least one other
component can be associated with or placed along the rod in an arrangement
such that the magnetic repulsion of the components causes the second
component to be free-floating or levitating above the body member
of the first component. These components are provided with essentially
the same magnetic polarity so that they repulse each other and with
a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand
strength, such that the magnetic repulsion between the components
can be changed by hand force. This enables the second component
to be moved between a first configuration wherein it is positioned
remotely from the body member and a second configuration wherein
the person's hand strength, gravity or other forces cause the component
to move away from or even toward the body member, thus imparting
motion to the jewelry article.
[0018] The relative size of the components or the degree of magnetivity
can be used to achieve the desired spacing between them. For example,
a relatively large component can be used to force relatively smaller
components to be repulsed further away. Alternatively, relatively
heavier components can be used so that their weight causes movement
toward each other with the magnetic force then causing the components
to move apart. When arranged vertically, gravitation force is a
major consideration, with the components levitating due to the magnetic
repulsion. When the components are arranged in a horizontal configuration,
gravitational effects are reduced. The movements of the components
imparted by magnetic repulsion provides unique effects in the jewelry
article.
[0019] The drawing FIGURE illustrates a preferred article in the
form of an earring 10. The earring has a central rod 15 upon which
three disks 20, 25, 30 are mounted. Each disk is shown solid but
may have a band of precious stones, such as diamonds, mounted around
its periphery. They also may have other adornments or ornamentation,
or they can be of different shapes or sizes. The lowermost disk
20 can be affixed to the rod 15, whereas the top disks 25, 30 can
freely move vertically up and down on the rod 15. Disks 25, 30 are
configured so that they can rotate on the rod 15 as well. A stop
member in the form of a peripheral rib 35 is provided to limit the
upward movement of the top disk 30. Alternatively, the lowermost
disk 20 can sit on a stop member 40 to prevent downward movement
of that disk, and it can be configured so that it also rotates on
the rod 15. Each disk is magnetized with the same polarity, so that
they repulse each other to a spaced relation. For example, the bottom
disk 20 repulses the middle disk 25 which in turn repulses the upper
disk 30. The middle disk 25 also repulses the lower disk 20 downwards.
The resulting spacing is achieved as shown in the drawing. As the
person wearing the earring walks or moves, such movement, along
with the weight of the disks and gravity, causes the top two disks
25, 30 to move downward, but the magnetic repulsion force then causes
those disks to move upward. This movement makes the piece appear
to be magically levitating and changing as the person moves, thus
providing a unique appearance that heretofore has not been achieved.
The relative size and weight of the disks can be achieved to obtain
a desired spacing or other spatial arrangement. The top of the rod
has a linkage to a post 50 which can be rotated to a perpendicular
position to the rod and inserted into the pierced ear lobe for engaging
an holding element that enables the earring to be worn.
[0020] While a single rod is illustrated, one or more rods, wires
or similar retaining elements can be used to maintain the disks
in the desired spaced magnetic repulsive arrangement.
[0021] The disks are shown in the drawing as having a circular
circumference but of course any size or shape can be used. While
flat surfaces in opposed magnetic repulsion are preferred these
are not required as the magnetic forces can be emanate from any
shape. This feature enables the invention to have parts with holes,
recesses, cavities, slots or other discontinuities with other components
being held in magnetic association or repulsion in the holes or
slots along with, or by, the appropriate restraining member or members.
The skilled artisan can contemplate a wide variety of variations
of how to implement or incorporate these features in a final article
of jewelry. For example, if one component is provided with a cylindrical
cavity having a sufficient depth, the other component can be configured
to fit within the cavity. The weight of the second component can
be selected so that it cannot be repulsed out of the cavity whereas
the magnetic force between the two components maintains the distance
between them. The cavity can include openings or slots in its cylindrical
sidewall to provide greater visibility of the second component therein.
Alternatively, the second component can be associated with the cavity
with a mechanical connection that prevents complete separation,
such as configuring the cavity with include a narrowed or partially
blocked opening or with a stop member as described previously.
[0022] For any of these embodiments, an adornment of a precious
stone, a material having a different color from that of the body
member, indicia, or a part of a character, pattern or design can
be included for further visual effects in the final article. For
example, the magnetic field emitted or radiated by one component
can be used to configure additional components to form indicia or
other ornamental patterns that are visible when the components are
in their usual magnetic repulsion positions. The magnetized components
can be arranged so that they are uniquely engageable to form the
article. The jewelry article can also magnetically join or repulse
these components and their adornments to form a bracelet, brooch,
pin or earring. The jewelry article can also include components
that form a clasp, with the movement of the components from one
position to another position signifying the proper closing of the
clasp.
[0023] The term "adornment" is used herein to generally
define any item that is added to the jewelry component or article.
This would include stones, stone mountings, or inserts, overlays,
or other attachments of a precious, semi-precious or non-precious
metal or alloy, or of coatings of metal, plastic or elastomers that
are provided upon or with the component or article. The adornment
is preferably permanently attached or joined to the component or
article but it can also be releasably associated with the component
or article, e.g., a charm.
[0024] The jewelry article can also include a restraining component
to facilitate connection or removal of the article for wearing.
A preferred component is a hinge or clasp. The article can include
components that form a clasp, with the movement of the components
from one position to another position signifying the proper closing
of the clasp. The jewelry article can also include a plurality of
magnetized locations arranged to be offset for providing rotational
movement to the components as they come together to automatically
provide a mechanical interlock of the components.
[0025] As noted, the relative size of the magnetized areas is also
taken into consideration. While the same size areas can be magnetized
for convenience, different size areas can be provided as well. In
general, the larger the size of the magnetized area, the lesser
number of such areas are needed. It is desirable to make the matching
magnetized areas of each component the same size, but this is not
critical.
[0026] One reason for making multiple areas of magnetic field is
to obtain relative small but short localized field strengths. These
would provide much weaker overall magnetic strength than if the
entire ring or jewelry object is to be magnetized. Also, the smaller
magnetized areas are more superficial in nature, and the field lines
do not radiate far beyond the object if at all. Thus, the jewelry
has no deleterious affect on watches, credit cards, computer disks
or related items, while still providing magnetic force sufficient
to impart the desired features to the jewelry.
[0027] It should be noted that the magnetic strength of the joined
components can be overcome much more easily by applying a shearing
force rather than by trying to pull apart the components in directly
opposite directions. For this reason, it is sometimes useful to
design a flange or other retention member that prevents sliding
motion for shearing the parts.
[0028] In a useful arrangement, between 6 and 24 equally spaced
magnetic poles are provided around each component. Preferably, 8
to 20 poles are used, with particularly advantageous effects being
obtained with 12 to 16 poles. In general, between 4 and 40 poles
can be used.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the multiple poles can be configured
in the component as an indicia or other ornamental pattern that
would be invisible during wearing of the component until and unless
particles or films of magnetizable indicators, e.g., iron filings
or films that are responsive to magnetic fields, come into proximity
with the component. These embodiments indicate the wide range of
utility of the present invention.
[0030] The invention is not limited to earrings but can be applied
to many different types of jewelry components using the principles
disclosed herein. For example, the magnetic portions can be used
to form chain links, clasps or stone mountings. One portion can
be used to magnetically mount an adornment onto any other portion
that forms part of a larger jewelry article. For example, a bracelet
or necklace can be provided with magnetized portions that can receive
other magnetized portions that carry stones, crystal or contrasting
color components or the like. In this way, the owner of the piece
can custom design it for the occasion by attaching the desired color
coordinated stones or colored portions for example to complement
an outfit or signify the occasion.
[0031] Another advantageous utility of the tactile sensation of
the portions clicking or locking into position is when the portions
are utilized as part of a clasp having no visible means of connection.
The clicking provides an indication of a positive locking of the
parts together so that the user knows that the article has been
properly joined for wearing. In addition, the multiple poles can
be offset so that upon contact of the components, the poles impart
a rotational movement to one component relative to the other, and
this movement can be used to create an automatic mechanical interlock
as the component moves from one position to another. This provides
an even more secure connection and closing of the clasp.
[0032] There are numerous ways to provide the plural magnetic locations
on the article. Conventional magnetic materials can be buried or
hidden in gold, silver or other precious metals that are not magnetizable.
In this way, the precious metal would provide the desired appearance
of the piece while the hidden magnetized material would provide
the desired magnetic pole.
[0033] A less complex way to achieve this result is to utilize
a magnetizable precious metal, such as POLARIUM.RTM. as described
herein. This alloy, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,567,
can simply be magnetized in the desired locations using the appropriate
fixtures as is known to the skilled magnetist.
[0034] Other magnetizable precious metal alloys can also be used
if desired. In all cases, the magnetic strength of the alloy must
be sufficiently high to provide secure magnetic joining of the components
without generating high magnetic fields that would affect magnetic
sensitive components when handled by a wearer of the jewelry. For
example, a person wearing earrings according to the preferred embodiment
can safely handle credit cards or computer diskettes without damaging
the electronic information therein. A distance of as small as 1/16th
of an inch or less between the article and magnetic sensitive component
is generally sufficient to avoid problems of this type.
[0035] For costume jewelry or other less expensive pieces, conventional
permanent magnets rather than precious metal magnets can instead
be used. These can be visible or hidden, such as by coatings, encapsulation,
or encasement, or as an inlay or by placement into a recess in a
jewelry article or component.
[0036] Any cross sectional configuration of the components is possible.
Although shown as round in the preferred embodiments of these components,
other configurations such as polygonal, elliptical or combinations
thereof are suitable. When male and female components are used,
they preferably have the same configuration, but this is not necessary
and any matable configurations can be used. Also, the shape of the
outer surface of these components is unlimited and can be of any
desired shape with or without additional ornamentation, undulations,
or other surface characteristics.
[0037] The preferred magnetic strength should be between 200 and
4500 Gauss depending upon distances between the parts, types, shapes
and sizes of magnets, etc. As the skilled artisan would know, this
magnetic strength should be sufficiently low that the elements can
be easily separated by hand or finger force, or even by the weight
of the components. Depending upon the specific designs utilized,
the article can be separated into the jewelry-forming components
or the components can be moved to different relative positions,
thus enabling the article to temporarily assume an expanded or larger
size configuration to facilitate placement on the wearer.
[0038] In some designs, if desired or necessary, the components
can be disassembled to allow cleaning or rearrangement. Different
components can reassembled in a different arrangement, if desired,
or can be interchanged with other components of similar size to
provide a different appearance to the piece, e.g., by providing
different colors, stones or other items to match the clothing or
the wearer or to simply provide a different visual effect to the
piece.
[0039] Typical sizes for the jewelry-forming components of the
invention can vary over a wide range. Generally, arcuate shaped
components are used, but the designer has an unlimited selection
of desirable sizes, shapes, colors, etc., depending upon the visual
effects to be achieved, of course limited only by sizes that can
be worn by the wearer without discomfort or injury.
[0040] The components of the invention can be used for many purposes.
For example, a conventional necklace can be provided with a plurality
of components that have oppositely polarized male (or female) elements
extending away from the wearer. Then a plurality of ornamentations,
such as gem or stone settings or metal shapes, e.g., cubes, polygons,
figures, letters or numbers, etc., can be provided with a female
(or male) element of opposite magnetic polarity to that of the male
elements, This allows the user to connect the ornamentations onto
the necklace in a desired manner by magnetically coupling the male
and female elements. This arrangement allows the user to custom
design the necklace for the occasion by adding the desired stones
and other ornamentations, Moreover, since the couplings are not
permanent, the necklace can be rearranged or redesigned as desired
for future uses.
[0041] By including an appropriate post or clasp arrangement on
one of the jewelry-forming component of the invention, the skilled
artisan is able to create a wide range of earring designs from such
components. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the components of the invention can be used in combination
with additional functional parts such as hinges, rivets, ball and
socket joints, and other engineered items that allow for motion
between the components. When a ball and socket type joint is used,
the ball and socket can be magnetized with different polarities
so that the can be maintained together in magnetic association.
The final jewelry articles that can be made vary greatly, thus demonstrating
the versatility of the jewelry-forming components of the invention.
These examples are not intended to be limiting for the invention,
as skilled artisans can easily create additional structures or methods
to accomplish the desired results.
[0042] The magnetic repulsion between the body member and the dimensioning
members has a maximum strength that can be overcome by a person's
hand strength. Generally, as a skilled artisan would know, a magnetic
strength of between 200 and 4500 Gauss, depending upon distances
between parts, types, shapes, and sizes of magnets, would be sufficiently
low to be overcome by hand strength or by force applied in wearing
the product. Hence, the force applied by the wearer to slide on
the ring easily overcomes the magnetic force between the body member
and the dimensioning members, urging the dimensioning members to
spread out. With the wearer's hand strength urging the dimensioning
members to spread out, the ring attains a different configuration
in which the dimensioning members are moved towards and positioned
closer to the body member.
[0043] The preferred alloys for use in this invention are magnetized
precious metal alloys, such as those which are platinum based and
contain at least about 70% platinum by weight. While amounts as
high as 95% by weight are suitable, the most preferred amount is
between 75 and 80% by weight as these amounts enable the strongest
magnetic properties to be achieved. In order to impart magnetic
properties to these alloys, cobalt is added and the alloy is heat-treated.
The amount of cobalt can range from about 5 to 30% by weight, and
is complementary to the weight of the platinum. As between these
two components, a weight ratio of 70:30 to 95:5 Pt:Co is preferable.
An example of this material is known as POLARIUM.RTM. and is available
from the inventor. This alloy, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,869,567, is preferred for fine jewelry because it has greater
magnetic power than known magnetic gold alloys.
[0044] Of course, various changes and modifications of the preferred
embodiments are apparent to the skilled artisan after viewing this
disclosure. For example, the number of components is not critical
and it should be understood that two, three, four, or more can be
used and fall within the scope of the present invention. This allows
the designer to create multiple portion rings, clasps, bracelets
or necklaces, etc., with the components repulsing each other when
worn. Also, the components can be concentric, where one fits into
the other, and the outer one has windows or cut-out portions to
allow viewing of the adornments on the outer surface of the inner
component. Any changes and modifications that fall within the true
spirit and scope of the inventions disclosed herein are intended
to be encompassed and covered by the appended claims.
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